I just came across a very inspiring quote, and I would like to claim it as my prayer...

"I pray because I can't help myself.  I pray because I'm helpless.  I pray because the need flows out of me, waking and sleeping.  It doesn't change God; it changes ME."  --C.S. Lewis

For Angela and her entire family...

I Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 103:1-5; Isaiah 12:4 -- Give thanks to Me always, no matter what obstacles you face!  Don't forget My daily blessings.  I give you My unconditional pardon and heal all your diseases.  I rescue you from mistakes and misfortunes, offering my loving-kindness and compassion.  I satisfy you with good things, renewing your youth.  Call upon My name dnd tell others what I've done for you.

What could seem more difficult than giving thanks when your heart aches?  How do you learn to see past the natural realm and into a spiritual one?  And why would an all-knowing, all-loving heavenly Father instruct his struggling child to be thankful regardless of the circumstances?

When we "give thanks in all things" we declare that we are focusing our energy on solutions rather than problems.  It causes us to look to the Spirit rather thn meditating on ourselves or a situation beyond our control.  When we give thanks in all things, we are once again crowning Christ Lord over every area of our lives, and He in turn releases the power we need to withstand the storms that come against us.

A thankful heart is the secret weapon of the kingdom of God.  It is better able to resist the enemy and come against his attacks.  A thankful heart boosts our God-confidence and reduces our fear.

The Scriptures invite us to come to the Lord with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise.  Because God dwells in the praises of His people, when we praise, we are never alone but are joined in a holy bond with Him.  Praise keeps us connected to the Source of All Joy -- even in times of great sorrow.  A thankful heart is in tune with the music of heaven.  It is a harmonious heart -- one that sees the flimsy, fleeting nature of this life and sets its sights on the prize far above it.

May God grant you the grace to speak words of thanks in spite of mounting obstacles.  May He give you the strengthto be grateful for all you have, even in times of great loss.  At the very first sign of trouble, may you continue to quickly turn to the Savior, to thank Him for His might to overcome and His grace to endure.  May this be a day when you practice the presence of God in all things.  And when others show hurt or discouragement, may your thankful heart be the lifter of their heads.

Happy 7th Birthday Mackenzie

Wow, it seems like just yesterday I held Mackenzie Lauryn in my arms for the first time.  Seven years later, she still loves being held in my arms whether during a movie or to snuggle under the covers or just because she needs that extra mommy touch to make things seem better.  She definitely lights up our lives with joy, happiness, laughter, and an amazing heart filled with love and compassion.  She has been saying for a couple years now that she wants to be a doctor, and now (thanks to her Christmas gifts), she wants to be a missionary doctor.

She has eagerly and willingly volunteered to give up her Christmas from us this year and we are taking the money we would spend on her and Garret and sending money to Samaritan's Purse to help funding for missionary doctors and also for children in widespread epidemic areas of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc. to receive medical treatment.  She cries just looking at the children in the magazine we received from Samaritan's Purse.  She wants to help Jesus help them get better now and when she's older.  She has always had an extra sensitive heart, as evidenced by her crying with Andy or I, if we ever are crying.  We feel so blessed to have such a compassionate daughter and are excited to help her fulfill her dreams of helping and serving the hurting world.

Zechariah 7:9-10 -- This is what the LORD Almighty says:  'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.  In your hearts do not think evil of each other'."

Matthew 25:40 -- The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

James 1:27a -- Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress...

I John 3:16-18 -- This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

I was a bad mommy this morning.  After her oatmeal breakfast, I let her have a cupcake with a candle to blow out and sang "Happy Birthday" to her.  I knew she was going out with her aunts and cousins tonight to watch High School Musical 3 at the theater and to spend the night with some cousins.  Tomorrow night is her party and we will have some fun then and I'll TRY to post pix this weekend, maybe after the pumpkin patch on Sunday.

Congrats and Car Update

To Ben, Angela, and Dylan.....Congratulations on Baby Grahm Benjamin LaPlace! ! !   We are rejoicing with you and are excited about the new addition.  I wish for a speedy recovery for you and an enjoyable leave.  You guys are such a blessing to our family! ! !    We love you!

Car Update....Well, we got a call yesterday from the White Family Collision Center.  They said it will take about three weeks to complete the work on our Camry, but they are able to get it repaired for about $4150...they said it was worth about $6000 and they say there is still about $1800 for them to "play with" if further repairs are inevitable.  We will pay our deductible when it is fixed and then our insurance will go after our neighbor's insurance for the reimbursement of the deductible and repairs.  The car rental from our insurance should last just long enough to get us through the repair process, so that is perfectly God's timing being orchestrated through the whole situation.

Our little Garret is SIX months old today! ! !     

I just want to drop a note and wish a Happy 35th Anniversary to my parents...September 15, 1973 to September 15, 2008 --- God has blessed their marriage and home for such a long time, and I am grateful for the Christian examples that they gave me growing up.  Thank you for naming me after my grandmother and for passing on such a godly legacy.  I will continue carrying that through to the next generation.  I have learned more from them though probably in the past 9 years.  It is nice to be able to call them friends now, even though they will always be Momma and Daddy to me.  They are wonderful grandparents to Mackenzie and Garret as well.  May you continue to be blessed, and our family looks forward to spending a week with you in Florida in 2 months...thank you for bringing us ALL together for a week of amazing fun and unforgettable memories that will be with us always.

I Love You Mom and Dad!