18 years of being one with this man who loves God, who is bold, courageous for Him! He invests in and loves me + our boys with such passion...We are blessed! Happy Anniversary Chris!
November 28, 2011
November 27, 2011
~here i go thinking again…~
So, yes…i do take time to stop and think. I often catch myself thinking on a topic too long. Have you ever done that? It is easy to do, ya know, dwell on a topic too long. What is worse is when i start talking about what i’m thinking. That can get rough for sure! I have a friend who says i ramble. The same friend at least says i ramble with a destination- i eventually get there! Anyway, i’ve been thinking on prayer. What is the definition of prayer? It interest me that prayer is an avenue in which we can hear from God, however most people who pray are talking at God or to Him versus talking with Him having pauses long enough to listen to what He has to whisper to the heart.
How do you pray?
I long to get better at listening to His voice rather than my own. It seems more often than not that i am ready with a long list of thoughts, needs and wants versus a gratitude list revealing my awe, fear and respect of what He has already given! Even more so i should come more often in silence waiting, listening to what His thoughts are.
Maybe the scripture “Pray with out ceasing” I Thes. 5:17, actually means listen without ceasing…???
February 8, 2011
~it’s winter time~
It is that time of year again, Winter! I’m a beach bum so much that if i could ask the Lord to place our home in Heaven on the beach there i just might, however since i was a little girl something about a good snow fall speaks to me! It is said no snowflake is identical to another…wow! I love how right after a snow storm that occurs in the middle of the night or early morning hours there is a silence, not an animal seems to be stirring. A soothing peace is the only whisper as imperfect landscape is hidden in snow if even for a few hours until the sun kisses the air with its warmth. Something about this calms my own soul, it gives me hope about my imperfections being covered by Jesus’ love and obedience on the cross.
We have had more snow here this year than what we have had recent years, i must say it has been beautiful though a bit crazy seeing how the children have been out of school so much! 2010 is gone and we are well into 2011 now! But here are a few pics from our winter!
Alford Family December 2010
in front of “Maggie” our Magnolia tree
Snowbuddies!
and of course…
snow angels!
As God allows us each new day, we are growing closer to him as individuals and closer to each other as a family. I pray we will be given many years as a family to grow and be challenged, to share fun times amidst the everyday struggles that some families go through…maybe just maybe we will learn how to seize the day, the moments in time when our souls are open to God’s beauty and His friendship. Whether we dance with Him in the garden while full of roses in bloom with birds perched viewing our meeting on a tree’s branch, or walk on a path covered in soft blanket of white silent snowflakes-He is 100% present and longing for us to want to be with Him. I’m so thankful for his blessings that are many and unique like the snow flakes in our 1.6 acre winter wonderland…I am in wonder and awe of Him!
It’s winter time and cold, but my soul is warm and cozy in His presence.
October 15, 2010
~Alford 2010~
Spring/Summer of 2010
So in the last post i shared what we all were up to, but i failed to show you our most recent fam pic! Of course i have to say thanks to the Anglens one more time, they rock! We went to the session with the intent of just getting the boys photos done, but there was time to throw us in a few, i’m not sure this particular photo was planned, but they always catch is being us! Check out their website, www.anglenphotography.com, we have never been disappointed with their work, it is well worth the investment to have them take our photos this year!
Thanks for stopping in!
The Alford Crew is looking forward to sharing more updates as the path is lit for our fam in the months and years to come! We love being on mission where we are right now, we are enjoying the mission trips we have taken and are full of anticipation about partnering with each of you to expand the Kingdom!
September 27, 2010
~Family Update~
What is that Alford crew up to these days?
Chris is Senior Pastor at Litz Manor Baptist Church here in Tennessee, assisting as Pastor of Iglesia Bautista Agua de Vida, a Latino congregation in addition to coaching young church planters in various areas of the country & world! I get the privilege of cheering him on, sometimes assisting with these coaching adventures, I love wearing the “Stay at home Mom” hat…although we technically just sleep at home some weeks!
We actually took a family vacation for the first time in years! We went to Destin, Fla.-got to see our cousins, take in the beach-the Chris had business in Orlando with the SBC, so we got to tag along and sight see and play at the resort like pool the whole week-very relaxing for sure!
The boys are busy with school, sports, youth group and children’s group activities in the community. Connor is 15 aspiring musician and yes folks watch out, he is driving! Cayden is 3/will be 4 December 10, he has an official back seat driver permit (ask Connor)! :)
We recently made a trip to Mexico to scout out future mission trip projects for our missions team to be a part of. We were so blessed to get to take this trip. Our friend and Director of Missions for our local association, Dr. Dallas Bivins along with his awesome wife Becca arranged the trip and off we were!
My first ever trip “abroad”!
Our hosts Bill and Renee Johnson
Bill and Renee’s hospitality was amazing! The ministry God is doing through them is so evident in their community!
Chris brain-stormed with the missions team in Tulum, he also spoke the sermon in Spanish at a local church plant in Playa del Carmen! The worship there was so sweet! The people in Mexico are so hospitable, we had an extraordinary week mixing work with pleasure! A few highlights are below:
Chris speaking in Playa del Carmen
a tiny little creature in a volcanic rock tidal pool on the shores of Cozumel
On mission with the Hills, the Johnsons and the Bivins!
Lighthouse Church worship time, Pastor Terry Hill moved with his dear wife Debbie from Alaska to be missionaries here in Tulum!
What to do from here?
Work diligently where we are planted here in Tennessee, enjoy teaching the boys how to be on mission here in the USA, and point their boats toward the Lord and His direction for their life! In everything we do, we hope to honor Him, we are so grateful for these life burdens, what a privilege!
What is the burden of your life? Please share so we can partner with you and journey in expanding His Kingdom!
