Our Megan JOY, living up to her name!

Jaime, enjoying the horses at the youth fair in MI.

Some of you may know that we had planned a trip to Honduras this fall as a family. Life was pretty much centered on that thought for me, and I was busily cleaning and getting ready for a yard sale this month. Then, on PD’s birthday, we were all out on Lake Norman, having a much-needed and special day of relaxation when a call came from World Missionary Press. That is the printing press PD worked at for over a year in Indiana. They called to see if he could come out for a few weeks to help with a very important container of scripture booklets for Iraq that was pre-funded by some very generous hearts. He immediately felt that perhaps this was a word from the Lord. We felt keen disappointment initially, knowing we could not do both that and go to Honduras within two months. But that only lasted briefly, and then gave way to a perfect, settled peace. We feel so blessed to be led of the Lord in this way. We are very excited to go and take part in spreading the Gospel . It has taken a few days to adjust our brains to this. We feel some warfare involved, but we are so grateful to be on God’s side, knowing that He has won the victory already! The girls are very excited to go back to our old stomping grounds and see many dear friends that we hardly ever get to see. Hasta Luego!

Hello and love to everyone far and near who reads our post. By now, I’m sure you’ve given up on us ever being updated. It seems life as a family doesn’t slow down, and the church grows rapidly, too, so that we have to stop and revise our priorities again and again. Today was a blessed Sunday … a wonderful message on the Father’s love … and then the day spent with beloved friends and brethren in the Lord at different homes. It was a treat to be invited out for both lunch and dinner, and just catch up and be encouraged in the Lord.

I have had plenty of insecurities and fears in my walk with God, but today it was joyous to realize that God has indeed been hearing and answering my pleas and is giving me complete freedom in my heart to love Him and walk with Him and be loved by Him!! I only want to become more like Him to all the souls around me and love Him more. I pray that the busyness of life will shift in the background as I learn to spend much time in His Word and in prayer, not even stopping to waste time hashing through things in my mind. I want to be faith-filled and Christ-filled in every situation I ever find myself in. That may sound idealistic, but it is really what I want and I know that God will delight to answer that cry, for His own Glory. There are needy people everywhere, both in the church and in our neighborhoods, and He has called us to be His hands and feet and heart to all we come in contact with. I love you, Lord!!!

Just a few pics from our trip to the great state of Missouri.

The girls all seemed to enjoy the Gateway Arch, even at the very top.

In keeping with our habit of animal deaths, Curly the Goat has expired. She was a good goat.

“Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.”

I’m just sitting here, with thankful thoughts to the Lord, for how He gives us opportunities to serve Him right where we are. I have prayed that God would give me opportunities to minister to others and share Him and His love. I’ve wondered how He would work it out, and even begged Him to bring them to my door. I’m so thankful He does that over and over again. Whether it’s to take a meal to someone who really needs a blessing, or drop a flower off on a grieving friend’s doorstep, or an encouraging note in someone’s mailbox, online or off, or encourage and pray for someone who needs to spill their heart, every little opportunity is such a blessing from the Lord! An extra special blessing last month was to have a very dear friend right here in our home for a week during her recovery from a motorcycle accident. We surely do miss her … if you’re reading this, Grace, I love you and miss you so much. I pray God’s blessings on your life today. Please take care of yourself, and may you find healing in every way. You are precious in God’s eyes, and mine, too!!

To all our dear, patient friends …

Lest you think that all our lives consist of is trips, babies in the potty, or perishing pets, please let me assure you!

This spring has been such a joy. It is now one year since the move from Indiana, and we are peacefully at home here, until God reveals otherwise. The arrival of spring has brought a new sense of inspiration, and we have all been having a blast outside. The girls love being involved in the gardening and flower planting. Megan revels in the outdoors right along with the rest of us. The spring rush at the furniture store is past, and we’ve settled into a smoother routine with PD’s work. All his girls delight in the longer evenings and more relaxed Mondays. Being home together is just a lot of fun, and the most restful place for everybody at this stage of life. I am sure that I am the most blessed woman for miles around! One of these days, I wil learn how to post pictures, and this blog will brighten up. Until then, God’s blessings to all!