Ezra

I often pray and then open my Bible to whatever God's word has for me (us) that day. Yesterday, I opened to Ezra. The purpose of this chapter is to show God's faithfulness and the way He kept his promise to restore His people to their land. It is written around 450 B.C. and is recording the return of the Jewish people from exile in Babylon back to Jerusalem. My NIV Bible states in Ezra that the starting place for serving God is a personal commitment to serve Him today, even before knowing what that service will be. It is not personal achievement, but personal commitment to God that is most important. It also goes on to say that the most effective leaders spoken of in the Bible had little awareness of the impact their lives had on others. They were too busy obeying God to keep track of their successes. This was Ezra.

Chris, Liam, and I mark our one year at Victory on June 10th. As support people we may not be able to see the fruit of our labor. We wake each day and do the same things many of you do. It is understandable to see how Satan can interfere with our days making us think, are we really making a difference? Ezra was exactly what we needed to be reading this week. Summer camp is gearing up and there are so many "things" that need to be done. We just need to stay on track and keep God in the center of everything - everyday.

We especially want to send out a sincere thank you to all our supporters and prayer warriors. You are our heart and soul! You are our Ezra encouraging and leading us onward. Amen.

Please be in prayer for all who come to Victory this summer - may God shower His love upon them and bring them into a personal relationship with Him.  Also, please pray for safe and productive experiences for the work teams coming this summer.

The following pictures are highlights of our departation out to the midwest for 3 weeks

 Caitlin's Graduation from college

Crossing the Mississippi River into Wisconsin

The beautiful rolling hills of Wisconsin

 This was the backdrop for our Victory Bible Camp presentation at our home church!

 Table settings were amazing!

This is part of our church's work team coming to Victory in July - Yeah!

 Walking, unicycling, and rollerblading the trail near Red Rock Lake and Pella, Iowa

 Climbing on the sandstone "cliffs" at Red Rock. A typical very hot and humid day.

 Liam "bunny hopping" on the unicycle

 "Rock shot"

 Observation tower near Red Rock made from an old silo frame

 Possibilities for our cargo trailer!

Caitlin's next ride!

 Our wonderful hosts for our B & B while in Pella, Mary and Duane and Mickey too!

My nephew's wedding, also pictured his mom and dad :)

 Reception at this ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This was Buddy Holly's last concert place before his tragic plane crash.

 Brunch with my beloved family at my sister's house

 quatro selfie

 The vistas of Iowa

 The vistas of Missouri with a thunder storm rolling in!

 Chris's dad's inurnment service in Leawood, Kansas

 The Mock Clan

Our amazing kids and their spouses!

Seattle Airport

Home again - Home again. We brought our family friend Naomi with us for 2 weeks!

We received 6 inches of snow on Monday June 2nd - surprise! Who wants to take their swim tests!