Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up

After our rather rough start, I was feeling sad that we had to eliminate and pare down all the activities we had planned to accomplish and participate in this summer. 


But God is amazing!


He has worked it out that each of the girls has had some tremendous opportunities to stretch out of their comfort zones. 


Nathalie and Rachel were able to spend two weeks in Kansas with my sisters and their families. Rachel was able to ride horses nearly every day out there and even competed in a horse show! Nathalie was treated to eating out at a variety of restaurants: Mexican, Swedish, Chinese, Sushi, etc. My kid who wants to be a chef had the time of her life!


After Abby spent a week running goat camp at the local 4-H camp the director offered her a free week of camp. Abby graciously gave it to Samantha. Samantha will come home tonight full of wonderful stories of her week, I am sure!


And now, because of the willingness and generosity of one of our church families, this morning Abby and Hannah are on their way to Illinois to participate in our church's mission trip. They'll be serving with other members of our church running a Teen Challenge week at a church in Harvard. I can't wait to hear how God has blessed them this week!


This summer has flown by and I can't believe that at the end of this month, Abby and Nathalie will be starting college! Hannah will be starting high school and Rachel and Samantha will be working on the sixth grade. 

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry. 
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 
    out of the mud and mire; 
he set my feet on a rock 
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord 
    and put their trust in him.

 Blessed is the one 
    who trusts in the Lord, 
who does not look to the proud, 
    to those who turn aside to false gods. 
 Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— 
    but my ears you have opened— 
    burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll. 

I desire to do your will, my God; 
    your law is within my heart.”

I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; 
    I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. 
 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.

 Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
 For troubles without number surround me;
    my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. 
They are more than the hairs of my head, 
    and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, Lord;
    come quickly, Lord, to help me.

May all who want to take my life 
    be put to shame and confusion; 
may all who desire my ruin 
    be turned back in disgrace.
 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” 
    be appalled at their own shame.
 But may all who seek you 
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”

 But as for me, I am poor and needy; 
    may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer; 
    you are my God, do not delay.