Happy Birthday Daniel

Saturday was Daniel's 8th birthday.

He seems so grown up, tall, intelligent, loving, good-looking...Yes, I am the MOTHER!

He wanted to go to the sand dunes for his birthday. God gave us a beautiful sunny day.

This year Daniel has...

Started playing the piano and has just finished his first book.

He has become an excellent reader.

Has realized that he loves math and numbers.

Loves Physical education the most at school, followed by
1. English (as a second language, which is his first and therefore he gets to help the teacher
pronounce the words for the kids.)
2. Cooking
3. Math
4. History
5. ...I can't remember the rest!

He has really developed into a good big brother. Taking care of his siblings and treating them well, MOST of the time!We are very proud of the young man that Daniel is becoming and pray that he continues to grown in his knowledge and love for the Lord.

Family Funnies!!

Jeremiah was "helping" me bake. His favorite part is licking the bowls and beaters. I found that he had decided to share with our dogs:)

Pressing On

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I PRESS ON to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
Philippians 3:12-16

The Christian life is so full of battles. Recently I have been studying II Timothy and noticed how many times Paul mentioned trials, persecution, betrayals and difficulties. I have been reminded that our hope is in GOD and that His Word is profitable for all things: for the personal battle against sin, to lead our children in righteousness, to bring souls to repentance, to spread His Church.

We have no good news to report right now, but we are trusting in God and His plan. We know that it is not us who saves people from their sin. We are simply His servants, ready to share His Word with others.

These past 2 weeks we have had several opportunities to share Christ through our lives in very simple ways. We had one young couple over for lunch and spent the afternoon playing games with them. The following weekend we went bowling together with this couple as well as David & Sharon. It has been fun to get to know them and allow them to see how knowing Christ affects each aspect of our lives.

Saturday, David & James went over and helped carry buckets of concrete to lay the second floor of a house of a new friend. As of now, David has been able to do 3 Bible studies with this man. Saturday was a great opportunity as David & James spent 4 hours with 9 men, none of them believers.

We are not sure how God will use these seemingly small encounters. We are simply trusting His timing. We are pressing on in His grace and for His glory.