“The most powerful life is the most simple life. The most powerful life is the life that knows where it’s going, that knows where the source of strength is, and the life that stays free of clutter and happenstance and hurriedness.” Max Lucado.
“God has given a son to us…His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Power God…Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Greetings! We pray you are all doing well. This year has been a challenging year, yet as we look back we can see so many blessings and God’s presence thorough the valleys. I know so many of you can relate in one way or another. Looking for the good in life and asking God to invade our minds and hearts is what keeps us going!
Over the summer we traveled to many spots from sea to shining sea! We love spending time with family and friends. One of the highlights was the kid’s first trip (that they can remember) to Portland Oregon. Hiking into water falls and mountains was right up their alley! All three are adventurous, curious, and have a contagious zeal for life. Meeting new people and going new places is a thrill for them! I wonder who they take after?
Emeline – Had a scare last spring with an undiagnosed condition. After numerous tests and a bone biopsy she was finally cleared of anything “scary”. She will be followed and retested for a period of time to be sure there are no developmental issues. Thank you for all your prayers and support during that time. Emeline is a unique young lady trying to figure out what being nine years old looks like. This year she is a “Tom Boy”. Her favorite color is black and she doesn’t do dresses! A favorite recreational sport for Emeline is football, and she also loves to run. Recently a youth Track & Field coach watched Emeline run six miles around a track, and said to me, “Get that girl running for a T & F club, she’s got natural talent!” Emeline is creative and loves music. This year she started to play the clarinet (just like her mama!). Having only one daughter and the first born leaves us feeling like we don’t know what we’re doing most of the time. Emeline knows she is loved and extends lots of grace to her parents and others. She loves Jesus and sees the need for Him in her life (Praise God!).
Samuel – Continues to grow big like his daddy! His heart has always been and still is precious. The world is black and white for Sam and it all needs to make sense. Sports are a highlight for Sam with football being his favorite. He’s fast and almost graceful as he moves the ball and himself down the field! School is going quite well for Sam. Although he still sees no need to be there (like most boys) he seeks to please and does very well. We are so proud of Sam! Just recently Sam and our family (mostly Sam) were asked to share our family life in a professional video about families with ADHD. The team came after school one day and left before bedtime filming all aspects of Sam’s life. During a personal interview on camera Sam was asked several questions for which he answered with verbiage to include “Honoring the Lord”. As I watched my son proclaiming his values to complete strangers my heart was encouraged that God has great plans for this special boy (Jer. 29:11)
Zachary – Yes, he’s still adorable! Yes, he’s still athletic and yes, he has all the friends in the world! The young and old flock to Zachary seeking a “hello!”, or a “high five!” He is a happy boy and loves life! What more is there to say? Zachary is the most compliant of the three, but they come with challenges too! Being the younger brother Zachary enjoys tormenting Sam, getting any type of attention he can. Often it ends in a rumble on the floor or a boxing match down in the basement. They have both sent each other to the hospital for stitches (unintentional). I know some day they will be the best of friends, at least that’s what my friends tell me!! Zachary is a pure joy to have in our family. He keeps us all laughing!
Steve – Has been busy pulling his Snow Management company through a very difficult time over the last nine months. Drastic changes and adjustments were made to keep us going. Life changed for our family overnight. We appreciate the love, support and prayers of our family and friends. You may never know how much you touched our lives. We humbly pray God blesses you all. Steve’s desire is to continually move in a direction to honor the Lord.
Debbie – I’ve certainly experienced my ups and downs over the last year. I don’t know what I would do without God in my life. What else is there? Life has become simpler which is a good thing! Besides bible study, Moms in Touch (praying moms group), school responsibilities, and tennis, I’ve had a strong desire to write a book. My mother and I get together once a week and write. If the book is never published, the journey and spending time with my mom will be worth it all! My favorite part of being me is my family. With Steve gone so much, the kids and I have learned how to have a whole lot of fun together. We all love to be out and about running, biking, skate boarding, scootering, and roller blading. If it moves or rolls, we do it!! The most precious investment in my life is them. Being the mom of Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary is the biggest responsibility I could imagine. Being the wife of Steve, trying to be a good wife is the most humble experience of all! I can only be a good mom and wife with the help of God.” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Finally, I’m an official blogger!
In closing we pray you all have a happy healthy New Year! “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord life up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Sweet blessings and love to you and your families,
Stephen, Debbie, Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary, Ice (the dog), Ben (the bird), ? (new bunny)
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