Joy and Peace

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

I've been chewing on this verse lately and as I read it again a couple of things hit me:

1) My God is a God of hope!

2) God can FILL us with peace and joy

3) He fills us as we trust in Him.

How often am I missing out on His peace and joy because I try to do things my own way. I want to overflow with His hope!

God- help me to trust in you at all times so I can experience the depth of your peace and joy.

Spartan Watch Party

Ruby's Racers made a run for it on TV Monday night on Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge. They fought hard and I was so proud of them! It was great to watch them compete and hold their own! 

Although the competition was fun, what was even more exciting was seeing Ruby's story be told to millions of people. Only God could orchestrate that! 

We had friends over for a watch party....

It was a beautiful moment seeing Mark's love for Ruby on the screen. 

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Tabby woke up half way through the episode and joined the party.

Yes- Mark did wear his Spartan "uniform" the entire night :)

Since our kids were sleeping Monday night when the show aired, so we had another watch party tonight :)

Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge

We had a great time watching Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge last night! I am proud of Mark and his team and we were excited to have Ruby's story shared on national television! God is good and we continue to pray He will Ruby's story to positively impact people's lives. 

More to come....

People.com

People.com posted an article about our family and Mark's upcoming role in the NBC reality show Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge. The video in the article is a sneak peak at what they will show Monday night on NBC. Check it out if you are interested!

http://www.people.com/article/spartan-nbc-exclusive-father-daughter-epilepsy-cerebral-palsy

Mark and Ruby Running

The last few months Mark has been training to run the Riverbank Run 25K in Grand Rapids. He wanted to push Ruby the entire way. This past Saturday, he did it! A couple of great friends, Mark Walraven and Chuck Commeret, were by his side. It was a memorable morning and I am so proud of his dedication to Ruby and to getting his body in shape.

A family picture

Only true friends sign up to run a 25K with you! 

Thanks to Mark Walraven and Chuck Commeret for encouraging Mark and running with him!

Dad and his sweetheart

The runners and cheerleaders:)

Mark being interviewed by Wood TV8 

A congratulatory hug from sister after the race:)

Ruby's Story

Ruby's story was in the news today because Mark is pushing her in a 25K on Saturday. We are excited to be able to share how God has worked in our family!

http://woodtv.com/2016/05/12/racing-with-ruby-in-the-fifth-third-river-bank-run/

Two Years??

Wow- has it really been two years since my last entry? I guess baby #4 really changed things :)

I thought maybe it was time to get things up to date. If Mona (baby #4) ever reads this she may questions her existence and I wouldn't want that.

So, Mona, here you are :)

She was born on June 27, 2014. I was induced because of high blood pressure. Everything went fairly smoothly except a slight passing out session when my blood pressure dropped after the epidural. Nothing some meds and rest for a few hours couldn't cure.  Mark was a great support and we will thrilled to meet our little bundle of joy.

A few first glimpses....

Hopefully there will be more to come!