Friday Family Highlight

Yesterday was my sister's fiftieth birthday. It was a busy day as we were all gathered for Christmas at my brother Mike's house, so I wasn't able to honor Pat as much as I would have liked to.
Pat is a woman worthy of honor.
My sister became a Christian when I was just a child, and was the primary person God used in my life to draw me to Himself. When I was a rebellious teenager, Pat regularly reminded me of the eternal consequences of my sin and my need for a Savior. At age 15, in an effort to pursue a relationship with the Lord, I moved to Boone to live with her. Pat and her husband shepherded my heart for two years as I lived with their family.
I carry with me today lessons I learned from those years in their home. First of all, in the two years I lived with them, I never saw or heard Pat and Carey in an argument. They have honored the Lord with a peace-filled home and a strong, loving marriage. Secondly, their home was always one full of faith. Pat and Carey were dedicated to their church, regularly attending meetings and serving in several capacities. Pat demonstrated her faith each time one of her children fell down or was having a difficult time, by stopping whatever she was doing to pray aloud for them. I also distinctly remember Pat and Carey leading their children in devotions every night that I lived with them, reading a chapter from the Bible and taking the time to pray as a family.
As a mother, Pat is extraordinarily wise. She is often the very first person I call when needing advice in parenting, and I have benefited greatly from this gift in her life. All three of their now-grown children are serving the Lord, and although Pat would quickly attribute their faith to God's grace, I know that she has been a primary means of that grace in their lives.
There are many other evidences of God's grace in Pat's life as well. She is merciful, diligent, and intelligent, a perfect combination for the full-time nurse she became once her children had grown. She is a fabulous steward of all God has given her, and extremely generous and thoughtful as well.
However, what I love the most about Pat is her faithful friendship. Throughout the years she has been there when I've needed a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a faith-filled prayer, contagious laughter, encouragement, wise counsel, and even gracious reproof.
A Christian contemporary group called Watermark wrote a song that describes in many ways what Pat has been to me. Pat framed the words of the song for me years ago, but the feelings are mutual.
More Than You'll Ever Know
Somethin' brought you to my mind today,
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh.
And yet I feel like it's OK to cry with you.
Somethin' about just bein' with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God,
And that's the way it ought to be...
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me.
You fight off my enemies,
'Cause you have spoken the truth over my life.
And you'll never know what it means to me,
Just to know you've been on your knees for me.
Oh you have blessed my life more than you'll ever know.

And may the blessing return to you a hundred fold."

I love you, Pat. I hope you had a very blessed birthday.

A Year in Review 2007

What a Wonderful Christmas Gift

I'm a great aunt....again! : )  John's niece, Bekah, had her first baby on December 26th.  Elijah Ray, 8 lbs. 1 oz., was born on the same day as his cousin. Bekah's sister, Anna, gave birth the same day one year prior.  

Congratulations Bekah!  We are so happy for you! : )

Merry Christmas!!!

I Love You, Dad

Today I would like to honor one of the people who has shaped me into who I am.  

Each of you know how dear my Mother is to me, if not by knowing me through the years, certainly by my recent focus of her on her birthday.  You know I would credit my Mother for much of what I am today.  It was her example in many ways that made me cherish being a wife and a mother, and next to being a Christian, there is no other priority higher than these two things in my life. But my Mom did not contribute to my life alone, in fact, apart from the extravagant devotion of her loving husband, I know she would not have been able to care for nine children in the way that she did.   

My Dad was dedicated to his wife and his children. Working long hours for years as a Professional Engineer, he was a successful man, and yet refused several times to move his family to a city or state that would not be conducive for raising a family.  For years, my Dad literally traveled two hours (both ways) by train to work,  so my family could be raised at the beach instead of in New York.  After relocating to Charlotte, he eventually resigned from a prosperous company in order to keep his family down south.  

Beyond being a hard worker, my Dad was/is a family man. Fishing, hiking and camping trips were not unusual occurrences. Dad loved to take the kids off Mom's hands for an outdoor excursion.  He also cheered us on at sports, taught us how to ice skate, celebrated and encouraged our talents, and entertained us on vacations. Dad enjoyed the children, singing songs, telling jokes and playing games were a way of life for our family.  He didn't mind giving the baby a bottle, or getting up at night with an infant so Mom could rest.  At times, he even tried to help out in the kitchen, but Mom wouldn't have that!

However, what I respect the most about my Dad, besides his loving, consistent care for his family was his unceasing love for my Mother. There was nobody that compared to his beautiful bride. My Mom was loved well. Regularly lavishing gifts, flowers, and cards upon her, as well as highly commending her in front of others, Mom knew he was smitten. 

It has been difficult seeing my Dad's heart broken. No one in my family has felt the sting of Mom's death quite like my Dad, and that is saying a lot, as dear as she was to all of us.

Since Mom died, I have seen a new side to my Dad.  A humility, dependency and thankfulness towards the Lord that has sharpened me.  I am challenged by it.  His mind is on eternal things, and I respect him for that. He is looking forward to seeing his Beloved, yet more and more I believe his "Beloved" is not his wife, but His Savior.

Less than one year ago, my Dad moved into our neighborhood. I am so thankful to have him so near to me now.  We usually see him at least once a week. He is often over for dinner, and to play a game with us and the kids. Now, he lavishes us with gifts and love, rarely coming over with empty hands.  He is always thankful to be with family.  What I'd like my Dad to know, however, is that we are thankful also for him.  For his presence, for his laughter, for his thoughtfulness, for his kindness, for his love.  I love you, Dad.

More Video...

To answer Shawna's question, "Do you have any more video?" Here's one of my favorites:

Friday Family Highlight

One of the things I would like to use this blog for, is to encourage those around me that are used by God to spur me on to "love and good deeds" (Heb. 10:24). I'd like to start a new "Themed Day" (Fridays) to highlight one of my family members or friends and publicly thank them for their example. Hope they spur you on as they have me. : )

For several weeks, I've been meaning to write about my wonderful niece, Maggie.

Most of you local folks have met Maggie before, but for those who haven't, Maggie is my oldest brother's daughter. She is fifteen years old, and lives about two hours north of us in Boone, NC.
About five years ago, Maggie told her Mom she wanted a baby brother or sister. Maggie's Mom told her to come visit us sometime instead. ; )
Since then, Maggie has visited us several times each year. Every time before she comes, she prepares games and crafts to do with the children. The kids are always thrilled when she comes to see us.
Maggie is very talented. She has learned to decorate cakes with the skill of a professional. Now she comes for almost all of the children's birthdays to decorate for their parties and help make their cakes. She helps me plan weeks ahead of time, sending me links to websites and lengthly emails determined to make the next party the best one yet. Often she makes pinatas ahead of time, or goodies to go with the theme. She's also not intimidated by my occasional lack-of-planning, rushing to the dollar store at the last minute and throwing a party together in two days...
We love Maggie.
Last time Maggie was here, she brought all the things necessary to make us a meal... lasagna and homemade bread. She taught Alyssa how to make both from scratch. The time before that, Maggie taught Alyssa how to crochet, and finished the uncompleted project on her own, which was given to Alyssa on another visit. She taught all of the children how to make beaded keychains, and Hama bead decorations... and even how to make and send Christmas "cookies" on Facebook. ; )
Amazing, isn't she?!
We are thankful for the willing service Maggie always provides our family. She is a great help to me. She cheerfully entertains the younger children while I homeschool the older ones, and she expects nothing in return. She plans and prepares ahead of time to serve our family, and always anticipates being with us. Maggie is pleasant to be with, always smiling and sharing good humored tales from her own family life.
I am also grateful to the outstanding example of Maggie's parents. For their willingness to share Maggie with us several times a year, for driving her here and picking her up for each visit, for taking care of Maggie's doggie whenever she comes, but most of all for the tremendous example they have been to my family in raising children. Each of their children are a delight to know and a reflection of their parents' diligent training and love.
Thank you Mike, Lisa and Maggie. We love you guys : )

A Year in Review

We started a new tradition with the Flanigan's Christmas Party. Each family is to bring a video or slideshow of their year, for all of us to see. It's a lot of fun. I'm in the process of working on this year's, but after watching last year's again, I'm not sure I can beat it ;) It was the year God brought Lauren into our lives. Feel free to watch if you'd like.

Love is...

red and sparkly, smells real sweet... and sometimes a bit sticky. ; )
Thank you for the gifts, Jamie!

A Thankful Heart

"Let us take the pure gold of thankfulness and the jewels of praise and make them into another crown for the head of Jesus." -Spurgeon

It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas...

Wordless Wednesday

Lord You Have My Heart

Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Jesus take my life and lead me on.

Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Let me be to you a sacrifice.

(men) And I will praise you Lord
(ladies) I will praise you Lord
(men) And I will sing of love come down
(ladies) I will sing of love come down
(men) And as you show your face
(ladies) Show your face
(together) We'll see your glory here.

Written by Martin Smith ©1994 Curious? Music UK

Happy Birthday, Mom

Three and a half years ago, my family lost one of the dearest people in our lives.

My Mom was an extraordinary person. Faithfully married to my Dad for almost fifty years, mother to ten children, and grandmother to twenty-six grandchildren, there was nothing more dear to her heart than her family. I dream of emulating her never-ending patience, her unconditional love, her ability to balance such a large family, her self-sacrificing servant heart, her unparalleled ability to cook, her gift of hospitality. My trusted friend, my confidant, my Mother. Her absence has literally been felt every day since July 25, 2004.


"A child speaking to a friend of his home, was asked; "Where is your home?" Looking up with loving eyes at his mother, he replied, "Where mother is." Home! What a hallowed name! How full of enchantment and how dear to the heart! Home is the magic circle within which the weary spirit finds refuge. It is the sacred asylum to which the care-worn heart retreats to find rest from the toils and cares of life. Home! That name touches every fiber of our soul. Nothing but death can break its spell. And, as dear as home can be, is the mother that presided over it, and that we loved. Long years may have flown since we saw that home, and since the dearest of all earthly friends has slept the long and silent sleep of death, but that home and that mother will never cease to awaken the sweeten recollections of our lives. "Home, Sweet Home!" -John McCoy from Golden Thoughts of Mother, Home & Heaven.

Today would have been my Mom's 74th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mom. "May the dear Lord bless you", as you revel in His presence.
We are all thinking of you today, and miss you dearly.

Thanksgiving

Since I had a request to share about our Thanksgiving, I will acquiesce. To be completely honest, it's a bit of a blur. A busy week, with a lot of cooking and cleaning, I prepared to have a large crowd of folks from John's family over for the holiday. As it turned out, however, we had a very small crowd, with a large-crowd-amount-of-food to eat! : ) Ahhh, but all is well that ends well, right? I will admit to being slightly disappointed that more family could not be with us on this feastful occasion, but we had a very restful day with Bett (John's Mom), Marty (John's brother-in-law) and Marty's two children, Reagan (13) and Taryn (9). Our kids LOVE spending time with their cousins, and although Reagan has grown out of running around in the front yard, racing on bikes and careening downhill on the Green Machine, Taryn stuck like glue to each of our children (who all played outdoors for hours that day!). : )
I, literally, took a nap.
Thanksgiving Day came and went, leaving behind memories, crumbs and a lot of pies!
For those of you who have never seen John's beautiful Mom, here's Bett...

Bett is a godly woman, and any time with her is time well-spent.

The day after Thanksgiving, (the holidays tend to linger over here)... John's twin brother (one of our most favorite people in the world!) and his wonderful wife, Karen, came to visit for two nights along with their bouncing-smiling-sweet-little boy, Charlie. (I've written about Charlie on here before, he was adopted and has been with James and Karen for two years now.) We always love and cherish any amount of time we get to spend with their family. James and Karen drove all the way from CT (12 hours!) with a three-year-old just to see us (well, they came to see Bett too). But, still, what a blessing, right?!
So all-in-all it was a very happy Thanksgiving, and we have many things to be thankful for.
A seasonal highlight for us... here's cousin Charlie with the big kids.

(Don't ya think Charlie looks like he'd fit right in with our family?!) : )

Love is...

Sammy is Spencer's best buddy. Recently, Sammy's Mom gave me a copy of a writing assignment he had done in school. Can you decipher the phonetic spelling?

(Don't worry, it took me a minute, too.)
Here's what Sammy says about his great pal, Spence:

"Spencer is 7.
And fun.
He is also funny.
He is nice.
He is second biggest on our team.
He is very friendly.
He is my best friend."

(Now, don't you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?!)

Another game : )

My sisters sent me this one through email, but I think it's more fun to blog it. You guys do it too : ) I tag.... ALL of you! : )

Welcome to the 2007 Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends!
Don't be a Scrooge!!!

1. Jesus or Santa? Jesus

2. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? both

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? white

4.a. Do you hang mistletoe? nope
4.b. Do you have a wreath? Yes, a fake one with lights and a snowman. It's totally cute. : )
4.c. Do you hang garland? yes

5. When do you put up your decorations? John likes to start right after Thanksgiving, definitely by the first week of December. The thought of it makes me very tired...

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Stuffed fillet mignon, leg of lamb or cornish hens... any gourmet food suites me fine : )

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Granny and Gramps. They were a crucial part of our Christmases.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 2nd grade, Show-n-Tell.

9. Do you open gifts Christmas Eve? One

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? white lights, silver beads, hand-blown glass ornaments (Old World or Christopher Radko are my favorites.) Each ornament is sentimental.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it. (Like Pat says "whoopee!")

12. Can you ice skate? yes

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Two years ago, when John gave me a bracelet with all of the children's names on it, and one blank space for another child's name... He was ready for baby number five!


14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being with my family

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert(s)? pie, any kind... except mince meat!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? opening a gift the night before...

17. What tops your tree? An angel that John bought probably 10 years ago.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving. But I cannot deny, I LOVE opening presents!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Drummer Boy

20.a. Candy Canes? sure, one or two
20.b. If so are they usually gone by Christmas Day? no

21. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? yup

Jesus Loves Me

I was reading this morning in Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul. He begins the chapter on the "Incomprehensibility of God" with this: "The Swiss theologian Karl Barth was asked by a student during a seminar in the United States, "Dr. Barth, what is the most profound thing you have ever learned in your study of theology?" Barth thought for a moment and then replied, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." The students giggled at his simplistic answer, but their laughter was of a nervous sort as they slowly realized Barth was serious.
Barth gave a simple answer to a question of profundity. In doing so he was calling attention to at least two vitally important notions. (1) That in the simplest Christian truth there resides a profundity that can occupy the minds of the most brilliant people for a lifetime. (2) That even in learned theological sophistication, we never really rise above a child's level of understanding the mysterious depths and riches of the character of God."
So true, eh?!

Love Is...

Shocking your sister on her birthday, and whisking her away for a day at Disney World.

(L to R: Gail, me, Pat, Kath, Lori and Ellen)
This Friday, four of my sisters and I flew to Orlando to surprise my sister, Gail, on her fortieth birthday. When we arrived at Gail's house, Pat called Gail while we stood on her front porch to ask if she'd "received her birthday gift". Gail went to the front door to check... I don't think I've ever heard Gail scream that loud!

Gideon and the book of Judges

We are going through several books in the Old Testament right now in church, and I have been reading ahead of time, during my quiet times at home. The other day I read the story of Gideon and the fleece. My favorite part is when Gideon says, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request."... Have you ever been hesitant to ask for one-more-thing from God? Perhaps it's unbelief (as it seems it was for Gideon), or maybe you just don't feel like you deserve it. I know I'm hesitant to ask sometimes!

Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew." Judges 6:36-40

Such a beautiful reminder of the patience and mercy of God. He proves His faithfulness to us, over and over again.
"O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds." Jere. 32:18b-19

Hope you all have a restful day today.
: ) J

Love Thursday...

Love is...
keeping eachother warm on a chilly autumn day. (Julianna and Zoe are sharing John's jacket.)


Eccl. 4:9-10 "Two are better than one...""...If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Wordless Wednesday

I've Been Tagged This Time...

Rules: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.
Jamie tagged me, and I copied this text directly off her blog, can you tell, J?
1) I went to kindergarten twice. (No, I didn't fail...(come on, People, aren't you my friends?!) In NJ (where I was born), they start K at age 4, then we moved to Charlotte when I was 5.. which is the age they start K here.)
2) I believed in Santa Claus until second grade (in fact, I brought a show-n-tell from my grandfather (aka "Gramps") and told my entire classroom they were Rudolph's REAL bells! Yep, my Gramps had told me so. That was the day I learned Santa was a lie. *sniff
3) When I was fifteen, I said I never wanted to have kids. I said a lot of things in those days....
4) I once wanted a hundred cats. *blech*
5) I once wanted to marry Michael Jackson. (ok, I'm trying to be humble here....)
6) I drew the tattoo for one of my bosses. A "Gold's Gym" guy. (I recently was thinking about how strange that is.)
7) I pierced my own ears... five times, and I pierced my brother's ear.
8) I had my first apartment when I was a senior in highschool. Bad move.
9) I once collected spiders. ew.
10) And ants, which ate through the baggie inside my desk at school and invaded the classroom. They were red ants.... I got called to the principal's office (and they called my parents!). Kinda harsh, eh?
Ok, I tag Becky, Jess, Jeanie, Lindsay, Lisa, Michelle, Reba, Meghann and Shawnda (again). Have fun, Ladies!

Tag, You're IT!

Let's have some fun : ) Most of my friends are relatively new bloggers, but how new are you? Too new to know what to do when you've been tagged?!
Here's how you play this one: List seven or more of your favorite children's books and their authors. Afterwards tag a few of your friends and let the game go on. (And how about a favorite book-reading picture to go along with the theme???) : )

My favorites are (not listed in any particular order):
1) It Could Always Be Worse by Margot Zemach (humorous tale about not complaining).
2)Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop
3)The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes (I love Eleanor Estes in general, but this is a particularly good one for little ones!)
4)The Biggest Bear by Lynd Ward (I love animal stories!)
5) Blueberries for Sal (Classic! Love reading it to each of my kids... Kurplink, kurplunk, kurplank)
6)Night Noises by Mem Fox (Reminds me of something my family would have done for our sweet granny and gramps.)
7) Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox (sweet story about an old woman remembering things from her childhood).
8)Dear Juno by Soyung Pak (another good one about a little boy's grandma and their relationship through writing letters).
9) Stelluna by Janell Cannon (about a little bat who gets befriended by a bird family after being separated from his mommy).
10) A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza (a heart-warming tale about adoption).
Um. I know I'm leaving some out. (Best-Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill, and Curious George (the old ones) by HA Rey, and Mike Mulligan et al by Virginia Lee Burton... all so good!)
But now I have to list my favorites for older children:
1)Milly Molly Mandy by Joyce Lankester Brisley(all mommies with little girls need to read this! The second one is great too, More Milly Molly Mandy)
2) Betsy Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (a favorite series, wonderfully sweet stories)
3)Kildee House by Rutherford Montgomery (another animal book, so fun to read with my Noah)
4)Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat (more animals)
5)Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan (very adventurous and historical WWII story)
6)All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (so innocent and wholesome)
7)The Borrowers by Mary Norton (creative story about tiny people, loved the whole series!)
8)Secret of the Andes (totally cried at the end when the little boy figures out who his family is...)
9)A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck(another tear-jerker about two children and their hilarious grandmother and their wonderful summers together)
10)My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett (imaginative, one of Spencer's all-time faves!)
OK, I might have to do this once a year. I know I am leaving out tons, like all of the DeJong books (Along Came a Dog, Shadrack, Hurry Home Candy...) and of course Beverly Cleary's Henry Huggins series, and Ralph S. Mouse, (my boys LOVED them!), The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (I cried on that one, too)....what about Charlotte's Web by EB White... so classic!) OK, so what books did you love reading to your kids?
I tag:
Becky at Madeira Madness
Lindsay at the gibson crew
Jamie at bringingbeautyfrommypain
Meghann at thehasty4
Reba at nickandrebeccaswan
Shawnda at spiritofadoption
Lisa at 3orange1blonde
and Jess at muchmooregrace
Have fun!

NaBloPoMo

OH WELL! So much for National Blog Posting Month ; )
Have any of you ever felt like two days were actually one very long day? Since I had posted that slideshow Friday after working on it much in the afternoon, I forgot to post something on Saturday! (I kept thinking I had just posted the video!). OH WELL! So, Becky, I'm the first to crack (sure didn't take long now, did it?) HA!
Maybe I'll make up for it by posting two today ; )

The BaaMoo Farm...

...or as Julianna calls it the "MooBoo Farm". ; )
As previously mentioned, the kids and I had a wonderful visit yesterday with Lauren's birthmother, Jamie. About a month ago, Jamie had suggested visiting the BaaMoo Farm together, recalling her own memories from her older daughter's childhood.
The farm was well-run and clean, with many activities for the children... and a very helpful staff, (they even suggested for us to come early to beat the schoolgroups! I am so glad we did!).
Honestly, I was surprised at the opportunities this small farm afforded the children: feeding bottles to calves and meal to chickens; collecting eggs from the hens; gathering pumpkins from a field; taking a "hayride" (although we didn't sit on hay!); and we all (that's right, "all") even got to milk a cow! : )
Now, I know that makes you want to go... Doesn't it?!
I took so many pictures, I decided to make a little slideshow so I wouldn't have to leave any out! Enjoy. : )

Love Thursday

Well, I have a lot of things on my mind today that I could blog about. But no time to do it! However, since I am taking the National Blog Posting Month challenge, I thought I'd copy a few other ideas from blogs I frequent... like "Wordless Wednesdays" (pictures only to be featured) and "Love Thursday" (highlighting some warm fuzzy in my life). So here's my first attempt:


"Love is not self-seeking." (1 Cor. 13)
One of the things that I love about visiting with Jamie, is her consistent care and attention to all of my children when we are together. No one would blame her if she spent all of her time soaking up hugs and kisses from Bidgie alone. But she doesn't. Jamie always goes above and beyond what any adoptive mother would expect her daughter's birthmother to do. She frequently brings treats or presents for each of the children; but even beyond the material, Jamie hugs, talks, chases, encourages, listens to, and laughs with each of my children... and that is one of the most beautiful expressions of love I have yet to see.
She has a love that delights in making others happy, even above herself.
Thank you for loving us, Jamie. : ) It was so good to see you today!

National Blog Posting Month

Did you ever hear of such a thing? You're supposed to post something every day of the month. Are you going to do it??? It starts tomorrow! Who's up to the challenge???? (John stop rolling your eyes!) : )

What's Wrong with this Picture?

Can you tell we all woke up extra-tired this morning???

God's Compassion and Mercy

This morning I was reading in my own devotional time, as well as reading to the kids, about the compassion of God in so many different ways.
Starting with Judges I read about His amazing patience with the Israelites in light of their outright disobedience. I also read two stories to the children, the story about Abram rescuing his selfish nephew, Lot... and then the story of Jairus and his dying daugther and the lady with the bleeding problem. Remember how the lady with the bleeding issue touched Jesus's cloak and He felt the power go out from Him. She tremblingly admitted it was her, and Jesus compassionately says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace." Then, with Jairus, the poor man comes begging Jesus to heal his 12-year-old daughter... but someone came to tell Jairus she had died and not to bother the Lord. Of course, you know the end of the story when Jesus goes with Jairus and his wife, and his favorite disciples... and tells the girl to get up. What a beautiful story of God's love. (I couldn't help but to cry and cry in the middle of reading that story... thinking about the loss of that family and Christ's mercy on them. How that must have felt!) He cares for each of us that way, aware of the details and hardships of our lives... there is no indication (to my knowledge) that Jairus was an important man or even a godly man... Jesus is merciful and kind to all.
Lastly, the most compelling story of God's compassion, that of our own Savior's death on the Cross. C.H. Spurgeon says, "The tree that brought death to our Savior is a tree of life to us. Sit under this true Tree of Life, and you will shake off the weakness and disease that came in by that Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary to Africa, used certain medicines that were known as Livinstone's Rousers. But the glorious truths that are extracted from the bitter wood of the cross are far better rousers!"
Lately, I have been burdened by the sufferings of people around me. A friend who miscarried her baby after two years of infertility, and finally had become pregnant via Invitro. Another friend who just lost her baby mid-term, the fourth time she has walked through this. And numerous trials I cannot even mention.
I was reminded this morning of Christ's compassion. Although, for reasons we may never know, He sometimes holds back His hand from physical healing, yet He is still compassionate and He demonstrates that ultimately on the Cross.. healing us from our most grave disease, our sin.

Translation Anyone?

Spelling Bee

Alyssa won Second Place in the CWCC Homeschool Spelling Bee. Humorously, it is the second time she made "second place", and the same girl who won "first place" last year, won again this year! (I need to ask her Mom what curriculum she is using!) ; ) Anyway, they were all fabulous. It was a true joy seeing all those children reciting their words... some of them hardly able to stand still while spelling. So cute!
Alyssa is a diligent person, and we are so proud of her. Good job, sweetie. : ) We love you, and thank you for your hard work.

All the Way from California

We had visitors for the past week. My dear friend, Lisa came to visit with her new baby, Chase, and his big brother Skye. Lisa comes about once a year, and we love it when she's here. Skye plays great with Julianna and Spencer, and everyone doted on the baby. Of course, I'm running on very little sleep as our only real "talking time" is late at night after the seven little ones settle down for the night.
Lisa and I met about thirteen years ago when her husband (only her fiance´at the time) came to CrossWay looking for a church. Even though they only attended CrossWay for a few months, we became fast friends and have kept in touch through the years... maintaining a long distant friendship while they lived in Texas and now in California.
I miss my friend, but I am so grateful for her dedication to our relationship and willingness to travel many, many hours with two small boys just to see me.
I love you Lis! Thank you for coming!

Retreat

For those of you who have been wondering where I have been, we just got back from a Pastors' Retreat in Bryson City, NC. Had a wonderful time making memories as a team.
Thank you to all who served us here with childcare. We literally could not do what we do without each of you...
A few pictures...





And if you want to see MORE pictures of this fun event (isn't that why everyone's visits these blogs??? For the pictures???)... go to Jeanie's, Reba's, or Jess's blogs too... : )

The Cross Centered Life

Cousins : )

One of the things I love about adoption is, of course, the extension of our family! My brother, and his wife and son came over last night to have dinner with us. You may recognize Nicholas from the adoption slideshow presentation I posted last week. Nicholas is adopted too. Isn't he cute?! : )
I often think about the difficulties associated with adoption, primarily the unfathomable loss it represents for the birthfamily. However, I also think about cousins Nicholas, Benjamin (my sister, Gail's son) and Charlie (John's brother's son). They would not be family apart from the loving sacrifices each one of their birthfamilies made. I may never comprehend it, but we are thankful, and totally in love with these precious children. November is National Adoption Month. Can I ask each of you to say a prayer today, for each of my children's birthfamilies, as well as Nicholas's, Benjamin's, and Charlie's? Thank you. : )

Blog Happy

Don't be surprised when several days go by without a single post. Whenever I have a major project to do (i.e. CAS slideshow) I have to limit my time on here. : ) But now that that's done... check out this old video I just found of Bidgie. I uploaded it several months ago, but I'm sure it'll make you smile. : )

Hooray Spencer!!!!!

Spencer scored the winning goal today in soccer! Well, it was the only goal scored by the Tigers today, but none-the-less we're so proud of him! Best part was seeing his expression and both hands UP in the air when it went in. He turned immediately to me... Boy, did I yell! : )

Open Adoption Slideshow

Well, some of you know I was on a panel today for our adoption agency. John and I have had the privilege of speaking for them on several different occasions. Today, there was a new twist on my topic, in addition to just sharing "our story" of adopting five kids, CAS (www.christianadopt.org) also asked me to speak about our open adoption arrangements.
Open adoption has many preconceived notions in society, which make their way into the hearts of nearly every potential adoptive parent. Now that John and I have been walking through open adoption situations with our last three children, we have learned that most, if not all these ideas are unfounded. We have received great joy through our relationships with all of our children's birthfamilies, even the ones that are more closed. But there is a unique joy that comes in having an actual relationship with the people who loved our children first. To learn about their background, their personalities, and MOST of all to allow our children to feel their love, first hand...open adoption has been nothing short of a blessing.
We love and respect our children's birthfamilies deeply.
In the slideshow I compiled for this meeting, you will see pictures of several of their families. I hope to honor each of the families represented in this slideshow, may God bless them and fill them with peace.

Ordination Sunday

John was ordained today, along with our friend, Joe Lechner. It was a glorious celebration of the grace of God. We are so thankful for our church and all the people there supporting us, including John's Mom, two of his sisters and their families.




I thought I'd follow Jeanie's example, and post what I shared to honor John this past Sunday. Love you, Boogs. : )

"When I went to bed the other night, I was pleased to find a note written by our nine-year-old daughter. Half of it was written to me, and half to John. To John, she had inscribed the Scripture from Col. 3:23 “Work heartily for the Lord, not for men.” Then she added: “Dear Daddy, I love you. Thank you for working on the yard every day, and for working hard for the Lord and being diligent. I know how hard it is, but keep up the good work. Love, Alyssa.”

It’s not unusual for Alyssa to make us cards, but what I appreciate most about her notes is her specific encouragement. When Alyssa looks at her Daddy, some very accurate things stand out to her. She sees that John is a hard worker.

While John was studying for ordination, I’m sure it stood out to all the children, what a hard worker he truly is! Alyssa even spent time reviewing John’s note cards with him, helping him memorize Scripture. Hours were spent at work, reading books and reviewing doctrine. The kids and I even spent a week at the beach, while Daddy stayed home and studied. Now that’s diligence!

But John is not only a hard worker when it comes to the ordination process or even the hours he spends caring for people here at CrossWay. He’s a hard-worker at home. Not only with mowing the lawn and caring for our yard, as Alyssa mentioned, but also taking care of the cars, or fixing things that are broken (which is more often than I’d like to admit!) … John also often helps me clean up around the kitchen. It is not unusual to find him loading the dishwasher after dinner, or wiping down the table. He is a huge blessing to me in that way.

In addition to being a pastor, John oversees his own software company. Writing software, handling technical-support, fixing problems with the software and dealing with accountants takes time and effort above and beyond what he does here at CrossWay.

John consistently wakes early to spend time with the Lord, heads off for a full day at work, and comes home to five energetic children and a worn-out wife. Almost every night after dinner, John brings the four oldest children to a nearby pond for fishing. I am confident the children will grow up with this as a favorite memory with their Dad. In fact, just last night Spencer gave John this [hold up toy] fishing pole and fish as a gift, and said “because you’re the best fisherman in the world!”

John, as Alyssa said, “thank you” that “whatever you do, [you] work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”, Thank you for the example you are setting for our children in this area of your life.

I’d also like to thank John for his example of leadership in our family. Although you have joked to say “you led me down the path of destruction” during our dating days, in 1991 you led me down the aisle to rededicate our lives to the Lord. In 1992, you led us in making CrossWay our church home. After getting married in ‘93, you provided emotional stability and care through my struggles with infertility. You had faith to adopt each one of our five children, regardless of the varying medical, financial and legal difficulties accompanying each situation. You led us as a family when you quit your job at the Charlotte Observer to pursue Pastor’s College, relocating with four small children for ten short months. When my mother died, you provided a firm foundation for me, leading me with truth through my most difficult days.

But most importantly, you faithfully lead us in the day-to-day issues that arise in a family of seven. We know we are your priority in the midst of a busy schedule. For years, you have set aside your day off, just to spend time with us. We used to use that time to play, but instead you researched and planned activities to reach out and help others as a family.
I am so thankful for the spiritual leader you are at home, how you oversee Noah and Alyssa’s devotions and spend time with them each week as follow up. You are building a relationship with the younger children by taking them out to lunch and talking to them about their hearts.

Recently, while we were at a caregroup meeting, our babysitter called about an issue she was having with one of our children. John asked to speak with the perpetrator, and very patiently asked questions and helped that child to see their sin. Our child’s heart softened in the midst of this conversation with Daddy, and after apologizing to the babysitter, the child announced “I LOVE MY DADDY MORE THAN A HUNDRED DIAMONDS!” That patient, tender leadership is winning the hearts of our children.

As a spouse, you are my lover and my best friend and I always feel loved by you. Thank you for making your leadership a priority in our home, for pursuing godliness, for your hard work, for your care for us and for those around us. And … congratulations on your ordination. We love you and we’re proud of you!

Open Adoption

Yesterday we got to spend a couple of hours with some of our favorite people. : ) A few pictures of the big event: Lauren with her Birthmama Jamie, her big sis, Gabby (don't they look alike?), and giving a high-five to Grandma Linda...



Lauren is one lucky little girl!
Although, we all feel very fortunate to know this wonderful family, who has embraced us as an extension of their own family and have become dear friends. We love you guys!

Miss Mischief

No, Lauren did not have an accident. She got into my lipstick. And then she cried when I took it away and told her "no". (Of course, I tried not to laugh (at least until I turned away to grab the camera....) Oh me.

Budding Artist

Recently, Lauren has gotten into coloring, a lot. She especially loves markers, and is finally figuring out drawing is intended for paper, not carpet and walls!!!!
Lately as I am working on emails, she has sat with paper and pens, coloring pretty pictures... : ) But the best part is, every now and then, she will stop and run to show me. Big grin on her face, so proud of herself. I'll say "ooooohhh pretty... did you color a picture???" and she'll say "wes" : ) : )
Ahhh... motherhood, isn't it the best?!!!

My Nephew

OK, I have to brag on my nephew for a minute. Aside from being a very interesting, and intelligent person, Micah is also a dedicated Christian. He loves people and different cultures, and has traveled places I haven't even dreamed of going. Recently Micah received his MBA from Stanford. (I'm so proud of him!)
One of my favorite past-times, just before bed (and sometimes in the middle of the day) is reading different blogs, but especially those written by the people I LOVE : ) Micah is a splendid writer, and is always on such exciting adventures, (right now he's living in Africa) his blog is among my favorites.
Need a new blog to add to your list?
Check him out:
http://www.xanga.com/dcdukie
Love ya, Micah!!!

I Love My Hubby

But I have already said that. Haven't I?
Isn't this a great picture though?
John brings the kids fishing almost every night at a pond down the street. The other night, me and Bidgie joined them. : ) : )

Sometimes It's Hard

On Family Day this week we went to the nearby Assisted Living Facility to hand out flowers. (No applause, please, that's not what this post's about.) Anyway, I was talking to the children about greeting the elderly people and how to behave, when I realized how difficult these things are even for me! I really have to push myself to speak to strangers. I don't know what I'm "afraid" of, if anything, but it just doesn't come "naturally" to me.
I thought about my dear friend Lisa, and her extraverted personality. I LOVE that about her! (Opposites attract, eh, Lis?)
Anyway, I know I am called to reach out, even when it's uncomfortable.
I just wondered, is this hard for anybody else????

Back from the Beach

Just a few snapshots from our latest trip with my family.
Noah and Alyssa with their cousins, Luke and Jess (and their Aunt Lori!)...

Spencer, Dad, and Rich playing Bocce Ball.




A picture is worth a thousand words, right?
Enough said.