Things to Think About

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today is absolutely georgeous!!!!!!! I took a walk at lunch and days like this just make you feel good! The flowers are starting to bloom, the birds are singing and the sun is beautiful! God is so gracious to give us exactly what we need. This kind of weather makes me want to get out and spend time with God's creation.

Thank you Lord for such a beautiful day!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dylan!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

DYLAN IS 3 TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's amazing. The kids grow up so fast it's hard to believe.

Dylan is the wild boy. Marty calls him the tiny terrorist. BUT he'll cut those eyes at you and he's absolutely the cutest thing!!!!! Personally, I think he acts just like his grandpa!!!!! Everybody WATCH OUT!!!!!!!

We love him to pieces!!!! Happy Birthday Dylan!

Update and Thank you

2007-02-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

I first want to thank everyone who has been praying for Amanda. She is doing remarkably well and I know it is because of everyone's prayers.

I just wanted to give a quick update of how Amanda is doing. She went back to the doctor today and she is going to have the wires on her teeth for another three to four weeks. She is going to be allowed to eat soft foods, not just liquids (actually, she's already been doing that - shhh, don't tell!). He is referring her to a root canal specialist because he is afraid that a couple of her teeth are not going to make it. Please keep praying that he is wrong and that all of her teeth will survive. Our God is a big God!!!!!! She is still in pain off and on, but she's not been taking anything stronger than Tylenol, which is a blessing. She has been back to work and with the exception of the day a dog wacked her in the mouth while she was holding it, she's been doing great!!!!

I will keep you updated. Again, thanks for all the prayers! Love you all and be blessed!

Nasty Germies!!!!!!!

2007-02-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am finally back to the living! During the last week our family has been on the sickie roller coaster. So far, we've all had it. It started with Amanda last week, then the boys on Saturday and then it went downhill from there. Unfortunately, Marty, Amy and I all had it at the same time. Marty had planned on taking the day off to take care of me and Amy and the kids on Monday while Amanda went to work, but ended up being sick during the night so we all had to figure out who was the least sick when someone needed something!!!!! It's been crazy. Poor Amanda has been our nurse all week (but I think she started it!!!!!). This thing really kicked all of us. I can't remember when I've been this sick. I was "in bed" for three days. It's been forever since Marty and I have both been sick at the same time. I know it's been going around with everyone though. It's a really nasty little bug! We are all back to work and school and feeling much better though. Praise the Lord!!!!! We don't want this thing to visit us again!!!!!

Peace

2007-01-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Peace is a wonderful thing. Today, I have a tangible peace over me. I'm not quite sure why, but I do know it's God. Things have been in such an uproar lately, but today . . . I have peace.

Thank you Jesus for this peace in the midst of my storm.

Be blessed in Jesus today.

Merry Christmas (a little late!)

2006-12-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little bit late, but I hope everyone had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. Ours was very nice and very busy with the grandkids!
Hasn't Dallys grown up so much. She was a year old in these pictures. It's amazing how fast they grow!!!
I pray a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all of you. Be blessed in the Lord and we love you!!!!!!!

Tightrope

2006-12-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like you were walking this teeny-tiny tightrope, just waiting for the rope to snap????? Well, that's where I've been lately. So many things have happened in just the last few weeks. It is unbelievable. There have been a couple times I have just wanted to run away . . . far, far away. I know that's not what God wants though. I have been praying that God give me strength and peace. I have been to the point where I can't even pray for each individual situation. I just haven't had it in me. BUT . . . I can pray for God's perfect peace to cover me and every situation and I can ask for his strength to help me through. He is so faithful to give it when we need it. All we have to do is ask. I thank all of you who have prayed for us. It means so much to us. We love you all. Be blessed.

BIG Changes

2006-12-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

Without going into too much detail, our household is going to be going through some big changes within the next week. I would ask that all of you pray for peace in our house, for patience in myself, Marty and Amy and for the presence of God to be very evident. There needs to be some major ministry going on and I don't want it to be shuffled to the side in the midst of chaos. I covet all of your prayers at this time. I want this wonderful holiday season and the reason that we celebrate to be an opportunity for all of us. We love you all and thank you. Be blessed.

North Carolina pics

2006-12-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

1. An outhouse (just for Ang!)

2. Marty's dad and mom

3. Waterfall at Stone Mountain

4. Waterfall

5. Amy

We had such a good time on our trip to North Carolina. Hope you enjoy some of the pictures of our trip.

More Pics of North Carolina

2006-12-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

1. Amy and her cousin Harrison
2. Marty and Dylan fishing in Papa's pond
2. Marty's dad walking around his pond
4. Amy and her other cousin Clayton (Both cousins are Shawn's boys)
5. A view on our way to Stone Mountain. This is what it looks like almost everywhere you go here.

North Carolina

2006-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

We went to North Carolina to visit Marty's family over Thanksgiving. I have to say it was probably the best visit we have had there in a long time. It was very relaxing and we needed it.

1. Marty and his brothers (and Donovan)
2. A church in Stone Mountain State Park. There is a pastor that comes and has service in this church once a month.
3. Marty's parents' property (or at least part of it). To the far right of this picture you can see their house.
4. Marty and Amy by a waterfall at Stone Mountain.
5. Stream behind the church at Stone Mountain. Marty used to trout fish with his grandpa in this stream.

I will share more pictures later. It is just beautiful here. The weather was awesome while we were there. We couldn't have asked for a better time. We missed all of you though!!!
Be blessed!

2006-11-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

Amy's grandpa surprised her while we were in North Carolina by letting her drive one of his Mercedes. She was SOOOOOO nervous, but very excited. He said she did just fine. Wouldn't she just look cool driving one of those to school??????!!!!!!

FRANCE REMEMBERED . . .

2006-11-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

The following are several (o.k. a bunch) of pictures from our trip to France in July of 2005. Amy is doing a report for her English class and reading it brought back so many fond memories of the trip. As I was reading her report it took me back to our trip and all the wonderful things we did. The best part of all though was the relationships that were created while we were there. It's almost like we have known and been friends with them forever. Those people have become a part of our lives. God built bonds while we were there and those bonds are going to last a lifetime. I hope that one day we will be able to return to France and see our friends face to face again. Enjoy the pictures and be blessed!!!!

1. Eiffel Tower
2. Backyard at Jean-Francois and Isabelle's (Marty, Isabelle, Sue and Ruth)
3. Josh and Sue in front of Notre Dame
4. Crosses at American Cemetery in Normandy
5. Beth, Abby, Jake, Amy, Josh, Hope and Joe

2006-11-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

1. Isabelle
2. Marty and Amy at Omaha Beach
3. Marty, Andy and Amy at Omaha Beach
4. Patrick and Jean-Francois with the BBQ at the Louvel's
5. Welcome sign in front of the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

2006-11-16T16:05:00.000-08:00

1. Marty, Andy and Amy in front of the Arc de Tromphe
2. Dominique and Myriam
3. Alain and Martine
4. Melanie and Christine
5. Patrick, Ruth, Amy and Abby

2006-11-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

1. conch and crevette (shrimp)
2. Arc de Tromphe from the Eiffel Tower
3. Marty on a street in Paris
4. A market down the street from the apartment were we stayed
5. The Eiffel Tower

CFC Women's Conference

2006-11-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend we held the first CFC Women's Conference. It was awesome!!!! I have to admit I was pretty nervous about speaking, but it went great and all the women who spoke let God speak through them and I know each one touched someone in a special way. God moved and it was a wonderful weekend. I want to thank Virginia who headed it up and also thank each one who spoke and sang. I, for one, had a blessed time and loved spending time with the women in our church. I hope everyone enjoyed it and was able to take something home with them. I love you all!!!!

It's a Beautiful Day!!!!!

2006-11-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Have you looked outside today???? It is beautiful out. The sun is shining and the leaves are falling and so pretty. It's a bit windy, but the day is just awesome.
This picture sure doesn't depict the weather here in Indiana right now, but I've been thinking a lot lately about our trip to France and all the people there. I miss them so much. This is a picture of the ocean and beach as you look out from the American Cemetery in Normandy. Lots of good memories.
Have a great day today and enjoy the sunshine and the falling leaves!!!!!!!

Very Sad

2006-11-01T05:53:00.000-08:00

Last night Marty, Amy and I stood for three hours in line at the funeral home to see Rick and Paula Culver, the parents of Ben, who was 17 years old and was killed in a car wreck on Friday. Rick was the first attorney I ever worked for and I also worked for him when he was the judge in Superior 2. My heart just broke for them when we finally got up there and was able to talk to them and love on them. Ben knew Jesus so that is a comfort, but it's still so hard.

Today is going to be a long day for them. The funeral is at 5:00 at Greenfield Central Auditorium. Please pray for the Culvers today and in the next few weeks. They are going to need it.

Happy Birthday Amanda!

2006-10-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 27 years ago my baby girl was born. She has grown into a beautiful woman who is a wonderful wife, mother and daughter. I am so proud of her.

Happy Birthday Sis!!!!!!! I love you.

HERE YOU GO CORTNEY!!!!!!!!

2006-10-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

O.K. Cortney. You've been waiting so here are a few of your pictures! Enjoy!!!!!!!

AWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

2006-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest picture??? I took this at Nameless Creek Youth Camp while we were cooking for the church Homecoming a few weeks ago. This little baby was just wandering around not noticing us at all. I walked over and took some pictures of him. He walked away and I thought he had gone back into the woods, but when I went around the corner, there he was. I was able to get pretty close to him.

Have a great day today!!!!!!

REST

2006-10-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

Rest . . . We all need it. Now, I'm not talking about sleep. I'm talking about true rest. Our bodies need rest as well as our spirit. Our life has been upside down for quite a while now. My insides have just been in an uproar. You know, not settled. Last night at ministry Pastor just kept praying for rest for me. He wouldn't let up. Apparently my mind was fighting hard. Eventually all the walls came down and the rest came. It was wonderful. After it was over, a sister came up to me and told me that while Pastor was praying she saw me laying in a big four poster bed with lots of poofy covers around me. That was so neat. To me that would be so restful to be able to sleep in one of those beds and be all snuggled up and safe and warm. God is so good at giving us the things we need. I needed rest . . . total rest. I had a really good night last night and I woke up truly rested. Thank you Jesus for giving us exactly what we need when we need it.

God is Doing a Work

2006-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

God is doing a work. We have been in the midst of a struggle for a long time now. Many things have come against us and we have had many opportunities to just give up. I have come to realize that the devil would like nothing better than for us to do just that. I have got to press in. I must stand on the hope and faith that God has placed in me. He is my hope and faith.

Please Pray

2006-09-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to ask you all to pray for Amanda. She is having surgery tomorrow (Monday) at 1:00. She is very scared and needs the peace of God. I am believing for her complete healing and a relief from the pain she has been having. I would appreciate if everyone would lift her up. Thank you so much. Love you all.

Being Blessed

2006-09-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today, how truly blessed I am.

I can say that regardless of how things look in the natural. I can say that because I KNOW how faithful and awesome my God is. He can make a way where there absolutely looks like there is no way. He can pop up with answers to our problems, sometimes when we haven't even specifically asked Him for them.

I just want to give Him praise for every single thing He has done in our lives. I am blessed beyond measure.

If you just can't believe how that could be possible, just ask me . . . I'll tell you!

Cuties!

2006-09-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of cuties!

They are sweeties and I love them bunches!

Fluffy and Bonehead

2006-08-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Fluffy and Bonehead. These are our two cats. Fluffy is such a good cat. She is well behaved and a nice, polite and clean little lady. Then there is Bonehead. (Dallys named him by the way!). He is such a "boy". He is one of the laziest cats I have ever seen. He is huge. He falls asleep in the catfood bag while eating. He just lays there and purrs. He's not just a bunch of hair. He is solid and just a big, fat cat.

Fluffy is a great mouser. She just waits for the mice for hours and then nails them when they come out. Bonehead on the other hand is NOT a great mouser, but he would like to lie and make you believe that he is. He waits until Fluffy does all the work and catches the mice and then he manages to get up from his nap and takes them from her. Then he brings it to us. He tries to make us believe that he worked so hard and caught the mouse. He looks so proud. They are both pretty good cats. In their own special ways!!!!!

Blast from the Past

2006-08-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this picture? I just came across it tonight and it brought back a ton of memories. These three used to be inseparable. They have all grown up so much. I will never forget them being this size. They are my sweeties!!!!

Bible Study

2006-08-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

There is a new Bible Study starting tomorrow (Weds., Aug. 23rd)!!!!! It will be at the home of Randy and Tracy Kemerly. This Bible Study will be a little bit different than some. We know that sometimes it is difficult to work all day, hurry home, get dinner and rush to Bible study. It is our hearts that this study not be a burden on anyone. With that in mind, we are going to be preparing dinner for anyone who wants to join us. Dinner will be at 6:00. We can eat and fellowship and then Bible study will begin at 7:00. We are very excited about this study and hope that it will be an encouragement to many people. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call us or the Kemerly's. We would love to see you there!!!!! Be blessed!

BENEFIT FOR SARAH!

2006-08-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

I just want to say right now that Joni Roberts has done a great job putting together the benefit for her sister, Sarah. I know many other people have worked on it, but Joni has gone above and beyond to make sure it is a success. She just started a brand new job and is trying to get situated in that and then leaves there and works non-stop to get this benefit together. I can't wait to see how wonderful this benefit is going to be.

For any of you who don't know the details . . . The benefit for Sarah Mullins is this Saturday (tomorrow) at 12:00 p.m. at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds. There will be food, music, a raffle and bake sale. Please plan on coming out to help Sarah. This benefit will help Sarah and her family with expenses for her kidney transplant. She's going to have to be off work for a while. Hope to see you all there!!!!!!!

I'm Tired!

2006-08-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple weeks and I'm tired! I feel like I'm getting things accomplished though and that's a good thing.

I also thought I'd share a huge blessing with you all who haven't already heard. Marty has some mega hospital/doctor bills from this last bout with his foot. We've applied for aid in different places, but the social worker at the hospital told me that at least on the hospital's end, we may get some of the bill wiped, but would probably be responsible for a portion of it. That was o.k. because any little bit helps. Well, last Friday we got a letter from the hospital that they are going to write off the total amount of the hospital bill. Not only Marty's bill, but the bill I had from December when they were doing all the testing on my heart. Is that not cool??????? God is so good. There are still many doctor bills and such left out there, but God is faithful and those can be taken care of too!

I hope all of you have a great day and be blessed in the Lord!!!!!!!

Thinking About Friends

2006-08-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about friends a lot lately. Friends here and friends far away. It's amazing how God can put people in your path at different times in your life and regardless of how long you know them they can get a hold of your heart and change you. I have friends that I have had for years and they have become a part of my life, but I also have some friends that are thousands of miles away who I only spent a short time with and they also have etched a place in my heart and that will never change.

I look at the relationships that have grown with our teenagers. The group of kids in our youth group have created a bond with each other that is so strong. These kids truly love each other and are there for each other. I've seen these kids grow up and some of them have fought like cats and dogs through the years, but I look at them now and they are devoted to one another.

I want to say right now that God has given me some wonderful friends. Some here and some far away. They are a part of me and a part of our family. We love you so much. Be blessed

You've Got to Smile!!!!!

2006-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

O.K. . . . Admit it. These pictures make you smile. I don't care what kind of mood you're in!
I have found over the last couple months that smiling really helps. I think that smiling on the outside makes you feel better on the inside. So, on that note. Keep smiling and make yourself happy!!!!!!!

2006-07-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

2006-07-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

2006-07-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Easy to preach . . . not so easy to practice

2006-07-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

"Keep trusting God" . . . How many times have we said that to people? That is a statement that is easy to say to people, but when you are in the midst of things, it's not quite so easy to put into practice. I can't even count how many times I have said that very thing to Marty in the last few months. I'm finding in the last few days that I'm having a really hard time doing it myself. I have been trying to be the "strong one" through all of this and I'm getting really tired. Things are starting to close in around us and I know that God is the only one to get us through. I covet your prayers as we press forward. I know things have to get better because God wants the best for us. His time is not our time. We must be patient. That is a hard lesson to learn. We love you all.

HARVEST CHRISTIAN CAMP

2006-07-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, camp is over for another year. Marty, Amy Rose and Tabby Hunt went over yesterday and packed up the kitchen. It is sad. We had some awesome camps this year. Marty was not really up to par, but we made it through. There were many salvations, rededications and 20 or 30 kids baptized in the Holy Ghost. There were also many healings. There was one teenager with scoliosis (sp?) who when he got there could not hardly bend over and during one of the services he was prayed for and he went up on stage and was bending over putting his hands on the floor with no pain!!!!! God is so awesome. He meets these kids where they are and they respond. There are all kinds of kids at these camps. Some of these kids no nothing about Jesus and some of them have never been in these kids of services before. The great thing is that it doesn't matter where they came from, they are all equal here at camp.
Marty and I have found that it is a wonderful experience. I have to say also that I was so proud of CFC. Our kitchen for the two weeks of camp pretty much consisted of CFC people. That was a great testimony to a lot of people. Our family pitched in to help us and it was awesome. I want to say thank you to all who came over to HCC and helped us in the kitchen this year. I hope you all had a good time and felt the presence of God while you were there (He's even in the kitchen!!!!!). I hope we snagged you!!!!!!!!
Camp is awesome!!!! Until next year . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY C

2006-07-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that my baby girl is 17 today! She has grown up so much it's not even funny. Amy has a wonderful heart and she is always willing to help others. I truly believe that God is going to use those qualities in great ways as she gets older. She is truly a blessing and her dad and I love her so much. Happy Birthday Amy.

Kevin

2006-07-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

This blog is a long time coming. This is our Kevin. I have to tell you that I am blessed by this boy (or should I say young man). He has grown up so much. He still has a streak of ornery in him, but he is a sweetie! It was such a privilege to watch him from the Academy days and then to have him in our youth group. Marty and I are very proud of him and what he has become. Good luck in your endeavors Kevin. Always keep your eyes on Jesus!!!!! We love you!

Close Call

2006-06-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about what a close call we had. My whole focus was on Marty getting better. I thought about the fact that he may lose his foot or something, but the thought never crossed my mind that he might die. When the doctor told us that before he went home, it just hit me like a ton of bricks. I think it really surprised him too. Please pray for his continued recovery and that it comes quickly. The pneumonia is much better so he's "feeling" better, he is just supposed to stay off of his foot most of the time. That is very hard for him. Please pray for patience and wisdom. I would also like to thank everyone again for their prayers, visits, calls, and food. It is such a blessing to have a church family that truly is your "family". We love you all.

Thank You

2006-06-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who prayed for us during the last week. Marty still has a long road ahead, but he is home. Please continue to pray for us during this recovery. Amy is now his nurse during the day so please pray for patience for both of them!!! I'll keep you updated. Love you all.

Update

2006-06-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

As most of you know by now, Marty is in the hospital. For any of you that have know Marty for any time at all, you know this is a miracle in itself! He's not doing great, but he's holding up. He has had a very high fever. Last night it was almost 104. It broke around 3:00 a.m., but when I was there this morning it was back over 101. They are pumping him full of antibiotics and trying to get his sugars way down. They are planning on doing surgery on his foot tomorrow and then we will just play it by ear from there. We appreciate all of your prayers and I hope you all know how very much you mean to us. We love you all.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2006-05-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we hit another milestone today. Amy got her license! Everyone watch out!!!!!!!!!

She really is a pretty good driver, just inexperienced. She will get better with practice. I told Marty that all three of our children are licensed drivers! Time goes so fast!

Pray for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LONG WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am in such need for a long weekend!!!!! I have so much to do and I am pooped and need to rest!

These pictures are of the American Cemetary in Normandy, France. The French gave this land to the Americans after WWII and when you go there you are actually standing on American soil. It's a very neat and emotional place to be. When you walk in and see all the crosses, perfectly placed, it is an amazing sight. I think this was probably Marty's favorite place that we went to while we were in France. He is a total WWII nut and he was so incredibly moved by the whole thing.

This Memorial Day please remember all of the men and women who served and are serving our country. They place their lives on the line daily for the freedoms that we enjoy here. As you go about your daily lives, doing all the things that you are free to do here in America, say a prayer for the soldiers and sailors who are fighting to give us those freedoms.

Have a great "Long Weekend"!!!!!!!

Believing in Healing

2006-05-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

I will start this off by saying that I believe in the power of God's healing touch. I also know though how very hard it is to see the one you love dealing with physical things daily and still believe in that healing. No one will ever convince me that God cannot and will not heal Marty. I know He will and is. I am just having a little bit of trouble right now seeing what Marty is going through right now. Marty's problems have always been on the inside. His sugar not being regulated, infections, etc. Now he has an ulceration on his foot and it's a very scary thing. It's on the outside and I see it every day and am reminded that if we don't take care of it EXACTLY as the doctor says and do everything the doctor says things could happen that I really don't want to deal with. Please pray for this situation. Pray for Marty's quick recovery from this ulceration and also for his complete healing from diabetes. I would also appreciate your prayers for me. I need to stand strong right now and that is very difficult. I love you all.

Cortney Renee'

2006-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

Miss Cortney is graduating next Saturday. She had her party today though. It went so well and we all had a great time. Each year we see so many of the kids (our kids) graduate and it's just hard to believe how fast the years have gone. When we first started at CFC Cortney was not quite 5. Our kids and the Swincher girls have practically grown up together and been through a lot together. They feel like our own. Cortney . . . Marty and I are so proud of you and the wonderful young woman you have become. We are so excited about your new venture and know that you are going to do great in college. Always keep your eyes on Jesus and ALWAYS do what He would have you do. Keep listening to His voice. We love you sweetie!

Miss Dallys

2006-05-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Dallys. We took it on Easter Sunday. Dallys loves to pose for pictures, but normally she has to have a cheesy smile in them (so she thinks). I love this one because I caught her looking at a flower that she picked.

She's my sweet Grandbaby even though she isn't such a baby any more. It's hard to believe that she'll be 5 this year!

Yeah for Friday!

2006-05-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

I am so very glad that it's Friday! I don't even care if it's dreary out. I don't have to go to work tomorrow!!!!!! Yea!!!!!!! The week has been fairly uneventful, but busy. I just really need to get some things done around the house. Looking forward to getting things done and relaxing! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

She's In!

2006-05-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Amy went for her interview into Barbering School. We haven't gotten the "official" letter from the school, but the instructor said that she was in!!!!! She is soooooooo excited and I'm excited for her. This is something she has wanted to do for a very long time and she's finally getting to do it! Amy usually decides what she wants and you can't hardly change her mind. She focuses on her goal and can't be moved. Even though it can be tough to deal with a child like that as a parent, I really admire that trait in her. She is very persistent and unstoppable when she wants to be. It is going to take a lot of hard work to complete this venture, but I know she is going to do great! I love you Ames!

The Beginning of Busy!

2006-05-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, in two weeks it will begin. Graduations start and then we move right on to camp. It is the beginning of go, go, go for us.

We absolutely love it though. We love cooking and helping the kids out for graduation and being a part of their special day and then camp . . . what can I say. This is our thing. Marty and I couldn't be happier than when we are cooking for camp. There is just something about being there on those grounds and feeling the presence of God and seeing how He is working in all the kids. From the little guys to the teenagers to even the counselors. We are blessed beyond belief to be a part of Harvest Christian Camp. Pray for strength for us during the next couple months. It's tiring, but it's totally worth it!!!!!

TA-DA

2006-04-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well . . . it's finally done! I still need to buy a couple picture frames and a curtain rod, but other than that, nothing left to do!!!!!! Yeah! I thought I would share the finished product with you all. Next project . . . the bathroom. Have a great week!

MY MOM

2006-04-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about my mom today and just wanted to share some things about her. Many of you knew her, but most of you didn't. She was one of the sweetest people I knew. She was ALWAYS there when I needed her, at the drop of a hat. If I needed a babysitter at the last minute or something baked or cooked for a dinner or a school party, she would always take care of it. I could always count on her. I hope I can be that kind of mom to my kids and always be there when they need me. I don't know that I ever remember her saying anything bad about anyone. She never, ever said bad words around me, even when I was an adult. A couple times one would slip out and she got so embarrassed. I was a big girl then!!!!! I just had to laugh at her. She was so silly sometimes. She and Marty got along so well and both loved to read and would talk about books all the time. They both loved the same kind of movies too. She was an avid Gone With the Wind fan and loved to collect antiques. There are so many things I see that make me think of her, especially in the Spring. Her favorite flower was the daffodil and Dad would always buy her a bunch of them every Spring. It's hard to believe she's been gone for 8 years. I really miss her.

Giving Back

2006-04-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Marty has had the unique opportunity this year to work at a job that is very rewarding to him and that he loves. He works for joint services at Greenfield Central. He works in the Resource Department there. He teaches and works with physically and mentally handicapped kids. Some of them are very mild, but some of them are very physically and mentally challenged. Marty is great with these kids and they love him and he loves them. He and I are going to get to do something great for some of these kids this Friday. There are about 20 of them going to prom this year. It is very hard for them to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant like most kids do before prom now a days. Marty and his boss have arranged to have a formal dinner for these kids at the school before the prom and Marty and I are cooking it. I am so excited about this. The kids are very, very excited. I can't wait to do this for them. I love putting on formal dinners anyway so this is a great opportunity for us to give something back and do something special for these kids.

Fun Facts . . . part 2

2006-04-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more things about me that maybe you didn't know. . .

My middle name is Jill, after my mom.

My mom passed away 8 years ago. The year after she died I had many health problems which ended up stemming from depression, but praise God I am past all that!

I am an only child.

Before Marty and I got married I was a spoiled brat! (I think he thinks I still am!!!!!)

I have always lived in this area and went to Eastern Hancock all 12 years.

I used to collect Precious Moments figurines and Longaberger Baskets. I have a china cabinet full of Precious Moments (I still love every one of them, I just don't collect them anymore) and I have a ton of Longaberger. I would still very much like to keep collecting them! For a while I was kind of a Longaberger freak!

We had horses when I was growing up and I showed them in 4-H. I got kicked by one and thrown across the arena when I was in 6th grade and ended up in the hospital with many broken ribs.

I am a legal secretary/assistant in Greenfield and I used to work for a Judge.

Well, that's enough for now. I can't really think of anything else very interesting.

Hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed Easter!!!!!

OOPS!

2006-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

I forgot the most important fun fact about myself . . .

I LOVE Diet Mountain Dew, but I'm sure that everyone already knows that!!!!!!!! Looking at the bottle of it sitting on my desk made me remember that!

Be blessed!

My Turn at "Did You Know"

2006-04-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

O.K., here it goes. I'm going to give the "Did You Know" blog a shot.

I do not like bananas in any way, shape or form (Marty has tried his hardest to get me to eat them with no success)

When I was in elementary school I absolutely loved Donny Osmond. My favorite color was purple, which was his favorite color and everything and I mean everything in my room was purple.

By Jr. Hi and High School I progressed from Donny to Barry Manilow, and I do still like him now. I have several of his CD's. Amy says he looks like a duck. I get very offended by that!

I love shoes

I hate to do laundry. I can deal with the washing and drying, but when it gets to that folding, I just get stuck. I'm trying to overcome that though!

I was on the Royalettes Drill Team in high school and we won several state championships and two or three national championships.

I started taking dance lessons when I was 3 and took them until I was 17. Tap, Ballet and Jazz. I loved it.

I also took a tap class about 8 years ago and was in the recital. Yes, I was 37 at the time! I had a good time with it!

Marty and I were high school sweethearts and got married when I got out of high school. We've been married almost 27 years.

When I first met Marty I said that he would be the man I married . . . and he was!

I love the perfume Ciara and have used that since I was in 9th grade

My favorite movie and play is Phantom of the Opera. The movie is good, but on stage it is way better!

I really like to listen to Mercy Me, but there are several different Christian artists that I enjoy. Carman and Steven Curtis Chapman to name a couple

I have a thing about kitchen gadgets. I love them. I also like baking pans, bowls, and anything that has to do with cooking.

I love to watch the food network. I like Rachael Ray and Giada DeLarentis. Emeril is pretty good too.

Well, that's enough for now. Maybe I'll think up some more fun facts about myself. Hope everyone has a great Easter!!!!!!!

Update

2006-04-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am ALMOST done with my bedroom. I have one small part of the room to finish painting and then I need to hang a couple pictures up and put two shelves up with curtains and then I'll be DONE!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!! I just wanted to thank Amy Reason for coming and helping me on Saturday. It was such a blessing to spend some time with her and she was a great help. That girl can paint!

I have decided to start re-doing the bathroom next. I kind of decided that when I was in the bathroom coloring my hair the other day and as I was waiting for the timer to go off, there was a little piece of wallpaper coming loose so I just pulled . . . and pulled . . . and pulled. My bathroom has a unique look right now. Let's put it this way. It has to be the next room I fix up!!!!!

Well, have a great day in this wonderful spring weather!!!!!

2006-04-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Lord, help me to have a heart to see people the way you see them. To feel their hurts and understand. Help me to always see the best in people regardless of what's on the outside. Father, it's my heart's cry to have a closer, stronger relationship with you. I want to step outside the everyday hustle and bustle and run to you. I want to seek you with my whole heart and give every part of it to you. Help me to do that. I love you Jesus. Amen

Painting

2006-03-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have decided that painting makes you tired! I have been painting my bedroom. I've gotten motivated to make some changes around the house. I don't know if that has something to do with Drew moving out and having an extra room to do something with (if Amy would ever get her stuff out of it. She is currently living in two rooms!!!!)

I love to make changes in a room. You get an idea in your head and you start and then you begin to see it come together and you just don't want to quit until it is finished. I still have ways to go before the bedroom is completely finished, but it makes me want to move on to another room after I'm done. I'm already making plans in my head on where to go next!

Have a great day!

GRANDBABIES

2006-03-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

Dallys, Dylan and Donovan

Much Accomplished

2006-03-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a busy weekend. Didn't really go anywhere, but have been very busy at home and we got much accomplished. To look around it really doesn't look like it in places, but I guess to get something cleaned and organized you have to create a mess. At least that's the way it is for me. I have to move things out, clean and organize and then move things back. Amanda came and cleaned my bedroom and living room carpets and that was a great blessing. They really needed it. They could probably use it again in some places, but they look much better than they did. We also watched the grandkids overnight on Friday night. That kept us hopping. Or should I say that kept me and Amy hopping. Marty is pretty much confined to the couch while we are at home. In case you didn't know, Marty broke his foot. Of course it is his left foot which is the leg he had so much trouble with this summer. He's behaving pretty well . . . for Marty. He keeps it up and ices it when I tell him to. Although he really doesn't have much choice when I put the ice pack on it! Well, it was fun having the kids, but we were pretty tired when it was all said and done. They are a handful, but are sweeties! That's pretty much it. Busy weekend, but got a lot accomplished and that makes me feel good! Have a great week!

LIFE . . . can blindside you

2006-03-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Life is funny like that. You can be going along, thinking everything is peachy, and then BOOM. Life happens. You know, the everyday things, like kids, work, house, bills, cars. This is why it is so important to keep prayed up and keep your eyes on Jesus. The everyday things are not near as hard to deal with when you have Jesus there dealing with you. I want to encourage everyone to keep pressing in to God. He is our strength and our shelter and our refuge. He is our rock upon which to stand when it seems like everything else is falling apart. He can pull it all back together. Sometimes life stinks, but with Jesus we can all make it through.

Far Away

2006-03-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

I would like to ask all of you to pray for Drew. He left yesterday for Pennsylvania and will be gone for the next three weeks working. He doesn't mind the work, but it is hard being away from friends and family with really nothing to do. Three weeks straight in another state is going to be a little different than a week at a time only a few hours away. So please just pray that he is safe and he can keep his focus on God while he is away.

Also, you might want to pray for mom a bit too. When Drew gets back from Pennsylvania he is planning on moving out. He will be renting a house in Greenfield. He won't be far away, but momma is not doing too well with it. He will be closer to work and it will be a good thing, but it is still hard.

Dylan is 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this little guy is 2 today?????????

Dylan is such a cutie, but as cute as he is, he is just are ornery. He'll get into something and then cut those little eyes at you and he is just stinking cute! I get so aggravated at myself for being sucked into his "cute"! He is a monkey. He loves to climb and he loves to take things apart. He's growing up so fast!!! I just wanted to share my grandson's birthday with all of you.

Have a great day!

p.s. It's Yann's birthday too!!!!! Happy Birthday Yann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Testimony, Part 2

2006-02-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

When I was going through all those things, it was one of the hardest times in my life. My mother had died just a few months before and I was devastated. Few people knew exactly what I was going through. They knew about the headaches, but not many knew about the memory loss, the depression and the panic attacks. On the outside I looked like one of the strongest people there was, but on the inside I was dying. God ultimately healed me and showed me just exactly how faithful He is.

That was about 7 years ago, but it's funny how doors can be opened to the same old things.

Marty and I have both been under a great deal of stress lately. I felt like I was handling it very well. I tried to stand in faith for every thing that came against us. Apparently, again, that was just on the outside.

Right after Christmas I began having chest pains and having trouble breathing. My doctor was very concerned that it could be heart related. Both of my parents died from heart disease. All of the tests for my heart came back fine. The doctor moved on to other things to check out. Again, nothing. In the midst of this I went back to what I knew to do. Prayer. The pastors prayed, the church prayed. I had to trust God. It was very frustrating. Every test they did on me came back perfect. I was confronted again with the thing that scared me the most. Depression, stress, panic attacks. I decided to deal with it without fear. I am on medication now and it's o.k. God is helping me and I am really doing great. God is so much bigger than the stressors in our life. We have got to make a choice to press into Him. We must not let the stress in our lives be bigger than our God.

Testimony

2006-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

Last night at church Pastor had me come up and share how God had healed me and what He had done for me. I was caught a little bit off guard. I shared, but after I got home last night I realized there were many things that I left out that needed to be said. It may take a couple of posts to get it all.

About 7 years ago I started getting horrible pain in my head and also began having memory loss. It was really bad. We went to our family doctor who sent me to a neurologist. They did an MRI and blood work and couldn’t find anything that would be causing any of it. It was very frustrating. I thought I was going crazy. I think Marty thought I was going crazy. Marty and I met with Pastor several times.

I was always brought up with the idea that depression was totally a state of mind and it didn’t have to be that way. You could control it yourself and to take medicine for it meant you were really crazy. It got so bad that one time Pastor and I were talking and he asked me if he had a brain tumor in one hand and depression in the other, which would I pick. I must have been crazy then because I picked brain tumor. What was I thinking! I was so scared of being depressed and the thought that I might have some sort of mental problem. This was a really big deal to me. This went on for a while. Probably not as long as it seemed, but I felt like my world was crashing down around me.

We prayed and prayed. Pastor told me I needed to get the Word in me to help me. I decided the best way to do that was to be able to see healing and faith scriptures all around me. I got 3x5 cards and wrote every scripture I could find about healing and faith. I taped them up all over our house. On the bathroom mirror, in the bedroom, in the kitchen, at work. I was determined to build my faith. I wasn’t really getting any better, but we just kept praying.

One Sunday evening we had been to a work picnic. When we left I just really felt like we needed to go to church. I knew we were going to be very late, but I just knew we needed to go. We got there and the service was almost over. Pastor called for anyone who wanted to pray to come to the alter. I just couldn’t do it, but I went and sat on the front pew. Marty went to the alter and prayed. I just sat there with my head in my hands and then Marty sat down beside me, very excited with his Bible in his hand. He had it opened to James 5:14 "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." Marty looked at me and asked if that was o.k. I just looked at him and said o.k. I really didn't know what to think. He rounded up all the pastors and they prayed and anointed me with oil. A lot of oil. When we were done, I still had a headache, but I knew things would be better. A couple weeks after that during a church service I was completely delivered and healed. God had been working not only on my body, but my heart.

That’s not the end of the story. To be continued . . .

SORRY

2006-02-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

I have to apologize. I already missed it! My computer's been messed up at work and then we were so swamped I just didn't get to post yesterday. So much for my every day/every other day posting. I will have to do better!!!!!! Like anything else, it's hard to get in the grove of something that you decide you are going to do. Especially if you are not disciplined. It's just like the things of God. We make a decision to press in and to read our Bible more and to pray more, but the things of life sometimes get in our way. Again, it goes back to choices. We can choose to make the time and take the time to read our Bibles and pray or not.

Lord, I pray that you help me to make better choices and press in closer to you. Help me to read your Word more faithfully and to pray more for others. I love you Lord.

MY VALENTINE

2006-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Most of you know Marty. Very few of you know who he truly is. Marty is one of the most compassionate and loving people I know. He is a servant through and through and always wants to do his best for everyone. He is a very smart man and can read a huge book very quickly and remember it all. (that really aggravates me sometimes because I can NEVER keep up). I really admire that quality about him. He loves his job and the kids and other teachers he works with. He has been able to share his knowledge and show his compassion on a daily basis with these kids. Many of the kids he works with are handicapped and he wasn't quite sure he was cut out to work with them, but they have worked their way into his heart and he loves them so much. He wants to see them succeed and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. He's been able to use his cooking abilities and computer skills at school and has been able to teach a cooking class. He absolutely LOVES that. He is an awesome father and a wonderful grandpa. He loves our kids no matter what and our grandkids melt his heart. Marty loves me with all his heart. He has been the best husband a woman could ever have. He has been there with me through some of the worst times in my life and some of the absolute best times. We have been able to share things and opportunities and I am so blessed by that. Marty is romantic, thoughtful, caring, tender hearted and the love of my life. I am so proud of the way he has listened to God and pressed in even when it looked like everything was crashing down around him. He is my inspiration and truly "My Valentine". I love you honey!

BLOGGING

2006-02-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

I was told yesterday that I was not very good at keeping up on my blog. SO . . . I have decided that I am going to try to blog at least every other day, if not every day!!!!! (I have to give myself a little leeway) I just always have trouble thinking about what to write about. I guess it doesn't have to be some deep subject matter, just whatever's on my heart or in my head. I am really going to try to do better at this!!!! Just keep checking my blog, you never do know what I will be writing about from day to day!!!! Have a great Monday!!!!!!

Buckshot

2006-02-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is Buckshot or more affectionately called Bucky . . . Bucky-doo . . . Shotbuck . . . Deerslug . . . or Stupid Dog. He is officially my dog, but he loves Marty much more. He is a pest, but a faithful pest. He will snuggle and be there with you whenever you want to lay down with a blanket on the couch. Sometimes I think he thinks he's a person. He is a silly bouncy dog that makes me smile. I love my Bucky!

HAPPY

2006-02-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

Why can't everyone just choose to be happy???? Life is so short and God has created each new day for us. We have got to make a conscious choice to be happy in the things we have and in where we are and use each experience to make us better and stronger. Put a smile on our faces even when we don't really feel like it and let God shine through us regardless of our situation. God can move whether we move with Him or not, but wouldn't it be better to go along for the ride???? Just my thoughts. Be happy and have a great day!

I'm Doing Great!

2006-02-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

For the past month or so I have been going through some physical problems. I've been through tests, and different medications and we've been praying continually. I have had people ask me every time they see me how I am feeling and how I am doing. For a long time even though I wanted to just say that I was doing fine, I couldn't lie, so I just had to keep saying that I wasn't feeling too great and for them to keep praying. Well, today someone asked me and I could honestly say that I am feeling and doing great! I'm feeling better and I can really feel God moving through our family. I would like to thank everyone for all of their prayers. God is so good and He is faithful. Be blessed.

YEAH FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-02-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

I just have to say that I am SO glad it's Friday and also that it's almost time to go home! It's really not been such a hard week, I just have things to do at home and I would love to be there doing it!!!!! I guess that's what the weekends are for, huh???

Be blessed!

Drew

2006-01-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have to say that yesterday was a really good day. During ministry time at church Drew went up and gave his heart back to the Lord. That was such a blessing. Since he graduated and went to work, there were some things that he had wandered to with some of his work buddies and others that didn't exactly make his dad and I too happy. I knew in my heart he still loved God and knew what the right things to do were, it was just so hard for him to not just go with the crowd. I have seen a difference in him in the last couple of weeks so I think the Holy Ghost was working on him even before yesterday. I am just glad that he listened and was obedient. I would ask that everyone reading this blog please pray for Drew this week. He is out of town with work this whole week up north and I am praying that he can continue to seek God while he is gone and not let worldly things try to draw him away. Please pray for strength for him to stand for what he knows is right and also for protection while he is gone. I love my boy and I am so blessed to see him turn back to God.

TRUST

2006-01-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

Trust . . . The Lord just kept pressing this word into my mind this morning. I got to work and looked it up in the dictionary. Trust is a "firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something." Do we have a firm belief in God's reliability, His truth, His ability and His strength? We say we trust Him and then something hard comes our way. We get worried or upset or we try to do it ourselves. We don't have a firm belief that God is able when we do that. One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." We MUST learn to trust God in ALL things. Even the hard things. What do you think????

HAPPY 2006!!!!!

2005-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

2005 was a wild year in the Sparks' household. We moved, Drew graduated, we took a trip to France, Marty was very sick and now I'm in the midst of illness. Of course there were other odds and ends along the way, those were just highlights! Some of these were great things, others really stinky things. God has been with us in every one of these events. Good and bad. I look forward to 2006. I am determined to seek God with everything in me. I am determined to have the faith that He is my healer and our provider. He is my everything and I must remember that regardless of the situation.

I pray that all of you seek God with your whole heart in 2006 and that He blesses you abundantly. Love you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

2005-12-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! This is one of our cats, Fluffy. Her favorite place to play and hide is our Christmas tree. She has not knocked any of the ornaments off, she just gets in it and plays, then lays down and watches everyone from her perch. She's a funny cat!

The Sparks family, Marty, Andy, Drew and Amy would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderfully blessed holiday season in Christ.

Truly Blessed

2005-12-22T17:15:00.000-08:00

We are truly blessed with an abundance of friends. I don't know what we would do without them. These people are not just friends, they are our family. I have no family still around and Marty's parents and brothers are in North Carolina and we rarely see them. Our friends are ALWAYS there when we need them and love us no matter what. I thank God for giving us such a wonderful family.

Donovan Lee

2005-12-12T23:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of our precious new grandbaby!

2005-12-12T20:47:00.001-08:00

2005-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

2005-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

Testimony Time

2005-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to share something with everyone. For the past few months CFC has had a service at church every Wednesday night. It's not really what you would call a "church service", it has been a wonderful time spent with the Lord in worship, testimonies, and prayer. There have been many opportunities to pray for each other, for situations, and for people who were not present. I have to tell you that this has been so good for me personally. I was beginning to feel very dry spiritually. It was almost like I had forgotten how good it felt to pray and worship God. It seems our lives are so busy and I just hadn't taken the time to spend time with God like I should. This service on Wednesday night has given me a boost mid-week that has helped me to be encouraged to spend more time in prayer and in worship and in the Word. I want to encourage everyone to come join us on Wednesday nights at 8:00. It will bless you in many ways!

Early, Early, Early

2005-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm here, up early, waiting for yeast rolls to rise in the oven. I'm baking a couple batches for Marty to take to a dinner his kids are making for the Consumer Education class at school. I sit here and think that I really do like getting up early. It's quiet in the house and you can really get a lot done early in the morning. My problem is that my body just does not agree with my mind. Once I get up, I'm good to go. It's just the "getting up". I know for me, I have a routine I go through every morning. My alarm goes off, I hit the snooze three or four times and then I slowly get up and get ready. This morning I KNEW I had to get up early so I did it. No snooze. I can do it, I just need to MAKE myself get up earlier every day. I think I would have a better start if I did. How about you?

Rough Week

2005-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

This has been one of my hardest weeks at work. There are some laws changing here in Indiana and there were a ton of people coming in to get things filed in court. I have gone into work early, stayed late and not taken lunch every day this week. Then Marty and I went into work on Friday night from 8:30 to midnight. I was wiped. I was physically tired, but I was also mentally drained. It's wonderful how gracious God is though. God gave me the stamina to make it through and helped me to not be TOO cranky through it all. (at least I think so, don't ask my family they may say different!) Anyway, my point is that no matter what we go through in our lives and how hard things get or become, God is always right there. He WANTS to be right in the middle of everything going on in our lives. He wants to be the one we turn to and lean on when things get hard. Then He wants to be the one at the end when it's all over and we've made it through. I'm so blessed He's been with me this week.

Two of My Girls!

2005-10-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Here are two of my girls! My oldest daughter Amanda and her daughter (my granddaughter) Dallys. Now that Amanda is grown up with kids of her own, she and I get along so well. As she was growing up that wasn't always the case. I always loved her so much, but there were times when I really didn't like her too well! I think that is the case with all moms and daughters. Marty says that most of the problem was that we were too much alike. That could be. She is a great mom and I am so proud of her and what she has become. She has a job that she loves and one that was made just for her. I love you Sis!

Good Report

2005-09-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hey All . . . Praise the Lord we got a good report today!!! The doctor said that Marty's leg is healing, it is just taking a little while. She is keeping him on the antibiotic for two or three more weeks, but she was very encouraged about the way it looks. We are taking a few steps to try to keep the swelling down when he gets up on it and he needs to stay down and keep his leg elevated when he can. Overall I think we are on the upswing! God is so good. Thank you all for your prayers. We love you all.

Normal?

2005-09-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, we're four weeks into Marty being sick. We are still believing for his complete healing, we just need to be patient. I have been sitting here thinking . . . I can't wait until things get back to normal. But then . . . what is normal? Everyone's normal is different. We have stayed at home and not been able to do much of anything lately. To a lot of people, that is normal. To us, normal is being on the go, getting out and doing things, helping people, being in the midst of things. Maybe God is changing what our "normal" should be. Maybe this is our clue that we should slow down a bit. Maybe not. I just need to learn to be flexible in any situation . . . "normal" or not.

Please continue to pray for our family. I know that Marty's healing is on the way. We're all just really tired. Not really physically tired, just tired. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I'm talking about. I covet all of your prayers. Thank you.

Please continue to pray for Marty

2005-09-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Reminders

2005-09-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know about any of you, but sometimes I have to remind myself just how good God is. We have been going through a very rough time lately and I have had many opportunities to get really upset and give up hope. Then I just think of all the miracles that God has performed in my life. From little things to great big things. Each one is a great reminder of how faithful our God is. He knows what's going on in your life. He knows your heart's desires. He knows exactly how much you can handle. He is my provider, my safety net, my hope. When things look the worst, He can make it the best. I hope this encourages someone.

God Is So Good

2005-09-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed. Marty is getting better and he did not have to be admitted into the hospital. (He's VERY blessed by that!) The doctor told us that there was enough improvement in his leg that she would not put him in. He is to keep up with the antibiotic and stay down with his leg propped up and call her if it gets redder or swollen of if he gets another fever. So far the pain is far less than it has been and when he does have to get up he is getting around much better. He is walking with a cane right now, but I'm believing that he won't have to use that much longer. I want to thank all of you for lifting us up in your prayers. God has heard and answered. Don't give up praying though. I am believing for a COMPLETE AND TOTAL HEALING.

I love you all.

Marty Update

2005-08-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd give everyone an update on Marty. As some of you know I took Marty to the emergency room last night. Now that, in itself, is some BIG task! He has been sick for the past few days and even though he felt better yesterday morning, by afternoon it hit him again. The doctors decided that he had had an infection in his body and it settled in his leg due to his diabetes. They gave him antibiotics and pain killers through an IV and did some blood work and cultures to see if he had any bacteria or infection in his bloodstream. The initial blood work showed that his white blood count was fine so they agreed to let him go home with oral antibiotics. We won't know the results of the cultures for a few days. I went this morning and got the medicine. God blessed us with a miracle when I got them and I almost cried right there in Walmart! I stopped by our doctor's office on my way home and just got a call from her nurse and the doctor wants to see him . . . today. So we will be getting ready in a little while and I will be taking him in to see our doctor. I am really glad because I like her to know exactly what's going on with Marty. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as I know you already have. We are so blessed to have an abundance of Christian brothers and sisters that love us. I'll keep you updated as to how Marty is doing. Love you all.

Feeling Detached

2005-08-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been a part of something, but still feel completely detached from it? Kind of like no matter what you do you can't make a difference and it really just doesn't matter? I've been there in a few areas in my life lately. This morning God did something. He brought me back. I came in feeling one way and left feeling totally different. Circumstances haven't changed, but I have. God has such a good way of doing that. I went up to the alter to talk to God about a few things and He sent someone to me and gave her just the right words to say. Thank you Lord that you know what we need even when we don't. Help me to hold tight to you and never let go. I love you Jesus!

Marty's first plane ride!!!!!!

2005-08-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Marty in front of the Arc De Triomphe

2005-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

The Girls!

2005-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Beth and Amy

2005-08-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sue, under the Eiffel Tower

2005-08-16T22:37:00.000-07:00