A Child's Prayer

God make my life a little light
within the world to glow;
a little flame to burneth bright,
wherever I may go.
God make my life a little flower

that giveth joy to all,
content to bloom in native bower,
although the place be small.

God make my life a little song
that comforteth the sad
That helpeth others to be strong
And makes the singers glad.

by M. Betham-Edwards

Fourth, Friends, Fireworks and FOOD!

JULY 4TH 2009

It was quiet an experience celebrating America's birthday with someone from another country!

What a treat to enjoy a scrumptious ice cream sundae bar with friends!!!

I have never seen so many possible toppings!!!! THANK YOU REIFERS!!!
Try preparing someone who speaks no English for fireworks -- pretty hard to explain that one!

We enjoyed lots of fun out at the farm with tractor rides, volleyball, running down the hill and having our own private fireworks show!!!! It was a very special day that we won't soon forget! We are SO thankful we live in a free country! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Begining and end of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. ( listed out)

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

LIGHTHOUSE

From the East to the West ... they came.....
to be loved by a family and learn that Jesus loves them more than anyone on earth could. These children (13 on this trip) are orphans from Russia.

Our lives have been changed as we welcomed one of the least of these into our family for 10 days.

Our week began at 1am Sat when he arrived -- telling him it was bedtime was the first thing to do, we learned "spot" mean nap that worked!

We then began a week that taught us to have JOY in each moment and loving every moment of life to the ultimate fullness as if you may not have another. This handsome little man is a simple boy thrilled with little things and happy to just be alive. To be loved and welcomed into a family was truly a treasure to him. Having 5 instant best friends (brothers and sisters :)) he couldn't be happier.
To celebrate Americas birthday together was an experience (that is almost an understatement!) Fireworks, food and friends all less than 24 hours after he arrived WOW!
He wanted to drive a car -- go carts were a wonderful treat for him he enjoyed the thrill and speed of driving. He enjoyed as much as we could fit in a week- swimming, VBS, friends, parks, and even a few movies in Russian!
One of the neatest times was when we were in church and I was able to say "Jesus Loves you, Jesus loves Vaisly!" in Russian, he looked at me and pointed to himself "ME?" he said? I said "YES!" He got the biggest smile on his face!
After attending VBS all week and receiving a bible in Russian we pray that spark that he saw while here will grow into a mighty flame in this young mans heart and that God will use him in a mighty way wherever he goes in his life. We sent him back with Jeremiah 29:11 highlighted in his Bible.

Please pray with us for this precious child of God, to love God with all his heart and find his forever family.

If you want more information on Lighthouse check out this website!