Psalm 37

The morning after I learned from TV about the VTech tragedy, I read my Bible. As usual, in searching for some encouraging, comforting words from God, I turned to Psalms, just asking for Him to speak. This is what He said (it was just opening to this page):

Psalm 37

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret-it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

(skipping to v.39)
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in Him.

Also another time this week in Bible study I read this:
Isaiah 40:11, 28-31

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young.

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

And my personal favorite as a result of the tragic deaths of three of my friends in high school:
Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

My prayers for those effected in the community of this tragedy is that they be visited and blessed by the Comforter! And in knowing what it feels like to be bombarded by the media after a tragedy, though not as large as this one, I pray for their private healing and allowing their bonds to strengthen them from within the community. I pray the press would be wise and compassionate in how they decide to continue to publicize this event.

Easter and some other Pics

Like everyone else's Easter . . . it was freezing! I hate it, too, that I didn't get any pictures of the girls in their easter dresses together. I had the stomach virus on Easter morning so Justin had to get the girls ready. Lucy Anne didn't even wear a bow, if you can believe that, and I didn't care!!!!

Ella

It is so hard to believe you are already 7 1/2 months! When Lucy Anne was your age, I felt like she was soooo old. With you, it seems like you're still a couple of months old. I suppose that is because our time is divided between you and your sister. Speaking of, oh how you love Lucy Anne! I see your eyes light up when she walks in the room. Recently, she spent some time with Meme and I can honestly tell a difference in your demeanor. You really missed her.

You are like Lucy Anne in so many ways. You are similar in size which makes me happy because I just love to get out Lucy Anne's clothes for you to wear. You are also pretty vocal - you adequately let us know you're there and especially when you've been left alone! As for nursing, you are exactly like her. I can remember wrestling her to eat just the same as I do you. You are both very efficient at it. You are both so very sweet!

I have noticed some differences as well. You love the tags on things and if I could find a "Taggy" I would buy you one. Those tags keep you so entertained. Lucy was never as interested in them. You are a huge grabber. You spend all your energy trying to get ahold of whatever is in your view. I think you are a little more curious than your sister. For instance, I predict, we will have a difficult time keeping you out of the cabinets whereas Lucy Anne was not quite as much of an explorer. You might be more of a mama's girl. Lucy Anne was too, but I don't remember her crying when I left the room. And if someone else is holding you with me around, you would rather be in my arms. However, you are still social.

For my own record keeping (because I have been so bad):

At close to 6 months, you started sitting on your own.
Since 7 months, you are crawling but you're better at going backwards than forwards. It frustrates you that you aren't better at going forward.
You say "mama" and "dada" and your favorite noise is a spitting noise.

We love you so much, you sweet, precious baby girl! What a special gift and blessing you are!

Catch Up

It's hard to believe how time flies! I feel like I have a lot to blog about. Since my last blog, we've bought 20 acres and are about to pour the foundation soon to our new house. Really, that has taken up my blog-time, looking for land, finding a plan we both like, and then all of the other things that go into building a house. In addition, my in-laws have bought 7 acres just south of our land. Actually, they will be building on our land and we will swap to provide a barrier between us and the other owner (he was planning on developing) and we don't want to have a house at our front door. Anyway, they will begin building in about a year or so.

That's about all of the big news I have besides being sick with the stomach flu (like everyone else) and making trips back and forth to see our folks.