Ladies Conference

On Friday (June 10th) and Saturday (June 11th), my sisters, Mom and I attended a ladies conference hosted by the Dr. Jobe Martin family. Abby, Phoebe and I filmed the sessions. It was such a blessing to have such fellowship with so many like-minded people, and I made several new friends! :) I also met a girl who shares my name-- says and spells her name the same way as I do! :) It was too bad, but I didn't think to get a photo with her.

Visiting

The N. family singing

Book, books, and more books! :)

Mrs. Jennifer Neef giving a talk

The film crew. Background (L-R): Jonathan B. and David, Benjamin B., Josiah D. Foreground: Phoebe, and Elisabeth M.

The "Nest" :) Can you see someone filming, a-way in the background? Yup, that's me! :)

The B. siblings (minus three little sisters). Back: Benjamin and Jonathan. Front (L-R): Rebekah, Elisabeth and Kathleen.

The C. sisters-- Back: Bethany and Katie. Front: Susanna and Lydia.

Teaching the song "Alleluia, Alleluia"

Singing "I am Resolved"

Sarah and Grace Mally giving a presentation

Maddie and Mrs. C. had a photography room at the conference. We girls and Mom got  our picture taken in there and they printed it for us. :)

Paul, Melissa and Josiah D. singing "The Power of the Cross"

Visiting

New friends: Me (Johanna) and Bethany C.

The Y. ladies: Kristin, Mrs. and Jennifer

Abby holding darling Lovella "Ella" C. :)

Preparing to clean-up

Eating pizza

Cleaning up

Some of the Moms-- visiting after the long and full day

Flowers

Neon Zinnia

Speckled zinnia

Can anyone tell me what kind of flower this is?

I just LOVE the bokeh in the background of this photo! :)

And in this one...

and this one...

More bokeh :) 

All photos taken by Johanna Kautt

D- Day

Today is the 67th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Normandy beach in France.

"June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the Allies gained a foot- hold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high -more than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded — but more than 100,000 Soldiers began the march across Europe..."

Although I don’t personally know anyone who fought on those rugged beaches, I benefit from the heroics of those brave men who fearlessly stormed up those rock cliffs in order to repulse a vicious foe – Hitler.
Today I say thank you to those who fought at Normandy, thank you for doing something that seemed impossible, thank you for putting all thought of comfort or home behind you and squaring your shoulders and taking those beaches like the brave soldiers you were!  Thank you for your service, and for your example.  God bless you and may there be many more men in our day who follow in your heroic footsteps.

Today I say thank you to those who fought at Normandy, thank you for doing something that seemed impossible, thank you for putting all thought of comfort or home behind you and squaring your shoulders and taking those beaches like the brave soldiers you were!  Thank you for your service, and for your example.  God bless you and may there be many more men in our day who follow in your heroic footsteps.

A Plea from an Echo Boomer

In her article "More Than Teacups...a Plea for Biblical Literacy," Megan Gariss practically begs the older generations to teach the twenty-somethings (and younger?) how to study the Bible.  I wept when I read it.  We have failed these young people, and they know it.  I so appreciated her humble request.  I didn't detect any bitterness on her part, only an almost-desperate plea for us "olders" to do what we should already have been doing.  (I think that's what Jesus would call "making disciples.")  We parents must take seriously our responsibility to disciple...starting first with our own children (and granddies).  I believe the Lord will not ask us how many folks we won to the Lord "out there" before He asks if we made disciples of our own little ones.  Sobering.

Third Annual Memorial Day Blast

On May 30th, our family had a blast with a whole bunch of friends and family. We visited, ate, and played sports like: soccer, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, baseball, kickball. It was a great time! We were glad that so many (like 80 something people) could make it and join in all the fun!  Here, here, and here are photos from the past two years. 

Hot-dog cooker

Ultimate Frisbee with just the guys

"Speed" volleyball

Waiting

The on-lookers

"Get it, Jaden-bug!"

Mr. Y. and Mrs. S. visit

Goofiness-- Caleb, Isaac D., cousin Stefon, Andrew. D. and Joel

A sun burnt Abby...

...And a sun burnt Johanna (does this look like a mug-shot? It hurt to smile *sheepish grins*)