A Helping Hand

Over the past few months God has given us many family ministry opportunities.

One was the chance to help a single mother with her business of beading therapeutic necklaces.

 We've had many great conversations while beading, and beading, and beading. And then beading some more.

 Even the littlest kids help!

Our Aunt Lori came by with a box full of stuffed animals and another of tote bags. She explained that a ladies' sewing club made the bags for children in the foster care system who usually have to carry their few belongings from home to home in a black trash bag. Now when they get sent to a foster home a stuffed animal, nestled on a color-coordinated bag, is waiting on their bed.

 We made short work (if you can even call it work) of matching up the tote bags with the numerous cute animals and rubber-banding them in place.

 We paired tons!

A few of our favorites:

Puppy dog on a sport patterned bag for a boy

 Pastel pig

 Camo koala bear

 A curious looking squirrel peaking out of a vintage travel-themed bag.

It was a privilege to help spread God's love for people in small ways. 

Birthday Boy!

The Eppyguys' (siblings) gift



 Don't peek!

 It was very strangely shaped...

Happy boy!!!

He's got a buddy!

Happy Birthday Mr!

You are a wonderful brother, son, and friend! We love you!

Honor God and Mothers//Mothers' Day Sermon

Pastor Y. suddenly got sick Saturday night, and called Jerry to ask for a replacement preacher. Jerry said 'yes', and dug up an old sermon he had preached years ago. He did a wonderful, collected job of both leading the music and delivering the sermon. You can follow this link to listen to it. 

Surprise!

 We were blessed to find a beautiful Australian Shepherd/Border Collie dog on Craigslist. Only three of us knew we were going to get her. On Saturday we met the people who were selling her.

 

 

On the way home! So happy!

 Everyone at home was surprised and adored her.

 She found a place to sleep by the couch.

 We might call her Cinderella, Ella for short.

She is so mannerly, sweet, and loves everyone!

Church Picnic

Guess what we've been doing...

Helping put on a Church Picnic! 

 The schedule was packed and we had a fabulous time!

We entered him in the 5K race as number 0. <3

 Getting ready for the race at the hottest part of the day!

 Ready, set-

 GO!

The crowd waiting and watching for their return.

And here comes Tyler!

2nd place

 And 3rd!

After that there was lunch, games, and dessert judging.

At the sign up table we recruited three judges, and they highly enjoyed taste testing and scoring the tables of baked goods that families brought.

These were delicious!

 Yay! We have a winner! 

Talking, talking, and talking. : )

Foosball!

 A crowd of kids gathered around the table as tournament after tournament was played and shrieks of excitement could be heard when the games got fierce.



Badminton!


Wow! What's the weight limit?! Uh, oh!


Girls' turn!

Waiting in line for the trampoline.

Children's story time.

Making ice cream at the craft table.

Then hayrides around the neighborhood!


...complete with songs! This little man kept it up the whole way!

Apparently the wagon was too crowded 'cause these boys decided to climb into the truck bed and ride there. And show off how they could stretch their legs. : )

Neat shadows!

Betsy won first place in the Chili Cook Off and was awarded the "Best Chili" trophy! 

After a fellowship dinner of the many delicious chilis entered in the cook off there was a rowdy game of Badminton in which there were numerous trips up a tree to retrieve the 'birdie'.

Then to finish the day off everyone gathered around the fire pit and sang songs to the Lord.