Come Just as You are

Jesus tells us to come just as we are- to bring our whole self to the foot of the cross. He longs for us to be vulnerable with Him and tell Him what we are feeling. Many times we may feel lonely, unimportant, and just plain old ordinary. We are all ordinary in the sense that none of us are any better than anyone else and although God can accomplish His purposes despite whether or not we choose to be used by Him- the comfort of knowing we are somebody to Jesus is nonetheless reassuring and rewarding.

To be loved by the maker of the universe is something that should make anyone feel rescued, redeemed, and relieved. To know that Jesus accepts us no matter what we look like--- hair all a mess (this is totally me- by the way- as you can see in the video below...yeah, I am totally rockin the mom -not washed in I don't know how many days- hairdo), clothes not matching (take Oliver for example- hehe) is just a glimpse of the all surpassing love that Christ has for each and every one of us.

Easter is Even Sweeter

I have always loved Easter. Celebrating the death and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is something that is always worth celebrating. However, I definitely don't do that enough, and Easter is always a reminder of that. Not only celebrating Christ, but also spending time with family is just so sweet. Of course, having a little one around to celebrate with makes it even grander. I am oh so thankful and often feel oh so undeserving.

This year, Oliver went on first Easter egg hunt ever. Oliver was not able to join in on the fun with his cousins this year, and he slept through all the community egg hunts...therefore, Memaw, Aunt Jenna and Mama put together a little egg hunt just for him. It was perfect.

He also opened his Easter basket (which did not include his teething toy because I had misplaced it- so he got that later) and heard the gospel for the first time. This is something I hope to do with him every year.





Last year, Oliver received his duck basket and duck stuffed animal from his memaw. This year, we gave it to him again.

Here is a video of him seeing his duck last year:



Here is a video of him seeing his duck this year:



Our family is definitely looking forward to enjoying some time outside in the months to come as Spring has arrived and Summer will soon be on its way...

Praise Jesus for His breath of fresh air that He breathes on all of us each and everyday. 

14 months!

For the Nichols family, time is flying by as usual. Oliver is 14 months old and still changing every single day. Each day is still so fun, but starting to get more challenging in its on way. ;) Om, we have had to give Oliver his first little spanking. Yes, and it broke my heart. He still likes to put his little foot up on the highchair- even when we tell him no. We count to three and if we get to three and his foot is still up, then we thump it. Oliver also likes to drop food on the floor. Therefore, we have had to pop his little hand a few times so that he knows not to do that.

Life is so sweet and we are so thankful. Having a son is causing my heart to be pointed more toward the gospel! I can sense God's grace showering down on me everyday in the midst of life's little challenges. For that, I am truly blessed. God's grace is suffficient- even for those little challenges that are a normal part of everyday life.

I often feel the challenge of remaining in God's grace when life offers something easier- pride and selfishness. Pride can come in many forms and I have seen pride rear its ugly head in my own life recently. I have seen the snare of selfishness too, unfortunately. I know Jesus can replace my pride and selfishness with humbleness and generosity...I think pride and selfishness starts early in life. For example, when little Oliver gets upset because I take the remote control away from him. ;) As his mama, I have to come along side Bradd and train him up in the right way to go- as the Bible declares.

At 14 months, little Oliver is up to a lot of new things:

~Playing peek-a-boo


~Sword fighting with Daddy





~Getting his first pair of shoes

~ Fake crying when he wants to nurse...(uh-oh)

~ Getting bitten by another kid at the mall playground :(

~ Walking fast

~ Washing his hands with help of course

~ Dancing at his first wedding reception

~ Being somewhat picky over his food

~Yet another haircut...He has acutally started to comb his own hair- haha






















~Putting random things in random places


~Coloring and eating at Cracker Barrell

~Taking a walk while holding my finger

~"Destroying" the inside of drawers and cabinets just like his mama used to do!

~Having fun with his first non-family babysitter

~Playing in the play area at none other than: Chick-fil-a

~Enjoying Valentine's Day

~Enjoying some snow in the backyard

Oliver is at the 1% for his weight (17lbs 11oz). No wonder I call him little Oliver, hehe.
Here are his 14 month pics: