Is my love merely a theory?

"Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech, but in deed and truth [in practice and in sincerity]." 1 John 3:18 AMP

As the sun sets on another day here in Alaska, I am convicted by 1 John 3:18. How often do we say we love someone and yet continually put ourselves first, always thinking about our needs, our wants, our rights? I know I am guilty. I often find myself very selfish, thinking that Zac should do this or that, that he should be thinking about me. When in fact, I would get more pleasure out of serving him, and putting him first. When things are done with a heart full of love and joy, it's a lot more pleasent then doing it with a grumbling, me first kind of attitude. My prayer this week is that the Lord give me grace to give of myself and serve with a heart full of love and gradtitude towards those around me. I don't want my love to be known as merely a theory, but as a sincere reality. Those things done out of love will last forever, love is eternal, because God is love.

Avery, the Diapers and the Wardrobe

Just a few shots of Avery in the closet. We haven't told him yet that it's not a real room. I'm surprised that he hasn't started pulling clothes off the hangers...any time now. We have just enough room to turn side ways and get to his crib. Who needs a mobile when you have all those clothes and diapers to look at!?! I'm thinking I like the smaller space...not as much to clean (not that I am cleaning much these days...Zac's got that covered (:).

Moose

We were out driving around, exploring more of the surrounding area and came upon a couple moose grazing in the field. I have been wanting to get a picture of one and finally got my opportunity. I think the one that was up close was on the younger side but the one father out was quite a bit bigger in size. I wish I had a better camera to capture these guys, but this is the best I could do.

Avery and his friends

Just a few pictures of Avery and his friends (parents are included) :)

Sunsets

The other day we decided to take a drive. We went at the perfect time of day. We drove up to what people around here refer to as "the hills". I have to say it was stunning. The sun was setting and everything just looked gorgeous. I always feel more connected to God during these experiences, I guess it is because I am just so thankful and so aware of the amazing things He has created in that moment. The Lord knows the desires of our hearts, in fact He put those desires there. He knows the things that make us smile, the things that make life just seem right and He longs to bless us with those things as we delight ourselves in Him.

Backseat bloopers

I still ride in the back of the car with Avery...I'm not sure why other then its habit. Avery is not the best car rider, which might be another reason I sit back there. Zac thinks it makes it better...but in all honesty I don't think it does. So, we play, and laugh, and take pictures to ease the pain Avery thinks he's in every time we go for a ride. I am hoping when we turn the car seat around, everything will be golden...I can hope right?

Seriously mom...seriously

Do you see me smiling mom?

MOM!
It's not even funny anymore MOM

Ok maybe I'll play along

A for Effort (I never got that one?)

Afternoon stroll

Yesterday when I got off work we decided to get outside and get some much needed exercise. There are a few trails right behind our apartment and one of them leads to a lake that is frozen over right now. So, we thought we'd going exploring. It wasn't long into our walk that we found evidence of a moose! He left his mark in the snow, and I took a picture because I was not convinced it was moose droppings (to me it looked like really large rabbit poop). Zac's dad confirmed that in fact it was moose poo. He also said that people make earrings out of moose droppings...anyone want to put their order in now I can start up a business???. You could also see a huge indention in the snow where he had been bedding down. I was just hoping we didn't run across him on our walk, because I've heard they can be quite aggressive. Once again it was beautiful out there. Have I mentioned we love Alaska :)