I am thankful today and always for my Saviour dying on the cross for ME!! I am also thankful that Christ is coming again............ Enjoy!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Incredible kids day!!
I heard that today was Incredible kids day!!!
Here are my Incredible kids!!
Nikolas
Caleb
Heather
Hannah (I couldn't find any newer pictures on the computer for some reason)
Katie
I still marvel at the way God put our family together!!!! I love you guys!!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
My niece's wedding reception!!
My niece, Sarah, was married this past New Year's eve in Hawaii.
A week ago Saturday was the wedding reception (I know I am so late but no time to blog just read!!)
It was a very nice time!!
A week ago Saturday was the wedding reception (I know I am so late but no time to blog just read!!)
It was a very nice time!!
I am so blessed to have wonderful inlaws. We had to all
wear these shell necklaces! Nate was not happy!!! His picture
Did not show up well!!
Sunrise!!
This was today's sunrise!! It was just beautiful!!!! The picture
Does not begin to do it justice.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Anonymous gift!!
Yesterday Nate and I had a nice surprise waiting in our mailbox at church!!!
We received one of those wonderful Day spring Faith forward cards and the song was
Chris Tomlin's "How great is our God"
Inside of the card was a 50$ gift certificate from Circuit city! My jaw dropped! I was speechless for a few minutes. (That says a lot for those of you who know me) It brought tears to me eyes. The card was not signed but you can bet I tried to decipher the writing on the envelope! We do not know who this is from but if you read my blog or you know the person who does please tell them thank you from us!!
We thank you so much!!!! It was such a nice surprise and blessing from God!!! I think Anonymous gifts are the most fun thing in the world but I would love to thank that person!! LOL
Thank you, thank you!!!!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Free to fly award!
Thanks Diane for the award!!
It reads like this:
I have wanted to be able to make an award that I could share with some of those blogs that consistently make me laugh, make me think,and inspire me to grow and to reach.The types of blogs that do this for me have a few things in common.Like a butterfly becomes beautiful,by living a quiet life, hidden for a season,while beauty develops on the inside.That same butterfly has to go through a season of struggle before it is Free to Fly!Once it IS Free to Fly,that butterfly NOW has a beauty we all are blessed to see.Everywhere the butterfly goes,it spreads pollen and makes it possible for flowers to bloom and fruit to be developed.You could say it leaves a trail of life in its wake!What a beautiful thought!Butterflies don't go around trying to be beautiful.They don't say "hey, look at me".They just ARE, they just DO, they just LIVE.All that time spent hidden in a cocoon,was not wasted.The time and effort spent struggling to get out of the cocoon made the butterfly strong and ABLE to fly!I have been blessed to find many women through blogging,who have allowed the struggles of a hidden life,serving in ways that are often unseen and seemingly inconsequential(judging from their lack of entourage, paparazzi, and assistants!That IS what our culture uses as the standard for recognizing importance, right?)to make them strong, make them able to find the humor,able to see the big picture and to find the purpose in the everyday matters of investing in the lives around us.Their ability to focus on the things that REALLY matter,and to allow the struggles of life to strengthen them,leaves everyone they come in contact with a deposit of "pollen".A little dose of the grace that is unique to them,which adds wisdom, humor, truth and just a little whiff of the fragrance of Christ that is unique to them!They are some wives or mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and nieces.They fulfill all sorts of roles in and outside the home.In their church and outside their church.The world is a more beautiful and abundant place because of the daily choices they make.There are two scriptures for this - they work together:"He has made everything beautiful in its time.He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds[a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy],yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."Ecclesiastes 3:11&John 10:10"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.I came that they may have and enjoy life,and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."
Now I need to pass it on to 5 wonderful people who inspire me:
I have wanted to be able to make an award that I could share with some of those blogs that consistently make me laugh, make me think,and inspire me to grow and to reach.The types of blogs that do this for me have a few things in common.Like a butterfly becomes beautiful,by living a quiet life, hidden for a season,while beauty develops on the inside.That same butterfly has to go through a season of struggle before it is Free to Fly!Once it IS Free to Fly,that butterfly NOW has a beauty we all are blessed to see.Everywhere the butterfly goes,it spreads pollen and makes it possible for flowers to bloom and fruit to be developed.You could say it leaves a trail of life in its wake!What a beautiful thought!Butterflies don't go around trying to be beautiful.They don't say "hey, look at me".They just ARE, they just DO, they just LIVE.All that time spent hidden in a cocoon,was not wasted.The time and effort spent struggling to get out of the cocoon made the butterfly strong and ABLE to fly!I have been blessed to find many women through blogging,who have allowed the struggles of a hidden life,serving in ways that are often unseen and seemingly inconsequential(judging from their lack of entourage, paparazzi, and assistants!That IS what our culture uses as the standard for recognizing importance, right?)to make them strong, make them able to find the humor,able to see the big picture and to find the purpose in the everyday matters of investing in the lives around us.Their ability to focus on the things that REALLY matter,and to allow the struggles of life to strengthen them,leaves everyone they come in contact with a deposit of "pollen".A little dose of the grace that is unique to them,which adds wisdom, humor, truth and just a little whiff of the fragrance of Christ that is unique to them!They are some wives or mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and nieces.They fulfill all sorts of roles in and outside the home.In their church and outside their church.The world is a more beautiful and abundant place because of the daily choices they make.There are two scriptures for this - they work together:"He has made everything beautiful in its time.He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds[a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy],yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."Ecclesiastes 3:11&John 10:10"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.I came that they may have and enjoy life,and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."
Now I need to pass it on to 5 wonderful people who inspire me:
Actually it will again be more than 5 so I am sending this award to all the women in my first post!!!
You make my day!
Cheri game me this wonderful award! Thank you!!
"The rules for the “You Make My Day” award are to re-present it to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blog land. Let them know through email or by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times, and if you do, consider yourself really, really loved. So to pass it on and keep the love going."I'm passing this on to:
Yes I know that is more than 10! However these women reallly make my day!!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Stress Part 2
I feel much better today! I think this weekend just wore me out. Part of it was I had a sick husband on top of things. We also spent the day yesterday watching Haiti videos that we received on Sunday from on of the team members. See the Carribean really did wonders for me! LOL
Seriously. Nikolas has a mood ring and I put it on and it was completly black. After watching the Haiti videos it went to completey green. Which means calm. It was quite comical. Hard to imagine that a country torn up such as Haiti can make me feel so calm.
Thank you for all the wonderful verses!! I love them and it it is so good to be reminded that God is indeed in control ALL the time!! I love that because there are times I do not want to be in control and I can jus rest on His wings!!
I also had a very good friend, Tammy, remind of something in a book we are all reading or have read.
It is called the Heavenly man. It is a wonderful, powerful testimony of a man who they call Brother Yun. He was a leader in he house churches in China and has been persecuted many, many times for his faith. I reommend this book to everyone.
Anyways this is what Tammy reminded me of and will give me lots to think and pray about.
We were talking about the Heavenly Man book where Brother Yun is told that he needs to put Christ first, then his family, and THEN his ministry. I think that's a tough one for a lot of us. Ministries (or "programs") kind of take priority sometimes.
Thanks for that reminder, Tammy! I know I cannot do it all. I know I need to ask for help!
By the way, Tammy, what are you doing next Monday! LOL its time time set up the next kingdom cove rotation!!! :)
May you all have a blessed day!!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Stress!
I cannot seem to figure out why I feel so much stress lately. I do NOT have seasonal depression. I am very happy to stay in my warm little house. I would love to see how warm weather but I just think that life has just been too busy with too much on our plate. We had a talk about this at home group last night.
I think back to this past weekend and how much I crammed in. It was all wonderful stuff. It was all stuff that was glorifying to the Lord. However how much is too much. I had not one minute to spare this entire weekend.
What are some ways that you are all able to really truly de stress. One of my favorite ways is to take many hot showers!! :) They have to be HOT!! Anyways if you could all share with me some of your favorite bible verses that help you to de stress I would be grateful!! I know I have a few good friends out there that can use this as well.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mercy Me. "Here I am send me"
this song really touched me! This explains fully where my heart lies. I do not know where it will lead but I am excited about finding out where God wants me and my family!! I just know I want us fully open to God's call! Are you?!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Random pictures from our weekend
his picture taken and it took me several shots to get him.
any snow where we were!!!
My Baby is 7 years old!!
Saturday Caleb turned 7!!
My mom and dad even brought presents with and had gotten him a cake!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Bathroom pictures
Pictures do not do it justice. It was hard to get good shots! Guess you will all just have to come and see it!!! The kids are super excited. It looks so nice.
We will see you next week! Hopefully I will have pictures of our hotel stay!
Have a great weekend!!
Weekend Getaway!!!
Every year as part of our Christmas present my parents give us a weekend at a hotel with the whole family. My Brother and his 4 kids come too. Each year we do or go somewhere different.
This year we are going to the Farmstead in Shipsewanna, Indiana. This is one of our favorites. We go swimming, sit in the hot tub, have ping pong tournaments, We play card games. Our favorite is called Scum! LOL We have a great time and lots of laughs. We even get to do some shopping!!!!
Also for those of you wondering my girl's bathroom is looking awesome! At least I think so!!! I so appreciate my FIL. I believe he will be finishing up today and after I get it cleaned up I will take my pictures. I may not get them posted until Monday or Tuesday though so hang on!!
We may also just end up taking the carpet up and tiling the floor. I would be SO excited about that!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Girl's bathroom
My father-in-law is coming to paint ur girls bathroom. these are the before pictures. It was so plain. the girls have a few picture tiles in their tub and the colors are a purple color, green color, blue color and maroon color. We are going to do it in the purple color and green color. on the tile the colors look beautiful togethe. I cannot wait to see how it turns out!!!! Now if only we could afford the tile and the new cabinets and a new tub........ I could go on but I am just happy to change the color and make it pretty!!! I will post the new pictures when its done!!!
Have great snow day today!!!
Have great snow day today!!!
Monday's photos
This picture is off of our great room looking onto the deck.It is just unbelievable!!!!
Caleb and his friend Ryan playing on the computer
Nate warming up after work!!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The last of my 300 things
I hope I have not bored you to tears by now with my big list!!
Here is the last of it:
Enjoy!
201. When we stepped in the front doors we could already feel a difference.
202. The praise time was AWESOME and still is!!
203. During the service Nathan and I were just in awe. The message was awesome and hit us so hard
204. It was real and it was the truth and it was wonderful
205. We both left crying and for the first time knew what it felt like to be in the Holy Spirit!
206. We have gone to Lighthouse ever since and I am forever grateful for the friends I have met there
207. The summer of 2005 I became the Kingdom Cove director
208. Our Sunday school consists of 5 different rotations each 5 weeks
209. The children learn the same lesson in 5 different ways and the kids love it
210. We have different rotations each month
211. Cooking, computer, movie, art, science, storytelling, drama, etc…
212. Its has been a blessing to work with the children and getting me out of my comfort zone (A big thanks to Tammy for coming along side me and helping me out!!)
213. October, 26th 2005 it was our 15th anniversary.
214. We had enough airline miles that we could get two free tickets in the US
215. It was a hard time deciding but we ended up going to Bar Harbor, Maine
216. We had such an awesome time!! We had one problem that we were so sad about.
217. We missed the last whaling boat of the year by 25 minutes.
218. The same weekend was tough for me.
219. I found out my grandpa passed away while I was in Maine.
220. He had gotten sick the night before we left and ended up in the hospital while we were gone
221. It was so hard. We arrived home at 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon and the first viewing was at 6:00pm
222. August 2005 we had our last post placement done for Russia. Russia requires check ups on the kids for 3 years.
223. At the same time our wonderful social worker asked us if we were done adopting. I said yes but would if God called us too.
224. Nate opened his mouth and said well we had always thought about adding a little girl from China to our family.
225. Our SW’s eyes got real big and said really! I have a little girl I thought would be perfect for your family.
226. Oh boy! We told her to send us her info on Tuesday (we were camping as it was Labor day)
227. Tuesday morning we got her picture and info. After a month of really discerning adopting this
Little girl we knew for a fact God wanted her in our home. It was so clear.
228. We ended up receiving 3 grants. One from Steven Curtis Chapman.
229. God totally blessed that whole adoption.
230. During this adoption Nate got a call that would really change our lives.
231. Friends became missionaries in Haiti. They needed a plumber to finish the plumbing in their house.
232. I was a little upset at first because supposedly we would be going to China at anytime.
233. After much prayer Nate really felt called to go and so we agreed and he left a week later.
234. The day he agreed to go to Haiti we found out that someone had donated $5000 to our Bethany account. God provided big time!
235. Nathan had an awesome week and so many miracles occur.
236. He came home not knowing what was up but God was moving and he wondered if he should lead trips down.
237. June of 2006. We traveled to China to adopt Hannah.
238. Her birthday was June 10 and we were able to at least be in her country on her birthday
239. Her adoption day was such a breeze. It was June 13th and it took 5 minutes. All we had to do was swear to love her.
240. June 14th 2000 was Hannah’s finding day (this was the day the orphanage found her in front of a factory)
241. June 14 2006 we were able to visit the exact spot she was found. 6 years to do the day
242. It still gives me chills thinking about the timing of it
243. We spent two weeks in China and had so much fun.
244. Heather was able to travel with us due to her grades and she LOVED every minute of it
255. It was a blessing to us also because Hannah really liked her and would follow everything she did
256. In November Nate lead his first team to Haiti. It was amazing! He came home just filled with what God was doing and he felt right in the middle of God’s will
257. At first he wanted to move us all down there. However he did not feel at the time that is what God wanted him to do.
258. February 2007. I was able to travel with Nate on my first mission trip to Haiti.
259. I was a little hesitant when I first arrived in the country but ended up loving it so much
260. When I am in Haiti I feel like I am right where God wants me to be.
261. I do not feel the same hesitancy there that I do here when talking to new people.
262. August of 2007. I was able to travel back to Haiti again for a wonderful VBS trip
263. There were 17 of us in all.
264. We did 2 different sets of VBS
265. The first day we did Jesus birth and the 2nd was on Easter
266. The kids loved it.
267. I helped in the movie rotation showing the Jesus film in Kreyol
268. It was amazing watching the kids get the actual message and get excited that Jesus is alive.
269. We also did a carnival and ended up with over 600 people there.
270. It was chaos but over all it went well.
271. We should have run out of food but we NEVER did!! Fishes and loaves anyone?!!
272. That trip really changed my thoughts and how everyone should at least once do some kind of mission trip. Whether in the states or out of the country. God blessings are amazing.
273. In October 2007 we celebrated our 17th anniversary!
274. I wonder if our parents truly find that amazing! LOL
275. Only by the Grace of God are we still together after a rough beginning.
276. January/February 2008 Nate led another team of 13 to Haiti. It was his 5th trip
277. They had flights cancelled on the way down to Haiti and one the way back
278. On the way home there were no hotel rooms left and so they had to stay in the airport.
279. They had brought tents to Haiti as at one point had planned to stay overnight in the mountains
280. That didn’t happen but God knew they would need those tents anyways.
281. They set up a huge tent in the Miami airport
282. It sounds like it was a huge hit!! LOL
283. The day Nate came home we traveled to Dundee Michigan to a water park
284. Instead of doing Christmas presents this year we told them we do something different and fun
285. Believe it or not they were very on board with this idea
286. So we spent 2 nights and 3 days at Splash Universe. We had a great time.
287. We even went and had lunch at Cabelas next door and they were able to watch them feed the fish
288. We came home to another snowstorm.
289. I do not know about you but I am sick to death of snow.
290. One thing I find that is a huge blessing is that every Tuesday I get together with 3 friends and whatever kids we have home that day. We can be real with each other and know we will not offend.
You guys are such a HUGE blessing to me!!! Thank you for your friendship!
291. Lets see what else can I say
292. I have been an Avon rep now for almost 5 years
293. I started just for a little income and now I am actually doing very well.
294. In 5 months I will be heading back to Haiti for my 3rd trip.
295. The friends we have made down there and from here just from these trips is so amazing!
296. I almost forgot in November of 2007 we made a trip to Minnesota
297. Our good friends the Livesays were on a furlough from Haiti and were going to have a graduation ceremony for their daughter Britt.
298. Diane and Tory Westrick traveled with us and we had soooo much fun!!!
299. I want to thank all of you that God has brought into my life!! You are all a huge blessing to me!!
300. Congratulations for reading all of this!! It had started out as 300 things about me but turned more into a story. At least it’s done!!! Hope you enjoyed it!!
Here is the last of it:
Enjoy!
201. When we stepped in the front doors we could already feel a difference.
202. The praise time was AWESOME and still is!!
203. During the service Nathan and I were just in awe. The message was awesome and hit us so hard
204. It was real and it was the truth and it was wonderful
205. We both left crying and for the first time knew what it felt like to be in the Holy Spirit!
206. We have gone to Lighthouse ever since and I am forever grateful for the friends I have met there
207. The summer of 2005 I became the Kingdom Cove director
208. Our Sunday school consists of 5 different rotations each 5 weeks
209. The children learn the same lesson in 5 different ways and the kids love it
210. We have different rotations each month
211. Cooking, computer, movie, art, science, storytelling, drama, etc…
212. Its has been a blessing to work with the children and getting me out of my comfort zone (A big thanks to Tammy for coming along side me and helping me out!!)
213. October, 26th 2005 it was our 15th anniversary.
214. We had enough airline miles that we could get two free tickets in the US
215. It was a hard time deciding but we ended up going to Bar Harbor, Maine
216. We had such an awesome time!! We had one problem that we were so sad about.
217. We missed the last whaling boat of the year by 25 minutes.
218. The same weekend was tough for me.
219. I found out my grandpa passed away while I was in Maine.
220. He had gotten sick the night before we left and ended up in the hospital while we were gone
221. It was so hard. We arrived home at 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon and the first viewing was at 6:00pm
222. August 2005 we had our last post placement done for Russia. Russia requires check ups on the kids for 3 years.
223. At the same time our wonderful social worker asked us if we were done adopting. I said yes but would if God called us too.
224. Nate opened his mouth and said well we had always thought about adding a little girl from China to our family.
225. Our SW’s eyes got real big and said really! I have a little girl I thought would be perfect for your family.
226. Oh boy! We told her to send us her info on Tuesday (we were camping as it was Labor day)
227. Tuesday morning we got her picture and info. After a month of really discerning adopting this
Little girl we knew for a fact God wanted her in our home. It was so clear.
228. We ended up receiving 3 grants. One from Steven Curtis Chapman.
229. God totally blessed that whole adoption.
230. During this adoption Nate got a call that would really change our lives.
231. Friends became missionaries in Haiti. They needed a plumber to finish the plumbing in their house.
232. I was a little upset at first because supposedly we would be going to China at anytime.
233. After much prayer Nate really felt called to go and so we agreed and he left a week later.
234. The day he agreed to go to Haiti we found out that someone had donated $5000 to our Bethany account. God provided big time!
235. Nathan had an awesome week and so many miracles occur.
236. He came home not knowing what was up but God was moving and he wondered if he should lead trips down.
237. June of 2006. We traveled to China to adopt Hannah.
238. Her birthday was June 10 and we were able to at least be in her country on her birthday
239. Her adoption day was such a breeze. It was June 13th and it took 5 minutes. All we had to do was swear to love her.
240. June 14th 2000 was Hannah’s finding day (this was the day the orphanage found her in front of a factory)
241. June 14 2006 we were able to visit the exact spot she was found. 6 years to do the day
242. It still gives me chills thinking about the timing of it
243. We spent two weeks in China and had so much fun.
244. Heather was able to travel with us due to her grades and she LOVED every minute of it
255. It was a blessing to us also because Hannah really liked her and would follow everything she did
256. In November Nate lead his first team to Haiti. It was amazing! He came home just filled with what God was doing and he felt right in the middle of God’s will
257. At first he wanted to move us all down there. However he did not feel at the time that is what God wanted him to do.
258. February 2007. I was able to travel with Nate on my first mission trip to Haiti.
259. I was a little hesitant when I first arrived in the country but ended up loving it so much
260. When I am in Haiti I feel like I am right where God wants me to be.
261. I do not feel the same hesitancy there that I do here when talking to new people.
262. August of 2007. I was able to travel back to Haiti again for a wonderful VBS trip
263. There were 17 of us in all.
264. We did 2 different sets of VBS
265. The first day we did Jesus birth and the 2nd was on Easter
266. The kids loved it.
267. I helped in the movie rotation showing the Jesus film in Kreyol
268. It was amazing watching the kids get the actual message and get excited that Jesus is alive.
269. We also did a carnival and ended up with over 600 people there.
270. It was chaos but over all it went well.
271. We should have run out of food but we NEVER did!! Fishes and loaves anyone?!!
272. That trip really changed my thoughts and how everyone should at least once do some kind of mission trip. Whether in the states or out of the country. God blessings are amazing.
273. In October 2007 we celebrated our 17th anniversary!
274. I wonder if our parents truly find that amazing! LOL
275. Only by the Grace of God are we still together after a rough beginning.
276. January/February 2008 Nate led another team of 13 to Haiti. It was his 5th trip
277. They had flights cancelled on the way down to Haiti and one the way back
278. On the way home there were no hotel rooms left and so they had to stay in the airport.
279. They had brought tents to Haiti as at one point had planned to stay overnight in the mountains
280. That didn’t happen but God knew they would need those tents anyways.
281. They set up a huge tent in the Miami airport
282. It sounds like it was a huge hit!! LOL
283. The day Nate came home we traveled to Dundee Michigan to a water park
284. Instead of doing Christmas presents this year we told them we do something different and fun
285. Believe it or not they were very on board with this idea
286. So we spent 2 nights and 3 days at Splash Universe. We had a great time.
287. We even went and had lunch at Cabelas next door and they were able to watch them feed the fish
288. We came home to another snowstorm.
289. I do not know about you but I am sick to death of snow.
290. One thing I find that is a huge blessing is that every Tuesday I get together with 3 friends and whatever kids we have home that day. We can be real with each other and know we will not offend.
You guys are such a HUGE blessing to me!!! Thank you for your friendship!
291. Lets see what else can I say
292. I have been an Avon rep now for almost 5 years
293. I started just for a little income and now I am actually doing very well.
294. In 5 months I will be heading back to Haiti for my 3rd trip.
295. The friends we have made down there and from here just from these trips is so amazing!
296. I almost forgot in November of 2007 we made a trip to Minnesota
297. Our good friends the Livesays were on a furlough from Haiti and were going to have a graduation ceremony for their daughter Britt.
298. Diane and Tory Westrick traveled with us and we had soooo much fun!!!
299. I want to thank all of you that God has brought into my life!! You are all a huge blessing to me!!
300. Congratulations for reading all of this!! It had started out as 300 things about me but turned more into a story. At least it’s done!!! Hope you enjoyed it!!
Friday, February 15, 2008
What Color Rose Are You?
I saw this on Diane's blog and Tammy's blog! Thought I should try it! finally something that says I am gentle and sweet! LOL
| You Are a Light Pink Rose |
 Your vibe: Kind and gentle Falling in love with you: is like falling in love with a best friend |
What Color Rose Are You?
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