Orangeburg Civic Ballet's Nutcracker

This weekend, my oldest daughter, Isabella, participated in the Nutcracker, put on by the Orangeburg Civic Ballet. The OCB is under the very capable direction of Mrs. Tamalyn Blackman and was a beautiful production. Although we're pretty tired from all the rehearsals and late nights, it was worth it all to see Isabella doing what she loves. Here's Isabella with "Miss" Tamalyn.

I love Christmas!

I love Christmas! It's my very favorite time of the year. This picture was taken last Saturday at our homeschool choir performance. With some forethought, I would have dressed Emma in something Christmasy, but she was wearing pink (that is a variation of red, isn't it???), covered up by her aqua blue jacket and let's not forget that paci (we never leave home without it!). Our good friend and great photographer, Nikki, took this picture! The girls are just beautiful in it and I'm so blessed to have them! They are my joy in life next to having Jesus as my Savior!

The choir performance went well. All the children sang their little hearts out. It was a great day!

Random Thoughts and Pictures

Okay, I am completely bummed.....I spent Thanksgiving Day on the couch, not able to pick my head up off the pillow while my family and some close friends of ours, enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving meal at our church. They had a wonderful time. I on the other hand, well.......I wanted to blog today, and since I have no happy Thanksgiving Day pix to share, thought I would offer up some random thoughts and pictures. Enjoy!

This is one of Emma's favorite things to do and sometimes can buy me a good ten minutes of work time, until she starts eating the pieces.







What is he doing, you ask? Well, it would be great to say that he is fixing something. However, he wasn't, he was looking for something that fell under the cabinet.



I rarely have time to spend time with just Bella alone, but recently, we took a mosaics class together and created two beautiful stepping stones. This is my beautiful Bella with her stepping stone. She chose an original pattern of a horse that was very challenging, but she did it wonderfully! The stone is beautiful, but Bella takes the prize for beauty in this one!

The Place of Surrender

God has me in a difficult place right now. I probably should say that God is with me in a difficult place right now. And, of course, as He always does, He's given me a song for this season of my life. I've become a real fan of Natalie Grant lately and there is a song on her CD, Relentless that is really speaking to me right now. Hopefully it will speak to you too......

Back At My Heart
Strong on the outside
But coming apart at the seams
That's me
Tragically always together
But bruised underneath
That's me
I stand, just to stumble
Tripping on my pride
Why do I always try to hide

Meanwhile, back at my heart
I'm desperate for all that You are
Undo me, take me apart
Meanwhile, back at my soul
Mend me, Lord, please make me whole
You know just where to start
Back at my heart

Patiently waiting to pick up
The pieces of me
That's You
Healer of hearts
When the world leaves it broken in two
That's You
Maker of heaven, the sky and the sea
When you stretched Your arms
You reached for me

Meanwhile, back at my heart
I'm desperate for all that You are
Undo me, take me apart
Meanwhile, back at my soul
Mend me, Lord, please make me whole
You know just where to start
Back at my heart

Back at my heart
Back at my fear
Back at my brokenness
Lord meet me here
Though I'm exposed
I'm not afraid anymore

I'm desperate for all that You are
Undo me and take me apart

Healer of hearts
When the world leaves it broken in two
That's You

Natalie Grant - Relentless

Oh, Canada!

We are in Canada visiting our friends and Canadian family. It is so good to be here again and reconnect with everyone! It's not snowing, but it is definitely cold. We came here to surprise our Brazilian friends for their ordination service on Sunday. It was a wonderful reunion. We are staying with Pastors Frank and Chris and their daughters, Gabriella and Leticia. Both girls are the same ages as our girls and are enjoying playing together. We miss our church, friends and family in South Carolina, but it is so nice to see everyone here and the awesome things our former church is doing in the Kingdom!

I love the people of God!

Last night, we met with the newcomers and a few regulars of our church to take the first part of a spiritual gifts test we give in our Newcomers Small Group! It was so great to see all the wonderful gifts God has given to each one and how He took the time to form each person so beautifully. God has truly blessed us as pastors with these wonderful people and I'm so thankful!

My latest favorite song

Songs always speak to me - and this one does especially. It's my latest favorite song. Those of you who know me, know, that it's my favorite until the next great song is born:

I Will Not Be Moved
I have been a wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
and had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and thou it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved!

Natalie Grant - Relentless

Life has been busy...

It has been so long since my last post. Sorry about that. Life has been incredibly busy, but rewarding. The girls are growing beautifully and we have a new addition to our family, Zoey.

Zoey is a toy poodle that Isabella received for her 11th birthday! She's certainly shaking things up in the Bozard household. Pray for us - babies and puppies aren't always a great combination!

Emma's Dedication Service

Today, we dedicated our baby daughter, Emma. Friends and family gathered to help us celebrate! After the dedication service, we had a cookout to celebrate her 1st birthday! It was a wonderful day!