Thankful for... an "original": Micah!

He is our youngest son, and I choose him today as we will be traveling together. God has blessed him with many talents, and a vibrant personality, and through Micah, He has greatly impacted our lives. The picture above shows something people don't always see. Young children gravitate towards him. This little guy was extremely content to sit on his lap, and Micah enjoyed it very much too. We are very much looking forward to the next few years, waiting to see what God does in and through Micah.

15 

My son, if your heart is wise,

    my heart too will be glad.

16 

My inmost being will exult

    when your lips speak what is right.

17 

Let not your heart envy sinners,

    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

18 

Surely there is a future,

    and your hope will not be cut off.

19 

Hear, my son, and be wise,

    and direct your heart in the way.

(Proverbs 23)

Thankful for... our "Quiet" Beth!

When she was young, people wondered if she ever talked, but sometimes she REALLY does!  She has grown up to be one of the most courageous and loving people I know.  I have lost count of the countries where she has done mission work, where she has impacted thousands of people. She is always looking for ways to show love to her family, friends, students, co-laborers, and everyone that God brings her way.  We are thankful for every minute we can spend with her! She is my favorite daughter!

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,    and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31

Thankful for our... Unstoppable Ian!

He's the first one up and never stops going!  When God brought Ian into Matt and Chrissy's home we knew things would never be the same.  At times he is quiet, while others he talks on and on, but he is always is thinking and has something meaningful to think or ask. Can't wait to see what he does today

16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

(Luke 18)

Thankful for... our Mira(cle) Joy

 

What a story this big girl is!  God brought her to Matt and Chrissy through a series of events that constantly showed His grace and power, and made her our eldest grandchild.  She is  unique and amazing in many ways.  We cannot wait to spend the day with her and hear her recital tomorrow. 

Psalm 95 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;

    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

2 

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Thankful for... our Chrissy!

What a blessing to have this beautiful woman as the wife of our firstborn son!  She adds such life to the family!  Sometimes she has been a part of our home even when Matt has been away.  She is a great teacher, wife and mother, and has been willing to be partner in all of Matt's crazy adventures.  We have seen her thrive and thank God for allowing her to be part of our family. Looking forward to spending the day with her.

10 An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.

(Proverbs 31)

Thankful for... my number 1 son

Let me be clear, I am not playing favorites, but Matt is our firstborn child and son.  God has blessed us through him.  He used to say that he was going to be President and part-time pastor. God has made him so much more. He has been a lawyer (one of my past daydreams), a missionary, and now has one of the coolest jobs there is.  Most of all he is a great husband, father and man of God. So glad I can spend some time with him this week!
24 

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;

    he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

25 

Let your father and mother be glad;

    let her who bore you rejoice.

Proverbs 23:24,25

Thankful for... my wonderful wife

She keeps life exciting!!!

15 Drink water from your own cistern,
    flowing water from your own well.
16 Should your springs be scattered abroad,
    streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be for yourself alone,
    and not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
    and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
19     a lovely deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;
    be intoxicated always in her love.

(Proverbs 5)