Hot Cocoa.Sorry Mr. Cocoa, Kayla was your only fan.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Programs
Luke Jonathan Bibby
K5 Mrs. McQueen
Serious Bell-Ringer
Serious Bell-Ringer
Kayla Marie Bibby
K3 Mrs. Hinton's Class
Miss Cutie Pie
K3 Mrs. Hinton's Class
Miss Cutie Pie
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Isaiah 55:12 "For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands"
We left court at 2:30 pm on December 23, 2009 with Kaitlyn in Eric's arms.
It was an eventful day with mole hills that seemed like mountains at the time.
The Lord held our hands and led us through and now we will be leaving for Indiana with another little girl. I guess God agreed with Eric when he said he wanted four.
We can a family of five and will leave as a family of six:
Merry Christmas from a BUNCH of Bibby's:
Eric, Jean, Luke, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Krista
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands"
We left court at 2:30 pm on December 23, 2009 with Kaitlyn in Eric's arms.
It was an eventful day with mole hills that seemed like mountains at the time.
The Lord held our hands and led us through and now we will be leaving for Indiana with another little girl. I guess God agreed with Eric when he said he wanted four.
We can a family of five and will leave as a family of six:
Merry Christmas from a BUNCH of Bibby's:
Eric, Jean, Luke, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Krista
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
We got out of the car and got Kaitlyn's present from Uncle Joe and Aunt Heather to take inside.
We started walking to the door.
I stopped.
Eric: "What are you doing?"
I had to inhale and exhale for just a second before we entered.
"Just a second."
A million thoughts were flying through my head all at once.
I didn't need a second I needed an ambulance!
I thought I was going to cry and throw up all at the same time.
This was NOTHING like labor.... In labor there is too much pain to think.
We walked through the door and took our shoes off.
I checked my shoe to see if my heart was in one of them.
We rounded the corner....
... And she ran...
We started walking to the door.
I stopped.
Eric: "What are you doing?"
I had to inhale and exhale for just a second before we entered.
"Just a second."
A million thoughts were flying through my head all at once.
I didn't need a second I needed an ambulance!
I thought I was going to cry and throw up all at the same time.
This was NOTHING like labor.... In labor there is too much pain to think.
We walked through the door and took our shoes off.
I checked my shoe to see if my heart was in one of them.
We rounded the corner....
... And she ran...
... she ran into my arms ...... then into Daddy's ...
... she ran...
Monday, December 21, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
We are heading to see Kaitlyn tomorrow for the first time.
Please pray for my excited heart!
Praise the Lord, we are scheduled to be in court on
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm!
Please pray for my excited heart!
Praise the Lord, we are scheduled to be in court on
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
It has been a hard couple of days.
As I post this we're on the road headed to Nana and Pappaw's house!
On Friday as I was packing for our trip we got a call that as of that day, we didn't have a case. Because Kaitlyn's birth mother had not signed the voluntary papers, we had no standing in court.
My heart sank to the bottom of my feet at that very moment. I sat there in tears as I listen to our other options, none of them good. Option 1 was to get CPS involved and have Kaitlyn removed and placed in foster care. There was only a 40% chance that she would be placed with us, though less likely than likely. Option 2 was to have Aunt Debbie petition for adoption and then have to do this all over again. Option 3 was to get Kaitlyn's birth mother to sign the papers.
We voted for Option 3, but went ahead and filed the petition for Option 2.
That afternoon I called Kaitlyn's birth mother and we had about a 20 minute conversation. She said she would sit down with us and had some stipulations: like not changing her name and visitation, etc.
The car ride down was less than easy-going for Eric and I.
Yesterday morning I got a call from Kaitlyn's birth mother telling me she had just signed the papers without her stipulations.
ALL HONOR AND GLORY BE TO THE LORD!
We haven't heard from our attorney, since it's the weekend, but are hoping to be able to keep our court date on the 23rd. Please pray that we will be able to take her home with us.
As I post this we're on the road headed to Nana and Pappaw's house!
On Friday as I was packing for our trip we got a call that as of that day, we didn't have a case. Because Kaitlyn's birth mother had not signed the voluntary papers, we had no standing in court.
My heart sank to the bottom of my feet at that very moment. I sat there in tears as I listen to our other options, none of them good. Option 1 was to get CPS involved and have Kaitlyn removed and placed in foster care. There was only a 40% chance that she would be placed with us, though less likely than likely. Option 2 was to have Aunt Debbie petition for adoption and then have to do this all over again. Option 3 was to get Kaitlyn's birth mother to sign the papers.
We voted for Option 3, but went ahead and filed the petition for Option 2.
That afternoon I called Kaitlyn's birth mother and we had about a 20 minute conversation. She said she would sit down with us and had some stipulations: like not changing her name and visitation, etc.
The car ride down was less than easy-going for Eric and I.
Yesterday morning I got a call from Kaitlyn's birth mother telling me she had just signed the papers without her stipulations.
ALL HONOR AND GLORY BE TO THE LORD!
We haven't heard from our attorney, since it's the weekend, but are hoping to be able to keep our court date on the 23rd. Please pray that we will be able to take her home with us.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Yesterday was Kaitlyn's third birthday and what a gift the Lord gave!
Our court date for termination of rights and placement is
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm.
Whether she returns with us or not,
it is enough to hope
and to know that I will be able to see her and hold her.
Romans 12:12
Our court date for termination of rights and placement is
December 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm.
Whether she returns with us or not,
it is enough to hope
and to know that I will be able to see her and hold her.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Colossians 1:9-14
And so, from the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Happy Birthday,
Kaitlyn Jo Bibby!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Today, I am finally at peace. I have been wresting with the Lord these past days
and in doing so I found great joy and renewed strength.
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
It all to easy to get wrapped up in myself and my emotions. I forget just how much my Father loves me. It was too easy to forget the initial blessing of another daughter; For Him to love me as much to graciously give me another little girl.
Matthew 6:28-30 Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Everything that has happened up until this point has had a perfect place in the plan of my Father. Whether good or seemingly ugly. And just because she is not with me, doesn't mean she is unloved or unwanted where she is now.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The most comical thing I discovered- and literally laughed out load- was my inability to see that I ASKED HIM FOR THIS!
These were my requests:
and in doing so I found great joy and renewed strength.
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
It all to easy to get wrapped up in myself and my emotions. I forget just how much my Father loves me. It was too easy to forget the initial blessing of another daughter; For Him to love me as much to graciously give me another little girl.
Matthew 6:28-30 Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Everything that has happened up until this point has had a perfect place in the plan of my Father. Whether good or seemingly ugly. And just because she is not with me, doesn't mean she is unloved or unwanted where she is now.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
The most comical thing I discovered- and literally laughed out load- was my inability to see that I ASKED HIM FOR THIS!
These were my requests:
-Eric and Jean for wisdom, as we learn to discipline, train and instruct all of our children in Righteousness.
For patience and unfailing faithfulness though the adoption process and further on into our parenting and marriage.
-Kaitlyn’s birth mother and her need
for a new heart and life transformation through Christ.
-The extended family involved, that this will be used to draw their hearts to the Lord.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
So today I am no long anxious for tomorrow, but trusting in His ways and looking forward to one more day when we WILL be able to bring Kaitlyn home- in His perfect timing It is true that my days are full with my other three little blessings who are also anxiously awaiting their sister.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
Kaitlyn's birth mother opted not to sign the voluntary termination of rights papers today.
I cried, snapped at Eric when he called, cried some more, walked into the kitchen stared out the window, cried some more, turned on the water to wash my hands and stood there staring at the running water.... trying to remember a verse to help my heart.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
I haven't decided how to feel just yet. Having faith is the easy part, exercising faith is the work that tests our heart. It's just another reminder that this is out of my hands; even though my hands did the cleaning for our Home Study;
I was NOT the one to orchestrate it.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
Eric asked me this evening, "Are you still willing to do whatever it takes?"
Kaitlyn is already a part of our family,
already loved,
already cherished,
already a part of me...
WHATEVER IT TAKES.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
Kaitlyn's birth mother opted not to sign the voluntary termination of rights papers today.
I cried, snapped at Eric when he called, cried some more, walked into the kitchen stared out the window, cried some more, turned on the water to wash my hands and stood there staring at the running water.... trying to remember a verse to help my heart.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
I haven't decided how to feel just yet. Having faith is the easy part, exercising faith is the work that tests our heart. It's just another reminder that this is out of my hands; even though my hands did the cleaning for our Home Study;
I was NOT the one to orchestrate it.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.
Eric asked me this evening, "Are you still willing to do whatever it takes?"
Kaitlyn is already a part of our family,
already loved,
already cherished,
already a part of me...
WHATEVER IT TAKES.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Matthew 14:29-31
Then I remembered just as Peter did, that my Father is still there, waiting for me to cry out.
More importantly, this is not OUR Kaitlyn, but HIS Kaitlyn and HIS plan for perfect... mine is flawed.
I have re-focused my eyes back upon Him and am praying for Aunt Debbie as she travels to see Kaitlyn's birth mother tomorrow morning. I am praying that the visit will go well and she will sign the Termination of Rights papers as she has previously agreed to do.
Please join our family in prayer.
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him,
"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
I felt myself sinking into the sea just as Peter did.... It seems a fine line for me to discern when to exercise Faith and when to act on a mother's instinct. It was in my frustration that I felt the wind rise and fear take hold of my heart.
Then I remembered just as Peter did, that my Father is still there, waiting for me to cry out.
More importantly, this is not OUR Kaitlyn, but HIS Kaitlyn and HIS plan for perfect... mine is flawed.
I have re-focused my eyes back upon Him and am praying for Aunt Debbie as she travels to see Kaitlyn's birth mother tomorrow morning. I am praying that the visit will go well and she will sign the Termination of Rights papers as she has previously agreed to do.
Please join our family in prayer.
A wave hello....
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
“If the dove had come to the ark with an olive leaf in its beak at noon, then it would have been much easier for Noah. He would not have had to wait so long. But one learns more by waiting than by immediately receiving an answer. Waiting casts our cares on the Lord. God’s time is always the best time. The Lord never comes too early. And God’s wonders become greater when expectant sinners have been tried in their expectations.""God sent the dove at dusk. That was probably when Noah was beginning to lose hope. It would, however, be a most blessed evening for Noah, for that olive leaf was given when, humanly speaking, it could no longer be expected. The olive leaf was a miracle beyond Noah’s greatest hope. Noah was on the verge of closing he window; when the dove came. For the Lord never comes too early; neither does He come too late. God did not let the night fall before He answered Noah’s plea."
Kaitlyn's Way
We signed off on our Home Study papers on Thursday night... God is so good!
I've been working on getting the girls' room ready for Kaitlyn. We leave in two weeks and I've been so busy with other things that I put off finishing the details until this week.
I've been moving furniture around for 3 days trying to find a good arrangement. We finally found a combination that worked. Moving the beds was the least fun thing on the list.
The above is Kaitlyn's bed. The "headboard" is my favorite thing in the room. I couldn't sleep a couple of nights ago and laid awake at 3:30 am trying to figure out Kaitlyn's headboard.
Then around 4:13 am the idea came... I decided to use the crib quilt that both Kayla and Krista used. Eric brought home an expensive curtain rod from Wal Mart and I hung it tonight.
Now everything's ready... the closet has been cleaned and reorganized, the room has been cleaned and details completed, and she now has her own fuzzy blanket.
A little less than two weeks...
I've been working on getting the girls' room ready for Kaitlyn. We leave in two weeks and I've been so busy with other things that I put off finishing the details until this week.
I've been moving furniture around for 3 days trying to find a good arrangement. We finally found a combination that worked. Moving the beds was the least fun thing on the list.
The above is Kaitlyn's bed. The "headboard" is my favorite thing in the room. I couldn't sleep a couple of nights ago and laid awake at 3:30 am trying to figure out Kaitlyn's headboard.
Then around 4:13 am the idea came... I decided to use the crib quilt that both Kayla and Krista used. Eric brought home an expensive curtain rod from Wal Mart and I hung it tonight.
Now everything's ready... the closet has been cleaned and reorganized, the room has been cleaned and details completed, and she now has her own fuzzy blanket.
A little less than two weeks...
2009 Simple Mantel
This year we have been so busy that I only took out one tub of decorations. Last night I got out own of our craft kits the kids got from Nana last year. We made little "Us Angels" as Kayla called them. The kids had fun helping me decide what would go on the mantel this year.I am also trying a Homemade Christmas this year and making 90% of our presents this year. I have found that it does two things: makes me really think about what I want to make each person, and appreciate the convenience of being able to pick something out from a store :-).
Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
A man’s steps are from the LORD;
how then can man understand his way?
Proverbs 20:4
I have had so many of you ask how we learned of Kaitlyn....
I was at a teacher's meeting Monday night, November 9th, and when I arrived home, Eric was waiting in the kitchen with the question:
"How would you feel about having another daughter?"
Kaitlyn has been living with her Aunt Debbie and my Uncle Jason. (Debbie's sister is Kaitlyn's mom). She has made some bad choices that have led her down another path of destruction. Kaitlyn has been in their care before and they picked her up again October 25th. They love Kaitlyn and in the following weeks after picking her up, they evaluated if they should be the ones to care for Kaitlyn long term. Their youngest is sixteen and they have recently become grandparents, thus beginning a new stage in life. I could not tell you how or why they dialed our phone number that night, it is a story for Aunt Debbie to tell, but I am so thankful they did.
Sometimes we question the providence of the Lord. Why did He give this child to "mom" to begin with? Then the answer simplifies the question, Because He uses all things for His Honor and Glory. Honestly, I cannot imagine an event in our lives that He has used to touch so many hearts.
Today, as I post this, I have two blue eyed girls snuggled on my right. How funny that my left side has been left empty this morning as I end this post and begin to pray for my brown eyed girl.
how then can man understand his way?
Proverbs 20:4
I have had so many of you ask how we learned of Kaitlyn....
I was at a teacher's meeting Monday night, November 9th, and when I arrived home, Eric was waiting in the kitchen with the question:
"How would you feel about having another daughter?"
Kaitlyn has been living with her Aunt Debbie and my Uncle Jason. (Debbie's sister is Kaitlyn's mom). She has made some bad choices that have led her down another path of destruction. Kaitlyn has been in their care before and they picked her up again October 25th. They love Kaitlyn and in the following weeks after picking her up, they evaluated if they should be the ones to care for Kaitlyn long term. Their youngest is sixteen and they have recently become grandparents, thus beginning a new stage in life. I could not tell you how or why they dialed our phone number that night, it is a story for Aunt Debbie to tell, but I am so thankful they did.
Sometimes we question the providence of the Lord. Why did He give this child to "mom" to begin with? Then the answer simplifies the question, Because He uses all things for His Honor and Glory. Honestly, I cannot imagine an event in our lives that He has used to touch so many hearts.
Today, as I post this, I have two blue eyed girls snuggled on my right. How funny that my left side has been left empty this morning as I end this post and begin to pray for my brown eyed girl.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
Today is Thanksgiving and I have much to be thankful for!
In these past couple of weeks I have learned to walk on water. I have learned to put my trust and faith in Him without question. In every step of this adoption process, He has orchestrated the papers, the approvals and the people. It has been ALL perfectly harmonized to His will.
The Home Study is almost completed. On Thursday we will sign the report. Praise the Lord!
It has been an awesome experience and encouragement for me. Carlee, "our case worker", has been awesomely wonderful. We have both been able to openly share the joy of the Lord and our faith. She has been a great encouragement and so nice to talk with.
What's the next step? I don't know.
I have made calls to both our attorneys and will wait for an answer next week.
I do know
that I will continue to keep my eyes on my Father
and trust in His timing.
In these past couple of weeks I have learned to walk on water. I have learned to put my trust and faith in Him without question. In every step of this adoption process, He has orchestrated the papers, the approvals and the people. It has been ALL perfectly harmonized to His will.
The Home Study is almost completed. On Thursday we will sign the report. Praise the Lord!
It has been an awesome experience and encouragement for me. Carlee, "our case worker", has been awesomely wonderful. We have both been able to openly share the joy of the Lord and our faith. She has been a great encouragement and so nice to talk with.
What's the next step? I don't know.
I have made calls to both our attorneys and will wait for an answer next week.
I do know
that I will continue to keep my eyes on my Father
and trust in His timing.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
1 John 5:14-15, " Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask we know that we will have the petitions that we have asked of Him."He has worked everything according to His perfect will and plan.
We have our Home Study scheduled for Saturday... did anyone else just gasp?!
A good friend, Diana, recommended Child and Family Partners, local to Lafayette.
I was caught off guard by the warm greeting I received from the director, Vivian. I had expected to be met with an "all business attitude," but found quite the opposite.
I was touched by her sensitivity and gushed as she shared in my joy to become a mother of four!
Today, I received another call from the woman who would be visiting our home and again I was greeted with warmth and excitement! I also found out just how small a world it really is. Her husband works with Eric (not closely, but same division) and she also frequents the Preschool where I work! I'm looking forward to meeting, Carlee when she comes to visit on Saturday. Who know something so scary could be met with such anticipation.
What a testimony to His GREATNESS!
My mind seems to be so full of dates and to-do's that I find it overwhelming. Oh what a blessing to be drawn closer to the Lord between every thought, offering a prayer for everyone involved. The praises and requests are endless, yet as overwhelming as the task list seems, it seems to be the most under-whelming thing at the same time.
It has made me stop and think about why it never occurred to me to pray so much before.
How sad to think just a week ago I was distant from my Father, whom I am clinging to now.
What a blessing Kaitlyn has been to me already and the lesson in faithfulness, I needed so very much.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kaitlyn's Way
The Lord is making the way for Kaitlyn's arrival into our family....
On Saturday, He softened her mother's heart allowing her to agree to sign over her rights to Eric and I. A huge answer to prayer for all involved.
Today, He lifted two great burdens from our shoulders as He hand-picked an attorney in Texas and one in Indiana. Along with our shoulders, our pockets became a little lighter as we secured both of them with payments. Eric never flinched or even batted an eye. It wasn't until just minutes ago I realized that because of the method of payment we used, a small percentage would be returned to Kaitlyn's new siblings, Luke, Kayla and Krista's college funds.
How exciting to be begin to knit their hearts together so early!
I know the road will be long and will not seem to be exciting at times...
but TODAY is an exciting day!
Please pray for us as we enter Step 3- Scheduling a Home Study.
If you would be willing and able to help us with this endeavor financially you can do so by clicking the link below.
On Saturday, He softened her mother's heart allowing her to agree to sign over her rights to Eric and I. A huge answer to prayer for all involved.
Today, He lifted two great burdens from our shoulders as He hand-picked an attorney in Texas and one in Indiana. Along with our shoulders, our pockets became a little lighter as we secured both of them with payments. Eric never flinched or even batted an eye. It wasn't until just minutes ago I realized that because of the method of payment we used, a small percentage would be returned to Kaitlyn's new siblings, Luke, Kayla and Krista's college funds.
How exciting to be begin to knit their hearts together so early!
I know the road will be long and will not seem to be exciting at times...
but TODAY is an exciting day!
Please pray for us as we enter Step 3- Scheduling a Home Study.
If you would be willing and able to help us with this endeavor financially you can do so by clicking the link below.
Our Addition
We're EXPECTING!
I'd like you to meet Kaitlyn. Soon to be Kaitlyn Bibby.
Yeah, I have the best sonogram picture around for my first picture!
She was too big to fit in my belly, so the Lord has placed her in my heart to grow.
Conceived in my heart on Monday, November 9, 2009.
Today she is 1 week old.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Motivation
"But the greatest good in married life, that which makes all suffering and labor worth while, is that God grants offspring and commands that they be brought up to worship and serve him."
"In all the world this is the noblest and most precious work, because to God there can be nothing dearer than the salvation of souls."
"God has entrusted to its bosom souls begotten of its own body, on whom it can lavish all manner of Christian works."
"Most certainly father and mother are apostles, bishops, and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel. In short, there is no greater or nobler authority on earth than that of parents over their children... See therefore how good and great is God's work and ordinance!"
"When a father goes ahead and washes diapers or performs some other task for his child... God, with all his angels and creatures, is smiling, not because that father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith."
-Martin Luther
The Estate of Marriage
"The WORLD says of marriage, "Brief is the joy, lasting the bitterness." Let them say what they please... To recognize the estate of marriage is something quite different from merely being married. He who is married but does not recognize the estate of marriage cannot continue in marriage without bitterness, drudgery, and anguish, but he who recognizes the estate of marriage will find therein delight, love, and joy without end; as Solomon says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing," etc. [Prov. 18:22].
Now the ones who recognize the estate of marriage are those who firmly believe that God himself instituted it, brought husband and wife together, and ordained that they should beget children and care for them. They can therefore also be certain that the estate of marriage and everything that goes with it in the way of conduct, works, and suffering is pleasing to God. Now tell me, how can the heart have greater good, joy, and delight than in God, when one is certain that his estate, conduct, and work is pleasing to God?
I say these things in order that we may learn how honorable a thing it is to live in that estate which God has ordained. In it we find God's word and good pleasure, by which all the works, conduct, and sufferings of that estate become holy, godly, and precious so that Solomon even congratulates such a man and says in Proverbs 5 [:18], "Rejoice in the wife of your youth," and again in Ecclesiastes 11 [9:9], "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life."
-Martin Luther
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Yay for Fall!
I have to say Fall is my favorite season!
This is the first year I've been able to decorate!
I still have a couple of small pumpkins to put around the living room, but I wanted to post what I'd already done so that I'd have a record for next year.
Isn't it beautiful?!
Every time I look around it makes me happy!
Here's the best part, it all came from our friends the Guiney's!
The corn and little pumpkins came from their home garden!
I am super excited to try to grow it in our garden next year!
This is the first year I've been able to decorate!
I still have a couple of small pumpkins to put around the living room, but I wanted to post what I'd already done so that I'd have a record for next year.
Isn't it beautiful?!
Every time I look around it makes me happy!
Here's the best part, it all came from our friends the Guiney's!
The corn and little pumpkins came from their home garden!
I am super excited to try to grow it in our garden next year!
I found this old window at a garage sale last week for $5!
I repainted it blue (from turquoise) to compliment my kitchen.
I LOVE IT ... but can't help feeling like it needs a little something...
Got any ideas?
Happy 2nd Birthday, Krista!
Krista turned two on September 6 this year.
I am thankful for every minute, hour and day I've had with my "Doodle."
She has become the giggle in my heart and trampoline under my jump.
What a blessing!
I am thankful for every minute, hour and day I've had with my "Doodle."
She has become the giggle in my heart and trampoline under my jump.
What a blessing!
Labor Day BBQ, Baseball, Bubbles, Homemade Ice Cream and Fun!
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