PRECIOUS BOY:)

I know that I post a lot of pictures of the little ones sleeping. I just can't help myself... they look so peaceful. It gives my soul rest to just sit and watch the kids sleep. I always go in to check on each child before I go to bed. Usually I am so tired that I think I will just buzz in and out of their rooms quickly, but when I see them in all their preciousness sleeping I can't help but just sit and watch a bit... even the big boys. I think it is the fun fact that they are NEVER that still during the day. Anna and Jojo sleep together in the same bed... the bottom of the bunk bed and the top stays open every night. They just love to be together and that warms my heart. Sometimes I even crawl in there with the two of them for a bit.

Anyways, not too much else is new. The big boys and the birth mom who is living with us went out to a farm today to work all day for some people at church. The boys were looking so forward to it. We will head to Nebraska next week for Greg to take a family life class there. I think the kids and I will just go for a couple of days. So seeing as how it is time to pack again... I should probably unpack from our trip to Texas THE WEEK BEFORE EASTER. YIKES... so unlike me to let something go like that.

I would love for you to pray for me... I really feel the Lord stretching me in BIG ways. Having another person in our home full time is part of it. I love having company but I have never really had another person other than family live with us for an extended time. She is a real delight for the most part. We really do enjoy having her here, but sometimes my own selfishness kicks in and I long for some good "alone" family time. And just today I was stretched when her morning sickness got the best of her on the Living room floor and I had to clean it up:) (I really did feel so bad for her) I would love for you to pray that we can continue to have things go smoothly with her here. Pray that we can love on her and serve her while she is here and that the Lord protects her and her baby. Pray that she is drawn closer to her Savior during this time. I would also ask that you pray for the Lord to sustain me over the next 3+ months until she is due. (It isn't easy to see an ever growing baby belly in my own home with the longings I have in my own heart) Thank you so much for your prayers...

That is one of the best parts of being a part of the body of Christ, that we can go to the Lord on behalf of our friends. When we went to the sem, we started our family prayer board. It has REALLY helped hold us accountable to pray for people when we say we will. I love it and I love that we get to see answered prayers. The kids love that and I also love that the kids get to focus on praying for others and not just ourselves. That prayer board has been one of the best things we have done as a family. That being said I would love to pray for any of you that need prayer. So just leave a comment or email me if there is something that you would like prayer for. My email is gshintz@yahoo.com if you don't feel like posting it for everyone to see:)

What a journey. Sometimes I feel like it is an ever present balancing of myself... grief and joy with my family, longing and contentment. I am so thankful that the Lord walks this road with us but it can still be exhausting at times.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31