His Grace Truly is Amazing!

***To hear this, scroll to the bottom of blog first and 'pause' the PlayList. Then, scroll back up to the top and hit the arrow in the center of the box to play. Make sure the volume on your computer is turned way up! You won't want to miss a thing!***

Mike and I strongly feel that it is very much worth 8 minutes and 54 seconds of your time to watch this video and better understand the incredible history of this staple of the Christian music experience. The best quality video I could get does appear slightly delayed, but please do not let this distract you from the experience of worship that it will lead you in.

We are slaves no more! Praise His Holy name!

His grace, his unmerited/undeserved favor

truly is amazing,

don't you agree?

Hey, dad! Whatcha doin'?

As you know, Michael is enrolled in his first seminary class, "Introduction to the New Testament." He loves it and wants to study all the time. He bought a laptop, though, so he could try to study whereever the rest of us were so that he didn't completely miss out on family time. However, I think his plan may have backfired!

Abby tried all evening to get her daddy's attention.
And, of course, being the great dad that he is...

...he gave her all the time she needed!
We love you daddy! We couldn't be more proud of you!
Your hard work will pay off.

Catch me if you can!

This morning, after stepping on the dreaded scales at 6 a.m., I suddenly felt a strong compulsion to get a little more focused in the area of nutrition and exercise. Everyone who knows me is fully aware that this is a constant battle for me, but this morning, while taking a shower, I thought it might be a good idea to act on my new-found initiative and stop by the walking track I pass EVERY DAY on my way to work and give it a whirl or two. So, off I went.

I walked about 1/4 of the way around the track and quickly began thinking, "what are you doing here? You need to get to work. You'll never follow through anyway." Almost immediately, though, I felt the Lord speak to my heart "you are exactly where I want you to be - just listen to me." Now, don't misunderstand me -I did not hear an audible voice. And, I did proceed to walk 1.5 miles in the meantime. But, the Holy Spirit did direct my thoughts back to my First Love. It was in the first curve of the track that I was able to get truly focused on prayer - not only talking to Him, but listening also. During my conversational prayer time with Him, I asked Him, "what do you want to say? What do I need to hear today?" I began meditating on His word and the Scripture that kept coming to my mind was Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." I wasn't running - just walking around the track at the local park. Why would He bring this Scripture to my remembrance? Well, needless to say, I have pondered it all day long. I read in a book by R.A. Torrey that it can often be helpful to not only study scriptural context, biographical sketches and topic studies, but that it can also be helpful to study EACH and EVERY word in a particular Scriptural reference to grasp the full meaning. All day, the Lord has brought this back to me over and over and each time I got more and more out of it. I didn't have to read a devotional book. I didn't have to study a commentary. I didn't have to talk with my pastor. I just let the Word feed me.

Here is what I feel God was saying to me through His Word:

-Run - Don't walk, run. Run with passion. Run with desire. Don't mosey - get after it! Don't live in fear - chase it - RUN, baby, RUN!!!
-Run the race - There is a finish line and a prize. Don't forget there are those waiting to welcome you when you finish. For me, this is is a particularly special reminder.
-The race was "set." It is not a random race. If something is set, someone had to set it, right? God set the race before us. He is intimately familiar with the twists and turns my race will take.
-The race was set "before" you. Not behind you - before you. It does no good in our Christian RUN (not walk) to turn and run backwards - revisiting the past, reliving the past, running in circles. If you keep doing things the same way, you are going to keep getting the same things you've been gettin'. You will wander in the wilderness and never cross over.
-The race was set before "you." It is my race - not Tracey's race, not my parent's race, not Rachel's race, not Michelle's race - Melisa's race. It was set before me! God chose the race for me to run. He knows my capabilities because He gave them to me. He knows my dreams because He created me.

The Lord continues to allow me to dream big dreams for my future and the future of my husband and children. I believe they are dreams that God has placed deep within my being. I have decided to run!

Catch me if you can!

Kids, Camping, Pancakes, Chicken Dance and more!

It is Sunday morning and we are back from camping!

We had an incredible time with our families.

On Friday night, Nana, Poppy, Granny and Papaw came over and spent some time with us at the campground.

We made s'mores and had fun hangin' out together.

On Saturday, M&M came - we thank Poppy for bringing them.
We were so excited that they could camp with us.
We took them to the dance pad and all the girls did the Cha-Cha Slide and the Chicken Dance with the other campers. They had so much fun.

Abby wants to be a big girl so bad. She did everything the girls did.

After the dance, we went back to our campsite,
told stories and roasted marshmallows around the fire.

Mike and I felt so blessed to be there.
Sometimes we wonder - or others ask us - why we put the added effort into the camping experience when it would be alot easier to stay within the comforts of our home, rest and do much needed projects on our To-Do List. But, to us, the answer is obvious. The work, fatigue, and effort of family camping trips is so worth it. We get away from the technologies, video games, phones, and daily routine. We spend 3 days outside - hearing the sounds, smelling the campfires, hiking, playing, cooking, and working together. In our opinion, the family camping weekend is the epitome of togetherness. We are able to involve the children in working along side us - cooking, cleaning, playing, talking about their lives, and making memories. It is another great experience for us to be the primary influence in their little lives.

The children in our family are such a blessing. 5 out of the 7 were there. We missed the other two, but look forward to the day that they are able to join us. N & E - we can't wait to have you join us around the campfire.

The last chapter of the camping saga was written this morning at 2 a.m. A big clap of thunder woke Melisa - and the race began! We packed all 5 children, sleeping bags, pillows and everything else we could grab and headed home to avoid the storm - the advantage of camping less than 10 mins. from home. When we were packing up to leave, M. said, "I was really looking forward to the pancakes." You see, on Sunday morning we always cook a huge breakfast at the campground - including eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes. We had told the kids about this on Sat. night - they hated to leave so bad. This morning, they all piled on the couch together to watch Ratatouille and I fixed pancakes! Once again, I had happy campers!

Thankful Thursday

All day today, I have been SO grateful. Since my feet hit the floor at 6 a.m. (actually when I was sleeping in the floor next to Abby at 4 a.m.), I have had an overwhelming since of gratitude invade my heart for the blessings that my heavenly Father lavishes on me! I am so glad that when I get too busy to be thankful that the Holy Spirit guides me right back to where I need to be. In the spirit of a thankful heart, I wanted to write - not necessarily for your benefit - but primariy for mine. I feel inclined to share some of the random things that I am so profoundly grateful for this day. Obviously, it is not all-inclusive, but if I may extend the offer - feel free to share with me as well what you are thankful for today.

Thanks be to God that I...

...have a messy house full of messy children;

...drove a car that got me to work and home today safely;

...had money to go to the grocery store;

...live with a husband that loves the word of God;

...can say that everyone in my home is healthy today;

...had dreams develop in my heart today

...know He is not finished with me yet;

...can go camping with my family tomorrow;

...have never known what it truly is to be hungry or alone;

...can read;

...have a peaceful home;

...had a hot shower this morning;

...had comfy PJs to put on when I got home awhile ago;

...have all the appliances in my house working properly;

...had supper waiting on me when I got home today;

...am forgiven in spite of myself.

...have children singing 80's tunes in their room right now from the Chicken Little movie - they actually think they are new songs!!!

...have the opportunity to attend the Beth Moore simulcast in August at my church;

...can sing as loud as I want to in my car and nobody minds;

...have children that love to pray and are not ashamed of Jesus;

Any random things that you are thankful for today?

International Mission Board

Lest we forget that there are men, women and children dying without Christ...
Lest we forget that our brothers and sisters are in the trenches this day...
Lest we forget that the great commission is not a suggestion, but a command...
Click here...

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/default.asp

Me and Jon...

The doctor came in tonight and said she is very impressed with Jonah's cooperation with the testing. He has been amazingly calm. She said that she has gotten excellent information from the testing. We have been able to isolate the seizure activity and determine which involuntary movements during his sleep are indicative of seizures - primarily facial tics. She said tonight that she actually believes their has been a slight improvement since his last EEG and that his meds are holding him pretty well. She said that 40% of the movements I had marked on the EEG were seizures, so I am learning to identify them - which is very hard to do. She will make a decision regarding treatment tomorrow. We should get to go home tomorrow - woohoo!

Isaac's Retainer

Isaac got his first retainer today.

The upper portion is decorated like a baseball.

He is a little bit sore tonight, but excited!

Day 2 in EMU

Jonah said to tell everybody good morning! He is waiting for breakfast - he ordered his favorite - scrambled eggs, biscuit with grape jelly, bacon and gravy. He is doing fine. He had a difficult time sleeping last night because we had to leave the overbed light on for the cameras. But, we are going to try to take a nap after breakfast - maybe if our belly gets full, we can rest. He is having a big time raising the head of the bed up/down, up/down, up/down. Then, the nurses have to chase him to catch him on the cameras. We are excited because we were able to catch some good seizure activity last night while he was sleeping, so hopefully, we can identify more today and tonight. He also thinks it is pretty cool that he gets to wear the same shirt AND not take a bath for 3 days. Now, you have to admit that it doesn't get better than that for a six year old boy!

Last night, as I laid and watched him sleep, it was so interesting to watch his brain take over and move his body without him controlling it. Although fear often creeps into my heart, it seems that I was able to truly understand how we are "...fearfully and wonderfully made." It is all too easy for me to get wrapped up in things that are so unimportant - my appearance, my desires, my career, myself. It is at moments like this - in the hospital with a child who struggles - that I realize that I am so incredibly blessed above all things to be a wife and mother. It is my ultimate call - to minister to my family, help my husband, raise children who love God with all their heart, be an encouragement to those God places within my influence and walk in faith as a witness to my little ones. I often fall WAY short - by I'm striving!

Jonah and I hope everyone has a good day!

I asked him if he wanted me to tell his friends and family anything on "mommy's blog." He said, "Tell 'em I luv 'em."

Enough said!

Suppertime at the hospital

It's about 5:30 p.m. and Jonah is doing very well in the EMU. He is staying very still most of the time, which the doctor says is important for a good reading. Early this afternoon, he fell asleep and had a significant "occurence," which was recorded on the EEG. The doctor came in this evening and said the staff had notified of her of the occurence and she has told them told watch him closely tonight for any atypical behaviors on the video monitors. She also said that she still would like to get at least 2 nights readings so we will probably be here through at least Wed. unless something changes. She explained to us once again that she is monitoring for sub-clinical seizures, so they are keeping him on his anti-epileptic meds. He was a happy boy when the dining cart came by and brought him a grilled cheese, fries, blue jello and a Sprite! We have watched 3 movies today...Chicken Little, Balto II, and Charlotte's Web II. We've decided that we will take a movie break and draw for awhile after supper. Daddy, Isaac and Abby are on their way for a very brief visit and we can't wait to see them.

Jonah's in the EMU

It's 10: 30 a.m. and Jonah is officially in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the hospital. He has been a real trooper this morning. He had to be stuck 5 times to get IV access - whew!! - finally got it in his right arm. EEG has been in and has him hooked up for head, heart and abdominal monitoring. He says he looks like a robot. The doctor said we could watch movies, so we are getting ready to watch Chicken Little. We went to the movie store and loaded up yesterday after church. Daddy bought him a WebKinz yesterday to bring to the hospital, so Wacky Zingo is laying in the bed with him. He wants Wacky to get hooked up to the monitor, too. We are excited to get good information about his seizure disorder to be able to help him better. He typically seizes in his sleep, so this is the best way to monitor what's going on and make sure his medication is effective since we can't actually "see" the seizures typically.

Jonah has been great this morning and all the staff love him! Who wouldn't?

We'll check in later.

Isaac is 7 years old!

Yesterday, we had a great family day! We took the kids to Huntington to celebrate Isaac's 7th birthday. We had so much fun together. All the kids were in the best mood and really had a great time playing together. We first went to Toys R Us and the boys decided that if they put their money together that they would have more spending power. So, they got all excited when they figured out they had enough money to buy two Nintendo DS's. They picked the same color - cobalt blue. Mommy and Daddy bought them the Wall-e game and cases to keep them in. Then we headed to Billy Bob's Wonderland for some pizza, cake and fun.

Abby had fun riding the carousel!

This week on his actual birthday day, Isaac asked mommy, "Am I acting like a 7 year old?" He then said, "...because I think 7 year olds act bigger than 6 year olds, don't you?"
Precious, huh? They grow up so fast!

VBS Days 3-5

We had a blast at VBS this week. We learned all kinds of cool songs and all the kids got really involved in the motions! Even mommy got in on it.

Isaac's class was really full! They had a great time.

Jonah had a great time playing with his church friends. He and Isaac really learned alot this year. They could tell us details about their Bible stories every night.

On Thursday night, Nana and Poppy came to help us celebrate the great week with Family Night and the carnival up on the hill. Every class sang a song they had learned and we enjoyed a PowerPoint of the weeks events to help us remember the great things God had done. It was exciting to hear that 18 children had accepted the Lord this week. The carnival was awesome. There were inflatables, games, facepainting, balloon animals, and all the junk food a child could dream of - popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, ice cream and hot dogs. There were approx. 600 people there for Family Night. We had a great time and praise God for all he did this week.

VBS Days 1 & 2

Getting ready to go!

We've all got our shirts on that granny and papaw got for us!

And, these are Abby's "Biba skoo sooz,"
interpreted as "Bible School Shoes."
She even took a nap in them today so she wouldn't forget them.
They are pink and brown and don't match a thing - perfect!!!

Daddy is all dressed up - the kids loved it!

And, finally, the end result of a fun day at Bible School...
We've had an awesome time learning about God's Unshakeable Truth!
We've had 12 - 3 year olds that have been purely delightful!
Can't wait until tomorrow night!

Busy Day and VBS tomorrow!

Well, another busy day - but needless to say, a great day. I was able to spend most of the day with my wonderful friend celebrating her baby shower. It was a great occasion and went off without a hitch. It was really fun to see how excited she and her husband are about adding such a sweet addition to their lives.

After the shower, Mike, I and the kids worked until 10:30 p.m. decorating our Sunday School room for Vacation Bible School. We are teaching the 3 year olds. Our room looks really great and we are very excited! I will post pictures during the week of our room. We are so excited to see the Lord work in VBS.

My prayer is that Isaac, Jonah and Abby will learn more about the God we serve during this special week. I so want Bible School to be a highlight of their summer. Please pray for us as we teach this week: 1) pray for strength for us as I will be working all week and going in the evening to VBS; Mike continues to keep the children during the day and study almost continuously. 2) pray for Mike as he assists in his first VBS as Pastor of Children's Ministries alongside our amazing directors; 3) pray that many children will sincerely come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. 4) pray that all the adult leaders will remain focused and determined; 5) pray for safety for the van drivers/riders, children.

All for His glory!!!! Outrigger Island - Living God's Unshakeable Truth!

His heart for Haiti

I am very excited to share some of Mike's pictures from his recent mission trip to Haiti. We felt so fortunate that he was able to participate with a medical mission team that performed medical, vision, dental and pharmaceutical services to the people of one large city there. Mike was able to assist in providing the morning worship/devotional time for the team, provide encouragement and help to the medical professionals and provide services at the main gate to the clinic, assisting the people who came to receive help. He often recounts that the most profound and deeply moving activity he was asked to perform was to stand at the gate and determine who would receive services for that day. There were so many that he knew the team would not be able to see them all. You see, many people had made appointments weeks in advance to be seen by the doctors, while many others just arrived, hoping to be chosen to receive help. Often, he would find men dropping their pants to show them their large henias or women passing their sick children toward the gate. Having no medical background or training, he says that he had to totally and completely rely on the Lord's leading because the medical team was seeing as many patients as they could, but they could not get to everyone despite their best efforts. He says that the Lord guided him to the sickest, the infants and the elderly first. He prayed that God would direct His choices - taking himself completely out of the picture and choosing the ones that God was leading them to see.

It has been 3 months since his trip, and he still finds himself saying, "Oh, I forgot to tell you about..." and then he recounts something that he saw or a person he interacted with. I imagine it does take a long time to absorb such a lifechanging experience.

So, now, although we like to say we have always had a worldview and enjoy a multi-cultural family life, we can include Haiti in our love for the nations. I asked him one night if he was going to go back to Haiti - he said, "I can't not go!"

Momentum

Check out this formula:

Focused Intensity x (multiplied by) Time = Momentum

I must admit that I borrowed this concept from a message I heard by Dave Ramsey that he preached in the church pastored by Andy Stanley. It was a great lesson for me and I have thought about it alot today. It implies that if I remain focused on something intensely for an extended period of time, I will have momentum to achieve my goal. It reminds me of the Scripture written by Paul that "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phillippians 3: 14)

What if I could remain intensely focused on Christ today? What if I could focus on what really matters today - this day - without wavering? What if I could perform all the duties of wife, mother, employee, church member, nursery director, friend - all while remaining intensely focused on Him for the entire time. Would this not give me momentum to accomplish all that needs to be done? After all, "I can do all things..." right??? What would my life be like if I sang His praises while I cooked, if I prayed while I worked, if I spoke the Word over the lives of my children while we played together? I believe it could do nothing less than give me momentum to achieve the best things - the things God has for me to accomplish.

I often get off track - believe it or not - and my focus is not where it should be. Focused intensity on the right things over time will give me the momentum I need to accomplish great things for the Kingdom through His strength and power.

Now, if I sound a little over zealous or hyper, as if I am trying to sound like I have it all together and am really good at multi-tasking, I am not. I am tired. I had to work hard today (like most of you) , have tons of housework to do tonight, and more to accomplish on the calendar the next two weeks than can probably be done.

All the more reason to need momentum...Lord, may we all remain focused on you tonight!

I love you to pieces!!!

When something in life is new...

When something comes into my life that is new, I often experience fears that I will not be all I should be - or all that others expect me to be. That being said, I welcome you, but also warn you, that I am the farthest from a computer expert. This blogging world is new to me, you see. Not in the sense that I am unfamiliar - I follow many blogs on a weekly basis. They allow me to keep in touch with those who share my common life experiences of grief, marriage, adoption, and my walk with Christ. But, I must admit that formally putting together a blog that is both visually appealling and worth your time to read is a daunting task for a working wife/mother of 3 with a "loving-this-crazy-life" life. So, I am learning and hope that the you changes you see regularly on the blog will keep you coming back for more.

Some updates for those of you who might be interested in an update on our recent endeavors (and those of you who know us closely know there is ALWAYS something going on, right?):

-Mike is studying so hard as he is now enrolled in seminary. He is taking his first seminary class, "Intro. to New Testament." Wow! He is so pumped about it and is learning tons of new stuff. He is pursuing a second Master's degree in Religious Education and is currently serving as the Pastor of Children's Ministries at our local church. He continues to teach in the public school system also, but strongly desires to "bust the ministry wide-open" when God's timing is right.

-I continue to work as an occupational therapist in long-term care. It is a thrill to minister to the elderly on a daily basis - my work does make a difference! How often do you hear somebody say that?

-The kids are growing like weeds! Believe it or not, I now have a 2nd grader, 1st grader and full-fledged terrible-two'er! Who could ask for anything more?

We are having a great summer and still have many exciting events planned, including Vacation Bible School (we just can't get enough - we are teaching 3 yr. olds!!!), camping, and celebrating Isaac's birthday. There is so much more to tell - but that is for a later time. Time seems to travel so fast - we are trying to enjoy and not waste one minute - what about you?

JUMP RIGHT IN - CLIMB HIGHER!!

Well, here I am!

I am proud to say that I have decided to hit the blogging world full force. I am so excited to be able to share my family experiences and life journey with you. This has been a long time coming! And, with the acquisition of a new laptop, (which will enable me to have easier access to my blog,) it is one more thing I can check off of my "things to do before ... list." I must admit I am somewhat intimidated, but none-the-less am thrilled to be able to share. My hope is that you will be able to enjoy the pictures of the family, be more involved in our day-in and day-out trek, but most of all realize that "Higher is Our Heart's Desire." We want to go higher in our relationship with Jesus Christ on a daily basis and hope you will take this journey with us! So, please check in with us from time to time. I will be eager to hear from you and can't wait to share more!