Family pictures of vacation

We had to get creative for a family picture.  We started this last year on vacation and it turned out to be our favorite picture. So we did it again.  Bart holds the camera out and we all have to try and fit in the picture.  I think these took four tries, but once again....mission accomplished!

OH VACATION!!!

Sam got out of school a little earlier than most schools so we took advantage of that and headed to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a little family time and relaxation. It was fabulous.  It was nice to be just the five of us laughing and playing together.  It is so rare for just the five of us to be together.  The kids loved the ocean and the pool.  Gracie loved picking up shells, Sam loved the waves in the ocean and Charlie enjoyed picking up sticks.  Yes, he even found sticks on the beach.   I hope everyone reading is able to get away for a little R&R with your family before summer slips away. 

Last picture of me and my brother.  Christmas day 2003

SAD DAY!

Well, I am back.  Today my  brother would have been 25.  It has been almost five years since he left this earth to be with our Father in Heaven.  I sure do miss him.  My kids long to know him.  They talk about him all the time and get angry that he fell asleep while driving because they will never know him this side of Heaven.  

It has also been three weeks since Stephen Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman lost their little Maria.  My heart is heavy for them as well.  I understand their pain.  

So, I ask for your prayers that healing would continue in our family and only begin in the Chapman family.  

I am so thankful for the hope of the Gospel.  Where would we be without it?  I take great comfort in the following verses and thought I would share them with anyone else who may be hurting from the loss of a loved one.

Galations 6:2  - Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5  - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. for just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Have a Blessed Night.