The Wind in My Sails

Jesus be the center

Be my source be my light, Jesus

Jesus be the centre

Be my song, Jesus

Be the fire in my heart

Be the wind in my sails

Be the reason that I live

Jesus Jesus

Be my vision

Be my help

Be my guide, Jesus

Words and music by Michael Fyre

Two years ago, my eyes filled with tears as I listened to my children and the rest of the school sing this song so beautifully at the closing of their Christmas program.  

Two years later, God has repeatedly placed this song in my mind and on my heart. 

I have not put Jesus in the center of my life.  I have not allowed him to "be my vision or my help".  The more I sin and struggle is because the less I have put Jesus in the center of my life.  Because of God's grace, though undeserving, I am able to ask Jesus to "be my source, be my light".  I desire for Him to be the center of my decisions, my actions, and my thoughts.  It is my desire to seek the Lord with all my heart and to place Him at the center of my life. 


"Jesus be the centre... Be the wind in my sails, Be the reason that I live"

 "Jesus, Jesus, Be my vision, Be my help"  (through the storms)

"Be my guide, Jesus"

In the Shelter of the Most High

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" 

(Psalm 91:1,2).

The flowers are placed on the casket.  Final good-byes are said as another soul rises up to heaven.

A tribute is made to a kind, sweet woman.  Her son speaks of his virtuous mother by giving examples of her life as a Proverbs 31 woman.  Fond memories and quotes from her Bible are given from her oldest granddaughter.  The pastor gives us comfort that those who "dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty".

As another sister of my father has entered her eternal home, another part of my dad is gone.  However, I know that because of grace alone through the work of my Lord Jesus Christ, we will all be reunited one day.  "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust".

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus"

 (Romans 15:5).

 Over 300 people gather together. Christian music plays in the background. Delicious food has been prepared and enjoyed by many. Christian fellowship and encouragement is the main focus of the evening as we gather at the barn of an incredible host and hostess to wish GOdspeed to our missionaries. $21 000 is raised from donations. Much hard work and preparations were made. Prayers have been raised and continue to be raised as we send off our missionaries and their 12 year old son as they follow Christ Jesus and teach to the gospel in an unstable country, Egypt.

Continuing to give thanks...

 #2832-#2857
-Christian community
-restored health of our missionary's wife
-a lot of time and preparation that was done for our missionary's farewell party
-generous hearts

-another fun camping trip

-the joy of doing crafts and creating things

-family fun and good spirits

-becoming more brave and enjoying it!

-a new love- Kayaking

-fun together as hubby and wife
-him wanting to do all of the Yogi activities!

-fun for all ages

-wanting to do what we do;  her first marshmallow roasting on her own (unfortunately it went up into flames)!

-boys bonding time
-a son in his GLORY

-willing to take a break from mini golfing to play in the sand with his little sister

-fun water activities

-soccer fans showing interest in both the game and those on the sidelines!

-taking his hobby "to go"

-his latest creation that he's so proud of!

-good effort and great sportsmanship

-a great first day of Vacation Bible School
-the relief of not being the organizers of VBS this year
-the energy and creativity of the new VBS organizers
-75 children being exposed and learning more about the gospel
-the many volunteers


 

Peaches

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its

fruit in season" 

(Psalm 1:3)

We are certainly enjoying the "fruit in season" this year. We've been enjoying them so much, that Nicole asked if we could can some peaches, so that we can enjoy them all year long!

This was a first for me! After 18 years of marriage, I am finally becoming domesticated!

The research was conducted, the peaches were bought, the equipment was laid out, the aprons were put on, and we were ready to do some canning! I must say, it was easier than I thought.

But now, the hard part...patience. That is something that I have always struggled with and now I see it in my children too. They keep asking to eat the peaches from the jars, but I said that they would have to wait until peach season is over. We need to enjoy the "fruit in season" while we can!

the finished product!

teamwork!  an awesome partner!

cooling

water bath... that sounds fun

drying the rims

a hub of activity

boiling, then peeling

getting ready to can

preparing

home from the market (thanks to my hubby, the market shopper, photographer, and videographer)!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire" 

(Proverbs 29:17).

He brings much delight to our lives. His smile cheers my heart. His sincere character is charming. He is bright and very creative. His goofiness (especially with his little sister) always makes me laugh. This past week, we celebrated his 8th birthday and one of the very good gifts that God has given us.

 Continuing to give thanks...
 #2814-#2831

-another birthday (8 years of blessings)      -a thoughtful gift from his big sister

-a fun time with his friends

-her fun, beautiful hair

-fresh fruit

-our gardens

-Paul's automated watering system and the many saved hours from watering the gardens

-a very humorous and very talented guitar player

-a legendary, talented country gospel singer

-a blessed, inspiring concert with Guy Penrod    -great company

-spending time with friends by the pool
-an evening out with our family
-a patient, hard working husband
-a patient, loving Father
-a forgiving Father
-Nicole's safety and fun time at camp
-Mom quickly sewing/fixing things for me