Getting ready for summer

Thank you Bah for the great summer clothes!

Blemished Lambs

How easy it is to slip into habitual worship of the Lord - to let the daily worries and cares of this world steal that fire, that desire, that fervency for doing things HIS way. As I read Malachi, the Holy Spirit convicted my heart as He called for Israel to turn their cold, habitual-law abiding hearts back to Him. He accused them of promising the unblemished, first born lambs for sacrifice, but when sacrifice time came, they sacrificed their second best, their blemished lambs and were satisfied with their offerings. The Lord's response was offense, and well so. He gave them everything and they gave Him their second, third best and in doing so, well desired the judgement that awaited them.
How often I plan to give God the first fruits of my time and end up with that hurried 10 minute Bible reading and prayer time. I was satisfied with my offering because I was "busy" with the Lord's work and He "always understands". Yes, the Lord understands our physical responsibilities but that doesn't relinquish us from worshipping the Lord HIS way - giving Him the sacrifices that are worthy of Him. My heart was shamed as I realized that I, just like the Israelites of Malachi, was giving the Lord a blemished lamb. How can I do that? He has given me EVERYTHING! I praise the Lord for the working of the Holy Spirit, calling me back to a worship that is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. I also praise Him for giving me the desire to look for other "blemished lambs" in my life, that I might present sacrifices to Him that are worthy and will cause no offense to my Savior!

Early 1st birthday presents :)

Thank you Aunt Jeaninne and Uncle Dave for the cute, comfy clothes and wonderful books for my birthday!

Morning time is PLAY TIME!

Abigail Joy gets up in the morning ready to PLAY. She loves to read her books and bang on her dog to make sweet music for her papa to wake up to!

International Women's Day

It is Int'l women's day in Ukraine and Oleg took his girls out to lunch to celebrate. We had a great time - especially Lori who didn't have to cook :)!!!

Nap time buddy-bear

Abigail has finally learned to fall asleep all on her own, but not without her bear!
- Thank you Aunt Jeannine for the cuddly bear!!!

That first fever :(

Abigail was such a trooper through her first bought with the flu and a high temperature! She sat on my lap for most of the days she was sick and gazed from afar at our guests from America - and occasionally pointed at them :). This was the first time she has been sick and of course, it would happen when we had a team from America visiting with us! They were very understanding and we did most of our organizational work in our living room, with Abigail sitting placidly on Mama's lap! We are excited about the summer camp they are going to help us do in July. They will be here from July 5th through the 12th. Abigail is looking forward to following in her mother's footsteps on the basketball court - her uncle is going to be proud of her "big man moves" in the paint!!!

Saturday at Dima and Ira's

A new couple moved to our church from Zaporozhia - Dima, Ira and little David. We had a great day of fellowship. Abigail enjoyed watching David kick and squeal and Oleg and I enjoyed "adult" talk :).