September 2012

Is fall ever going to get here? School is back in swing, football season is under way, and it is still in the 90's here! We are hoping and praying for jeans and sweatshirt weather but not sure we are going to see it anytime soon.

The month started off with a bang for our family as Elijah became the newest triathlete in the family. He completed the swim/run/bike in great time and came in second place in his age division!!!! He swam and biked like a champ but a stomach cramp slowed him down in the run. Overall, he loved the experience and wants to do it again. He especially loves his medal (and showed it by kissing it several times) and his bobble head trophy. What fun! We were so proud of him we had to choke back tears.

Bible Study Fellowship is now in full swing and Leigh Ann is really enjoying the 15 ladies in her discussion group. They are studying Genesis this year and she is already amazed at all she has learned even though she has read Genesis many times in the past. The boys are also loving "Bible School" and are learning about creation right along with Mom.

Leigh Ann has enjoyed having one of her good friends move closer and the two of them take turns watching the others kids once a week so the other can have a break. What a blessing!

Our Small Group Bible Study has been studying the Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. So far the study has been challenging and convicting. We are trying harder to live life in light of eternity and not store up for ourselves "treasure" here. This has led to more giving and even purging of stuff.

As you will see in the pictures we have already been enjoying this football season. Jeff's school has a great team and an amazing band to boot. The cheerleaders, Dixie Bells, and Flag Core also make for fun entertainment. We sure love football. Now if the weather would just cooperate...

Jeff also helped two families in our small group move this month and would you believe that it rained on him both times! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor. We have been in a drought for months and now it rains. I would have laughed those two nights if the weather hadn't turned into dangerous tornado conditions. Thankfully Jeff just ended up wet. Unfortunately, so did a ton of the stuff.

Leigh Ann has had to hang up her swimsuit for a while as she hopes and prays that her shoulder heals.She has been struggling with pain since the spring and it has started to get worse. She continues to run but plantar fasciitis has slowed her down a bit. Lord willing, she is still going to run her first 10K in a couple weeks. She completed her farthest run ever this past month at 7.2 miles.

We hosted a special visitor this month. Jake, a friend of Leigh Ann's from Bible School, whom she hasn't seen in 8 years, stopped by for an overnight visit. It was great getting to catch up and hear the stories of God's providence in his life. It was a fun and encouraging time and the boys loved having him. Eli has asked several times when he will be coming back. Maybe the next time we are in Wisconsin we can catch up with him again.

We hope you enjoy the pictures and that they bring a smile to your face. We pray you take time today to enjoy God's creation and find yourself looking forward to an eternity with Him!

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