Thursday, June 28, 2007

"Here we go!"

That seems to be the end to my story as I tell everyone I know that we are expecting our third child! I am still in a state of shock I think, because we were neither trying nor preventing, and "here we go!" When I think of the reality of having three kids, I get completely overwhelmed. When I think of the aches and pains of pregnancy, I get completely overwhelmed. When I think of putting three kids through college, I get completely overwhelmed. But when I think of the fact that we put this decision in God's hands, getting off birth control, and neither deciding to or not to have another baby, and God gave us this baby, I am amazed. All babies are a miracle from God. And I know this baby is a miracle from God. But it's as if God has given me an answer to one question that I have been asking myself for months. "What if God has another baby for us?" Well, He does. And that makes this pregnancy even more special and wonderful.

Charlie and Madeline are very excited and both want a baby sister. Actually, Charlie wants twins. I promptly told him, "No!" but then I told him that it is God's decision if we have a boy or a girl or, even, twins. My life is about to be turned upside down either way, and I am at the same time excited, nervous, scared, overwhelmed, in shock, and so completely blown away by God's grace and faithfulness. As my friend Debbie always says, "What God brings us to, He'll carry us through!" I know this will be a wonderful addition to our family and yet another opportunity to fully depend on God for my every need.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

"It'll be so long..."

That's the statement from Charlie on several occasions this past week. "It'll be so long until Dad gets home." And my dutiful mother answer is "Oh, no it won't. It'll pass by before you know it!" Although the wife in me wants to answer, "I know and it's horrible!!" Well, someone has to be strong for the little ones just like our parents were strong for us. And mine were strong for me this week. Spending time with them has truly been a blessing and has indeed made the time pass more quickly. Tonight we returned home and are looking forward to tomorrow morning when our beloved daddy and husband returns from his travels. He had a successful trip even though the few times we were able to speak by phone were not enough. He preached, and the team visited many people, bring a precious few to Christ. They even got in some sight seeing and shopping. And as I write this they are in the air on their way home to us. Pray for safety in travels and thank you for your prayers for their health and a good trip. These prayers were answered and all are healthy. And of course there is already talk of returning next year!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Mission Trip

Please join me in praying for a team of 5- including my wonderful husband Dave- that has gone to Brazil for the next 10 days. They are working with a famiily from our church that is now living there as Missionaries. Dave and the team will be helping to spread the Gospel to poeple who might otherwise not hear it. They have arrived safely, but please pray for them as they speak, as Dave preaches, that the people will have open hearts and minds to hear, that the team will be healthy, and that they will safely return to us next Monday. I am so very proud of this team and especially my husband for being brave enough to make this journey. Dave has a heart for Missions and has often said it is only me and our family that keeps him from going all over to share the Gospel. I am blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. And maybe say a little prayer for us while you're at it. Ten days without Dave will be a challenge!! Hopefully we will all be better for it and God will use Dave and the team to win souls.

Monday, June 4, 2007

Vacation!

Well, the time has come for a vacation. We usually go to Florida every year to see Dave's side of the family. But this year we are also taking a vacation of our own to San Antonio. We will leave this Wednesday and return Saturday. We plan to visit Sea World, of course, and also the Zoo and the Riverwalk and anything that suits our fancy. The one thing the kids are looking forward to most is petting the dolphins at Sea World. Everyday, Charlie asks me how many days it is until we go. They are so excited! This will be the first vacation besides Florida that the four of us have taken together. So pray for us as we travel and that we will have a fun, safe time with no "incidents." And that the dolphins will cooperate!!