Baseball is here again!

Baseball season has begun in the Umphress household. New bat and mitt have been purchased. Practices are under way and soon games will begin. I love taking Renn to practice and watch him as coach gives him pointers and tips. For the most part he pays attention but every once in a while I'll see him squat down and start messing with the grass or dirt. Then, he'll pop up, and pay attention as if he was listening to coach the whole time!! As I sat in the car (it was raining) and I watched Renn out on the field I was amazed and in awe of how much he's grown over the last year in his batting and pitching. It really is a gift from the Lord. We have another wonderful coach this year, Coach Tom. He works with the boys and encourages them. So, the next couple of months we'll be busy with ball practices and games, church and.....!! I'll keep you posted and post pics later of games.

Find the joy

JOY: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
This is the definition found in the dictionary. That's what I'm trying to do. Find the joy in the midst of the chasis and struggles that surround my home and life. Find enough joy in the day to know that these burdens I carry the Lord will lift.

These are verses I have looked up that have brought me through the last couple days and believing will bring me through.

1 Chronicles 16:27Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and JOY in his dwelling place.

Job 8:21He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of JOY

Psalm 16:11You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for JOY and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 30:11You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with JOY,

Psalm 86:4Bring JOY to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Joy will come. I don't doubt that. I've served God long enough to know that joy will come. I know the devil is trying and trying to destroy all that God wants to do. He's working overtime and sometimes it's hard to find that joy that God wants us to have. When all around I see things happening and nothing I can do can stop it. Joy must come. Joy must be found. Joy must triumphant over the sadness that swells within my heart. Joy must rise up within me. I must SHOUT FOR JOY!! I must shout it loud and clear. JOY!! JOY!! JOY!!! As Psalm 30:11 says, "He turned my wailing into dancing; my sackcloth has been removed and I've been clothed with JOY." Bring your joy Lord. In the very midst of the miry clay bring your joy.

Cousin Time

My cousin Sigrid and her hubby Tony are on their way to PA. They were passing through Des Moines so we got a chance to have dinner and visit for a while. I love being able to see them. Makes missing home just a little bit easier!!

Spring Break

This week we've been on Spring Break. We were plenty busy as we put on daycamp at the church. We had 52 kids signed up. Many of those were children who don't attend our church on a regular basis. In the morning we had rotational activities. Each child brought their lunch and ate at the church then in the afternoon we took a bus ride to a different activity. The Playground two days, Science Museum, skating and bowling were the activities we did. We had wonderful helpers all week and we certainly couldn't have done it without them. Kev and I are blessed to have such a wonderful team that steps up and helps us out. In doing daycamp I also worked my job with Anna Mae. That was a little stressful but I made it work. You can go to Filling Stations blog www.theefillingstation.blogspot.com to check out pictures. This weekend is geared for just relaxin and stayin home. Kev does have to be at the church for state JBQ tomorrow. I'm looking forward to sleeping in!!

Possum Soup?

I got home this afternoon and walked into the tv room. As I looked out the window I saw this thing move on my deck. As I got closer to the window I realized that it was a possum. Yep, a possum. In broad daylight! Boy, was I ever shocked. And because I wanted proof that I really did see one I took pictures. Here they are!

Pics

Wonderful visit with Steve and Renee. So glad they came to see us. I do have to say though, that I'm glad I get to sleep in my own bed again!! :) Love you guys!!

Our disbelief, God's Faithfulness

So here's a story that shows God's faithfulness.....

Saturday, Kev and I went out to celebrate our anniversary. Renee and Steve said they would watch our boys for us so we jumped on the opportunity. We headed to the movie theater and saw Avatar in 3-D. Good movie by the way and would recommend it!! Anyway, after the movie we headed to The Cheesecake Factory. Kev had received a gift card from the Network office back last year. He's been saving so we could use it for a special time. So knowing we have this gift card we go all out and order an appetizer, our meal and, of course, cheesecake. The bill comes and Kev reaches for the gift card only to find out that it's not in his pocket where he left it. I'm trying hard not to get upset since we weren't counting on using any money from the checking account. He checks all his pockets and even goes out to the car to see if he dropped it there. No gift card, anywhere. Kev realizes that when he went to pay for the movie the card came out of his pocket and fell to the ground. So we pay for the meal and leave the restaurant where it was a very quiet ride home. On Sunday night we are visiting with Renee and Steve and tell them what happen. I mention to Kev to call the movie theater and he says no. It's probably long gone by now. Monday morning he calls the movie theater and leaves a message about a lost gift card. Today he gets a call back from the movie theater saying they found the card and to come pick it up!! Not only that, Kev calls The Cheesecake Factory and asks if we can put the charges from our card onto the gift card from our dinner Saturday night. They say yes!! WOO HOO!! I was so excited. Even in our disbelief God comes through!!

Family

Kev's sister Renee and her husband Steve have been here visiting with us since last Friday. We haven't seen them for 1 1/2 years so it's been wonderful to catch up with them. Today I drove them around Des Moines to different places. The boys have loved having their aunt and uncle here. They will return back home Thursday and we will miss them when they go. I'll post pics later.