Summer Bible Club

Just a few shots to give you a taste of our Summer Bible Club!
We've had excellent turnout with 55-65 kids each night.
About 95%+ are neighborhood kids, so it is a great outreach to the community.
Tonight we are finishing with a family night. Games, activities, snacks, and Bible time for all ages.
We're hoping for a great turnout.

For Ruth

Ruth wanted pictures of the furniture in my living room,
so here it is.
The ratan chair is on loan from Jeanine. Everything looks GREAT!
Thanks for making the swap--I know I'm going to enjoy them.

Lunch with Friends!

It was so nice to have my "old" roomie back for lunch today. She and Josh fled to Texas shortly after they were married! Here it is, one year later, and they are back for a visit. I can't believe that it has already been a year! Happy Anniversary, Friend! Judy and I enjoyed catching up on Amy's life in Texas! They were my first guests in my "new" kitchen. It is now "open for service" again, so just make reservations and come on over!

UGH!

Ladies Goodbye Lunch for Ruth

This get-together was planned somewhat last minute, but several ladies were still able to come. We had lunch at McD's so that the kids could play. The ambiance was definitely not the best, but the fellowship was great. We had a wonderful time. Another reason to love my church and the ladies that are always so encouraging. I'm so thankful for the CPBC ladies.

Viviane's first French braid

I enjoyed babysitting Viviane during graduation on Saturday. We got all dolled up to see her daddy as a new "Dr."
She's cute but also has a very sweet disposition.

Thank You!

These are some shots that were taken after the house was "officially" ready for showing.
I LOVE IT!
I got a little emotional when I saw the "For Sale" sign propped against the side of the house. She isn't putting it up until Monday, but it's on the property and that made me a little sad. But, who knows, this time next year, I could still be here. Pray with me that if the Lord wants me to move to Spartanburg, He will sell the house so that I can move in the month of June, and if not, that I will have wisdom to know when to take it off the market and "stay put."
A special thank you to those who helped me get ready: Michael and Liz Cole (who have put in MANY hours!), Dave Wilbur, Pat McMaster, the CPBC Youth and leaders, William Trammell (my co-workers husband), Henry Cook, Jonny Baker, Sarah and Nancy Foster, Tim and Ruth, and Jeanine Aumiller. I hope I haven't forgotten anybody. You all have humbled me by your gracious servanthood.
THANK YOU!

I'm Speechless!

God, in His incredible grace, led me to some incredible landscapers, who went above and beyond. The yard is far beyond my expectations, and the price incredibly reasonable. God is good! (They weren't quite finished when I took these, but it was getting dark, and I wanted to be able to post!)
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"New" Light Fixture

I couldn't find a great picture of "before" and didn't think to take one, but hopefully you can see the difference. Ruth and I are pretty proud of ourselves! It looks GREAT!

The Office Makeover!

Stage One: The church girls taping up the room!

Stage Two: The first step of priming. Made me sick!

Stage Three: The Paint.

Stage Four: Nearly finished. It will need another coat of paint, so I left the tape, etc... but it's good for now! I'll finish during spring break!

Finished for now!

Time Changes Things

This just cracked me up! Not likely to get a picture of me holding a cat these days!

My Bedroom

The computer has a mind of its own and would not post this with the others!

My House

Five years and seven months ago....
That sounds official doesn't it! It's hard to believe that I have been in this house for nearly 6 years. I have loved my house, and have thoroughly enjoyed using it for the Lord's glory. I admit that in planning to sell, I have become a bit nostaligic about my humble abode. These are some pics...will post more when everything is done. Still need to paint the office, and do some work on the outside.

THE LIVING ROOM

PART OF THE SCREENED IN PORCH

THE KITCHEN

THE GUEST BEDROOM, LAUNDRY ROOM, OFFICE (3rd bedroom), and FRONT BATHROOM

The Blessing of Helping Hands!

So, I've decided to get my house ready to put on the market--that means a lot of work, for those of you who haven't had the joy of putting a house on the market before! So, clean up time at DRB's house it is! What does one do with an extra single bed mattress lying around? It doesn't fit into my car, the trash men won't pick it up, the neighbors don't want it lying around the neighborhood....oh, I got an idea--the rafters!
Many thanks to Sarah and Nancy Foster who came over and helped me clean the garage last night. We had a great time laughing, talking, and provoking to good works. It's exciting to see what God is doing in their lives. (I did reward them with CFA oreo and chocolate milkshakes!)

Trust and Triumph

I am currently reading a biography about a missionary lady to India during the early part of this century entitled Granny Brand. Wow! The outstanding theme to me has been Evie Brand's trust in God's sovreignty. Through the death of a husband, the discouragements of ministry, the disappointments of fellow co-workers...through it all, Evie trusted in God and in the work that He had begun on those unreached dark mountains of India. What an encouragement and reminder that every little inconvenience is sovreignly ordained by God.
A quote from a letter Evie wrote to a friend:
God alone has led me through fire and water, letting what seemed wonderful and blessed on the Kollis [the mountain range where they first ministered] become defaced, that it may be more meet for the Master's use, like my own life in the hands of the Potter. Again and again has the Artist with skilful and loving hand pressed back marred clay to perform the perfect design He has in mind for me and the hills."
Then, last night at our Ladies Missionary Circle, our Bible study time focused on the purpose of God to establish His kingdom in the world. Again, confronted with a sovreign God. What a blessing to rest in Him--to Trust and Triumph.

Upset Stomachs

While not always pleasant, I have found that the Lord can send something as simple as an upset stomach to offer an opportunity for refreshment. Because I thought I might be at the beginning of the flu, I stayed home today having been up several times in the night with stomach issues. The extra sleep and the extra reading time have proved to be a balm in Gilead. What a blessing to spend most of my day reading about a woman who willingly sacrificed every modern convenience to minister to even the lowest of outcasts. Suddenly my upset stomach seemed so trivial in comparison to her numerous encounters with diseases that could have taken her life (and did take the life of her husband).
God in His infinite wisdom gives us just what we need when we need it.
Thank you, Lord, for upset stomachs.

Iron Sharpeners

Since I didn't have school today, some of my friends from church got together for soup and salad at the Olive Garden in Spartanburg. We had a wonderful time: laughing, talking, sharing what we're reading, and just having a good time together. It is such a blessing to have godly friends who desire to grow in godliness. I am truly blessed. (BTW--Becky was not on the phone the whole time, nor is she praying with someone in dire circumstances on the phone, but I forgot to take any pictures until we were headed out, and that just happened to be the shot I got. Sorry, Becky--I'll do better next time!) I'm already looking forward to March 23--put it on your calendars, Ladies, and thank you for your friendship!

Lunch Out!

Right before school started several girls went out for lunch at a Japanese Steakhouse. We had a lot of fun. These are some of my absolutely favorite young girls. I'm so thankful that the Lord has given me these great young people to have as part of "my family."
Thanks, girls, for the great memory!

Sunrise on the Meditteranean

It's scenes like this that make me stand in awe of God's creation and make me wish I were an artist.