Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

Monday, December 26, 2005

Bathtime Routine


Michaela has a wonderful daddy! Ever since she was newborn, Josh has helped in whatever way he could (even that first week when he was taking finals as well as trying to be a new daddy). Part of her nightly routine now is bathtime with daddy. She loves splashing and playing with her rubber ducky. But her new fascination is with the running water. She tries to grab it as it comes out of the faucet! If only we could see God's amazing creation like a baby - fascinated by its every facet.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Michaela's First Christmas


The presents are out from under the tree and the hype of Christmas is past, but I know I will treasure the memories of this first Christmas forever.
*my parents with Michaela
*Michaela's beautiful smiles in her red dress
*the last Christmas for a long while with my family
*my grandparents, both 80, enjoying presents and dinner with us
*snow on the ground outside
*Christmas cookies and pie
*reading "Clarabell" together
*the 8th Christmas since Josh and I met
God has truly blessed me! Most of all with the gift of His son. But my other greatest blessings are the family and friends he has placed in my life.

Livonia Happenings


It has been a busy few weeks for the Marcums, even though some assume that this time is a "vacation." My parents told us we've been able to experience a furlough even before we go to the field and it truly has felt that way. We have been blessed with many at the Livonia church hosting us for a meal in their home (here we are pictured with the Fralicks) and have sampled some true hospitality. It has been a little draining on us all, especially Michaela, but she has born up well under it all. She especially enjoys the variety of pets, well dogs. She has cried at every other animal including cats and birds. So I guess she is truly a dog lover like her daddy. In addition to our social life, Josh has preached 3 times and we have been busy adding to our last minute pile of "stuff" to take with us.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Time with Family


One of the biggest blessings about this time of transition is being able to see and spend time with all of our family and friends. We were able to stop and see Josh's grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles in Oklahoma and York. We visited friends in Kansas and Nebraska, and we spent Thanksgiving with my grandparents in Michigan. Michaela especially enjoyed meeting all of her cousins! She loves other "little people!"

Winter Wonderland


The Marcum family is officially homeless! We moved out of our apartment in Brownwood and took the long trek to Livonia, MI where we are living with Julie's parents for the next 6 weeks. It started snowing the day we arrived, and Michaela doesn't know what to think of this winter wonderland!