Friday, November 26, 2010
Christmas challenge
Last year, we scaled back our present expectations here wayyy back, down to a book, stocking fun, and an inexpensive gift. We chose to invest our time and energy into being a blessing to others, and to focusing our Christmas on Christ. This year, we're taking it a step further and giving until it hurts to those who are in need. It's always been something we've wanted to do, but been afraid of for many reasons. We've sponsored three little girls through World Vision since we were first married, and we've given extra to needs as we've had the money... But trying to undo years of narcissism imbedded in us from a self centered culture? Impossible, you say? Not with Christ on our side!!! We've been challenged by Ann Voskamp, who has done this for 10 years now with her family, and has never looked back. It has made us realize that there is more to change within us, more priorities that we need to shift so our children will carry this light to a darkened world. This is the year, the year of chickens and goats, mosquito nets, help for exploited little girls and a well of precious life giving water. Our children have been pouring through the catalog since it's arrival in late November, excitement building as they discuss their options... and their world has grown a whole lot bigger. Won't you join us as we navigate this new territory?
A neat-o story in the making...
One of the challenges we have been facing for the past two years is trying to sell our house. We put it on the market just as the housing bubble burst, and because our area hasn't been as badly impacted we were still hopeful that we'd be able to sell. Well, God had other plans... We found a wonderful house that was owned by a single mother (who is a Christian) and made an offer on it pending the sale of our home. After 4 months, the offer expired because we hadn't had an offer... but in the meantime, her husband had become a believer, and they were remarried one year ago. How great is that? Then, we still didn't sell and decided to take it off of the market in the spring after having it listed for a year and a half. We just needed a break from all of the showings (trying to keep a house immaculate with 5 small children is impossible while trying to homeschool, nursing a baby, cook, shop, etc...). Then, our neighbor (who was divorced and had a handicapped son who died) who we have been trying to show Christ's love to for the past 61/2 years became a believer one day when he asked Nate to come over and pray with him before he had to have surgery. More answers to prayer that couldn't have happened had we moved away.
So, a few months ago, amidst a few more major decisions that we needed to make, we prayed one night for wisdom as we needed to figure out whether to list the house or not before the holidays... or wait until the new year. We were awakened the next day by the same woman from the original house we had fallen in love with... at our door at 7:45 am! She said that she and her husband had decided to sell the house, as they were fixing up a house on acreage that he had bought while single and it was too much to keep up with both properties. She said it would be several months before they were ready to sell, but that she wanted to let us know first. Amazing! So we listed the house right away amidst my concerns that the dining room wasn't finished yet, amongst other details.
Now, I've always been the optimist in our relationship, and Nate has always been able to compose a 20 page thesis on why something won't work. :) I've seen the way that God has provided so many times in the past, but I shamefully admit that I was lacking in faith this time- there just seemed to be so many tumultuous things going on in our lives at the time that I was afraid to have hope. I didn't want to be hurt by something else going wrong. So when Nate told me that he was praying that we would only have to show the house once and that it wouldn't be until the finishing work was done, I laughed. Not disrespectfully, but one of those "Sarah and the angels" kind of laughs. Well, 6 weeks went by without a single showing. Nada. Zip. As much as I didn't want to have any hope, I still had hoped we'd have a least a couple showings. Despair set in. Nate cheerfully said "Just wait, it will happen..." We finished all the little details- a new microwave, getting the yard redone, organizing the garage, switching out the bedrooms, painting Stephen's room and decorating it, setting up our bedroom downstairs, and finishing up the dining room. We held an open house almost three weeks ago, and no one came. Our realtor was just packing up her things when our neighbors (who rent) walked over and asked to see it. At first, they said "Oh, this is really cute!" and "This microwave is way bigger than mine!" Then they went down to the basement and said "Wow, we had no idea it was like this- this is so much extra living space" and then they went out to the workshop area... and they said they were sold. They plan on converting it to a big master bedroom (one of the ideas we had if we were going to stay). They asked to walk through it again, and were talking about other things they would do. They told our realtor they needed to talk to their lender and realtor, and she'd be hearing from them soon. Apparently, they've been looking at houses over $40,000 more than ours, and haven't been happy with anything they've seen. They know they love this neighborhood (which was why we bought this house), and they can do most of the improvements themselves because they have the extra time and money. I spoke to her about it a few days later, and she said it may take them a few weeks to a month to make the offer because they need to have a few financial details in place, but as soon as those happen (which is dependent upon when he gets his educational repayment stipend check from work), they are going to be making an offer! They were pre-approved for a lot more, so getting a loan isn't the issue- they just want to make sure they have the lowest rate they can and need to take care of one thing on his credit. She is savvy to realty because she was a realtor in the Chicago suburbs... and I just think it's so much fun that they see the potential in our little house. She kept talking about what a good house it is. She told me in great detail what they plan on doing to it, down to the color of stonework for the entryway and other little details. Most of the things they want to do were things that we had planned on doing if we had to stay here, but it became very evident that Nate's schedule doesn't allow for that kind of work- it took us a whole year just to refinish the dining room floor and do the trimwork! Imagine how long a major construction project would take!!! It will be neat to see it once it's done. Her boys (who are our children's ages) have been going around telling everyone that they are moving into our house next year. So, barring some strange turn of events, it looks like we have a buyer, and the owner of the house we want to buy was relieved to hear that it wouldn't happen until after New Year's because they haven't been able to finish the other house yet... so it will work out for everyone! So please pray for everything to go smoothly and for me to remain calm in the chaos of trying to pack a house with everyone needing me every 30 seconds! :)
P.S. Even if this doesn't work, we'll be fine. I know there's a few pessimists and nonbelievers out there that will worry about us once they read this. :) The events leading up to this have made it very clear that God wanted each of these things to happen for a reason (as is always the case!), so His timing is perfect and we'll continue to wait on Him and not despair. The old Colleen is back!!! :)
So, a few months ago, amidst a few more major decisions that we needed to make, we prayed one night for wisdom as we needed to figure out whether to list the house or not before the holidays... or wait until the new year. We were awakened the next day by the same woman from the original house we had fallen in love with... at our door at 7:45 am! She said that she and her husband had decided to sell the house, as they were fixing up a house on acreage that he had bought while single and it was too much to keep up with both properties. She said it would be several months before they were ready to sell, but that she wanted to let us know first. Amazing! So we listed the house right away amidst my concerns that the dining room wasn't finished yet, amongst other details.
Now, I've always been the optimist in our relationship, and Nate has always been able to compose a 20 page thesis on why something won't work. :) I've seen the way that God has provided so many times in the past, but I shamefully admit that I was lacking in faith this time- there just seemed to be so many tumultuous things going on in our lives at the time that I was afraid to have hope. I didn't want to be hurt by something else going wrong. So when Nate told me that he was praying that we would only have to show the house once and that it wouldn't be until the finishing work was done, I laughed. Not disrespectfully, but one of those "Sarah and the angels" kind of laughs. Well, 6 weeks went by without a single showing. Nada. Zip. As much as I didn't want to have any hope, I still had hoped we'd have a least a couple showings. Despair set in. Nate cheerfully said "Just wait, it will happen..." We finished all the little details- a new microwave, getting the yard redone, organizing the garage, switching out the bedrooms, painting Stephen's room and decorating it, setting up our bedroom downstairs, and finishing up the dining room. We held an open house almost three weeks ago, and no one came. Our realtor was just packing up her things when our neighbors (who rent) walked over and asked to see it. At first, they said "Oh, this is really cute!" and "This microwave is way bigger than mine!" Then they went down to the basement and said "Wow, we had no idea it was like this- this is so much extra living space" and then they went out to the workshop area... and they said they were sold. They plan on converting it to a big master bedroom (one of the ideas we had if we were going to stay). They asked to walk through it again, and were talking about other things they would do. They told our realtor they needed to talk to their lender and realtor, and she'd be hearing from them soon. Apparently, they've been looking at houses over $40,000 more than ours, and haven't been happy with anything they've seen. They know they love this neighborhood (which was why we bought this house), and they can do most of the improvements themselves because they have the extra time and money. I spoke to her about it a few days later, and she said it may take them a few weeks to a month to make the offer because they need to have a few financial details in place, but as soon as those happen (which is dependent upon when he gets his educational repayment stipend check from work), they are going to be making an offer! They were pre-approved for a lot more, so getting a loan isn't the issue- they just want to make sure they have the lowest rate they can and need to take care of one thing on his credit. She is savvy to realty because she was a realtor in the Chicago suburbs... and I just think it's so much fun that they see the potential in our little house. She kept talking about what a good house it is. She told me in great detail what they plan on doing to it, down to the color of stonework for the entryway and other little details. Most of the things they want to do were things that we had planned on doing if we had to stay here, but it became very evident that Nate's schedule doesn't allow for that kind of work- it took us a whole year just to refinish the dining room floor and do the trimwork! Imagine how long a major construction project would take!!! It will be neat to see it once it's done. Her boys (who are our children's ages) have been going around telling everyone that they are moving into our house next year. So, barring some strange turn of events, it looks like we have a buyer, and the owner of the house we want to buy was relieved to hear that it wouldn't happen until after New Year's because they haven't been able to finish the other house yet... so it will work out for everyone! So please pray for everything to go smoothly and for me to remain calm in the chaos of trying to pack a house with everyone needing me every 30 seconds! :)
P.S. Even if this doesn't work, we'll be fine. I know there's a few pessimists and nonbelievers out there that will worry about us once they read this. :) The events leading up to this have made it very clear that God wanted each of these things to happen for a reason (as is always the case!), so His timing is perfect and we'll continue to wait on Him and not despair. The old Colleen is back!!! :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wondering if health sharing ministries work?
Susanna is a fellow MOMYS who has a beautiful baby girl named Verity, who happens to have Down Syndrome. She shares what is happening in their lives and how God works all things for good at this link...
http://theblessingofverity.com/2010/10/god-never-orders-what-he-cant-pay-for/
We have been members of Samaritan for 5 years now, and we have never looked back! Feel free to ask us questions if you are interested. We have helped 6 families to become members now,and they are very happy with it, too!
http://theblessingofverity.com/2010/10/god-never-orders-what-he-cant-pay-for/
We have been members of Samaritan for 5 years now, and we have never looked back! Feel free to ask us questions if you are interested. We have helped 6 families to become members now,and they are very happy with it, too!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Just a little something...
I know it's been a long time. I will update at some point, but for right now here's a glimpse of some of our cuties...
Monday, August 23, 2010
Still waiting
Just a quick update... Our issues have had no movement towards resolution, so we have to continuously rely on scripture and the promises of God as we look towards our future. It is very difficult to be in our position, because we don't have a lot of privacy and so we can't really be open about some things. But, if you can please continue to pray for us, and especially for wisdom for Nate and I, we would really appreciate it. We love you and I will update on here once school finally starts and my projects are done.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
We're still here!
Well, mostly still here, anyway. I will catch up on here- someday. Not today. Today I just need to ask for your prayers. It's been a stressful week with illness, trying to play catch up from being gone so much in the past month, and some personal matters. It looks like we won't be able to decrease the stress either- there's sure to be more coming! :) I'm trying to simplify where I can so that we don't lose focus of our ultimate goal... to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Thank you for praying for all of us. We need a lot of wisdom right now and we appreciate all the prayers we can get. I'll update on here more specifically in a while. For right now, just understand that we are very busy this week and camping next week- so we'll see some of you soon! :)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Multitude Mondays
What a special thing it is to reflect and count these blessings; to have a song of praise in my heart (and usually my mouth!) as God's unfailing goodness is evidenced over and over again...
165. sore muscles after excercising.
166. having a buddy to exercise with!!! (a big one for me)
167. seeing Bekah Boo scooting herself across the floor backwards, then slapping the hardwood with excitement at the distance she's traveled.
168. for reconnecting with aunts, uncles, cousins that I thought I might never see again.
169. my sweet girls playing together as the sun sets in the warm summer evening.
170. all beef hotdogs on Natie's new gas grill.
171. Stevie saying "I like that- he's a good guy!" about the lightning bug that landed on his shorts (which became best buds with him for about 5 minutes).
172. camping reservations made= goal in sight!
173. county fairs: watching the horse show, admiring the tractors... nothing could be better on a July day!
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list of thanks...
165. sore muscles after excercising.
166. having a buddy to exercise with!!! (a big one for me)
167. seeing Bekah Boo scooting herself across the floor backwards, then slapping the hardwood with excitement at the distance she's traveled.
168. for reconnecting with aunts, uncles, cousins that I thought I might never see again.
169. my sweet girls playing together as the sun sets in the warm summer evening.
170. all beef hotdogs on Natie's new gas grill.
171. Stevie saying "I like that- he's a good guy!" about the lightning bug that landed on his shorts (which became best buds with him for about 5 minutes).
172. camping reservations made= goal in sight!
173. county fairs: watching the horse show, admiring the tractors... nothing could be better on a July day!
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list of thanks...
Monday, June 28, 2010
Multitude Mondays
So many things to thank our great King for today...
152. a full pantry that needs to be organized (again).
153. chubby baby toes.
154. the pop up camper, which we practiced setting up today without problem... and the dreams of the great times to come in there.
155. my little boy pulling an old red wagon around the yard.
156. lemonade on hot days.
157. My biggest one today... we survived the tornado that whipped through here last week. It caused a lot of damage to Warsaw, but we're fine and our home is okay, so we feel blessed- and so glad that a basement was on our priority list for a house!!!!
158. dirty dishes piled high after a busy weekend- and for the time to clean them today.
159. three older daughters playing together very sweetly in the front yard.
160. walks in the neighborhood at sunset... and Little Man yelling "lightning bug!" every five seconds.
161. helping others to see the light of Christ in a darkened world.
162. fellowship meals where hearts and bellies get filled.
163. too many sugar snap peas and snow peas.
164. a freezer for those peas.
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list of thanks...
152. a full pantry that needs to be organized (again).
153. chubby baby toes.
154. the pop up camper, which we practiced setting up today without problem... and the dreams of the great times to come in there.
155. my little boy pulling an old red wagon around the yard.
156. lemonade on hot days.
157. My biggest one today... we survived the tornado that whipped through here last week. It caused a lot of damage to Warsaw, but we're fine and our home is okay, so we feel blessed- and so glad that a basement was on our priority list for a house!!!!
158. dirty dishes piled high after a busy weekend- and for the time to clean them today.
159. three older daughters playing together very sweetly in the front yard.
160. walks in the neighborhood at sunset... and Little Man yelling "lightning bug!" every five seconds.
161. helping others to see the light of Christ in a darkened world.
162. fellowship meals where hearts and bellies get filled.
163. too many sugar snap peas and snow peas.
164. a freezer for those peas.
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list of thanks...
Friday, June 25, 2010
A visit up to Traverse City
Nate preached up in Michigan again last weekend. We took the opportunity to go up and introduce Bekah to his grandparents and go by GG's house for a quick visit and to pick up his parent's pop up camper (we hope to use it in August). It was great to see Grandpa Paul and Grandma Virginia, and Grandma Mary and Uncle Craig, too! It was a busy, crazy time (isn't it always?), but it was fun. Lauren (a friend from church) joined us on our trip, and she even enjoyed herself! :) Ha ha! We stayed at the Hendrien's but everyone was gone down to Arkansas except Bill and Will. We had so much fun anyways... we visited with all of Will's animals several times (he even took them into his sheep pen while we were packing... so exciting for them! And we had a great time at the fellowship meal after church at one of the church families' houses. I appreciate visiting with them because they are so laid back about having company over. I have a hard time with that, and so do many women. Thankfully, I'm in a position where people just stop by our house quite frequently- so I've had to get used to just letting myself relax and not stressing out too much about it if someone sees the stack of mail that's waiting to be sorted or the train tracks are laid out across the living room floor.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Multitude Mondays
"The heart of the believer is Christ's garden... We often worry and trouble ourselves, like Martha, with much serving, so that we have not the room for Christ that Mary had, and do not sit at His feet as we should. The Lord grant the sweet showers of His grace to water His garden every day." Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
Lord, grant us the ability to sit at your feet as we change diapers, wipe noses, and wash dishes and floors... Thank you for this and more...
141. Toy Story 3 at the drive in last night with the most perfect summer sunset and weather.
142. the cool breeze blowing after the thunderstorms rolled through this morning.
143. the wedding ceremony that Nate performed on Saturday- Christ honoring and full of love. This was the first couple that Nate has married that courted and had a ton of guidance from their parents. The difference in their relationship is remarkable. I hope that we are preparing our children that well for marriage (in at least 12 years or so!).
144. seeing Bekah Boo whip her head around when Nate calls "Peaches?" (his new nickname for her).
145. Erin's half-dollar sized eyes when we got to the drive in last night (the last time she was there she was 2, so she didn't remember it at all).
146. Stephen saying yes... "yesh, Momma- I do it!"
147. finishing the wallpaper in the kitchen.
148. working on four different projects bit by bit until they get finished. Thank you Lord for the interrruptions and teaching me patience when my stubborn heart just wants to be done.
149. ceiling fans on hot summer days.
150. the oriole feeder that the girls bought Nate for Father's Day. They bought it a few weeks ago and were able to keep it a secret!!!
151. for the best father my children could ever have.
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list...
Lord, grant us the ability to sit at your feet as we change diapers, wipe noses, and wash dishes and floors... Thank you for this and more...
141. Toy Story 3 at the drive in last night with the most perfect summer sunset and weather.
142. the cool breeze blowing after the thunderstorms rolled through this morning.
143. the wedding ceremony that Nate performed on Saturday- Christ honoring and full of love. This was the first couple that Nate has married that courted and had a ton of guidance from their parents. The difference in their relationship is remarkable. I hope that we are preparing our children that well for marriage (in at least 12 years or so!).
144. seeing Bekah Boo whip her head around when Nate calls "Peaches?" (his new nickname for her).
145. Erin's half-dollar sized eyes when we got to the drive in last night (the last time she was there she was 2, so she didn't remember it at all).
146. Stephen saying yes... "yesh, Momma- I do it!"
147. finishing the wallpaper in the kitchen.
148. working on four different projects bit by bit until they get finished. Thank you Lord for the interrruptions and teaching me patience when my stubborn heart just wants to be done.
149. ceiling fans on hot summer days.
150. the oriole feeder that the girls bought Nate for Father's Day. They bought it a few weeks ago and were able to keep it a secret!!!
151. for the best father my children could ever have.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Multitude Mondays
The list of things to do seems endless today, and I wonder how I'll ever get it all done... but even if I do, there would be another list waiting for me tomorrow. In a society that looks down on home-making mothers, it's hard to not feel as if everyone around you thinks what you are doing is unimportant, irrelevant, and a waste of a good college education and career. But I know a few people who don't... and they are the most important ones...
Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful family and such responsibility- even when it's overwhelming, and God bless those who are feeling overwhelmed as they start their unending lists this morning amidst love and chaos.
131. baby girl kicking me as I type this (over and over again)
132. runny noses and coughs improving each day
133. salad straight from the garden
134. the smell of rain and the sound of thunder
135. the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom
136. the look of awe and respect on the children's faces when they realize our neighbor's son is in a wheelchair because he was fighting to defend all of us.
137. being able to rely on the peace of Christ while the world around us contracts and cries out in pain
138. the sound of all four older children helping Daddy put the finishing touches on the bunk beds.
139. the date night Natie and I had on Saturday... we need to do that more often!
140. special Mommy-Hannah time at Schoops yesterday- we split onion rings and had a Green River shake. Hannah called it the best day ever!
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list...
Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful family and such responsibility- even when it's overwhelming, and God bless those who are feeling overwhelmed as they start their unending lists this morning amidst love and chaos.
131. baby girl kicking me as I type this (over and over again)
132. runny noses and coughs improving each day
133. salad straight from the garden
134. the smell of rain and the sound of thunder
135. the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom
136. the look of awe and respect on the children's faces when they realize our neighbor's son is in a wheelchair because he was fighting to defend all of us.
137. being able to rely on the peace of Christ while the world around us contracts and cries out in pain
138. the sound of all four older children helping Daddy put the finishing touches on the bunk beds.
139. the date night Natie and I had on Saturday... we need to do that more often!
140. special Mommy-Hannah time at Schoops yesterday- we split onion rings and had a Green River shake. Hannah called it the best day ever!
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Multitude Mondays
Writing these common, everyday thank you's is such a gift... God is using it to remind me of our chief end.
120. secrets for Father's Day (shhhh...)
121. splitting a bucket of Charlie's Soap with a friend (at 12 cents a load)... I won't have to buy detergent for another 10 months- woohoo!
122. sharing with neighbors
123. summer hats lined up on the mirror/hanger
124. snow peas and sugar snap peas climbing higher and higher on the fence
125. violets with their cheerful faces
126. little man doing well with potty training
127. having a few spare hours on Saturday to start cleaning/organizing the garage... a project I've looked forward to for months now. It's amazing what a relief it is to get things back in order!
128. the bunkbed which is now assembled and getting it's paint this week as I have time... I'll post pics soon hopefully!
129. for the wonderful man who made the bunkbeds. I was just reading the qualifications for being an elder in 1 Timothy 3... I'm so thankful that those qualifications make my husband is not only a good pastor, but also a great husband and father as well.
130. for the sleeping babe making sweet little breaths on my chest. Thank you, Father, for the gift of raising these little lambs.
120. secrets for Father's Day (shhhh...)
121. splitting a bucket of Charlie's Soap with a friend (at 12 cents a load)... I won't have to buy detergent for another 10 months- woohoo!
122. sharing with neighbors
123. summer hats lined up on the mirror/hanger
124. snow peas and sugar snap peas climbing higher and higher on the fence
125. violets with their cheerful faces
126. little man doing well with potty training
127. having a few spare hours on Saturday to start cleaning/organizing the garage... a project I've looked forward to for months now. It's amazing what a relief it is to get things back in order!
128. the bunkbed which is now assembled and getting it's paint this week as I have time... I'll post pics soon hopefully!
129. for the wonderful man who made the bunkbeds. I was just reading the qualifications for being an elder in 1 Timothy 3... I'm so thankful that those qualifications make my husband is not only a good pastor, but also a great husband and father as well.
130. for the sleeping babe making sweet little breaths on my chest. Thank you, Father, for the gift of raising these little lambs.
Stop by Ann's site to make your own list...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Multitude Mondays
Feet are cold today, needing socks in the house- while rain drips steadily from Maple... I remind myself that this gloomy weather is a precious gift, too. Thank you, gracious Father for all of this.
110. little feet and overalls wet from playing in the rain.
111. the splashes and giggles coming from my Curlique in the bathtub.
112. a great visit with Nate's family this weekend.
113. peppermint tea with just a little cream and sugar.
114. the black sandals that came in the mail today (my mother's day gift)... so cute and they fit perfectly.
115. winding the school year down- science, copywork, Spanish, and music are done; math, spelling, latin, literature, art and history are about to be finished. Character study, hymn study, and Bible memory are ongoing throughout the year.
116. the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, which never gets old.
117. the lettuce coming up in my garden- the green seems especially bright and cheery on a day like today.
118. for a wonderful fellowship meal at church yesterday, and a beautiful wedding shower for a dear girl from our church on Saturday. Her mother could barely make it through her rendition of their love story... and what a great testimony about their courtship it was.
119. for the gift of a husband who understands me second only to my very gracious God.
For more on thankfulness, visit Ann's site...
110. little feet and overalls wet from playing in the rain.
111. the splashes and giggles coming from my Curlique in the bathtub.
112. a great visit with Nate's family this weekend.
113. peppermint tea with just a little cream and sugar.
114. the black sandals that came in the mail today (my mother's day gift)... so cute and they fit perfectly.
115. winding the school year down- science, copywork, Spanish, and music are done; math, spelling, latin, literature, art and history are about to be finished. Character study, hymn study, and Bible memory are ongoing throughout the year.
116. the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, which never gets old.
117. the lettuce coming up in my garden- the green seems especially bright and cheery on a day like today.
118. for a wonderful fellowship meal at church yesterday, and a beautiful wedding shower for a dear girl from our church on Saturday. Her mother could barely make it through her rendition of their love story... and what a great testimony about their courtship it was.
119. for the gift of a husband who understands me second only to my very gracious God.
For more on thankfulness, visit Ann's site...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Multitude Mondays
Thankfulness is easy today, the list shows why...
96. for our Hannah Bear, born 7 years ago today. Her "Hannah Beam" and laugh are contagious; we are so thankful for her sweet countenance and disposition. God has blessed us with a wonderful daughter!
97. for our first Glory Baby, whose due date was 9 years ago yesterday. We miss our 2 Glory Babies but know they are safe and loved... and we look forward to meeting them someday!
98. that my husband is my best friend. Pastoring can be very lonely (and so can being a Pastor's wife)... I'm glad that we can be there for each other whenever one of us needs encouragement.
99. the sun is shining on a day that was supposed to be rainy and cold.
100. for farm-fresh eggs delivered by our "milk man" every Tuesday.
101. for the cast iron skillet to cook those eggs in.
102. for the square foot garden boxes and the bunk bed Nate continues to work on every spare moment he has.
103. for the lilac bush on the brink of blooming.
104. for "dadadadadadadadadda" during the church service from the little bundle of wiggles and pinkness on my lap.
105. for the sound of the kids riding bikes while Nate works in the garage and I make lunch.
106. for being able to get settled in our home again.
108. for sweet fellowship among the saints. We had 15 people from the Michigan church come over for dinner before their trip home- it was great to talk to them and I especially was blessed by the older children... what a great testimony they are to homeschooling and Christianity in general.
109. for sweet love between sisters.
To see more thankfulness lists or to join in, visit Ann's site...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Taste of Ag
We saw many friends and animals
Up North
We went up to Michigan to see a dear brother in Christ ordained as an elder at a fellow CREC church. We stayed at Bill Hendrian's house again and had so much fun. And we were able to sit together for the first time during a church service in over 4 years! We went to Pastor Swanson's house and hung out after the fellowship meal, too- the girls had so much fun playing in their barn with their kids. It's so good to spend time with other like minded families and to look forward to seeing them again soon! Some of them came down for the conference our church hosted yesterday, and we'll be heading up there again in June for Nate to do a pulpit fill.
Easter pictures
We had a wonderful Easter- a great service, then lunch at American Table Restaurant, then home for an Easter egg hunt and waiting for Mamoo and Grandpa and Uncle Ben to visit. Here are a few pics. Once again, I forgot to take them once we got busy with company- I think I just need to turn the photography over to Katy, as much as I love doing it!
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