Joyful! Joyful!

I have such JOYFUL news to share today.....

Meagan and Nathan are having another precious baby!!  Yes, that makes Four for the Smiths.

Madi (3 1/2) and Noah (5) are over the moon excited!  Grayson (6mos.) has no idea what's going on.  The brave parents are just now coming out of their shock but they're wrapping their heads around it.

The news had to be shared with grandparents here and in NC via video call this time.  They got us on the phone with the premise that Nathan had gotten one more Christmas gift for Meagan . . . something new for their house.  Aren't they clever?!

Of course, we were surprised as well.  But every life entrusted to us is a gift from God, isn't it?  This newest blessing will bring our number of grands to Nine.  We are so grateful!

Some of you will remember that Meagan's pregnancy with Grayson had its difficult points.  She was in the hospital multiple times before he was born.  But someone told me yesterday that the hardest pregnancies are often the first and third.  So, we're praying and believing that God will give Meagan the strength she needs for baby four.

We're proud of Nathan and Meagan for how they protect their marriage; parent their little tribe and find ways to serve Christ.  They've mentioned several times how thankful they are to live near family so they'll have help.  There is much to celebrate.

In other news,  Frank and I are under the 30-day mark for our trip to Israel.  We are looking forward to this adventure with great anticipation.  I mentioned last year that we would be leading a group this time. 

Our group is small but all are thrilled to be going to the Holy Land.   One young lady will fly in from Ohio to join us.  On Wednesday, Feb. 20th at 5 AM we'll gather 10 brave souls and leave Winter Haven.  We'll drive to Miami and board a plane; enjoying a direct flight to Tel Aviv.  Can you hear the joy bubbling in my heart?!

One couple on our tour visited Israel in 1983.  Because there have been so many new discoveries since then, they feel like they're going to a brand new place.  Most in our group are viewing this as a pilgrimage of sorts.  We've been reading through the Gospels together and meeting to build anticipation.

Frank and I met with our travel company on Friday to pick up the tickets and finish up final business.  (Imagine Tours and Travels out of Lakeland, FL has been a great company to work with.  Give them a call if you're planning something big for overseas.)

Well, I guess that's enough news for me to share today.  I hope you're all finding ways to stay warm and entertained during this season of Deep Freeze.  Believe it or not, Frank and I just learned that we enjoy playing Yahtzee together.  Who Knew?!

Blessings!



We'd love to hear your story of surprising news.  Be sure to stop by the comment section below. . .