Welcome Home

Last night, Ray was taken home to be with our Father in Heaven. He will be greatly missed. Please pray for Kristin and the girls.

This is the verse that Kristin shared in her last e-mail.

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins." Isaiah 40:1-2

I really encourage you to read Kristin's blog. Her faith and hope in God's promises humbles me.

www.rayfitzgeraldfamily.blogspot.com

Please Pray

Today I will be going to help a friend of mine from Taylor University whose husband is battling cancer. I would like to ask for you to pray for their situation.. You can read all about it on their blog. www.rayfitzgeraldfamily.blogspot.com

Weekend in Michigan

Last weekend we went to John's mom's house in Michigan to celebrate a late Christmas. We are so grateful to have made it there. The roads were so slick, we saw at least 100 cars in a ditch or in an accident! We were not able to go during the holidays because the kids were sick. It felt like Christmas all over again! She left her tree up for us and everything!

Luke helps Grandma Koz open her gifts.

Grandma Koz is giving Caroline a present . . . what is it? A garden you can grow indoors and watch the roots through a window. Cool!

Jake got a marshmallow shooter . . . watch out !!

The kids enjoyed reading Luke's new book before going to bed.

John and I are just happy to have gotten there safely.

A present . . for me?!!

Jake helped Grandma get the huge icicles off of her roof. Look at how big they are!

We even got to go and see Aunt Carole in Bay City.

We took Great Grandma Race to church and out for lunch.

Warm Blessings

Psalm 147 : 16 "He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes."

I can't believe how cold it is!!! On my way home from tutoring, the car thermometer said it was -15! Yikes!! I said a quick prayer for anyone who might be out in that without protection! On the news this morning, the reporter was interviewing a street vendor who couldn't afford to not work for a day. I was so impressed with the man's attitude. He was smiling and he was happy to describe how many pairs of pants and underwear he was wearing. He was doing what he had to do and he was making the best of it. I wanted to go downtown Chicago and find that man and take him out for a warm lunch!! Seeing him made me so very thankful for the simple blessing of a warm house and the security of knowing that I was going to have warm food on my table that night without having to freeze all day for it. Thank you, God, for everything you have given to me and help me to help others who are in need.

No Peas Allowed!

Yesterday Luke and I went to the bank to deposit some money. Before we pulled through the drive-thru, I stopped in a little area to fill out a deposit slip. While I was writing, Luke kept saying, "Mommy, there are no peas allowed at this place!" Luke dislikes peas (or any green vegetable for that matter) and we have been working very hard with him to eat them. It has actually become quite a big issue. I looked up and realized why he was so delighted.......

Go to the Ant

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man." Colossians 3:23I help teach Caroline's Kindergarten Sunday School class at church and today our lesson was about how we should be more like the ant. They sure are hard working little creatures!! Today, we stressed that we need to work hard even when no one is watching. We need to do the best job that we are able to do. This week I am going to think about the little ant working his little heart out. I am going to be the best mom, tutor, wife, carpool driver, etc... that I can be. I also want to help my children see the value in always doing their best. I love teaching Sunday School because I am challenged by the lessons!

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Winter Wonderland

It just keeps snowing today!! Yay!! John even had to cancel his girls' basketball practice. It is just so beautiful. We've been enjoying a day filled with playing in the snow, playing with the hamster, doing paperwork, listening to relaxing CD's, making granola (thanks for the recipe, Polly!) and of course, shoveling. This day was a blessing!

O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions (Psalm 104: 24 ).