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  • December8th

    Son

    The old saying is, “there are no atheists in foxholes,” but I’d like to modernize it a bit and say “there are no atheists during an ultrasound.” This is not to say that I’m an atheist — cause I’m not, but even as a believer in the God of the Bible and His creation of man, I was seriously overwhelmed yesterday as I got to see pictures of my future son (pictured above).

    Though he was a bit camera shy, my wife and I got to watch video of our son in real time as the doctor walked us through the incredible miracle that is human life. We were able to zoom in on the chambers of the heart and see the blood flow, then view the little black dots that were his kidneys, and even see his mouth, ears, and nose (to which my wife said in her sweetest voice, “I think he has your nose!”). At one point our little growing boy even shook his head as if to say, “hey, quit bothering me!” It’s an experience that many other families have probably had, but for us it was the first time witnessing this. It’s not like the movies, or even reality TV. Even then you’re disconnected from what’s going on in the room, and more importantly the new feelings that first-time parents are experiencing. As I held my wife’s hand and watched the black and white monitor I realized that it must be pretty hard for people to attribute the miracle of life to nothing.

    It’s simply God at work, and I struggle with how people could stand in that room and literally see a miracle happening before them and attribute it to some “accident” or think “well, it’s just how it works.” It’s no accident, and it’s not just a bunch of atoms that happened to get together — it’s God’s hand and we get the privilege of being a part of it and to watch it happen before our very eyes. David wrote in Psalm 139:13-14:

    For You formed my inward parts;
    You wove me in my mother’s womb.
    I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    Wonderful are Your works,
    And my soul knows it very well.

    I saw some weaving going on yesterday and my soul definitely knew it well.

  • December7th

    Had the opportunity to photograph a bunch of my friends over the weekend. Here’s one… many more to come. I’m actually hoping to put together a big post of a ton of photos, but we’ll see if time allows. There were 5 shoots in all — one of those was a super engagement session that I can’t wait to share. Until then…

    Family

  • December4th

    I’ve probably listened to this song two dozen times and there is rarely a time I can finish it without my eyes welling up. Probably one of the clearest testimonies in song of God’s grace to broken and sinful man. Click here to start playing the song. Read the lyrics below.

    Only A Man

    I used to live my life in fear
    Was worried all the time
    From waking up to laying down
    I had no peace of mind
    The world became a darkened place
    A struggle without end
    Although bitter times those were
    The days that I had began to understand
    I was only a man

    I grew up singing songs in church
    With questions in my mind
    Then turned my back and ran away
    From God who gave me life
    Then one night his presence fell
    I wept and shook and then
    I fell down and cried, Dear Jesus, rescue me again
    I understand I am only a man

    And He said, What will it be now?
    Will you choose me or keep swimming up stream now?
    I’ve been inside your head hearing you scream out.
    Well here I am, just take my hand and I’ll take out
    All of the pain and all of the fear
    All of the fear

    I’ll give you my burdens (I’ll give you peace)
    All of my desires (I’ll give you what you need)
    Oh, what about these chains, Lord? (I’ll set you free)
    But they’re so heavy (Lay them at my feet)
    I’ll lay them at your feet
    Just promise you won’t leave (I’ll never leave)
    So where do I go from here, Lord? (Just follow me, just follow me)
    I’ll follow you (Just follow me) wherever you lead
    Wherever you lead, wherever you lead

    Music and lyrics by Jonny Lang. Purchase the album here.

  • November30th

    Well, it’s that time of year again and this year I thought I’d put up a little something of us decorating our tree. Check out the little video below and be sure to read the captions of the photos (all captions are below the photos). Enjoy.

    Decorating the Christmas Tree (2009) from Shay on Vimeo.

    xmas_tree_01

    Our tree!

    xmas_tree_02

    My mom made this candy cane…and yes, I’m serious.

    xmas_tree_03

    Yoshi!

    xmas_tree_04

    Our tree rocks some Chucks.

    xmas_tree_05

    A lil nativity scene.

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    T is for “Thomason” :)

    xmas_tree_07

    “Jane, get me off this crazy thing!” - George Jetson

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    Een klein Nederlands meisje. Traslation: A little Dutch girl.

    xmas_tree_09

    We’re stars on our tree.

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    It’s what a hamburgers all about.

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    Soccer dude!

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    Chugga, chugga, chugga, chugga…etc.

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    The top!

    xmas_tree_14

    We don’t really have a “mantle” so to speak, so our TV stand is going to have to do to hang up those stockings.

  • November25th

    Here’s a few things you’ve missed:

    That day I made my her laugh
    We Laughed

    That one really late night
    A Shay in the Night

    That place we used to live
    Security Detail

    That day we moved
    We Moved

    That day I finally fit
    Tons of Leg Room

    That time we were small
    Just for Fun

    That other time we were small
    Sippy

    The day we played with friends
    Big Man, Big Remote

    That day we got away
    "Backyard"

    That night we just relaxed
    Popcorn

    That day at the beach
    IMG_3328

    That day we picked a winner (or two)
    Orange You Cute