It's with trembling excitement that I write these words... We are expecting our next child, due to join the world around January 6, 2015. I know after our first experiences - with losing our first and then having a 7 week NICU journey with our second... Many people may think we're crazy. But this is something that we are so incredibly thrilled to be welcoming another child into our family. This has been on my heart for so long, and am so excited that God is leading us down this path again. I am going to be much more mindful of diet and exercise this pregnancy, and definitely under the watchful care of the most wonderful doctor.  Nutrition really is the biggest key for me to have a healthy pregnancy.  Unfortunately in this first trimester, it's just a matter of what my stomach will handle and what will calm it down.  Plain pasta, mashed potatoes and 7up are the things that are most helpful.  As I start to feel better, I will definitely be more mindful over what ...

My sweet Sarah, Today, you turn 2.  I regularly think back to the day you were born.  It was the day a dark cloud rolled in over our home and stayed for the next 7 weeks, as we both fought for our lives.  As much as I wanted that beautiful, full term, glowing, all smiles delivery you see on TV, God gave me something so much more special.  He gave me you, and your amazing testimony that day.  You and I both walked through those dark valleys together with your daddy.  We found God in those moments and continue to see Him every day as we remember back to that valley we came through. From the start you were a fighter.  You had your own schedule.  You were your own person.  You were determined.  You were aware.  These same qualities still hold true today.  It's amazing to watch you grow and, even more fascinating to see the ways you stay the same.  Through every season of life your tenacity, confidence and courage shine thr...

I must say.... I LOVE Spring. I always have. It, more than any other season, shows me God's love. This year it has been even more so evident. If you have never slowed down and enjoyed Spring through the eyes of a two year old- I really encourage you to do so. It's full of discovery and wonder. Sarah has become so aware of the world around her. She chases the birds because she wants to converse with them. She loves pointing out trees and leaves. There is no urgency or rush - no anxiety or care. Only the innocent admiration of these "new" things.  May we look at the world with fresh eyes, looking for the wonder and awe in our every day moments. What is a busy, stressful day worth if you can't take a moment to stop - stand in the sunshine - feel the warmth on your skin and soak in the glory of God.  Try it. Let me know how it feels. 

Early March has a way of rattling my soul. This month always seems so unimportant - no major birthdays, no anniversaries - just the slow thaw that moves us closer to spring. However, I always stop and reflect and listen this time of year... Three years ago we lost our first child on the 2nd of March. What a traumatic day that was. We spent the first week or two recovering from surgery, mourning our loss, and celebrating his brief, but oh so special life. It was in this valley that a little voice began whispering in our ear... This is not your home.  Later that year, we uprooted and moved to Franklin, TN. This is still one of the best decisions we ever made. Despite the hardships we have faced and the difficulties that come with being separated from your loved ones, it has truly shaped our direction and vision as a family. I truly believe that we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for our little Isaiah Matthew.  Two years ago we celebrated our soon-coming littl...

Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 All throughout the scriptures, there is a constant  rhythm  of Christ calling us unto Himself.  This call is a personal invitation for us to abide in Him and with Him.  It can no longer be the faith of our fathers and our grandfathers.  We must choose to abide in the hope and love that He offers for ourselves.  We choose to accept His sacrifice and His saving grace extended to the Gentiles and to all the nations of the world. Christ came as a babe to raise us as spiritual sons of Abraham. The root of Jesse was birthed from the defeated stump to bring life and stand as a beacon to the nations. Let us come once more in to awe and reverence of the Lord Christ's entry in to this world. With this second candle, we light it in honor of the hope that burns bright in our hearts.  It is filled with visions of peace on earth and the lion and the bear living in harmony with the ox and ...

Last year we started the tradition of celebrating the advent season in our home with the lighting of an advent wreath.  This year, we desire to grow that tradition and share it with you as we journey through this season of advent.  Each Sunday evening we will post our family's interpretations of our own advent liturgy based upon the Revised Common Lectionary readings for this year.   (A note from Jim: We're choosing to read the RCL in the spirit of dwelling in the same Word as millions of believers all over the world who follow this tradition. We'll all be sharing the same Word and awaiting the same King.)  We read these words aloud as a family and sang the song below.  Please feel free to join us and share any thoughts you may have as we journey towards the manger together. ************** Scriptures: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 The season of Advent is a time of preparation and remembrance. We come together to remembe...

I have often said that I find God in the changing of the seasons.  I see the correlations between the seasons of our lives and the earthly seasons.  For this reason I am so glad to live in a place that has such beautiful season changes. Today as I looked out on the final beautiful leaves that are lingering, I recognize that again with the seasons, the Nally family again is entering a new season.  We have lots going on that we haven’t shared with many just yet (And, no,  I'm  not pregnant :P) .  I will begin to share more in the coming days.  Today I will share the first bit of news with you... I have accepted a new position and begin in two weeks on December 5th.  I am joining the team at the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care ( TIPQC.org ).  Their main purpose is to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in Tennessee.  They do this through bringing together Obstetricians, Neonatolog...