A day of fun at the gym.............

When I mentioned above "the gym" I'm not refering to a place for adults but a gym filled with little tots!!!!Today, our class (both am and pm ) took a field trip to Hill's gym. After all the normal preparations, shoes and socks off, going potty etc... we were off for one straight hour of fun!!! My very favorite part was jumping on the long trampoline ( kind of looks like a mini runway) with the kids, and jumping in the big pit from a rope ( like Tarzan). The kids loved it and it was perfect timing for a cold, snowy winter day (when kids need to get outside but can't) Some of the smiles I observed were precious and just seeing their excitement to try new things made it a very special day. I must say, spending time with these little ones certainly does have great benefits, mainly just keeps the heart young. You forget about all the complexities of life and are free to laugh, giggle, make silly sounds and they still love you!!!! It was a great day, and tomorrow we get to go back for one more trip :-) Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Words from an empty nester...........

Well, today was a fun day, we celebrated Priscila's birthday and Charissa's "going back to college" day.There was lots of chattering at the dinner table, laughing,fun, and then as the snow began to fall, I realized we had to get on the road( no more dragging the feet)We packed up my van (it looked like we were moving:-) and then on our way drove to Mcdaniel College, Westminister, Md. After we unloaded the car, I hugged Charissa tight, told her I loved her, prayed for her ,and left so that she could get ready for her early class tomorrow. It is truely amazing how God has given me so much joy in this season of my life. Of course I will miss her, but it is so exciting to be able to see my children "walking in the truth" I feel privledged to watch them grow into God's plans and calling. The funniest thing that I have noticed is that the things that irritate you the most are what you miss after they leave home .The messy bathrooms,dirty tub(after Sam came home from the marines,my tub looked like a pig sty)the dirty dishes in the sink... and on and on. But we have lots of memories to enjoy, and more fun times to look forward to.... So, as I sign off, there are no tears on this side of the fence, just smiles, as I bask in the goodness of our God.

A word on fasting.......

I would like to share with you a devotional from"Besides the still waters "that really encouraged me about fasting: "The Lord asks a pointed question in Isaiah 58:6. He was not pleased with the way the Jewish peaple fasted.Theirs was a formal fast which they did only because that certain day was a special day to fast. It was kept in much the same way as the feasts were kept. There is a wrong way and a right way to fast. The Lord says the right way to fast is to have a burden, when something is heavy on our hearts. We fast then because this burden takes priority , to the point that food takes second place. The Lord knows our attitude, and He takes note of it.
Isaiah 58:8 tells us that fasting will affect three areas in our lives.Fasting will affect us mentally, helping us to think clearly; it will affect our physical health; and it will enhance our spiritual life.
It is not in vain to refrain from food for a day ot two, or even more. The Lord will richly reward us for it.
Mean business with God- Fast! "
As I ponder this, I can recall many times when God has prompted my by His Holy Spirit to fast for certain situations that were "burdens" weighing heavily on my heart, and amazingly, God always hears the cry, answering with His Guidance and will, for His glory and our best interest at heart. I have learned over many years to embrace these times with joy and anticipation at seeing God's mighty Hand work in our family, in our finances, in Preschool and the list goes on and on....... So I want to encourage you today, if God directs you to fast, be obedient to Him!!!!!The reward is more than I can put on this blog!!!
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So teach us.........

In Psalm 90, there is a verse that says "So teach us to number our days, that we may behold a heart of wisdom". Today, as I reflect on our 31st anniversary, it has become one of my goals for this new year. It's so hard to believe that it's been that long, seems like just yesterday I was saying " I do " and now our family has grown from 7 to 13 in a matter of 5 years.I have so much to be thankful for, good times and bad. I was pondering on God's amazing faithfulness and how He has watched over and protected my children so many times, even keeping them from death.There have been many trials, much sorrow and suffering, but God's Grace has abounded for each circumstance! It truely is amazing to see how His provision was always there for the need of the day,and God's word does tell us He knows our needs, before we even ask!!!He provided for our family so that I could stay home for almost 16 years to raise my children in the ways of God. Then when Don lost his job in 1991, He opened up the door for me to be a teacher( a desire of my heart since age 3).Every time I was pregnant,my husband received a raise( God's blessing).Then there were hospital bills for 30 surgeries, some thousnds and thousands of dollars, and yes God , who owns the cattle on a thousand hills provided ( He is amazing, isn't He??)I could go on and on,because through it all I have learned to trust Him . Now,as my life becomes simpler with each year, I pray that I, by His Grace will make every day count for Him, for His Kingdom.Lord, how could I ever thank you for what you have done, no words could ever express my heart of love to you.May my life, our marriage and our children be a reflection of your grace and mercy to a world who needs you desperately.

A time to recount His deeds..........

As I think about this year that has just "zoomed by"(2006) I can only give thanks to God with each thought, each breath that I take. Starting with the oldest son, just watching Jeremy and Rachel and the deep love and commitment they have for each other is truely a gift of grace from our God ( and Rachel is so GOOD for him, she knows how to "lighten up" his serious side)Then there is Sam, wow, what a transformation God is doing in his life!!!Just to watch him as a husband and now a new Papa, caring for his family....If you knew Sam 10 years ago you would see the miracle of God at work!!!Hannah, sweet daughter of mine (and the oldest girl), she is such a good mama to Isaiah,staying home to raise him in God's ways, sleepless nights and all the hard work a mom does daily,what a joy to my heart !!!!And there is Laura Beth :-) my little homemaker, baking bread, cleaning house( Wow) and caring for your new husband in such a special way( all those new recipes you are trying) Then comes my lil apple ( of my eye) Charissa, it has been such a blessing to see her leave home for College , stay on the narrow path, and apply herself in an Excellent way in her studies!!!And then to think of how God gave us the grace to have our fifth graduation party in June for Rissa and our fourth wedding since 2002 for Laura and Lew!!!!The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His MERCIES NEVER come to and END!!!! They are new every morning, GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!