My Little Reader

One evening a few months ago our power went out, sending Naomi and Johnathan into a panic. Once we found the flashlights and lit some candles, they discovered that no lights can be pretty fun! On a whim, I pulled out a well-worn copy of Little House in the Big Woods from my childhood and snuggled with the kids on the sofa under a big blanket. I wasn't sure if they'd go for a book with few pictures to look at, but to my surprise, they loved listening, and they actually got upset when the electricity came back on an hour later. I had to show them how easy it was to just turn the lights back off and enjoy the candlelight again!

Anyway, since then Naomi has really latched on to the Little House series. Most nights she and I snuggle in bed and read a chapter or two. We've now finished Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prarie, and we're now working on On the Banks of Plum Creek. Naomi really understands what she's hearing and always asks when she doesn't know a word. I hear her in her bedroom in the evening after she's been tucked in and is having her "reading time," retelling the story to her dolls as she turns the pages of the book.

I remember my mom reading the books to me when I was little. How precious to share this with my daughter!

Mighty Men at Work

A few pictures of the men of Zion doing a service project, painting a home in our community.

They made quick work of it, with lots of help and a couple sprayers!

Expansions

What a busy month this has been! We've been furiously preparing for our newest addition, so here are a few updates on our progress:

As you can see from the picture, Baby Boaz is rapidly growing. In fact, the doctor did some ultrasound measurements an announced that he is averaging at least four to five weeks larger than his age. I'm now 33 weeks, and in about a week, I've been given the go-ahead to walk, excercise, or do whatever I want to do to gently "encourage" him to come out a little sooner. I know he'll come when he's ready, but I'm definitely feeling almost ready to get him out!

In other "expansion" news, the very handy trustees at Zion have blessed us with a new room for our expanding family. They put up a wall at the end of the really long back room, and when it is all done, Johnathan will move into his new fire station room and his old bedroom will become the baby's nursery.

James 1:5-8 Wisdom

We were encouraged this morning to walk the path of wisdom by:

Asking God (this not a one-time event; the tense of "ask" in James 1:5 indicated continually asking)

Believing in God

Responding to God's Word

Living a Christ-centered life

Walking the path of wisdom together with others who want to follow God, too.

April Showers

The sweet ladies at Zion showered our soon-to-arrive baby with everything he'll need - and more! Naomi and I had such a fun time eating lots of yummy food and opening all the gifts for Baby Boaz. A huge THANK YOU to our Zion family!

Naomi with with buddies Gracie and Taylor

James 1:2-4 The Trials of Life

James !:2-4 are often quoted when we face trials, or outward circomstances in life that may threaten one's faithfulness to Christ. Kevin reminded us of verse 12, in which we are promised a crown of life when we've withstood those trials. The type of crown James is talking about is not the royal, bling-encrusted one we aften associate with the word "crown," but one more like the wreaths awarded in the ancient Olympic games, given for victory in a race. And since the life of following Christ is very much like a long race, I think this is a great picture.

Trials remind us that God is in control. They train us to put our dependence on Jesus alone. They strengthen our faith, because, unlike a popular saying, I think that God does give us more than we can handle - sometimes He lovingly gives us circumstances that we cannot handle without His grace and help. And trials continually point us toward a heavenly hope and eternal perspective.

Visiting Aunt Pauline

While we were in Dallas, we were able to visit my Great-aunt Pauline, my maternal grandfather's sister. We had such a sweet time reconnecting after probably over 20!? years. I have fond memories of visiting her home in Oklahoma for Gardner family reunions.