It has been such a joy having our dear friends, the English's here this past week.  It has gone entirely  too quickly!  There has been lots of laughter and fun, as well as long talks until sunrise....But the best part of all, was watching the Lord work in the hearts of moms and daughters at our first annual (by God's grace...)PPPMHG Mother Daughter conference.  The Lord was at work in ways that were seen and, I am sure, unseen.  Every mom I spoke with enthusiastically praised the weekend and the teaching they received from Dawn and Rebekah.  They also brought Allison, who is a gifted pianist and worship leader and is one of Rebekah's former GEMS.  The times of worship were rich and rounded out a conference which was so focused on Christ centered parenting.  Thank-you, Dawn and Rebekah for your commitment to Him and for giving so sacrificially of your time and energy so that others can learn the secrets our Savior has whispered in your ears....Thank- you Lord for putting it all together and helping us to get our eyes focused where they should be ...ON YOU, JESUS!

..."Let all who take refuge in You be glad,

              Let them ever sing for joy,

And may You shelter them,

              That those who love Your name may exult in You.

For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord,

              You surround him with favor as with a shield."

Psalm 5 : 11, 12

Last night was our GEMS Daddy/Daughter dinner...it was a wonderful, sweet time for the daddies and daughters...it was a blessing for those of us who had the privilege to stand back and watch the Lord at work...

I am so thankful to the Lord for this curriculum which He inspired our friends Dawn and Rebekah E. to write.  And I thank Him for this group of young ladies He has brought together to learn of and grow in Him.

Thank you Lord....I am sure many lifelong, sweet memories were made last night!

"Ït is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;  To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness by night."  Psalm 92:1

Sound the trumpet...I am about to post....I finally took the time to learn from my astute children how to go about posting on my xanga.  So, here I am world!  Ha! 

I guess the latest is just that speech tournaments have become an integral part of our lives.  (We have experienced 2 so far...)  I am amazed at the talented students out there in the speech and debate world.  It has been quite an education.  Anyway, our Megan has had the honor of placing high enough in the tournaments that she has qualified to go to Nationals!  Of course we are thrilled for her and grateful to the Lord for His help all along the way, supplying an able coach in Stacey Ipsan and plenty of encouragement from the Capitol Baptist club and Aunt Dawn ! 

Well, the house is so quiet because everyone is reading or sleeping.  I have been thinking about how grateful I am to be in this place...specifically with the changes the Lord has made in our lives over the past year...the ones we wouldn't have chosen...you know, the curve balls.  I truly am grateful that the Lord made all those changes because we are all closer to Him and better off as a family for it.  We have also experienced such encouragement and love from friends the Lord surrounded us with from the begining of our trial.  We are so blessed...

All praise to Him,

Melissa