Faith Under Fire

My friend Elysa and her family lost their home to a fire last night. She and her husband have seven wonderful children. This precious family loves the Lord and wants above all else to follow Him. I know that they would appreciate your prayers for the challenging days ahead.

I learned of the fire from Elysa's FaceBook post this morning, in which she was praising God for their safety and for His provision. She also told of the work that He had already begun in her heart to help her to be able to "let go of stuff and be ready to GO!" This is in reference to the mission work that she had done and plans to do in Swaziland, Africa.

One of the comments from her friends spoke to my heart: "Thanks for the gift of your faith and attitude!"

The more I thought about that statement, the more I realized how true it is. We all go through trouble of varying degrees every day. Being a Christian does not exempt us from problems, but the difference between us and the other people in the world should be our response.

Do we grumble, complain, whine, speak words of worry and fear?

I admit that I am guilty of doing this way too often.

What a gift we offer to our family and friends when instead we speak words of faith. Not denying our trouble or even our pain, but looking to Him to provide and work all things for good as He has promised us.

I am so thankful for the friends that God has put in my life who share this gift with me. May I be found more faithful to Him in sharing this gift with others.

Busy Day - Fun Times

Yesterday was a day full of fun for Bonnie Kate. We met Angela and the Bubbies (my 4 grandsons) at Wendy's for lunch. After we ate, we had an impromptu birthday party for Seth, complete with decorated cupcakes. It's hard for me to believe that sweet little Seth will be four-years-old tomorrow. Of course there were Valentine's treats for everyone.

Then we headed to Pump It Up for another party. The birthday girl is one of BK's classmates. Kids absolutely love that place and BK had a blast. I have to admit that it makes me a little nervous, starting with the waiver that is required for admittance that said I would hold then harmless if my child was seriously injured or killed. Seriously.

Thankfully no one was hurt and a good time was had by all. I forgot my camera on my mad dash out the door, so no photos. :( I will try to do better.

Snow Day

We woke up Friday morning to a Winter Wonderland. I don't think I have ever seen snow like this in Mississippi before. Schools were canceled and children played all around our neighborhood. Our electricity went off around 8:30 and I started wondering what we were going to do if it didn't come back on soon, since our gas heat is dependent on electricity to run. Thankfully it was only off about four hours.

Here are a few photos of Mike and BK playing in our front yard.



















The trees were just beautiful, thickly covered with snow.

















Of course, there has to be a snowball fight. Get ready.....

















TOSS!



















SPLAT! What a good sport Daddy is.
























Here is BK with her first snowman. He only has one eye because one grape fell off and she couldn't find it. She was so proud of her creation.

The snow was still there Saturday too, so she was able to play again. I heard on the news last night that there was snow on the ground in 49 of the states. The government has no record of that ever happening before. So much for global warming...heh.