For our 4th of July barbecue, we had the joy of having our family together after what seemed to me to be a very long time of not being able to all get together. Our last family gathering with Nathan and Melanie and Grandad and Grandma had been our Resurrection Sunday meal. That may not seem like very long ago for those who don’t live near family, but for us living on the same block, it is a terribly long time.
Just after that last extended-family meal, we headed out for a speaking trip, and Melanie was put on bedrest. Since Abigail has been born, Nathan and Melanie have kept her at home for six weeks. Those circumstances kept us from all being together at one time and place although we have seen each other and been together in various groups during that time.
We rejoiced yesterday to have a new addition to our family at her first Maxwell-family gathering, plus a recovering Grandad who could be there too. I was so excited that I asked someone to take a picture of Nathan and Melanie as they came in the door, and Sarah wanted a whole family photo after we ate.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth†(3 John 1:4). That is the joy I feel when our family is together.
Trusting in Jesus,
Teri
YOUR ALL VERY BLESS , TO HAVE ALL LOVE ONES TOGETHER BUT WE ALL KNOW CAUSE YOU BEEN VERY OBIDENT TO THE LORD AND DO WONDERFUL SERVING TO LORD
How Sweet!! It is so nice to see all of you together! I’m glad things are going well for you…Abigail is gorgeous!! Love, Beth B. in Indiana
Steve and Teri,
I love the family picture. I know you are both proud parents and
grandparents. I’m sure the great grandparents are proud too. I’m
happy grandad was able to be in the picture with you.
Stephanie B.
Oakman, Al
They are beautiful pictures, it is such an answer to prayer to see Abigail progressing and that your grandpa is recovering so well. Praying for you all in your ministry.
Shelley P
from over the pond
What beautiful photos! What a handsome bunch you all are! Nathan and Melanie, you look so well-rested — hopefully you really are getting some sleep! Your family is such an inspiration for us — bless you!
I had to laugh at Melanie carrying the bouncy seat in–as if that precious bundle would EVER be set down!!! So many arms aching to hold her, I’m sure.
We found out yesterday that we will most likely be able to adopt the baby we’ve had in our foster home since his birth (he’s 15 months ago today). We cried as we showed him to you in Jan. at your Tucson seminar and told you that his biological parents were doing well and would probably have him back by summer. How God takes our breath away during these Mt. Moriah experiences! All set to grieve our loss and here in the 11th hour we find out he will likely be our forever son…
Rejoicing In Him as He gives and takes away,
Kim
“roasting in hot AZ” 🙂
>>>>>>>>>
Rejoicing with you Kim. Amen.
In Christ Jesus, Steve
You are so blessed. I have seven children, two are married, 5 still at home. We have not all been together since Christmas.
Thank you for sharing the blogs and the beautiful pictures of your family. My parents always telling us having gathering is the hardest because everyone is married and have their own life and to take a picture of all of us is a blessing for her. My family loves family pictures.