I'll Never tire of the View

from my living room window. The mountains take on attitude. Today they are being invaded by clouds but the green grass peeks through as the clouds circle around. They almost look overwhelmed by the clouds (that could preach). Other days the sun makes them just glow. Last night, a rainbow came out of them. Even on the dreariest day, I love my mountains.

I know it's been five weeks since I've posted, it's not due to my not attempting to. Two major reasons I hadn't. 1)I just didn't know what to say (doesn't make sense, I know), and 2) When I did start to post, my computer went out on me. For weeks my computer was over heating. I'd be on it for 5-10 minutes and then it would just die on me. Took it to Best Buy and the warranty was expired and they said they thought it was the hard drive. Someone at work recommended this other computer place that had a very quick turn around and great service. Well Brother Nowling was not happy about their turn around time or their service, but 3 days and $100 later, I have my computer back. The fan was gooped up with dust and all not allowing it to work. I actually think the fan hasn't worked for a year or more because I had it in to Best Buy once before because it would get so hot and I kept getting the blue screen...get this they told me it didn't have a fan. Ugh. Any way I have my computer back.

So what's been going on...I think I shared ladies retreat and the Perkins. I really miss them. I was just thinking how they would get up in the morning and go sit on the deck with their morning coffee and enjoy the day no matter how cool it was outside. It was so peaceful. Just a few minutes ago I was longing for Brother Nowling not to have to work the night shift so we could be enjoying those kinds of mornings together. Any way, moving on.

After Perkins left things went into full swing for convention and camp. I told Brother Grant we needed ladies retreat back in April as only 3 weeks between the two about killed me physically and stress wise. Yay, it is back to April. We had the Hawkins here for convention and camp. We had a revival spirit going in to it and God blessed mightily. We had 26 in camp (including the two babies and a pregnant Jessa). I tell you Satan fought along the way with things regarding camp, so I knew it was going to be good. Our theme was "Shapened to Serve". Brother Hawkins preached on getting the dirt out. You could feel the struggle of individuals as they didn't want to let go of things in their life that was causing "dirt" to remain. As he preached about letting go of some of the things in the world that creep into the Christian's life such as video games and some movie sagas such as Twilight you could really see the struggles even on faces let alone at the altar. The Lord put it on me Monday night to have the bonfire start earlier and for individuals to write on paper the things that were revealed to them to get out of their lives and burn them. We went from the altar service down to the fire and through them in. I knew there were some that were holding back and some that threw it in but though it burned on the paper it was still in their heart. Tuesday night the power came down and one camper asked if we could have the fire again. WOW the power at the fire that night as we became "set apart". We had our baptismal following at about 9 pm and even in the chill of the evening (and the water) you could feel the victory. At camp and since I realized the great responsibility we have to hold to these commitments AND to not be a stumbling block to those who God has dealt with certain things in particular. To help to hold them accountable and US accountable so that we don't lose out in the end.

We really enjoyed the time with the Hawkins, my only complaint was there wasn't enough time with them. Following camp we had a Heritage Day revival that Jenna was in charge of with Jared Nolen. Jenna did a great job moderating. It was something watching her try to find the Lord's direction at the end of a service. It was glorious time in the Lord as well.

At camp several of us got colds (including the Hawkins). Little Savannah got really congested but God watched over her and she's doing much better. I am still struggling with what is probably a sinus infection. But God is so good.

I've been loving watching my little granddaughter Savannah. I believe it was Brother Perkins made the statement that babies are new every day. That is so true as I watch her change every day. She is such a good baby. Full of smiles. I love to hear her little laugh and watch her play with her feet. I love to cuddle with her either the first thing in the morning, or the last thing at night and pray with her for her daddy to come to know Jesus and for her mommy to show here daddy and her Jesus in everything she says and does. Joleesa is a wonderful mommy. She loves her little girl and is proving that she wants to raise her for the Lord. Dallas loves Savannah very much too (and Joleesa). He is a good young man, he needs to know Jesus personally...Please help me pray for him.

Oh and my dear oldest daughter, Jessa. She is so beautiful as an expectant mother. She has had to deal with some things during here pregnancy that I didn't, such as stabilizing her thyroid and now having gestational diabetes. She's called out to God to take away her fears. I've watched Levi and her as they prepare for our grandson to enter this world. I can't wait to hold little Noah. I will be in the delivery room with her as I was with Joleesa. I have to say, I'm a bit apprehensive of what my role will be with Jessa. With Joleesa, I was there for Joleesa. To keep her comfortable and listen to what she wanted and be her mouth if I needed to as her situation was different. Levi's gone to birthing classes with Jessa...he's the husband, I don't want to overstep him but I'm Jessa's mother. I'm a woman. But I've learned to stand back and watch and step in when needed (though that's not my comfort zone), that's what I'll do on that day. I think Jessa's more patient then I am at this time. I hold Savannah and I remember Joleesa being afraid that we wouldn't love her like we should, and my love for that little girl is so HUGE and I think how amazing God is because I know I have more love in me to wrap around the miracle of life of NOAH. Jessa has dreamed about being married and having a baby and it's happening. It's amazing how LOVE is so endless. Noah I am so excited to be able to see and hold you for the first time.

I've been saying how I have entered another season of my life. I watched Jessa, Jenna and Joleesa at the piano one night of convention and felt so old but so proud as my three grown daughters sung and worshipped the Lord. Now as they begin to raise their children for the Lord my prayers are raised for them to have wisdom beyond measure to stand up against the world for their children.

If Jessa delivers in time I am looking at going to IYC and the assembly. Bless Brother Hays' heart that he goes by faith that I'll be there. I want to be there, but I WILL be there for my daughter as she delivers her first child. I truly believe God has it all under control and I'll be able to be a part of both.

I'd like to put pictures up, but that's one of the disadvantages to relying on others for pictures, I didn't take too many myself. We have pictures and videos of convention and camp but they were done by Jenna and Levi. So I'm at their mercy. I do have a few pictures of the Hawkins as we made the trip to and from camp. I'll have to get them off my camera. Brother Nowling, and the Hawkins and I went to the SourDough Mining Company for dinner one night and on the spur of the moment decided to drive up to Flat Top Mountain but get this, NONE of us had a camera (except our phones).

So does this make up for 5 weeks...Now I need to try to get some house cleaning done as I've been invaded by baby swings, play rugs, changing tables, chairs, etc. It feels like everything is closing in on me, even in this big house so I need to try to get things organized differently. So God bless everyone until the next time...