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.