WAR OF WORDS

Chris has been reading aloud from the book "War of Words" by Paul Tripp to our family in the mornings. It is such an insightful book, packed with Scripture and Biblical teaching. We are continuing to learn and grow in so many areas, but this area is particularly needful for our family at this time in our lives. This book reveals the need to think before we speak- not just about what we are going to say, but also about what GOD would have us say- will these words honor Him? Am I caught in the trap of using my words to "nail someone to the wall", or do I desire to "minister GRACE unto the hearer"? It has made us aware of a very important aspect in our Christian lives; how our words affect our relationships with others, as well as how our words as believers are an example of Christ and a testimony to others of His work in our lives. Tripp does an excellent job of illuminating that there is a spiritual quality to our words, and that these words come from our hearts. His illustrations are not only interesting and insightful, but hit home in ways we could have never imagined.
We haven't generally recommended books on our blog, but we have gleaned so much spiritual truth from this book, that we wanted to share it with you.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger" Proverbs 15:1

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

Esther and Ethan in:THE GREAT EASTER BASKET CAPER!!!

It's the first Chaney Grandchild Easter Egg Hunt. All seems to be going as planned, but little did we know, there is mischief afoot!Who knew just where the mischief might be lurking? Here we have the key players in today's mystery: One is the suspect. the other; the victim.

Can we solve the mystery before it is too late??? Before that dreaded......
NAP TIME???

They both attained a basket to confiscate some of the loot!

Just a basket? Oh no, it is much much more.THE DISCOVERY:
"Hmmm...What is in these eggs anyway?"

THE TEMPTATION:
"There's a GOLD MINE in these eggs! These are REAL M&M'S!"

THE LURE:

"Wow, Ethan! Do you know what is inside of these eggs?"

"No, let me see!"

"woooow!!!! ARE THOSE REAL M&M'S?"

Each departs on their mission to find the treasure, armed with their official treasure basket.
"Boy, I have to get my hands on some of these treasure eggs!""ME TOO!"

Oops, is that evidence all over Ethan's fingers? "Hey, how much do you have in there anyway, Ethan??""You know, I don't think he deserves all those M&M'S as much as I do. CASING THE JOINT:

"What's this over here?"THE PURSUIT:

Esther follows Ethan around the yard. Then, checking to see if anyone is looking....

THE DIVERSION:

"Look Ethan...over there!!!" Then, while he isn't looking...

THE STEAL: THE GETAWAY: "He will never find it!" "Somebody's been stealing my eggs!"

THE SEARCH FOR STOLEN GOODS: "Did you doggies see my eggs?"
"I've looked everywhere!"
"Where could they be?"
The whole neighborhood is searching for missing eggs! "They just have to be here somewhere!" "Hey guys, have you seen my basket of eggs?"

THE DENIAL:

"Nope! I haven't seen them anywhere!" "But isn't the evidence all over your face?" "Hmmm, it looked a lot like this one! HEY! It is this one!!!""At last! I got it back! And all my eggs are accounted for!" "I'm going to hide my eggs in a safe place this time!"THE CAPTURE:
Constable Rachel is at the scene; "Ok criminal, give yourself up!"

THE MUG SHOT:

The moral of the story:

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's basket, nor thy neighbor's eggs, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.And Esther lived happy and content with her own eggs ever after. THE END.

Sarah is Baptized on Easter Sunday

Sarah, age 13

Sarah gave her testimony that she asked Christ into her heart to save her in 2008, when she prayed with her father.

Our pastor, John Prigge, baptized Sarah and 8 others on Easter Sunday.
It was so exciting to see her publically testify of her faith in Christ, and give witness to the work that he has done in her life. Now Sarah, you are not only our daughter, but also our sister in Christ. We rejoice with you.

Miscellaneous March

Besides Dan and Rebecca dealing with a terrible case of whooping cough with their newborn, Ruthy... and purchasing their first farm, moving, remodeling the farm house, and Dan directing the Emmaus church orchestra, March has been rather uneventful for Dan and Rebecca's family! (yes, that was a joke)

Sarah took a few candid shots of Esther in her Easter dress while she was at their house for her piano lesson last week.
I picked a few of my favorite shots to show you.

Esther loves the outdoors!

She's out-standing in her field! (I believe this field will be planted with beans this year)

Ruthy is improving a little each day, but still has a pretty nasty cough. However, she has really started to smile and reach for objects. She's getting a little personality, and is so cute!

We went to dinner at China Star last Sunday after church. These little guys kept us all entertained!

Ok, they kept GRANDMA entertained...or maybe Grandma kept THEM entertained...well, take your pick! the "smile!" that lets us know he's up to something! We were joined by friends and family.
But it always seems to end too soon...Ethan tried to hug Esther goodbye, but she didn't stand still long enough.

It was a nice afternoon. We so enjoy seeing the family.