In Like A Lion!

March has come in like a lion! It rained most of the day yesterday, March 1 and started snowing late afternoon and hasn't really quit as of 1:00 pm March 2nd. I think we have 8-10 inches. Huge, white flakes are floating down right now. These pictures do not capture the scene. Beautiful! I think this is the most snow we have had since we have lived in Virginia! I didn't get a picture of Hershey but she has been out once this morning. She ran and ran around the yard. The snow almost reached her belly! I think she was a little confused as to where she was supposed to go the the bathroom. She hasn't been out since. David has been out and scooped the walk. I have enjoyed the view! Thankfully, we have not lost electricity but many have in the Richmond area. I made a big pot of Chicken, Vegetable and whole wheat Orzo soup yesterday afternoon. What's a snow day with out a big pot of soup. By the way, it is really good! Sorry, mom, but I love the snow. It is so fresh and clean and helps me remember what God does in our hearts by the blood of Jesus. Psalm 51 is one of my favorite passages. My prayer today is from verse 7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. " and verse 10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." And may it be so.

Our Funny Little Valentine!

Patrick and Jana invited us to come to Texas to take care of Hannah while they went away for Valentine's weekend. What a privilege and joy to say YES! Patrick and Jana left Friday morning and came home Monday afternoon. Here are a few of the things we did...

We went to an indoor children's play place. It was Sunday afternoon and too chilly to go the the playground. Hannah enjoyed the merry go round, a car on a little hilly track and loved the Little Tikes Cozy Coupes. PopPop and I couldn't resist going to Target and buying Hannah her own Cozy Coupe. She was so excited! She squealed with excitement while PopPop and Daddy began to put it together and didn't want to quit playing with it for dinner, bath, or bedtime. It was so fun to see her so excited.

We spent alot of time at home playing and reading books.

There is no better Valentine than Hannah's kisses!

We bought a children's music CD and Hannah really liked it! She especially liked the songs with motions. Here we are doing "Itsy Bitsy Spider".

We spent some time at a couple of playgrounds. We had so much fun with her on the swings and slides. She is always checking out the other kids and saying "Hi" to anyone who is close enough to hear her. She is so loving and happy. We are so blessed by her. We also were reminded how exhausting small children can be. I am so glad we were able to give Mommy and Daddy a break and some much needed couple time. I hope we have many more opportunities.

Peace In Hearts, Peace On Earth

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Let us not forget this promise from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ as we live in a world of uncertainty. “Peace On Earth” spoken by the world is politically and socially correct but devoid of meaning unless the Peace is from the One and Only source of true and lasting peace. How do we find and receive this Peace? Just ask and believe the source Himself, Jesus, to fill your heart with His Peace. God’s Word tells us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart” and “Let the Word of God dwell in you richly”. After we ask and believe the promise of God’s peace, we must let it rule and dwell in our hearts. God will give it, you must receive it and keep it! My favorite hymn is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”. This hymn has helped me countless times to “let” the peace of my Savior rule my heart!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—For more than conquerors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Our prayer for you this Christmas is for God’s grace and peace to fill your hearts and minds. May your New Year be filled with God’s unlimited Joy!
Peace On Earth begins with Peace In Hearts!
Christmas Blessings,
David and Desiree
2008

My Time With Martha

I found this devotional a few days ago on http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/ . It spoke to me, especially this time of year so I contacted the author for permission to reprint it here for the faithful few who visit our blog. May you hear the gentle voice of our Savoir as He lovingly speaks into your heart and life this holiday season. Thank you, Lori, for sharing.


I headed down the dusty path. I'd waited a long time to visit her. She greeted me as I expected, in an ankle length tunic with worn leather sandals. She opened her arms and hugged me as if we'd know each other a lifetime."Come on in dear. I'm so glad that you found your way here. You mentioned in your note that you wanted to talk to me." She gently led me inside to an open air courtyard and offered me a drink sweetened with honey and a pita-like flat cake."How did you do it?" I quietly asked."Do what?" she lifted her head from the jug that sh was pouring out of."Change your spirit," I asked.She giggled, and looked almost embarrassed by the question. "I had a feeling that you weren't here for my fig cake recipe.""Well dear, I had some help." A look came over her, the kind of look one gets when they are recalling a fond memory.She continued, "You see honey, I remember that day clearly. We were sent word that HE was coming and I did what I'd always done. You know, I did what I was born to do. I swept out the courtyard, I fetched water, I pitted olives, I pressed olives, I rinsed the stone dish, I prepared the honey and figs and if I had one of those fancy things that you call a "tub" I'd have scrubbed it too. I was prepared for this visit. I enjoyed it when HE visited, it was an honor to be in his company. HE could have chosen many homes to come and sup at, but HE chose to come and be with us, and I simply wanted it to be perfect."She glanced over into my eyes and we exchanged a look that said, "I understand."She went on. "I have to admit that by the time he walked up the path, I was READY, well my home was ready to receive HIM, but dear, my spirit wasn't. I don't even remember greeting HIM that day. I know I did, but I wanted it to be perfect, so back to work I went. I did everything as I'd always done, bringing out some fruit and water for HIM. I was still working and SHE just sat. I made it clear, as sisters will, just WHO had done all of this!""Do you know what I mean dear?"I replied with a smile, "Oh yes I do and it's exactly the reason I wanted to talk with you Martha. You see, I have a spirit like you. I too am a first born 'do-er' myself. I'm afraid that sometimes I hear your voice amidst mine. I came here to find the balance that you have found." She smiled back at me."Honey, I had many visits with HIM, but that one stands out. Not just for me, but for everyone that read about that day. I was a bit bothered by that for awhile. All those people reading about what I had done. But I learned so much that day and I'm pleased that HE chose to use me in that way." Martha moved closer to me as if she were going to reveal her heart. "We have been commanded to be hospitable, welcoming to all, to friends and strangers alike and full of grace. What I often forgot was how to stop. Does that make any sense to you.?"I was tempted to stand on my stone and shout, "girlfriend, you have NO idea." I refrained and simply nodded."That day HE spoke to me the way only a true friend can. You know the kind of friend who can tell you that you have been a real "whiner" and say it in such a way that you "hear" what they are saying. That is what HE did that day."She recalled HIS words clearly.
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her”.’ (Read Luke 10:38-42)Martha continued on, "I have to admit, I was taken aback for a moment, but it was the way that he said it, not as a scolding parent but as a loving friend and teacher. I had been missing precious moments. I'm not sure that any of this makes sense to you.""Oh, YES Martha it does. What did you do?""That night, what you don't get to read is that we sat and talked long into the night. He told me how much HE loved me and how much the FATHER loved me, and that because of this love they wanted my heart.HE told me how he NEEDED me to sit and listen at his feet~HE needed me to listen because HE needed me to hear~HE needed me to hear because HE needed me to share~Share what I'd heard at his feet.That is what HE wants you to know too. HE wants me to remind you to not STOP being you. I have to tell you I still prepare for His visits, but not just with the chores that have to be done, but with my heart as well."As I listened, I understood. She spoke in a way I understood. She spoke in a "kindred spirit" kind of way."Honey, I want to tell you one last thing. Hospitality, service to others and graciousness are gifts that come from the Father. Don't confuse what I'm telling you. HE wasn't telling me to change EVERYTHING that day, HE was just lovingly reminding me what was most important. Between you and I, nobody can make fig cakes like mine. I've simply learned how not to let the demands and distractions interfere with my spirit."As I rose, we hugged. I knew I'd love her. I knew I'd love her spirit, her spirit to "hear." She saw where she needed to make changes, heart changes, spirit changes, not abandoning who she was, just adjusting her spirit. It was a lovely afternoon and I felt peace.As I walked down the path, I turned around to take one last glance at my kindred spirit, and just as I suspected, she was back to pressing olives. There was work to be done. I smiled, knowing that she was preparing in more ways than one for her next visit with HIM. Martha revealed such wisdom that day. She helped me understand the Martha in me and what a special gift that is. As I walked I felt something in my pocket, I reached in....Martha's Fig Cake recipe! I gripped that recipe tightly and smiled!As I walked alone, I prayed...
Father, thank you for teaching me through those who have walked before me. Those who struggled in ways that I know. Thank you for gently revealing to me how I can change my spirit to be more like your Son, Jesus. Thank you for speaking always to me, for kindly guiding me on my journey.

A Thankful Family

We love our families!

Speed Scrabble!

Gamaw and Hannah sharing the morning paper.

After dinner chat.

Special moments.

Nana, Pop Pop and Hannah

Just a swingin'

Quiet time.

Christmas Lights at Lemon Park!

Give Thanks

Wagons, Pumpkins, Shoes, Oh my!

I got to go to visit Hannah (oh yeah, Patrick and Jana, too!) last week. I decided a few weeks ago that Christmas was entirely too long before I was going to see her again. Patrick also called and asked if there was any way I could come to visit. How cool! I was disappointed that David couldn't go, but he was very encouraging for me to go. It was a really special time. I really felt a part of Hannah's life. We did lots of things. We went to the Farmer in the Dell pumpkin patch and picked out pumpkins, played in the corn and on the hay. We didn't take the hayride but Hannah, Patrick and Jana sat on the tractor (see Patrick and Jana's blog for more pictures).

I loved to give Jana some time to do things that she doesn't get to do as well with Hannah, like shopping and going to the library. Jana dropped Hannah and I off at Target and we wondered through the store for awhile. I had hoped to find a wagon for Hannah. After looking for a very long time and feeling very disappointed I finally found it! I also got Hannah a few books and 2, yes 2, pairs of shoes! David had bought Hannah a pair of sparkly, red Dorothy shoes for me to take to her.

Hannah woke up early from her nap so she and I started to put the wagon together. Hannah loved her wagon!

Unfortunately, I got about half way through and figured out I had made a mistake putting one of the wheels together. I was really frustrated. Patrick and Jana were on a lunch date and I wanted to have it all put together when they got home. Oh well...

As you can see, Daddy saved the day! It didn't take long to undo my mistake and finish up. We loaded up the wagon and headed off to the pumpkin patch!

I had a lot of fun giving Hannah several meals. She is doing so well learning to use a spoon. Jana is a wonderful mother! She takes a lot of time preparing for Hannah healthy foods from real foods, nothing packaged or jarred.

Hannah and I played and read books a lot! She is so smart!

Are you sure you know what you are doing, Nana?

Hannah and I doing self portraits!

Sparkly, red Dorothy shoes.
More new shoes! The timing was great! Hannah had just grown out of her shoes and really only had about one pair that fit. Nana to the rescue! I got to get her a brown pair and a black pair. So fun and so cute! She loves shoes, by the way!

I had a wonderful time. I am blessed. What a privilege to be a part of this child's life!