Stocking Surprises :)

December 26, 2009

A few years ago Bill and I started a little tradition. If we see something on sale (cheap) that we think would make a fun stocking stuffer for ourselves- we buy it. Each year we lay the few items on our personal stocking come wrapping day. We then mix in the known items with the surprises we've bought for each other.

This year I got quite the surprise! Bill, ready to wrap, grabbed my stocking along with the few items I bought and put them all on my dresser.

Much to my surprise... when opening my stocking gifts on Christmas morning, I not only found the items I purchased... but neatly wrapped were all the Christmas gifts I had already received and opened from my piano and voice students the week before! They had also been laying on my dresser :).

We are still laughing......

Yet...

Dec. 23, 2009

Jesus had no servants,yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree,yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines,yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army,yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles,yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime,yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb,yet He lives today.

The King of Kings, yet born in a stable...

Sing it year round!

December 21, 2009

"Certainly, no one can think that it is wrong for believers,during this season of the year, to express thanks and praise to God for his unspeakable gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is never wrong, but always right to think of him, speak of him,and sing his praise. Rather than not singing Watts’ grand old hymn, Joy To The World, we ought to sing it year round. " AW Pink

Retaining vs. Forgiveness

December 16, 2009

I've been meditating on John 20:23 (Amplified Bible)

23[Now having received the Holy Spirit, and being [a]led and directed by Him] if you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of anyone, they are retained.

I looked up the word retain in the dictionary...

1 a : to keep in possession or use b : to keep in one's pay or service; specifically : to employ by paying a retainer c : to keep in mind or memory : remember 2 : to hold secure or intact

Mark 11:25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Father may we forgive others and not retain their sin! May we not keep their sin in our possession... not holding the memory of their sin securely. May we forgive as you so astoundingly forgive us! What a merciful God!

Taylor News!

December 11, 2009

News flash!

Taylor has a girlfriend!! :)

Family... meet Stephanie Jilek!

We are rejoicing with our boy!!

Christmas Photo

Dec. 3, 2009

While Jon was here over Thanksgiving, we decided to take a family picture. After our Thanksgiving meal we ran outside right before a hail storm in hopes to get a picture for Christmas. Because Dave Ramsey isn't letting us send but a handful of cards this year- I thought I'd post it here :).

From left to right... Jon (24), Mirielle (12), Taylor (21) Me-and Bill

May the Lord bless you all sweetly this week!

Thanksgiving

November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!!

"Is there ever a day in the year, or ever a moment in the day, in which the Christian ought not to be grateful? Our answer is not slow to give—there is never such a day, there is never such a moment. Always receiving blessings untold, and incalculably precious, let us always be magnifying the hand that gives them. Always, beloved; as we have been, before the foundations of the world with our names engraved on the Saviour's hands, always redeemed by the precious blood, always preserved by the power of God which dwells in the Mediator, always secure of the heritage which is given to us in covenant by oath, by the blood of Christ—let us always be grateful, and, if not always singing with our lips, let us always be singing with our hearts." Spurgeon

Extreme Blessing :)

November 16, 2009

Today the Lord blessed Miri with such a fun gift! Her favorite show is Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Though she is often sad when she listens to the hardship these families endure- she is always excited to see the joy they experience when they see their new home! Miri especially loves to see how the girls rooms are decorated :). That said...

Miri's Uncle John is one of Ty's drivers this season. Uncle John knows how much Miri loves the show- so he made a few calls and arranged for Miri and I to sneak behind the scenes of a build going on in Lexington, NC! I got the call at about 12:45 today and we were out the door within 30 minutes in hopes to make it in time for Miri to be able to meet some of her favorite designers. I decided to tell her that we were going on a 'little trip' and that was all :). She had no clue until we parked and she saw someone wearing 'the blue shirt'! We were ushered in via security and were asked to wait in a little food trailer while a certain someone was soon to be ready for a picture. We waited about 15 seconds and we were asked to follow. Miri was soooo excited when out walked Ty Pennington! We got a few pictures and talked about Miri's Uncle John then Ty had to leave.

We then were given passes to walk around- so we decided to go on a 'Designer Hunt'. We walked around and found them all! Again- Miri was so excited! Yes- I was excited too :). We also were told that the singer Jewel and her husband Ty Murray were the celebrities there that week. We were able to watch a shoot of them arriving. Fun fun!

It was a wonderful few hours. God truly blessed my little girl!

(To see the pictures bigger- click on the first one)

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Thankful for the word Superfluous~

November 12, 2009

Rest in the quiet consciousness that all is well. Murmur at nothing which brings you nearer His own loving Presence. Be thankful for your very cares, because you can confidently cast them all upon Him. He has your temporal and eternal "prosperity" too much at heart to appoint one superfluous pang, one needless stroke. Commit therefore, all that concerns you to His keeping, and leave it there. JR MacDuff

superfluous [suːˈpɜːflʊəs]
adj
1. exceeding what is sufficient or required
2. not necessary or relevant; uncalled-for

Amen!

Savings for the holidays...

November 8, 2009

A little diversion from my quote postings!

I posted this on Facebook... it's so funny and creative :). Look at how the house on the right is saving money during the holiday season!

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing..." Proverbs 17:22a

Faith

Nov. 3, 2009

My friend Reesa sent this today-

“It is not faith to trust God as a saint when you feel you are a saint. Faith is to trust Christ as a sinner—while you are conscious that you are a sinner. To come to Jesus and to think yourselves pure, is a sorry coming to Him—but to come with all your impurity—this is true coming.” Spurgeon

I love Oswald Chamber's definition of faith:

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.”

Lastly C.S. Lewis:

“Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods”

Precious to you who believe!

October 27, 2009

We have need of Him . . . when we are dark—to enlighten us;

when we are dull and lifeless—to quicken us;

when we are weak—to strengthen us;

when we are tempted—to support us;

when we have fallen—to raise and restore us;

when we are disquieted with fears—to encourage us;

when we are full of doubts and perplexity—to comfort us and give us peace;

when we are staggering at the promises through unbelief—to increase our faith.

As none but Christ can do these things for us—He must be precious to our souls. "Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7 (John Fawcett 1740-1817)

Just out of reach

October 22, 2009

It took Mocha about 10 minutes to realize this Tree Frog was going to remain... just out of reach :).

If Mocha only knew Psalm 37:4...

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Only aim to glorify Him in it!

October 19, 2009

One of my favorite authors is Octavius Winslow. You can find many of his writings on GraceGems. Learning to be content in all seasons and not being anxious in all seasons require much grace and truth! Mr. Winslow sets my thoughts aright this evening! Thank you Mr. Winslow :).

From Octavius Winslow, Morning Thoughts on Psalm 31:15,
"My times are in your hand."

Let this precious truth divest your mind of all needless, anxious care for the present or the future. Exercising simple faith in God, "Do not be anxious about anything." 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.

Covet, then, to live a life of daily dependence upon God. Oh, it is a sweet and holy life! It saves from many a desponding feeling, from many a corroding care, from many an anxious thought, from many a sleepless night, from many a tearful eye, and from many an imprudent and sinful scheme. Repairing to the "covenant ordered in all things and sure," you may confide children, friends, calling, yourself, to the Lord's care, in the fullest assurance that all their 'times' and yours are in His hand.

Consider it pure joy

October 17, 2009

Having a rough go physically has me aware of my desperate need to count it all joy in trials. Graham Kendrick's song lyrics are speaking Truth to me tonight!

Though trials will come

Don’t fear, don’t run

Lift up your eyes

Hold fast, be strong

Have faith, keep on believing

Lift up your eyes

For God is at work in us

Moulding and shaping us

Out of his love for us

Making us more like Jesus

Consider it joy, pure joy

When troubles come

Many trials will make you strong

Consider it joy, pure joy

And stand your ground

Then at last you’ll wear a crown

Joy, pure joy

Consider it joy, pure joy

Joy, pure joy

Consider it joy, pure joy

Patiently trusting him

Ready for anything’Til we’re complete in him

In everything more like Jesus
Consider it joy, pure joy

NJ/Philly Part 1

Here are a few pictures from our trip up north. Our first stop was Villas, NJ where Mom and Fred are staying. Fred has been working on renovating a home he purchased in the 70's in hopes to live there someday. Bill spent the week helping -which was such a joy for him! Mom, Miri and I tootled around town, hung laundry, took Miri to the beach and read each day. On Thursday we went on a wonderful excursion! (More pictures later)

Saturday afternoon we headed to PA. Covenant Fellowship Church was celebrating their 25th anniversary as a church and were having a celebratory program Saturday night! Several of the bands from different decades came together to play songs from their era... and I was a part of the 1980's band. What a joy it was so see such dear friends and celebrate God's faithfulness!

Here are a few pics. There are more to come!

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Home!

We're just back from a wonderful week in NJ visiting my Mom and Fred! We also had such a joyous time at Covenant Fellowship's 25th anniversary celebration! Pictures will follow once I get some sleep :).

A Letter from 1764

A letter from 1764 brought me comfort today! (A John Newton letter that is) I am battling with something that isn't going my way. There are negative consequences on the outside- revealing fears on the inside. Speak to me John Newton!!

September 1764

My dear Madam,

I understand something of your warfare. Paul describes his own case in few words, "Conflicts on the outside, fears on the inside." Does not this comprehend all you would say? And how are you to know experimentally, either your own weakness—or the power, wisdom and grace of God, seasonably and sufficiently afforded—but by frequent and various trials? How are the graces of patience, resignation, meekness and faith, to be discovered and increased—but by the exercise of trials?

The Lord has chosen, called, and armed us for the fight! Shall we wish to be excused from the battle? Shall we not rather rejoice that we have the honor to appear in such a cause, under such a Captain, such a banner and in such a company?

God has graciously provided:

a complete suit of armor, formidable weapons, precious balm to heal us—if we receive a wound, and precious cordials to revive us—when we are in danger of fainting!

Further, we are assured of the victory beforehand! O what a crown of glory is prepared for every conqueror, which Jesus, the righteous Judge, the gracious Savior—shall place upon every faithful head with His own hand!So let us not be weary and faint, for in due season we shall reap! The time is short! In a little while, the struggle of indwelling sin, and all the conflicts surrounding us, shall be known no more! "Be faithful, even to the point of death—and I will give you the crown of life!" Revelation 2:10

All That's Within Me...

September 27, 2009

I heard a new worship song yesterday written by a local artist Andy Squyres. It is my heart cry tonight!

All That's Within Me

All that's within me cries out for You
Desperate to know Your Spirit and Truth
Open my eyes to see You more
I cannot live without You Lord

'Cause You have loved me with an everlasting love that covers me with grace
I will give you everything that's in me
I will give you all my praise!

I am ruined... I'm undone
Changed forever by Your love

Breathe on me again
Breathe on me again Lord

Tell God~

September 23, 2009

“Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, it's pleasures, and it's pains, to a dear friend. Tell him your troubles, that he may comfort you; tell him your joys, that he may sober them; tell him your longings, that he may purify them; tell him your dislikes, that he may help you conquer them; talk to him of your temptations, that he may shield you from them; show him the wounds of your heart, that he may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.”
~Francis Fenelon

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes!

September 18, 2009

Sadly this past week I judged someone critically without all the facts. Two days later, someone judged me critically without all the facts. The kindness of God displayed! Thank you Lord for forgiveness and this much needed lesson from Ken Sande! Thank you for your Truth that sets the captive free!

Here are a few paragraphs from Lesson 1:

"Instead of judging others critically, God commands us to judge charitably. The church has historically used the word “charitable” as a synonym for the word “loving.” This has resulted in the expression, “charitable judgments.” Making a charitable judgment means that out of love for God, you strive to believe the best about others until you have facts to prove otherwise. In other words, if you can reasonably interpret facts in two possible ways, God calls you to embrace the positive interpretation over the negative, or at least to postpone making any judgment at all until you can acquire conclusive facts."

"Charitable judgments are also required by Jesus’ command in Matthew 7:12, where He sets forth the Golden Rule. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” How do you want others to judge you? Do you want them to believe good about you instead of evil? To interpret your actions in the best possible way? To really try to understand your side of the story before drawing conclusions or talking to others about you? If so, Jesus commands that you do the same for others."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Anniversary/Birthday

September 17, 2009

I just posted on FB- that 21 years ago today Bill and I celebrated 2 different very special occasions... Taylor's birth and our 5th anniversary! We always tell Taylor that our 5th anniversary was our most precious and painful :). How I thank the Lord for my husband and son! God you are so good- so kind!

This is my favorite Taylor pix :)

Shining Hope Farms

September 15, 2009

Miri started back riding at Shining Hope Farms. For those unfamiliar- it is a Hippotherapy Riding Center. They offer therapy for those with varying disabilities. Here are a few pix's from yesterday. We brought Benji- my friend Gail's son. It was a beautiful day!

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911 Testimony

September 11, 2009

8 years ago a friend of mine from highschool died in Tower 1 in New York City. His name was Jimmy Sands. Jimmy's wife, Jennifer, was interviewed a few years ago on CBN. You can watch it here. (You'll want to pause the music below)

God does indeed work all things for good...

The Poor Among Us

Sept. 7, 2009

God is beginning to open my eyes to the poor around me. Not only to those lacking money or material possessions but to those the Forerunner Commentary defines as poor...those “defenseless, afflicted, in want, needy, weak, low, dependent, and socially inferior.” He is asking... who are the poor among you? Are we being an extension of the love of Christ? Oh, may the Lord open our eyes to those He loves!! Amen?

Matthew 25:40 (Amplified Bible)
And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.

"If we truly love Christ, we will care for those who are loved by Him. Those who are dear to Him will be dear to us. Let us then look upon it not as a duty but as a privilege to relieve the poor of the Lord's flock, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, "As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Surely this assurance is sweet enough, and this motive strong enough to lead us to help others with a willing hand and a loving heart- recollecting that all we do for His people is graciously accepted by Christ as done to Himself."

Sufficient Grace

September 3, 2009

Oh what glorious Truth... "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Not your strength, not your wisdom, not your prayers, not your experience; but "My grace"—My free, My matchless grace, independent of all works and efforts, independent of everything in the creature—flowing wholly and solely, fully and freely, out of the bosom of Jesus to . . . the needy, the guilty, the destitute, the undone.

You who are tried in worldly circumstances, who have to endure the hard lot of poverty—"My grace is sufficient for you."

You who are tempted, day by day, to say or do that which conscience testifies against—"My grace is sufficient for you."

You who are harassed with family troubles and afflictions, and are often drawn aside into peevishness and fretfulness—"My grace is sufficient for you."

Our weakness, helplessness, and inability are the very things which draw forth the power, the strength, and the grace of Jesus!Believer, your case is never beyond the reach of the words—"My grace is sufficient for you!"

The free, the matchless, sovereign grace of God,is sufficient for all His people—in whatever state, or stage, or trouble, or difficulty they may be in!"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 Philpot

Crazy Love

August 29, 2009

Recently Bill and I listened to Francis Chan's book- Crazy Love. Life came to a screeching halt when listening. Have you ever had one of those experiences? You're speeding thru life- days turn into months- months into years then something happens (at least temporarily) to give you pause? This is one of those books that wonderfully begs us to 'wake up'.

"Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything."

This is from their website- http://www.thecrazylovebook.com/

You can read Chapter 1 for free here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/13672622/Crazy-Love-Chapter-One

May the Lord awaken us to all He has for us in this life- amen?

His Special Work...

August 26, 2009

A quick update over here! After Jon left we went into hyper mode- getting ready for Special Olympics, preparations for a family reunion, trip to DE for the reunion, tooth problems- long story :), a quick trip to GA for Miri's neuro testing and hours preparing to begin my fall teaching schedule. I find during busy seasons that I am more tempted towards anxiety. I am hungry for Truth to quiet my soul!!

Today's quote is quite a bit longer than usual but oh so good! May the Truth encourage your souls as it has mine!

Spurgeon says...

"The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit." John 14:26
This age is especially the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers us, not by His personal presence, as He shall do in glory—but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Spirit, who is evermore the Comforter of His people. It is His office to console the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; He illuminates and instructs—but still the main part of His work lies . . . in comforting the hearts of the renewed, in confirming the weak, and lifting up all those who are bowed down.

He does this—by revealing Jesus to them! The Holy Spirit consoles—but Christ is the consolation. If we may use the figure, the Holy Spirit is the Physician—but Jesus is the medicine. The Holy Spirit heals the wound—but it is by applying the holy ointment of Christ's grace. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter—but Jesus is the Comfort!

Now, with such rich provision for his need, why should the Christian be sad and desponding? The Holy Spirit has graciously engaged to be your Comforter. Do you imagine, O weak and trembling believer, that He will be negligent of His sacred trust? Can you suppose that He has undertaken what He cannot or will not perform? If it is His special work to strengthen you, and to comfort you—do you suppose He has forgotten His business, or that He will fail in the loving office which He sustains towards you? No! Do not think so harshly of the tender and blessed Spirit, whose name is "the Comforter." He delights to give beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Trust in Him, and He will surely comfort you—until the house of mourning is closed forever—and the marriage feast has begun!

God's Presence!

August 23, 2009

"Troubles will be no troubles, distresses will be no distresses, dangers will be no dangers--if God's presence is with you. Mountains--will be molehills; stabs at the heart--will be as scratches upon the hand; if God's presence is with you. God's special presence will turn . . . storms into calms, winter nights into summer days, prisons into palaces, weakness into strength, poverty into plenty, death into life. Just so, while a Christian enjoys the singular presence of God with him, he will make nothing of this affliction and that affliction, of this trouble and that trouble, of this loss and that loss. God's presence makes . . . heavy afflictions--light, and long afflictions--short, and bitter afflictions--sweet." Thomas Brooks

Sufficient Grace

August 18, 2009

Seek to realize your dependence on grace every moment. "More grace! more grace!" needs to be your continual cry. But the infinite supply is commensurate with the infinite need. The treasury of grace, though always emptying, is always full. The key of prayer which opens it, is always at hand: and the Almighty Bestower of the blessings of grace is always "waiting to be gracious." The recorded promise never can be cancelled or reversed- "My grace is sufficient for you." JR MacDuff

Bring Your Heart~

“Bring your heart with its profoundest emptiness, its most startling discovery of sin, its lowest frame, its deepest sorrow, and sink it into the depths of the Saviour’s love. . . . Christ’s love touching your hard heart, will dissolve it; touching your cold heart, will warm it; touching your sinful heart, will purify it; touching your sorrowful heart, will soothe it; touching your wandering heart, will draw it back to Jesus. Only bring your heart to Christ’s love.” - Octavius Winslow, The Sympathy of Christ

Believe!

August 10, 2009

We have need of Him . . .
when we are dark—to enlighten us;
when we are dull and lifeless—to quicken us;
when we are weak—to strengthen us;
when we are tempted—to support us;
when we have fallen—to raise and restore us;
when we are disquieted with fears—to encourage us;
when we are full of doubts and perplexity—to comfort us and give us peace;
when we are staggering at the promises through unbelief—to increase our faith.
As none but Christ can do these things for us—He must be precious to our souls. "Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7 John Fawcett

Oil and Water

August 5, 2009

"And remember, there are two things that are more utterly incompatible than even oil and water, and these two are trust and worry. Would you call it trust if you should give something into the hands of a friend to attend for you and then spend your nights and days in anxious thought and worry as to whether it would be rightly and successfully done? And can you call it trust, when you have given the saving and keeping of your soul into the hands of the Lord, if day after day, and night after night you are spending hours of anxious thought and questionings about the matter? When a believer really trusts anything, he ceases to worry about that thing which he has trusted. And when he worries, it is plain proof that he does not trust."
- Hannah Whitehall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

Family shot

August 2, 2009

Jon came home this weekend to get a few more of his things. Here's a quick shot right before he headed back down to sunny Florida :). Safe trip my son- we love you!!

They're home!

July 29, 2009

Thank you Lord- Shawnda and Jeremiah are home!! God is sooooo good!

As Miri said "He's the cutest thing ever!"

Missing Jon...

July 26, 2009

Friday morning we met for family devotions and because we were out of town last week- this was our first meeting without Jon. In the middle of our meeting Miri suddenly blurted out, "We lost Jon!" :)

We are missing our boy!

Here's a shot of Miri and Mocha on Jon's bed... missin' their boy!

Zachary Thomas Ross is here!

July 25, 2009

Thank you Lord!

Hilary and Greg's first precious child

arrived today weighing in at

6lbs 13 oz.

Welcome sweet one!!

July 24, 2009

"God will see to it

that we are in circumstances

that are best designed

by His sovereign love

to give us opportunities

to bear fruit for Him."

~Elisabeth Elliot

As you trust in Him...

July 21, 2009

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We're Home!

July 20, 2009

We had a wonderful weekend at the NC State Fairgrounds! I came away ever so grateful for the Special Olympics. To see the joy on these children's faces when they'd each get a ribbon or medal was precious! There were many emotions over the weekend. To see up close what challenges families face each day brought me to tears. To see family members bending over backwards to encourage each rider also brought me to tears. They were a family...understanding some of what it means to have a child with special needs. We were privileged to be there- to be a part.

Miri was a bit nervous to ride in the big arena but even though she had to change horses last minute- she did well. She was so funny- she won 2 third place ribbons which were her favorite color- yellow. She had 2 more classes to compete in and only wanted yellow :). She got a 4th place ribbon (white) but then rode her best in the last class (equitation) and got another yellow! Thank you Lord!

Sadly we had major camera struggles so these are the only shots that turned out. Bill did take video and another mom is getting me a CD of the pictures she took. If I get more I'll post them soon!

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Special Olympics Here We Come!

July 16, 2009

Early tomorrow morning we meet up with the Mecklenberg team at Lifespan where we'll begin our trek to the NC State Fair Grounds where Mirielle will compete in the Special Olympics on horse back! She's so excited as are we.

Will you please pray...

1. For safety for the team

2. That Mirielle will not feel pressure to perform. We just want her to have fun!

3. That Dolly (the horse Miri's riding) will respond to Miri's prompts. She's an older horse who at times decides she's 'done'. Hmmm... kinda like me! :)

We'll post pictures when we return!

Miri on Dolly~

July 16, 2009

"We can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future.” Kevin DeYoung

Day 1

July 13, 2009

I remember being aware when Jonathan was born- that one day he'd leave home. Grasping the fact that today is that day?? Impossible! I believe I will always be one of those mom's who make it a point to tell new moms to enjoy their children because it'll fly by. It really does.

I am so grateful to the Lord for all that has taken place over these past few weeks. Many wonderful memories were made- but the one that stands out most is our dinner on Day 9.

Today was indeed surreal! I truly sensed the grace of God at work- thank you to those who prayed! We started our day all rising around 6ish. As Jon was ready to head downstairs he went in to wake Miri. This was precious :)

The first thing she asked was- "Is there lightening?"~Due to the flash from the camera :)

Jon put the last few things in his car... then sat down to breakfast with Bill.

I love this shot... my 3 men!

This is the "DON'T LEAVE" shot!

My 3 kids :)

Miri was so funny! She said she wanted a "Don't leave" shot!!

As Jon was getting ready to leave I started crying so Miri said "Don't worry Mom- it's going to be okay! Jon will be close to Disney!" She then said "And you still got him!" (Pointing to Bill :) ) We laughed and laughed which so helped as I took this shot...

And this one...

How I thank the Lord for the privilege of being the mother of Jonathan Holt Brown!

"We can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future.” Kevin DeYoung

Bill and Gisele

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