Abby's 5!

Happy birthday to you!

You're a blessing; it's true!

Happy birthday, dear Abby!

Happy birthday to you!

5 years old!

4 years old

3 years old

2 years old

First Birthday

Precious newborn Abby

Dear Sweet Abby,

It's hard to believe that today, we are celebrating your fifth birthday! It seems like yesterday we were welcoming you into this world. When Mommy and Daddy found out we were pregnant with you, we knew that God must have a special plan for your life. Daddy couldn't stop laughing at the thought of another addition to our family. He wasn't laughing because it was funny, he was laughing because his heart was full of pure joy! When we began to decide on a name for you, we wanted to find a name that had a special meaning and was a reflection of our joyful anticipation of your birth. Abigail was the perfect choice as it means "joy of the father".

You have brought nothing less than pure joy into our lives for the five fast years you've been here. You enjoy life and have taught us so much about living in the moment. You are spunky and sassy and sweet all rolled up into one! You are beautiful, inside and out. You enjoy playing with Ben and Emily, school, your teachers and your friends. You are easily entertained and love playing with Toy Story characters, princesses and coloring. You love music and books. You are very affectionate and do not hold back in doling out the hugs and kisses! Your presence is rarely missed by anyone as your voice has a natural projection like no one else I know. We tease that you must have "ants in your pants" as sitting still doesn't happen often; you are always on the move!

We are so thankful for you and the joy you bring to our lives! Emily and Ben have written some special things to you today...

I love you, Abby!

I love how you always sing when you're swinging on the swingset.

I love how you always share with me and Ben.

I love when I get to wake you up in the mornings and you snuggle with me.

I love it when you color with me.

You are so cute!

I LOVE YOU!

Love,

Emily

I love you!

I love playing with you!

I love bubleing with you!

I love drawing with you!

I love wawching TV with you!

I love you because you are sweet!

I Love You!

Ben

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

We all love you!

Make a wish! (Just not for a dog, please...)

Book Review: "Gray Matter" by David Levy, MD with Joel Patrick

(Click on the image above to link to Amazon's website.)

I loved this book! As a believer, I would greatly appreciate knowing my life was in the hands of a believing doctor who was not afraid to pray with me. In the second chapter, Dr. Levy talks about his decision to begin praying with his patients (notice the word with, not for...). Interestingly, he was not nervous on the way to the OR because of the brain surgery that waited for him, but because he had made up his mind to pray with the patient prior to the surgery. The book continues with true stories and is well written, easy to read and a welcomed testament of one doctor's care that goes beyond the physical needs of his patients.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale Press for the purposes of review.

Book Review: "The Sacred Journey" by Charles Foster

(Click on the image to link to Amazon's website.)

This is the second work by Charles Foster that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Jesus Inquest", so was looking forward to reading "The Sacred Journey". I didn't realize when ordering this work that it is a part of a series, in actuality, the final book in a series of ancient practices. The premise of this book is that we are all wanderers at some point in our lives. Foster actually encourages the wandering, to set out on a pilgrimage to find the truth about God, himself, and the world. For it is in these times, faith is put to the test.

Foster's writing style is very easy to follow and read. I appreciate the idea of our spiritual journey as a pilgrimage. To this, I can relate. While some will have the chance to truly physically journey and make sacrifices to do so, others are not led in that direction as their journey has them in the midst of a city, in a neighborhood, in an apartment building, being Jesus to those in the immediate vicinity.

The Sacred Journey is an interesting read and is thought provoking. I didn't rate it any higher than three stars because I wasn't more impressed. I believe there's other literature that is more challenging when it comes to the search for Christ and literature that will speak to where you are in your journey today.

This book was provided to me by Book Sneeze for the purposes of review.

And He took the children in His arms...

...placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:16

I have been reflecting the past few days on this time last year in our lives. One year ago today, we were just a few days shy of one of the most difficult times we've experienced as a family. If you read this blog, this picture might be a reminder...

What was to be an amazing road trip, planned from head to toe, took quite a detour about halfway through and landed us in the children's hospital in Memphis, Tennessee for 7 days. Abby had a severe case of pneumonia in her left lung (all lobes) complete with a pleural effusion. Little did we know, we were very close to things taking a terrible turn and yet, God had different plans for our Abby. Thank you, Lord! Not only did God heal Abby, He did so in a huge and miraculous way, without the need of any invasive treatments (outside of IV antibiotics).

I experienced first-hand what it was like to have a child who has a severe illness, to know what it's like to see your child suffering in pain and knowing your very touch, that usually comforts and soothes, actually increases the pain. It's a horrible, horrible feeling as a parent. And yet, the Great Physician healed our sweet Abby completely and did so within a handful of weeks.

I'm writing today to ask you to pray for the Great Physician to touch the lives of these two precious children. This handsome and charming red-head is in our weekly Community Bible Study group. He has been in the hospital since mid-February and his battle is not yet over. You can keep up with his progress and leave notes of encouragement for his family on this site.

This beautiful child is Kate McRae and her story is known by thousands. Kate has appeared on the Dr. Phil show and has touched hearts across the country. She has been battling brain cancer for a great portion of her short life. One glance into these eyes, and I was hooked and pray that God will heal her body completely. I cannot even imagine what her family is experiencing, the fears of what is to come, the devastation of seeing their child going through this horrible ordeal. Please add Kate to your prayer list. Kate's progress can be followed on this site.

The suffering of children is so difficult to understand. I trust in God's goodness and that He has a perfect plan. I know that He hears our prayers. Please join me in praying for complete healing for Jack and Kate!

SPRING FEVER!

Birds are singing...
Sun is shining...
Bulbs are emerging...
Grass is reappearing...

and yet...

Temps are cold...
Snow is forecasted...
Coats are required...
Children are stir crazy...
(or maybe just crazy...)

This is the face...

...of my sweet first born child.

...of a child "in training".

...of a child who is quickly entering the tweenage years and beginning to discover who she is.

...of a child who I am so, so proud of.

...of the face of honesty and integrity.

As a parent of young children, the days can sometimes be long and challenging. Repeating myself over and over and hoping that it somehow soaks in and wondering if this child looking back into my eyes will actually make it in this big, scary world...

We are raising our children in a Christian home, trying to get them to understand and accept that the world is not always in line with what we believe, what we hold true and our version of right and wrong. However, in the midst of what others think or believe or do, we can stand firm in our beliefs and act accordingly. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this is easier said than done. I mean, seriously, don't we all struggle with this, even as adults? It's much easier to "blend in" than to take a stand. We are a culture of choosing the comfortable.

I just have to share this story as an encouragement to any parent who might read this. The training is rigorous and monotonous, complete with ups and downs. However, when something like this happens, it is all worth it. We definitely don't get it right every day, but the beauty of night rolling into day is a new start, a chance to make this day better than the one before. And so, we press on...

...bring (your children) up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

My sweet Em attended a sleepover on Friday. She has a fantastic group of friends and they love, love, love their time together. Thanks to the temporary insanity of another mom, Em had the opportunity to spend the night with these giggly, enthusiastic girls. Upon my arrival to pick Em up, the host mom shared with me that the girls were set to watch a movie last night. When Em learned of the title and rating, she let her friends know that she's not allowed to watch this particular movie. She opted to play outside of the room, and one of her great friends volunteered to join her.

As I was listening to this story, I didn't know whether to scream with joy or cry. I can tell you that I'm overflowing with pride and admiration for my girl who stood up for what she believed was right. It would have been much easier to go along with the plan, not saying anything, and save herself from any possible embarrassment. However, she opted to do the right thing. (Hallelujah!) What a great lesson for our family today. Doing the right thing is ok, true friends don't make fun, and feelings of guilt are avoided.

We are so proud of you, Em! What an amazing young lady you are becoming! You are a blessing to us and so many others!

Book Review: "The Jesus Inquest" by Charles Foster

(Click on the image to link to Amazon's website.)

I couldn't wait to receive this book in the mail. From the moment I read the brief description of its contents, I was hooked.

"The Jesus Inquest" by Charles Foster is written as a debate between two characters: X and Y. While X is defending the non-Christian view of the resurrection of Christ, Y is presenting the Christian view of the same event. While the reader might anticipate the entire work is a heated debate, X and Y actually share common ground throughout the presented case while also qualifying the differing points of view.

As a Christian reading this novel, I was set to find character X's points easily dismissed. However, I surprisingly learned a great deal from X's presentations. Through Foster's intense research, scholarly influences and first-hand knowledge of courtroom proceedings, "The Jesus Inquest" is masterfully written. It is not a quick read or easy read and will take extra time to complete and process.

On a side note, Foster states, and I agree, faith is not necessary to be challenged by this book.

This book was provided to me by Book Sneeze for the purposes of review.

Book Review: iShine Bible NLT

(Click on the image above to link to Amazon's website.)

The iShine Bible NLT is geared to tweens. The Bible is available with a boy or girl look and is a small size that can easily be carried in a purse, backpack or on its own. Interwoven with the text of the Bible are colorful sections written to challenge tweens into reflection and deeper thought. The beginning of the Bible includes several sections, such as "What is the Bible?", "Finding Your Identity in Jesus" and "Growing in Faith". Even more impressive is a section dedicated to biblically answering some of the questions or topics tweens think about or wrestle with, such as "appearance", "anger", "cheating", "discouragement", "eternal life", "fear", "forgiveness" and much more.

The publishers of this Bible have brilliantly incorporated technology to connect to tweens through the use of QR codes. When scanned, the codes lead to a website with either a music video or message, which has also been beautifully produced.

I am giving this Bible 5 stars and will gladly hand it over to my 10-year-old. The publishers have masterfully blended appearance, information and technology to produce a very impressive Bible for tweenagers.

*This book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of review.

New Book: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I am looking forward to diving into this book by Ann Voskamp. The pre-sales of this book soared prior to its recent release. If you are interested in joining an online book club, check out this site. Word on the street is this book will change your life!

Highly Recommended: iHome iHM60 Rechargeable Mini Speakers for iPod!

Click on the image above to link to Amazon's website.

I just received this speaker in the mail yesterday. I am sharing this with you because I haven't been this impressed by a product in a long time! I ordered this myself and was not asked to write a review, but because I was so impressed with the quality of this small, very portable speaker, I added the following review to Amazon's website this morning... (I also just ordered a second one!)

This speaker speaks volumes for "great things come in small packages." I thought this would just be a way for my daughter to listen to her iPod without earphones and wasn't too concerned with the quality, especially knowing I was only paying a little over $20. WOW! I am amazed at the sound this speaker puts out...great quality, great volume, great battery life. I am going to order a second (& maybe a third!) one. If you are looking for a portable speaker that is small and has a great sound, don't spend more money on fancier contraptions. This speaker is all you need!