Our Girls Evening Full of Coffee, Chocolate, and Fun!

Last night Christie and I met up with two of my dear friends from Photography school (which explains the accumulation of pictures from the evening): Amy and Brandy. It was Brandy's birthday last week, so it called for an evening of girl time and coffee!

After enjoying a dinner of Triple Prime Burger at Ruby Tuesdays (absolutely delicious!), we relocated to Starbucks to enjoy coffee and dark chocolate truffles.

It was a blessed evening of encouragement and fun. Thanks girls, for your sweet friendships.

Happy birthday, Brandy!

Amy and Christie

Me and Brandy

An Answered Prayer

Our family has been praying about the Russian boy, Misha, we've been planning to foster for some months now. There have been quite a few difficulties with the Russian government, and his trip has been postponed a number of times.

After months of praying, God has been faithful in answering...in His time. We received word that the tickets were bought and Misha's plane will arrive September 24.

We are so excited about the opportunity to minister to him over the next 6 months, and watch the Lord faithfully sanctify and encourage our family through the trials to come.

Keep Misha and our family in your prayers over the next few months; as he will be undergoing surgery to amputate both legs, and we'll be trying our very best to make him comfortable- despite the language barrier.

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." ~Matthew 21:22

You can read more about Misha and the details of his coming to America here.

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!