An Opportunity to Bless

In less than a week, Dad, Steven and I will be going on a medical missions trip to Valladolid, Mexico. This city is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, and has a population of about 50,000. It is shown as a red star on the MapQuest map above.

What an exciting opportunity this is for us -- especially for Steven and I -- as we are in the process of finishing up our second year of taking Spanish. We will be going with an organization called Global Health Outreach, sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Our goal is to bless others with the love of Christ. Several physicians, nurses, etc. make up the team and will minister to the people by providing for medical needs. Others, including Steven and I, will be helping with logistics.

Please Pray:

• That this trip would glorify the Lord and serve to encourage others!
• That the Lord would prepare our hearts for the time we spend in Mexico, and that His testimony and Holy Spirit would be evident.
• Pray that the hearts of those we come in contact with would be turned toward Christ.
• For traveling mercies and safety.

I hope to post while we are there. Dad says that we will have Internet access, so this may indeed be possible. Our trip extends from April 5th - 13th. During our stay we also will get to tour the Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itza.

I look forward to this time that the Lord has provided for us, and hope that He will use it to accomplish His purposes!

A Birthday Gift

For my mom's birthday last month, I wanted to make her something special. I found this pattern on-line (from the LionBrand Knit/Crochet free patterns which I have posted a link to in the Crafting Corner sidebar) and picked up some yarn of her favorite color: colbalt blue. This crochet shawl turned out beautifully! It turned out to be a "belated birthday" present since I started it on her birthday, and finished it around a couple weeks later. She says it is so soft and warm!

I love you, Mom!

Times of Joy

We enjoyed a special time with our family today. We went and worshipped at my grandparents' church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Afterwards we spent a wonderful time relaxing and visiting. It is always such a treat to be with family!

After a delicious Easter meal, we gathered around the piano to sing some fun songs!

The flag song -- a family favorite -- brought smiles and fun for all. Julia, Bethany, a friend, and I all held a flag corresponding to the song.

Gleeful grins from the little J!
Yummy Peeps decorated the table!

Easter Traditions

At Easter-time, we enjoy the tradition of decorating eggs together as a family. This year we tried a new and interesting way to color eggs, thanks to Martha Stewart!

We used silk neck-ties that we picked up from the nearest GoodWill and cut them up to wrap the eggs in (with the design facing the egg).Next, we bundled them up in a white cloth, (I think Mom used an old pillowcase!) using a twisty to tie it off. We then let them soak in boiling water/vinegar for about twenty minutes. And ... the finished product! The pattern of the tie seeps onto the egg, creating a unique look!

But, of course, some also wanted to do "normal" egg coloring. We had an egg-decorating workshop at the kitchen table. In the end, we had a nice collection of beautifully colored eggs to bring to Grandpa and Grandma's tomorrow!

Treasuring Christ!

Happy Easter! May this season be one of rejoicing in Christ as we reflect on his death, resurrection, and saving power!








"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth."

Isaiah 53:4-7

A Welcome Post

Welcome to my new blog! I hope that the Lord would use this blog to bring a special blessing to all who visit. I pray that these exerpts of life would give testimony to Christ as He fulfills His purpose in our lives, teaching us and and drawing us closer to Him -- our Everlasting Treasure.