Bean There Done That

I told my friends at my Starbucks I would be moving to Houston in a few weeks.  I will miss my favorite blue chair in the corner. Pray for Sean this morning. 

Over the past 4 years or so, I have haunted little coffee shops in the early hours of the morning. Some of the best times alone with the Lord have been in those places where I am surrounded by the commotion of life. My affinity for Starbucks doesn't lie in their politics, but inside my grande-mild-drip in a venti cup. [+whole milk and 6 sweet and lows]

All In The Family

Last weekend we were able to all participate in Philip and Holly Moore's wedding. [great friends of ours in Irving]. Madison was flowergirl, Jackson was ringbearer, Star was singer, I was Preacher, Hope was in the nursery!!! Don't they look great??!!! We all voted to let the ugly one take the photo! Doh! You can read more at Star's amazing blog called Boundbrook Lane!

Into The Wild

What a journey this last month has been for our family!!! My hope is that you can join us as we all continue to walk through what God has for us in the coming season. This blog is designed to communicate with you. [the worship ministry teams: choirs, orchestras, bands, singers, and production staff]

We heard from Gregg last night after the church conference vote. He was happy to let us know the details from the events from the day. It sounded busy...and blessed. Could you have imagined that God would bring HFBC to these amazing days?

I was able to speak to the worship ministry staff today and look forward to beginning the orientation process over the next few weeks. Check back for more items of interest.

The weekend update

The Smiths had a weekend to remember. First, on Saturday, Stephen officiated his first wedding for our friends Philip and Holly.  He did an AMAZING job--I was SOOOO proud of him.  Several people told him that it was sincerely the best wedding ceremony/message they had ever been to!  Madison was the flower girl, Jackson was the ring bearer, and I had the great honor of singing "I am Strong in the Lord" as the processional.  

Here are some precious pics from Saturday:

THEN, on Sunday, we made a huge announcement to our church family that we'll be moving back to Houston in February.  We are so sad to say good-bye to our precious friends here!  We are also overwhelmed at the opportunity that God has given us. It absolutely has been HIS work to bring this all about.  More updates on our transition to come in future posts! :)

Simple pleasures

. . . .chai in the afternoon

. . . .seat warmers in the car

. . . .a warm, cozy house on a cold, gray day

. . . .a new hair cut and hair color

. . . .baby kisses (her whole face lit up when she saw me through the window at the end of her "school" day)

. . . .a deal from Anthropologie (new skirt!:)

. . . . a Jackson-ism (I told you, didn't I, that he's the "root beer" in the wedding this weekend?)

. . . .children who get along (watching cartoons together, currently)

. . . .Sara Groves' latest CD (LOVE it!)

. . . .my iphone (how DID I love without it?)

. . . .my adorable husband (He so lovingly was concerned for my safety this morning--"Be careful of ice on the bridges in the little car".  That is so sweet!)

. . . a new magazine in the mail (Cottage Living, anyone?)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

Saturday morning fun. . .

Saturdays with no big agenda are--in a word--AWESOME!! Stephen let me sleep late (til 9:00!!!) and got up with the 3 kiddos! We watched cartoons, played on webkinz.com (that would be M), and played Play Station.

THEN, we had a visit from Stuart (Stephen's brother), Collin, Rob, and Brian. They are in town playing at FBC Hursts' D-Now! Collin is an incredible worship leader, and we think that they are just awesome guys.  If you've never heard Stuart play (he plays with us, too)--he is AMAZING!

These are more pics from the week.

This is the Lincoln Log Ranch that J-man and I built one morning.

M & J trying on their new wedding clothes for next weekend's big wedding.  M is the flower girl and J is the "root beer" (otherwise known as the "ring bearer" at our friends' wedding!

And this is sweet Baby H playing at the mall. She is getting so big! She is such a delight in every way.

Happy Weekend! Have a blessed Sabbath!

Baby Caden is Home!

I am so excited to report this wonderful news about my nephew, Caden! He has been home since last Thursday, and they are doing great! Check out my sister's blog at

thelilleyfamily.blogspot.com