Little Town life to City Life

Andrea is leaving for camp training week June 1st. Michael is leaving tomorrow (he isn't packed yet) he'll be working at Glorieta NM all summer. (I'm gonna miss my siblings so much). Our family went to Tucson Thursday for Kevin's graduation from Desert Christian High School. Michael visited his new housing near the U of A campus. His roommates are part of the Navigators ministry and his house is called the "Mullet". I will have new roommates too! Char, Joanna, and Mara. What a gift from God these girls will be in my life. One girl that was living there is moving to live in Florida and she's engaged. God really worked-out my situation - I will now have my own room. Last night Andrea, mom, and dad played The Top 10 Game, then we watched Bride Wars. I love just hanging out with the family these days. I will miss their company tremendously! I recently purchased a NUVI (Garmin GPS) I think because I don't know where I am going but as John said it'll come. The city scares me a little having a lil' GPS will be handy and comforting. :D

slideshow for fun

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Michael Ryan the graduate!

Michael graduated with an Associates in Science (Pre-Nursing) on May 8th 2009. He also was accepted to the University of Arizona nursing program. We are so proud of him.



...Justin Galloway, Bret Sullivan, Michael, Eric Burk & Matthew Zale

...The Huffers' and the graduate!

...Jason Lunt with Michael

...Andrea & Amy with their little brother

...The Bohlings with the graduate

..."The Proud parents"

Reflections on 1 Samuel

Jonathan was gently asking his father, King Saul, what is David's sin that he should be put to death. Nothing. Earlier the scriptures say and the Lord left him (Saul). However, Saul becomes jealous of highly favored David. His son Jonathan acts as a mediator between his father and David, reminding him of David defeating the Philistines, and his innocence and duties he has preformed for the king. And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death. And Jonathan called, David and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. Here I was rejoicing because Christ is my mediator on my behalf. I choose sin but Jesus Christ has purchased my soul for eternal salvation and I can enter my LORD's presence! Christ has reconciled the judgement I deserve and I come unashamed, washed clean before my King.

Romans 5:8 and 9
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

On Michael's birthday (April 29th) we traveled to the Chiricahua National Monument. I enjoyed God's creation during our walk-about. The desert scenery was amazing a smaller-version of the Grand Canyon but more rock formations. I didn't lug my camera up there so here's one from the wonderful google-image search. We had a picnic with the Bohlings (Leah, her mother and Kris) and then drove to the Sugarloaf trail. (0.9 mile hike and the trip back.) Michael was eagerly awaiting a phone call from his possible summer employment and his cellphone service was very unreliable on the drive to the Chiricahua's. Happy 18th Birthday Michael.


John is in Turkey for 10 days. His church, Treasuring Christ Church, has been there since leaving Raleigh airport on Friday, April 24th. They are called Team 10. One of his friends is blogging their daily adventures. The country is heavily populated with Muslims. They are praying for God's direction, will and guidance for living there among the people and share the good new of Christ!

Amy Shelly loves John Pope

I visited John in Raleigh on his Easter break. I enjoyed every minute. It was hard to part at the airport we started to get used to being able to talk face-to-face every day.
Here we are at the Atlantic ocean - Topsail Island. (We bought navy tee-shirts too.) The beach was so peaceful and such a sunny day to relax. I even was nice and played football with him! (it turned out to be fun)
We ate out at Molli's seafood, and took our time taking pictures, finding seashells, people watching, and taking in some memories. I decided which pizza place I liked the most in Raleigh - Lilly's!! Not to say we didn't have any conflict but God really blesses us with restoration with each other. Understanding. And teachability. I really love him so much.

April already?

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday. My mother and I are both very aware of his love of apple pie! We purchased some of their Hawaii pictures they took while vacationing in Nov-Dec.
Arizona spring weather is so nice recently it's been really windy but the warmer weather starts to cheer me up. Another source of joy is God's word. Ps. 77:11-12 "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Earlier Joshua crosses the Jordan river and God continually wants us to build a memorial of some-sorts to teach our children what God does for us. (In Deut. chapter 6)
My blessings our indeed numerous and I have been reminded to praise Him for them with thanksgiving. He reminded me of the many people that are an encouragement in my faith. I also hope to "impress them on [my] children" someday. God willingly and lovingly sets memorial stones in my path so I will be reminded of His glory worked out in my life's journeys.