I’m an American, and proud to be one. Instilled in me from an early age was the typical American work ethic, you know, “if you don’t at first succeed, try, try again.” Growing up, I was always encouraged to try harder, study more, make fewer mistakes. While a noble pursuit, I’m naturally hard on myself and always working to “out-do” what I previously accomplished. This often caused me to feel as though I would never be good enough, and was never satisfied with a job well done.
That’s when despair and discouragement often creeps in . . . when I’m focused on what “I’m” able to do in and of myself, and not relying on God to lead, guide, and strengthen me along the way. When I’m trying to do my best in my own strength and energy, I will always fall short, always run out of steam, and never be good enough. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
But when I realize my true identity in Christ and that I was made to glorify Him in all I do, the task at hand seems manageable and I’m able to accomplish something and be satisfied with who I am.
I must avoid putting trust in myself (solely), and remember to put my trust in God: “Do not put your trust in princes, no in a son of man, in whom there is no help . . . for happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 145:3-6
Who I am (in Christ) IS good enough.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Bradley@Two Weeks Old
Bradley is two weeks old in these wonderful images taken by our photographer friend, Sharon Cox (www.sharoncoxphotography.com). Click Here to go to our photo page at Winkflash.com. I'm trying this out instead of Shutterfly because they are a much more affordable service.
Now on the cusp of 6 weeks old, Bradley is growing very well and we are all adjusting with grace. Jacob and Madeline still adore their little brother and dote on him daily. He's lucky to make it a day without chocolate or chicken nugget grease on his head due to the plethora of kisses he receives from his siblings throughout the day.
Bradley is a seemingly peaceful baby with NO COLIC! After two babies with major colic, I'm rejoicing that this baby doesn't seem to exhibit any signs. Praise God! Of course, we'd love him all the same, but if you've ever had a child that screamed unconsolably each night for three hours, you'd be glad not to endure this repeatedly with each child.
Well, I hope you enjoy the images! We've loved hearing from friends and family far and wide and always enjoy an email, letter, or call!
With Love, Lauren, John, Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley Hunter
Monday, August 27, 2007
Bradley John Hunter Has Arrived!
BRADLEY JOHN HUNTER HAS ARRIVED!
We welcomed Bradley into the world on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 6:31am. He weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces, and was 20 inches long. He's extremely healthy and doing very well. He was born with wispy red hair, just like his big sis Madeline. With blue eyes and pink skin, he's a looker! Jacob and Madeline have taken to him dearly and already love caressing his head, singing to him, "playing" with him, and snuggling him as much as possible. Truly, Bradley is a joy.
For more pictures, I've uploaded about a dozen photos to Shutterfly here. We hope you enjoy them!
Lovingly,
John, Lauren, Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley Hunter
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
A Crossroads
by Lauren Hunter, written 10/23/06
In the dark hours of the night
I won’t give up on you,
Even if there seems to be no light
To penetrate the blue.
When all tears have subsided
And nothing’s left standing in the way,
I will come to you and guide you,
I’m the one who saves the day.
You might think you have the upper hand,
That you know your own next move,
But I am stronger, bigger, wiser—
I can take care of you.
There are greater things at stake here
Than you will ever know.
He tries to hold you back from me,
But I won’t let you go.
You are too precious, sweeter still
To me this very day,
I watch you, want you, know you’re mine
Although you’ve gone astray.
Just one more corner, round the bend,
You’ll see me waiting there.
Yes, I’m the One upon which
You can easily cast your cares.
They may seem like burdens,
Heavy with the wrongs and bad decisions
But try me—I am stronger still
And know that you’ve been given—
A choice. That simple.
A crossroads, some might say.
You’ve been led here for clear reasons
That I might reveal to you someday.
But for now, you must trust me,
Know I have your best interests in mind.
I claim you, now it’s your turn
To put your hand in mine.
You called me, and I listened.
I came and now I’m here.
I love you and I want you,
Now step closer and draw near.
I promise to be faithful
And to always be true.
I am the Rock and Cornerstone,
Solid, through and through.
Though friends will often fail you,
Even family will let you down,
I am the God of comfort,
You were lost, but now you’re found.
Just have a little faith
That I might just know what’s best,
I’ve designed you for my purposes,
Come on, put me to the test.
I will not back down
Or flee in times of need,
I am worth relying on,
Trust me now, you’ll see:
That there is more to this existence
Than what you currently know—
There is a heaven that awaits you
Where only my followers can go.
Although I do look forward
To being with you there someday,
I want to bring you lasting peace,
Right here, right now, today.
So now I’ve posed the question:
Will you accept my plea?
I’m knocking on your door—
You can’t get rid of me.
If not today, tomorrow,
But don’t put me off too long.
I can come close and abide
Once you’ve decided not to be strong.
Because, you see, I need you
To be weak and not too proud.
I need to rule inside you
To take away the shroud.
Of death that is your sentence—
That is the price to pay
If you do not choose me
Before that final day.
Belief in me’s not easy,
Harder, some may say.
But if it’s joy you seek—
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way.
Let me shepherd you,
I want to be your guide.
Together we can conquer all
The obstacles of this life.
And when your days are over,
And you’ve seen the ways I’ve worked,
You will be thankful for all the times
Of difficulty, pain, and hurt.
Your faith, it will be stronger;
Your love, I’ll always cherish
And for this very reason,
I don’t wish for you to perish.
Just call me Lord, Savior, Rabbi,
You know that it is I.
I died for you, for your sins,
Your weaknesses, your doubt, your lies.
You put me here upon the cross
Where all my blood was shed,
And this is where I’m most powerful
To cleanse you and forgive.
I can renew your life
And bring you lasting peace—
Take my hand and let me guide you
Through this sweet release.
Just bow your head,
Confess your heart,
And ask me to come in.
There’s nothing to be frightened of—
Just forgiveness of your sins.
Because, my dear, your now my child,
And I behold your face.
Like a baby, you have become,
Your old life is erased.
And now my Grace has filled you up
And given you new life.
You’re born again, begin again,
To stand up and do right.
I promise I will help you
Every step along the way
I am now your Lord and Shepherd—
You can never go astray.
Feel the joy, the peace, the power—
It changes who you are,
This is what salvation is:
All glory to the Father!
________
When writing this poem, I felt like a conduit for God. Over the course of three nights, He spoke through my words, almost directly on to the page. I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with the flow of words that He was giving me. I pray that whoever reads this poem is inspired by God’s Amazing Grace that nothing is too big for Him to handle, nothing or no one is beyond His reach. - Lauren
In the dark hours of the night
I won’t give up on you,
Even if there seems to be no light
To penetrate the blue.
When all tears have subsided
And nothing’s left standing in the way,
I will come to you and guide you,
I’m the one who saves the day.
You might think you have the upper hand,
That you know your own next move,
But I am stronger, bigger, wiser—
I can take care of you.
There are greater things at stake here
Than you will ever know.
He tries to hold you back from me,
But I won’t let you go.
You are too precious, sweeter still
To me this very day,
I watch you, want you, know you’re mine
Although you’ve gone astray.
Just one more corner, round the bend,
You’ll see me waiting there.
Yes, I’m the One upon which
You can easily cast your cares.
They may seem like burdens,
Heavy with the wrongs and bad decisions
But try me—I am stronger still
And know that you’ve been given—
A choice. That simple.
A crossroads, some might say.
You’ve been led here for clear reasons
That I might reveal to you someday.
But for now, you must trust me,
Know I have your best interests in mind.
I claim you, now it’s your turn
To put your hand in mine.
You called me, and I listened.
I came and now I’m here.
I love you and I want you,
Now step closer and draw near.
I promise to be faithful
And to always be true.
I am the Rock and Cornerstone,
Solid, through and through.
Though friends will often fail you,
Even family will let you down,
I am the God of comfort,
You were lost, but now you’re found.
Just have a little faith
That I might just know what’s best,
I’ve designed you for my purposes,
Come on, put me to the test.
I will not back down
Or flee in times of need,
I am worth relying on,
Trust me now, you’ll see:
That there is more to this existence
Than what you currently know—
There is a heaven that awaits you
Where only my followers can go.
Although I do look forward
To being with you there someday,
I want to bring you lasting peace,
Right here, right now, today.
So now I’ve posed the question:
Will you accept my plea?
I’m knocking on your door—
You can’t get rid of me.
If not today, tomorrow,
But don’t put me off too long.
I can come close and abide
Once you’ve decided not to be strong.
Because, you see, I need you
To be weak and not too proud.
I need to rule inside you
To take away the shroud.
Of death that is your sentence—
That is the price to pay
If you do not choose me
Before that final day.
Belief in me’s not easy,
Harder, some may say.
But if it’s joy you seek—
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way.
Let me shepherd you,
I want to be your guide.
Together we can conquer all
The obstacles of this life.
And when your days are over,
And you’ve seen the ways I’ve worked,
You will be thankful for all the times
Of difficulty, pain, and hurt.
Your faith, it will be stronger;
Your love, I’ll always cherish
And for this very reason,
I don’t wish for you to perish.
Just call me Lord, Savior, Rabbi,
You know that it is I.
I died for you, for your sins,
Your weaknesses, your doubt, your lies.
You put me here upon the cross
Where all my blood was shed,
And this is where I’m most powerful
To cleanse you and forgive.
I can renew your life
And bring you lasting peace—
Take my hand and let me guide you
Through this sweet release.
Just bow your head,
Confess your heart,
And ask me to come in.
There’s nothing to be frightened of—
Just forgiveness of your sins.
Because, my dear, your now my child,
And I behold your face.
Like a baby, you have become,
Your old life is erased.
And now my Grace has filled you up
And given you new life.
You’re born again, begin again,
To stand up and do right.
I promise I will help you
Every step along the way
I am now your Lord and Shepherd—
You can never go astray.
Feel the joy, the peace, the power—
It changes who you are,
This is what salvation is:
All glory to the Father!
________
When writing this poem, I felt like a conduit for God. Over the course of three nights, He spoke through my words, almost directly on to the page. I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with the flow of words that He was giving me. I pray that whoever reads this poem is inspired by God’s Amazing Grace that nothing is too big for Him to handle, nothing or no one is beyond His reach. - Lauren
My Beautiful Children
So I know that everyone brags about their cute kids . . . so that gives me libery to talk about mine, right? These photos were taken in June 2007. Jacob is four and a half; Madeline is 26 months. I am pregnant with our third child, and second boy, due August 23 or sooner.
As parents, we strive to encourage our children to love one another and really cherish the special relationship that they have with each other. Sure, there are times when they squabble and fight over a toy, but we encourage them to work together and forgive one another as Jesus would forgive them.
It's amazing to see how tears can turn into love when Christ works in their hearts to help them love and care for one another.
I am so grateful for these teaching moments when our barriers can be broken down and we realize that love, kindness, and treating each other as we would like to be treated is really the only way.
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