Musings...

Musings....

The center of God's will... there is no other place to be. It might not be sunshine and flowers, but there is a calmness and assurance and peace-it passes all understanding. Things may seem to be all wrong and mixed up around you, I look at the world and all of the misery and pain and know-there is a haven of rest in my Father's hands. God is so good. I mean, if I wasn't so sure that He wants me exactly where I am... I could never have lasted this long. I can climb the mountains, weather the pain and hardships...because He has promised:

 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.". Is. 42:16

No, I am not blind with my physical eyes, but there are so many things that God has yet to reveal to me. I can rest and trust knowing that He will lead me in the way that I should go-as I seek His guidance and  the perfect plans that He has for me. As a little girl I would run up to my daddy and sit on his lap. I would tell him about my day, my dreams (I wanted to be a cowgirl), sometimes my fears. I love how I still can talk to him about these things...and yet, more amazing still- I can talk to God about all these things. He knows me better than I know myself.

Next...

Children... and how it is SO necessary for parents to have vision for raising them. Okay, yes, this might sound weird coming from a 23 year old, very single "kid". Living here with my cousin has opened my eyes to SO many things. Wow, was I ever naive. I thought that pretty much every family "kind-of" like mine. We all get along (most of the time), and have fun together, work together, have dinner together, honor and respect our parents. Was I in the the rudest of awakenings! Not at all how the "real" world is. No, we are by no means a perfect family-but when you have these basic principles: love God, respect each family member, help and love each other at the base of a family foundation-there is no room for failure. Get started the right way as you begin to have a family of your own. Even things as simple as getting your kids to help with chores at an early age (it doesn't have to be a huge chore-even emptying the wastebaskets), teach them politeness and good manners. Get them started young, it is extremely hard to get a teenager to change once they are in a "groove" of bad behavior.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Prov. 22:6

Now if you are one of those people that might be raising an older, not to pleasant kid... don't give up. It's never too late for God to get a hold of these children. They are His, and he died to save them. He cares about them more that you or I ever could. Don't Give Up Emily. (preaching to myself)

Okay, so these are the two very random things running through my very tired brain tonight. I know I hardly ever write on this bloggy-thing any more... but I just thought I'd share some thoughts...

G'night

Photography....

 I went to a baseball game last night and took some pics. Enjoy! Tigers are in first place! :)

Quotes...

 I am a quotes kind of girl... I read a few of these today... and thought that I'd share them with you. :)

Today...

 "...stooping very low, He engraves with care
His Name, indelible, upon our dust;
And from the ashes of our self-despair,
Kindles a flame of hope and humble trust.
He seeks no second site on which to build,
But on the old foundation, stone by stone,
Cementing sad experience with grace,
Fashions a stronger temple of His own."
— Patricia St. John

Today is a day that had been set aside to raise awareness for suicide and it's prevention. Really what a sad day. There are so many hurting people out there. I wish I could tell them that they are loved, by me and by their Creator. That there are so many things to live for. That ending their physical life isn't really the end-there is a life after death. I wish that they could know that Jesus died so that they could have life eternal. The trials, heartaches, disappointments, anger, loneliness and feelings of worthlessness-they can all be put to rest and healed. People-let's reach out to those around us. You might not know that you could be the one to help save someone's life. Show them the way to Jesus. He longs to heal their broken hearts...

A quote...

Read this, my heart rings true with these words:

"I long for the day...when I gaze upon my beloved Savior's face. To join in the glorious song of the Redeemed. To fall in utter amazement and awe of His beauty. To cast my crown at His feet. To know that the trials and toils of this life are over-and know they were worth enduring, to watch them fade away in the light of His glory. To praise Him ALL day and ALL night, no distractions, no worries, fears, sadness or pain. What a day that will be!!!"

But until that day, I will do my utmost to please and glorify Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Family Vacation

 Our family took a little vacation to northern MI. We had a wonderful time to be sure! I don't have pictures of everyone, the weather didn't cooperate for many pictures.  The first day was beautiful-the rest rainy and cold. Thankfully we had a lots of room, an indoor pool-and the Olympics to watch! Spending time together was certainly a blessing. We don't have many opportunities to have our whole family together, so it was super nice to spend quality time with each other. Now, school has started for the younger kids (or actually it will on Monday), college for Jill and Annie, and Med school for Daniel. Alexandra goes back to school after Labor Day, and though I will miss the freedom to go anywhere at anytime... I will be glad to have mornings to myself, and a bit more of a schedule for Alex.
Well, Enjoy the pics...
ttyl
-EM

 Un-named siblings flying through the air. ;)

 Tired after a long day of hard play.

Beautiful Elsie and Gabby

Children

Children are such a source of joy and delight. The silly, cute things they say, their trusting hearts, innocent expressions...what's not to love? I love taking pictures of little kiddos. It can be a little tough to get the "perfect shot" since they move so fast, don't always love to pose, give cheesy grins when you say "smile" (which are adorable by the way). I've taken a few photos recently, that I just had to share. Hope that you enjoy them. :)

 Marshmallow-y Goodness

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Mathew 19:14

-Emily

(click on photos to see them enlarged)

Promises....

Do you ever feel down in the dumps and need some encouragement? I do. I love to dig into the bible and find promises to encourage and lift me up. Here are a few snippets that have blessed me recently...

-Emily

Love...

Today is Valentine's Day. A day that our culture has chosen to remind every one to take time to make sure they let the special person in their life know that they love them. Flowers, candy, Teddy bears...chocolate! I  really love the thought of this day. I think it's awesome for people to spend time with the person (people) they love. 


It's also a day that is know as SAD: Singles Awareness Day. (Just a bit of humor in the post) I find that it's a day that single people can tend to get depressed over, they don't have that special someone to give/receive the affection they desire. 


Shouldn't every day be Valentine's Day? 
I was just thinking...God is the true essence and definition of Love. The kind of love that I want to live. The kind of love that is worth dying for. He has chosen to love us unconditionally, every moment of every day. Wouldn't it be awful if He only decided to shower us with His Spirit and love one day out of the year? 


So in closing, let's remember Christ's daily love and chose to make sure we share it every day. Whether you are married, in a relationship, or single...pour it upon your parents, siblings and those you come in contact with-in abundance!!!! 
Love you!
-Em

A Trip to Haiti

My Dad and 2 sisters have taken a week long trip to Haiti. As you know, we adopted Mercy and Noah 13 years ago from Haiti. This is Mercy's first trip back. So far everything has been going really well. The Hatian ladies and children have had lots of fun playing with the girls' hair and Mercy and Elsie are sure having fun with the children and babies!

         

I would like to ask for prayer. In the past week, there have been three robberies-including 2 men being shot and in critical condition. The people concerned are missionaries, and Haitians connected to American missions (white people). While I am not in fear for my family, I do realize that they could be in a potentially dangerous place, and would covet your prayers for their safety!
Thanks!

Maybe I'm Amazed!

Sometimes I read through scriptures, and a portion just jumps off the page. Well the verses below were of no exception:


"...And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Yea, I will rejoice over them..." Jer. 32


I find these verses so comforting, such a promise from God. He loves us so deeply, He cares for us, He rejoices in us- His creation.  I was reminded once again of His love and goodness. It is one thing to know it in your head, and another to KNOW it in your heart. I have been finding these truths impressed upon my heart. When you can feel His love and presence in your life-it is indescribable. 
"I LOVE you God!!!!!!"
-Em