Elizabeth Gamblin and Elijah come to visit.

In March we were so happy to have my niece Elizabeth come for a visit. (Scott was on a trip). She brought our great nephew for his first visit. We sooooo enjoyed the days we spent togetherWhat a sweet baby!!

Great Uncle and Eli.

Eagles

Recently I watched an eagle fly effortlessly through the sky. I was spellbound by the ease of his flight. How easily he dipped and then soared upward. How confident and fearless he seemed. How Strong and never weary. When I am in putting my hope the in Lord, I feel like an eagle. I feel that I can soar above the world of chaos and problems. I feel confident and unafraid. I feel free and light in spite of my cumbersome body. So often however I forget to wait upon the Lord, I fix my eyes on this troubled world and I feel bogged down, troubled, and fearful. Oh Lord, help me to wait on you and to soar on eagles wings. This is the desire of my heart.
Isaiah 40:31 "but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they wll walk and not be faint"

Anticipation!

Just a few weeks ago I was anticipating Christmas and the arrival home of all of our children. There was so much joy in the anticipation. I baked and cooked, filling our freezer. I fixed up a basket of necessary things for the bathroom. I turned the basement into a playroom. I decorated and moved furniture around. I thought about all the smiling faces and the discussions and the cute children. I bought and wrapped presents. Yes, I cleaned. Every day had purpose and it was a joy. It was also an encouragement. It gave a focus for my energy. It filled me with hope. Soon I would be surrounded by them all, the ones I love so deeply. And it was indeed a joyous time and all my preparations defiantly paid rich dividends.

As Christians we live in ANTICIPATION of Christ's return. There is joy in the anticipation. There is service in the anticipation. I am preparing to meet him. I am studying his word with renewed interest, I am praying and drawing near to Christ doing my best to know him better, I am ministering in his name doing my best to bring glory to his name. I am falling in love with him more and more each day. Every day has purpose and and joy. The fact of his return is an encouragement to me among the trials of this life. I have a focus for my energy and I have HOPE. Soon I will be surrounded with Christ followers from all the ages and from all the regions of the world. What a glorious day that will be. I also have a feeling that I will be thankfull for all my preparations.

Even so come Lord Jesus!

Happy New Year!!!!

With the start of 2012 I am going to try a little something new with my blog. I am going to try to include on it some reflective thoughts from time to time. Will see how it goes.

Christmas 2011 at the Ostercamps

Here they all are! The children that fill our lives and filled our home at Christmas time. These children and our eight adult children gathered for a fun filled few days. It was hard to chose pictures to share but I tried to pick a few to preserve memories for whoever may read this one day. Larry and I have been blessed beyond measure as this pictures will show. All the children doing a craft - they are making dough ornaments.

Katelynn, our little cook.

Two spidermen that showed up.

Christmas in the barn - enjoyed by all.

More random shot of Christmas fun.

Natalie and her new scooter.

Grandpa and his babies, Ellie and Samuel.

Uncle Matt is always a favorite.
Four of the six little kids.

Aunt Unity and Katelyn.

Opening Presents.

The tree. (photo by Unity) The two spidermen. (Unity)