Praise for daily preservation

". . .

For the Love that like a screen

Sheltered from the might-have-been,

Be Thy name adored.

Do you ever thank God for His daily preservations? For every time the car goes out and returns in safety? For His gift, guarded so wonderfully, of sight, hearing, speech, feeling, power to walk and run and work, and to enjoy life?

Don't wait till 'something happens' that we must pray about, but praise for every day that 'nothing happens.' . . . "

-Amy Carmichael

Whenever I read the above devotional thought from A.C. yesterday morning, I had intended to post it on here in regards to the hundreds of us who made it safely to and from the recent Fellowship Conference in Denton, TX. However by the time the day ended yesterday I had much more to thank God for. This devastating tornado touched down approximately 1/2 mile from Mason's parents home in Alabama. I am humbled this morning thinking of God's abundant mercies, and hope that you will praise with me for God's preservation of our dear family and pray with me for the hundreds of families personally touched by heartbreak and loss.

Our Charlie

A few nights ago I was gathering jammies and what-not to give the kids a bath before bed. Charlie was running here and there in the house, and Bethan was in her walker in the kitchen. I yelled, "Okay everybody, bathy time!" I was a bit surprised when I didn't hear the patter of Charlie's feet running to the bathroom. I waited--nothing. Then a rustling noise, followed by more rustling. I peaked out in the hall only to see Charlie pushing Bethan (in her walker) to the bathroom. Rather than get the jump on bath time, he wanted to make sure Bets was able to get there as well. I know this event is small and a bit insignificant, but to a mother's heart it is absolutely precious. I praise God for Charlie's tender heart toward his little sister and pray that God will continue to grant tenderness of heart in ever-increasing measure. I love you, Charlie Mason Vann!

Pancakes, rain boots, and more

Making pancakes with Mommy! He almost had a meltdown when we reached the step of mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Hmmmm... :)

Bethan decided to have toast instead...
Check out the crazy hair on this little lady! We don't complain though...baby hair is a rare commodity around here.
After six and a half long months of waiting, it's time to play!
Jammies, rain boots, and a banana :)
Little buddies

Spring day

*Bonnet made for Bethan by our dear friend Krystal :)

Verb: To Spoil

I was thinking the other day about how we often use the term "spoiled" in referring to children. And rightly so! However "spoiled," in our dictionary, usually means something like "that is a really badly behaved child." But then I got to thinking about other ways that we use it such as "that milk has spoiled." It has gone bad. So I looked up the definition of spoiled and I found the following: "to damage severely or harm, especially with reference to its excellence, value, etc." Wow. So really when we say that a child is spoiled we're not so much saying something about them as we are about their parents. By not properly disciplining and training our children, we spoil them. We can actually damage and severely harm them- preventing them from glorious potentials. Because of the fall children are born sinners and naturally go astray from the Lord, but He has set it up such that we, as parents, though unable to convert or save our children ultimately, can lead them to Him. If we fail to do this- we will spoil our children. We will point them to damage and sourness and ruin.

O Lord, keep me from spoiling my children!

Head coverings

Believe it or not, Bethan doesn't always wear hats with large flowers on them. In fact, she rarely does. But I have a deep-rooted love for these particular hats (they're just so cute!), so they manage to slip into pictures frequently. However I especially want to draw your attention to the soft, fluffy blonde stuff on top of Charlie's head (zoom in if you need to). Yes, it's HAIR! I'm so proud!




They are both growing up at an unbelievable pace. Oh that God may help us all to redeem every moment of our lives! "Only one life, twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last! And when I am dying how glad I shall be if the length of my life has been burned out for Thee!"

Clear the roads, folks

*For signed photograph, please send check or money order (or candy) to agent: Charlie Vann
**Mustang GT compliments of Aunt Lauren- the standard for style