Tuesday, November 22, 2016
A New Chapter
Today marks a first for me as I'm anxiously awaiting my child returning home for the holidays. Even now she is wrapping up classes and packing the car to travel for Thanksgiving. It is such a surreal experience to think of her visiting just like grandparents, aunts and uncles have done over the years. After so many tears, a roller coaster of emotions from senior year and the gut wrenching sadness (practically removing a limb from my body as we dropped her off at college), we're adjusting to a season with our daughter becoming an adult with many new experiences for her and the rest of us. There are perks as we find ourselves fitting into 4 tops at restaurants once again after almost 15 years at the big table. Communication efforts have increased in delightful ways with phone calls, Facetime, Snap Chat and so on, considering we don't have the normal daily routine of her coming and going in our household with quick hellos and goodbyes. Our entire house has a different feel without her calming, measured and strong personality. It doesn't seem normal, just yet. Family dynamics are changing and often unsettled. You might say, I've been off my A-game this fall, to say the least. I know we will find a new normal and then another one and then another one as the girls gradually move on to college in the next 3 + years, but for now, it feels like we're at the beginning of something big and something very good. For 19 years, we planted seeds, we guided, we listened, we lectured, we yelled, we encouraged, we comforted, we fought, we counseled, we asked for forgiveness and we prayed. There's something truly spectacular about seeing your child step out on her own and watching as she owns her faith and as she makes decisions that reflect years of upbringing, yet also seeing her independence and the opportunity for her to begin a life on her own, doing things her way, with the Lord's goodness guiding and sustaining her in the midst of various trials. As I eagerly await the arrival of sweet Katie Belle and also her grandmother traveling ahead of her on the same Oklahoma highway, I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving for the Lord's goodness to our family at the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. His steadfast love never ends. I'm in awe of His faithfulness as I begin to see my own child in a new light and watch her shine brightly in this world. She was never mine to keep. This becomes increasingly real as her time with us will be in spurts (visits) from this time forward. For now, we will shower her with the goodness that comes with a first time being home for the holidays. I hope your family also enjoys the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends at Thanksgiving. I imagine many of you, like us, ache and long for those who have gone home to be with the Lord as you celebrate. May the comfort and peace of Christ overwhelm your hearts during the holiday season.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Peaks and Valleys
Summer 2016 comes to a close with new beginnings and possibilities like every year, but this year includes unfamiliar sadness. The final weekend of summer hits immediately after leaving our daughter on a college campus and driving home without her. We just left her there! In addition to a heavy weight of sadness, there's a sense of rejoicing--- "We did it!" We raised that loving, beautiful young lady now exploring possibilities and dreams on her own. It feels something like a mountain top high, but it comes after the intensity and exhaustion of the final steps climbing the peak, where your heart hurts from the altitude and your legs give out from the steep incline.
Every year we spend the dog days of summer in our beloved Crested Butte. One of our annual traditions is to climb the peak of the Butte. However, due to a tragic death on the mountain, the Oliphints decided not to climb this year. For some odd reason, I have a huge desire to complete this annual event, so I tagged along with my brother's family. Being crazy scared of heights and with such great exposure on the peak, I've come to believe if I can tackle that mountain each year, I can handle anything the Lord brings into my life during the following months. While hiking at a fast pace, completely out of breath and above tree line, we were told to turn back due to storms in the area. I was not able to reach the peak this year. It hit me on this brief hike and others of incline in the area that a "mountain top high" only comes after the effort and pain of the journey. I've always thought of the high being one of peace and joy. However, it is in the valley where there is rest. You can hike at leisure with no need for exertion. Summer felt like a hike through a quiet valley. I am renewed and ready to start the climb of another school year.
Being in the mid-to-late : ( forties, I've noticed a growing difficulty with breathing while on the mountain. During one of many needed stops, in the heat of the day, I stepped into the cleft of a rock needing shade. This was a visual reminder to me of the protection that comes from the Lord as the good shepherd of our souls. While I am heartbroken by the absence of our daughter at home, I know she is where the Lord will do great things in her life. She will experience the intensity of reaching peaks on her own and the rest that comes from hiding herself in the Lord's goodness, whether in the midst of the climb or in the valley. To stick with the hiking analogy, we filled her backpack with all the necessary supplies and we even drove her to the trailhead. Now, she walks with the Lord. All praise and thanksgiving to God for allowing us the incredible joy and privilege of raising Katie Belle Oliphint, because we know she will be used for good and for His glory!
Every year we spend the dog days of summer in our beloved Crested Butte. One of our annual traditions is to climb the peak of the Butte. However, due to a tragic death on the mountain, the Oliphints decided not to climb this year. For some odd reason, I have a huge desire to complete this annual event, so I tagged along with my brother's family. Being crazy scared of heights and with such great exposure on the peak, I've come to believe if I can tackle that mountain each year, I can handle anything the Lord brings into my life during the following months. While hiking at a fast pace, completely out of breath and above tree line, we were told to turn back due to storms in the area. I was not able to reach the peak this year. It hit me on this brief hike and others of incline in the area that a "mountain top high" only comes after the effort and pain of the journey. I've always thought of the high being one of peace and joy. However, it is in the valley where there is rest. You can hike at leisure with no need for exertion. Summer felt like a hike through a quiet valley. I am renewed and ready to start the climb of another school year.
Being in the mid-to-late : ( forties, I've noticed a growing difficulty with breathing while on the mountain. During one of many needed stops, in the heat of the day, I stepped into the cleft of a rock needing shade. This was a visual reminder to me of the protection that comes from the Lord as the good shepherd of our souls. While I am heartbroken by the absence of our daughter at home, I know she is where the Lord will do great things in her life. She will experience the intensity of reaching peaks on her own and the rest that comes from hiding herself in the Lord's goodness, whether in the midst of the climb or in the valley. To stick with the hiking analogy, we filled her backpack with all the necessary supplies and we even drove her to the trailhead. Now, she walks with the Lord. All praise and thanksgiving to God for allowing us the incredible joy and privilege of raising Katie Belle Oliphint, because we know she will be used for good and for His glory!
Monday, July 18, 2016
The Shadow of the Almighty
The long awaited return trip to Zambia is in the books, but not without leaving a lasting and eternal impression on me, not to mention some nagging jet lag over the past week or so. Being in the schools after four years, comes with a perspective of incredible progress that might not be as obvious from year to year. It is staggering to consider the growth in facilities, staff, curriculum, training and general care for the children in the schools. To be sure, the challenges seem insurmountable to my weak faith, but the take home from this trip is one of God powerfully and tenderly defending the orphan amidst hopeless surroundings. I witnessed incredible human souls, my brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe, as the hands and feet of Jesus to His children. It was an enormous privilege to be a part of His good plan in the midst of such sacred work.
My first trip to Zambia was a tangible expression of "the joy of the Lord" as true joy shined in the lives of defenseless orphans. Their lives continue to testify of the joy and strength that comes from knowing Christ, but the protection and provision of the Lord for His children was overwhelming to my eyes, my mind and my heart this year. Each morning we drove through impoverished streets on the way to school. As we entered the gates, hundreds of the most beautiful children greeted us, waving excitedly with bright eyes and eager smiles, each of them having just finished the long journey to school on foot through the same poor surroundings. Every morning my Zambian partner would check the fingernails, hair and teeth of her students and then remind them of general needs and upkeep. This struck me deeply as someone noticed the details of their lives with tender care, something we take for granted in our comfortable homes, but that orphaned and vulnerable children go without each day. She was in tune with their physical needs and tended to them. The school day is gloriously routine with scriptures, prayers, great progress in reading and with daily nutrition. Books and desks are a luxury and lunch/recess includes a continual wave of dust in your eyes and face, so unlike the schools in the US, but the joy of learning to read is no different from my kindergarten classroom in Texas. Kids are kids no matter the age, race, class or status. My students in Zambia had the same enthusiasm for the power and ownership of tackling words, sentences and meaning in books. Like so many of the American teachers serving, I struggled with how I could help the most during such a limited time. The Lord answered my prayers beyond what I could have imagined as we were matched with our Zambian teachers and classrooms so perfectly. The mission for this trip was a focus on a reading, my passion in the classroom. As these schools serve the most vulnerable children and the orphans of Zambia, the need is great, beyond my understanding, but I am truly grateful to be used in a very small way in the Lord's unfathomable work on behalf of His children and to see so clearly His loving care and protection for each of them.
One of the greatest joys of this trip was a reunion with my sweet Francis, our sponsored child. I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for the incredible strides in his life since we first met. Having lived in the darkness and hopelessness of the streets in the compounds for much of his life, Francis is now overcoming that darkness with faith and hope and even goals to make a difference in the world. We had a number of meaningful conversations. Our final exchange and goodbye included me reminding him of our great God and His faithful provision and protection for him. Once again, after waiting 4 years for this treasured visit, the growth in his life, physically, intellectually and spiritually, is overwhelming. God's good work shines brightly in the midst of what seems impossible. While I am not comfortable or gifted in mission work (I go reluctantly in many ways), I am keenly aware that Heaven meets Earth in such a place as this. I long to spend eternity united in fellowship to these saints and friends of mine.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91
My first trip to Zambia was a tangible expression of "the joy of the Lord" as true joy shined in the lives of defenseless orphans. Their lives continue to testify of the joy and strength that comes from knowing Christ, but the protection and provision of the Lord for His children was overwhelming to my eyes, my mind and my heart this year. Each morning we drove through impoverished streets on the way to school. As we entered the gates, hundreds of the most beautiful children greeted us, waving excitedly with bright eyes and eager smiles, each of them having just finished the long journey to school on foot through the same poor surroundings. Every morning my Zambian partner would check the fingernails, hair and teeth of her students and then remind them of general needs and upkeep. This struck me deeply as someone noticed the details of their lives with tender care, something we take for granted in our comfortable homes, but that orphaned and vulnerable children go without each day. She was in tune with their physical needs and tended to them. The school day is gloriously routine with scriptures, prayers, great progress in reading and with daily nutrition. Books and desks are a luxury and lunch/recess includes a continual wave of dust in your eyes and face, so unlike the schools in the US, but the joy of learning to read is no different from my kindergarten classroom in Texas. Kids are kids no matter the age, race, class or status. My students in Zambia had the same enthusiasm for the power and ownership of tackling words, sentences and meaning in books. Like so many of the American teachers serving, I struggled with how I could help the most during such a limited time. The Lord answered my prayers beyond what I could have imagined as we were matched with our Zambian teachers and classrooms so perfectly. The mission for this trip was a focus on a reading, my passion in the classroom. As these schools serve the most vulnerable children and the orphans of Zambia, the need is great, beyond my understanding, but I am truly grateful to be used in a very small way in the Lord's unfathomable work on behalf of His children and to see so clearly His loving care and protection for each of them.
One of the greatest joys of this trip was a reunion with my sweet Francis, our sponsored child. I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for the incredible strides in his life since we first met. Having lived in the darkness and hopelessness of the streets in the compounds for much of his life, Francis is now overcoming that darkness with faith and hope and even goals to make a difference in the world. We had a number of meaningful conversations. Our final exchange and goodbye included me reminding him of our great God and His faithful provision and protection for him. Once again, after waiting 4 years for this treasured visit, the growth in his life, physically, intellectually and spiritually, is overwhelming. God's good work shines brightly in the midst of what seems impossible. While I am not comfortable or gifted in mission work (I go reluctantly in many ways), I am keenly aware that Heaven meets Earth in such a place as this. I long to spend eternity united in fellowship to these saints and friends of mine.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-- the Most High, who is my refuge-- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Ready, Set, GO
It's "go time". For the last four years, I've longed for the opportunity to return to the schools in Africa and to continue working with Zambian educators and students. I've also dreamed of taking one or all of my girls with me, but never believed it would be possible. Tomorrow morning, Katie and I travel to Lusaka, Zambia by way of Dubai where we will begin using our unique gifts in separate locations while both working with orphans. Now that it's time to go, so much anticipation has turned to into last minute stress and some heart ache about leaving Kyle, Caroline and Kelly. If you are inclined to pray for us, now is the time. Please pray for the obvious, health and safety, and also for fruitful ministry as we seek to serve precious children created in the image of God.
In preparation for this trip, we've been getting ready for months with various fundraising efforts: t-shirt sales and also gathering needed supplies. Family and friends from all seasons of life have made it possible for us to go. There really are no adequate words of gratitude for the generous and loving support we've received in all areas! We are ready and able thanks to so many of you.
Stress has been high in the recent weeks as we get everything set and organized for travel, including various shots and prescriptions. It is quite something for a Type A mother, with a checklist for each day to prepare for a mission trip with a laid back-go with the flow-no worries-daughter. Katie will be glad to get on a completely different shuttle when we arrive in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday (7:30 in the morning Texas time). Of course, I will shower her with many last minute reminders as we go our separate ways. Again, if you are inclined to pray for us, now is the time!
With Katie's departure for college upon our return, ready, set, go seems to be the theme of the summer. There are six packed suitcases in the living room for Africa and there are dozens of stacks and piles for a college dorm in Katie's room. The checklists are detailed and long for both events. She will be stepping out on her own overseas as well as on a college campus. As we prepare for separate mission opportunities, we are also making sure she is ready for an independent life with all the needed supplies. I'm thankful it is not "go time" in that regard, yet. Whether it's short term missions or significant life/family changes, I'm reminded about the theme of this blog: the Lord is my shepherd. Those five words from scripture comfort my soul- day and night. Whether taking a walk or having a sleepless night, I rehearse these words over and over in my mind in the midst of fear and/or anxiety. God's goodness and grace is overwhelming to us and we give Him thanks for these opportunities. With Christ as our good shepherd, we can trust him to care for our needs as we follow him in the days, months and years ahead. May the Lord be glorified through our efforts in the next few weeks and may His love be showered upon our brothers and sisters across the globe.
In preparation for this trip, we've been getting ready for months with various fundraising efforts: t-shirt sales and also gathering needed supplies. Family and friends from all seasons of life have made it possible for us to go. There really are no adequate words of gratitude for the generous and loving support we've received in all areas! We are ready and able thanks to so many of you.
Stress has been high in the recent weeks as we get everything set and organized for travel, including various shots and prescriptions. It is quite something for a Type A mother, with a checklist for each day to prepare for a mission trip with a laid back-go with the flow-no worries-daughter. Katie will be glad to get on a completely different shuttle when we arrive in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday (7:30 in the morning Texas time). Of course, I will shower her with many last minute reminders as we go our separate ways. Again, if you are inclined to pray for us, now is the time!
With Katie's departure for college upon our return, ready, set, go seems to be the theme of the summer. There are six packed suitcases in the living room for Africa and there are dozens of stacks and piles for a college dorm in Katie's room. The checklists are detailed and long for both events. She will be stepping out on her own overseas as well as on a college campus. As we prepare for separate mission opportunities, we are also making sure she is ready for an independent life with all the needed supplies. I'm thankful it is not "go time" in that regard, yet. Whether it's short term missions or significant life/family changes, I'm reminded about the theme of this blog: the Lord is my shepherd. Those five words from scripture comfort my soul- day and night. Whether taking a walk or having a sleepless night, I rehearse these words over and over in my mind in the midst of fear and/or anxiety. God's goodness and grace is overwhelming to us and we give Him thanks for these opportunities. With Christ as our good shepherd, we can trust him to care for our needs as we follow him in the days, months and years ahead. May the Lord be glorified through our efforts in the next few weeks and may His love be showered upon our brothers and sisters across the globe.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
New Things
They say, "You learn something new everyday." Well, this morning I've already learned several new things. As a Mom, working outside the home, I often miss the girls' activities. I've never been more aware of the sacrifices they make until now. I took the day off from teaching to watch a tennis tournament. With two girls on the tennis team at the high school, I've haven't attended a match in two years because they always play during the school day. While I can give you details of individual needs and learning styles for 20 five and six year olds, I don't know some of the sweetest details of our girls' lives. I learned few things about them this morning.
The day started listening to Kelly's piano practice before school. I had no idea she was learning to play "Amazing Grace" and perfecting the right hand part. I didn't know she was becoming fluent at the theme song to Disney's Pocahontas as I'm always gone when the girls roll out of bed. This morning was a treasure to me and it also provided a pleasant tune for humming (my habit) throughout day. Next, while watching a tough and hard fought tennis match, it struck me that I had no clue that Caroline was aggressive at the net or that she had a solid backhand swing. (Quite envious as the backhand was her mother's downfall on the court.) It's also news to me that she squats below the net as her partner serves, not wanting to be hit in the head. I'm so thankful for a brief window into the normal routine of their lives that I've been missing. Again, I'm especially conscious of how returning to the classroom, after over a decade of working at home, has impacted our family.
Just this week..... I've never been more aware that every day of life is a gift; we are not promised tomorrow! Today most certainly feels like a gift and one where I am thanking God for His amazing grace and His goodness in the life of our family. He showers our lives (our weaknesses and our parenting) with grace. He redeems, comforts, strengthens and provides abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine. His steadfast love and faithfulness never ends.
The day started listening to Kelly's piano practice before school. I had no idea she was learning to play "Amazing Grace" and perfecting the right hand part. I didn't know she was becoming fluent at the theme song to Disney's Pocahontas as I'm always gone when the girls roll out of bed. This morning was a treasure to me and it also provided a pleasant tune for humming (my habit) throughout day. Next, while watching a tough and hard fought tennis match, it struck me that I had no clue that Caroline was aggressive at the net or that she had a solid backhand swing. (Quite envious as the backhand was her mother's downfall on the court.) It's also news to me that she squats below the net as her partner serves, not wanting to be hit in the head. I'm so thankful for a brief window into the normal routine of their lives that I've been missing. Again, I'm especially conscious of how returning to the classroom, after over a decade of working at home, has impacted our family.
Just this week..... I've never been more aware that every day of life is a gift; we are not promised tomorrow! Today most certainly feels like a gift and one where I am thanking God for His amazing grace and His goodness in the life of our family. He showers our lives (our weaknesses and our parenting) with grace. He redeems, comforts, strengthens and provides abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine. His steadfast love and faithfulness never ends.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Footprints
After dozens and dozens of beach visits, too many to count, this time I was struck by the footprints in the sand. Obviously, I was a little distracted playing with the girls during the little years, but I've had enough return visits to have noticed these impressions. This year, we stayed just a short walk down the beach, going east or west, from two families who have profoundly impacted my life. (They've never met.) As I spent time with each of these dear friends, it felt like sacred time. God brought us together for a season-- and they each left significant footprints on me. I can honestly say, the impression they made is an eternal one.
As I spent lots of time thinking and praying this week, I considered one of the hardest things about being a pastor's wife during this season of life. The revolving door nature to ministry really gets to me. While we tend to be on the receiving end of families moving to new cities/churches, we've also been the ones who have left dear congregations. Either way, it's just hard. People come into a church body and they leave footprints in the life of its members. As a children's church and Sunday school teacher, I've invested in families who have made a lasting impression on me. When they leave, sometimes the footprints feel painful with gossip or slander (a stomping of sorts) and other times I watch them go with heartfelt tears and earnest prayers for where the Lord is taking them. Whether it's church life or a school/neighborhood community, we leave footprints in the lives of those we meet. Do we want to leave a bitter taste/impression, or do we want to leave an impression for lasting and eternal good? As I noticed the sand this week, the footprints were often traveling in one direction with a destination or goal in view and others were scattered and messy like so much of life. The most striking part was the constant, enormous tide washing over them all. It made me think of God's work in the lives of His people. Whether we are sure footed and confident in our journey of faith or not, His care and mercy never ends. It is overwhelming and constant. If you are my friend or family member, one of those who leaves a lasting impression on me, it is my prayer that you also taste and see that the Lord is good!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Leaving the Nest
Recently on a walk, with the bare trees of winter against a brilliant blue sky, I noticed a birds nest in nearly every suburban tree. It hit me how tiny each nest was against the vast background. It is here that tiny baby birds are fed and protected in such a small space compared to the wide world available to them after the first month of life. After about two weeks, baby birds leave the nest, even though they are not able to fly or eat on their own. Then, for a few more weeks, the "fledgeling" birds hop around on the ground while the parents show them how to find food and what to eat. After one month, baby birds are full grown and able to fly on their own..... ready to take on the enormous world beyond the miniature nest. As we continue the approach to graduation (walking the plank of the graduation countdown), with 114 days remaining, it feels a bit like our oldest is leaving a very small, protected nest to explore a massive world. In some ways, it seems like she will be "hopping along the ground unable to find food" on her own. Thank goodness for expensive university meal plans!
I'm sad to see this season of life, with all our kids at home, come to a close. For 18 glorious, colorful and blessed years, the five of us have done life together within the walls of our own tiny nest (although a much bigger one in Texas! ; ) God used even the smallest of his creatures to illustrate how absurd it would be to remain in the nest when it is time to fly. There is so much for Katie to learn and experience in the world beyond our walls as she makes an independent life on her own. Mixed with sadness comes hopeful expectation as I'm sure Katie will make a significant impact in this life. Her love for the Lord and her steely determination are a powerful combination for good and for God's glory.
With overwhelming gratitude and joy, I am thrilled to officially announce that I will be taking Katie Belle far beyond the nest of our home shortly after graduation. We will travel to Zambia, Africa to serve with a mission organization called Family Legacy. Katie will work at a camp and I will work in a Christian school. I can't think of a better way to send her off to college than to share her passion for missions along with my heart for orphans. For several years, I've longed to return to the impoverished villages of Africa and it has been a dream of Katie's to go and serve with me. As we prepare to leave the comfort and safety of the nest together, we are grateful for the Lord's protection no matter how far we go. We are both stunned by His provision through our loved ones, after doubting that it would be possible for both of us to go. We could not take this enormous step out of our comfort zone without the overwhelming generosity and faithful prayers of our family and friends. It seems this blog is coming full circle as it began in preparation of my first trip to Zambia. It's exciting to anticipate what the Lord will do in the lives of His children (including us) this summer. I'm humbled with thanksgiving for His steadfast love and His faithful work in our lives.
"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of life? ...... Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." (from Matthew 6)
I'm sad to see this season of life, with all our kids at home, come to a close. For 18 glorious, colorful and blessed years, the five of us have done life together within the walls of our own tiny nest (although a much bigger one in Texas! ; ) God used even the smallest of his creatures to illustrate how absurd it would be to remain in the nest when it is time to fly. There is so much for Katie to learn and experience in the world beyond our walls as she makes an independent life on her own. Mixed with sadness comes hopeful expectation as I'm sure Katie will make a significant impact in this life. Her love for the Lord and her steely determination are a powerful combination for good and for God's glory.
With overwhelming gratitude and joy, I am thrilled to officially announce that I will be taking Katie Belle far beyond the nest of our home shortly after graduation. We will travel to Zambia, Africa to serve with a mission organization called Family Legacy. Katie will work at a camp and I will work in a Christian school. I can't think of a better way to send her off to college than to share her passion for missions along with my heart for orphans. For several years, I've longed to return to the impoverished villages of Africa and it has been a dream of Katie's to go and serve with me. As we prepare to leave the comfort and safety of the nest together, we are grateful for the Lord's protection no matter how far we go. We are both stunned by His provision through our loved ones, after doubting that it would be possible for both of us to go. We could not take this enormous step out of our comfort zone without the overwhelming generosity and faithful prayers of our family and friends. It seems this blog is coming full circle as it began in preparation of my first trip to Zambia. It's exciting to anticipate what the Lord will do in the lives of His children (including us) this summer. I'm humbled with thanksgiving for His steadfast love and His faithful work in our lives.
"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of life? ...... Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." (from Matthew 6)
Saturday, January 2, 2016
After the Sparkly Lights
We welcomed 2016 with happy, noisy teenagers upstairs and loud fireworks outside our window while under the covers of our bed, still not asleep. For some reason while curled up in my PJ's, this moment seemed significant. I was tempted to jump out of bed and go watch the neighbor's fireworks or to join the teenage party upstairs at the outset of a new year. I longed for a sparkly party hat or obnoxious noise maker as I spent a few minutes reflecting on the passing of another year with unknown experiences and opportunities ahead. Of course, Kyle would have been annoyed by either celebratory option, so I closed my eyes and welcomed 2016 as quietly as any other year. Maybe I'm more aware of the significance of the passing of one year as we will watch our daughters leave home over the next 4 and half years, with the oldest going on to big things in 2016.
During the holiday season, festive sparkly lights have been a constant theme. In early December, our anniversary included the brilliant display of lights at the Gaylord Texas. At the end of the month, Christmas Eve was particularly festive as we enjoyed the bright and colorful lights of Main Street Grapevine and Sundance Square in Fort Worth. Of course, throughout the season, every street and shopping mall sparkled with a lovely scene. Then, upon the arrival of New Year's day, we stayed in our PJ's through out the day and we removed all things festive and sparkly from our home. With black eyed peas, cornbread and cheesecake in our tummies, we put Christmas away. The house seemed so bare, so plain and sort of sad without bells, garland, ornaments and twinkling lights in every room. While I know all of these bright and festive surroundings are trivial and insignificant, this year the season seemed sweeter and the lights seemed brighter. In recent years, after losing my Dad, the shine of the holidays grew dim. Christmas reminded me of the light and joy he brought to our lives. I'm thankful that in the process of grief there is a return of childlike joy in the midst of the holidays.
Here we are at the beginning of 2016. As we return to the normal routine of life without all the bells and lights, I am reminded of a favorite line from a most recent movie: "the ordinary meets the extraordinary every day". The lights will be removed from neighborhood homes and schedules will resume without multiple gift exchanges or continuous feasting, but the beauty of ordinary life shines brightly as we hop out of bed each morning and give ourselves to what God has called us to do. The light of Christ shines brightly as young mothers sacrifice and serve their little ones and as teenage students honor the Lord in the midst of surroundings that deny Him. There is glorious light and grace and mercy as we get on our knees and pray for those who insult and persecute us, as we love our enemies and turn from the temptation to gossip and slander our brothers and sisters. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives this year. May we love one another abundantly as we seek to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. Happy New Year friends! I look forward to seeing how the Lord works His light in our lives this year.
During the holiday season, festive sparkly lights have been a constant theme. In early December, our anniversary included the brilliant display of lights at the Gaylord Texas. At the end of the month, Christmas Eve was particularly festive as we enjoyed the bright and colorful lights of Main Street Grapevine and Sundance Square in Fort Worth. Of course, throughout the season, every street and shopping mall sparkled with a lovely scene. Then, upon the arrival of New Year's day, we stayed in our PJ's through out the day and we removed all things festive and sparkly from our home. With black eyed peas, cornbread and cheesecake in our tummies, we put Christmas away. The house seemed so bare, so plain and sort of sad without bells, garland, ornaments and twinkling lights in every room. While I know all of these bright and festive surroundings are trivial and insignificant, this year the season seemed sweeter and the lights seemed brighter. In recent years, after losing my Dad, the shine of the holidays grew dim. Christmas reminded me of the light and joy he brought to our lives. I'm thankful that in the process of grief there is a return of childlike joy in the midst of the holidays.
Here we are at the beginning of 2016. As we return to the normal routine of life without all the bells and lights, I am reminded of a favorite line from a most recent movie: "the ordinary meets the extraordinary every day". The lights will be removed from neighborhood homes and schedules will resume without multiple gift exchanges or continuous feasting, but the beauty of ordinary life shines brightly as we hop out of bed each morning and give ourselves to what God has called us to do. The light of Christ shines brightly as young mothers sacrifice and serve their little ones and as teenage students honor the Lord in the midst of surroundings that deny Him. There is glorious light and grace and mercy as we get on our knees and pray for those who insult and persecute us, as we love our enemies and turn from the temptation to gossip and slander our brothers and sisters. May the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives this year. May we love one another abundantly as we seek to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. Happy New Year friends! I look forward to seeing how the Lord works His light in our lives this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)