One More Soul!

Randy became a child of the One True King on June 6, 2015!  What an amazing night it was.  We were at church camp at Baptist Vista.  Brother Zach hadn't even made it up to start preaching, but the song Just As I Am was playing.  Kids were coming to the altar.  Randall and I went up there and began praying for the youth that had heavy hearts.  As I come back to the pew,  I see that Randy is crying.  We asked him what was going on and he replied that he wanted Jesus and he didn't want to go to hell.  Randall and I looked at each other in shock!  He was so young.  We sort of questioned it, but decided he was ready.  He knew the steps, he understood sin and why we needed to be saved.  We followed him up to the altar, and Randall lead him in a sinner's prayer of salvation.  WHEW!  What a glorious, glorious day!  God is oh so good!  It felt so good to know that our little family of four will ALL being going to Heaven one day.
Before the services at church camp, Randall takes a rock and prays over it.  The rocks are given to the child that accepts Jesus as their Savior at camp to signify that Jesus will forever be their rock.  I think it is a fantastic tradition.  Little did Randall know that the rock he prayed over would be going to his baby boy that night!
Here he is that night!

Shortly after church camp, Randy made the decision to be baptized and show his profession of faith and take the first step.  Bro. Troy allowed Randall the opportunity to baptize him.  I am so grateful that both of my kids had the opportunity to be baptized by their own father.  What a special memory that will be for each of them.  

As a mother, knowing that your children are going to heaven, well, NOTHING can top that.  I have prayed and prayed for each of my kids to come to make that decision on their own.  Some may think Randy was too young.  Some may even think Ruthie was.  BUT, I know.  I saw the look in their eyes, and I could tell it was true and heart felt.  Nothing is sweeter than that.  I praise God every day that  I will see them in Heaven when that time comes.  You can't take anything but family with you to Heaven and I am grateful I get to do just that.  

Ah-ah-choooo!

Bless you!  That's you sneezing b/c of the dust that has gathered on this blog!  Last time I posted we were in wait of summer, and now summer is almost 1/2 way over!
We have been one super busy family!  Let's see, we kicked off June with church camp, then the following weekend we headed to Branson, then as soon as we got back, Randall headed to the Philippines.  Needless to say, that's why this blog is a bit dusty!
I would love to kick off this with some photos from church camp, but I have yet to edit them!  They are still sitting on my camera card.  We had a great year this year.  We did a camp on our own and I think it turned out good.  We had six kids saved!  I was able to lead two of them to the Lord!  What an amazing opportunity!  It was more laid back and the kids had time to just be kids.  The adults had a great time as well.  Bro. Ron Owen was our preacher, and he did a great job! 
Church camp was over on Wednesday.  We got back, and that Friday we headed out to Branson, MO.  That night we watched a movie, rode go-karts, cracked up watching Randy drive his own go-kart, and played putt-putt.  I was very quick to realize that we have ZERO golfing talent in our family.  ZERO!  Randall's job sends us to Silver Dollar City for a day for their company picnic.  It's always a great time for the whole family.  This year, Steph and Ski decided to join us.  We got there as soon as it opened.  The kids rode tons of rides.  When Steph and Ski showed up, we rode a few more and then they closed down the rides due to inclement weather.  Bummer.  The weather didn't clear up, but we found out SDC gives rain checks!  Who would have thought?!!  I know I didn't!  I am super excited b/c we can go back another day, any day we choose! 
As soon as we got back, Randall had to wash all his clothes and pack for the Philippines.  He was leaving out Monday morning and he was gone for twelve days.  This is such a great mission trip for him and he loves that country.  One day, I would love to join him.  He made it back just in time to say goodbye to his sweet grandma.  We have been busy this week with visitation and the funeral.  She was one sweet, stubborn woman who will be dearly missed.  However, she is walking the streets of gold with her husband and children!  Ruthie sang "I'll Fly Away" to her as she was in the nursing home about 3 hours before she passed.  One precious moment right there!
This week we celebrated Independence Day.  I am so grateful to live in a country like we do.  Yes, it's getting worse by the minute, but we are still very lucky.  I will have tons of photos to share soon from Randall's trip and church camp and Independence Day, but for right now, I will share some Branson photos!