More Baby Pics

Amanda has a habit of putting the clean diaper on Abi's head while she is getting ready to change her. Some of Abi's happiest times are when she is having her diaper changed. She will often go totally from crying tears to smiling and cooing as we set her down.


Abi hanging out by the pool with mommy.


Abi and her boyfriend Joseph. Abi and Joseph met at church a few days after she was born.


Amanda, Abi, and I went to see our niece Chloe in a play. Abi was being happy, so I snapped a shot with her and her mommy.


This was just prior to the play. Sweet dress, eh?

Cabin Leaders and a Firetruck

This past year Youthfront was donated an old fire truck after the La Cygne fire station bought a new one. Our grounds guys are trained in using it for any emergencies for which we may need it. Amanda and I have been working with the cabin leaders at YouthFront Camp South and we wanted a group picture.... So, what better place than on a fire truck next to the waterfront activities at camp, eh?

July 4th fun

Amanda and I spent some time in the Ozarks with her family for fourth of July. I was a little delayed getting these on here. Oh well. Enjoy.



"Papa" with his grandaughter.


While in the Ozarks, we played on a terrific golf course known as Porta Cima. I don't think I've ever played on a course so beautiful.


No, that's not our yacht. =) The lake was packed with boats on fourth of July, so we decided to watch the fireworks from the shore (instead of being run over by these much larger boats).


A Family self portrait.


Watching the sunset.

Building blocks and God's plan [by Amanda]

“Can I see Abi’s room?” Sophie, an eight year old staff kid, asked me this week. “Abi would love to show you her room,” I replied. This was the start of one of the many spiritual conversations I have been able to have this summer.

After we showed Sophie all of Abi’s toys, Sophie spent some time playing with Abi’s alphabet blocks. As Sophie was playing, we talked about who decided what letters should be in the alphabet and where languages came from. We talked about the tower of Babel and how God chose to mix up the languages of all the people on the earth.

Then, Sophie told me that she had been wondering how God could always exist. I replied that I still can’t comprehend how God always was and always will be, but I am comforted by the fact that God is much bigger than I am. Sometimes I just have to trust what He says. I can leave a lot of the details up to Him. We also talked about how awesome it is going to be in heaven when we will exist forever with God. As we ended our conversation, I was filled with excitement.

I was excited for the plan the Lord has for me this summer and the rest of my life. Originally, I was planning on spending my summer getting ready for YMI. I thought my priority for the next several months would be to the girls in YMI, but the Lord had different plans. He has me spending my summer caring for Abi and being available to have conversations with whomever He sends.

I am grateful for how the Lord directed my time with Sophie. I am sure the conversation would not have occurred if Abi and her building blocks were not around. But, I am even more excited to have a similar conversation with Abi someday. The Lord is continuing to grow a desire in my heart to love and care for my family as my priority. I am confident that as I put my family first, He will provide ways in which I can reach out to others.

Grateful for change,

July Prayer Requests

· Family — Abigail is changing everyday. As she starts to mimic our faces, we are reminded that she will soon mimic our actions. Pray that we will be godly examples. Pray we will keep family as our main priority in the context of the busy camp life.

· Camp — With two more weeks of camp left, pray our summer staff would not be complacent in their job but would remain energetic and passionate about affecting the lives of teenagers. Also, pray they would transition well back to “normal” life after camp is over, without forgetting the things they learned this summer.

· YMI — (YouthFront Mission Institute) The beginning of the fall semester is only 6 weeks away and there is still quite a bit to do. Pray we would be diligent to complete the preparation necessary. Pray for our planning of the trips, curriculum, local ministry, and work projects. Also, pray Amanda and I would be spiritually ready and eager to pour our lives into the lives of these students. Finally, students are raising financial support. Pray they would be diligent and givers would be generous.