Family picture

Family picture

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Lara's 5th Birthday Party!

One of the families in our China travel group had a birthday party for their daughter, Lara, who turned five. We had a blast seeing Lara and her family and two other families from our group! It was amazing seeing how far our children have come in ten short months! What a special day spent with special friends.

Enjoy the pictures!





Marcy cutting the Barbie cake!



Lily and Hannah enjoying a treat.



The birthday girl!



Our beautiful children ten months older.



A fun hayride!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Beautiful night of music

Kevin and I had a special treat last night. We went to the United Tour of Steven Curtis Chapman and Michale W. Smith! WOW! What a night of music and praise to our God! We enjoyed the concert so much and would highly recommend going to see it when they come to your part of the country.

As Steven Curtis Chapman stood before the audience, his grief over losing his young daughter last May is still so raw and painful; but his testimony about how Christ is bringing his family through the pain is powerful indeed and a reminder to us all that God is not only there in our mountains, but he is also there in our valleys. We are never alone in our struggles, and we have the greatest source of power in the universe in our God. It was a message Kevin and I needed to hear as we struggle through the uncertainty of this adoption, the state of the world in crisis, and the struggles of life in general.

For Jesus said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Michael W. Smith was just pure worship and praise in his music, helping all of us pour out our love for our Christ. What a combination Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith make! What a tremendous witness they are of the amazing strength of God! How joyful and filled up we were when the concert was finished. And how beautiful it was to praise and worship with so many other believers in Christ.

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen." Psalm 41.13

Sunday, April 12, 2009

He is risen!





Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!




Friday, April 10, 2009

Thankful Thursday on Good Friday

I am thankful this Good Friday for. . .

THE CROSS

and

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.






Without it, we could not gain access to our God and eternity in Heaven. I have read over and over this Easter season that if Good Friday had been the end of the story of Jesus, then all of his teachings and his life on earth would have been a really nice side note, a sweet spot in time, nothing else. And our faith in Christ would be for naught.

BUT DEATH DID NOT EXTINGUISH CHRIST'S STORY . . .

It was just the beginning to the most important event in human history. Our faith in Christ is rightly placed. God raised his son three days later. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16"

Christ died and rose for everyone. All can come to the cross and have life . . .

JESUS SAID, "I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME."
John 14:6

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Outdoor fun today


A man and his wheelbarrow
















Close inspection
















Fun at the sandbox

















The boys in the backyard

















Sweet smile

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thursday, so it is time for a Thankful Thursday list!


We here at our home are thankful for . . .

1. The sweet and supportive comments left on this blog and our e-mail. They really brighten our day!

2. Spring rains that bring the flowers and the green grass back

3. Spring break - a break in the routine

4. Janet's tutoring students - they are so sweet!

5. Our older son and the responsible, wonderful decisions he makes

6. Visiting Ted at Ball State - always fun!

7. Our younger son and the crazy happiness he brings each day

8. Cadbury eggs - they are the best!

9. Easter time - a time to reflect on what Jesus did for us all

10. Each day that God gives us!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?