How Many Kings...

I just recently heard this song for the first time (even though it's been out for over 3 years), and I literally had to pull over on the side of the road to truly absorb the meaning of these lyrics. Once again, I am in awe of my GOD, who would do all this for me....

(turn off the playlist player at the bottom before playing the video)




Lyrics to How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we've projected,


A child in a manger?


Lowly and small, the weakest of all


Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -


Just a child -


Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...



How many kings step down from their thrones?


How many lords have abandoned their homes?


How many greats have become the least for me?


And how many gods have poured out their hearts


To romance a world that is torn all apart


How many fathers gave up their sons for me?



Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior


All that we have, whether costly or meek


Because we believe.


Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure


And myrrh for the cross he will suffer


Do you believe?


Is this who we've waited for?



All for me...


All for you...

Our kids

In a previous post, I mentioned that I wanted to sponsor a child through Compassion International. It was something that I had been wanting to do for a while, and I just never did.

Well, I did. We did it. Wade decided he wanted to sponsor a child also, so together we picked out 2 children. He picked a girl (what a surprise...he told me "i'm a girl kinda guy") so I chose a little boy.

Meet Elizabeth, age 10, from the Phillipines.

And meet Ralph, age 5, also from the Phillipines.

Aren't they beautiful? They are not siblings. In fact, they are not even part of the same Compassion program in the Phillipines. What they do have in common is a need. Beyond the physical needs they have of food, clean water, medical care, & shelter they have a greater need. They need to hear about Jesus. They need to know that they matter to God. They need a friend and they need to know that someone loves them and is praying for them. Wade & I are those "someone's". We have already began praying for Elizabeth & Ralph. We can't wait to send them letters & cards encouraging them, loving on them, and giving them hope.

My First Photo Shoot

While my sister and her family were here visiting, they asked me if I would take some family pictures of them. Of course, I said yes, and I was so excited! I knew I would be limited with my little point & shoot camera, but I was willing to see what I could pull off. Despite some nasty cold & wet weather, we were able to get in a short little session. Here are some of my favorites:

I have to say, it helps make good pictures when the subjects are so good looking. My sister is beautiful, my nephew is precious, my brother-in-law is handsome, and I just KNOW my niece is gorgeous, even if I can't see her yet! I'm so blessed to have them in my life!

Halaby's Go To Tallahassee

My sister calls her blog Halaby's Go Upstate, but this weekend, then left the upstate of South Carolina and came all the way to Tallahassee....just to see me!! I finally got to talk to Maddie (my niece, in utero), got some major kisses and QT with Quinn, and some fun laughs and talks with Barbie & Jalal. This weekend was a total blast, and even nasty, wet, cold weather couldn't bring us down! It may have changed our plans slightly, but we adapted.

Quinn decided to sing along with Daddy & Uncle Wade's intense Guitar Hero game.

Quinn got to help Uncle Wade collect eggs and feed the chickens.

He LOVED sitting on Uncle Wade's motorcycle.

However, the experience was not complete until he had on his sunglasses.

Q got a little playground time...

And even got to visit the dinosaurs at the local museum.

Can you tell who the star of the show was this past weekend? I can't help it...I love taking this handsome boy's picture! (Stay tuned for some nice family shots of him with his beautiful mama & handsome daddy.) This weekend was so much fun for all of us. I can't wait until the next time we're all together.