Happy Anniversary Marty

Marty and I have been married for 26 years today. That's amazing. We've been through so much together, I can't even imagine not being married to him.

I knew from our first date that we were going to get married. I believe that even though we weren't saved at the time, God had a plan for our lives together.

Marty is my husband, my lover, my provider, my sanctuary, and my friend. A lot of the things we have been through would have crushed some couples, but we have stuck it out - together - with God.

I praise God today for giving me such a wonderful, loving husband. He is a precious gift and I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I love you Marty.

Happy Anniversary Marty 

Getting Close

We've been working so hard and we are finally getting close. We've almost done it.

In four weeks we will be leaving for France. No one thought we could raise enough money to pay for ten people to go on this trip. I knew in my heart it could be done. God is so faithful. The devil tried to lie to me and tell me it was hopeless more than once. Marty and I knew from the get go that with our financial situation if we didn't raise the entire amount to go on this trip we would not have the money to go. We just weren't going to have the extra. It was a big step of faith. I knew I couldn't give in and give up though.

Our big fund raisers were yesterday. The golf tournament was a huge success and so was the pork dinner. These fund raisers just about put us over the top! God is good!!!!! We were so blessed by everyone who showed up to help us and also by all who participated. It was great!

Harvest Christian Camp is beginning next week so we will be busy cooking for that and then teen camp. Once we are done with those then we can concentrate on getting ready to leave for France. Amy is so excited she can't hardly stand it. It's going to be quite the experience for all of us. It's also going to be interesting to see how Drew does at home alone. He's a little worried that he won't have food to eat or be able to do his laundry! I'm sure he'll be able to find some "mom" around that will take care of him while we're gone.

Thank you Lord for being so faithful. I praise you for helping us to know that we can trust you for every need.

It's Early!!!!!

It's early. I've been up for a while. Now I know, many of you get up much earlier than this on a daily basis and I admire you for that. My mind truly likes to get up early. I get so much done in the mornings when everyone is still in bed. I feel like I accomplish more. My body just doesn't like to cooperate. I would say that it's just because I'm getting old and I need more sleep, but unfortunately I've always been this way. I look forward to the days when I get to sleep in and many evenings I find myself stopping and counting just how many hours of sleep I will be getting that night. Usually it's not enough.
We have such a busy weekend planned and it starts today. We are catering a luncheon at a lumber company in Greensburg today. I'm bummed because I can't take off work to go help with it. It will just be Marty and Amy on this one. Tomorrow we have the golf outing and dinner to raise money for France. Then the fun begins . . . Camp starts, then another camp, then shortly after that we leave for France. Fit work in there somewhere and all the other daily things that need to be done. It all seems to come together somehow. It's no wonder I like to sleep!!!!

Look Around 

Look Around

Have you ever just stopped and thought about all the intricacies of God's creation? Just look around. It's everywhere. How many times do we do the same thing, the same routine every day and not even acknowledge the greatness of God.

I was driving home this afternoon and something caught my eye. I turned my head and looked out the window and noticed how absolutely beautiful the sun coming through the clouds was. Then I couldn't help notice that the whole sky was full of these puffy, billowy, white clouds with the sun surrounding them. Mind you, I was driving so I couldn't really concentrate on these clouds, but what struck me was how magnificent God's creation is. I began to thank God for all of the wonderful things that he has given us. Now, we can't touch these clouds and they don't directly provide anything for us, but how many things does God create that is truly only for us to look at and enjoy? We have got to quit taking all of these things for granted and begin to be aware of everything around us that God has made for us. Sometimes it's nice to just be able to look around and take it all in. I would encourage you all to take a minute and look around you. Take the time to notice what God has made just for us and be mindful of how great He is. We are truly blessed.

Amy, Drew and Amanda 

Isn't he stinking cute??? Dylan Jacob 

Extreme Faith

It takes extreme faith to believe God can do something that seems impossible. Our women's Bible study asked the question, "Do you just believe in God or do you believe God?" Do I truly "Believe He can do what He says He can do"????? I have been placed in a situation that in the natural seems totally impossible, but I believe God can do the impossible. If we are to do what God has led us to do, then I MUST trust that He is a big enough God that He will provide a way. I CANNOT be drawn into believing what the world would have me believe. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". I do not see this situation resolving itself, but in Christ it's a done deal. I am certain of it. If you think about us throughout the days or weeks, please keep us in your prayers. I do not want to waiver in my faith, not only in this particular situation, but in any. I want to have such great faith that it will not matter what the circumstances or the popular opinion, I will always believe God's Word and know that He CAN do what He says He can do.