Reformation Reflection

Reformation Sunday is one of my favorite services of the year.  This year's service did not disappoint.  Not only was I installed into my Special Education position today, but the music was wonderful.  I love the hymns we sing with the descant of the trumpet.  I also love that our church emphasizes that the purpose of reformation was to direct the people of Martin Luther's time back to Christ.  Christ is the only one who can save us from our sin.  We are thankful that God used Martin Luther to deliver His message, but Reformation is not a day to celebrate one man.  We can however, acknowledge and appreciate that the Holy Spirit was at work within Luther and that his message was the gospel.  We are saved by GRACE through FAITH.  
I absolutely love the words to A Mighty Fortress.  It is hard for me to sing the last verse.  I get choked up every time.  When everything gets stripped away from us, we still have God's grace and that is all that we need.  Someone asked me recently how I could keep my faith in light of the trials I've been through.  I answered that it's when we are knocking on the door of heaven, asking for answers, that God meets us.  How else could we get through challenges in life without the peace of God's grace?  Life is very hard and sometimes almost unbearable.  The devil is real and is at work (especially among Christians).  He attacks us where we are vulnerable.  BUT, nothing happens to us without passing through our Father's hands first.  How encouraging that one little word (the name of Christ) can fell him - the victory has already been won!

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"
by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.

2. With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone,
They yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Joy!

This bundle of energy makes me smile.  I just wanted to share a dose of cuteness.  Liam gives us so much joy.

Pumpkin Patch

Liam on the tricycle coarse

king of the hay bails

waiting patiently on the wagon to go to the pumpkin patch

Mom and Liam on the wagon

Liam was so excited to see so many pumpkins - he took off

Liam had to pick up each pumpkin before deciding if it was the right one

Wow, so many to choose from!

beautiful day at the pumpkin patch - there were even hot air balloons

What better place to eat a donut than in a tire.

Liam loved pretending to drive the tractor.  Dave got to ride on one of these with his Grandpa when he was Liam's age.

Liam loved the goats and even gave some of them kisses.

Enjoying Little Moments

I'm really trying to soak in all these little gems of moments I share with Liam.  He is learning and growing so much, I just want to enjoy every second.  I am always amazed at what he learns.  Lately, he's been speaking so clearly and thoroughly.  You have to understand... Liam talks ALL DAY LONG.  So, sometimes I tend to drown out the constant chatter.  But lately, I remind myself to stop and listen to what's going on in that little head of his.  
Right now, Liam is REALLY into rockets, space, and airplanes.  I'm not sure how the fascination started, but we have been fostering his interest and creativity.  He likes to watch shuttle launches on the IPad and is getting better at counting backwards before the 'byastoff.'  He can identify the planets Mars, Pluto, Earth, and Saturn.  I'm not sure how long this interest will last, but we're going to enjoy this phase while we can.

Liam watching a shuttle launch while his rocket blasts off to space

Liam's new planets in his room (they glow in the dark).

Liam's bedside table always has some sort of rocket or airplane on it.  We won't let Liam sleep with them (like he would like), so we let him set them next to his bed.  That way they're ready for him first thing in the morning.

Soli Deo Gloria!

If this post has typos, I apologize.  I am writing it while tears well up in my eyes.  I am completely overwhelmed!  Today, we got an update on our matching grant.  It is so humbling to ask for help, especially financially.  However, in doing so we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit work in mighty ways.  There have been many times that I have wondered if we are doing the right thing.  I often ask, "God is this really your will?"  Then, God reminds us in big ways that He is faithful to His promises and He will finish what He has started.  We started this whole process on a leap of faith, not knowing how God would provide, but trusting that He would.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the grant.  I really don't know how to express my thankfulness.  I hope you know that we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts and when we see and hold our daughter for the first time, you can take pride knowing that you made it possible.  Thank you especially for your prayers.  I know the power of prayer is effective.  Keep it up - we still have a long way to go.
Here are the most recent numbers (a final update will be sent to us on Friday, in case anyone sent money today)...
money raised by family & friends - $6,465.00
money from grant - $5,000
total money raised - $11,564.00
Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone be the Glory!

Perfect Weekend!

This weekend, amid the business of dossier paperwork, we took a break for a family trip.  We went to Chain O Lakes on Saturday afternoon to hike, play, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  The weather was a little crisp, but we still had a great time.  Liam loved exploring nature and found many treasures.  Daisy walked all the way around the lake.  She is such a good dog.  She found many new scents.  Dave and I enjoyed reminiscing about the time we came when we were just dating - (we hiked, ate hot dogs from the grill, and danced in the headlights of the car).  We have decided to make this an annual event.
After going to Chain O Lakes, we came home and ate hot dogs and beans (Liam's request) and then made a fire in the fire pit.  We roasted marshmallows and Liam ate his very first s'more.  We then all took baths/showers (even Daisy), threw our clothes straight into the wash, and snuggled on the couch before going to bed.  It was a perfect fall day!

Liam playing at the park with Dad.

It's a good thing we didn't touch this... poison ivy

We wore Daisy out - it was long hike for a little dog