Sunny California!

This past weekend I had the privilege of traveling with my family to California. Our quartet had a concert and we made a mini vacation out of the weekend. My parents, grandparents, and our family friend, Kyle, were able to come along. The Lord is opening up doors for us to share our music with a broader range of people than just the local events we have played for in the past. The Lord gave me a promise in 1 Peter 4:10

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

It's very humbling to allow God to use our music in such a way. We have been blessed with great teachers, incredible opportunities, and a desire to share the gifts that the Lord has given us. As a quartet, we have lots to learn and a far stretch from being "professionals". However, we enjoy playing music and are willing to share what small giftings God has bestowed to us. If anything, our music is praise and worship to the Lord. He appreciates the hearts that are tuned to Him and willing to praise Him with whatever means he gives. The ultimate goal is that God may be glorified. We are only vessels given a gift in order that we may use it as good stewards to serve others.

We prayed that we would be a blessing, and in turn we were the ones blessed! There were new friends and old friends we were able to visit and fellowship with. In all, the trip was a refreshment to me, a break from "normal" life (incl. weather :), and a time to spend with my parents and grandparents. I view my number one calling in life to be an excellent wife to my husband and a good mommy to Samuel. However, I'm am willing to share what the Lord has given, despite the sacrifices. Traveling without Justin and Samuel is bittersweet. Thankfully, they are able to go with next month, because the trip happens over a weekend. My dear Grandma Annette so graciously took care of Samuel the days when Justin had to work. He had a great time with Isaac, Eva, and Max too.

Enjoy the pictures and I am going to try to be more prompt with my blogging updates, if anything, just for our little family "history" vignettes.

(**for some reason, I always feel that if I have a free 1/2 hour, I should be doing laundry, or some other pressing chore.**hee** not today!)