Bible Drills 2014

This is something our family has never been a part of until we came to OK Baptist. We have come to believe that this an awesome thing for our children to be a part of. Bible Drills begins in the 4th grade and continues through High School. 

Both Isaac and Sarah were a part of the children's drill. They had to memorize 25 verses, know the books of the Bible, and know 10 key passages (example: Where the Ten Commandments are found). 

At our church there is already a couple that works with the youth age, so I wanted to work with the children age. After months of practice and hard work there we're four children that participated in the "Church" drill. Three of them decided to advance to the "Associational" drills and then all three of them went on to the "Regional" drills. I was very proud of all three children and I am already looking forward to preparing for next years drills. My prayer is that more of the children will take part.

Pouring the Footers

April 26th...Here is a picture that our contractor sent us. This is the footers being poured. We get so excited about each thing that gets done...even the little things. :)

Clearing out the Rubble

The first step to building our new home was to clear away the debri. We were able to see some of that process and it was nice once all that was gone. We needed to see the first step and know that rebuilding our lives had started. 

We did look into buying a home and selling our land but after much prayer we kept coming back to rebuilding. We feel this is the plan God has for us.

The boys were very interested in the trucks that were there to clear away the rubble.

It looks so different with all the ashes and remains gone.

The first of many steps to rebuilding our home.

Just about done and ready to put up the block.

I love this picture! The kids are watching as they haul away the old and we get ready for the new. God gives us beauty for ashes!

Together!

After we decided that we would rebuild the kids and I went to the house site once a week to "hang out". On those days we would pack a picnic lunch and bring our pillows to rest in the van. We would take the dogs and they loved being able to run and play on the land. The kids and I ejoyed looking around and thinking about a new home for our family. 

Here are a few pictures of our days at the land and some of the things we discovered.

This Bible was in the trunk of Bryan's car at the time of the fire. Thought it was awesome to be opened to the book of Ruth, Joanna's middle name. :)

Isaac was so happy to fish in the pond. Here is one of his many catches.

Elijah picked these flowers for me...they are beautiful!

These two had lots of fun together and Sarah took them for a ride in the wheelbarrow. She is an awesome sister!!

Easter 2014

Not sure where to begin. Our family is on an adventure and I haven't had any time to sit down and update. So...let's begin with Easter. :)

This is our 2014 family Easter picture. My parents came and spent some time with us that weekend and went to church with us. My mother took this picture and more trying to get the "right" one...this is as close as we could get. Bryan's mother picked out the dresses for Sarah and Joanna. She did a great job and the girls LOVE matching! My mother picked out the boys dress shirts, Bryan's dress shirt, and my dress. She too did a really good job and I thought everyone matched so well. Thank you mother and mother-in-love. 

When I look at this picture I can't believe the things that have taken place since last Easter. You never know what tomorrow holds. 

On April 4th we signed a contract with a contractor to rebuild our home. Can't wait to share with you all those details and pictures. Hopefully soon!