Learning the lesson

When we see our Lord as our teacher and councilor we are open to His teaching and correction. That is of course in a perfect world right? I have not even begun to master this and while I feel like I am having more days with purposeful listening I feel like I still have a ways to go. I have been so encouraged about the learning I have been getting it is waiting to burst from within. Between my bible study, Bob's sermons and of course the words of others I am soaking truths up like a sponge. The biggest "ah ha" I have had is that ministry can be very lonely. When we walk in God's light and path it may not always be fun and happy every moment. Funny thing is logic would tell me that "hey, I am doing what you asked so it should be a piece of cake" HA! How would we grow then? The best example I have studied is the story of Samson in Judges. Chapter 13 tells of his birth. Verse 5 spoke to me so much; Samsom was set apart before he was conceived. He was born with a purpose or "ministry" long before his birth. God created him to deliver his people. In chapters 14 and 15 he begins his "ministry" as God begins to strengthen him physically, but in 16 his life changes dramatically. Through out the previous chapters he does not talk about what he has been doing and in my opinion begins to isolate himself from others while in the grips of serving his Lord. I heard someone talk about this exact part of scripture and they posed a very good thought provoking question. In 16 Samson falls in love with a woman named Delilah and she was told to find out the secrets of Samson's strength. He told her everything and she shaved off his hair and God's strength left him. Is it possible he was so drawn to her out of loneliness? In the midst of his isolation did he sacrifice his "call" to fulfill his human desire for companionship? In the midst of my ministry to foster children, and the loneliness it can bring at times, am I willing to also sacrifice His call to me to serve these kids to put "relationships" with others priority? NO Way! This has been a huge revelation to me and a truth I am clinging to in those hard moments. There is joy is serving the Lord and that is enough! God so faithfully confirmed this lesson with a sweet women in bible study today who shared this verse..."Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes." This is my new verse to live by daily...standing still, waiting for the most awesome God to fulfill all his purposes through me, around me and in me. Hallelujah!

Nathan in a nutshell

So in three weeks Nathan will have been with us for TWO years! I cannot believe this sweet boy is growing up before our eyes! I will never forget the email I got forwarded from friends about these 3 little boys and their sad situation. I will never forget the burden God placed on our hearts and how one single act of obidience led to him coming into our lives. He is truly a treasure I could never have thought was possible. This first picture is of him one week after coming to stay with us. His eyes were beginning to brighten and he was starting to interact with us. Gotta love those brown eyes!!!These are more current, like in the last week. Still lovin those brown eyes and oh how they sparkle with so much life! We love you our little snuggle bug!

What is he like now...well he is all 2! He is talking and increasing his vocabulary every day. He LOVES airplanes, actually obsessed with them. His best friend is Jacob and even crawls into bed with him in the mornings before they come out of their room...their bond is sealed! He is stubborn and strong willed which I am told are all good qualities when they get older...praying for that as he and I bang our heads together. He LOVES his Dad...it is the sweetest thing I have even seen. He is loved by his Creator...who rescued him. What an amazing two years.

Happy Birthday to the best Hubby/Daddy in the World!

We went to his favorite resturant, Red Robin, last night for his favorite burger the Blue Ribbon Burger.

(Samantha HAD to be silly! She got Shane the shirt he is wearing, but really wanted to buy him one that was pink. I had to convince her that Daddy would not wear pink!)

Gotta love this look...this was after 4 Freckled Lemonades! (Which by the way is a fancy way to say Strawberry Lemonade, but hey it looks like he had spiked ones doesn't it! He makes me laugh with his faces...goof ball!)

First car accident today

Today was one of those days I hoped would never happen...a car accident. I will save you all from the boring details...I am fine, Samantha and Nathan are fine, in fact the burb is fine too. (Just a broken bumper) What I want to remember about this event is of course my daughter and her words...went like this....
Me crying in the front seat waiting for the cops and Shane to arrive...she placed her hand on my shoulder and so kind and sweetly said...

Samantha -"Mom, is this the first time this has happened to you?"
Me-"Yes, honey"
Samantha-"Ya, me too. This is my first crash too."

I was no longer crying but laughing. God is so good to use my sweet girl to see a bit of humor in the whole stressful mess. I just love her!

I love my hubby

He spoils me with his love...we had a great weekend and his birthday is at the end of the week and I hope to spoil him on Fri. Anyone have any good "spoiling the hubby" ideas?

Valentine's Day at the Zoo

Getting 5 kids to look and smile at the camera I have decided is impossible!

Look, the Mommy made it into one...how you may ask? Setting the timer and posing!

Our navigator the whole day, he learned all about maps and directions.

This was the first time the girls have ever been to the zoo. They were amazed at all the animals, which by the way were all out in full force. Some we had never seen at the zoo before...like the wolf, bobcat and monkeys on "monkey island".

Treats made with LOVE

Suzy and I got adventurous on Thurs and made special, fancy Valentine cookies. She got a great book from her mother in law and we decided to try it out. Let me just say that the frosting recipe is what makes the cookies. It was fairly easy and as we did more and more we got better and better. They are almost too pretty to eat! We plan on taking it to the next level for Easter so to be conintued!