{pure joy-catch up edition}

pure joy:1-last month i participated in heaven's gates, hell's flames-a live drama presenting the gospel.  if you know me, i'm not a huge fan of being in front of people and i've never acted in my life.  i wasn't really planning on participating and either was john.  the kids were a great excuse because of the time commitment.  however, God kept tugging at my heart and i obeyed.  it was an experience like i've never experienced before. the whole weekend is bathed in prayer and God's presence was felt in big ways.  i ended up reading lines for a part on friday night (why, i really don't know because i would have loved to be an angel who had no speaking parts!).  saturday morning i found out i was in a scene all by myself, playing the part of an old woman.  we went through each scene twice on saturday with our lines.  on sunday, we went through it twice as well, this time without our lines.  both of these times through were rough.  i couldn't seem to get my lines even though i could say them in the comforts of my own home.  sunday night was the first performance and the house was packed.  when i went on stage, my heart was fluttering and i was beyond nervous however my lines came out like it was nothing.  however, i know it wasn't nothing-it was the power of the Holy Spirit.  you see, we spent much time in prayer.  each night we spent an hour before the service in the presence of God.  we asked in faith and God delivered.  we prayed as a group over one another.  we prayed as individuals.  so many people were saved and rededicated their lives in the course of the three nights.  it was definitely a blessing!

pure joy: 2-earlier this week, kenna had a good fall and ended up putting a teeth imprint into her wooden bed frame.  she cried a lot and blood was gushing from her gum.  we debating calling the dentist at 10:30 at night to see if we needed to do anything but decided she'd be alright and we could reassess in the morning.  we cleaned her up, gave her medicine, and held her until she was ready to go to bed.  it looked bad the next day-her lip and gums were swollen, and it was a purple/grayish color.  i consulted my SIL, who is a dental hygienist, and she said there wasn't anything they could do but it might present problems later (her tooth might die and turn gray or fall out).  however, God is good. when i looked at it on thursday, i couldn't believe my eyes.  it looked great!  her gum is pushed up so more of her tooth is exposed, but the cut on her gum healed quickly and looks much better.  i know God watched over her and healed her lip so quickly.  woohoo! 

pure joy: 3-the school year is coming to a close. i am very excited to spend some time nurturing and caring for my own kids this summer, however, i was blessed with a great, super, fun, amazing-you get the idea-class.  there are so many special ones who are going to do great things someday.  i'm so to thankful for that.  i'm also thankful for my grade mates i worked with each and every day.  this year was such a breath of fresh air after having a rough class last year.  for that i'm grateful!

and because i can't post without a picture, here is one of my latest.  isn't she sweet?