June 2009

It has been QUITE a month for us! We went to Morocco where we gathered with friends from all over to encourage them in what they are doing in the nations. We spent the rest of the time in Florida where Jeff took a sabbatical. While we were there I had a few friends come to visit.


Bray and Jude playing!


Kendra and I did a little bit of nothing every day! Great times!


Jude is ready for a walk!


Uncle Craig just happened to be in Orlando on business!


Our smiley boy



Happy Bianchi family! We hit the beach for a week.


Meeting Great-Pappy and Ellen




We connected with Mike and Elspeth Ingram and their three delightful children.


baby switch

May 2009

Morocco trip



Trying to make jude laugh ... Tangier, Morocco



Night in Madrid




Play date with Annie Kate



Jude's Dedication at church



Seth and Jude!

April 2009

March 2009

February 2009

a picture says a thousand words

jude knight is two and a half weeks old. he is already growing and changing so much. we are continually praising God for this healthy baby boy.

our little Jude

We are so thrilled. On January 13th, 2009, at 6:12 p.m. our little Jude came into this world. What a beautiful boy. It is hard to express the joy in our hearts as we look at him.

Welcome to the planet, Jude Knight Bianchi. We love you forever!

a day in the life of a third grader

three little girls who have brought me SO much joy this year ... this is their latest play-date activity! :) Enjoy!

at sunset

the brownstones of Beacon Hill peaking up over the Common
the brick beneath our feet
the bustle of people walking home from work
we weave our way through the narrow city streets
boston harbor meets us at the city's edge
the sun beginning to set
crossing the Longfellow bridge, the sailboats skim the water in the distance
the colors of night beautify the sky
a sunset run with good friends
a beautiful run

Our Niece, Maya

Maya is five years old. Maya loves her gerbils Hansi and Fransi. Last year, Fransi died a tragic death. Here she is singing about Hansi! Notice Hansi in Maya's grasp ... click on Maya The Songwriter

Birthday Celebrations and Manhattan

Rachel and Jerod came to Boston to celebrate Rach and my birthdays! We had a terrific time! Playing around in New York City was definitely the highlight.



They left the boys at home.


Bread and Cheese at Le Pain Quotidien on the Upper West Side!


FAO Swartz and the famous keyboard!


Rockefellar Center Rink!


This was a once in a life time shot! :)

World Mandate Boston

"He is NO FOOL who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot loose" Jim Elliot

We had our fourth annual World Mandate East Coast this weekend. It was a weekend full of exhortations ... Go deeper in God, Risk again, Love more sacrifically, Abandon the heart to Jesus.

We are encouraged to the core.

The icing on the cake was having JMG and Maria with us once again. Our free time went a little like this ...



Mia Praise enjoys doing a little work on her laptop while we eat dinner!


Lexia (who Mia calls la-la) was here too!


Legal Seafood on the Boston Harbor is always on the agenda when the Gulleys are here!


Gulley, Goode, Bianchi fun


It's HARD to keep a 1 year old in her seat!


We braved the cold and walked over to the North End for some Italian treats.


It was a team effort to get Mia bundled up.



And a team effort to carry her.



Boston Harbor - Wind blown!!!



Jeff carries Mia!



Ron carries Mia!



At Mike's in the North End!



Hi Mia!



Mia Praise loves her Mom!

Home with Jesus

This is my very first blog entry...

Our little baby went home to be with Jesus yesterday. Thank you all for your love and support at this time. The scripture that comes is, "Those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed." This does not mean that we will not experience disappointments in life but that God can be trusted and we will never regret or ultimately feel ripped off as we trust in Him.

Our Lord Jesus endured the cross, he knows so well what suffering feels like. He is so good to us and we have much to be thankful for. We look forward to seeing our little one when we pass through the gates to heaven. May Jesus be more powerfully seen through our lives as a result of this time. He is worth it!

Jeff

Preggo Craving, A weekend in Texas, A full heart

So much to say, so little time. Who has time to blog anyway? Right KK?:)

So, Jeff asked me the other day, "Sar, since when do you like MAYO?" "Since I'm preggo, Jeff!" We (baby bianch and I) have to have it on my sandwiches now! If this is the only symptom I'm going to have for now, I'm thankful! Jesus, I give you THANKS! You are so good!

Our weekend in Texas was full of the goodness of God, precious friends, great teachings, awesome worship, and both of our hearts surrendering to God yet again.
We are resolved to another level to RISK our hearts, to live simply, and to trust Jesus more.



Kellie and Olive, ME, Lauren and Ava


Sweet Olive

Happy New Year News!

(to the theme of the Brady Bunch)

Here's the story, of a man named Jeffrey
Who was living the fast-paced Boston life
It was him, his Bible, his coffee ...
and his brown eyed WIFE.

Here's the story, of a wife named Sarah,
who was visiting sweet Anne in Africa
While she was there, she got sick to her tummy
it lasted over a month

'till the one day when she started craving mayonnaise
and they suspected it was much more than the flu
they realized they were going to have a baby
the only question, do we shop for pink or blue


Bianchi bunch (la,la,la)
Bianchi bunch (la,la,la)
That's the waaaayyyy they became the Bianchi bunch!

(a shout out to D.Ortega for a great idea - loved your Christmas letter!)



Happy Jeff!


Home for Christmas.


This Christmas at a wedding!


Dad sweeping off his airplane.


Crenshaws in Boston


the guys went skiing


both third grade classes at the Christmas concert

three.

Three videos that make me happy. See Bianchi pics - December visit to Morocco! missin' the Mage fam.

... and beyond

all things fade... but our life in God. Oh keep us living for the eternal! Out of His mercy, He reminds me that the temporary only satisfies momentarily. for Anne ... you are a jewel in the hand of the King! I breathe in the fresh, snowy Boston air... and though it's good to be home, there is nothing like being with an old friend. Great joy is mine today as I return home from North Africa where I spent time with Anne and the boys. some of the greatest moments in life happen in an ordinary day.


driving home from Drew's school


sweet Ben!


out for a walk before sunset


Drew the artist!

a day in the life...

This is a bridge I cross on my running path home each day. The leaves have turned and the holidays are upon us. It's a great time of year. The children at school are excited about their Thanksgiving Presentation and Feast next week. It's so fun to watch these little ones experience so much joy in the small things. I am amazed at how the tiniest things excite them. They have been instrumental in renewing the child in me these days. Jeff and I are enjoying a relaxing Saturday at home. We have had quite an eventful Fall, it's nice to just BE on a Saturday. Wednesday we brave the roads and the New York traffic as we travel to PA for the holiday ... and then, Friday ... we brave the friendly skies to be with our beloved Kinley-Paynes!

how 'bout them Red Sox...

Bostonians are all about the Red Sox. And I can see why! :) I guess human nature is to be "all about" something! I wonder if it is a foreshadowing of what is to come! One day, this great amount of energy, love, and devotion will be poured out for Jesus in our city! :)

their annual Fall visit...

Top 5 favorites when Ken and Jill come to town.

5. Watching the Red Sox play at the Copley Marriot downtown.
4. Our picnic! :)
3. Ken and Jeff watching college football
2. Great dinner conversation
1. Time with Jilly strolling through town with no agenda!






Out to eat - our favorite: Giacomo's


Jill and I in front of my school

Red Sox Nation

Not kidding, this is what Fenway Park has looked like since the last day of the playoffs. Today is Game One of the World Series! These people are wild for the Sox. When we drove by Fenway to see the craziness, Jeff pulled our car over, rolled down the window and asked a fan if he would mind if we cut in line. You should have seen his face! :) It was so funny!

Pumpkins Galore!

There is an adorable little town right outside of Boston, called Concord. If you know your American history, "Lexington and Concord". That's it!
Each year of our marriage we have gone to this farm to get our pumpkins. The truth is, we go more for the fresh hand dipped caramel apples, and less for the pumpkins.


Here is Shelley, missing Adam on a fun afternoon. :(


Go guys!

latest happenings

Jeff with baby James Michael this weekend at the Larkin/Pierce wedding!


One of my sweet students, Eliza!


Ron and Lori Goode moved to Boston. Dinner in the North End with ALL the Goodes.


Joy's Baby Shower...Baby Phillips comes at the end of November! :)

My 9 Little Cuties

the simple joys

My heart wells up with Hallelujah! A cool breeze is blowing outside and we can feel the fall approaching. It is Sunny with a high of 65 today in Boston. I can see you smiling, girls...as you know that I often relay the weather report on your voicemail.
As the cool fall air flows through New England this weekend, so does a breeze of Fresh Faith in my heart. I woke up this morning talking to Jeff about the Joy that abounds in my heart today... JOY for life and JOY in Jesus.
A few things that stir my heart.
1. Our CFCF training school students. (That this year would be a year of life-giving change for each one.)
2. my 3rd graders
3. The beauty of Autumn in New England
4. Long runs on the Charles River with the fallen leaves, crackling under my feet.
5. Crisp evening walks with my love, Jeff.
6. New life...baby Ava Elizabeth born on September 10th.
7. Drawing closer to God through reading His Word.
8. Apple picking in a month or so.
9. Driving out to Arena Farm to pick our Fall pumpkin and tasting the yummy fresh dipped caramel apples.
10. Our yearly visit from Ken and Jill!

God, you are so good to give us simple joys in life! What must HEAVEN be like?

the boys

recent pictures of my sweet nephews, caden.brayden.and aiden.

a really good time.

Here's a view into our little vacation in Breckenridge...
We've been exploring, hiking, window shopping, drinking coffee and taking in the GREAT BEAUTY OF GOD!

mountain air

Jeff and I are in Breckenridge, Colorado on an extended DATE! The mountain air has been so refreshing! We are having a GREAT time!

It's early in the a.m. and, for some reason, I can't sleep. One of our latest converstations resides in my spirit. Though my body isn't resting, my mind and heart rests here at the thought of home...Heaven home.

Psalm 73
"Truly GOD is good to Israel, even to those who are upright and pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped.

For I was envious of the foolish and arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked...but when I considered how to understand this, UNTIL I went into the sanctuary of my God; it was too great an effort for me and too painful, and it was then that I understood their final destiny.

...foolish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and the firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.

does anyone want to PLAY?

We played games with our buddies last night, but when I first walked into my living room, this was the scene! :) Does this ever happen in YOUR house?

wedding bells ring in the Boston Common

today our friends, Jerald and Abbey were married in Common

the bride...

the groom

the happy couple...plus Sean

the kiss

friends like family

The Lord has generously given us marvelous friends in Boston to walk alongside of us. Some of our dearest are leaving us to help with our Antioch Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Greg and Alli have been at our home for the past week. We will be sending them off on Monday. Friday night we all went out to celebrate their birthdays.

Jeff and Mike

Seth and Emily, Sarah and Jeff

yet another beautiful summer evening, dining on the patio

Greg and Alli are such precious hearted ones. We will miss them terribly.

life to the full

As I am challenged to prepare my heart for the day I meet Jesus face to face, I am continually reminded of the longing in the heart of God to have a pure Bride for His Son. The reality of this is all wrapped up in God and God Alone. There is a grace which supercedes my comprehension, my greatest attempts, and the strength of my own will. He gives what we need to live pure and holy lives. Christ in me, the Hope of Glory. Oh that I would live in that place of grace and radical obedience moment by moment, day after day. To live from the heart in the reality that He has torn the veil and made the way. This is life to the full.

Many nights lately, I have found myself praying, "When I wake O Lord, oh that my heart would immediately begin to think upon Your character and Your greatness." I have found Him to be faithful in these prayers. He has been so good. These summer mornings with Him restore my soul as I yield my life to Jesus...and throw all that I am at the cross of Christ.

His treasured words are ever true, "Draw near to God...and He will draw near to you."

Boston Harbor Islands

flying into Boston.

family time

My mom was here for a week or so. We went down to Pennsylvania to see our family. The reunion was so much fun. Though I look like a deer caught in the headlights, I thought this was a great picture of my cute cousin, Taylor. My Italian grandmother made my favorite soup, we ate delicious Sicilian pizza, and topped off the weekend with home made cannolis! Not even the Italian district of Boston beats my grandmother's cooking! :) Danica, I was only in town for the day. I would have loved to see you and the girls. :(

more pics from the week with Rachel

Rachel and Jeff at Pizzaria Regina in the Italian district



We packed a great lunch and ate at the Harbor



night out in the North End



a little seaside town called Manchester by the Sea



we hit the beach one day



a great beach town ice cream store

rachel and jackson are here for a few days. jackson is seven weeks old and such a cutie



it was such a gorgeous summer night, so we ate dinner on the patio




picnic in the boston public gardens



dinner at a great ethiopian restaurant




cheese!

nantucket getaway

as Jeff is in Alaska with the guys, i ventured to Nantucket Island to visit friends. ran the beach early this morning. ah, the Beauty of Creation ... He is ever near.




kayaking in the Atlantic




meet chloe the dog.



see the mama and her baby chicks!




Nantucket Sunset





dinner with our sweet friends

Fourth of July

Fourth of July in Boston is so much fun. Fireworks over the Charles River, the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra performing at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, people picnicing all along the river, and lots of festive activities all throughout the day. Here is Jeff cuddling with Elijah before we go out with his parents! We wanted him to come, but it was past his bedtime...Elijah's bedtime that is!

The girls get the back seat!

Elijah was sound asleep by the time we returned. A good

time had by all!

His Generosity

One aspect of the character of God is all consuming in these days. I almost feel blinded by it.

Generous in Love, in Mercy, in Grace. He is a Generous Father. I had the opportunity and felt the desire to share with someone about that Love and Generosity the other day. When I evaluated the enviroment around me, I decided not to risk. I walked away thinking, "What did you have to loose?" The reality is that I have nothing left to loose. I should have lost it already if I have TRULY been crucified with Christ. Would I never see this girl again? Lord, if I missed it...please provide.

He is Generous. I woke the next day and went to catch the bus to go downtown. There was only one seat left on the bus that morning. After getting settled, I looked to the person next to me. She was there. I began to ask about her life, listened to her story, and eventually shared with her about the One who loves her. She was ready to hear.

I am overwhelmed with His Great Love and Generosity. Generous to me. Generous to Her. His LOVE is perfect. It is from everlasting to everlasting.

The joy in sharing His Love with others is unexplainable. There is a fresh reality in my spirit that nothing in this life is better than Knowing Him and Making Him Known.

goodbye

last day of school today!
farewell dear ones.



and Summer begins...

...jeff and the girls

What happened to your baby, Sofia?




























singing.

laughing out loud.
eating great food.
time with family.

Surprise for Maya!

It is our niece, Maya's, 5th birthday today. We drove down to Pennsylvania to surprise her!

Journaling in the Gardens

I led my Third Graders across the street yesterday to the Boston Public Gardens to take some time writing in our journals. On the way, we came across a sculpture...one that I had never taken the time to stop and look at. It was an angel. The enscription on the stone it stood upon was this, Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again."

We hit the beach on Memorial Day this week. Jeff has his buddy Craig here from Texas! It was such a GREAT weekend!

...amazing grace

...but for the grace of God. He is so merciful to lead us on paths of Righteousness...for His name's sake.

C.S. Lewis' words touch my heart today. "...the very moment you wake up each morning all your wishes and hopes rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them back; in listening to that other voice, taking the other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind."

How I long for the peace and the rest of God amidst my busy day. We CAN live there. We absolutely can. But we must resist the world, the flesh, and the enemy...and let God come near.

...my cup overflows

he is a David...a man after God's own heart
he is an Elijah...one whose vision is beyond the physical realm
he is a Paul...a man resolved to play his part in seeing the Kingdom of Heaven come on Earth
and he is a Joseph...dreaming the great dreams of God, waiting patiently for them to come about


Deep love and respect continue to grow in me as I live this life with my husband, Jeff. Yesterday we celebrated his fourtieth year.

...my cup overflows






this is the view from our friend's place in Mexico. dan and belinda have so graciously let us retreat there the past couple of years. what a haven it has been for us!

We are missing our friends, Rachel and Jerod. Rachel is graduating this week after being in school for nearly twelve years (with a few breaks in between). On top of that, she is days from being due with her second baby! These are the days when we feel the cost of living so far from friends and family.

Our dear friends, Crystal and Daniel, were married last weekend. They met at the AMI overseas conference last summer. Crystal was working in Iraq and Daniel, in Tunisia. What a perfect match they are! Lord, you are SO GOOD!!!

missing them...

Two of the most wonderful people I know. Mom and Dad...I miss you. Wish I could be there with all the NEW things happening. I know that the Lord is keeping our hearts close as we are many miles away. I love you both.

Springtime...

We are beholding the beauty of creation as the trees and flowers are about to be in full bloom. We love the Springtime in Boston. On the first warm day, about a week ago, I went across the street to the Public Gardens during my lunch break. You would have thought it was Saturday. There were people everywhere! And a smile on every face! It reminds me of the significance of the seasons of life our loving Father takes us through. After the winter season, there is always NEW LIFE!!!