Something to blog about...

Life --as we know it--couldn't be more exciting at the moment! Everyone in our family has attained a momentous milestone all within the past several weeks.

My milestone ~ After years and years of waiting and hoping, it looks like we are going to add to the family tree! When we started getting good reports from the doctor, we felt safe to share the news that we are going to have a baby! Due date - June 2. When you have experienced pregnancy loss, you kind of approach the whole idea with caution. You want to be hopeful, yet not presumptuous. We are fully aware that good health and good progress are all direct gifts from God's hand.

Steve's milestone ~ First time world traveler! Steve made a trip around the globe to our mission work in India. Wow! What an experience! We were so thankful he was able to make the trip with a veteran traveler - Bro. Steve Robinson. God certainly used them in amazing ways, and they received such amazing blessings from these precious people that we sponsor in Tenali, India. Tara's milestone ~ She shot her first deer! Hurray for Tara! This was her first time to hunt with a rifle! She was so calm and confident, and knocked that deer down!! It wasn't until she was climbing down out of the stand that she started getting "buck fever!" There was no need to track any blood! Her daddy was so proud ~ her cousin DJ was so proud ~ everyone was so proud of her! I know her Grandpa Snodgrass would have been bursting at the seams!

Katie's milestone ~ sweet 16! We had a grand time celebrating! Our friends the Truitts were able to come from Missouri, which made the weekend extra special. Celebrating entailed the Cheesecake Factory on Friday night, shopping all day Saturday, and finally a birthday party after church Sunday evening with around 40 friends and family ~ topped off with an "Oreo" cake from Edgars Bakery. What a sweet celebration for such a sweet girl! Our prayer is that she will grow in grace and the love of our Savior! Love you, Katie!

New wheels!

Steve has been shopping, shopping, shopping for the right car. Since our car is now our "home away from home," we needed something designed for travel. Our little Malibu is great for gas mileage, but our mechanic thought it was great for a lot of other things, too! So we found this nice 2007 Buick Lucerne, and it is nice!

We bought the car and hit the road the next day--headed for Texas and Oklahoma. Steve preached a revival in Durant, and we so enjoyed getting to know our friends - Mike and Regina Yancey better. Our kids had fun together, too. I tried to act brave when Michael and David gave the girls a ride on their dirt bikes, though! (Sorry I don't have a picture of that.) Joshua and Brooklynn are sure cuties. We had a lot of fun that week.

God helped us in the revival. There is a lot of talent in the church. Everyone took part singing a special, but we only got a picture of the Dunegan's and Sis. Whatley's trio. We were certainly enriched by our time in Durant and also with the Taylors and the Meeks. God has given us such good friends!

Bus Convention

Steve and I were so privileged to be able to attend Bus Convention this year. It was our first time, and, WOW! We feel so much richer! Steve was able to take in some of the pastoral leadership sessions. He really enjoyed the classes led by Bro. Jack Hooker, and Bro. Darrell Stetler II. I was able to go to a Bus Ministry class led by Bro. Leonard Raub--that guy has boundless energy, it seems. He really inspired me. Then I got to go here my hero, Bro. Barry Mason. He is chuck full of incredible resources!! Children's ministry is dear to my heart. My friends will tell you that if you just mention the topic, it turns on my switch and I could talk about it for the rest of the day!! The rest of the time, I attended the sessions dealing with teens and young people. What a needy world we live in. Our kids are constantly searching for something real, and we have the answer--why do we keep it a secret? God help me!!!

One other highlight I will mention is that I got to meet Sis. Judy Fay. My grandmother says she was inspired to do children's work by this dear lady. Grandma had a very successful children's ministry down through the years, and I have inherited many, many tools and resources from her. It was so gratifying for me to be able to meet Sis. Fay and thank her for the influence she had on Grandma. I have a rich heritage. I am very blessed.

Words for Difficult Times

This morning, I ran across a little pamphlet Sis. Pettit sent to me a couple of months ago. We had been talking about my miscarriage, and she took the initiative to send me this little booklet that so gently spoke to my loss. I'm so grateful to have friends that care deeply. I want to be that kind of friend. I did a little search on google and found a really nice blog that is designed to give guidance in words of comfort. If you are a pastor's wife, or anyone who needs to show support to a friend in need, I have listed the link on my sidebar. Just click on the smaller version of this picture of Jesus, it should take you directly to that blog. May God bless you richly as you strive to show His love. This picture was sent to me from a dear friend who did not necessarily know just how much it would mean to me. I have 2 little ones in heaven, and this is exactly how I picture them to be right now! I intend to keep my focus on Jesus and someday, soon, we will all be together again!

To Preacher's Meeting and beyond!

Last week seems like it is such a blur, but in reality, it is a very special memory. We all gathered at the beautiful Shreveport PNC. The Holy Spirit sweetly ministered to us through Bro. Hedstrom. I was so glad Sis. Hedstrom was able to come, too. I love to glean from these ladies' experiences and wisdom. On Thursday, we had a very lovely celebration banquet at Camp Bethany commemorating our 5th anniversary. Several people testified and reminisced about the past 5 years and what God has done for us during that time. We received a lovely picture for our living room, and other gifts. We felt surrounded by a very gracious group of friends who showered their love on our family. Our hearts feel warm and uplifted.

Tara's ministry of hugs

(This is going to post out of order, but I'm still trying to get the knack of blogging!)
While Katelyn and I were at the Freeman's, Tara was with her grandparents - Morris and Nadine Snodgrass. They were going to the funeral of their neighbor, Mrs. Mavinee Brake. Tara asked to be able to go along so she could give Mr. Brake a hug of comfort when she saw him. I am so thankful for my girls and the tender heart God has placed within them. Sorry I don't have a picture of Tara, so we'll let imagination take care of the image this time. :)

Serving, loving and being a blessing

Every couple of weeks, Katelyn and I go to visit Sis. Freeman. We help around the house or whatever she needs us to do. This time with her is special, and we are glad for this opportunity.

Today, Sis. Freeman was recovering from a cold, and while I was cleaning carpets, Katelyn put together a nice "hot dish" for the Freeman's to enjoy after we left. Thank you, Katie, I know you will receive a blessing for this!