We've moved!

We are now located at

Stambering
:)

So much to do, so much to be done...and every day is a beautiful new adventure, holding new lessons and blessings beyond compare.:)

Stephen and I are in Georgia for the weekend. We found cheap tickets to Atlanta and so here we are! So much is different, yet so much is the same. In some ways it's almost like coming home, and then the truth hits with startling clarity. It is home...and so is Dallas, and so is Houston, and Livingston, and Arkansas, and Virginia...where loved ones and brethren reside and where the Lord is present, this is "home." God's blessings are so abundant and seen so richly in the relationships we hold dear.

Also...tomorrow is Marmee's birthday! Happy Birthday!!!
My relationship with my mother is one I cherish. Having her as an example, a teacher, a mentor, an older woman...such a gift! It's her birthday, but she has given and continues to give the gift. Thank you Marmee.

In other news...we are now assembling with the Melrose congregation in Richardson and are enjoying building relationships there. They are brethren who provide encouragement, who we are challenged by, and who so openly wlecome us and show us their love.:) We are blessed.

Life is full with studies during the week, studies during the evenings, fellowship on every hand.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. To those back in Texas, we'll miss you this weekend, but you all are in our thoughts and prayers.:)

Amber Raif

Yes, I do suppose that it's time for another post.:)

Life is full and wonderful. We're settling into the house in Richardson, TX and it really feels like home now.

We've recently been spending a lot of time with different brethren in the area; there are so many people to meet! I have trouble keeping track of familiar faces and when it comes to names...it's a disaster! Working on it, perhaps it just takes time.

We've been invited to peoples homes for meals, to studies, people have blessed us by coming to our home to spend time with us...blessings and fellowship abound, there is so much love our brethren are freely bestowing on us. God is so good!

So, life continues and is beautiful. Many people smile and we still get teased over our "newly-wed" status and our affectionate natures. It couldn't be better.:)

Stephen is my leader and I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams. To follow him? Why was I given such a gift?!

Grace and peace to all of you.:)

* * * * *

P.S. Thank you all so much for the congratulations and the happy birthday wishes!

edit: And to all who would be interested to know...Sasha is doing very well in her new Dallas life style.:) She's a German Shepherd mix, we were told her other half is golden retriever. But we're not sure on that, looks more like doberman to me.:)

She loves Stephen, we haven't had any trouble with her affections including him. Her Dallas days consist of a couple of neighborhood walks, frisbee in the park when it's not raining, meeting lots of other dogs and children, and just keeping me company during the day while Stephen's at work. Dogs are wonderful:)

She's getting old, seven already! It doesn't seem that long ago that she was just my three month old puppy...but she still acts like one so we can't complain!

Well, this blog has, as promised, been silent for a time. But now there are happenings worthy of an update.

My relationship with Stephen has grown much; God is watching and His blessings are richly seen! Two weeks ago we spent a few days in Colorado with his family, helping them move to Livingston, TX. I enjoyed it greatly -- being with Stephen and learning more about him was such a gift. Is is all the more clear what a servant of God I have been blessed by. Being with his family and becoming close to them was also so very special. The whole time was good, and the last day in Livingston ended in a very special way...


Stephen asked me to marry him. I said yes. :) :) :)


I am blessed beyond measure! Stephen is such a man of God, a follower of His, a leader that guides and protects and loves with such gentleness and strength and sincerity. A faithful follower of the King.

His treatment of others humbles me and pushes me on to show more patience, more love. His example is convicting, his faith is encouraging, his strength is powerful, his love of God is apparent in his steps. God is so good, and Stephen shows me this!

May God be praised. His thoughts are far above our thoughts. His ways past finding out!








Our wedding is planned for October 30th....of 2007. 3 days and counting.:)

May God be with you all!

Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4


I know this blog has been silent for a time, and I do not doubt that after this post it will again become silent for a time. There is much in life right now outside of Pleonast that is arresting my time.:) However it has been agreed that there is great importance in sharing the blessings of the past few weeks with those who we love who would like to be aware, thus this “catch-up” post that is put up simultaneously with one that holds much of the same news.

Life has been busy in Jasper, GA with occasional trips to and from Louisiana, Texas, and a few other states. Day to day is busy with good things, being with brethren, preparing for trips, life is pretty organized in the big picture. However into this big picture has entered something else. Something unexpected and wonderful as only God can make it.

Stephen Raif came to spend a few days with my family in Louisiana and while he was there expressed to my father an interest to court me. After a time of prayer and thought and seeking God's guidance we began a courtship. With commitment from the beginning we have entered into this relationship and with much prayer and counsel we seek the goal of a God glorifying marriage.


This is such a time for rejoicing, for pondering, and for being sober even in the midst of great joy and happiness. Neither Stephen nor I take this lightly, but enter into this new walk of life seeking God and looking to glorify Him. If you would be willing to pray for us, thank you. That means so very much at this beautiful phase of life.

I have been blessed beyond what I knew to be possible. God has given me a such a gift!

And to put it very simply...I am one very happy person!:)