Sunday, March 30, 2008

Some Thoughts

As I was singing and worshipping in church this morning, I began to think of what it must be like to be in Heaven with my Lord and fellow believers. I imagined the joy on the faces of grateful people as they are experiencing what Paul was imagining when he said "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain". Jesus has given me a new heart, one that aches for people to know what a REAL relationship with the Living God is like. A relationship that screams to everyone "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER of God unto salvation". I long to see believers attend church because they can't go without it and they long to be with other believers, not because they feel that they have to out of some duty to God or someone else. I long to see friends and family realize that GOD has a perfect plan for their lives if they would only surrender it all to the One who created them. I am always amazed at how we can find time for everything else in our lives (shopping, movies, jobs, TV, sleeping, eating), but when God asks for a little bit, we find every excuse in the world and become distracted. "I don't have to go to church to be close to God", "I couldn't wake up on time because I stayed up doing...'. "I'll go next week", "The Lord knows I love Him", "I have lots to do", "If God wants me to stop____I am sure He will tell me or give me a sign".
Lord, please forgive us! As we say these things, you say:
"Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do"
Lord, let my life be an example of your love. "Let my light so shine before men that they would see the good deeds and Glorify YOU my Father in Heaven." Help me to not live a life of compromise with this world, but to hold tight to your Word and your promises. Show me how to be bold, yet loving--caring, yet unwavering.
"Give me one pure and Holy passion,
Give me one magnificent obsession,
Give me one glorious ambition for my life,
To know and follow hard after you."
If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then chose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15





Saturday, March 29, 2008

Spring Break Hike to Bogart

Bogart Park is not too far from our house, so we decided to pack up the kids and Jenna's friend Richelle and head for the mountain for a hike.




The view is BEAUTIFUL, and we could even see our house:)


I love this shot of Birdie and her Dad







Brother had fun too~of course, who wouldn't when you are being carried the whole way in the backpack:)












Friday, March 28, 2008

Bowling with the Gang!

We decided to try out the new Canyon Lanes bowling alley out by Casino Morongo and WE LOVED IT!!! Jenna was a "natural" and actually outscored both her Dad and I for the first game--pretty pathetic, I know (she did have a bumper though--it makes us feel better anyway).


The Earls joined us and the girls had SO much fun!






My Mom's best friend (Aunt Pat) came down from Oregon for Spring Break with her granddaughter--one of many (cousin Trinity). We had a BLAST! We went to Sea World with them on Monday, and we got to take Trin to Soak City on Thursday. She is a "jewel" of a girl and is SO much like her mom, especially when it comes to eating ice cream (love ya Trin!):).




We call Mom and Aunt Pat--"Two Peas in a Pod". What a blessing to have such a wonderful, lifetime friend~



We had to take an Earl Family Shot!

We even let Owen get in on the action;)








Dinner and Worship with Friends

Oh how nice it is to have talented friends!
We joined Roy and Charlene as they led worship after our meal of burgers, beans, pasta salad and tater tots--of course:). Jerry thought it was too cold to be outside :), so we took it indoors.






























Jerry turned ### and the candles practically lit the house on fire:0. Happy B-Day! We love you!
















The kids joined us for a few songs. Owen LOVES worship. I think it is because "Big Josh" would sing to my belly when we had Bible Study while I was pregnant.








Owie is raring to go, but the girls had a bit too much jacuzzi and decided to konk out for the night.
Fun times! We are SO BLESSED!!!









Sunday, March 23, 2008

ST. PATRICK'S DAY FAMILY GATHERING

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!
Most days, that is what we call Pat :)
Needless to say, our family, being Irish, LOVES St. Patty's Day. This one was a little different though. Grandma Leah went home to be with the Lord on her 92nd birthday this year and so this was still a HAPPY day, but it was also a time to reflect on the life of a wonderful woman in our lives. I can't wait to be worshipping the Lord with you Grandma! We love you, but we'll be together in "a blink of an eye".



Sweet Owen Patrick (our lil' leprechaun)--above
Kate and Ace with our famous face--below





Ricky (Kelsie's husband) and Ethan--above

Kate, Pat and Tracy--left
Ethan and Jenna --below











Grandma Sue and Owie are practicing jumping techniques
while the three beautiful sister are just, well, looking beautiful;)















Hailey and Owie--trapped in the play pen













Pat and Tracy--Pat wore his "hopeful" shirt:)
Kate and Tracy



Yo-Yo-YO!!!
That's all!

Kate, Rob, Tracy and Amy--the "lean in" shot


I'm calling this one "The Girls"--pretty original, huh!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY EVERYONE!!!

Jenna's Field Trip

Jenna went to the Living Desert with her first grade class this year.
Daddy took the day off and "braved" the bus with his "Birdie girl" and all of her friends. Her teacher Miss Swope was glad to have a Dad around:).


Jenna on the ride to the desert.
Pat's photography skills at work :)

Jenna with her friends


Thanks Daddy for a wonderful memory!




Sunday, March 2, 2008

Bath Time!

It is hard to believe that Owen will be one tomorrow! What a wonderful answer to prayer. God is so faithful. I am so thankful that we had children at a time in our life where we are truly THANKFUL for them, and see them as a gift from God. I am thankful to the Lord that our kids will grow up in a home with parents that LOVE JESUS and THEM!
We give Him all the glory because without Him, we wouldn't have a clue:).
Thank you Lord for our Kids!






He ALONE has made beauty from my ashes!