TMC Graduation

After 10 years, 2 children, and various health problems along the way, I finally completed my Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling. Although my initial intent in starting the program was merely to gain a better understanding of what Nathan was learning when he was going through the undergrad program in counseling, I am so thankful that Nathan encouraged me to persevere toward completing the degree. It was a blessing to learn and be challenged by the godly professors that I studied under during the course of this program. The Lord has used them to change me and to grow me.

Several people have asked what I plan to do with this degree. Well, to begin with, I am already using it every day, as I seek to disciple our children for the glory of God. The things I have learned here, dramatically impact the way I parent and interact with my children. And I trust that the Lord will allow my to use this training for ministry in the local church, as He sees fit. I praise God for His grace that enabled me to complete this program (and especially my thesis)! And I am so thankful for many of you who faithfully prayed for me. Thank you!

2010 MABC Graduates and Professors
of The Masters College

Beautiful flowers sent from my Dad and Mom

Dr. MacArthur was the commencement speaker this year, in honor of his 25th anniversary as President of the Master's College. Nathan and I were privileged to attend his anniversary dinner and concert the night before the graduation. We were deeply impacted as we learned more about this godly man and his commitment to the Master's College for the purpose of training men and women to minister the truths of the Gospel around the world.

Graduate hooding by Dr. Somerville and Dr. Baker

The kids attended the ceremony, but Nathan was thankful for some help in the bleachers. Here Ashlyn is hanging out with Ricardo.

And here she is with Dinanna!

Big hugs after the ceremony

It was a blessing to have several friends come celebrate with us at the graduation!

Barb and Kristin

Barb and Dianna

Our family

Our family with the Thomases

Sisters!

Lots of loves from my little ones...

Barb and Vonna

Heather and Barb

And back at home... playing dress up with my cap and gown

Celebrating the Feast of Passover

This year we celebrated the Feast of Passover with the Career Group Bible study from our church

Micah was excited to wash Auntie Vonna's feet, after she washed his.

Our family

The finders of the afikomen - driving a hard bargain for their find.

Part of the payment - Nathan had to do jumping jacks!

Micah was excited to get in on the action too. He knew there was candy in the bag, so he was ready to accept whatever was offered!

Baseball Boy!

This spring, Micah has had his first taste of organized sports ~ he's playing t-ball. And he loves it! It's especially fun for him to have his Daddy as an assistant coach. Here's a few shots of our baseball boy! Batter up!

I love this picture - he looks so serious and intent on the task at hand. Thanks for the great photo Dhon!

This was Micah's first "at bat"

Nobody had to tell him to run when the ball when flying ~ he knew right where to go!

Heading toward 1st base

Giving Daddy high-fives

And a big wave for mom!

Running home! Great job Micah!

Celebrating a great victory!

Actually, Micah has been a little bothered at the way tball is played. He really wants to win and isn't much into "tying" the other team. Every night he prays that his team will play well and win the following game. So cute! And so competitive!

Ashlyn has had fun watching too, although she would much rather be over on the playground sliding.

Seeing Daddy out on the field, Ashlyn is always trying to get onto the field herself. Here she was content to look at everyone in the stands.

Getting a few tips from Coach Daddy before swinging.

Micah has shown himself to be quite the runner. He's really quick getting from base to base.

Catching the ball...

and throwing toward 2nd base

It's been lots of fun watching Micah learn to play tball! So glad we decided to let him do it this year!

Poppy Reserve

On Sunday we traveled north to visit the Poppy Reserve while it is still in bloom. It was a beautiful! And the weather was perfect. Although it was windy on the reserve, the bright shining sun kept us all warm.

Trudy, Micah and Josiah

We took about a 1 1/2 mile hike around one of the trails

And we were reminded early on to keep on the lookout for snakes, when this little guy crossed the trail in front of us. Yikes! I'm glad we noticed him!

Micah had such a good time having Trudy here to visit for the weekend. We're wishing she still lived in CA near us. We miss you already Trudy!

Josiah joined us on Sunday while his parents are away for a few days. The three kids all had so much fun together, although at times I think Trudy thought the boys were a bit wild and crazy!!

The kids had a ball running ahead on the trail...

and then stopping to take a rest before getting up to run again.

What a beautiful display of God's creative power!

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth,
Who has displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!"
Psalm 8:1

Micah and Mama