Wisdom's Words: Endurance

God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage.  Flood the path with light, run our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brace music; gives us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road to life, 

to Your honor and glory.

-Augustine-

A Bridal Shower

On Friday night last week, several of us hosted a shower for a special friend who looks forward to her wedding day on September 20, 2014.  It was a memorable evening celebrating the Lord's work in her life and rejoicing in His provision.  We had a full house with approximately 75 attending!

Sharing the engagement story:

We settled on a picnic-style theme, and so the menu consisted of fresh-squeezed lemonade ( yes, Alissa and I each squeezed approximately 21 lemons!), cherry pie, brownies, vegetables and dip, and cheese balls and crackers.  It all tasted so yummy!

I was asked to assist the bride-to-be with writing down her gifts as she opened them.  That was probably the most fun role the entire evening!  And we had quite the task before us due to the love and generosity of so many people! 

There were plenty of other little helpers who were eager to assist, too! 

Mission accomplished!

Towards the end of the evening, all the bridesmaids (except for one since she was overseas) posed for a group picture:

Congratulations, Beth!!!  

Wisdom's Words: Obedience

Obedience to God is our job;  the results of that obedience are God's.

-Elisabeth Elliot

A Day on the Farm

This past Saturday, all of us (except for Kathy) joined Ben and Laura and the family at the Fair Oaks Farm in northwestern Indiana.  We had driven past this farm numerous times over the last years while going to and from Chicago and commented every time that we needed to stop one day and tour the farm.  Well, no more dreaming!  We had a great time and, if you haven't been there, encourage you to plan a day trip soon!

Here we are waiting for our ride on the bus to the Dairy Adventure.

While on the Dairy Adventure, we learned more about the farm, saw the cows up close, and watched the milking process.  Sarah had one word to describe it all - "Disgusting!"  I have to say I couldn't disagree.

Here are cows on the way to the dry milk barn.

This is the milking parlor.

My favorite part was seeing the calves who had just been born that morning.  There are between 80-100 calves born every day!

After the Dairy Adventure, we spent several hours in "Mooville."   With outdoor games and rides for children of all ages, this is a favorite for kids!  Thankfully it didn't begin raining before our little ones had time to enjoy everything.

The area was beautifully landscaped with many gardens.

Here are Sarah and Essie getting ready to climb the milk jug wall.

It's a lot harder than it looks!

Essie made it all the way to the top and rang the bell!!!

Benjamin enjoyed the train ride with his sister, Hannah.

And he parked these tractors all in a row.

Grace was a handful to keep up with, but she was all smiles, too.

Essie also tried the bungie jumping.  She's an adventurous and fearless girl!

After a couple hours of hard play, we were in unanimous agreement that ice cream was in order!  I opted for their Greek yogurt - so yummy!

When it began raining, we went indoors and found more fun things to do.  Everyone loved the cow carousal.  

 

Grandma's picture from the "Rub-a-Picture" station:  

This picture is a little blurry, but here is Essie trying to beat time in milking a cow!

Our little princess playing in some "cheese."

Overall, it was a fabulous day, and the kids want to go back next year!  We thank the Lord for the fun memories He gave us together.

A Spiritual Birthday

August 18, 2014 will always be a very special day in our family.  Several hours ago,  little Sarah called Grandpa to say that she had just placed her faith and trust in Jesus Christ during her Bible school lesson that morning.  What an answer to prayer!  Heaven is rejoicing - and so is this family!!!

Wisdom's Words: God's Work

My life is but a weaving,

Between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colours,

He worketh steadily.

Oftentimes He weaveth sorrow

And I in foolish pride,

Forget he sees the upper

And I the under side.

Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttle cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver,

In the pattern He has planned.

Mom's Birthday!

Something unusual always happens around Mom's birthday (August 7), and this year was no exception.  Last year it was new flooring and the entire house being in disarray.  I really thought that this year would finally be "normal", but alas, everything changed at the last minute, and we found ourselves having to postpone the party until Saturday.  But while she was away from the house on Thursday, we managed to pull together a few surprises for her return:

Some paper plates she had seen recently at the store and...

...a surprise gift under her pile of books were just a few things that brought smiles.

Given all that we had going on Saturday, the birthday festivities were kept to a minimum, but that made it no less special.  We went with a summer theme for decorations and popped frozen pizzas in the oven.

Mom opened her remaining few gifts outside on the deck since the evening was so lovely.

Grace enjoyed playing with Grandma's gifts.  How did she know these were for her and her sibling's use???

I am incredibly blessed with the mother that God has given me and am so grateful for the precious relationship we share together!  She continually pours out her life for those she loves.  She daily models for me the essence of motherhood and a faithful pursuit of the things of God.  We are blessed beyond measure!

Wisdom's Words: Waiting in Faith

"For you I wait all the day long." Patience is the fair handmaid and daughter of faith; we cheerfully wait when we are certain that we shall not wait in vain. It is our duty and our privilege to wait upon the Lord in service, in worship, in expectancy, in trust all the days of our life. Our faith will be tried faith, and if it is of the true kind, it will bear continued trial without yielding. We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us. -Charles Spurgeon