Mother's Day Pictures

One More Why

I have one more "why" to add to my list (see 2 posts below).

Why on earth would the oldies radio station be playing "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys ???? I was in grade school when that came out. It jogs memories of Uncle Jessie on Full House singing it with the Beach Boys. I am not old enough to hear songs I remember coming out on an OLDIES station!

Awards

On Sunday Annie received an award at her first little awards ceremony for Kid's Club at church. She got it for memorizing her monthly Bible verse. Its so much fun being a proud mama. :)

Why?

Why is it that before I had 2 children I was always early, or at the very least on time and now it is next to impossible for that to happen??? No matter what time of day, we always make it out the door about 10 minutes past when I wanted to leave. There is nothing more frustrating for me!

Why is it that I feel like I am CONSTANTLY cleaning out my pantry and fridge?

Why was I super excited to go grocery shopping today? Was it because I worked hard on planning my shopping according to the store sales or because I clipped several great coupons knowing I'd save a ton of money ($83.09 to be exact)? Those are great reasons, however, I ask why does going to the grocery store actually excite me, at all?? Is that as ridiculous as getting a great new vacuum cleaner last September being the highlight of that month?

What are some of your whys?

Bye Bye Butterlies!

Yesterday we finished off our caterpillar to butterfly project. Thankfully, we got 5 healthy, beautiful butterflies from our 5 disgusting little caterpillars. :) They came out of each chrysalis so quickly each time that I thought we weren't going to actually catch one in the act. But we were able to catch the last one emerging from its cocoon so that was great. The girls let them go yesterday. It was a fun project and I think any child would enjoy it. In a few weeks, we'll be having our own ant hill!

**Blue Eyes**

First of all, thank you to Melody for letting me know the above pictures are on our church website! I've been wanting to blog about this, but wanted a picture to attach.

Anyway, its always fun to find out who your children favor and why. Rebekah just adores her Sunday school teacher, Teacher Keith (or "Teacher Keef" as Bek says). Notice in the picture to the right all the other kids are participating in worship...except Bekah. She has to be near Teacher Keith. A few months ago I asked her why she likes him so much. With a far-off gaze and a sweet smile she said, "I like his blue eyes."

It Is Well With My Soul

I've been wanting to post about one of my recent devotions for a couple weeks, but just haven't carved out the time. I know I mentioned the devotional I'm currently working through and how much I love it. In the beginning of the chapter on "the confidence of the pilgrim", the author records the lyrics to a beautiful hymn called "It Is Well With My Soul". Here they are....and at the end of this post I will tell you the story of the man who penned this hymn.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll--
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin--O the bliss of this glorious thought--
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll:
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so--it is well with my soul.
Horatio G. Spafford

It seems like every Christian I know is going through trials. I have a dear friend who has been battling with major medical issues, a ton of questions, and zero answers for 2 years. Two more dear friends are dealing with unfaithfulness and divorce. Another is verbally and emotionally mistreated by a person she cares for every day. Others are dealing with major financial hardships. Others with betrayal and loneliness. Our latest trial was losing another baby a few weeks ago. I was very early pregnant, in fact it was the earliest I'd ever lost one, but it still was a much desired child. However, I know that when we keep perspective through these times we can whole-heartedly say that it is well with our souls. Why? Because we have hope that is certain and a future that is glorious. Not to mention that through trials we grow deeper with Jesus Christ.

Here is Horatio G. Spafford's story:

"Horatio G. Spafford, a wealthy businessman, had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. As a result of the Chicago Fire of 1871, his land-holdings were wiped out. Just before this disaster, he had lost his only son.

Later, desiring a vacation for his wife and four daughters, he planned to join D.L. Moody on one of his evangelistic campaigns in England. He sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him on the S.S. Ville du Havre. On November 22, the ship was struck by another vessel and sank in twelve minutes. Over two hundred lives were lost, including Spafford's four daughters. Spafford received a cable from his wife delivering the news, "Saved alone." Days later, Spafford left by ship to join his wife. It is said that at the exact spot where his daughters drowned, Spafford wrote the words, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, / When sorrows like sea billows roll..." Although he had lost what was most dear to him, he was able by grace to say, "It is well with my soul." How is that possible? Read the lines of the fourth stanza again.

Do you see the hope of heaven? Will you be encouraged today with the hope of a glorious future in heaven?"
(taken from "Pilgrimage of the Heart" by Catherine Martin)