By Faith Elijah

Elijah is a gift from God. I can not say enough how precious he is and how much he reminds me about faith. I have been asking God to increase my faith, to give me more of the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This verse tells me that it's by faith that we can gain a good report. Faith brings to mind the awesome creative power of God in framing this world by His word. By the way, Elijah is cute too!

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold hast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Heb. 10:22,23.

Turning the page into the new year...

My co-workers and friends! Merry Christmas!

Just in case you forget who you are...

Sabbath at GYC.

Going out into the highways and the byways! It was super duper chilly willy out there but it was a blessing to knock on doors and pray with people.

Christine, Jennifer and I at GYC!

Staci, Autumn, Stephanie and me at GYC!

Me with Dr. and Mrs. McNulty!

We went to Cracker Barrel at 6 a.m. after our trip back in the wild snowstorm from GYC.

I so don't know what I'm doing. Chess what?...Cheese who?..oh my


Christian and Heidi with a mini sweater for Elijah.

Latest fashion, big hair bows...preferably Christmas bows!

Grandma and Mr. Plump ( he just ate)

Sweet as honey!

New cashmere sweaters and my best friend and sister!

HEY SANTA, maybe you should go on a diet for your New Year's resolution!!!

Throw that dart!!!...

OPPS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! Go Mom and Dad!!



I pray for God's richest blessing this year, that the Holy Spirit will fill each of our hearts to overflowing! And that in everything we will give thanks for this is God's will for us. Happy New Year!

Hints of Christmas

Last week I went to a Christmas party where you had to wear your favorite Christmas wrapping material. So as you can see I wore some raphia/straw tip stuff with a gift tag. So who's the guy with his head in the box? He would want you to know that you are not supposed to peek or shake the box!

I shared my hair trimmings with Julie.

As always, to not include a picture of my nephew, Elijah would be criminal. He's growing and now starting to smile lots!


A couple weeks ago Staci and her family came down for a Christmas concert at the HPAC. (missed you Autumn) There were several selections from the Messiah which were my favorites.


Now for some thoughts. I'm blessed to have some great people in my life. And the longer I live, the more I realize how much I need people. Even more, I realize how much I need Jesus. It seems that as you come closer to people and to Jesus, the more edges you notice that need smoothing. My first response to such is usually to run and hide because that's where I don't have to be anything greater, better or know the growth pains. How was it with Jesus? Coming here to reveal God to us was no easy thing. That process produced pain all around Him and all inside Him but He didn't run and hide, He persevered. He had our best in mind. He wasn't focused on Himself or how hurt He was. He was determined to free our hearts to dance and sing, to trust and know Him fully. So if you're ever wondering if anyone cares that you are going through painful times, Jesus does. He is riding in the boat with you. Those waves, whatever they are, He can still. It was in the eye of the storm that the disciples saw Jesus' face revealed. Go ahead and run, but let it be into the arms of people who can smooth the edges, teach and encourage you to look into the storm, into the revealed face of Christ. He will say,"Peace be still."

Thank You Jesus

I'm so grateful for my family. I can't thank God enough for my Parents, Christian, Heidi and Elijah. God has been so good to us. I hope that over this season you can discover the big blessings of God. Take time to really sit down, kneel down... and thank Jesus for sustaining you, for redeeming you, for loving you more than you will ever know in this life.

LIFE IS

10 % what happens to you and 90% your response... " Lord help me to respond like you would at this moment.." This is a prayer I have been praying a lot lately. I desperately need Jesus Christ to live in me more than yesterday and more tomorrow. Today I am asking God to reveal His heart to me. This quarter the Sabbath School lessons have challenged me and greatly encouraged me. There is nothing like passing through the furnace of refinement. OUCH! But the neat part is looking back watching Jesus be in there with me. Have you ever felt like you are on the brink of something huge? Today is one of those days for me. I want so much to live my life for Jesus and to follow where He goes. Maybe that's what you want. Let's pray for each other.

Delights of Fall

Sabbath morning I caught these leaves still covered in the night frost. Beautiful! I have decided just this year that fall is definitely my favorite season. It is so active with change and that's what I want in my own heart. I'm so thankful that God is always working to change and restore us. He exchanges better for best! I also included some pictures from today, Sunday. We had so much fun riding bikes around Saugatuck, MI. As you will notice, we found a lot of crazy places to take pictures too.

One of many more posts on Elijah

Tia and Elijah!

Best Day of the Year. Elijah Christian Martin

The local surgeon. Christian. Awesome new dad!!

Grandpa and Grandma!!!!!!!! This was the moment that they saw him for the first time. It's like your mind is just in awe. What a miracle that 9 months can make such a beautiful baby.

It's Official!

Elijah's friend and guard dog.

Elijah is the cutest baby in the world. He is so precious, sweet and quiet. His cry goes straight to my heart. As you can imagine that day was full of many different kinds of emotions. Mostly I couldn't believe that he was apart of our family. It was awesome! We sang him Happy Birthday...

So cuddly.

I'm peaking to make sure it's not too bright to open both eyes!

Heidi with her son. Oct. 28, 2007 was proof of God's amazing love for our family. Elijah Christian Martin. What a beautiful example of purity and perfection. We praised God for all 10 fingers and 10 toes, for his precious cry, his really cute nose, that he has a really great mom and dad, and for the promise that because Jesus lives, he can face uncertain days. I know that he will grow to love Jesus!