Fun with the Yongs!

Had another fun day with the fantastic Yongs (or is it another fantastic day with the fun Yongs??  Both work!)  Remembered my camera this time!

Thank you Mel and your gorgeous kiddos for a great time of play and fellowship and yummy cake!

Love and Tears

I've always known and understood that children are a blessing from God, but I never thought it possible that these blessings would just carry on and that they would become more and more precious.

Tonight was one of the toughest things I saw Donna go through: Hannah got her first wooden-spoon-hiding.  Donna just put her head in her pillow and sobbed, it was incredibly sad, but unbelievably touching at the same time to see her love for her little sister in this way. 

I took the opportunity to remind Donna of why we discipline them-I needed to hear it again too!  What an honoured, daunting, privileged and scary calling we have as parents; to bring up our dear kids in a God fearing and God loving way.  To teach them to not only obey us, but that to obey us in an honouring way is to obey and honour the Lord.  And that it is out of genuine love for their souls that we even follow through with the heart-breaking biblical command of discipline in the first place. 

The relief and understanding in Donna's beautiful tearful eyes when we discussed these things and the trade-off for a "little smack on the bum" now, rather than other more devastating consequences later, was precious.  And it made me appreciate discipline so much. 

I love my children so, so much, and I pray continually that God will one day soften their hearts and save them, and that our efforts in softening their bums will be a part or a beginning of God's awesome salvation process in their lives. 

Donna and Hannah

I made this collage for a friend, and thought I'd add it here too.  Most of the pics are on Facebook, but they look different when they all together I think!

Our Phi-Phi Trip

Ryan and I were able to do the exciting trip to the Phi-Phi islands alone-thanks to Granma and Granpa Zoffie.  Our entire Thailand holiday was amazing, but this day was one that stood out for me: the scenery was such an awesome reflection of God's beautiful creation and the whole day alone with Ryan was just the best!

Family and Friends in South Africa

Our trip to South Africa was an extremely special time, filled with friends and family that we love.  As always we didn't get to everybody, but we had a blessed time with those we did. 

Praise God for family and friends!