The Refiner's Fire

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ~Romans 8:28

Love, Mama Rachel

Holding on to Hope

I think most bloggers would agree with me that it is not easy to blog when we are going through tough times.

That's how I feel, anyway.

I am normally obnoxiously candid and transparent on my blog. But my candor in real life has recently really bit me. Hard. And I am still reeling from the trouble and heartache it's created.

So, even though I HATE ambiguity, I just can't be more explicit about what's going on in my life right now.

However, I DO know that Jesus loves me. And I know that joy WILL come again. And I have HOPE in happier tomorrows, all because of Christ and His all-encompassing Atonement.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me.
Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me, He was crucified.
That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled, and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me,
Enough to die for me.
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful, to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me,
Enough to die for me.
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful, to me!

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me,
Enough to die for me.
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful, to me!

Love, Mama Rachel

Autumn has Come at Last

Some of Bonny's Ballerina students dressed up for Halloween

Dear ones,

We Arizona folk are ecstatic that cooler temperatures have come at last! The kids are running in and out of the house this morning with jackets on, loudly declaring "Winter is here!!!"

Yeah, mornings in the low 50's will do that to them.

;-)

In other news, we had a wonderful stake conference this past weekend. President Derrick's whole talk was about when missionaries come home, so I will be sending you guys a separate email about that.

HALLOWEEN at Keppnerhaus:

• Trunk or Treat
• Neighborhood trick or treating
• Daddy bought 15 pounds of candy from WinCo and we passed it ALL out!!!
• Traditional chili for dinner
• Davy running around saying "Hawo-WEEN! Hawo-WEEN!" and "CANDY!!!"

Bonny as a "Candy Rapper" and Dierdre as an Native American princess

Grayse Dawn IS Snow White!

Ronan made most of his costume himself!

Davy as a Renaissance boy

Eryn the sweet mousie

Avalon the Fairy/Borrower (Don't ask...)

MacKenna as an acrobat/gymnast

Love,

The Mominator