Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn wrote one of our favorite novels, "Safely Home." (If you haven't read it, please, do it! You'll never be the same!) God used this book to draw our hearts toward the people of China, especially fellow believers. We've sent Bibles to China many times. When the opportunity arose for Jim to carry God's Word in himself - he jumped at the chance. As we considered the possibility of adding to our family through adoption, we unanimously voted for China!

Last night at the DG National Conference we introduced Randy to Piper. He was kind enough to let us capture this photo.

This doesn't surprise us anymore.

Across the street from us is an abandoned, boarded-up house. A while back we noticed some tell-tale signs. A broken window. Movement through the windows. We kept an eye open on the place and eventually we saw a man coming and going through the upstairs window. Jim felt "the nudge" to go over and talk to him. He was a bit nervous, not knowing what kind of circumstances he'd be walking in to. Jim made up a huge plate of food and walked across the street. He called out, "Hey, I've got some food for you!" Finally, the man came out. Jim introduced himself and found out the man's name was Robert. Robert gladly accepted the plate of food and Jim took the opportunity to strike up a conversation. Robert was pleasant and receptive when Jim turned the conversation to spiritual things. Jim shared the gospel. He gave him and Bible and a Piper book. He arranged for Robert to have a job interview with Masterworks. The next day Robert came to the interview and got the job! The day after that he never showed up to work. We haven't seen him since.

A Father's Blessing

Last weekend Jim and Taylor had a chance to get away for a Father Son Quest. It is a time for a father to affirm and bless his son. A time to learn about what biblical manhood means. A time to do guy stuff like fishing, shooting and chopping wood.

Each father had an opportunity to introduce and bless his son. Here is what Jim prepared:

"This is my son, Taylor, whom I love very much. He is a fun-loving, people-oriented person and full of energy. Greater yet is his God-given ability to recognize right and wrong when he sees it. Taylor, may God take this ability, your hatred for hypocrisy, and your senstivity to other's pain, and use them to make you a warrior for the cause of justice in this world. A world that is crying out for men of integrity to stand up and fight. You are physically strong on the outside and adventureous and daring on the inside. These are traits of a leader who is not afraid to forge the way as an example to others. May you use these traits and gifts for King Jesus. May you keep your eyes fixed on Him, and He will daily guide your steps. May you be a blessing to others as you embrace your God-given role as a servant leader."

Shooting clay pigeons

Canoeing on a gorgeous day

Jim and Taylor had a great weekend!

INSIGHT Gals

Barb works part-time in Bethlehem's TBI (The Bethlehem Institute) department as ministry assistant to one of the elders. A big part of her job is housing coordinator for the INSIGHT program. (INSIGHT is a freshman year of college offered at Bethlehem. This year is our second year.) Theses ladies are living in the apartment directly beneath us. They are very sweet!

Kassie, Emilie, Martha, Brianna and Jackie

Spontaneous Moment

This was a spontaneous moment that any mom would love to catch! Piper is just getting to the point where she is willing to listen to the story - not just flip through the pages. Taylor is an awesome big brother.

State Fair

We figured it's been 10 years since we've gone to the State Fair. We are not crazy about large crowds (especially on a hot day), blaring music and deflecting our eyes from scantily clad women, but we figured we'd give it a whirl - maybe it's not as bad as we remember, besides there is always the food.

Despite the above mentioned drawbacks, and getting over the shock of the cost of parking and admission, we did manage to have a nice time. Whitney, Taylor and Barb enjoyed the Sky Ride while Jim and Piper followed along waving madly from the ground. We all loved the amateur talent show finals. Wow! We were blown away by some of the pre-teen singers. The photos below tell the rest of the story.

Taylor nuzzles a goat.

Jim shows off a fish he did NOT catch!



Piper takes her first ride on the carousel.