What Attracts You?

     What things or interests bring attraction to you?  Every one of us is attracted to different things during our lifetime.  What brings about those interests, those desires, or attractions?
     I remember as a young girl of ten or eleven years of age sitting in church and feeling the presence of JESUS so near.  People were testifying and giving praise to our all-deserving Master.  Meaningful choruses and songs were sung as people walked the aisles of that little white church in the country.  Was there an attraction? A resounding "YES" is the answer!  God's presence in those church services were an attraction to me as a young sinner girl!  Did I want what made those precious people so thrilled to serve and praise Him?  Of course I did, and it wasn't long until I was on my way to the altar of that little church.  I put my fears of others aside, stepped out, and made my way to the altar that Sunday morning there in Evart, Michigan.  Jesus was so near in that service.  People were shouting and praising Him!  It wasn't long until I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus had washed away my sins, and had come to abide in my unworthy heart.  He had cleansed me from sin!  When I got up from that altar, I literally felt like I was walking on clouds.  Each step seemed so much lighter!  That Sunday morning will never be forgotten as long as I live!  It was the greatest day of my life!
     This experience of my conversion brings about a question.  Are the church services you attend such an attraction to you that it brings about a desire in your heart to draw closer to God or to come to know Him as your Savior?  If not, why?  Think about the church you're attending.  Is it dead and dry or on fire for God?  Think about yourself.  Are you the one standing in the way?  I challenge you to search and seek God with all your heart.  He will meet your need whatever it may be.  He is a wonderful Savior and Friend who will never forsake you.

The church where I was saved

Rev. Everett Ashley, my Pastor when I was saved as a child in Michigan

Yes! Straight "A's"!!

The grades are all in and I was so excited to see all A's for my first semester back to college!  I don't know if this pattern will continue, as I may need to take more classes at one time in the future which may allow me less time on each subject.  But only time and effort will tell ....

Nathan's 16th Birthday!

Sixteen years ago today I became a very happy Mommy for the third time around.  I already had two little girls, and was so elated to give birth to a beautiful baby boy.  With dark brown eyes and dark brown hair, he quickly won our hearts as a special little boy that would bring much joy and happiness into our home.  Nathaniel James, as we named him, has grown up to be a hard-working young man.  From a small boy to his present age, he has continually proven to be ambitious and a willing helper wherever needed.  I will never forget when he would quickly grab the broom and try to assist Mommy in her cleaning duties around the house.  Then just a few years later as a very young child, Nathan begged and begged to mow the lawn.  Finally, Daddy gave in, and he helped mow the lawn as young as six or seven years old.  The mower handle was taller than he was, so with his little arms lifted high above his head, he tried with all his might to mow the lawn, for which he did to some degree.  That duty has never left him, as he continues to mow lawns for different people in our community.

In celebration of his sixteenth birthday, Dad took him down to Pat's Donuts (a favorite donut shop in our small village) and bought donuts for the family.  Later, Dad took him to take the test to get his driving permit; a dream he has been waiting for.  Passing the test with flying colors, he drove for the very first time on the return trip home!  Requesting a 3-way at Skyline Chili for his evening meal, we all piled in the van and headed for Lima.  We ate our meal, headed to a local park for some pictures and play time for Joshua, and then headed home.  To make the day complete, we ate a chocolate raspberry cake Nathan had requested that I make for his birthday.  It turned out to be delicious!!  

These milestones in my children's lives are sad, but yet joyful days to celebrate.  Yes, it seems life is swiftly passing by, and soon James and I will be once again alone here in our little house.  But for now, I intend to make these days as special and enjoyable as God intended them to be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN!

  

 

Fun Times!

  He is so daring and confident!

                     

Of course, he wouldn't sit down for the picture!  No way!

So peaceful!

~Walking Together~

His expression says it all!!  (He LOVES this slide!  It is the tallest swirly slide at the park.  He climbs the steps alone and comes down at will.)

Enjoyin' his swing ride!

We went to the park tonight, and Evangelyn took some pictures.  We had a fun time together, just missed out on the picnic!  We will have to pack a basket next time! 

Finished!

I have completed my first semester back to school!  I am just waiting on grades from my last two classes I finished this week.  I received A's in all my other classes, so hopefully these last two will not break the record!  Time will tell ....

I've been enjoying my "class-free" days with the great weather we've been having.  Spring is such a beautiful time of year!  I've also been doing a little baking; something I did not have time to do these past few months.  I made a fresh blackberry pie (for my Dad's birthday), a rhubarb custard pie (for Mother's Day on Sunday ~ it is in the freezer), and some banana muffins yesterday.  Our rhubarb is plenteous this year; therefore many more rhubarb desserts will be forthcoming.  Mmmmm.... 

I'm hoping to take some pictures soon, and get them posted.  I just haven't taken any lately, or I seem to forget my camera.  I don't like posting anything without pictures.