Well, it's been a while!  Since moving home we have been getting unpacked, connecting with old friends,  ordering school books, getting kids registered for college, packing for college, going on a camping trip and finally taking Lauren to college in OH this past weekend!  Phew!!  Makes me tired just writing it!  :)  This week 4 day a week volleyball practices have started for Gabie so that's a whole other item to add to the never ending to-do list!

Still I am amazed at all the the Lord has done and is doing for us!  Though we don't always understand I believe that He is always working the best for us!  I can't praise Him enough! 

Next week we begin school...so please pray for us!

Our oldest son, Jared, left today to go to Charlotte in preparation to go to Raleigh on Wednesday to leave to go to Honduras on Thursday to be a summer missionary intern for 6 weeks.  (Is that a run-on sentence or what!!  :)  Jared just had his 20th birthday yesterday!  (Yes, I sadly must admit that I am now officially old...we have two, yes TWO children who are now 20 and older!!  :)  We are so blessed to be his parents.  Please pray for protection and provision as he travels and that the Lord would use him in a mighty way this summer. 

Thanks SO much for praying! 

A very close friend and I were just talking about "being real".  We observed how unusual it is, at least in our experience, to find a church or Christians who are willing to risk being transparent with one another.  It takes a lot of courage to admit that you don't have it all together, that you struggle.  Both of us are going through various trials, isn't that the way life really is?  You're either moving out of a trial or heading toward one, or in the middle of one.  God is gracious and often gives us breaks, but at least in my life I have noticed that it is only in the difficulties in life that I tend to learn and grow.  Now maybe that's just because I tend to be hard headed!   But our world is so desparate to see believers who admit that "No, we don't have it all figured out, but we know the One who is with us through every struggle and trial, no matter how big or small."  They are very much in need of seeing Christ followers who apply Biblical principles to their lives through all the struggles and see that indeed God's ways work.  I think that when we as believers start stepping out of our comfort zone and begin to be real with each other and the world we will see many come to Christ!  And isn't that the whole purpose of why we are here?  So I guess what my heart really desires is dear friends who "do life together" as believers, a safe place where people are real, share their struggles and joys and encourage each other in their walk with the Lord.  Being real....something I'm still thinking about....

Many of you have no doubt heard of the tragedy that has happened to the Chapman family.  http://www.stevencurtischapman.com   

They feel so much like old friends though they don’t even know us.  I feel funny to write, but feel compelled to do so.  His music has been a part of our family since we were young newlywed youth workers and we discovered his music at a youth event at Worlds of Fun in KC, MO.  Memories of car rides with little ones singing along to his CDs (or way back…cassette tapes!) often with “made up” words come to mind.  Now, with 6 children of our own, his songs seem to relate even more to our lives and we realize that while Steven is the singer/songwriter, his ministry really involves his whole family giving thier lives as they minister for Jesus together.  I'm SO thankul for his ministry to us!

There are no words to adequately express the agony I know they must feel.  I know our God is holding them in His strong arms binding their broken hearts and giving them the comfort, grace and peace to uphold them during this time.  Grieving, but not as the world does, as one with a sure hope of reunion in heaven.  I pray that the Lord grants them the faith to trust Him even when we often don’t understand the “why” of our circumstances this side of heaven, may He grant them the faith to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is still good and still in control and still loves them with an everlasting love.  I pray that His Word brings healing and comfort to them as He gives them the strength to faithfully display His splendor.

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Isaiah 61:1-3 

 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
       because the LORD has anointed me
       to preach good news to the poor.
       He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
       to proclaim freedom for the captives
       and release from darkness for the prisoners,

 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
       and the day of vengeance of our God,
       to comfort all who mourn,

 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
       to bestow on them a crown of beauty
       instead of ashes,
       the oil of gladness
       instead of mourning,
       and a garment of praise
       instead of a spirit of despair.
       They will be called oaks of righteousness,
       a planting of the LORD
       for the display of his splendor.

Please join me in praying for this dear family!!