A VERY SPECIAL "THANK YOU!!"

Several days ago, I received a package in the mail. I quickly opened it (because I love getting things in the mail!) and saw that it was a copy of Sarah Joy's adoption website. Then I opened the note that was included and saw that it was a very special gift from my very special friend, Robyn. This touched my heart so much!! You see, the wonderful people (Joe and Jennifer) at myadoptionwebsite.com sell these CD's to families once your website is complete. I just never have found the time to do this...and Robyn knew that I probably never would....so she decided to bless me with this gift. I am truly grateful for her thoughtfulness. I am extremely grateful for what she means in my life (even though we are now over 700 miles apart...we are on the same cell phone plan!!). I am honestly grateful for what she means to Sarah Joy and how she stood by me during the 15 month wait. I am humbly grateful for the way she has encouraged me as a Christian and as a mother. Robyn, I love you like you are my sister! Thank you for your friendship!!!!

Sisters

One of my favorite students!

Catchin' Up!

I didn't do much blogging last week....sorry! It was just one of those weeks. I think we are all ready for spring...you know, flip flops...shorts....playing outside...riding bikes....the green grass...the beach!! But it looks like we are dealing with winter for a little bit longer. I just love this picture of Sarah Joy...is she trying to just sleep this winter away? Actually, she was just tired on Thursday and fell asleep in the car and then I laid her on the couch. As for the other pictures, I took these Sunday morning on the way to church. OK...I was driving and taking pictures at the same time (please don't tell my mama), but I was only going about 10 miles an hour. Enjoy the pictures!

This song just blesses my soul.....

A Really Sweet Valentine's Party

Wordless Wednesday

A Spring Tease!

It certainly felt like spring. We just tried to enjoy it and forget that it is only February. So for today...the kids were able to get outside today and jump on the trampoline and ride bikes and get out some of their energy!

After we went for a bike ride around our neighborhood, the kids just parked their bikes.

This is about all of the snow we have left in the back yard....but more is coming this week !

Hey Mike and Leigh Ann, Brandon has a question for you:
what is it like to be a missionary?

Thanks for your help!!

Hey Brandon,
Thank you so much for asking us this question! I will do my best to answer it....
What is it like to be a missionary?
I actually never dreamed that we would be a working with a ministry like Life Action and be called missionaries. I thought we would always be running dump-trucks...hauling sand and gravel. But God had different plans for Mr. Mike and I. It is very exciting to be a part of God's work. Mr. Mike has pretty much a regular job behind the scenes so that the rest of the ministry can go out and share their messages about revival. Mr. Mike usually leaves home before 8 and he gets home around 5:30 to 6. His day is full of emails, phone calls, and meetings. There are over 200 people on staff with Life Action and he has to help all of them with insurance and support (their pay) stuff. I don't understand a lot of what he does and I don't know that you would either. He does have a pretty cool office at the National Ministry Center in Buchanan, Michigan. He has big windows in his office that over-look a patio and some really pretty plants (when we don't have snow on the ground!). So, he has a pretty "normal" office job....it's just that he gets to work with some really awesome people! While he is at work, I teach the kids and do laundry and cook and clean (sounds like your mom, huh?). So...while the title of our jobs sounds very different...we really don't lead that different of a life. I would say the biggest difference is that we live off of the money people give us. And you know what? God has always provided for us! That is the really cool part!!! I sure hope I answered your question and thanks again for asking us! We love your family and appreciate the sacrifices you make for us! You are such a blessing!!
Mrs. Leigh Ann

All ready to go to church....

Here we are on our first Sunday of Harvest Bible Chapel Granger. Mike left home really early, so Graham took these pictures of the girls and me.
We had a wonderful church service today. There were about 250 people there and we are praying that more will come next week. It was very exciting to see the welcoming team, children's ministry team, and worship team all in action. I am certain that God "showed up"....I know I was convicted about some things during the sermon. Trent preached from Exodus 33....about how we want the glory of God revealed each week in our church. The music and the message were both very powerful! We would really appreciate your continued prayers as we continue to grow and develop as a church.

Please pray for Cora's family!

I recently found this blog. A couple of weeks ago, these parents took their daughter to the doctor for a re-check for her ear infection and found out that she had cancer. She went to be with Jesus today. I cannot imagine what they are going through. Please pray for them!

http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

Prayers Being Answered....

Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, Harvest Bible Chapel Granger will officially be a church! We have been anticipating this day for a long time and we are all somewhat anxious. We have been fervently praying for God to "show-up". It is not about any of us...it is about HIM! We want to give him all of the glory. We want lost people to find HIM! We want those that claim to know Christ to grow into a deeper relationship with him. We want the children to be taught straight from the bible without apology. We want Christ to be exalted!! Thank you for praying for Harvest Bible Chapel Granger!! We are so excited about how God is going to use his people to bring him glory through this church.....

Mike's 40th Birthday at Life Action!