A Deep Breath of Hope

Mrs. Beaver:

This week, with Anna's help while she was visiting, I finally accomplished something I've wanted to do for some time.

I set up my own blog: A Deep Breath of Hope. This blog will be quite different from our family blog. It will be a journal of sorts, my response to life's journey. I'll record Scripture passages that strike me, favorite quotes, instructive or convicting passages from books I read and a video now and then. I'll also share some of my favorite photos--one can only post so many pictures of flowers on the family blog!:)

I will be writing primarily for me, but the blog will also serve as a record of my spiritual wrestlings, along with a few practical things I've learned here and there, for my nine daughters and my three daughters-in-law.

I've chosen to use a public blog to record my thoughts on the outside chance that some girl or woman might discover in the words "a deep breath of hope."

Can Courtship Lead to Romance in Marriage?

Mrs. Beaver:

And Four Months Later...

Mrs. Beaver:

A Love Story in Photos, Part 5

Mrs. Beaver:

"Wives, see to it that you respect your husbands."

Ephesians 5:33

Doggie Fun

Cassandra and my visiting friend, Amber (Anna's sister-in-law):

Aaron and Anna, the family newlyweds, arrived last Friday. They brought their puppy, Mocha.

Today we took Mocha and our puppy, Sunshine, to the Bacon Creek Dog Park. Before we let the dogs roam, we gathered for a group picture. We also had Amber, Anna's sister-in-law, along on the trip.

They were estatic to be free of their leashes in the fenced area.

The dogs played chase and made a new friend named Lexi. They quickly exhausted themselves and took turns lapping up water from the same bowl.

 Mocha loved chasing Lexi as she fetched a Frisbee.

Sunshine, not used to interaction with exuberant dogs her own age, soon tired of the game. So she settled on a bench and reveled in the love she received.

More love

Mocha and her new friend engaged in a tug-of-war over the Frisbee.

We then left the dog park area and moved on to the playground. Some kids enjoyed the play area, while others climbed trees and made exciting discoveries.

Sisters reunited!

Before leaving, Mom/Mrs. Beaver captured this stunning photograph. How magnificent is our Creator!

 

The Definition of Resplendent

Mrs. Beaver:

Tonight's sunset

God, "You are resplendent" (Psalm 76:4a)

Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of resplendent: "Very bright, shining with brilliant luster."

What a glorious Creator we serve!

Help and Hope

Mrs. Beaver...for my beloved Mr. Beaver:

Newlyweds Visit

Mrs. Beaver:

Anna and Aaron surprised ALL of Anna's siblings last night by showing up on our doorstep for a visit. What a joy-filled reunion Mr. Beaver and I got to watch--we'd been in on Anna and Aaron's surprise.

Mr. Beaver and I pulled off a second surprise for everyone this morning. The kids' dear friends' Elizabeth and Katharine came down from Minnesota to join in the fun. Elizabeth was one of Anna's bridemaids.

This afternoon we went to the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars.

As we exited, Aaron and Anna got a little silly!

But we forgave the newlyweds (four months now) 'cuz they're just so cute together.

Brothers...and Friends

Mrs. Beaver:

When we initially made plans to adopt again, we requested two sisters. With seven sisters already, Joe, who's nineteen, was sure happy when there ended up being a boy in the mix, instead! And it's turned out even better that Joe would have dared to hope. Even though the two of them are eight years apart in age, they've formed a fast friendship in just eight months. They share the same sense of humor which keeps the rest of us laughing. God is so very good to blend families with such care!

More Summer Afternoon

Mrs. Beaver:

Our neighbors have kindly offered us access to their beautiful yard whenever we'd like to visit. Yesterday afternoon our three youngest daughters spent some time there.