It's been a loooooong time!

Well, between problems with my digital camera, and problems with our computer, I have finally re-entered blogland!!!

I will gradually add pictures of things we have done whilst I have been unable to Blog regularly.

I thought I would just add this quickly as a starter - no photo, but great illustration of the effect of God's Word.


THE BASKET
Author unknown

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains
of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was
up early sitting at the kitchen table reading
from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like
him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like
you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as
soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The
grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of
water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked
out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and
said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him
back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran
faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of
breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water
in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of
water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he
went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy
knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that
even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he
got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he
reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he
said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless"? The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that
the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it
was clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not
understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will
change you from the inside out." That is the work of God in our lives.
To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the
image of His Son.

Take time to read a portion of God's Word each day, and remind a
friend by sharing this story.

Who is you other half like?....

You scored as Knightley, Your husband/boyfriend is most like Mr. Knightley of Emma! He probably gives you kind lectures to help you in certain matters, though he does these out of true devotion and in your best interests. Others look to him for his wisdom and good sense. He is generous and steadfast, though not afraid to politely argue with you. The two of you enjoy a challenging, sweet partnership and are most likely very active in your community. Knightley 85% Col. Brandon 75% Captain Wentworth 70% Darcy 65% Edmund Bertram 65% Tilney 55% Edward Ferrars 55% Who is Your Jane Austen Boyfriend/Husband? created with QuizFarm.com

So much to do!!!

Well, it's been a rather looooong time since I last posted!  This may be because we have been rather busy!  
Well, where do I start?  We went to visit Angela, Paul and Esther for Angela's birthday.  We had a lovely day up in Chelmsford, and had a lot of fun together.
What ARE these "strawberry" things?!

Having fun with Grandma and Grandpa (singing "there was an old woman who swallowed a fly" - she thought it very amusing!)

At the park for a walk!

Next, it was many last minute preparations for going over to Northern Irealnd for Stephen and Lydia's Wediing!

 We had a brilliant day, and a lovely few days in Northern Ireland, catching up with family.

The happy couple a few days before the wedding.
Stephen and Lydia with Mum and Dad.

Taking the weight off my rather sore feet - the shoes felt ok in the shop....!

 We spent the Sunday at David and Claire's house - thank-you Claire for a lovely day!  

And, I got to go to Church in the evening, with JUST SUSANNA!  

 Robert stayed at home with the other 3 who were rather tired after a busy Wedding the previous day.  I got to stay out for supper at David and Claire's too!  It's amazing what becomes a treat when you are a mother of 4!

The journey to and from the wedding was made a lot smoother by a friend - we had in-car dvd players for the children - so much less of the "are we there yet" syndrome!  Hmmmmm, maybe a Christmas present idea for the children?!

Since we returned, it has been fairly much back to normality - trying to finish off school work to have a summer break.  Due to the nature of Joshua's school being book-work based, we are trying to finish the current book in each subject , before having a break.  

Bethany is keenly sitting looking at books, eagerly awaiting Spetember when she starts school!  She can't WAIT to read!

Ahhh yes, we also had the addition of a new NEPHEW!!  Born on the 4th of July (will he be the "independant" type?!?), weighing 8lb 2oz, was Joseph Andrew Cordle - JAC!  I am still waiting to be able to see him, so photo's will follow, hopefully very soon!  Jo was able to experience a much better labour, and is very thankful to the Lord for an easier delivery.

I'll try and not be so long in adding more news!