Merry Christmas Everyone!

I just want to say how thankful and blessed we are to know each and every one of you. I love all of our family and friends both near and far. May your Christmas be full of the Joy of our Lord and Savior.

In Christ's Abundant and Amazing Love,
Peg

Things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving Day...

1 - Family - those we're born into and those we are adopted into.
2 - A beautiful home to live in.
3 - A beloved who works so hard for all of us.
4 - A new babby coming in May.
5 - Friends who share and support.
6 - Chocolate (you know that had to make the list right?) I just found out Dark chocolate has NO sodium. I love it but now I REALLY love it. ;)
7 - Food in the cabinets and my belly.
8 - Jesus loving us enough to die on the cross for us.
9 - Down comforters - one of the best things ever!
10 - Camping - We love to camp.
11 - My beloved being home the entire day.
12 - Sunshine
13 - Tea
14 - Friends who are friends no matter the distance.
15 - The ability to have the lifestyle we do in a country that is free.
16 - The smell of good cooking.
17 - Yarn (you knew that would be here too)
18 - Friends to knit with.
19 - Family and friends who appreciate the art of knitting.
20 - A clean kitchen - never underestimate the power of a clean kitchen.

I pray your day is blessed and joy filled. May you look around and see with an open heart and clear eyes the many blessings you have this year.

In Christ's Abundant and Ever Gentle Embrace,
Peg

Lost and now found or our Amazing God...

And how he loves on us so. My beloved has been traveling more for work this year. He went to Atlanta a few weeks ago for the week. If you've never been through the Atlanta airport then you've missed a confusing overwhelming experience.


He likes to take small bags so he doesn't have to check stuff to save time. He's pretty careful of his things. This time he did great the whole week until the day he came home. He walked through security and put his laptop in one tray and his pocket contents and wedding ring in another.

When he came home I was sitting here telling him how I'd looked at wedding bands again for him but didn't buy one because they were lots more than I'd anticipated. He'd lost his last one somewhere in the mill so he's been wearing his grandfather's ring for the last year or so.

He jumped up and started patting his pockets then went downstairs and tore through all of his bags. I knew as soon as he'd started patting his pockets what had happened. He had lost the ring. It's a fairly big ring - Michael's hands are quite big and he wears a 13 ring. I guess he took it off automatically and dropped it with the keys and change in the tray then he forgot to pick it up. Now least you thing "HOW did he forget his ring?" He doesn't wear it on a daily basis. Where he works it is detrimental to his hands if he were to get it caught on a piece of equipment. So he wears it when he is home and not in the mill.

I calmed him down - he was very upset about it. And we called Atlanta. They have a voicemail thing telling you to register a lost complaint on their "Foundit" sight. We did this fully thinking the ring was gone for good. I started watching Ebay. We found one that looked very similar but was in California so we were fairly certain it was not the same ring.

Flash forward well over a week and he gets a call from the airport. They FOUND THE RING! Amazingly enough they found it. They shipped it back to us. I picked it up at the post office this morning and the envelope didn't seem to have anything in it. I tore it open and PRAISE THE LORD there it was!



I had friends everywhere praying for this ring. I know it's a material thing but it truly cannot be replaced. It has been in his family for many years and as I found in my searching there really aren't any exactly like this ring out there. Even if it were exactly the same it wouldn't be THE same.

I know the Lord cares enough about us to know the number of the hairs on our heads. I'm so thankful he cares enough to bring this ring back to us because it was so important to us. I love how he searched for it and brought it back. I love how He continues to search and bring us back to him again and again. Amazing love that is!

In Christ's Amazing Embrace,

Peg

Back to school...

Just kidding. We started school two weeks ago. And so today when nearly everyone else in our neighborhood/town is going back to school - in the rain no less - we slept in. I still have one in the bed. You get to guess who that might be.

We have enjoyed not having to get up and be at the mercy of others schedules. Well, except for my beloved Michael's. ;) So today while everyone else is learning the new drill at school we get to do fun stuff. My girls will read until they decide to move on to the next thing or figure out they probably should eat breakfast before it's lunch time. And I'm sorting the clothes out of the attic and getting ready for West End's huge consignment sale. Fun stuff I tell you.

We'll do school tomorrow unless Charlotte wanders in and wants/insists on doing her school. She likes school very much. I'm glad she has a love for it. I'm glad my big girls still have a love for it.

So how was your first day of school? Or are you already midway through the year? The beauty and blessing of homeschooling! WHOOHOO.

In Christ's love,
Peg

It's my girl's 13th Birthday.

We had a great day shopping and lunching just the two of us today. We ate too much at Panera and stayed in budget in Old Navy. Great sales in Old Navy too.

McGinley wanted "skinny" jeans after wearing a friend's at camp this week. Interestingly enough she is skinny enough to wear "skinny" jeans and look good. Wench. ;)

And the evidence:



Here are a few more pictures from her birthday party tonight with family:



This is a dress she picked out today while we were shopping. I was amazed at the fact that she actually picked a dress. She is so not my girly girl. But it is a good choice and I think she'll enjoy wearing it.


And her birthday cake she requested:



And the final great birthday present from Mimi and Pop Pop:



Each girl in our family receives a birthstone ring from their Mimi and Pop Pop on their 13th birthday. Each one has been unique to the girl so far. McGinley was excited to see she did indeed have a ring box in that big bag!

We have so enjoyed and been blessed by the creation that is our McGinley. God surely makes some unique and awesome people. We're just thrilled she is one of our people.

In the midst of Christ's abundant blessings,

Peg

Enjoying the quiet in the midst of chaos...

We've had a busy month here at La Geron. I've had three out of four girls at camp this month. All at different times which has meant some juggling of schedules and asking (i.e. begging) for favors from friends and family. Michael was gone for 10 days in the middle of the month. We finished swim season again. And today we're getting ready to leave for another 10 days to Family camp.

Today the agenda is busy. I've got a cake in the oven for one of Michael's co-worker's birthday. One girl is up and moving. All three older girls are still sleeping. And still left on my list is: pack for 6 people, clean my house, library, Kmart, knitting shop, pay bills, grocery store and of course, maintain my sanity in the crazy day ahead.

And in the midst of the chaos that is my life I am enjoying the peace and times of quiet. Last night we had friends come for dinner. I was cooking pasta sauce in bulk to take with us camping. I called our friends and said come on by and eat with us. It was such a fun time. Laughing and eating with good friends - it doesn't get much better. This morning as I got up early to bake this cake that I should have baked last night I have enjoyed the quiet of my house and the small stirrings of life as the girls slowly awaken. God is good all the time.

I am thankful for these small pockets of quiet in the midst of the craziness and am ever aware of the need to purposefully plan for them. The quiet time focused on the Lord and talking with the Lord is filling up those spots where I've given all I can, emptied all that I have into others. I am ever grateful that His mercy and grace is fresh each morning. I sure need it every morning.

And now I have to get on with the blessed chaos that is my life. Have a blessed day and make sure to carve out some quiet time for yourself today in the midst of the chaos that is your life.

In Christ's peaceful grip,

Peg

Charlotte's first swim meet...

She was so proud to get to have the signature dolphin on her back. All good swimmers have their team logo on them don't you know?



She was a tad bit nervous about the deep end she had to start from - it was 8 feet deep. One of her coaches got in with her initially and then stayed back once she got going. They are doing a great job.





She was met at the end by her big sister Sophia. They waited for her at the other end and Sophia pulled her out. I love seeing my girls love on each other and cheer for each other.

In Christ's Abundant Love,
Peg

Getting ready for the new year...

You all know we home school right? Well this past weekend my beloved and I went to a home school convention to get some of the curriculum we will use in the next official school year for the girls.

We have, for the past several years, gone up and spent the night so we can have two full days at the conference. Friends go with us and it's a great time of fellowship but also focused time to remember why we do what we do.

This year we focused on our eldest daughter. She's going to be in high school this year. I know it's hard to believe but she is. She is a beautiful and intelligent girl. Keeping up with her is going to keep me on my toes. I think I'm up for it. Today that is.

I loved being there in this huge convention center with all these people who do the same things we do. I love being with people whose focus is being with their families. And like being together as a family.

So we're ready - we go year round and we're finishing up a few things right now. But we'll start the "new" year in August. My girls were excited to see the new stuff. They love books of any kind. I love that they love them.

How cool is that? Kids who love to learn. God is so good.


In Christ's Love,
Peg

Birthdays/Anniversaries and Joy/Sorrow

May is a time of great joy in our house. My Emma turned 11 the other day. And we had a great time celebrating the joy that she brings and gives to us. She is a sweet, giving child with a servant's heart. She is a beautiful girl inside and out. We are thankful for her.

At the same time we always deal with a great deal of sorrow in May. Our sweet babby boy Zebulon Adam was born in May. He was stillborn at 22 weeks. We miss him still. Even though we never got to hold him this side of Heaven we miss him. Makes no sense to someone who has not walked the path we have.

I realized today that yet another May has passed by and we are still missing Zeb. I picture him with Jesus holding his hand as he walks the streets of gold. Talking to my daddy - my daddy loved his grandbabies. He loved being a granddad. He took great joy in the job of being a granddad. I picture Zeb with a head full of curls and a smile just like my beloved's. I miss him. I have marked yet another year since we lost him.

Some days it doesn't bother me because I know he's in a WAY better place than we are. Others it hits me right in the gut. Takes my breath away. Like when Charlotte said to me a few weeks ago "If Zeb were here he'd be friends with the Kriner boys." It had never occurred to me until that moment that yes Zeb, Micah and Caleb would be the same age and best of friends. It makes me enjoy the twins more when we are with them.

Today I also realized that I go through May in a fog. I can't focus. I'm forgetful. I just do the next thing. Put the next foot in front of the other. I don't think the Lord means me to live like that every year. And I know my Zeb would not want us to be that way. So I made a promise to myself today that I would be focused on the joy, the moment and the time we have here until we get to see him in heaven. So, as a friend of mine said today, I'm trading my sorrows in!

God is good all the time and I am thankful for the joy that May brings. I choose to focus on the joy.

In Christ's Abundant love,
Peg

Things that bring me joy...

I've had a bad week so last night I decided I would try to focus on the positive and let the Lord deal with the junk for me. So here are some things that bring me joy:

1 - Roses in the spring. The scent of them in my house.
2 - My beloved coming home to me every night.
3 - My beloved waking up next to me.
4 - My kids telling me they love me.
5 - Charlotte when she comes out with some totally adult comment. It blows me away that she is five and knows what random means. And uncomfortable - that she uses them in perfect context. She is FIVE!
6 - My girls joy in learning new things. That is such a blessing. I see so many kids who are bored learning and my girls thrive on it.
7 - Knitting with new yarn.
8 - Knitting with old yarn.
9 - Who am I kidding? Just plain knitting makes me so happy. The colors, the texture, the smell of the wool and oh yes the finished project. God is so good in allowing me to still learn new things.
10 - A good book.
11 - When my Lord speaks so clearly to me.
12 - That my Lord bothers to speak to me at all brings me such joy. Amazement - daily.
13 - My girl friends - old and new.
14 - Seeing my girls become accomplished at life.
15 - Knowing my babbies are with the Lord and I'll get to meet them (and him) face to face one day.
16 - A cold glass of perfectly sweetened iced tea.
17 - A hot pepperoni roll.
18 - A good piece of chocolate.
19 - A diet coke - cold.
20 - Phone calls with my girlfriends. I praise the Lord daily for all of them. I would never make it without you all.
21 - A warm shower
22 - Air conditioning that works.
23 - Time to knit with a friend.
24 - Time with my Lord.
25 - A kiss from my beloved.

So that's my list for tonight. What's your list look like these days? I keep reminding myself that the Lord is in charge and he has plans for me. Plans only for my good. Plans to prosper me. And I'm open to and thankful for His care and plans.

In Christ's Loving Arms,
Peg

One whole year has passed...

Since my daddy went to be with the Lord. It doesn't seem possible that it's been a whole year already. Seems like I ought to be able to call the house and hear his voice just any old time. I find myself calling my mother's cell more than the house simply to avoid that knowledge.

Knowing that he is with the Lord gives me great peace. I pray for the rest of my family daily because I just don't know where they stand with the Lord. I so want each of them to be there in heaven with me and Daddy one day.

One thing Daddy going to be with the Lord has taught me is life is simply too short to take the safe road. I have found myself more bold in sharing my faith, more open in telling people they matter to me and more importantly to Jesus. I am thankful for that last gift my Daddy has given me.

I sure miss you Daddy! Can't wait to see you when I get to heaven. Love on my babbies for me please?

In Christ's Carrying Love,
Peg

He did it for me!

I am amazed and humbled by the fact that the Lord stayed on that cross for me. Me - who is so unworthy and undeserving.

He wore a crown of thorns for me. My beloved made a crown of thorns yesterday for our Pastor to use during our Tenebrae service last night. As he sat in the middle of my living room floor bending my rose bushes into a crown and pricking his fingers with each bend I was just taken aback by the fact that our Lord and Savior wore such a crown on his head. And that it was forced down into his skin.

It hit me that as Michael was using the thorns from my rose bushes that in spite of the ugliness of the thorns there is beauty in the making. Those rose bushes bear the most beautiful roses. I've often gotten comments on how pretty they are. And yet if you knew how little care I give those bushes you'd be amazed that they bear any flowers at all.

I am ashamed to say that the care I give those roses can be likened to the care I give my relationship with my Lord. And yet, in spite of the lack of care on my part, HE cares enough for me to continue to bear fruit/beauty in my life. Even when I haven't cracked my bible in days His word rises in my mind and appears in my life. Even when I haven't prayed and thanked him for the last thing he did for me He is ever doing more. I am so not worthy of his mercy and grace. And certainly not His sacrifice on the cross.

But yet HE did it anyway. He would have done it even if I was the ONLY person saved. That amazes me. And brings me to my knees in prayer and WORSHIP. Because He is WORTHY of all our praise and worship. So as I am focused this weekend on the Cross and the blood that was shed there for me I renew my focus on the Lord and ask him to give me grace and forgiveness once more. For all I've done, for all I've yet to do I thank Him for that grace and forgiveness because I know he gives it freely.

In Christ's Abundant and Ever available love,
Peg

Simple things we take for granted...

This spring has been a gray and dreary one so far. So when the sun comes out and is streaming through my front windows I have taken to sitting there and absorbing all that I can before it moves over the house. I have so enjoyed those simple mornings, reading to the girls, doing school with them while sitting in that warm sunshine.

It hit me the other day that I have taken for granted that the spring means sunshine every day and warmth. I have been so thrown off kilter by the rain for days in a row that my house, school and life in general have suffered. And so I've made an effort to enjoy the day even when the rain is there and it is dark and gray knowing that the Lord will bring new growth from that rain and sun for me to soak in.

I've seen the results of those rainy days in the trees blooming and the flowers beginning to bud. And so I am thankful for the way the Lord designed this world we live in so that we can have rain for growth and moisture. And the sun of a new morning to bask in while focusing on the blessings of the day. I'll be enjoying those flowers and trees as they spring into new growth. And I'm praising the Lord for his perfect design and plan.

In Christ's Love,
Peg

Praise the Lord my mother's heart cath went well.

She was in and out in just a few hours. We are thankful they didn't find anything to fix. She was home resting comfortably by 3 p.m. Thanks for the prayers.

In Christ's Love,
Peg

Travel time again...

Seems we just got into our routine again after coming back from vacation. Now it's time to get on the road again. Michael and I are going to SC tomorrow to be with my mom. She is having a heart catherization on Friday. And I'll get to see my sisters too.

The girls are busy as usual doing school and enjoying getting to be outside in some of this warmer weather we've been having. They are excited to go to Mimi and Poppop's house this weekend while we're in SC. They love it there because as Charlotte says "There is ice cream at every meal." Grandparents!

In Christ's Love,
Peg

On the road again...

We have been traveling this week and are home long enough to wash clothes and start again. Friends of ours invited us on vacation with them. Totally cool way to vacation - everyone pitching in on the food and cooking and eating and talking. And talking and laughing until we were crying. Did I mention the cooking and talking and eating and talking? ;) Oh and we knit a bit too. My friend who just learned to knit in January is doing a sweater for her daughter now. Started it on vacation.

We've done this for years with our dear friends in WV. We plan a menu, each family picks a couple of things for each meal and then we put it all together when we're cooking. Totally works and we eat WAY better camping/vacationing than we do at home. Plus it's just more fun to cook and clean up together.

The girls did not want to leave their friends and cried a bit coming home. We're hoping to see them again soon. It is amazing the number of blessing we've had simply because we home school.

The fact that we can go off season for much cheaper rates, see friends we don't often get to see other times of the year, meet people we would never get to meet otherwise. The fact that my beloved can take time off from work when most people don't even have vacation on their radar is a huge blessing. There are many things we have been blessed with since we started home schooling. God is so good all the time.

Hope everyone is having a good time. And looking for those blessing each and every day. We sure are. Out the door we go again.

In the midst of God's blessings,

Peg

Looks like spring fever has arrived at La Geron...

My girls have been having some serious cabin fever this week. We've got tons going on and I know they are excited but man if I have to have another day of them bouncing off the walls I'll go crazy. And yes I know it's not a far trip for me thankyouverymuch!

We may have to do some laps!

ICL,
Peg

Something we can all do...

I got this email this morning from a dear friend of mine who is on the board of a Crisis Pregnancy Center. I feel led to share it here with you all. Please prayerfully consider doing this. I am deeply saddened by the low regard our current President seems to have for human life. This is something we can all do.

Dear Friends and Intercessors:

This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.

As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.

Here is what I would like you to do:

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C.

On the back, print the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception. You were given the right to life - allow all the unborn to enjoy that precious gift from God.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.


Please prayerfully consider investing in some red envelopes and speaking for those who can't yet speak for themselves.

Covered in Christ's Redeeming RED blood,

Peg

My new favorite food is...

bell peppers - from Trader Joe's. They have a trio of bell peppers in a large package. One orange, one yellow and one red - for under $4.00! And they are delicious! I ate an entire orange one with my lunch today. Delish!

In awe of Christ's creativity,

Peg

Sickness abounds...

We have thus far managed to avoid being ill this year. Until the past ten days! Charlotte has been fighting a cold for nearly two weeks. Then the older girls all got some form of it. Michael and I have, so far, avoided it. I'm praying everyone starts to feel better.

I had to tell Charlotte to stop talking yesterday because she woke up sounding like Darth Vader's daughter. All raspy and funky sounding - totally was not my babby talking.

Then today she woke up, came bouncing downstairs feeling all better and told me it was time for me to get up because SHE was up. Then she proceeded to try and roust her sisters out of bed too. She told McGinley "I'm up and that means everyone else should be too." It was like hearing Daddy in my house this morning. My daddy was like that. If he was up then he wanted someone to talk to him so he thought everyone else should be up. And he'd wake you just to talk before he went out the door to work or down to the corner store for coffee. Totally cracked me up this morning when his words came out of my five year olds mouth. Yep he's still here with us.

So everyone is slowly on the mend and Michael is working less hours so he's here more. That's nice for all of us. And hopefully we'll all avoid the rest of the sickness passing around amongst our friends.

In Christ's Love,
Peg

Joy of the Lord...

I got to see the joy of the Lord this weekend. Now what did I do you ask? I went 5 hours away from home with fourteen yes 14 teens to a winter retreat. We were there with 565 teens from all over the state. All there to have fun, fellowship with other believers and just possibly get a glimpse of God's face. We did that and so much more.

I just have to tell you - in case you don't already know ;) - I'm not the fun mom. Never have been, likely never will be. I'm ok with that. I was there for crowd control. Or that's what I kept telling myself when I signed up to go. Amazing how the Lord works even with those of us who are reluctant (that'd be kicking and screaming "I don't wanna - I don't think I can") participants.

Now let me tell you what really happened. I got to be with 14 of the coolest, fun, amazing, intelligent, beautiful people on the planet this weekend. And yes they are all teenagers! I had the best conversations with these young people - some at 2 in the morning, others sitting on a stairway in the middle of a building, and still others driving down the road. The genuine love these kids have for each other and for the Lord just blows me away. The light in their eyes and the joy on their faces as they sang and danced while praising the Lord was a beautiful thing to behold. And yes, to be a part of!

I saw them step outside their comfort zone, open up to the Lord, let go of some baggage that was not theirs to carry and accept the Lord where he met them. I saw others gather round and love on each other and yes pray for one another. I saw them help one another through and the giving spirits they all have.

I prayed with kids, cried with kids, hugged kids and punched boys in the shoulder (gently of course) - 'cause you know boys don't like hugs. ;) And the entire time I thought "Lord please be with me, help me to know what to say and what NOT to say to these beloved children of yours. Lord, I am woefully and grossly unprepared for this." I pray that I was a blessing to these wonderful kids - they surely were a blessing to me.

So today try to figure out a way to spend some time with the teens in your life. I promise you won't regret it. I surely don't. I'm ready to go back next year!

In Christ's Amazing Love,
Peg

How are you living?

I heard a song today about living in the moment and enjoying your life. I wondered how most of us live our lives? Are we living for the next thing to happen? Are we living in the past - focused on what might have been? Are we trying to live someone elses life instead of our own? I know it sure seems attractive when your friend's lives seem much more fun, easy, loving etc. But that's not OUR lives.

Are we living the way the Lord would have us live? Are we telling those we love that we love them? Are we hugging our kids and taking the minutes to look into their eyes and see who they really are - Who God created them to be? Are we allowing ourselves to grieve when we need to? Are we joyful in the small and the big things? Are we willing to sacrifice the ideas of what the world would have us do for what the Lord wants us to do?

I know that I want to be the light the Lord would have me be and I want to be of use to him here and now. How that is to play out I surely don't know but I'm done waiting on for that next thing to happen. I'm here and willing and I'm ready now to do whatever He calls me to do. My God has plans for me to live abundantly and to prosper me. I want to live MY life! I don't want to miss out on one single thing He has for me!

So how about you? How are you living your life? Is this where you want to be? Is this where the Lord would have you be?

In the Midst of Christ's Plan,
Peg

What a weekend!

I made it through and the kids were great. At one point we had 13 kids here. My father in law came to fix something for me and brought his friend Donald with his three kids to help. They thought they'd come to a playground when they realized we had 10 kids here! My crew just welcomed them on in and had them all playing together in minutes.

Today we left home at 9:50 a.m. for church. We just got back in at 10:45 p.m. We have been to: Church, had lunch there, to Newport News to Lowe's, dropped the girls off at my friend's house (I had her's yesterday - she got mine today - not that it was planned that way though), went back to Williamsburg to the funeral home for Landon's family viewing, then back to Newport News to get our kids. We ate with them and then finally left just before 10 to come home.

Whew I'm worn out just typing that up! We made it through. One of these weekends soon I'd like to just stay home. Novel idea, huh?

In Christ's Abiding Love,
Peg

10 kids...

Today I have 10 kids here. All under the age of 14. I have my four girls, my friend's almost 2 year old, and my other friend's 5 kids. Praise the Lord for older kids. And for kids willing to play together. And for Wii. Thanks again for that Mimi and Poppop!

I like the idea of having a big family. I don't know what the reality would be like but I like the chance to see how I'd manage in a day.

I'll let you know how it goes! And if you don't hear from me call and check on me. ;)

In the midst of Christ's many blessings,
Peg

May the Lord use my life for His glory.

Most of you know me and mine. What you might not know is that we have 8 children. Four girls here with us and four babies with the Lord. We have a son named Zebulon Adam (we call him Zeb) and three babies we'll get to meet when we get to heaven.

Zeb was born in 2001 at the end of May. He was not due to be born until the fall. We went in for a routine doctor's appointment and came away preparing to go in the hospital the next morning in preparation to deliver a baby we weren't going to take home. He was already home with the Lord. Our church family and friends carried us through that time on the wings of their prayers. The bible says God keeps our prayers in golden bowls - that they are incense to him. Well let me tell you they were a protection around us, an uplifting under us and a love surrounding us during the days we were in the hospital waiting to deliver. Always in the time that followed we trusted the Lord would use that time for His glory at some point.

Well let me tell you how he has done this so far. We have been able to minister to many people in ways that we never would have before. We have a bond with others who have gone through the same thing. And we are able to step up with true love and say "what do you need, we've been there". Sadly, this week we have had that chance again - and it's not over yet.

This week has been a long week for us here at La Geron. Dear friends of ours lost their baby grandson in a similar way to how we lost Zeb. Regular doctors appointment, no heartbeat, into the hospital to deliver a baby they aren't taking home.

We have lifted them in prayer and today went to see them at the hospital. We were there in the waiting room with them while their son and his girlfriend delivered their baby who was already with the Lord. They only had a few weeks left to the due date unlike us. Today they delivered their baby and were able to hold him for a time.

We did not get to see them while we were there. We'll love on them some more later. They needed their family around them then. We're praying for them. We ask that you do the same. And we ask that the Lord would show them one day how He can take this terrible tragic thing and turn it into something He can use for their good.

And so I end another day asking the same thing I start each day with; "Lord use my life for your glory... USE ME where you will... In any way you need me I am there." May that be something you would desire as well.

In Christ's Lap tonight,

Peg

School again!

We've had a long break for the holidays and now it is time to do school again. The girls and I had a hard time getting up this morning. But we all managed to be up and doing school before 9 a.m.!

So we're back to work and doing fine for the first day in a while. Our favorite part of the day is reading together. Each girl has a read aloud that we do together so by the end of the day a lot of times my voice is shot but it is so worth it. The stories are so interesting and we all enjoy each other's read aloud.

Hope your day is great and you learn something new.

In Christ's Love,
Peg

Things we rely on without realizing how much...

we need them until we no longer have them at our disposal.

Our dryer is broken. The repair man is supposed to come out tomorrow to look at it. We're praying that it can be easily (and cheaply) fixed.

In the meantime, we had to make a trip to the laundry mat with the dirty clothes. I washed some at home and took them there to dry them. We still had a huge pile of laundry to wash. $50 in quarters later we have all the laundry clean for once and a HUGE pile of clean socks that need to be matched up. And just so you know I'm not kidding about how huge a pile it is...



And then the reward for our efforts:



We have a ton of socks! Of course we have 12 feet to cover in this house so we need quite a bit of socks. However I don't think we need this many. I still have a hamper of whites to match tomorrow morning when there is better light. At the end of the weekend what doesn't have a match gets a new home in the TRASH CAN! Yes I'm going to throw them away!

One of my resolutions this year is to let go of excess things. This is where I'm starting! And all thanks to a broken dryer.

In Christ's Love,
Peg

Happy New Year!

2009 is going to be a great year. I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in our family's life. Hope you all have a blessed year.

In Christ's Love,
Peg