The Celebration of the Year!

Wow! That's the only word I can think of to describe the wedding I attended on Saturday. What a priviledge to be able to celebrate with my niece and her new husband Michael.

I took so many pictures, yet they don't even begin to do the wedding justice.

I love going to weddings, what a great time to witness the miracles God performs daily. Weddings are just a great way to display His glory! And Michael and Erin did just that on Saturday.

Congratulations!!

My Top 5 Favorite Things About The Fair

1. Losing my voice from all the screaming I did during the Demolition Derby!


2. My hands being greasy & sticky from all the butter and cinnamon sugar on my Elephant Ear!


3. Stopping by every Exhibitors booth to collect Free "Stuff"!


4. Eating hot dogs, corn dogs, french fries & ice cream, and not feeling guilty because I'M AT THE FAIR!

And, last but not least, my favorite thing about the Fair is........

All the great PRIZES from the games!

Something To Strive Toward!

Today, I thought I would share an amazing story of a woman, Irena Sendler, who did exactly what God is calling each of us to do. Obviously, not in exactly the same way, but we are called to go and make disciples. (Matt 28:19) We are asked to set the captives free and release the prisoners from darkness. (part of Isaiah 61:1-3). I have attached a YouTube link, it is a fairly short video, but extremely powerful with a political undertone, which I will not apologize for. (After all, this is my blog!) As I watched this, I was struck by how this woman allowed God to use her, through pure obedience. She will never fully realize the impact she had on the generations to come. She had the priviledge of seeing only a small glimpse of how her acts of courage, love and sacrifice influenced future generations. Generations she will never meet this side of heaven! Please take a moment to view this, be inspired and ask yourself; "Am I being asked to obedience?", and "Am I willing to act on that, no matter the cost?" It is scary to answer these questions, and at times, when we are perfectly honest, we would answer with a resounding "NO", but then we would miss out on huge blessings, wouldn't we? I guess that is the great thing about God, He never forces us, only gives us the opportunity to choose!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVw1PANUcdg

Summer 50th Celebration

July: An Explosion of Activities

July started with a "Bang" for our family as we had the priviledge of being a part of our 2nd daughter, Hailey's baptism at the end of Middle School camp. What a way to begin the month, which became a whirlwind of activities and celebrations! As with any momentus occasion, there are a mix of emotions to experience. The most prevelant emotion was gratitude and then next was a small amount of hesitancy. Thoughts swirled through my head as I watched my daughter make a definite statement regarding her faith and her desire to deepen her walk with God. It was such an exicting time.

Not to be over shadowed, was Nathan's 9th birthday! It was a little more subdued than years gone by, but it fits his personality; quiet & layed back. Time is definitely flying as I watch each of my kids grow and step a little closer to the edge of the nest!

Again, a mix of emotions & questions flood my mind during these celebrations. "Am I doing everything I can to guide and encourage each of my kids?" "Am I doing my part to help them discover their gifts and talents?" "Am I giving them all the tools they will need to be the best they can be?" I am sure we all ask these types of questions along our parenting journey!

We then sped off to Idaho for a little R & R, going camping and to a theme park called Silverwood. We had a great time, playing in the water park as well as conquering a few fears by going on larger roller coasters. It was an amazing rush to confront a fear, and then be able to say, "I went on that one". But it was also o.k. when someone decided it wasn't quite the right time to face one fear or another. It was relaxing but at the same time, when we returned home, we were exhausted! It's that usually the case with vacations?