Beach Living

We sure enjoyed our time at the beach. I really miss living close to the water. Destin is truly our favorite beach to go to, but the water was not as pretty this year. There was so much algae and seaweed that we spent our time in the sand and in the pool. I have to believe the ocean is compensating for the oil spill.

That being said, we still had a great time as a family. It's times like this that I start to realize how much different this picture will look as the kids get older. Already, the boys are taller than me, and it won't be long before the girls are!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

I can't believe my little girls is 12! She is such a beautiful, young lady that we are so proud of!!!

Won't Be Long Now

Tomorrow I get to see this face again, and I can't wait! Brent has been on a high school mission trip to Australia for the last 2 weeks. We've heard so many positive things already, but I know there are endless stories of God's faithfulness.

I know this was a great time of growth for Brent to be away from his twin brother and parents, making his own decisions, and planning for what he needs. His sisters and brother have all missed him so much. David & I are counting the hours to be able to hug our son again.

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

Sometimes I just need a reminder

Praise You in This Storm

I was sure by now,God, You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

Happy 4th of July!!

We took the girls to their first Atlanta Braves game today to celebrate the 4th. It was really strange not to have Brent with us, but he is having an amazing time in Australia on our church mission trip. The Americana service this morning was neat--brought back good memories from growing up in Mississippi.

One of our church members lost their son to the War in Afghanistan today. He was only 22 years old. This serves as a clear reminder that our freedom is not free. Thank you so much to all who serve our country.

All-stars 2010

Brandon had an amazing all-star season. He proved to be a very strong hitter with a high percentage of doubles and triples. He also had a good record for stolen bases. He enjoyed pitching and playing several positions, but catcher will always be his favorite.

Brandon loves baseball. He had one week this summer with high school baseball camp in the morning and all-star practice after that. The day ended with watching baseball games on TV--probably some xBox baseball in there at some point too. It's fun to see him so passionate about the game.

He has been a leader on his team this season and respected by coaching staff and umpires. It was fun to watch him get to know other players in our district through the tournaments we played in. While we won't be playing the state tournament, Brandon is a champion in my book!!

Feeling God's Love in an Amazing Way

Today, I am just feeling God's love in a very reassuring way.

My son Brent leaves for Australia on a 2 week missions trip. Yep...he'll be more than 24 hours away from me, and I'm going to miss him so very much. He is really smart and so much fun to be around. Most of all, he loves the Lord. The kids in the Australia school are going to love getting to know him and his heart.

So, the mom in me starts to WORRY in a way that only a mom can. How will I get to him if something goes wrong? Who is going to take care of him? How can I go 2 weeks without seeing him?

Then a word from God...."I AM." Nothing more needed. He loves Brent so much and has a special plan for him. Brent is living a life that matters. I know Brent will meet people in Heaven whose lives he touched during this trip, and he will be forever changed too as a result of this experience.

As an obedient child to my Father, I place Brent again in His loving care. I know he will be where he should be serving God.

Please keep the people of Australia and our youth group in your prayers. From our pastors:

http://radiateleaders.wordpress.com/