News from Lindsay

Hey everyone! It's been way too long since I posted, so I intend to update you all on what I've been doing, and share some random photos from this spring/summer. First of all, Analee Carol was born on March 24th. She is such a happy little girl and just loves Aunt Lindsay =)

A couple of us at Easter, Joel (who decided to dress up for once), me, Erin, and Alyssa. You can't really tell here, but Erin is expecting September 5th, and we're getting pretty excited =)

Our house has been full of company all summer, so I've been kept pretty busy. I got to go on a retreat to Mackinac Island at the end of June, which was awesome. All my siblings were home the whole month of June, but they've all left once again, and it's just me here until December. My next challenge is taking on dual-enrollment with Verity this next school semester. Needless to say, I'm spending the rest of my summer very carefully, sleeping in, swimming, reading, playing the piano, and lazily getting ahead on a couple school courses. It's been a good, if too short, summer. I shall endeavor to post more pictures soon. Love you all!

~Lindsay

Ever Learning

Hello Girls,

I just wanted to share some things God has been teaching me.

Recently in the past two months, I have experienced more of a struggle in responding with ready and willing attitudes when it comes to being asked to do something. =/ Now, this isn't necessarily a new deal with me...when asking someone how I behaved as a child, I received the reply, "Welllll, you weren't grumpy...you were just...willful." Sinful from birth I tell ya. *shakes head* But, that's the consequence of disobedience to a Holy God. Gratefully, He is just and merciful; thus, my willful soul has hope. The other evening, I was working on a project {http://simpledelights-phia.blogspot.com} and was rather excitedly occupied. Then my dad asks me if I "want to go out in the garden and help pick produce?" *blank expression - blinks eyes twice* Hmm...do I want to go out in the humid 97 degree weather, bend over plants picking produce, with mosquitoes feasting on me, when I could be enjoying the very-much-appreciated ac, while I'm having fun with my new blog? Initial thought: no. The Holy Spirit immediately checks me. I know I should respond with a cheerfully willing attitude. [Dad goes to get ready...returns] Holy Spirit, give me the grace to be cheerful. *smiles* "Sure, I'll join you." =) *happy sigh* I instantly feel excited about suffering heat, back aches, and mosquitoes if it means being able to spend quality time with my dad and obeying the Lord's promptings. I go out and pick beans, lettuce, kale, raspberries, beets, kohlrabi, cherry tomatoes, and Zinnia flowers. =) It was warm; yet, not sun-parched. And I got one mosquito bite the entire time. Also, no back ache. To top it off, I was able to spend quality time with my favorite dad. =)

A Result of Picking Produce =)

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In other news:

My sister, Evy, is due the 21st! Prayers would be appreciated for a safe delivery and healthy baby. =)

{yes, he does act crazy}

My older brother, Andrew, is back from SE Asia! I am one happy girl. =) Sadly, he has contracted some sort of illness he picked up over there. He will be having blood work done tomorrow. Prayer for his recovery would be greatly appreciated!