branches+leaves+childrens' imaginations=outdoor fun!

Well, the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through here yesterday, leaving behind lots of fallen trees and branches as well as lost shingles, etc. and half of the state with no electric power! (we are in the half blessed to still have power) It was SO incredibly windy! We even got an automated phone call telling us to stay indoors and not go out because of the wind. Amazingly, the rickety ole fence surrounding our backyard only lost one panel that was easily put back in place last night after the wind died down! I though for sure we'd lose the whole thing!



So, after getting their school work done for today the children went outside to play. I was busy inside cutting out fabric for cornhole bags this week, when R. came in telling me I need to come outside and see the 'house' they made. They were quite industrious, using the fallen branches to make a teepee style house and using leaves for the floor!

***TIP***click on pics to see them larger (if you want to see their sweet faces closer that is!)

here are R. and I. in their 'room' of the house


and here is G. in her 'room'

the boys roasting their 'hot dog' over the 'fire'

with their 'pistols' hunting....I'm not sure what!

They sure had fun! And I'm so glad they have such a healthy imagination!



What a lesson that we can gain from this. So many times our Father takes the debris from the storm and creates something beautiful...it's His specialty! We need to look for the gems nestled in the trials....there's always something there. No matter what you may be facing today, be it big or small, may you find HIS PEACE and may you be able to praise Him in the storm!

"Praise You In This Storm"
by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth