Enjoying Spring... together :)

Warmth has finally arrived, and we are taking advantage of the short summer months to enjoy being together in nature.





A pair of loons swimming near us


Enjoying the scenery on our way back from an afternoon at the lake... ;)


Our valley from a nearby fire tower.

Our Precious Parents

[Click the picture to view full size.]

Our Greatest Blessing

Twenty-five...it seems like just an ordinary number, but this year it holds a special place in our hearts... For today, 25 years ago, our dear parents formed a bond that has stayed strong through all 25 of those years. This is the greatest treasure and most priceless blessing of our lives.

Mom and Dad, you have given us the richest gift parents could ever give their children. You have given our home a strong foundation - one that can always be depended on, and most importantly, you've given us the example of a real relationship with the Lord that exemplifies itself in every aspect of your life - including home life. These treasures we will carry with us in into eternity.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Mom and Dad... Happy anniversary, and we love you!

~ Lisa & Rachel

Spring activities... :)

Anticipation...

From Spring 2009

Unashamed: Corrected

I have made a correction to my latest poem. Instead of "Let’s dwell in light, ashamed of self, by Jesus’ arm sustained...," it is now "Let’s dwell in light, denying self, by Jesus’ arm sustained...." I hope this makes my thoughts a little clearer here. Thank you Grandpa & Grandma and Mom, Dad & Rachel for giving your input on that! :-)

Unashamed

Behold the youthful Joseph when temptation raised its head;
He lingered not but locked his mind above and quickly fled.
And not the threat of prison could persuade him to deny
His God in Whom he trusted every weakness to supply.
Let’s dwell in light, denying self, by Jesus’ arm sustained,
Unmoved by censure or applause: of Christ we’re not ashamed!

Behold the steadfast trio, told by Babylon’s king to bow
To Dura’s golden image: they stood firmly to their vow.
They feared the God of Heaven more than torture’s fiery jaw,
And, seeing Him as King of kings, obeyed His holy Law.
Let’s dwell in light, denying self, by Jesus’ arm sustained,
Unmoved by censure or applause: of Christ we’re not ashamed!

Behold the transformed Peter not ashamed to bear the cross,
But, boldly bearing witness, counted earthly life but loss.
For, filled with love for Jesus, he could not forbear to speak
Of how the King of Heaven spilled His blood to set us free.
Let’s dwell in light, denying self, by Jesus’ arm sustained,
Unmoved by censure or applause: of Christ we’re not ashamed!

(This poem is the result of a study I did on GYC's next theme: unASHAMED. I finished the poem last night. I pray it will be a blessing.)

What an opportunity...

Something struck me this morning… We each have an opportunity – every day – to have an experience like Daniel when he was in the den of lions. This earth really is like a den of lions… Temptations surround us and our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” So many people around us are looking for something solid that they can always depend on… They are watching us, and the cry of their heart is “is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” It is up to us how that is answered. We can either dishonor God, not accepting his strength and protection to overcome sin, or we can say with Daniel, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me…” This incredible victory was made possible because Daniel “believed in his God.” When we really take God at His word, those around us will see that our Father “is the living God, and steadfast forever...He delivereth and rescueth…”