Micah 6:6-8

"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously-take God seriously."







Monday, December 17, 2007

What day is it?

This weekend was full of Christmas parties. I left the house at 6 on Friday night got home at 3 Saturday afternoon. We had another party Sat night. Yesterday was our Christmas Cantata and an afternoon full of family and more parties. It was a great weekend, but I'm tired. Today? Shopping. I need to get this finished. So here are a few pics from the weekend. Hopefully, more soon. Have a great weekend!





I mean seriously, she looks just like her Daddy.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Christmas Miracle

I talked to my good Iowa friend Candy the other day. I simply must share our conversation with you.
Many years ago, when Candy was a single mom, her seven year old son Rick fell out of a tree. He landed flat on his back on the concrete. The other kids ran in and got Candy. She raced to his side. After realizing he could move, but was in a lot of pain, she scooped Rick in her arms and got him to the ER. The doctor came out and told Candy that Rick had major internal bleeding. They needed to do emergency surgery, but he was not hopeful that the surgery would be successful. The doctor suggested that Candy tell her son goodbye before he went to surgery. Candy spent the next few moments with Rick. She left his room. They were taking him to one final scan and then to the OR. Candy was told to go to the surgery waiting room. Candy was alone. She tried to go to the waiting room, but she fell on her knees in the middle of the hallway and prayed. Candy prayed and begged God to heal Rick. After a while, the Dr. found Candy, still on her knees in the hallway. He bent down beside her and asked if she believed in miracles. She said yes. The Dr. informed her that during Rick's final scan they couldn't find blood anywhere. It appeared as if his internal bleeding had stopped. They were going to keep him and run tests. Four days later, Candy took her healthy son home.

Fast forward fifteen plus years. Candy's other son, Davie currently lives in California with his wife, Chelsey, and son. They are expecting another son. Last Monday night, Candy awoke in the middle of the night thinking she needed to tell Chelsey the story of Rick falling out of the tree. She decided to wait until the next day. When she awoke in the morning, this consumed her. She decided after work she would call. When she got off work on Tuesday, she drove to K-Mart and listened to a voice mail she had received from Chelsey. Candy called her back. Chelsey told Candy the doctors have found something wrong with the baby. She said there is a huge bubble in the amniotic fluid and they aren't sure what it is. And, some blood tests indicated the baby may have Downs syndrome. They were supposed to have an amnio later this week. Chelsey was scared. Candy was scared. Candy then shared with Chelsey the story of Rick and how she woke up last night thinking she needed to share this with Chelsey. They hung up both praying for a miracle for this baby. Candy went into K-Mart. As she walked, she again became overwhelmed. Right in the middle of the Martha Stewart isle, she fell to her knees and prayed. She was sobbing and praying when a K-Mart employee approached her and asked if she was alright. Candy told the worker about the baby and how she just needed to pray. The employee asked if she could pray with her. The employee got down on her knees beside of Candy and prayed for this baby. Through their tears, they asked God for healing. As they stood up, the employee asked Candy her name. Candy told her as she glanced at the employees name tag. It said, Angel. Candy told her she was her Angel today. The employee said Candy was sweet, like Candy, and promised to continue praying for the baby. Candy finished shopping and checked out. She decided to find the manager and tell him about the great employee he had. She found him and explained the story. The manager just looked at Candy and stated, "lady, we don't have anyone who works here named Angel." "No one?" Candy said. "No, not named Angel. We have an Angela but she is a high schooler so she's not working right now." Candy said, "no this lady was older with gray and red hair." No one with that description works at K-Mart.

Last Tuesday, Candy prayed with an Angel. Sometimes, we entertain Angel's without knowing it, other times, God puts their name right on their chest, and we still don't know. Candy knelt down with God's messenger. She was in awe. But there's more. That sweet little baby and his mom had more tests last week. The amnio showed he does not have Downs and that weird bubble, is almost completely gone. Candy was not surprised. She knew the miracle would happen. After all, she prayed with an angel.

May God bless you all with the knowledge that He can interrupt our lives with His messengers anytime. I wonder how many Angels you saw today?

Saturday, December 08, 2007

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Kinda.

We have our decorations. We have many presents purchased. Our calendar is full of parties, caroling, and outreaches. Our house smells like cinnamon, (thanks to the Yankee candle company, not cooking). Yet I am having a difficult time remembering that it is Christmas time. Mostly because we were all outside today playing in short sleeve shirts. It's warm, and tomorrow it is supposed to be 80. Don't get me wrong, I love the weather. It may look like Christmas at our house, but it doesn't feel cold enough for it. We watched Christmas movies tonight drinking cold drinks instead of hot chocolate. Ahhh...this I could get used to.

But, since I am missing the snow, Melonie sent me a picture of WV last week. We have it up on our desktop to help Chris and me get more into Christmas decorations. Thanks Melonie,it was so much fun to get this, I love you...Merry Christmas!!!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

A great weekend

This past weekend we went to Brunswick, GA for Homecoming at the AC church. This is where Chris grew up so I had a blast hearing stories about him. It was so neat for me to meet the church people. I could quickly tell that he grew up there simply from watching their mannerisms and how they worshipped God. I'm so thankful for people who invest in children. Chris' love for God is, in part, from their dedication to God and Chris.

Natalie and I also got to meet Stephen. He was Chris' absolute best friend in High School. We spent the day with Stephen, his wife, Chrissy, and their daughter Katie. Katie is a month older then Natalie. It was really cute watching Katie and Natalie play and fight together. I can't thank Stephen and Chrissy enough for welcoming us into their home this weekend. We had a great time. Here are a few pics from the weekend. Enjoy!

Did you know those four holes in a baby swing fit two toddlers perfectly? It was funny to watch those Natalie waiver between laughter and being a little scared...Katie was all smiles...




They loved to slide down together and for just a minute, they switched Daddy's...




And finally, one of little miss sitting underneath the tree, eating her crackers. Does life get any better then this?