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!