Mary Maxwell’s High School Graduation

This was posted on March 29, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

Mary’s graduation was a celebration day! We started out like a birthday, with a special breakfast.

Being the youngest, Mary didn’t complain about being the last in school and not having “company.” She was characterized by a cheerful spirit, diligence, and a willingness to work hard. Mary is definitely “a creative.” I’m not talking about the adjective definition of creative but rather the noun. Mary’s mind thinks outside of the box when it comes to design and creating beautiful things.

We’re excited to see what the Lord has in store for her. Thank you for all your comments. She’ll be responding with a post of her own. An interesting trivia fact you may not know is Mary wasn’t even born when Nathan (the oldest) graduated from high school. 😉

That evening, Friday the 12th, everyone gathered for dinner. Mary planned the menu with grilled chicken, potato casserole, Texas toast, 7-layer salad, and Oreo pie. After clean up (Joseph is our star dish-washer!), we moved into the living room. First, we had Bible time. Then, we did something we started with on Joseph’s graduation. Each person came prepared with a special Scripture verse(s) that the Lord gave them for Mary. They shared it with her and then prayed. What a delightful opportunity to bless Mary! After that, we showered her with gifts. In addition, Mary gave Mom the charcoal sketch and a special card. Then, Dad and Mom presented her diploma. It was now official: Mary Maxwell had graduated!

With little ones, things wind down a bit earlier than for us older ones, so after the young families left, the rest of us enjoyed more talking time.

I’m so thankful for Mary and her love for Jesus. She truly sparkles for Him! Congratulations, Mary!

Before dinner, I thought it'd be fun to grab some pictures of Mary. — Before dinner, I thought it’d be fun to grab some pictures of Mary.

When you have nieces and nephews, you get these cute things.

This picture was a little feat to get--as in, the counter was extremely helpful. — This picture was a little feat to get–as in, the counter was extremely helpful.

Abigail is a proficient reader, and Bethany is right behind her.

The principal and teacher who offered 30 years of service. But they're not done. They're more involved than ever helping families across the country on a daily basis. — The principal and teacher who offered 30 years of service. But they’re not done. They’re more involved than ever helping families across the country on a daily basis.

We gave Mom a special "thank you for 30 years" gift, which we'll share with you all soon ;). One hint: it's a day outing. — We gave Mom a special “thank you for 30 years” gift, which we’ll share with you all soon ;). One hint: it’s a day outing.

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
Proverbs 9:9

Mary’s Gift to Mom

This was posted on March 27, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

I’ll be sharing about Mary’s graduation party soon, but for now, I’ll show you what she gifted Mom with that evening. Mary’s artistic skills have blossomed, and she surprised Mom with this beautiful, charcoal sketch. Mom was thrilled!

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”
Proverbs 31:28

Lydia Joy Maxwell

This was posted on March 24, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

Lydia Joy was born at 5:31 p.m. on Monday, March 23^rd. She weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces.

We couldn’t have asked for anything different with a wonderful home delivery (we’re grateful for our amazing midwife). Mommy and Baby are doing great!

Anna Marie and I spent a lot of time talking and praying about Lydia’s name. For me, talking about baby names has been something enjoyable these past few years when a little one was on the way. Anna Marie, on the other hand, so enjoys thinking about baby names she has been doing it since she was a little girl. We love the name Lydia Joy for a number of reasons. First, Lydia in the Bible was a woman who loved God, worshipped Him, served Him, worked hard, and was hospitable (Acts 16:14, 40). A literal translation from the Greek for Lydia means travail, implying hard work. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that should be prevalent in the life of a follower of Jesus, and we felt it was a perfect middle name for Lydia. And as many of you know, she does share a middle name with her cousin Susannah Joy who, eight years ago today, entered into the fullness of joy living in the presence of Jesus Himself!

Our prayer is that Lydia Joy will be one whose joyful spirit is a testimony of her love for Jesus as she diligently works at the tasks the Lord gives her.

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:2)

Thank you for your prayers, and we covet your continued prayer support as we seek God’s grace to raise these little ones in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! Parenthood is delightful, amazing, fun, and challenging–we’re loving it!

Rejoicing in His mercy,
Christopher and Anna Marie

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple,
of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us:
whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended
unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”
Acts 16:14

The Color is Pink

This was posted on March 23, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

“… that our daughters may be as corner stones,
polished after the similitude of a palace.”
Psalm 144:12

Announcement from Titus2

This was posted on March 23, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

Have you ever wished you could hear us explain the Titus2 products? Maybe you’ve considered a book, but you just weren’t sure if it was a good fit for you.

Get comfortable for a few short minutes, and let us share our hearts with you.

You can also go directly to each product page to see the videos.

“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren,
and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have
received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1

Spring Is Here!

This was posted on March 22, 2015 by Sarah Maxwell.

Spring has dawned here in Kansas. Tiny buds are emerging on trees, the grass is turning green, flowers are popping their heads from the dirt, and the warmer days are overshadowing cooler ones. With spring also come cozy, rainy days—the kind that are perfect for cookie-making.

Spring is a beautiful reminder of new life as we see nature burst forth with vibrant colors.

We took the opportunity Friday night to have a cookout at a nearby state park. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and the fellowship delightful. See the pictures below.

As I watch this new season unfold, I’m grateful for the Lord’s mercies which are new every morning.

Thank you to everyone who took time to leave a comment under Mary’s graduation announcement. She’s enjoyed them! I’ll be doing a post in the next week or two about her graduation. It was a special time.

Love,
Sarah

We dropped Anna, Jesse, and Mary off for a bike ride at the trail head.

Time for frisbee before dinner!

Happy little guy!

Roasting marshmallows.

“For as the earth bringeth forth her bud,
and as the garden causeth the things that
are sown in it to spring forth;
so the Lord God will cause righteousness
and praise to spring forth
before all the nations.”
Isaiah 61:11

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Monthly Archives: March 2015