A worn book that still is an encouragement

I love how the Lord gives each of our children different strengths, gifts and traits.  I am so blessed by each of them!

My Elisabeth is very traditional and classic.  She has always loved to read and has enjoyed collecting old books. 

 Not too long ago, she came to me with a recent book she had read that someone had given her.  The title is "Quiet Talks on Prayer" by S. D. Gordon.  The copyright is 1904. She said that even though it is worn and the pages are yellowed, it was such a blessing to her!  I don't know about you, but I don't know many 18 year olds that read books that old on prayer.  What a treasure my Beth is!

 So, guess what is next up on my reading list?

Happy 17th Birthday to my Brenna

 My sweet girl, Brenna Shay, turned 17 last week!

 What a blessing she continues to be to our family!  She has such a tender heart for the Lord.  In fact, as I make this post she's playing and singing on the piano, "I want my life to count for Jesus."  So thankful for a teenager that loves the Lord!

 Her musical talent continues to blossom and grow.  I think if anyone spent a couple of hours a day on the piano like she does, it would.  But, she has an extra heap of talent, that's for sure!  I love to hear her play!

 She is so fun to be around, and has such a heart for children.  The kiddos at VSIBC are naturally drawn to her, their 'Miss Brenna'

 She said for her birthday she wanted to stay home, be together, and play bunches of games.  We had a competitive game of Ticket to Ride.  And several rounds of Dutch Blitz.

 When Josh got home from work, it was time for gifts.  I love to watch the giver.  The kids are so proud of the gifts they pick out for the special person.  I love to see their giving heart!

 As Patrick and I were trying to decide what to get for Brenna, we came up with the idea to use her Pinterest account.  I looked at her crafty board, and chose 5 things she had pinned.  Then, I went and bought the supplies and printed out the page she had pinned.  It's been fun to see her create the things she has had her eye on!

 For her "cake" she chose apple pie.  (again)  My girl is a pie lover!! (just like her Momma!)

 We also decided on a new tradition for birthdays.  We decorated the mantle with all the birthday girls favorites and things that remind us of her.  That was fun!

Happy Birthday to my baby girl.  Time is going too fast!

22 Years!

 My sweetie and I recently celebrated our 22nd anniversary!  We spent a romantic weekend away together exploring small towns and driving down roads we had never been on.  Then, we enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner and walk on the boardwalk of the St. Johns river.  What a wonderful time!

So thankful for my sweet man and how he loves me.  I truly have the best!

So thankful for VSIBC!

It's been a while since I've updated on the work here in High Springs.  God is blessing at Victory Springs Independent Baptist Church!  It's been a blessing to see souls saved and baptized.  God is working!

Patrick and Bro. Jerry Nye built a portable baptistry to have on hand at a moments notice.  It works out great!  We've baptized 4 so far in it!

 It's a blessing to see sweet children come and hear the Word of God.  What a treasure they are!  We recently split the children's Sunday School Class into two.  So, now we have a class for ages 4-6 and a class for ages 7-12.  With the adult class and the 2s and 3s class, that makes a total of 4 Sunday School classes.  What a blessing!

We are loving the fellowship we are able to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  God sure has called us to some very sweet people that are such a blessing to us!

 We are loving the activites and game nights that we've had.  So much laughter!

God is just so good to us!  So thankful to be growing in Christ along with the others that He has called us to serve.  There is no better life than serving Jesus!

Happy 20th Josh!

 Last week my first born, Joshua Patrick, turned 20!  Wow!  What a fine young man he has become.  He really makes me and Patrick proud.

He's enjoying his management position at ACE Hardware in our town.  He manages the repair shop and is learning so much!  He's also taking a small engine repair course and is working hard towards completing that.

His heart is still geared towards ministry and serving the Lord in the way He would have him to.  He's a great, enthusiastic song leader for VSIBC.  He also does so well with the children at church and has an exciting Junior Church.  It's great hearing the singing of all the children.  They love it when they are dismissed for Junior Church time!

Josh is also continuing his correspondence studies for a Ministry Degree. We're also excited seeing God using him when he preaches.  Patrick usually gives him a Sunday Night a month to preach and Wow, his messages are powerful!!

Here is one of his recent quotes, 
"The world won't believe your words that you 'love God' unless your testimony shows it."
So convicting!

So thankful for my boy and the man that he is becoming!

Growing and Laying

 We bought our new set of chicks in February.  They are quickly growing and once again my Callie Grace is the best at taking care of them!

 If they get loose and we need to gather them up, she is the one we call.   She can catch them in no time flat!!

 And two weeks ago they started laying!  Yay for eggs!  They happen to be the prettiest brown eggs!  And super teeny tiny.  They are actually quite cute! :o)  Loving life on our little farm!!