Halfhearted?

I ran into this quote the other day:

"If absence makes the heart grow fonder, some people ought to love their church greatly."

I found it rather convicting. I don't think its only talking about physically walking into the doors of church every Sunday; though that's part of it. For me, the challenge came when I think about where my mind is during my few hours in God's house. Am I there mentally? Do I find myself constantly distracted by those around me? Is my attitude one of willingness to learn? I can be sitting in those pews faithfully every time the doors are open but what good is it really, for my soul, if I don't let God do a work in me? How precious do I view the Living Word of God? How thankful am I that the Truth is spoken?

How serious am I about growing and using every tool graciously given to me to do so?!?!!?

A Celebration of Love

Who's Love???

THEIRS!
God has been good...we rejoiced over 60 faithful years of marriage!

Where was this celebration???

HERE!
In the beautiful Smokey Mountains: Pigeon Forge, TN

Grandpa and Grandma, not too many people can say they have been married to the same person for 60 years. Your marriage is a good example of a three-fold cord...it is NOT easily broken! Thank you for that example and for all that you have taught us! We love you!!!

We had a lovely time. We stayed Thursday night at my parent's house in Francesville as our reservations for the cabin weren't until Friday. Thursday night was a short night! It was the first time in a long time that we had seen my dad so we made the most of our time staying up late talking! All too soon, "BEEP, BEEP", 5 am has rolled around and we're off to Tennessee! We stayed in a beautiful cabin with 12 master bedrooms! Needless to say, it accommodated all 31 of us quite well! Two hot tubs, a pool table, air hokey, huge tables to fit us all, nice big sitting areas, and a wonderful view added to the experience! Being all together in one big house allowed for more quality time and boy did we use it! Game nights were one of my personal favorites! "Mafia" and "I Never" were the group games of choice in the evenings. A myriad of other games were played here and there too!

So...for a smattering of photos. I'll admit that I didn't do so well on taking pictures. :( But here are a few.

The little munchkin! Joel Alan

Saturday we went on a nice little hike. It was paved so my aunt Janice could take her scooter and the couples with babies could push their little ones. It was a good enough workout and the ending was beautiful! A waterfall!

My dear A. Joan and I

All of us minus Brett...he stayed back at the cabin with AJ & Raquel

Yes folks, he's that tall...actually probably taller than the photo lets on!

Enjoying some scrambles

A personal favorite :)

Poor Derek got the flu while were there. :( He did get over it in time to enjoy the place...he was such a trooper! We were right next to the community pool...another plus!

"Deek"

Photo shoot with B! (don't let him fool ya, he was loving it!) We'd show him the pictures on the camera screen and he seemed to focus on them! He also kept trying to grab the camera. :)

Each family took turns preparing a lunch and dinner a day. I loved being in the kitchen again with my mom and sister! Alisha is quite the cook...creative, smart and the food is delicious! I'm thinking she's "one of those" who is an effortless cook with perfect cooking! :)

Stuffed Mushrooms!

We all headed back Monday morning. After the 8 hour drive, Dad, Dan, and Alisha hit the fields! They were up till almost 2am harvesting. Since our plane didn't leave until 7:30pm on Tuesday, Dan and I were able to work in the field the next day too! It was SO good to get back in a tractor! Dan learned how to drive a semi and I was able to drive the auger wagon for a few hours as well as start vertical tillage! (yay!) Grandma Metz even came out and rode in the tractor with me! We had a nice chat.

Oh, Dan also got to work his muscles. As did Alisha and Mark. I won't do too much explaining...lets just say there was an accident and some scooping had to be done. :( We salvaged quite a bit though!

This photo was taken at the beginning of the trip but I had to add it anyways.

Mmmm. Monical's pizza!

Summary: It was a fabulous, well-packed trip! It was wonderful to be together as a whole family again (immediate and extended). Life is always changing and it was helpful to reflect on Grandpa and Grandma's 60 years of happy marriage. And since life has its up and downs it is so good to see how the Lord carried them through it all faithfully. God's promises are sure!

Another One for the Kingdom

I failed to mention on my last post (how could I!?!?!) that our family has some very exciting news to share!

My brother Mark gave his life to Christ!!!!!

We're praying for you bud as you keep growing in Jesus! We love you!!!

The Old Midwest

*This is a LONG post...just warning ya!*
Dan and I arrived at Indy airport Thursday afternoon to a van load of smiling family! It was so good to hug them all again! That night Dan and I stayed with my siblings as mom had Bible Study. Joel is 3 and is talking! When we left Haiti in February, Joel was only saying a few words so it was amazing to come home to him speaking in full sentences! Brett has GROWN! He is such a chunk! Mark is 13 years old, wearing size 13 shoe and is pushing 6 foot. Oh, and his voice is changing... its crazy! Derek and Alisha are as adorable as always! Derek is still a daredevil and Alisha is getting more beautiful everyday. Oh, it was so good to see them!Friday night mom had both sides of my family over for supper. It was a great time to catch up and enjoy some time together.

The newest member of the Gutwein clan: Liberty Ann (AJ & Raquels)

Grandpa Gutwein and Alisha

Had to get my kisses in with B!

Saturday was a full day too! We met the Metz's for lunch at the Patio. Uncle David came from Chicago to see us!

First time seeing Mel...bride-to-be!

Sunday proved to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining and although it was hot out, and humid, it was gorgeous.

The happy couple! This is right after Mel literally jumped up and down in her dress giggling and shouting, "We're man and wife!!!!"

The other happy couple....but no, I didn't jump and down!

Sisters

It was such a beautiful wedding...especially since God was present.

Dani and me :)

Monday Dan and I headed off Illinois to see his side of the family. We were able to spend the night with Grandpa Hodel. This really gave me the chance to get to know him better. Boy, does he have some cool stories! Of course we ate at Caleri's (Caleb and Erin's cafe). My verdict: DELICIOUS! Erin, I'm just so bummed I didn't get a picture with you! Next time! We all had dinner together with Grandpa Monday night.
Tuesday morning, bright and early, Grandpa, Caleb, Dan and I, went fishing! This was after Grandpa made all of us blueberry and pecan pancakes! Dan and I haven't been fishing at all this past year so it was a welcomed experience!

Grandpa was so prepared: hot coffee!

Pro fisherman

Caleb bass fishing

No folks, I did NOT catch all those...haha...I think I caught the least of all!

:( Tuesday afternoon Dan and I wended our way towards the airport. And we had to say goodbye. I had been dreading that moment for a long time! But we did it! And thus started our phone conversations! I missed him SO much!!! (Rumor has it- he missed me too ;)
I had the chance to spend some time with old friends...and it was such a blessing. It is wonderful reconnecting with those who you can always pick right up with.

Kendra, Dani, and I

Mom had planned a large lake shindig at my grandparents lake house over Labor Day weekend. Though it was cold, we still had fun!

Oh how I missed her...mom

Cousins! AJ, me, Joy, and Raquel

A. Joan and Mark

Nick, Jason and Grandpa

So, once it finally warmed up enough to make the water look inviting, we loaded up into the boat. Derek and I were the first ones to fly across the water on the tube! Who knew bouncing around like a jumping bean could be so fun! Derek was a little unsure but he still enjoyed it!

But our fun was short lived...after enjoying this....

and this....

And this....

This happened. Yup. Our boat stopped working! Luckily, a police boat happened by and we got towed back! UGH!

Thanks to Nick and Sandra for getting their boat so we could keep up the water festivities! We really appreciate it!

Sunday, Mom, Alisha, Mark and I went to Bluffton for Dan and Abby's wedding...I'm so glad it worked out that we could make it!

Miss Regan

La fanmi

Abby was absolutely stunning. Seeing her again made me realize how much I have missed her. We spent so many hours in Haiti together...she is such a blessing!

Being without Dan for 6 days made me excited to board that plane again and see him! I came home to a spic-n-span house. He even hung the picture I've been procrastinating. Thanks babe. :)

The whole week and a half sped by. I praise God for the opportunity to visit family and friends! Each one of you is so precious...thanks for taking the time to spend it with Dan and I. Dad, you were missed! It wasn't the same without you...safe trip to the USA!