Count Your Blessings

Good byes are never easy...I held Daniel tonight and during that last moment...I got a glimpse of what it must feel like for my dad everytime he sees a picture of my kids or leaves my kids after a visit. It really was a heart wrenching feeling. My kids are older now and grow stronger attachements to Dad and Monika...it gets harder and harder for them to say goodbye. As their mom it hurts because I know they long for that relationship they have with their Gee Gee and Nana. Noah, a 5 year old little boy cried because he knew Opa had to leave. The next time I see Daniel, he will be walking and talking. lol however I still won't understand him lol cause it will be in German lol! We just have no idea what we take for granted everyday. We have annoying parents that say hurtful things or do hurtful things...siblings that ride under your every nerve. Go a couple years without getting to see them, or spend birthdays, Christmas', Easter's, thru a phone call or miss out on those special "first" moments. You never know what you are missing out on until you have no choice and have to miss out on it....and can I let you know....It hurts my heart in everyway you can possibly think of. My dad just can't come to one of the kids school programs, or t ball games. He can't be there for birthday parties, and christmas' or have those weekends of just him and the grand kids....He misses out on so much and has to live these moments thru a computer screen or picture. Embrace your family and love them thru their flaws and weak points. Count your blessings that you don't have to live your family moments thru emails, photos and web cam :o(

World's Of Fun

Well, as exhausted as I am...and the fact that it is going on midnight and I can't seem to shut my mind off, I figured I could write about our outing at World's Of Fun Friday...being that I was way too pooped to even write about it that night.



We had so much fun Friday. Roo spent the day with Gee Gee...while the rest of us went on a World's of Fun Adventure. Roo wouldn't have had any fun and is old enough to know she is bored....where as Daniel....he is still so small and slept most of the time. I just love that little boy. When you look in his eyes you can see he has such a sweet spirit. I am head over heels for this little guy! He was so good on this outing. You hardly ever heard a peep out of him!

Chloe and Noah were just amazed at all the roller coasters and BIG rides. They wanted to ride every one! However were too short for several rides. They did get to ride Spinning Dragons, Octopus, Horse carosel, Flying Dutchman, Bumper Cars, a few rides in Snoop Camp, Fury of The Nile, and Viking voyager (Their Favorite!) Noah BARELY made it to the Fury because he was too short...but the kid is smarter than most realize....he stood on his tippy toes when the guy went to check his height ;o) Oh yea! He got passed LOL! There was a group of jocks behind us and they all high fived him when the guy left ;o) It was so funny! However he didn't pass to ride the Patriot and that was OK with Mommy ;o)










Monika rode the Patriot before we left the park! She tried to get out of it but we made her! LOL! Too funny! She did good thou ;o) Noah and Chloe didn't want to leave but Mommy knew they were getting so tired! Chloe also had a ball game at 7 and we had to be there. I was so shocked at how well she played for being thru the ringer that day!



I really was so blessed to spend the day with my family. I snuggled with Daniel, laughed and played with my kids. Let Aaron torture me on the detonator....my most hated ride....Ugh scratch that....Flying Dutchman was the worst and nearly killed me....I can't do spinning rides. Ugh***



I am just filled with gratitude for my Lord Jesus to give me this time with my family. Thank you Lord ;o)


Daniel and I keeping Busy while others ride rides ;o)

Monday is almost here. I am going to miss them and need extra strength and prayers from my friends. I know God is in control of everything in my life...and I need to be grateful for what He has provided this past week....but I really wish my Dad and Monika and Daniel didn't live so far away. This really sucks. For a moment imagine not being able to just get in your car and drive to your parents house or snuggle with a sibling. Even a 9 hour drive is easier than a 12 hour flight or a family that lives 5,ooo miles away! It is EXTREMELY HARD. But God's grace in sufficient. God is still awesome. I will love Him and praise Him no matter what! And maybe photography business will pick up and I can fly out there this winter :o) Me and Roo :o)

Family Is A Blessing

Can't go a visit without going to Gramma Paula's boat! Noah wanted to skip his baseball game to fish with his Opa. Completely ok with his mommy because we only get 10 days to spend with them and we will take every day we get! Daniel really enjoyed
Later we went back to Grandpa Larry's and grilled some delicious steaks for supper! And took some more family photos!



I am trying so hard to keep my spirits up, but Monday is approaching fast! And I am going to miss them so much :o( My kids are really going to have a hard time with the departure as well.



Dad can always make me laugh!

My kids are in love with him!



I think Roo has stolen her Opa's heart ;o) I love watching Dad with my kids. It brings back some awesome memories. If he lived closer I know my kids would have a blast with him!

By His Stripes

By Your Stripes I am healed
By Your blood my salvation is sealed
Forgetting the things I left behind
I am no longer lost
I am no longer blind
You are my maker and my healer
My redeemer and my best friend
You alone can satisfy my thirsty soul to no end
You are the treasure of my heart
The next breath I need to live
Without You I am helpless
But Your strength You never cease to give
My despair and my weeping do not come in vain
I lay them down at the foot of the cross
Every thought and tear that cause me pain
When I suffer it takes me deeper
It makes me stronger in my faith
No matter what I face in life
With You I know that I am safe
Your presence overwhelms me
Your praise is like the sweetest of perfumes
The greatness of Your majesty
My little mind just can’t consume
Hallelujah Praise You Father
Holy One and Mighty King
To You alone I give all glory
Your name my heart forever sings

Lisa Gerken
2009

Is That You God?

Is that You God
Are you listening
Can You hear me beyond this craze
Is that really You God
Or is this just a phase
I try so hard to hear You
Then doubt comes in and takes away
When I tell You all my problems
But I don’t hear You answer when I pray
I’m listening for any answer
Something to guide me through
Confirmation through Your scriptures
What I am hearing is really You
My heart is heavy laden
Broken and contrite
It’s all too much to handle
I can’t take another night
Send Your Holy Spirit
It’s power do not delay
Guard against every anxious thought I think
And careless words I dare to say
Father teach me how to listen
Discern Your voice when You speak
Obedience is what You long for
And Your pleasure is what I seek

Lisa M Gerken
2/09

God Can You Help Me

Driving to church one morning
Still debating if she should go
Her life seemed somewhat hopeless
Her faith was running low
She knew the road that she had taken
It was not very good
Finding God was her only chance
To live the way she should
Ashamed of where she had come from
Would they even let her back in
Could she hide behind a smile
Or could they see what lied within


Walking through the santuary
After hearing what that preacher said
Tears welled up with in her
As she saw the alter up ahead
She ran with desperation
She began to make her way
Before her knees crashed to the floor
She began to pray

God can You help me
I’m beggin You please
My life is falling all apart
Where do I begin to start
I know its been awhile
Since I last prayed to You
God can you help me
I need you

I know I don’t deserve this
I chose the path I took
I left behind all you gave
Without turning back to look
I can’t keep going on like this
I need Your strength to get me through
No more doing things my way
I give this all to You

God can you help me
I’m beggin you please
My life is falling all apart
Where do I begin to start
I know its been awhile
Since I last prayed to You
God can you help me
I need you

LMG
3/09

Call Out My Name

I’ve watched you cry yourself to sleep
While laying in your bed

Afraid to call out to me

So you stay silent instead

I’m not like the ones who’ve hurt you

With the angry words they’ve said

Causing you to doubt yourself

And watching while you bled

Call out My Name

I will always answer

Call out My Name

I love to hear your voice

Call out My Name

When your spirit’s crushed and broken

When your battles overwhelm you

Let Me be the first you turn to

Call out My Name

While other’s walk out of your life

I am Faithful and True

When you feel you’re standing all alone

I am standing next to you

When life is raining bullets

And you have no where to hide

Call out my Name I’ll be your shield

Protection I provide

Call out My Name

I will always answer

Call out My Name

I love to hear your voice

Call out My Name

When your spirit’s crushed and broken

When your battles overwhelm you

Let Me be the first you turn to

Call out My Name

Jesus I am calling out your Name

JesusYou alone can heal my pain

JesusYou give me strength to face it all

JesusTo you alone Your name I call

Jesus

Lisa Gerken

2/09