Beloved

I have a special friend whom I haven't had the chance to talk with in a while. Today, we had the opportunity to catch up and it was oh, so sweet. An hour's not enough, two hours are not enough...

This friend knows what love really is. They cherish and appreciate and make their loved ones feel special. I was encouraged and adored and refreshed.

My heart is full and overflowing.

Mountain Springs

This morning I had the awesome privilege of visiting a church in our area that reached out to us in an amazing way.

We didn't know the pastor. He didn't know us. In fact, I don't think anyone on staff there had ever heard of our family before the week of the build. That's what makes this even more special.

Anyway, the pastor heard there was a need and while we were gone during the build - he told his church family about us and they gave to our family in a HUGE way. Not only in financial gifts, but in love, prayer and commitment. We have received countless cards, encouraging notes and letters, gift cards and packages from this wonderful body of Christ. They have embraced us in love and shown what a family should really do.

I stood in awe this morning of our great God. That He would care so much about me, so much about our family that He would give us this beautiful example in these beautiful people. And when times have been so difficult - you know the enemy is attacking and just wants to hurt you, yank the rug out from under you and steal your joy-- the LORD is so good to give you the encouragement and love in a body of believers. We so needed that, and it came unexpected and unconditionally.

So, to the people of Mountain Springs - Thank You. God Bless You.

My Josh

Kayla tends to get a lot of attention because of all the news articles she's been in and all the tv she's been on and she's a sweetheart - but, I have to tell you that my Josh is also an incredible kid!

I can't tell you how proud I was of him when I saw his heartfelt response on EMHE Sunday evening.

And, yes, many of you have asked - it's true. He loves to spend time with his sister and doesn't like to leave her inside, watching out the window :)

I just want my amazing son to know how very proud I am of him and am so thankful that the world got to see a little of his imaginative personality!

And by the way, his room was because of a series of books he read : The DragonKeeper Chronicles by author Donita K. Paul. These books are amazing and completely sparked his imagination in new and creative ways we could have never imagined! I've read them myself and you need to go out and purchase these books and read them! Then, you'll find out why Josh is a "dragon keeper" and his dragon in his room is a reading chair - they thought of so much! Go check out :
http://www.dragonkeeper.us

Josh - you're a winner and I love you so much!

Preview for January 13

I can't believe it's here already!!

Anyway, here is a preview - commercial - little video of our episode and I hope everyone tunes in on Sunday evening!

Thank you so much!!

http://abc.go.com/video/index

scroll down and click on the box for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and then scroll back up to watch the video -- it's short so you have to be quick :)

Happy New Year!

2008

It doesn't seem like it should be 2008 already, does it? 2007 was an incredible year, in all its craziness, tragedy, grief, hardships, joy and immense blessings.

I'm looking forward to the new year and all that it will hold.

I praise God for what He has done in my life and will continue to do.

I'm thankful that He hasn't given up on me, wretch that I am!

I'm humbled by His amazing grace and love.

May you be blessed in this year of our Lord, 2008.