Day 18- Long-term plans/dreams/goals I have

I am not that much of a goal person, as I have said before.

But, I do have dreams.

I dream of someday getting married and having a house full of little children that call me "Mama". I mean, what girl doesn't have that dream?

But, all that pales in comparison to the wonderful plan that God has for me!!!

Though sometimes that plan is hard and painful, these verses remind me that God is in control, and he has a much better plan than I could ever cook up! :D

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
~Proverbs 3:5-6

A man's heart deviseth his way:

but the LORD directeth his steps.

~Proverbs 16:9

The lot is cast into the lap;

but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

~Proverbs 16:33

Day 17- Someone I would want to switch lives with for one day and why

When I first saw this, several names popped into my head...Darlene Deibler, Elizabeth Eliot, Esther, Ruth, Joshua, Samuel, Zacchaeus...but really, when it comes down to it, I am pretty happy being Esther Grace Hale, living with my wonderful family, sitting here blogging with an adorable little kitty trying to pounce my fingers while I'm typing, and finding out God's perfect plan for me! :)

For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy father's day to the best Daddy out there!

Daddy is just plain amazing!!! He isn't just an outstanding father to us kiddos, but he is also a small business owner, elder, grassroots leader, discipler, and he's a pretty good cook! ;)

Daddy and I went to the Rep. State Convention last summer, and had a great daddy/daughter time!!! (He even let me drive all the way to the Dallas Convention Center: true love!!! ;)

Me with four very special, Godly guys!!!!!

l-r: St. Representative Dan Flynn, me, Judge Don Willett(Tx Supreme Court), Daddy and David

Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whenever we hear that glorious Word!

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were sill in heart and conscience free:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they like them could die for Thee!

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Love you, Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3

Day 16- Another picture of myself

This was taken I think in about '06

Riding in Mr. Murphy's airplane....really fun!!!!

and I have to post this one....just because it a cool shot! :)

I took it the same day...I think Daniel flying when I took it.

McNeill Invasion! ;)

Last week, we had the McNeills and Groats over for dinner and bible study!

I was watching them while Sarah and Caylie were cooking dinner and all the little ones wanted me to take pictures of them on the stairs. :)

Madelyn 'Bitsie' and Sammy

Grace

Bitsie and Grace

Ashleigh

Ash and Hannah

Bitsie, Hannah, Ashleigh and Grace

Brianna

Brianna and Hannah

Andrew playing ball with the little ones :)

Sammy being silly

Bitsie was my little 'shadow' all night! :)

Grace

'Bitsie bear' :D

Playing cards afterwards:

Katy, Hannah, Sammy, Grace, Brianna, Sarah holding Ayden, and Autumn

Katy, Bitsie, Sammy and Grace

Peter, Landon and Amy playing Uno

Bitsie being goofy

The dads talking

Mr. Groats, Mr. McNeill and Daddy

Day 15- Put my iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

Here goes.....

1. Beautiful Savior, Andy Griffith
2. Here Stands a Man, Tale of Two Cities soundtrack
3. Joyful, Joyful we Adore Thee, Hymnworks II
4. Holiness and Purity, The Majesty and Glory
5. Over the Rainbow, Celtic Woman
6. Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, Mary Poppins soundtrack
7. A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Steeple on the Common
8. Our God is Greater, Chris Tomlin
9. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Celtic Woman
10. Build An Ark, Gaither trio

Day 14- A picture of me and my family

I think this was taken summer '06.

Us Hales with Governor Perry and our wonderful State Rep., Dan Flynn