Getting ready for our 4th wedding...

Well, once again I am sorry for waiting so long to write to you. My life seems to be getting a little more hectic with each passing day. I went to Sam's Club this week and as of WednesdayIam now an Official member!!! I purchased lots of plates, cups, napkins etc..... and just walked around the store looking at everything ( It was a little overwhelming),but slowly I am getting things done. Last night, my husband Don went to get fitted for his Tuxedo, and it seemed like we were just there ,not too long ago.(last Nov. our son Jeremy was married) The lady made a comment " You get to have another big party"!!!It is busy and so exciting at the same time!!!I am learning once again to Hang tight to Jesus for His wisdom over every decision we are making, and praying that He will be glorified through our family. Just thinking about what God has done in the lives of my children brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my heart!!He has been so faithful to our family!!!So, please be patient with me in this busy season, I will try to keep in touch, and keep us in your prayers for this precious wedding ofour beloved Laura and her husband-to-be,Lew!!!

"Helicopter mothers?????

Last night I attended a lecture where Charissa's dean, Dr. Jean Coley, from McDaniel College spoke about "today's generation" of College students and what they expect from colleges. She said the"Baby boomer parents" have become "helicopter parents":they hover over their children.She told us that a parent had called her this week to complain that "her son was not getting enough time on the basketball court"???????? As I sat and listened (She was a great speaker)I remembered reading a book when my children were small about"Letting go" and how it begins the moment the baby's cord is cut, at birth. There are stages in a child's life where you learn to loosen and tighten and it's a difficult process, but SO NECESSARY!! If parents don't start when the child is young, there can be major problems when they leave home. Dr. Coley said that today's generation have a hard time dealing with the transition of responsibility and being on their own, because the parents won't "let go". As a Christian, it's important to teach our children"God's Ways" (Duet. 6) and point them to Jesus and the Cross. And with the different stages of our childrens'lives God will give us His Grace and Wisdom in how and when to let go. The challenge is difficult but necessary to prepare our children for life. Do you hover????????

Waiting is good...........

For all of my friends who are "waiting", maybe for a new job??? or waiting for a raise???Waiting on God for a husband, or maybe a new addition to your family??? I have great news!!! Waiting is GOOD. It develops areas of our heart that nothing else can touch! This morning in my quiet time, I read a quote from Charles Spurgeon that encouraged my heart!!!"A delayed blessing tests men, and proves their mettle, whether their faith is of that precious kind which can endure the fire". In thefirst book of Peter, it talks about this testing,that " just as the fire tests and purifies gold, so our Faith when tested by fire"will bring praise and honor and glory on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Pet. 1 : 7 ) This summer I read an Awesome book by Randy Alcorn " Safely Home" a novel about the persecution in China, and picked up a new motto for my life through one of the characters,Quan :"Real gold fears no fire" I hope this will bless and encourage you today if you are "Waiting"

Joseph and his coat of many colors

Today , in Preschool I taught the children about Joseph and his "coat of many colors". When I started to talk about the mean, jealous, brothers and their plan to get rid of Joseph, the children had a look of dismay, but I reminded them that even though bad things were happening to Him, Joseph always "trusted in the Lord", and God had a plan for his life!!!When I was finished ,I felt that the Holy Spirit was gently tapping me on the shoulder,reminding me of the very words I had just spoken to the preschoolers.Trusting God is easy,when all is going well, isn't it? But the real test comes when trials keep a comin' and we're praying and we don't see the answer in sight. The Lord is so good to remind us to trust Him. I truely felt like He was teaching me today, as I was teaching His little ones!! Thanks, Papa for the reminder!!!!By your Grace, I will trust You!

A "Dueteronomy 8" week

Well, if any of you are familiar with the above book of the Bible, you will know that this is a time of testing in the Ellis household. Last Friday, when my husband,Don , arrived home from work, oil was squirting all over the driveway, in the garage, and under his car( not a good sign).With a wedding coming up in a few months ( Laura- Lew,Dec. 16th),and our youngest just sent off to college, I am comforting myself by meditating on God's word and yes reminding Him that "Yes Lord, you own it all, the silver and gold is yours and the cattle on a thousand hills'!!!Today, they towed our blazer away and will begin putting a new engine in this week. Don and I prayed today that God would pour out His blessings on our family ,so we can't even contain them all (Mal. 3) It is definitely a walk of faith( not of sight) but over and over, so many times God in His love and mercy has come through for us ,in our time of need. So, thanks, Moses for this precious book!!!It encourages my heart and teaches me to trust God, not my feelings!!!!