Family Pictures

Oh yeah - I have a blog don't I?

Well, we had a family picture made this past week. It was a lot of fun (right Granny and PawPaw)? Here are some of the shots.

The entire family

Jenn and Brian

The Kids

Coleman

Emmie

Calvin

Ellerie

My Calling...

This morning I was reading the latest ejournal publication from 9marks. The topic for this journal is marriage.

A pastor's wife was sharing what she has learned in her role of being a pastor's wife. "My call to be my husband's helper means I'm called to help protect his reputation by cultivating my own character. What an unexpected blessing it has been to be held accountable in such a sobering way. This high calling is sobering, yes, but it is also a kindness from the Lord to my sinful heart, because I need the extra accountability! When I meet with other women, I need to be able to say in good conscience how I spend my time and how I'm redeeming the time. It's not only for my reputation, but most importantly for my husband's and the Lord's!" (Laurie is the wife of Paul Alexander, pastor of Fox Valley Bible Church in St. Charles, Illinois.)

Wow! This truth applies to all wives, whether our husbands are in ministry or not. How do I spend my time? Am I cultivating my character in the situations I face each day? Much to think about from this quote!

My Goal

Brian preached a sermon a few weeks ago on Psalm 100 and I just found my notes while I was cleaning. I was looking over them and was reminded of the richness found in just the first verse: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

All the earth, including little ole me, is commanded to praise the LORD. I am commanded to make a noise, and not just any noise, but a joyful one. That's where it gets me. I can make noise, in fact, I can make a lot of noise (just ask those around me) - but can I make a joyful noise? Those who find their delight in the LORD are those that can make a joyful noise.

There are times when I don't delight and that is when I am reminded to get in the Word, to get on my knees and to pray for that delight. We praise what we enjoy - my desire is to enjoy the LORD and to make a joyful noise to Him through that enjoyment.

How can we do that? Well, Brian pointed to 4 affirmations for us to stand on when obeying this command:
Know that the LORD is God
Know that He made us
Know that the LORD is good
Know that the LORD is faithful

So - let's make some joyful noise!

Yumm-O!

Most of my friends know that I love to bake. Part of the fun of baking is licking the bowl, spoons, beaters, etc. Well, guess what I found at Wal-Mart the other night? Ben and Jerry have a new ice cream flavor - and it is called "Cake Batter."! Here's the description: yellow cake batter ice cream with a chocolate frosting swirl!

Oh my - it is yummy indeed!!