Here and There

The goodness of God ceases to amaze us. Psalm 107:8-9 say,"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfied the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."
We testify to that! Stephen had a breakthrough in the downtown community this afternoon as he was prayer walking. The three little girls we have been taking to church- it turns out that one of their grandmothers is the secretary of this group in the downtown who is trying to help get the gangs, drugs, and prostitution out of their community. Stephen and her were able to talk for awhile and she invited us to come to their Saturday meeting they have once a month. They also are going to be throwing a block party in September for the city and need more help. The Lord is so faithful in providing opportunity. It is amazing that little four year old Shykia the Lord would use as a link to a woman who is a great influencer in this community. So much is happening- the Lord is moving by the minute- but the work is great!

I was folding laundry one Friday afternoon when I get a knock at my front door. I open the door to find my parents jump out to surprise me. I was so excited, but when I embraced them is when I broke in tears at just how much I missed them. There is nothing like a sweet embrace with your parents after a long time of separation. They stayed the entire weekend, which was great because there was so much to catch up on. Stephen and dad built horseshoe pits in our backyard. Mom and I cooked dinner and shopped for odds and ends. My parents surprised us with our first grill. It was really sweet being able to worship with them on Sunday and just share what the Lord is teaching each of us.

The next weekend we were on the road to Pennsylvania for LC and Dave's wedding. She looked stunning. The goodbyes to them were bittersweet since we will not see them because they will be teaching in China. It is amazing to watch them walk in faithful obedience to where the Lord has led them. Watching their ceremony was a reminder of what Stephen and I had committed to one another just 7 weeks ago. Wow- what a continual reminder of the grace I need the Lord to show me. We are learning to pick our battles and not to sweat the small stuff.

One of our favorite times of the weekend was getting to be with my little Lucas for his 2nd birthday party on Sunday. Elmo was the theme- cake, decorations, and party hats! Ty-ty is getting so handsome but growing up way to quick. I felt special when he chose me for his kickball team he said, "I choose Aunt Bika (that's what he calls me) with her on our team we will win." Talan is my cute butterball. His facial expressions are hysterical, he will be walking anytime now.

Stephen is loving his riding lawnmower and is out in the backyard with Gaither riding it right now. He is like a little boy with a new toy. He wipes it down every time after he uses it- and his lawnmower gets to be safely placed in the garage instead of our car- go figure!

Thank you for your prayers and look forward to hearing from you. We love you.

Love, Mon and Stephen