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month: ten

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We've reached the double digits! The countdown to the big ONE is officially on.

I love that I've stuck with these monthly updates, because it's been so fun to go back and read the months prior and see how much he's grown. To be honest, it's getting harder and harder to notice any huge developmental milestones.

He's getting bigger and faster at moving around - he can even stand on his own for a couple seconds now! No new teeth, although he's been showing some signs of teething again so I wouldn't be surprised if we see a couple more next month. He's been talking up a storm lately! A few new words are "bye bye" or buh-buh and to my utmost joy, mama! We're pretty sure he knows how to say our dog's name, Heidi, too. Still not a lot of progress on the hair... except for a little flip curl that he's developed in the back. ;) Cutest thing ever? Yes.

DSC_0081 _SnapseedMicah is starting to become more toddler-like these days. I've noticed that his attention span is getting a little longer. He will actually sit and read a book with me and watch the occasional kid show/movie. Currently we are working our way through the very educational movie Astro Boy. ;) I found the entire movie on youtube! I think I may be enjoying it a little more than him. Ha!

Also, he is eating like a toddler these days. I cut up pieces of bananas, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, bread, pasta, hamburger meat, chicken... he eats it all right up. Really, he will eat anything that we give him! I know he's done eating when he starts throwing his food on the floor. We're very thankful we have Heidi to help clean up the mess! :)

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He's an explorer. He loves to discover new things. He has an "excited face" whenever people come around. He's definitely a little social bug.

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I always knew I'd love being a mom, but I'll be honest - I wasn't convinced it would be this fun! :)

The Call

editScreen Shot 2013-07-02 at 12.07.15 PM copy Sunday morning, I had an epiphany while standing on stage waiting to sing the final song in our set, "Oceans."

God has been guiding every decision in my life to lead me to this place.

Since I completely surrendered to follow the Lord's calling on my life at the age of sixteen, I can, without a doubt, look back and see how He has been leading me to where I am. Sure there have been bumps along the way, but they've only deepened my faith and trust in my Savior Jesus.

I wish I had time to share every personal story. Every little instance that I can look back on and say "THAT was God!" But if there's one decision that has shaped my life more than any other, it was my decision on where to go to college.

Around this time eight years ago, I was nervous and anxious to pack up and head four hours north to a small, country town in the very tip of the Florida panhandle called Graceville. In this one-stop light town, there was a small bible college with about 800 students on campus. That was less than the high school I attended, to put it in perspective. It wasn't an easy decision. It was stressful, confusing, and very very difficult, to be honest.

The fight came from the war within me to "make something" of myself.

I wanted to forget college, head to Nashville and get "discovered" by a record label (as if it would be that easy) and lose myself in playing music for a living.

That was before I heard God's call on my life.

Like Samuel, it took me awhile to recognize that this voice was God. The reason I knew it was Him, was because it seemed irrational. And history has proven, that's kinda how God works.

When I told my parents that God was calling me into the music ministry and to attend bible college, they thought I was giving up on my dreams (I know they just wanted the best for me) not to mention that private colleges are much, much more expensive than a university. It just didn't seem possible.

But God provided every step of the way. Today, I don't owe a single dime to my college education.

It was at this small college, that I ended up meeting my husband. Had I gone to a different college, I would have missed him. Had I waited just a year later and tried out my own plans first, I would have missed him.

You see, one decision can affect our entire lives. I grew up hearing that "delayed obedience is disobedience," and never has that been more true to me than now.

There is no denying that God called me to be Josh's wife. To stand beside him in ministry. To see peoples lives changed by Christ. And then have the honor of leading them in worship to the King of Kings!

And on the days when I lack faith for the future, I cling to what He has already done in my life. If He is in the small details of where I attend college... then how much more is He in control of every problem, in every nation across the world?!

As I stood there Sunday singing, "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders..." my heart was full.

His plan was better all along.

 

Forward to 1:09:30 to watch us lead the song "Oceans."

Where is God calling you today? What decision do you need to make to get there?

Five Years

20130614-010004.jpg Dear Josh,

I remember this day five years ago. How I woke up excitedly and looked out the window at the beautiful, Florida sunshine. It was perfect. I remember the encouraging smiles from all of my bridesmaids, some of the sweetest girls I have ever known. They all knew how much this day meant to me, because they all knew how long I had prayed for you.

I remember getting ready and everyone around seeming much more nervous than I. From the lady doing my hair, to my little sister - who was the best maid of honor I could ask for - they were all trying to make our wedding day a beautiful one. But I was much more excited about a lifetime of being your wife.

I remember waiting in the back of the church to walk down the isle. My sister, who was always the stronger one emotionally, looked at me and started to cry. It was the first time all day that I felt my own tears begin to run down my cheeks. I dried them up as soon as the doors opened and I saw you waiting at the end of the pews. There you were... the best friend, encourager and love that I could have ever desired. You made my heart skip a beat as I walked toward you. And the room full of friends and family, made the moment even more monumental. Your brother, Jordan, was there sitting in a chair on stage because the cancer in his leg had progressed and it was becoming more painful for him to stand. Having him there was one of the biggest highlights of that day, I know it was for you, but if you didn't already know - it was for me too.

I remember standing together and repeating vows. They weren't the most unique or original words - but the fact that neither of us had ever spoken those words to anyone else, was unique enough for me. And after we lit the unity candle, your dad came and spoke a blessing over us. It was an honor. And even more so, is the fact that he has continued to speak encouragement over our lives for the past five years.

I remember that first kiss as husband and wife. How I laughed inside that you gave me the "church kiss" because you are always mindful of others and not wanting to parade our romance like a dirty novel. I'm glad I'm the only one who knows that side of you. ;)

I remember the reception... well, parts of it. Most of my memories involve cake to the nose, tossing the bouquet so high it hit the ceiling and getting into your car to leave. I'm thankful we didn't spend much money on the whole reception thing.

I remember the drive to the hotel where we would spend our first night together. How I cried on the way, not because I was sad (or freaked out, like you always joke!) but because I was so overwhelmed by the amount of love I was experiencing in that moment. I didn't know my heart could grow that much.

And looking back on these last five years, I am still overwhelmed by our love. How it only deepens every time we forgive, every time we sacrifice and every time we serve. There have been many beautiful moments and many sad ones. We've lost family, but gained a son. And there is nothing I look forward to more than seeing how God continues to use our little family to bring glory to Him!

Happy Five Year Anniversary, my love! I look forward to loving you for a lifetime more.

Love, Cassidy

 

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