Awesome weekend among friends!

There's a Gaither song that really sums up how I feel today ... "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I'm part of the family, the Family of God."

This weekend, I had the extreme honor to meet Heather Smith and her family. She is such a grounded, creative, talented, and spiritually mature young lady. In fact, her entire family is! They are so warm and friendly, and I felt like I was a part of their family... in fact, I am a part of their family, because we are a family of God! It's funny, but I felt like I have known her (really, them) for an eternity!

Let me tell you a little bit about the Smith family: Heather, her sister and brother-in-law and kids stayed with us this weekend. The children were such a delight. Heather's little nephew has got the most tremendous, huge blue eyes... you could just melt in them. He is simply edible, if you know what I mean! Poor baby didn't feel well this weekend, because he had a sinus infection, but he and Hunter became buds! And Heather's niece is such a beautiful and smart little girl for 2-1/2 years old! She has got beautiful lightly-curly hair and a tremendous personality! She kept calling Hunter "Baby" with the most adorable southern accent! I thought that was really special, because that's how she lovingly referred to her baby doll, too ... "Baaay-by" (that spelling is for the southern effect!). Both children are simply adorable, and I'm pretty sure that they felt at home. Speaking of which, there is no better compliment to a homeowner than when their guests make themselves at home, and I was so pleased that they felt comfortable enough to kick their feet up, relax, and have a cold glass of SWEET tea (of course!) or Pepsi! It did my heart good!

Heather's sister is so sweet, and I felt like we hit it off from the very start. Having sons pretty much the same age was an added bonus for me, because I got to ask her a few questions about feedings, sleeping, teething, etc. It was so much fun having them in my home. Her husband is such a nice guy to, and very hands-on with the kids ... but don't let him know I said he's "nice" 'cause he has a police officer reputation to maintain... so, we'll just keep that between us, 'kay? Did I mention he's a lover of ice cream? Yeah. He won my husband, a fellow ice cream addict, over with that factoid!

Heather's parents were so down to earth and kind. I really enjoyed sitting back and watching the "kids" interact with the parents. They really have so much love and respect for their parents... And Heather's brother ... well, he has so much energy that it made my head spin!! I was most impressed when he told me he was going to get his doctorate and become a preacher. Not just a bachelor's degree, not a master's degree, but a doctorate. He seems to be a very determined young man! They also had a friend traveling with them that sings in their group, and she was so sweet. The kids simply adore her, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought she was a part of the family! And if I'm not mistaken, I think they all lovingly claim her as an "adopted daughter," so ... yup ... that makes her one of them!

Oh, I know ... you're all dying to know about Heather. I saved her for last. She is a remarkable young lady. I just kept watching her, thinking ... this woman is going to do great things in ministry. She's just getting started, but watch out world ... Heather's going to impact lives!! She will make quite a catch to the young man that wins her heart! She is so sincere, sweet, and funny, too! Just like her blog. I felt so proud to be able to tell people at my church that she is my friend!

The family sang so beautifully. I was so touched by many of the songs they sang, and quite impressed with the songs Heather wrote! Beautiful.

If your church is ever looking for a Gospel group to come perform, Heather's family is PERFECT. Yes, they were very professional, but the thing that stood out to me was that they are not about the performance. They are not about selling CDs and tapes. Rather, they are about sharing the message of salvation and encouragement.

I would love to stay and talk more about my new friends, but I just got a call from day-care telling me that Hunter has a temperature of 102 and a green snotty nose... I think he might have shared his new friend's sinus infection when they swapped pacifiers! How adorable is that! Well, okay -- not so adorable that he's sick, but cute that he has a new buddy, huh?