I've been following a blog called A Holy Experience for a few months now, and have been enamored with how the author weaves together words of love for her Lord. Her name is Ann Voskamp, and she has recently authored a book called "A Thousand Gifts". I've been contemplating purchasing it for quite some time, but was moved to do so in the last week because of another blog called Incourage. This blog is partnering with Bloom, an online Christian book club, to pull together women from all over the world to study Ann's book. They are putting together a weekly video, interviewing Ann and talking about her book. They are also hosting an online chat regarding the book.
This was all the encouragement I needed to order the book.
It came in the mail on Thursday, and I have already read the first chapter. It is truly amazing. Usually I don't recommend a book until I have read the entire thing . . . but this book is different. I feel I can recommend it simply based on reading the first chapter. This book could be life-changing for anyone who has dealt with some fairly deep pain in life, and has some fairly big questions and doubts about God being good, and loving.
I've had some pretty big hurts in my own life. Up until this past summer, I've held on to a lot of bitterness and anger toward God. I've yearned for joy to return to my life, but haven't known how to do this. The premise of this book is that Gratitude - and seeing the gifts in every day - is the key to unlocking this joy in my life. Although I have experienced much joy in my life in the last few months due to a "coming clean" with God. I yearn for more. I yearn to feel and experience His love for me. I believe that living a life of gratitude may be part of this move toward greater joy.
Check out the trailer for the book here., or click on any of the key words in this blog entry, and you'll be taken to some of the blogsites that have helped me grow. Also, click here to order the book!
I'm really looking forward to taking this journey of gratitude! What a great way to kick off 2011!
Will you join me?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hearing His Voice
As was implied by my last entry, I am in a time of waiting right now. I, like Zechariah, have been silenced and quieted before the Lord for a while. I'm not doing anything BIG for God's kingdom now, but allowing God to grow me . . . to fill me back up with His Grace and His Joy. I'm taking the time to focus on the simple and important things . . . slowing down . . . removing busyness as an idol from my life.
I feel like I am growing wildly in my faith during this time. I look forward to having a quiet time with the Lord each day, and miss it when I don't make time for it. I feel like I am beginning to trust again . . . after much hurt and disappointment . . . after questioning and doubting Him and His Goodness . . . I'm beginning to trust, and see again that this life isn't about me and my desires, but it's simply about Christ shaping me into His likeness a little more each day. It's about surrendering . . . dying to myself. I'm beginning to experience joy . . . but I haven't heard His voice.
I've been praying for God to speak into my life in two different areas: 1. where He wants me to serve Him vocationally next, and 2. for wisdom and discernment in parenting. And, I haven't heard His voice.
Now, sometimes I think I don't hear Him speaking to me because it's simply a matter of waiting a bit longer. I feel that way with my vocation. I believe that He will make it clear to me when and where He wants me to move in this regard. I also feel a general sense of peace regarding being a stay at home mom - which I believe is from Him. For now, I must wait. He'll speak when it's time.
My second request, however is different. As many of you know, one of my children is extraordinarily easy to parent - she's sweet, compliant, loving, kind, respectful - she's every parent's dream. My other daughter, however, is extraordinarily difficult to parent - she can be defiant, obstinate, combative and disrespectful. Because of this, I have been pouring my heart out to the Lord on her behalf - begging for help . . . for wisdom . . . for direction. The Bible says, "seek and you shall find . . . ask and it shall be given", yet I constantly felt I was coming up empty handed.
"God, can't You hear me? Can't you see my heart here? Why am I not hearing from You? Why aren't you helping me?"
Then I came across a scripture . . . I wish I could remember where it was from . . . that said something to the effect that my sin keeps me from hearing God.
Upon reading this, my prayer changed to, "God, what's keeping me from hearing Your voice? Is there a sin in my life that's keeping me from hearing from You on this matter?" Now, I don't have a MAJOR sin in my life . . . I don't struggle with alcoholism or adultery . . . so I didn't really feel like I HAD to pray this prayer . . . I honestly couldn't think of what was keeping me from hearing from Him. I AM a pretty good person, after all (said with sarcasm). But I prayed it anyway, and something happened.
I don't know how to explain it, but God DID reveal a matter of sin in my life.
I realized that I had been holding a grudge against both God, and my difficult daughter. I was angry that after all the years of praying for a child, God had given me THIS one. I was angry that she couldn't be like other kids . . . or be the ideal kid. In my anger, I sinned. I thought terrible thoughts and muttered terrible things under my breath. I was being self-centered, ungrateful and was having a pity party for myself. Lately I haven't treasured her. I've only loved conditionally.
Here I was, thinking I was doing the right thing by asking for His wisdom and His help in parenting her . . . but I was coming up empty-handed and frustrated. But, how could I possibly expect to hear from God, when I've allowed such sin and untruths to permeate my being?
Once God revealed this to me, I did the only thing there was to do. I confessed that sin before him. And ever since, I feel like the floodgates of wisdom and discernment have been opened up to me. He's helping me to see my daughter with His eyes, and He's giving me the patience and wisdom to deal with the difficult moments and days. I'm seeing such a change in my own heart, and little by little, I'm seeing changes in her too.
I know this is kind of a long, rambling post, but I felt like it was too important NOT to share it.
Confession isn't a big enough part of our lives as Christians. Oh, we're great at thanking Him and praising Him, and we're even better at asking Him for stuff . . . but when is the last time you came clean before your Heavenly Father?
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24
Before I had my time of true confession before Him, I felt exhausted. Scripture speaks to the same thing:
"When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer."
Psalm 32:3-4
Do you ever feel exhausted? Do feel your strength sapped? Are you talking to God, and not hearing back from Him? To often I find myself living in the strength-sapped state of life and not hearing His voice speaking into my life.
That should be a clue that it's time to practice the discipline of confession.
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess my
transgressions to the LORD" -
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin."
Psalm 32:5
If I am to be truly wise and successful in this life, confession MUST become a regular part of my conversations with God. Understanding my fallenness right-sizes me before the Lord, and reminds me of my desperate need for a Savior! When I'm reminded of that, it's much easier to live a grace-filled life toward others.
I feel like I am growing wildly in my faith during this time. I look forward to having a quiet time with the Lord each day, and miss it when I don't make time for it. I feel like I am beginning to trust again . . . after much hurt and disappointment . . . after questioning and doubting Him and His Goodness . . . I'm beginning to trust, and see again that this life isn't about me and my desires, but it's simply about Christ shaping me into His likeness a little more each day. It's about surrendering . . . dying to myself. I'm beginning to experience joy . . . but I haven't heard His voice.
I've been praying for God to speak into my life in two different areas: 1. where He wants me to serve Him vocationally next, and 2. for wisdom and discernment in parenting. And, I haven't heard His voice.
Now, sometimes I think I don't hear Him speaking to me because it's simply a matter of waiting a bit longer. I feel that way with my vocation. I believe that He will make it clear to me when and where He wants me to move in this regard. I also feel a general sense of peace regarding being a stay at home mom - which I believe is from Him. For now, I must wait. He'll speak when it's time.
My second request, however is different. As many of you know, one of my children is extraordinarily easy to parent - she's sweet, compliant, loving, kind, respectful - she's every parent's dream. My other daughter, however, is extraordinarily difficult to parent - she can be defiant, obstinate, combative and disrespectful. Because of this, I have been pouring my heart out to the Lord on her behalf - begging for help . . . for wisdom . . . for direction. The Bible says, "seek and you shall find . . . ask and it shall be given", yet I constantly felt I was coming up empty handed.
"God, can't You hear me? Can't you see my heart here? Why am I not hearing from You? Why aren't you helping me?"
Then I came across a scripture . . . I wish I could remember where it was from . . . that said something to the effect that my sin keeps me from hearing God.
Upon reading this, my prayer changed to, "God, what's keeping me from hearing Your voice? Is there a sin in my life that's keeping me from hearing from You on this matter?" Now, I don't have a MAJOR sin in my life . . . I don't struggle with alcoholism or adultery . . . so I didn't really feel like I HAD to pray this prayer . . . I honestly couldn't think of what was keeping me from hearing from Him. I AM a pretty good person, after all (said with sarcasm). But I prayed it anyway, and something happened.
I don't know how to explain it, but God DID reveal a matter of sin in my life.
I realized that I had been holding a grudge against both God, and my difficult daughter. I was angry that after all the years of praying for a child, God had given me THIS one. I was angry that she couldn't be like other kids . . . or be the ideal kid. In my anger, I sinned. I thought terrible thoughts and muttered terrible things under my breath. I was being self-centered, ungrateful and was having a pity party for myself. Lately I haven't treasured her. I've only loved conditionally.
Here I was, thinking I was doing the right thing by asking for His wisdom and His help in parenting her . . . but I was coming up empty-handed and frustrated. But, how could I possibly expect to hear from God, when I've allowed such sin and untruths to permeate my being?
Once God revealed this to me, I did the only thing there was to do. I confessed that sin before him. And ever since, I feel like the floodgates of wisdom and discernment have been opened up to me. He's helping me to see my daughter with His eyes, and He's giving me the patience and wisdom to deal with the difficult moments and days. I'm seeing such a change in my own heart, and little by little, I'm seeing changes in her too.
I know this is kind of a long, rambling post, but I felt like it was too important NOT to share it.
Confession isn't a big enough part of our lives as Christians. Oh, we're great at thanking Him and praising Him, and we're even better at asking Him for stuff . . . but when is the last time you came clean before your Heavenly Father?
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24
Before I had my time of true confession before Him, I felt exhausted. Scripture speaks to the same thing:
"When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer."
Psalm 32:3-4
Do you ever feel exhausted? Do feel your strength sapped? Are you talking to God, and not hearing back from Him? To often I find myself living in the strength-sapped state of life and not hearing His voice speaking into my life.
That should be a clue that it's time to practice the discipline of confession.
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess my
transgressions to the LORD" -
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin."
Psalm 32:5
If I am to be truly wise and successful in this life, confession MUST become a regular part of my conversations with God. Understanding my fallenness right-sizes me before the Lord, and reminds me of my desperate need for a Savior! When I'm reminded of that, it's much easier to live a grace-filled life toward others.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Transition and Process
Transition.
Usually I like this word. Transition means that there is movement . . . that there is change happening. I'm an advocate of transition . . . of forward movement . . . of not becoming complacent . . . of always striving for ways to do things better. Many people are uncomfortable with transition; with change. Not me. I've always thrived on it - pushed for it. I love leading through change. I love the process of transforming something that's mediocre into something that's excellent. Whether it's my work, my home, my personal walk with Jesus, my physical health, my parenting . . . I'm always looking for ways to change, improve, tweek and make better. I'm not satisfied with the status quo. I abhor complacency.
Process.
I've never really liked this word, but have learned over time to appreciate it. It means that there are several steps to a solution, and these steps take time . . . usually LOTS of time. Here's my problem with process: I love figuring out what "the problem" is . . . and working to solve it, BUT when I discern a solution to the problem, I just want to fix it - change it - to make it better NOW. It's hard for me to take one step at a time.
I want to be like Vanilla Ice, "If there is a problem, Yo! I'll solve it!"
I find myself in a time of transition.
I'm NOT loving it.
I know. I know. I just got done telling you how I love transition and change . . . Notice, though, when you read above, I like transition when I'm in charge of it - when I'm leading it - when I'm in control.
God has me in a time of transition right now. He is teaching me that HE is in charge - HE's taking the lead - HE's in control.
I honestly thought that when I stepped down from my position at church God would instantly call me to "the next big thing" He had for me. I thought He would put me in a position where I would be fulfilled and edified, where I could use the gifts He gave to me to their fullest.
But, no.
I am a Stay At Home Mom.
My days consist of laundry, dusting, picking up after my girls, cleaning toilets, washing dishes, making lunches, picking up after my girls, running back and forth to school, volunteering in the library, doing recess duty, making beds, picking up after the girls, making dinner, more laundry, and constantly disciplining my two girls who are polar opposites from each other.
This is NOT what I had in mind.
I wanted to do something BIG for God. I wanted to find something that put the "spark" back in me . . . that tapped into the many passions that God has placed on my heart. I wanted to impact the kingdom.
I, like Isaiah (6:8) was saying, "Here I am, God. Send me!"
Many people are afraid to say that prayer, because they fear that God will send them to Africa or something. I was TOTALLY fine with that. Send me to Africa! Just give me something big . . . something that will impact many for Your kingdom!
God said no.
He said, "Be still and know that I am God".
He said, "Take time to find out who you really are . . . to see you the way I see you."
He said, "You don't have to do BIG things for me to love you. I love you no matter what. Be faithful to me, and I will bless you."
He said, "Rest! Rest in ME! You are empty, and I can fill you!"
He said, "You're so busy trying to do things for me . . . but, do you really KNOW me? Quit doing! Spend time with me! Get to know me!"
He said, "I love you . . . just. the. way. you. are. You don't have to DO for me to love you . . . you just have to BE!"
BE STILL
AND KNOW
THAT I AM GOD!
My love language is acts of service. It's very hard for me to sit still. I have always found my worth and my fulfillment in the things I do. God is teaching me that my worth and my fulfillment must come from Him, and Him alone.
Like Zechariah, I have been silenced for a time (Luke 1:20). And God is using this time of silence to teach me to trust - to teach me to desire Him above all else - to teach me to draw near to Him - to teach me humility and draw out my pride.
This time of transition is very hard for me - very humbling . . . sometimes boring! But, I know that God is using this time to grow me in ways that He wouldn't be able to if I were busy DOING something. I know that this is a process. This isn't going to be fast. This isn't meant to be easy. There are many steps that God wants me to take before He provides "the next thing" for me to DO. In the meantime, I must be faithful. I don't want to miss the great gifts that God has for me during this time of process and transition.
Usually I like this word. Transition means that there is movement . . . that there is change happening. I'm an advocate of transition . . . of forward movement . . . of not becoming complacent . . . of always striving for ways to do things better. Many people are uncomfortable with transition; with change. Not me. I've always thrived on it - pushed for it. I love leading through change. I love the process of transforming something that's mediocre into something that's excellent. Whether it's my work, my home, my personal walk with Jesus, my physical health, my parenting . . . I'm always looking for ways to change, improve, tweek and make better. I'm not satisfied with the status quo. I abhor complacency.
Process.
I've never really liked this word, but have learned over time to appreciate it. It means that there are several steps to a solution, and these steps take time . . . usually LOTS of time. Here's my problem with process: I love figuring out what "the problem" is . . . and working to solve it, BUT when I discern a solution to the problem, I just want to fix it - change it - to make it better NOW. It's hard for me to take one step at a time.
I want to be like Vanilla Ice, "If there is a problem, Yo! I'll solve it!"
I find myself in a time of transition.
I'm NOT loving it.
I know. I know. I just got done telling you how I love transition and change . . . Notice, though, when you read above, I like transition when I'm in charge of it - when I'm leading it - when I'm in control.
God has me in a time of transition right now. He is teaching me that HE is in charge - HE's taking the lead - HE's in control.
I honestly thought that when I stepped down from my position at church God would instantly call me to "the next big thing" He had for me. I thought He would put me in a position where I would be fulfilled and edified, where I could use the gifts He gave to me to their fullest.
But, no.
I am a Stay At Home Mom.
My days consist of laundry, dusting, picking up after my girls, cleaning toilets, washing dishes, making lunches, picking up after my girls, running back and forth to school, volunteering in the library, doing recess duty, making beds, picking up after the girls, making dinner, more laundry, and constantly disciplining my two girls who are polar opposites from each other.
This is NOT what I had in mind.
I wanted to do something BIG for God. I wanted to find something that put the "spark" back in me . . . that tapped into the many passions that God has placed on my heart. I wanted to impact the kingdom.
I, like Isaiah (6:8) was saying, "Here I am, God. Send me!"
Many people are afraid to say that prayer, because they fear that God will send them to Africa or something. I was TOTALLY fine with that. Send me to Africa! Just give me something big . . . something that will impact many for Your kingdom!
God said no.
He said, "Be still and know that I am God".
He said, "Take time to find out who you really are . . . to see you the way I see you."
He said, "You don't have to do BIG things for me to love you. I love you no matter what. Be faithful to me, and I will bless you."
He said, "Rest! Rest in ME! You are empty, and I can fill you!"
He said, "You're so busy trying to do things for me . . . but, do you really KNOW me? Quit doing! Spend time with me! Get to know me!"
He said, "I love you . . . just. the. way. you. are. You don't have to DO for me to love you . . . you just have to BE!"
BE STILL
AND KNOW
THAT I AM GOD!
My love language is acts of service. It's very hard for me to sit still. I have always found my worth and my fulfillment in the things I do. God is teaching me that my worth and my fulfillment must come from Him, and Him alone.
Like Zechariah, I have been silenced for a time (Luke 1:20). And God is using this time of silence to teach me to trust - to teach me to desire Him above all else - to teach me to draw near to Him - to teach me humility and draw out my pride.
This time of transition is very hard for me - very humbling . . . sometimes boring! But, I know that God is using this time to grow me in ways that He wouldn't be able to if I were busy DOING something. I know that this is a process. This isn't going to be fast. This isn't meant to be easy. There are many steps that God wants me to take before He provides "the next thing" for me to DO. In the meantime, I must be faithful. I don't want to miss the great gifts that God has for me during this time of process and transition.
Friday, September 10, 2010
My Baby's in Kindergarten!
She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.
And as she took her place beside
The others in her class
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.
Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.
This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.
My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.
Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.
And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.
But she must have her chance to live
To work her problems out
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.
And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore -
She's in Kindergarten today!
-Author Unknown
And she seemed so very small
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.
And as she took her place beside
The others in her class
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.
Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.
This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.
My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.
Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.
And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.
But she must have her chance to live
To work her problems out
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.
And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore -
She's in Kindergarten today!
-Author Unknown
Faith = 3rd Grader
I don't know when it happened. Faith is all grown up!
In some ways is seems like just yesterday I had a chunky little sticky-uppy-haired baby girl . . . and all of a sudden I have an "upper elementary" kid. Unbelievable!
Last week Faith started her journey as one of the "big kids" on the DSC Elementary Campus. I can't believe I have a 3rd grader!
The big deal about being a 3rd grader is that you get a locker! Faith was very excited about this and spent lots of time crafting her own magnets to go in it!
Here's her crazy class! I'll be praying extra hard for their teacher this year!
Faith and her teacher, Mrs. Woltjer
We are so grateful for DCS, for the community of Christian teachers, parapros, parents and kids that are partnering with Mike and me in raising our beautiful girls!
I pray that God will bless you richly this year, Faith. I pray that you will mature in your faith, work hard at "loving your neighbor" and being a good friend, grow more confident in who God made you to be, discover your gifts and have a blast doing it!
I love you, Faith! Here's to a great 3rd grade year!
In some ways is seems like just yesterday I had a chunky little sticky-uppy-haired baby girl . . . and all of a sudden I have an "upper elementary" kid. Unbelievable!
Last week Faith started her journey as one of the "big kids" on the DSC Elementary Campus. I can't believe I have a 3rd grader!
The big deal about being a 3rd grader is that you get a locker! Faith was very excited about this and spent lots of time crafting her own magnets to go in it!
Here's her crazy class! I'll be praying extra hard for their teacher this year!
Faith and her teacher, Mrs. Woltjer
We are so grateful for DCS, for the community of Christian teachers, parapros, parents and kids that are partnering with Mike and me in raising our beautiful girls!
I pray that God will bless you richly this year, Faith. I pray that you will mature in your faith, work hard at "loving your neighbor" and being a good friend, grow more confident in who God made you to be, discover your gifts and have a blast doing it!
I love you, Faith! Here's to a great 3rd grade year!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Summer Continued
As summer came to a close, we squeezed in as much summer fun as we could . . . including LOTS of time on the slip-n-slide!
One night in particular, I had my nephews, Blake and Jared over to play. The kids got really creative and weeded out the sleds from the barn attic to play with on the slip-n-slide. I figured I should document that the sleds were used in the summer too, cuz all too soon it will be winter! Ugh!
Jared trying out summer sledding
Lucy didn't want to be left out!
Action shot of Faith biffing
My crazy daughter!
Three crazy kids!
Did I mention that these kids are crazy?
Blake - making sure the slip-n-slide stayed wet
4 cousins having a ball!
Another thing I squeezed in before the close of summer was the "promised" playdate! I can't believe it took me to the end of August to have the girls invite a friend over to play . . . but it did! Unfortunately, the day we picked was a rainy one, so instead of playing at our house, I took the girls and their friends to the Grand Rapids Museum.
Faith, Kayla, Bella and Natalie
Faith and Kayla
Bella and Natalie
Who needs school when you can take your own class trips?
One night in particular, I had my nephews, Blake and Jared over to play. The kids got really creative and weeded out the sleds from the barn attic to play with on the slip-n-slide. I figured I should document that the sleds were used in the summer too, cuz all too soon it will be winter! Ugh!
Jared trying out summer sledding
Lucy didn't want to be left out!
Action shot of Faith biffing
My crazy daughter!
Three crazy kids!
Did I mention that these kids are crazy?
Blake - making sure the slip-n-slide stayed wet
4 cousins having a ball!
Another thing I squeezed in before the close of summer was the "promised" playdate! I can't believe it took me to the end of August to have the girls invite a friend over to play . . . but it did! Unfortunately, the day we picked was a rainy one, so instead of playing at our house, I took the girls and their friends to the Grand Rapids Museum.
Faith, Kayla, Bella and Natalie
Faith and Kayla
Bella and Natalie
Who needs school when you can take your own class trips?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Summer 2010
Wow! I can't believe I haven't posted since the end of the school year! So much in my life has changed since then, and I feel negligent for not having kept up with documenting everything!
I'm hoping this one post will catch us up, and then I hope to keep up with posting a bit more regularly, mainly for the sake of my sister! Sorry Shelly!
So where to begin . . .
Soon after school was out, Faith had her very first piano recital! She's been taking lessons for just over a year, and has been doing an amazing job. Music definitely comes naturally for her and is a gift I pray she uses for God's glory for the rest of her life! Here's a picture of her playing one of her two pieces - both of which she did without music! Great job, Faith!
Here's Faith with her amazing piano teacher, Mrs. Admiraal
It doesn't take long for kids to say the infamous, "I'm bored!" WAY too soon after school is out, so I headed to Family Fun Magazine's website for some kid-friendly outdoor activities! The Foamerator was a big hit! Check out how to make your own at http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-foamerator-785017/!
Here's Faith with her Foamerator!
Faith and Bella making foamy snakes!
Bubblicious fun!
June wouldn't be complete without us going to the Brian Diemer 5K, Cutlerville Days Parade, and Legacy Jog Kids Run!
It was a THICK, HUMID Michigan day, but Mike still ran the 5K and did great!
Here's Bella at the Start Line for her race in the 5-year-old girls division!
Run, Bella, Run!
Faith was excited, because she was still technically 7 (for just a few more days) and could run in the 7-year-old girls division race! Last year she was bummed that she couldn't run with all her friends . . . but this year, she figured out she had a size advantage, and her competitive nature kicked in.
Here's Faith, in front! She ended up being the first across the finish line! Way to go, Faith!
Two hot and tired girls!
Just a few days after the race, on June 28, 2010 our first born daughter turned 8! How can that be? She got a new camera for her birthday and couldn't have been happier!
Happy Birthday, Faith!
Fourth of July week took us to the Huisman family cottage! While we were waiting for it to be dark enough to watch fireworks, God gave us the gift of this magnificent sunset!
He also blessed us with amazing weather all week long so we could do stuff like this!
The great thing about the 4th of July, is that we get to hang out with our family - and the girls with their cousins. Here's the newest addition to the Huisman family, Graham . . . with his daddy, of course!
Reuben - 1
Lydia - 2
Levi - 4
Bella - 5
Faith - 8
Making "batter" for mudpies, mudbrownies and mud pancakes!
When it's raining outside, the girls love playing computer games!
The end of July, brought the end to our two pigs, Hambone and Bacon Bits - affectionately known as Hammy and Bacon! Here's Bella with Hammy.
Here's Bacon, up to his snout in mud!
Now that Bella is five, we thought it was high time to teach her how to ride a bike with no training wheels! Here's her first attempt.
You can see from the tilt of her bike, that she's not quite ready, yet!
Faith, the bike-riding expert - amused!
July also brought swimming lessons at Calvin College! Boy did that bring back memories! That's where I took lessons many moons ago! The kids had a blast and really improved leaps and bounds!
The best part of the summer, by far, was a visit from Uncle Kent and Aunt Shelly! Here's a picture of Uncle Kent hamming it up with his nieces and nephew!
A picture of Bella Boo, that Shelly took.
Could this be MY daughter? When did she get so big, and start looking so old? My sweet Faith Ellen!
One of the nights, Kent and Shelly were here, we had a cookout at my brother, Chad's house. Here's a picture of Bella and her cousin Blake on the Gator! Can you tell that Blake wasn't too excited that Bella was driving?
Faith and Aunt Shelly
Bella and Aunt Shelly
My beautiful mom, my beautiful sister and me! I love you guys!
So, I think this dreadfully long post gets me through the end of July! It's been a summer full of lots of fun adventures! I'll update a bit more on the life changes going on around here later!
I'm hoping this one post will catch us up, and then I hope to keep up with posting a bit more regularly, mainly for the sake of my sister! Sorry Shelly!
So where to begin . . .
Soon after school was out, Faith had her very first piano recital! She's been taking lessons for just over a year, and has been doing an amazing job. Music definitely comes naturally for her and is a gift I pray she uses for God's glory for the rest of her life! Here's a picture of her playing one of her two pieces - both of which she did without music! Great job, Faith!
Here's Faith with her amazing piano teacher, Mrs. Admiraal
It doesn't take long for kids to say the infamous, "I'm bored!" WAY too soon after school is out, so I headed to Family Fun Magazine's website for some kid-friendly outdoor activities! The Foamerator was a big hit! Check out how to make your own at http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/the-foamerator-785017/!
Here's Faith with her Foamerator!
Faith and Bella making foamy snakes!
Bubblicious fun!
June wouldn't be complete without us going to the Brian Diemer 5K, Cutlerville Days Parade, and Legacy Jog Kids Run!
It was a THICK, HUMID Michigan day, but Mike still ran the 5K and did great!
Here's Bella at the Start Line for her race in the 5-year-old girls division!
Run, Bella, Run!
Faith was excited, because she was still technically 7 (for just a few more days) and could run in the 7-year-old girls division race! Last year she was bummed that she couldn't run with all her friends . . . but this year, she figured out she had a size advantage, and her competitive nature kicked in.
Here's Faith, in front! She ended up being the first across the finish line! Way to go, Faith!
Two hot and tired girls!
Just a few days after the race, on June 28, 2010 our first born daughter turned 8! How can that be? She got a new camera for her birthday and couldn't have been happier!
Happy Birthday, Faith!
Fourth of July week took us to the Huisman family cottage! While we were waiting for it to be dark enough to watch fireworks, God gave us the gift of this magnificent sunset!
He also blessed us with amazing weather all week long so we could do stuff like this!
The great thing about the 4th of July, is that we get to hang out with our family - and the girls with their cousins. Here's the newest addition to the Huisman family, Graham . . . with his daddy, of course!
Reuben - 1
Lydia - 2
Levi - 4
Bella - 5
Faith - 8
Making "batter" for mudpies, mudbrownies and mud pancakes!
When it's raining outside, the girls love playing computer games!
The end of July, brought the end to our two pigs, Hambone and Bacon Bits - affectionately known as Hammy and Bacon! Here's Bella with Hammy.
Here's Bacon, up to his snout in mud!
Now that Bella is five, we thought it was high time to teach her how to ride a bike with no training wheels! Here's her first attempt.
You can see from the tilt of her bike, that she's not quite ready, yet!
Faith, the bike-riding expert - amused!
July also brought swimming lessons at Calvin College! Boy did that bring back memories! That's where I took lessons many moons ago! The kids had a blast and really improved leaps and bounds!
The best part of the summer, by far, was a visit from Uncle Kent and Aunt Shelly! Here's a picture of Uncle Kent hamming it up with his nieces and nephew!
A picture of Bella Boo, that Shelly took.
Could this be MY daughter? When did she get so big, and start looking so old? My sweet Faith Ellen!
One of the nights, Kent and Shelly were here, we had a cookout at my brother, Chad's house. Here's a picture of Bella and her cousin Blake on the Gator! Can you tell that Blake wasn't too excited that Bella was driving?
Faith and Aunt Shelly
Bella and Aunt Shelly
My beautiful mom, my beautiful sister and me! I love you guys!
So, I think this dreadfully long post gets me through the end of July! It's been a summer full of lots of fun adventures! I'll update a bit more on the life changes going on around here later!
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