More of Crystal's Graduation Evening

Crystal and Beth and Emily Albertson, two of her good friends. Beth has been at GBS this last semester, and Emily is home schooled.

 Out in front of the Cowboy Church of Peyton.

We loved the silouette of the kneeling cowboy and horse nearby.

 May our daughter always live in the shadow of the cross.

"Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand."

Crystal has already chosen the way of the cross as her way of life, and we as parents are well aware that it will cost her and us both.

But is any cost too great to obtain everlasting life?

 The wind kept flipping her tassle! I thought it interesting how the church porch roof almost perfectly matched the outline of her mortarboard!

May the heart of our family always be to stay surrendered at the foot of the cross. 

Hats off.

Knees bent.

Head bowed. 

Our horse, our personal agenda 

completely surrendered to the control of Him who controls all. 

 I know these photos aren't usual graduation photos, but celebrations and ceremonies like this are not about bringing glory to man or applause to ourselves--but bringing glory to Him Whom we serve--

a time when we remind ourselves, each other, those around us, and God

that He is the focal point of our life. 

May the cross never be covered up and secularized in our lives as it is now in so many schools, homes, and even churches.

Above--Crystal with her diploma by the saddle. We loved the wagon wheel chandeliers. I couldn't get a caption above this photo, don't know why.

 Crystal and her teacher of 12 years with the roses--one for each grade!

And below is Iva's family. Iva played the keyboard accompaniment on several of our songs for us. I was so proud of them.

 We didn't get out in time to see it, but the children told us there was a beautiful rainbow outside just after the graduation. You can barely see it in the very center of the sky. That was very special to us. 

We had just sung, "Follow every rainbow till you find your dream!"

 And then "Christ will be your rainbow! He'll fulfill your dream!"

So needless to say, that was very special that God sent a rainbow for that!

Our friend Katherine Gafford said later that she and her father were traveling home after the graduation, enjoying the beautiful rainbow and the distant mountains. She said it was a blessing just traveling home that evening!We are always so thankful when God adds His blessing to our feeble efforts and makes it a blessing to others who love Him.