Florida Part 2 - God's protection


December 31, 2008

I have many pictures to post from our time in Florida but first want to share how the Lord protected us last week!
On our way to Orlando we took separate cars. Jonathan and Taylor were over 2 hours ahead (given our many stops) when something quite alarming happened. We were travelling on I-95- going about 75 mph in the left-hand lane when all of a sudden our tire blew. As the car began to shake I began screaming "Praise you Jesus!" over and over :). After swerving for several minutes we did a 360 across all 3 lanes amidst a very busy interstate! Preparing for some kind of impact-the car miraculously came to a stop on the shoulder- actually pointing in the right direction- completely safe! Cars pulled over both in front and behind both to help and to attest to the miracle that not one car hit another. If that wasn't enough...how the Lord provided next amazed us.
The car we're driving is used but new to us. We didn't even think to check if our spare had enough air or if we had the needed wrench to change the tire. Little did we know-both were needed. About 5 cars pulled over and no one had the necessary wrench. Mirielle and I were sitting on a bin of Christmas presents on the side of I-95 when we decided we should pray. We simply asked the Lord if He would please provide us with the correct wrench and quickly since it was getting dark. (A side note...we called 911 and were informed that road side service didn't change tires :) ) We finished our prayer and looked up to see a car pulling up! Miri said "Wow He answered quick!" Yes he did. The Lord sent us a naval officer with the correct wrench! He had seen us with our heads down thinking we were distraught! Ha-how wonderful it was to inform him that we were praying and the Lord sent him!
It was at this point when we realized the spare needed air. Bill and our 'answer to prayer' went off to get air for the tire while Miri and I sat on the side of I-95 - now praying for safety! Literally a few seconds later a van pulled over and began backing up towards us. Not the scenario I wanted to find ourselves in! The passenger side window rolled down and they introduced themselves as Christians who wanted to help! The husband handed me his business card and turns out they own a company (sponsored by Yamaha) who offer seminars to train men and women how to use church sound systems! They stayed with us until we were safely on the road.
Within a few moments Bill returned with the spare and we were shortly on our way.
We started our vacation very thankful for the Lord's glorious provision and protection! Isn't God good?

Courtship defined...


December 27, 2008

Some have asked...What is courtship? I found Wikipedia's definition helpful and humorous :).

Courtship is the traditional dating period before engagement and marriage. During a courtship, a couple dates to get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement. Usually courtship is a public affair, done in public and with family approval.

It includes activities such as dating where couple go together for a dinner, a movie, dance parties, a picnic, shopping or general "hanging out", along with other forms of activity. Acts such as meeting on the internet, chatting on-line, sending text messages or picture messages, conversing over the telephone, writing each other letters, and sending each other flowers, songs, and gifts constitute wooing. :)

Julie's mom- Cissy explains it better here.

I know Jon and Julie covet your prayers as they begin... courtship!

Florida Part 1

December 24, 2008


We are so enjoying our time here in Florida! I'll post more when we get home but wanted to post a picture I've been looking forward to posting :).
Here's a picture of our Jon and his girlfriend Julie VanLue~

Merry Christmas Everyone!! Jesus Christ is born!

Pray!



"But whatever your burden, cast it in the prayer of faith on the Lord. Peculiar and heavy though it may be, His strength and grace and love will sustain you. Encircled by His almighty arm, aided by prayer, upheld by the promises, strengthened by His grace, soothed by His sympathy, and comforted by His Spirit, you shall not sink, for it is written, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you." Winslow

Christmas at the Billy Graham Library

December 18, 2008

Last night we went to the Billy Graham Library with our dear friends- The B's :). It is a beautiful, God glorifying place!

Stop and pray!


Am I alone in feeling too busy? I need to stop...really gotta stop and make time to pray! Spurgeon says it so well!

“Sometimes we think we are too busy to pray. That is a great mistake, for praying is a saving of time. If we have no time we must make time, for if God has given us time for secondary duties, He must have given us time for primary ones, and to draw near to Him is a primary duty,(and our joy!) and we must let nothing set in on one side. Your other engagements will run smoothly if you do not forget your engagement with God” (Spurgeon)

Trip to see the Misero's!

December 14, 2008

We were so excited to be able to spend some time with my cousin Ryan, his wife Tracy and their children Corey, Olivia and Katherine this weekend. It was a wonderful surprise to discover another relative was also visiting! My cousin Mary Lou's son Randall is also stationed at Fort Bragg and was at the Misero's that weekend. We had a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing them again soon. Please be praying for Corey, Ryan, Randall and their families. Corey is enlisting in a few weeks and both Ryan and Randall will be deployed soon. May the Lord protect them all and use them for His glory! We are so proud of them!!

Christmas story play~

December 11, 2008

Mirielle was so excited today! She played Mary in the Christmas story at co-op. Thank you to all those who helped with the play...it was so precious! I hope you enjoy the slideshow!

Bargains!





One of my favorite places to buy gifts this year is thru Library and Educational Services. You can see them at: http://www.libraryanded.com/. They are currently running a special on Focus on the Family's 19 audio CD's of The Chronicles of Narnia for only $14.99!
As Spurgeon says... "Giving is true having!"

Please pause music- Here's Mocha, Moi, Miri and our Moms :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bringing Mary Home...


New friends of ours...the McConnoll's are in the Ukraine right now awaiting the oh so familiar court date! Please pray for their family...for their children here at home, for Mary as she transitions from life in an orphanage and for her new parents who are entering into the glorious life of adoption! Lord bless this dear family!


Biscotti and music!

December 8, 2008
I'm busy making biscotti for the holidays and would love to hear if anyone has a favorite biscotti recipe to share!
















While baking- Josh, Jon and Taylor entertained :)





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Victory Junction Gang Camp- Christmas Fun!

December 6, 2008

Today Bill took Mirielle and her friend Alina to Victory Junction for their Christmas celebration! Richard and Pattie Petty who founded the camp in honor of Kyle and Pattie's son Adam were there today to help in the celebration. Mirielle went to their camp this summer and had the time of her life! We are so grateful for the Petty family!

I'd recommend checking out Victory Junction's website! http://www.victoryjunction.org/.


How can we glorify God during this holiday season?


















John Wesley has something to say!

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can!

What is Christmas all about?

You'll want to pause my music below :)

Cheer Up!


November 3, 2008


Bill and I went to a 'Celebration of Life' (funeral) yesterday. My friend Libby's father went to be with the Lord and it has me thinking about eternity. I read this precious quote from Mrs. Mary Winslow this morning:


"Cheer up! We are now nearer glory than when we first believed. There sits Jesus, once crowned with thorns, bruised and crucified for your sins and mine, in all His ineffable beauty and glory waiting to bid us welcome home. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Heaven is not so far off as we think. It invites us; and it is but a step and we are there! This poor world is not our rest! Heaven is our home, and we are but sojourners here in this wilderness for a while, soon to be away! Cheer up! " (1754-1854)


Let's live for eternity!

Do you have 8 minutes?

December 1, 2008

You'll love Jesus more after seeing this :).
Please pause the music before you watch!

Mirielle's gift for her 'Jonny's' Birthday :)

Note the 'To be performed without whining or complaining" :)


















Mirielle dressed for the job!






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Happy 23rd Birthday Jonathan Holt Brown!!

November 28, 2008

23 years ago (on Thanksgiving Day) the Lord blessed us with our first born son! We named him Jonathan because his name means "God's gift"... and that he most definitely is! We treasure his growing walk with the Lord, his sense of humor and his amazing intellect. We thank the Lord for his kindness and commitment to excellence in his work. We thank the Lord for his generosity and musical gifting. I'm his mom... I could go on and on!!

We pray the Lord will bless our dear son beyond all he can think or imagine this year! Happy Birthday Jon!!

Loving the Unlovely















November 26, 2008

I am reading a book by Timothy Keller called "Ministries of Mercy- The Call of the Jericho Road". As I read I am painfully aware of my need to grow in so many areas! One of these areas is in loving the unlovely. Keller writes:

"Since Christ’s mercy was not based on our worthiness, our mercy
must not be given to those who reach some standard of worthiness
"


1. Luke 6:32-36 (English Standard Version)
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.


May we learn to generously love the unlovely- as the Father loves us!

5th File...5th picture...

November 25, 2008


















I was tagged by my friend Cissy to post the 5th picture in my 5th picture file:)
This is what I found...Mirielle with her sweet friend Lexi Martoia who now lives in Michigan.

I'd love to see what's in YOUR 5th folder-5th picture!

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Picking a Christmas Card Photo~

November 23, 2008

We had a fun afternoon with our friend Liz who took our family photos today! This time of year we usually set up a tri-pod and take a kazillion pictures of us sitting on our stairs :). Today Liz took us to the beautfiul quaint town of Davidson to shoot pictures. It was so much fun! Here are a few of the shots...

Fun at Shining Hope Farms!

November 23, 2008


While Jon was working and Taylor and I shopping, Bill took Miri to Shining Hope Farms for a glorious day of fun! Miri's teacher- Jessie - invited her students to a day of decorating the stalls, packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child, lunch and horse relays. Her students took time to celebrate her birthday too :). Thank you Lord for Shining Hope Farms!

Cast it all...

November 20, 2008

"Roll the whole burden of life upon the Lord. Leave with Jehovah not thy present fretfulness merely, but all thy cares; in fact, submit the whole tenor of thy way to him. Cast away anxiety, resign thy will, submit thy judgment, leave all with the God of all....The ploughman sows and harrows, and then leaves the harvest to God. What can he do else? He cannot cover the heavens with clouds, or command the rain, or bring forth the sun or create the dew. He does well to leave the whole matter with God; and so to all of us it is truest wisdom, having obediently trusted in God, to leave results in his hands and expect a blessed issue." Spurgeon

Celebrating Nana and Da!

November 17, 2008

We just celebrated Nana's birthday and today is Nana and Da's 59th wedding anniversary! We pray the Lord will continue to bless them beyond all they can think or imagine! We love you so much Nana and Da!

Here are a few pictures from our trip this weekend...


Take it to the Lord in prayer~


November 17, 2008

Don't you love the sweet conviction and encouragement the Lord brings thru His Word and thru the lyrics of songs?

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer. "


Let's not forget our incredible privilege to take ALL our concerns to the Lord today!

Counting our blessings craft~


November 14, 2008


We found a precious turkey printout accompanied with a chart to record God's blessings. Enjoy!

Thanking the Lord for the little pleasures in life :)

November 12, 2008

















I love looking for little blessings from the Lord each day! Several mornings a week in the fall we get a visitor in our back yard who I've affectionately named "Pocketa" . His name came from a Danny Kaye movie :). He is a beautiful Blue Heron who flies over our house and lands on a drain in the pond behind our house. (See small speck of white on left?)




Here's a picture of the kind of Heron he is... isn't God amazing?






I'd love to hear some of the wonderful ways the Lord blesses you each day in the little.





I find once you start looking for His hand... you see Him everywhere!

Jon and Taylor

November 11, 2008

I am so happy to finally post a night in the lives of my dear sons Jonathan and Taylor! They played at a coffee house on the UNCC campus last week ... I hope you enjoy the pictures!

I love Octavius Winslow



DON'T BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING. Let this precious truth, "My times are in your hand," divest your mind of all needless, anxious care for the present or the future. Exercising simple faith in God, "don't be anxious about anything." "Be content with such things as you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Learn to be content with your present lot, with God's dealings with, and his disposal of you. You are just where his providence has, in its inscrutable but all-wise and righteous decision, placed you. It may be a position, painful, irksome, trying, but it is right. Oh! yes, it is right! Only aim to glorify him in it. Wherever you are placed, God has a work for you to do, a purpose, through you to be accomplished, in which he blends your happiness with his glory. And when you have learned the lessons of his love, he will transfer you to another and a wider sphere, for whose nobler duties and higher responsibilities the present is, perhaps, but disciplining and preparing you.

You can read more on http://www.gracegems.org/ .

The Last of the leaves...

November 5, 2008

We just returned from a quick trip to Georgia to see Miri's neuro. We had a wonderful visit with Bill's sister Bette and her husband Paul, had Miri's appointment and then headed home. Miri and I were oohing and ahhing over all the gorgeous trees we saw on our trip! I know I just posted about Christmas...but I must post the last of the fall leaves! What an Artist our Heavenly Father is! The earth is full of His glory!

What's your favorite Christmas song?


Christmas countdown banner



It dawned on me today... Christmas is coming! I love celebrating the Lord's birth especially this time of year. I love giving gifts and I love Christmas music! So... if you don't mind...I'd like to start playing it now :). If you have a favorite Christmas song- can you post it here? I'd love to hear!

Mirielle's Bowling Birthday Party

Nov. 2, 2008

We haven't had a birthday party for Miri in a few years so decided to let her have a bowling party this year! We had a blast! I hope you enjoy the pictures :).

Thank you 'Prayer Ladies'
























Nov. 2, 2008

Thank you my dear 'Prayer Ladies' for a glorious birthday lunch!
I love you all :).



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Stonebridge Fall Festival!

October 31, 2008

Our tradition on October 31st is to go to Stonebridge Community Church's Fall Festival. Our former neighbor and dear friend Dave Zeltner is the worship leader there. Dave is truly the finest musician I know and we were wonderfully surprised when we arrived at the festival to hear his jazz band playing! It was such a joy reconnecting with Dave's wife Karen, his sister Pam and dear mother Mrs. Zeltner. Miri had a blast running around with the Hutchinson children while Bill and I so enjoyed the free concert :). Thank you Lord for a wonderful night!!

Happy Birthday!

October 31, 2008
Happy Birthday Mirielle and Da!!

Today is Mirielle's 11th birthday and she loves that she gets to 'share' her birthday with her Da :)! There are no words to express our love for these two!

May the Lord bless them beyond all they can think or imagine today!!


Happy Birthday!!!!!

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Co-op Celebration!

October 30, 2008

Last night the co-op that Mirielle is in celebrated their end of quarter by putting on a wonderful show! Thank you teachers for all your hard work...it was a wonderful night!!

My brother~

October 28, 2008


Can you join me in prayer for my younger brother Dennis? He's having minor surgery this week. I so love him and pray the Lord will completely heal him- body, soul, mind and spirit. Thank you my friends!

Help!

Okay Ladies... I have a question. I just made a recipe that included 1/2 cup of wine. We didn't have a wine bottle opener- so Jon came to the rescue (see below) with a drill and pliers to get the cork out! In the end we still couldn't get the cork out- but made a big enough hole to pour the 1/2 cup needed :). I know the easy answer is to just go buy a bottle opener- but is there another way to uncork a bottle??? :)


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HomeArama!

October 21,2008

I had a glorious afternoon at The Palisades ~ HomeArama 2008 with my friend Sharon Hawkins today! We had so much fun looking for ideas. Ideas for us are... how do they position their towels? What color paint do they use? How do they position books on bookshelves? :) I hope you enjoy the photos. I wonder what our mansions in heaven will look like???!


Charlotte Extreme Home Makeover

October 22, 2008

Miri has always been a fan of the Extreme Home Makeover Edition TV show. She especially loves to see how the girls rooms turn out :). When the EHME crew arrived in Charlotte this summer- we went to the site... a few times! When we were recently in Philly, Miri was so excited to find out that her Uncle John is actually a driver for the show. He gave her a hat- which she HAD to wear on Sunday to celebrate since the Charlotte episode was airing. Miri celebrated Sunday night with our friend Julie- also a big fan. (Thank you Julie!)
Here are a few pictures we took of the house in the making....along with pictures of one of their biggest fans- Miss Miri.


Apple Picking Fun!

October 21, 2008

Yesterday Miri and I went apple picking at Skytop Apple Orchards with my friend Kim. We had a blast!! I hope you enjoy the pictures. The mountains are so beautiful! http://www.skytoporchard.com/

What are we going to wear tomorrow?

October 17, 2008


Not sure what to put on tomorrow morning?

Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24)

Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)

I also want women to dress...with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

Thank you Barbara Hughes! Help Lord! (Disciplines of a Godly Woman pg. 94-95)

What do our trials mean?


October 14, 2008


Taylor is reading J. I. Packer's Knowing God and asked me to read chapter 9 because he thought it'd encourage me :). Wow did it ever! I especially loved this quote from page 97:
Our Perplexing Trials
“We should not...be too taken aback when unexpected and upsetting and discouraging things happen to us now. What do they mean? Simply that God in his wisdom means to make something of us which we have not attained yet, and He is dealing with us accordingly.

Perhaps He means to strengthen us in patience, good humor, compassion, humility or meekness, by giving us some extra practice in exercising these graces under especially difficult conditions. Perhaps He has new lessons in self-denial and self-distrust to teach us. Perhaps He wishes to break us of complacency, or unreality, or undetected forms of pride and conceit. Perhaps His purpose is simply to draw us closer to Himself in conscious communion with Him; for it is often the case, as all the saints know, that fellowship with the Father and the Son is most vivid and sweet, and Christian joy is greatest, when the cross is heaviest. Or perhaps God is preparing us for forms of service of which at present we have no inkling.”
Lastly on page 98-

" We may be frankly bewildered at things that happen to us, but God knows exactly what He is doing, and what He is after, in His handling of our affairs." Amen!

We love Philly!

October 14, 2008

What a weekend! We praise the Lord for safe travels, beautiful weather, and for allowing us to see so many loved ones! Our weekend started with the long 11 hour drive- but with the breath taking views of the changing leaves and laughter in the car-it was so enjoyable!

Though we arrived quite late at the Whitpan's, we enjoyed a late night visit and then headed to get some sleep. While Bill, Miri and I headed off to Eddie and Heather's wedding Friday afternoon-Jonathan and Taylor were getting ready to go to a semi-formal Friday night-honoring Dave Harvey (senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship church)!

The wedding...Eddie is Bill's sister Sherry's oldest son. This wedding was a joy to attend for many reasons. 1.Because we all love Heather and Eddie! 2. Sherry and husband John live in CA- so we rarely see them 3. Bill's parents and all of his siblings were there! Bill's brother- George-who lives in Colorado is a pastor and helped officiate the wedding. Bill's sister Bette and husband Paul came from Atlanta. What a glorious reunion!

Saturday our family headed to my cousin Mike and his wife Jackie's house. It was such a joy to also see my Mom and Aunt Rita there!! We had a delicious cookout and so enjoyed catching up. Miri LOVES her cousins Rachael and Kara and had a blast.

Saturday night we spent the evening with our dear friends...the Farmers- from Covenant Fellowship! We so treasure them and had a wonderful time catching up. I asked Missy to email me the 'Better than Robert Redford' dessert that Jill made that night. I will be sure to pass it on when I get it. It's so yummy!!

Sunday! What a glorious morning to be at Covenant Fellowship! We attended this church before we moved to Charlotte and had the privilege of seeing Dave Harvey become senior pastor. Today Dave was joyfully passing the baton to Jared Mellinger so to enable Dave to serve Sovereign Grace Ministries full time. (He will remain in Philly) It was a joy seeing Bill Patton honored (who was senior pastor when we first joined the church and Alain Redrup (interim pastor). What a surprise it was to also see Mary Brown! Mary was the one who introduced us to Sovereign Grace about 20 years ago! We saw many dear friends and gave much praise to the Lord for how He is working in and thru the precious people at Covenant Fellowship. We will forever consider this church.... home. ~

There is a rule in our family. You cannot leave Philly without having eaten a Philly cheese steak. Okay...it's MY rule :). After church we enjoyed wonderful fellowship (and a cheese steak) with Jocelyn and Kirk Whitpan (our hosts). They are family to us and we love them so dearly!
We then watched the Eagles win!! Yahoo!... took a long walk and then enjoyed our next rule. We MUST play the Mexican Train with the Whitpan's every time we're with them. It was a blast!!
We then packed up and said our sad goodbye's the next morning. We thank the Lord for such dear friends who live to glorify the Lord thru their lives!

We pray you enjoy our little slide show which captures some of our wonderful times...



Philly or bust!

October 8, 2008


We are so excited to be heading to Philly in the morning! For those who don't know- we lived there for 10 years before we moved to Charlotte.

We are going to be able to see most of Bill's family at Bill's nephew's wedding this Friday... then on Saturday we will be able to see my mom and some of my extended family! On Sunday we're going to our old church- Covenant Fellowship. We are so excited!

We appreciate your prayers for safe travels~

Nana and Da are here!

We love Bill's parents!

They are here for one night while they're on their way to Philly for a wedding.

Take 1

Take 2
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While I'm Waiting~

Bill and I saw the movie, Fireproof, last night. A song in the movie that we were still talking about this morning is titled "While I'm Waiting". I just saw that my friend Cissy just posted it on her blog too! The Lord is using this song for His glory! We are all in a time of waiting with so much uncertain. How are we to wait? Why are we to wait on Him? The Lord tells us in His Word...

Ps. 27:14- Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;wait for the LORD!

Ps. 33:20 -Our soul waits for the LORD;(Why? Because)he is our help and our shield.

Ps. 30:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,and in his word I hope.

May your heart be encouraged as you wait on the Lord...

6 year old piano player :)

A friend from our worship team sent this to me awhile back. We just watched it again and thought you'd enjoy it too! This little boy is precious and gifted. I especially love his hand gestures! (You'll want to pause my blog music before starting the video!)

Hippo what?

October 4, 2008


Hippotherapy!
A helpful definition ...

"Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction. "

Over a year ago my Aunt Rita asked if I'd ever heard of Hippotherapy. I hadn't. She believed Mirielle would greatly benefit - so I told her I'd check into it. While at a homeschool bookstore only a month later, I saw a flier on their bulletin board- advertising Hippotherapy in Mount Holly, NC! I took down the number and called. What transpired next was to me a miracle! The lady who answered the phone was Melinda Kirkpatrick- the owner of Shining Hope Farms. Over 12 years ago Melinda and I carpooled our kids to Resurrection Christian School together. I also taught her 2 girls Jessie and Katie piano. Both our families ended up moving and sadly we lost touch- until I called Shining Hope Farms! It was such a joy to find out that Melinda- who passionately loves the Lord- owns and runs this horse farm! She had an opening for Mirielle to begin right away.

Jessie now works with Miri and what she has been able to accomplish amazes me! I pray you enjoy one of our mornings at Shining Hope Farms!




Did you hear? Citigroup is no more...Wells Fargo is buying Wachovia -or are they? What does this mean for jobs here in Charlotte? The Lord knows! We appreciate your prayers... Here are a few details from Bloomberg.com...

"Wells Fargo said its offer keeps Wachovia intact and needs no U.S. assistance, unlike Citigroup's offer, which relied on financial backing from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Citigroup, the biggest U.S. bank by assets at midyear, said Sept. 29 it planned to buy Wachovia's banking businesses for about $2.16 billion, leaving behind the A.G. Edwards Inc. brokerage and the Evergreen mutual-fund family.

``It provides superior value compared to the previous offer to acquire only the banking operations of the company,'' Richard Kovacevich, 64, chairman of San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, said in the statement. ``Wachovia shareholders will have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the growth and success of a combined Wachovia-Wells Fargo that will be one of the world's great financial services companies.''


"Wells Fargo said it will acquire all of Wachovia's businesses, preferred equity and banking deposits. Chief Financial Officer Howard Atkins said in the statement that the acquisition will add to earnings per share by the third year after completion and should produce an internal rate of return of at least 15 percent. "

Habakkuk





We had quite a morning this morning! Bill and I just sold our car and purchased a used car on Monday (so to get rid of car debt). Bill was on his way to the DMV early this morning to finish the paperwork when he was in an accident. Thank you Lord- though all were a shaken no one was hurt! Sadly our new/used car needs quite a bit of body work. While driving in the tow truck on the way to the body shop, Bill's boss called. Bill had the opportunity to tell her about what we learned thru Habakkuk on Sunday morning. Our pastor Nick reminded us that in the heat of the moment we need to ask ourselves... are we blaming the person or circumstances or are we choosing to trust the Lord and seek Him for wisdom even when we don't understand? Habakkuk chose to preach truth to himself in his fight for faith. Faith is an absorbing preoccupation with God not an absorbing preoccupation with our circumstances. When we live by faith we will experience peace!

Bill hung up the phone and the driver of the tow truck (who had been listening) said "Well brother Bill- you are riding with a pastor!" He then proceeded to hand Bill his card which had a verse on it from- guess where? Yes- Habakkuk! He began to further encourage Bill in the Lord as they drove.
God is reminding us that He is at work! We can trust Him!

September 30, 2008





I am tempted to listen to the voice of fear today so I know it's time to preach truth! We don't know the status of Bill's job with Wachovia but this we know:

YOU ARE NEAR

Verse 1
When the trials come and sorrows fall on me
You are my strength, the ground beneath my feet
When temptation calls to worry about my life
I will place my hope in the cross of Jesus Christ
And joy will be my song Yes joy will be my song

Chorus
For You are near, near to me
You still my anxious thoughts
And You bring Your peace
You are near when I call
You drive out all my fears
And calm this troubled heart
You’re near to me

Verse 2
You told me to rejoice in every circumstance
And trust in You alone and in Your sovereign plan
You beckon me to come and bring You my requests
You promised that Your peace would come and bring me rest
And joy will be my song
Yes joy will be my song


Zach Jones © 2004
Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)


Listen for free on Rhapsody- http://www.rhapsody.com/zachjones

Mocha~

September 27, 2008

After posting a slideshow for each of our children, Mirielle asked if we could now post a slideshow of our dog Mocha :). I am glad to do so! Two years ago we went to see a Border Collie/mix litter at a local rescue- and it didn't take long for all to agree that Mocha was coming home with us. Jonathan, who works for Starbucks, thought she looked like the color of a Mocha Frapp which is how she got her name. :) After much question as to Mocha's mix- our vet believes she is a Border Collie/Chow mix due to her Border build and Chow color and spotted tongue! She has a super sweet personality and is loved by all~


Here we go... our dear dog- Mocha!




Mirielle Renee' Brown!

September 26, 2008

Growing up in an Army family-we lived in many cities and countries. One of the places I lived was Seoul, Korea. While visiting many orphanages there the Lord birthed a desire in my heart regarding adoption. How glorious it was to learn years later that the man I was to marry also desired to adopt!

We began pursuing our adoption in 1998 and initally thought we'd be heading to Korea- but the Lord had another route for us to take! Long story short-we were instead encouraged to look on the Internet for available children. It was there where we saw the first picture of Miri and our hearts leapt! 2 months later we were on a plane to Russia!

Growing up I listened to 2 French Canadian singers- one Gisele McKenzie (yes- where I got my name) and Mirielle Matteau. I always loved the name Mirielle and even loved it more when I found out that it means- "God spoke"!! God indeed spoke from the foundations of the world that this precious girl would be our daughter! I pray you enjoy taking a look at Mirielle's last 10 years!



Taylor~ Our second born son

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Taylor Aubrey Brown was born in Norristown, PA on September 17, 1988. He just turned 20 last week! What makes that day even extra special is September 17th is also Bill's and my wedding anniversary. He made our 5th anniversary quite a memorable one :). (Especially weighing in at 9lbs 2 1/2 oz. ) I pray you enjoy going down memory lane with us!

Blog World

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Due to all our family members living out of the area (as well as several dear friends)- we decided to take the plunge and join "BLOG WORLD"! I look forward to learning from all you blog pros and I pray what is posted here will glorify our Lord and Savior. If not- I invite all readers to serve me by letting me know :).

A dear friend requested that I start by posting from the beginning of my children's lives (much to their dismay)! So we begin with our first born- Jonathan Holt Brown. He was born in Pheonixville, PA on Thanksgiving Day- November 28, 1985- weighing in at 9 lbs. 12 1/2 ounces! (We lovingly and accurately called him our Butterball Turkey :) )


So here we go down memory lane....