Merry Christmas!

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

He is the Messiah, the LORD.  

This will be a sign to you:  

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger..."

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs.  

It's hard to wrap your mind around such a huge sacrifice.
That's radical love for you.
That's God's love.
For you.

Merry Christmas!

"S" is for Summer :)

It's official!

Summer has finally begun for the Stephan clan.  

To kick it off, here are 10 of my favorite summery things...

1.  The drone of a lawnmower down the street

2.  The musty scent of our screen doors when it's hot

3.  Melty popsicles and homemade lemonade on the back porch

4.  Happy jaunts to the beach with friends

5.  Bike rides by the river

6.  Warm evenings and gentle breezes

7.  Shorts, T-shirts, dresses, flip flops...

  8.  Picnics in the park

9.  SUNSHINE!!


and best of all...


10.  Having the five of us together again :)