Monday, June 9, 2008
I'm Back ....
Hello sweet friends ... It has been a very busy break ... Scott and I are constantly these days looking for direction from the Lord about our future for Him ... He is definitely moving us in a direction, just not sure what it is yet ... Please pray w/ us as we seek Him ... Elijah is swimming on a swim team, Jeremiah is playing basketball, and the two girls are just "DOING" non-stop ...
Our prayers are heavy for our friends the Chapman family, we are excited about a few families traveling to bring home their children, we were honored that 4 of the 6 Oatsvall Team participated in a beautiful wedding this past weekend, we re-charged our battery at the lakehouse w/ friends (well as re-charged as you can get w/ 10 kids ... hee hee ), and we are thankful to have a Lord who loves us no matter what and understands all of our emotions and the twirling of our heart at times ...
I am beyond thrilled that we have reached 50 writers for the book ... The stories are so much more than stories they are "REAL TESTIMONIES" to what God is doing in our midst ... The journeys range from domestic to international. I can't even describe how different each story is and for that I feel is the true realization of how big and amazing our Lord is .... If we could explain our stories easily then it probably wasn't as much God ordained as we thought (if that makes sense) ... I read them and I immediately pray "God get this story in the hands to those that need to read it." I truly believe that each story is meant to touch someone and that THE BOOK will do God's work no matter how big or small that may be because in reality what is big or small to God ... Thank you all for your encouraging words over the past few weeks ... It has meant so much to me and has helped me to heal ... You are a very strong faith bunch ...
I love you all ... Stay encouraged today because you have a Savior that never leaves you !!!
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Great pictures!! Glad you had a good time at the lake. Good news about your stories too!
Beautiful photos Gwen. You know that I am thinking of you and praying for your family.
Beautiful family pictures....hoping we all heal and find the answers we are looking for. We need to plan the dates for Emmie's stay in July.
I'm so tired.....love you too! ;)
Welcome back... I have missed you SO much! AND I love you!!!
Write on sister!
Big hug to you my sweet sister.... I love the photos! So sweet and yes! You did get a GOOD ONE! You are in my prayers and the Lord is working in mighty ways in each of our lives.... He has a plan for each of our families that is beyond what would could hope for. You are in my prayers and in my heart....
I am so excited for the book... and for the lives that it is not only going to touch but forever change...
God's Speed to your precious Joseph and Abagail...
I can not say enough what an inspiration you, and your family are. I continue praying for the Chapman family. I also know that God has big plans for you guys, and can't wait to see what they are.
Hopeful that we will be through the process in time to have a testimony for The Book :o)
So happy to see you back. You have been in my prayers and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your heart and the time you are taking to put together a book that could potentially change many lives. Your family pictures are beautiful and I pray you have a wonderful week! I am praying about how to write my story and hope to have it to you in the next few weeks.
Oh sweet sister, I am missing you big time!! How precious are these new pics though???
Welcome back, Gwennie. I've missed your sweet family. Your pictures are beautiful.
I am praying for the Chapman family many times a day. Nothing else has affected me as much as this loss, since we lost my Father....many tears
I'm so tired, but so very thankful to be able to cry out to Jesus, sometimes just His name, when no other words will come.
Take care.
Hi Gwen. Is it too late to get you my story for the book? I am working on it this week. Last week we had VBS and I was very much involved with that. I need your address. Email me. :)
The pic of your sweet family by the pool is just beautiful. I can't tell you how much I love coming to your blog. I am always blessed when I come here. God is using you in a big way, my friend. Sending love your way,
Adele
I'm so glad to have you back and see new pictures. You must be so proud of how well your book is coming together. There are big things in store for your family.
Continued blessings to you ALL,
Kim K.
I will try to finish my writing if I can this week. I am trying to get the new blog off of the ground. And something is starting in my head. Something that if I do it, I hope you are one of the people who goes with me.
Hi to you too, Girlie!!
I've been missin' you!!
Sounds like you all had a fabulous time at the lake!!! I am so happy that you had that time away with your sweet family!
Ok....I absolutely LOVE these pictures!!! Oh my goodness....the family shot by the pool is just breathtaking! And sweet little Emily with the beautiful bride is so pretty as well!
Oh, and the kiddos in the yard on top of each other...so so cute!
I am thrilled that your book is coming right along! Can't wait to see how GOD uses it and you!!!
Now...to answer your question...NO, I have been bugging Kathy for some pictures of the entire clan....but she is so so so busy with the whole bunch right now....so I know when she gets a free minute she'll email me some. As soon as I get them...you'll be the first one I pass them on to!
Have a blessed days with your babies....we are out the door to run some errands...and meet with our yearbook committee to finalize the yearbook for our homeschool group! IT is gonna be another HOT day here in upper East TN!
Love you bunches my sweet friend!!!
Denise
You are always such an encourager. I am so glad the book is going well.
Love the new pics, Gwen
What wonderful pics of the wedding. The family photo is just beautiful and calls for a BIG frame! ;-)
Those pictures just made my heart smile!!!!
Glad you had a good time away...I still SO want to talk to you.
Miss you something fierce.
XO
What a great family picture. See you Saturday. Today is 30 days!!!!
Welcome back! I'm glad to hear that you has a wonderful relaxing time. The bride is beautiful especially next to Emily. heehee Sounds like things are coming along well for your book. I can't wait to read it! =)
I pray for the Chapmans every day. My heart just breaks over the pain that they have to face everyday, especially their son. I pray that God will protect his heart and mind.
Only in time will healing come.
Glad to have you back. Your family looks beautiful!
Kim
Glad to have you back! Your family looks beautiful! Maggie looks sooooo happy with her new forever family. =)