We're Still Cookin'

If you are wondering if The Sparks are still out there, yes we are. We're just very busy with school, work, church and with life in general. Not to mention, me trying to pass a kidney stone.

I have serveral post I want to share and I pray I can get to them soon.

But in the meantime, don't worry...

We're still cookin'!

Praying for Aunt Lisa

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adripatterson

http://afamilyforfrankie.wordpress.com/

Praying for Frankie and all the orphans of Haiti

Please go read their story at:

http://afamilyforfrankie.wordpress.com/

Praying For The Patterson Family

www.caringbridge.com/visit/adripatterson

Waiting in EXPECTation

Today, our family is waiting is EXPECTation for a phone call from the Groce Family letting us know it is time for the newest member of their family to be born. We have been praying for and with them for over a year now. From the day of asking the Lord to open Gwen's womb and then praising the Lord with them when He indeed answered our prayers to this morning when I again approached the Lord on their behalf for the baby to be born today. Gwen and I talked last night that we talk about God being in control of when someone passes away and that gives us comfort, but we sometimes forgot that He is in control of the beginning too. At the same time, I ask you to join us in praying that His time would be soon. Gwen's due date was this past Thursday and her and Brian desire to deliver as nature as possible and would like to have the comfort of "laboring" as long as possible at home before going to the hospital.

This picture was taken at Gwen's baby shower. They are lovingly calling the baby "four", so Travis was able to get a #4 Upward Jersey for the baby.

The girl's gifts are waiting too...which will it be - GIRL or BOY?

I look forward to posting a picture of the sweet baby soon! Thanks for your prayers!

Nannie Rose

My Nannie Rose went to be with Jesus yesterday only a short week after her stoke (Sunday, June 7th). We traveled up to be with her and the rest of the family on Thursday. I have so much on my heart and my heart is heavy. But, I am rejoicing that she is in Heaven with her Jesus and with the One who gives me strength to face what is to come. I have been praying for several days that Jesus would take her on to be with Him and I am glad that He did answer my prayers, but my heart still aches that I will not see her again this side of Heaven. The Lord gave me sweet times with her and my entire family over the week-end and I will never forget the presence of the Lord in her hospital room on Friday evening.

I hope the Lord will allow me to put more of my thoughts together in the weeks to come and share them with you. But until then, thanks for all those who have been praying for her and our family. The Lord has heard our cry and answered them!

*I can not end this post without publicly thanking my husband for being my rock over the past week-end. It didn't matter what I or anybody else asked him to do he was willing to do it; he was the driver, the errand runner, the coffee getter, the anything he needed to be and yet at the moment I needed him to be right beside me and be there to hold my hand he was there at that moment too. Travis, I thank you for being an amazing husband to stand beside me no matter where or what. I LOVE YOU!

Warm Quilts

During the snow, we lost power around 8:30 on Sunday evening (and didn't get it back until Tuesday around lunch). Because it was around bedtime we just piled extra blankets on all the beds and all just hit the sack early. On each of the girl's bed's their top layer of blankets was a quilt that Nannie had made. As I was tucking the girl's in I told them how thankful I was for the quilts Nannie had made to keep us warm.

This was Hannah Grace's prayer, ...Thank you Jesus for the beautiful snow and thank you for my Nannie and her being a good sewer and for the quilts she made to keep us warm.

Juggling

God has made our family special and unique. He gave us Samuel and then He waited five years until He gave us another child, Hannah Grace, and then He chose to give us Faith within a year after giving us Hannah Grace. It sound so crazy...and recently it has become very hard to juggle having a tweenager (11 years old) and a five and four year old. Last night was one of those nights that was hard. The girls are playing Upward soccer at our church and Travis and I are coaching them and Samuel is playing football and Travis is helping out with his team. Well, last night we had both - soccer practice and a football game. So, after a morning of working and a trip to the grocery store and then to pick up Faith and then home to unload the groceries and then to pick up Hannah Grace and then in carpool line where we read and did homework and then get Samuel and go home to do his homework and put a load of cloths in the washer and dryer to add to the huge pile that needs to be folded and a quick supper for the kids we headed out the door to soccer practice where I left early to get Samuel to his football game and then Travis came with the girls and joined up with the Wildcats to begin their game where I tried to watch and cheer Samuel on with two tired girls - I WAS OVERWHELMED and we still had to get home and give showers to three kids and make lunches and get something to eat for us and try to at least say "hello" to each other before we both crashed in the bed.

Some may say, "You need to cut something out" and I agree, but as I look back at my day yesterday, I'm not sure what could have been cut out. Work? No. Grocery store? No, I had been putting it off since last week. School? No way, God has not told me to teach my children at home, I'm not smart enough to teach them what they need to learn. Soccer? Well, maybe, but it's not fair to the girl's to not participate in a activity just because Samuel is playing football. Football? There again, it's not fair to Samuel to not play football just because his sisters are playing soccer. I have had some tell me, "Ask for help." Well, everyone else is busy too, I've asked.

When we finally got home last night and Travis and I had a moment to talk, he was apologizing for the day. I want to stop right now and thank Travis for all the help he did give me yesterday and for being such a great Daddy, who will give up his evenings to help four and five year olds learn the game of soccer and share Christ with them and stand on the side lines and give encouragement and direction to boys on a football field.

We are not the only family in this situation and we won't be the last. And, there are other's that are going through things that are more difficult than ours. But, I learned something a long time ago, God cares for my small troubles as much as He cares for other's "big" troubles. We will survive and God will give us the strength is make it day to day and one day we will miss the days when our kids needed us so much.

I don't often use our family blog as a means of expressing my frustrations, but the purpose of our blog is keep our family and friends updated with the goings on of our family and this is what is going on. So, if the Lord brings us to your mind, please say a prayer that we will put Him first and He will give us His strength for day to day.

Swimming Makes It Better

Thanks for your prayers concerning Samuel's sunburn. He is feeling much better and he has no more blisters, they are all gone - just new skin now. Last night after church, we went to a neighbors house swimming; this actually did him a world of good - it it gross but it helped get the dead skin off and his arms are looking much better! Praise the Lord!

Thanks again for your prayers!

Good Morning!

Well, we are all where we are suppose to be this morning. Everyone seems to be feeling better for now and we are praising God for that. We had a good restful week-end. I have a few picture to share and hope that do that tomorrow, but for now I want to share this cool picture of Memama and Granddaddy with the Daytona 500 trophy. We are praying for another win today if the race in California ever gets to start and finish...

Thanks for your prayers!!!!

Friday Family Funnies

OK - I am having terrible trouble with my internet so I can't upload any pictures with this post. I was going to share with more picture from our week-end in Orlando...check back sometime over the week-end and hopefully I will get them uploaded.

Anyway, we visited a church this past Wednesday night that does Awana. Samuel has done Awana before, but we really had taken it for granted and not really thought about the girls never really doing any type of "program" at church. Because of their age there has really never been anything for them.

When we picked the girls up and were heading home. Faith could not stop talking; everything she said was one long sentence.

"Mommy, we played in the gym and um, Daddy, I got to run and um, I went to class and um, we talked about Jesus and um, I got a sucker and um, Mommy and Daddy, if I come back next week I get a badge and coat!"

If you know Faith, I'm sure you can hear her now - getting louder and more excited the more she told us.

It was so good to hear our kids excited about going to church. Of course, Samuel doesn't want to visit anymore - he has found where he wants to stay. Hannah Grace had a great time too, but she didn't say as much as Faith. She takes things in and thinks about them a lot before she will say much.

Travis and I enjoyed the prayer service. The pastor took special time in the service to pray for rain. All day yesterday as it was pouring and I was getting soaking wet putting the girls in the van at school, I was tempted to complain, but the reminded me to thank Him for answering the prayers of His people.

Please pray that God would direct Travis and I to the church He would have our children and where we are to serve and worship Him.

Have a great week-end and check back for me photos - some of them are pretty funny too...

Much To Share With You

Thanks for your prayers for the people of Jamaica. We have not heard from anyone, but Tommy did get an e-mail from Marc-Andrea before the storm hit that said they were preparing and that we probably would not hear from him until he returned to the states for college in September.

Sunday morning in church Tommy was praying for safety for the people of Jamaica and their salvation and praying that God would move the storm and it would not be a direct hit to the island of Jamaica. I have to admit to you I sat there and thought to myself, "I know God can do that, but I have have been watching and I just don't think that is going to happen". When we got home from church I turned on The Weather Channel and what had God done - He had moved the storm to the south and it was not going to be a direct it! What an amazing God!

The Lord reminded me of a verse; Psalm 135: 5-7 - For I know that the Lord is great, And our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places. He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries.

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Travis had his last training session of the season this past week-end and us wives were taken out to Chuck-e-Cheese to celebrate. Where else would we go with all the kids? We had a great time playing and fellowshiping. We are so blessed for Travis to work for a ministry that is concerned with his family too.

There was one stipulation to the fun night out for everyone, we had to be home and in front of the television by 8:00pm. Why, you ask? Well anyone with kids or grandkids, or really just anyone who has contact with the outside world knew that it was the world premiere of High School Musical 2. OK, maybe that is a stretch, but I do know even Caz thanked hundreds of adults for being at an Upward Training Conference instead of at home watching it - it was a big deal. It was funny most of the Daddies at the training session were asked by their kids if they would be somewhere where they could watch it Friday night. So here is our kids in the front of the TV ready and waiting. We had fun watching it and dancing along and I have to say, it was pretty good. It was on two more times over the week-end, which Samuel watched, including the sing along version on Sunday night. Daddy still has not seen the entire movie, and I know he just can't wait...

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Sunday morning was a great morning of worship. We were able to observe two ordinances of the church, Baptism and The Lord's Table. I love the way Tommy has the Lord Table; the bread and the juice are set up on table in the front of the church and we go to them instead of them being passed around. I love it because it make The Lord's Table more personal. Travis, Samuel, and I were able to take the Lord's Supper together - just the three of us together at The Table. It was a wonderful worshipful time and I believe the Lord allowed it for ME.

Travis and I have been praying for a couple of months about where the Lord would have our family worship and serve Him. We had talked with The Deacon's this past Tuesday night and given them our resignation. Because of the special services we were having, we agreed with them that we would wait until next Sunday to read it to the church. Things happened and it was best that we read it to the church this past Sunday night. So, in about a month Travis and I will doing something that we have not done since we have been married - we will be looking, visiting, and praying about where the Lord would have our family serve and worship Him. We are not sure where the Lord is going to lead us, but we pray that we allow Him to guide us and we step out of the way.

Whew, are you tired of reading yet?

Don't stop now.

This week is the first week of school. Samuel and Hannah Grace started yesterday and Faith began this morning. I can't believe it - all three of my kids are in school.

Samuel started at a new school this year. It has 1200 students! He was a little nervous when his Daddy dropped him off yesterday, but he ended up having a great day. We cleaned out his room last night to make way for a desk - a desk, in my little boy's room, I can't believe it. I know he is going to do great. I pray that he will continue to live for Christ in his new school.Hannah Grace began 4K yesterday. She is an ideal student. She loves organization, lists, and projects, so she was ready to go. She walked in her classroom starting playing and never looked back. I had to go to her to give her a kiss good-bye.

Faith began 3K this morning. She has been looking forward to going to "Hannah's School" all summer. She did great. We walked Hannah Grace to her classroom - they hugged and kissed and then we walked on to her classroom. She found her cubby and she was off to play. Again, I had to go to her to give her a kiss good-bye. Not one tear, from her, there were tears from me.

As I walked to the van, I just couldn't believe my baby girl was in school. Every year that Samuel has been in school, Travis and I always have breakfast together. We were not able to do that this year, because of work schedules, but I called him this morning when I got to work and told him I now remember why we started that tradition. It was to comfort me as I sent my babies to school.

They will all do great and I am excited for them. It is great for them to be with other children, especially the girls to have time apart from each other, and to learn how to share and to get along with others (other than their siblings) and to learn things that I can't teach them, like German and Spanish.

I will finish telling you about the last days of our Disney vacation soon.

I think I told you in a post that I didn't feel like I could get caught up - I am getting caught up, finally. My great friend, Ginger, told me about FlyLady. It has given me ideas on how to organize the house cleaning. I have always planned our menu for two weeks, but it gave me tips on how to incorporate all my "chores" into this plan. The past nights I have not gone to bed worrying about what I did not get done, I could just go to bed and get the rest I needed. Travis and I did not have to move the unfolded clean cloths off our bed just to get in. It has been great for our family. I have had more time to spend with the kids once they get home from school. And I hope that it will allow me to be able to help Samuel with his homework more. It reminded me to do things like: lay out your cloths for the next day, make lunches the night before, empty (shine) your sink before your go go bed, things that I knew I needed to do, but somehow and somewhere had stopped doing. That way when the alarm goes off in he morning, I am not running around trying to find something to wear, fussing with the kids about their lunch and washing cups just so the kids can have something to drink. One great thing it has allowed us as a family to do is have breakfast together; we have been able to sit down and begin our morning together as a family praying and asking Him to be in control of our day, just the five of us.

So that's where we are; beginning school, beginning a new season of our spiritual journey, renewing our home so that we can use it for Him, and seeking His guidance in all that we do - our jobs, our schools, our church, and our home.

Please Pray for the People of Jamaica

Please pray for the people of Jamaica and they are preparing for a direct hit from Hurricane Dean. We have not heard from Marc-Andre and his family, but Tommy has e-mailed them.

Please pray for Pastor Vernon as his ministers and helps the people of Buff Bay and protects and prepares for his family. Thank you for praying, we will let you know as soon as we hear something, but we know it may be a while, we just have to trust God for His protection for a people we love.

The first picture is of the houses that are right behind Buff Bay Baptist Church. As you can tell, there is not much to them and these are homes that could be destroyed.

Travis' Other Brother

For the past month we have been blessed to have Travis' "other brother", Marc Andre, visiting with Tommy and Cathy and with us. Marc Andre is the son of the Pastor in Jamaica that we have worked with for many years. It has been so wonderful to have him here for this short time. I was great to have him go to Disney with us; it made our trip extra special. He was here about two years ago and my kids loved him then, but the girls were still small. This time that have fallen in love with even more and he is so great with them.

I have always hated good-byes - so as I type this tears fill my eyes. Marc Andre will be going home this week-end and then in a month he will return to the United States to attend the University of Chicago. He has received a scholarship in the highest amount that any Jamaican has ever received. You can read about it here.

Please pray for Marc Andre as he travels back to Jamaica this week-end and as he prepares to return in September to go to college. Pray his parents, Cindy and Pastor Vernon as they help him with his preparations. Pray especially for his mom, as I can't image the mixed emotions she must be having and will have; the pride she feels for her son, but also the sadness of sending him to another country for six months at a time.

We are so thankful for the time God has given us with Marc Andre and look forward to the times ahead.

We are Blessed!

I want to begin this post by saying thanks to everyone who has prayed, not knowing what was really going on. Thanks to all that have sent e-mails and called. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

The struggles we have been facing are at church. I can't really go into much but please continue to pray. Here are a few more specific things you can pray for:

• Pray that all involved would seek God's will in how to handle the situation.
• Pray for discernment for Travis and I as we seek God's will in the right thing to do for our family.
• Pray that I would follow Travis as he leads our household and pray for Travis and he leads.
• Pray for the Deacon's of the church that as leaders chosen by the church that they would seek Christ and make decision based on God's word.
• Pray for Tommy as he leads the flock and for Cathy as she stands beside her husband; pray that all that is done will be to honor and glorify Christ.
• Pray for my children; Pray for the girls who really don't understand what is going on and pray for Samuel, that God would protect his heart and that He would give him an understanding of what he sees and hears.
• Pray for the salvation of church members, that God would open their eyes to their sinfulness and to His salvation.

Thank you in advance for your prayers. I know and trust that God is in control and when He allows I will share with you what HE has done.

Friday Family Funnies - Wild Thing

This photo was taken of Marc Andre sleeping one afternoon on the bus on our way back from The Magic Kingdom. What makes it funny is that "Wild Thing" was playing on the radio.

I am sorry that I have not had a chance to post anymore photos and share anymore about our vacation. We have had a very difficult week. I can't go and really don't want to go into any details right now, but I would ask you to pray for us.

It is comforting to know that God knows how to answer your prayers. Thanks for praying and when the Lord allows I will share with you how He guides, directs, provides, and protects us.

Cassie Come Home

Our family pet, Cassie, got out of the fence sometime yesterday afternoon. We have drove the neighborhood several times with no luck finding her. Samuel and I went to the Humane Society this morning to file a Lost Dog Report. Please pray that she wanders back home soon; Samuel and the girls (and Mommy) miss her.

Let's Stop and Pray

In respect of all that has gone on this week, there will not be a Friday Family Funny. I ask you to take the time that you would have read and laughed today and stop and pray for the Moms and Dads, Brothers and Sister's, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, Aunt and Uncles and all those that have been affected by this tragedy. And lets not forget to pray for the family of Cho Seung-Hui, they have lost a son also.