Bountifully Blessed

We took some time last weekend to get family portraits made. My wonderfully-talented sister, Christie, took the pics for us. Thanks Christie!

It was strange being on the other side of the camera for a change.

From left to right: Hannah, David, Dad, Mom, Me, and Matt. Esther and Josiah are in the front!

Gettin' creative and crazy!

Just for fun! I love how Matt and David's expressions sum up their personalities completely!

Christie's turn for pictures with her hubby...

Mema was wonderful and kept the kids occupied during our picture session...

"He Maketh No Mistake"

Through the years, the Lord has used many instances to draw my heart to trusting Him. I'm ashamed to admit that I am very often lacking in faith, and find myself questioning the will of my Lord. But when the "mist" is at its thickest, He is gracious enough to send sweet reminders to just let go and trust His all-knowing hand to lead me...for He doth know the way!

The following poem has been a great reminder of this truth. It was written by A.M Overton, a retired pastor. He lost his beloved wife, and it was during her funeral service that he wrote this incredible poem.

My Father’s way may twist and turn,

My heart may throb and ache.

But in my soul I’m glad I know,

He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade away,

But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead

For He doth know the way.

Tho’ night be dark and it may seem

That day will never break;

I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him.

He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight’s far too dim;

But come what may, I’ll simply trust

And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift

And plain it all He’ll make,

Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,

He made not one mistake.

--by A. M. Overton (1932)

This Week's CVS Trip

This week I made one transaction, then left the store with these items and a profit of $0.24, (I'm going to have to start reporting my trips on my taxes, with these kinds of profits :-) ). I was especially excited about the Cover Girl WetLips.

Our Adventure: Days Four, Five, and Six

Day Four:
Tuesday morning Hannah, Davina, Rosie and I made a trip around Greenville to do our weekly grocery shopping. After visiting a few different stores, we pulled into Aldi's to finish up the shopping.
Davina's eyes got big and she remarked, "Another store?". She let out a sigh and stated, "Grocery shopping is very tiring, isn't it?!"
They took long naps after lunch!

Mema and papa came up for dinner, and we all had fun fellowshipping with them!

Josiah and Esther helping with dinner

Rosie and papa

Davina relazing in papa's lap while she talks to her mommy

Day Five:

On Wednesday Heather, Noah, and Mercy spent the day with us.

How angelic!

Cousins on cloud nine!

The biggest kid on the playground

Davina loves her uncle Matt!

Baby Mercy

Day Six:

Thursday we spent the day at the lake with some families from our church. The Rettberg's were kind enough to open their home and we all had a blast together!

Hannah, Eve, and Carrie getting ready for their big jump...

They weren't too successful!

Grant and David just being themselves

Amy's big jump!

Typical moment

Faith took good care of William throughout the day. I think he has a new best friend!

Our Adventure: Day Three

A Trip to the Zoo...

Rosie was mesmerized by the monkeys!

The Three Stooges!

Josiah taking time to help Rosie. It was cute to watch as he casually stopped what he was doing to help her in an unaltered manner.

A girl after my own heart.

As you can see, William enjoyed the day!

The girls encounter with a bear...

hamming it up!

After the zoo, we went to Chick-fil-A for free chicken strips. The catch: wearing an article of clothing with a football team logo on it. Everyone in CFA seemed to wonder at our dressing the girls in large t-shirts. But we weren't bothered by the attention; we're used to feeling conspicuous!

Hannah decided to have a little fun and put Davina's hair in curlers.

The end result!

Our Adventure: Day Two

Today functioned like any other Sunday (with the addition of three little heads to our pew)!

The most precious moment was our drive back home from church. I was driving with Hannah and the three little ones in the back seat. In the quiet I was thinking over a lot of things, and I found myself feeling lonely and discouraged about where God has me. It's certainly a challenge to remain spiritually minded and press on in faith, when you don't know the outcome or timing of God's plan. It was in the midst of meditating on these thoughts that I heard a sweet voice from the backseat, "This is the day, this is the day- that the Lord has made!"

Those words spoke so clearly to my heart! The Lord was graciously reminding me of His hand of mercy and providence upon this day. Even though it seems without direction and purpose, He ordained this very day before my first breath. He has a wonderful plan of bringing glory to Himself, and of my enjoying Him, if I can only look past my small range of focus and put my mind on Christ!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Praise the Lord for the gracious reminders He sends through children!!!