Enjoying time with my family

I have been in Virginia for almost 2 weeks. I flew here to see my brother, Todd and my sister, Leslie. My husband bought me a plane ticket to come here for my 40th birthday present.

I first spent a few days with my brother's family. After they picked me up at the airport, we went to visit the state capital in Richmond. We walked around and I really enjoyed seeing how spring was in full bloom. Something that had not happened in New York yet. Then, my oldest niece and nephew left on a missions trip to Guatemala and my sis-in-law went to see her family in Indiana. So, I went to visit my sister, Leslie and her kids and have been here for over a week.

I have been having a good time with my nephew's Kyle and Kristofer and my niece, Katie. I have been doing a lot of cooking/baking. The kids (and my brother) seemed to like the cookies I made yesterday. I have taken the kids on several trips to the library. Katie and Kris like books alot. Kyle even got some and he was reading last night. I think it is important for kids to read alot and I really like seeing Katie read so much.

Today is my last day here. I fly home early (6 am) tomorrow. I will miss everyone but I have to go home now and get back to real life. :) aka--WORK!!!

I will always remember this day...

March 2, 2002. 6:36 a.m. You were born. You were born sleeping.

A baby girl. Jenna Faith. That is what we named you.

So tiny. Too tiny. The littlest fingers and toes I have ever seen.

I held you. Daddy held you. We kissed you good-bye.

I cried. Daddy cried. We never heard you cry.

Jesus holds you. Grandpa holds you--in the sweet by and by.

Today you turned 6 years old, my sweet little girl.

We wanted you so much, but Jesus needed you more.

Won't forget you. Can't forget you. I'd never even try.

I will see you. Yes, I'll see you. One day in heaven... In the sky.

40 Years Old

I can hardly believe that I celebrated my 40th birthday yesterday! It is weird to think that I am now 40. I do not feel any different. I do not feel as devistated as I did when I turned 30. Turning 40 has not been so bad. Now I just have the next milestone to look forward to-- turning half a century old! :)

Remembering...

I am remembering that three months ago today, my father went home to heaven. I have been thinking about him alot lately. I miss him. I cannot imagine what it must even be like where he is. I know that he is not worrying about anything from his former life here on earth. I know that keeping my eyes on Jesus will get me to where he is.

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face- the One who saved me by His grace;
When he takes me by the hand, and leads me to the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day, that will be.

Looking forward to that day,
Lisa

Goodbye 2007

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stomes together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Another December has come and gone. What a year 2007 has been. The years just keep on flying by and there is nothing I can do to stop them. It is all part of God's plan. His "time to every purpose under the heaven."

We all have resolutions as we start each new year. We all start out with good intentions, don't we? We resolve to lose weight, not work so much and spend more time with our families. The list goes on and on. Do we leave any room in there for our relationship with God? Do we vow to spend more time doing for God instead of dwelling on ourselves? Will we witness to those around us that have no place for God in their lives? Will something they see in us make them wonder why we do what we do?

Lord, help me in my walk with you. Make these words be not just words but the prayer of my heart. Help me be hungry for more of you. Help others see Jesus in me. Help me not to be satisfied with just filling a pew at church. Help me be burdened for the lost and not worry what others will think of me. Help me not be afraid to "get my hands dirty" for you when it comes to reaching a lost and dying world. Amen.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Merry Christmas!!!!

My, how the months have flown by and it is time for Christmas already. I can hardly believe how fast this year has come and gone.



As we celebrate this Christmas, I am reminded so much of what Christmas is really all about. JESUS! The name above all names. There is a different spirit in our house this year. We have a tree and I put out a few decorations, but I have not really gotten into what others might call "the Christmas mood". With my dad passing away this year and the circumstances that lead to my daughter now living in Ohio, I have been quite depressed instead of in a celebratory mood. But then I have to think about the real reason for the season and my mood changes. Yes, I am still saddened and even depressed about many things that are going on in my life, but I am over-joyed by the reality that Jesus came to be born and die for my sins! There might not be presents under our tree this year, but Jesus is ever-present in our lives and that makes all the difference in the world.



I hope that all of you, my family, my friends, have a very blessed Christmas. I hope that you will take the time to ponder what this season is really all about. If you do not know God, my prayer is that you will find Him this Christmas.



Merry Christmas to all!

Lisa and Don

This is the day...

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!

Today is Sunday, November 11th. Veterans Day and The National Day of Prayer.

Thank you to all the Veteran's that have served and are serving our country. War is not a pleasant thing and whether you agree with it or not, we have to support our troops. Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifice of the men and women in our armed forces. God Bless All Of You!

Today is also The National Day Of Prayer. Have you taken time to pray today? There is so much to pray for. We can never run out of things to pray for. I am hoping that those of you that read this realize the importance of daily prayer. It is good to celebrate a day of prayer but I think the fact that we still have to freedom to pray and worship the Lord without fear is reason enough to celebrate.

This past week we also celebrated the birthday of my dear husband, Don. He turned 37 on Nov. 9th. Yes, I know, he is younger than I am! He reminds me of that once in a while. I have to let him know that with age, comes knowledge! :)

My daughter, Krystle, also celebrated a birthday recently. We were in Florida on her birthday, October 25th. She turned 19. It also happened to be on the day we had the memorial service for my father. It was an emotional day for us but I went to get her a cake and wanted to show her that I still remembered her on her special day. I love you, my sweet daughter!

Today we went to church for the second week in a row at the Wesleyan church in Catskill, NY. It was a real good service. There was a pitch-in dinner after the service. All the food was yummy!

Well, that is all for now. Thanks for reading!