Busy, expensive week

Two weeks ago our oven went out, and since this is the 3rd time we had to fix it, we decided it was time to get a new stove. Well, let me tell you, they are expensive. We hoped to get a good used one, but we could not find one. We ended up spending a lot on a new stove though it is not top of the line. Our renters on New also needed a new refrigerator, so we also bought one of those, ouch!!
Eliz was here this week, and it was great to have her. We cleaned her old closet in preparation for Eliz. Blum moving in, so it was a mess everywhere. On Thurs. we had a couple from Rolla, who run the BSU, and Stephen's friend, Zach, who is the missionary there come over for supper. It was a blessing seeing that the Lord has his people everywhere, and we were so thankful that the Lord has provided wonderful fellowship for him there, it makes his leaving a bit less painful.
We had a get together on Sat. so Zach could meet some of the people here, and it was a good time. The weather is much like Ely right now, so except for the mosquitoes it was very good. We played "catch a phrase" with a bunch of people and collapsed laughing at one point. It was great. Jim stayed up till 10:45 pm, which is very late for him, but he had a good time too.
We also finished working on Lawrence's house and the renters moved in.
Thankful for a day of rest.

Summer 2009

This has been a summer of moving for our family, Elizabeth moved to St. Louis, Jennifer and Daniel moved to Crystal City near St. Louis, and Andrew is temporarily in Kansas.
It has been a blessing having Stephen here this summer and having him work with Jim. It has been a roofing summer, and at times gruelling, but they are thankful for work.
Enjoyed meeting Stephen's friends from Rolla last night. A blessing to see that the Lord has his people everywhere.
This verse has been an encouragement to me this morning: "Come unto Me you who are weary and heavy laden (who work to exhaustion)and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you shall find rest for your souls... my yoke is easy and my burden is light". Sin is burdensome. The Lord Jesus is not. What rests there is in falling into His arms.
Beautiful "Ely" weather these weeks. My type of summer.

Update from heat central USA--St. Louis!

Hey everyone. I miss you all so much! I keep thinking lately how great it is to have such a G-R-E-A-T family. You guys are some of my very best friends and I love you all so much. I felt that way before, but being away makes me realize it way more. The Lord has been taking care of me out here and I am so thankful. A funny little story from the other day:Bethany and Melissa came to visit me Friday night and left Saturday evening. After they left I was feeling kind of lonely and sorry for myself. So I prayed and asked the Lord to take those feelings away and help me to trust that He is with me even I was physically alone. So I went on my merry way towards the muny to see 42nd street with a girl from work. I didn't really feel like it but really didn't want to sit at home and feel sorry for myself. So I went and was almost there, driving through Forest Park and I look up and the car coming towards me's license plate is the same as Rene' Ochs' and I was like hmmmm so I looked at the driver and it WAS Rene' Ochs!!!! I almost had a COW right there in the car. Actually I did have a cow. So I turned around and followed her and flashed her down and her and Jean had their own cows in their car too. We got out and were shrieking and hugging hahaha it was quite a scene. But I knew it was from the Lord that I would run into them. Just His way of showing me He is there and hears my prayers and cares for me. It was sooo good to see their faces.Things have been going well. I went to a pretty good church on Sunday with Paul and Allison (and Hudson) Tuttle. Seeemed like the people there loved the Lord and the truth was preached. I'm looking forward to going back and getting to know some of the people. Well Erin and I are headed to the muny to see Annie! It's kind of hot, but hopefully it will cool down as it gets later. We're going to try to get there early to find the free seats. Here are a few pictures from my latest adventures. Oh! I just got a library card! :) Now I can use the internet for free and it's really close to my house. I'm super excited.Ok, all for now. Love you all mucho. Looking forward to seeing (most of) you on the 4th.Besos,Lisbs~

More b-day pictures

My baby is 3!!

Erica turned 3 on June 9. She had birthday party where she invited 2 little friends over. It was our 3rd time to have a Dora party for our girls. Can't believe she is so big!! Our friend had a blow up Dora. So, we took a bunch of pictures by it.

Lisbs gets her Masters Degree

It is a bit of late news, but I wanted to share a bit about Elizabeth's graduation and post a few pictures anyway, since not too many were able to make it to the ceremony.

The time began with a "hooding" ceremony at Barnett Hall, where we met the professors. The head of the Speech Pathology Dpt. was not able to come because she had the flu, which was disappointing to the students. Elizabeth's roommates were there as well as Jim and Terri, and of course Rebekah, Jim and I. It was good to have a few friends share the time with us.

First we enjoyed a great breakfast planned by the graduates with some homemade goodies made by the professors. Dr. Cochran (the one in the cap and gown) gave a historical account and meaning of the different robes, hoods, etc that are worn at graduation, and then the "hooding" begun. Dr. C. being very short, had a hard time placing the hoods on the girls, who were either tall or wore high heels, but they bent over so the hood could go around their neck and it was thus accomplished. After the ceremony was completed, we took tons of pictures and toured the dpt. We enjoyed seeing where Elizabeth spent much of the last few years and all the great resources available.

The speaker at the graduation was ex US Attorney General John Ashcroft. He marched with the President of the college, as well as other professors and all the graduates. It was fun to see Jim saying "Hi John" and have him leave the march and come to shake hands with him. He seems to be a Christian from what we have observed and is a kind man. He was probably also happy to have someone on his side as there were demonstrations against his coming and receiving an honorary degree.

Well, lastly they all went into the stadium and amongst great excitement received their degrees. You can be part of it by listening to the video clip.

The picture on the right shows Elizabeth and her good friend Lisa Castillo from Colombia who received her BA.

Graduations always make me think of the passage of time and the end of a quest. In the midst of raising kids, working or studying, it seems that it will never end, that things will be always as they are then. Sometimes during wonderful times it is easy to forget that hard times may be around the corner, and when we are going through hard times it seems they will never end. However, things don't remain the same and at the appointed time the degrees are given or withheld, the honor cords are worn or not offered, your name is called if you made it or perhaps you wonder if only... (Do not mean this only about college) If our names are written in heaven by the work on the cross of Jesus, then the time will come when our names are called, abundant entry given , and we hear the words "Well done, you good and faithful servant". He has accomplished the work, the A is given by the Father, our righteousness is given to us. What undeserved grace.

Congratulations Elizabeth Ann Gates BA MA, may the Lord bless the years to come and the new chapters ahead !!

One more semester of God's fatihfulness completed

Thankful to be done! Man it feels nice to not have the chains of school dragging me down. Praise God for His goodness to me! He carried me through and taught more about walking with Him through it all. Gonna be mowing and cleaning and packing today. Also I've been able to do some recording which was actually enjoyable for a change! I wanna sing songs (especially to God) all the time right now.

Mona sent me a list of 22 songs she wants me to record! Haha, she's so cool. She was pleading with me to record them. She cracks me up. They were some good songs for sure. Some of my favorites. If I have time after I finish this recording I may hop to it!

Love you all. Just wanted to share with you all.