A beautiful and touching reminder of why we MUST NOT FORGET the events of that fateful day...
and not only simply "Not Forget", but do something with every precious day we are given.
Please, pleeeeease, take a few moments to watch this incredible story and beautiful picture of salvation.
There truly are no words.
God Bless America--I have NOT forgotten.
Showing posts with label Remembering.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label Remembering.... Show all posts
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
4 years of Smiles!
I remember...oh, so many, many things...
I remember going to the hospital and after thankfully a short and fairly easy delivery {water births are the BEST!!}, meeting my sweetie girl for the first time. We came to the hospital, like all 1st time parents-to-be, not really knowing what was in store for us. On top of that, we came with 2 names picked out--Clara Grace and Seth Matthew, because we had decided to be surprised and didn't know that we were having a Clara yet. Well, actually, if you ask my hubby, he was pretty sure it would be a girl. With both of my pregos. he has had a dream and very vividly saw what gender baby we would have. So far, he's 2 for 2! Stinker! I thought it was us girls that were supposed to have "women's intuition" and all that?!?
Anywho, our darling bundle of joy came into the world on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at 7:13 p.m. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 19 1/4 in. long. Her sweet little head was covered with a good amount of dark brown hair that curled when wet and had her daddy's beautiful blue eyes. She was a picture of perfection, sweetness, and all things girly. And to me, she still is!!
We enjoyed our little sweetie so much that we decided to take her "show on the road", a.k.a. deputation. She made a big splash, let me tell ya!
And before we knew it, it was birthday time.
And somehow, 1 turned into 2.
Which quickly jumped to 3.
I remember going to the hospital and after thankfully a short and fairly easy delivery {water births are the BEST!!}, meeting my sweetie girl for the first time. We came to the hospital, like all 1st time parents-to-be, not really knowing what was in store for us. On top of that, we came with 2 names picked out--Clara Grace and Seth Matthew, because we had decided to be surprised and didn't know that we were having a Clara yet. Well, actually, if you ask my hubby, he was pretty sure it would be a girl. With both of my pregos. he has had a dream and very vividly saw what gender baby we would have. So far, he's 2 for 2! Stinker! I thought it was us girls that were supposed to have "women's intuition" and all that?!?
Anywho, our darling bundle of joy came into the world on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at 7:13 p.m. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 19 1/4 in. long. Her sweet little head was covered with a good amount of dark brown hair that curled when wet and had her daddy's beautiful blue eyes. She was a picture of perfection, sweetness, and all things girly. And to me, she still is!!
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| Just moments out of the oven! |
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| ♥ Our first family pic! ♥ {Yes, I know how exhausted I look!} |
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| A few hours old and very alert! |
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| Home from the hospital! |
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| ♥ My all time favorite pic of Hubby and baby Clara ♥ |
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| 1st Father's Day--1 1/2 weeks old |
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| My favorite pic of me and my baby girl! ♥ |
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| Such a happy, relaxed baby! |
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| Check out those chubby cheeks!! ♥ |
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| Lovin' Life, Lookin' Cute! |
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| Playing with mama! |
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| Lookin' Mischievous! |
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| 6 month/Christmas pics |
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| First piggy tails and waving! |
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| First time to swing! |
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| First Easter--9 months |
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| Her shirt says: "Everybody Loves a Blue Eyed Girl!" |
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| Lighting up the room with her smile! |
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| Time at Grandpa G.'s farm--doing laundry and playing with cats = FUN! |
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| One cool chick! |
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| "Happy Birthday toooooo Yoooooouuuu!!" |
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| Showing us that she is "1" year old! |
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| 1 year pic |
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| Family pics on her 1st birthday! |
And somehow, 1 turned into 2.
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| Daddy/Daughter moment on her 2nd birthday |
Which quickly jumped to 3.
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| 3 year old "glamour shot" |
Until we find ourselves here, with our "baby" girl turning 4!!! I know what you are thinking, it's only going to get worse. The time is not going to slow down any time soon, but rather fly by faster and faster like a spinning top or a rushing wind. And I know that is most definitely true! So, I will be thankful for today and for the 4 years of beautiful, precious life that the Lord has graciously given our daughter. She is truly a gift from God that has brightened our day, everyday of her life.
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| 4 year old "glamour shot" from Sunday |
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| My princess on her birthday! |
Monday, May 30, 2011
Baby Brother Brag Post
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| My brother, Adam, at his Marine Corp. Boot Camp graduation, 2007 |
Meet my {little} brother, Adam. Well, he is younger than me and was little once upon a time. To me, he will always be my little brother. You know the kind that drive you crazy, chase you around the house and beat you up, embarrass the living daylights out of you (whatever "living daylights" are?! idk ha!) and generally think it is the #1 priority in their job description to annoy you. Yeah, one of those kind of little brothers. Anyone identify with that?! I am sure you get the idea.
On the other hand, growing up he was always the first one to stick up for me or lend a helping hand when I needed one. He put up with my torturous, manipulating ways {like swapping dishes duty for me to play a game with him}. I have many good memories of setting up the tent in the backyard and "camping out" with him or of tossing the baseball or playing football catch for hours. (Tip--when you are on opposite sides of the yard from each other it is much harder to get into a fight! ;) The list goes on as my mind recalls all the crazy, silly, goofy brother-sister things, we used to do.
As for you, you may call him, Marine. Protector. Defender of Freedom and Old Glory. He stands for a cause, our cause. Where we enjoy the freedoms, he fights to keep them firmly in place. Where we live in comfort, he lives in the midst of conflict. Where we know peace, he sees pandemonium. {yes, that's my big word for the day}.
Because today he doesn't sit safely within our country's shores. But rather is found, in the scorching desert somewhere in the middle of nowhere, in Afghanistan. He is sweating it out and doing it happily, because there's a job to be done. He doesn't just recognize that fact, as so many do, but goes above and beyond. He fulfills the need. He stands in the gap. He does it for you. He does it for me. He is one of many. They call themselves soldiers, we call them heroes!
So, you can see why my ♥ swells with pride today. On this day when we remember the fallen and the faithful. Those who have paid the ultimate price and those that are serving us now and willing to pay it, too.
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| My mom with her "soldier boy" |
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| My little bro., me, and Clara at 5 months |
"I have never been able to think
of the day as one of mourning;
I have never quite been able to feel
that half-masted flags
were appropriate on Decoration Day.
I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak,
because those whose dying we commemorate
rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.
We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did."
~Benjamin Harrison
"They fell, but o'er their glorious grave
Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save."
~Francis Marion Crawford
Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save."
~Francis Marion Crawford
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| I have to admit, he looks handsome in his uniform. |
Lil Bro. and your fellow soldiers~ Thank you for all you do on my behalf. For walking the rough road so that I will never have to trod it. For bearing the burden so that my shoulders do not have to carry it. For standing in the gap and doing what I cannot do. For protecting me, my loved ones, and the freedoms we hold dear. For your service and sacrifice, I thank you. There truly are no words to express my gratitude. You are my heroes. With love and prayers~ Your sis and supporter  God bless America and Happy Memorial Day! |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Walkin' on Streets of Gold
That's where my childhood pastor is right now. After living a life of dedication and service to the Lord, his journey in this life has come to an end. Such a joy and comfort to know that we will see him again on the other side!
My Pastor--there are truly not quite just the right words to describe him. I can say that he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people. He was the biggest joker and loved to laugh, but he also had the biggest heart to love others, no matter their situation. The amount of influence that he had on my little hometown is without measure. Years of faithfulness, hard work, and loving and pouring out his heart to people.
My parents (who are celebrating their 40th anniversary) were married by this man of God. It was the first wedding that he performed and he got off on the right foot, because it stuck! {Smile}
This shows how far back he went with my family. He was an important part from the very beginning. He's the man that showed my parent's their need for a Saviour and led them to the Lord all those years ago. Waaaaaaaayyy before I was even a thought.
Of course, this begs the ?; What would have become of us had Pastor not come to our town? Where would my parents/our family be? On the straight and narrow path? Thankfully, we'll never know and we don't need to worry about that. Because Pastor did come. He moved his growing family to our little town and carved out a work for the Lord. I am so glad that he did!
The church, I am sure, will be packed to overflowing with the many relatives and loved ones that were privileged to be a part of his life, and he, of their lives. So today, in my hometown their are tears mingled with joy. Tears for the sadness we feel in not having him with us any longer. Joy at the thought that he is finally walkin' on streets of gold and seeing his precious Saviour's face. It's not so much a sad and gloomy funeral, rather than a celebration of his life, a life well-spent in service to the Lord. After all that's really the only kind that counts.
My Pastor--there are truly not quite just the right words to describe him. I can say that he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people. He was the biggest joker and loved to laugh, but he also had the biggest heart to love others, no matter their situation. The amount of influence that he had on my little hometown is without measure. Years of faithfulness, hard work, and loving and pouring out his heart to people.
My parents (who are celebrating their 40th anniversary) were married by this man of God. It was the first wedding that he performed and he got off on the right foot, because it stuck! {Smile}
This shows how far back he went with my family. He was an important part from the very beginning. He's the man that showed my parent's their need for a Saviour and led them to the Lord all those years ago. Waaaaaaaayyy before I was even a thought.
Of course, this begs the ?; What would have become of us had Pastor not come to our town? Where would my parents/our family be? On the straight and narrow path? Thankfully, we'll never know and we don't need to worry about that. Because Pastor did come. He moved his growing family to our little town and carved out a work for the Lord. I am so glad that he did!
The church, I am sure, will be packed to overflowing with the many relatives and loved ones that were privileged to be a part of his life, and he, of their lives. So today, in my hometown their are tears mingled with joy. Tears for the sadness we feel in not having him with us any longer. Joy at the thought that he is finally walkin' on streets of gold and seeing his precious Saviour's face. It's not so much a sad and gloomy funeral, rather than a celebration of his life, a life well-spent in service to the Lord. After all that's really the only kind that counts.
"Thank you, Pastor.
For ALL that you have done
for me, my family, my church, and my community.
Thank you for being a shining light
in a dark, sin-filled world.
With a grateful heart--
Not goodbye, but 'See you later.' "
Monday, January 3, 2011
Picture of Loyalty
Today a very dear man's body will be put to rest.
Today his loved ones and friends will gather to mourn and to celebrate his life.
Today his wife will shed many a tear and wonder how she can go on without her husband of over 65 years.
Today his legacy begins....
If I had to choose just one word to describe this sweet friend it would be Loyalty.
He truly was the epitome of the word.
Loyalty.
Definition of LOYAL
1. unswerving in allegiance: as a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, faithful, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
Loyal to his country, serving faithfully in World War II and later in the Armed Guard. Willing to give his life, his all, for his beloved country and countrymen.
Loyal to his wife and children, through the years, through the toils and troubles, through the heartaches, and tears, through thick and thin, good and bad, constant, unshakable, a rock.
Loyal to us, his friends and neighbors. My parents have lived next door to him and his lovely wife for over 34 years. He literally watched me grow up and was my "other Grandpa".
Loyal as a "paper boy". Rain or shine. No matter the weather. Always shuffling his way across the yard to leave his 'day old' newspaper on my parent's doorstep. And not just once in a while, not just for a time. Day after day, year after year. Consistent, kind, dedicated, determined, loyal.
Loyal in his kindness to me and my family and all that were privileged to know him. So caring, so considerate. Looking out for me and my brothers, looking out for my parents, looking out for his wife and his daily chores.
A true patriot, a true hero, a true gentleman.
In a land that has long forgotten the meaning of those words. A man of generations gone by, that had not forsaken his Christian standards and moral upbringing. He stuck by the stuff til the end of his journey. He lived a full life, passing quickly and quietly at the age of 92.
He will truly be missed and inspires me to look to the many fine qualities that he possessed and do my best to emulate them and honor him.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2010 Reflections and Ramblings
Thinking back and pondering on the past year and also on the differences in my life since that day in February 2009 when we moved to this "strange to us" land. My, how things have changed since then and in the last year. Some good...some bad....some sad disappointments....some great joys...different seasons of life....phases of growth and new family dynamics....kind of overwhelming when you look at it as a whole. Good thing that the Lord just asks us to deal with one day at a time....
I was not cocky, thinking that I knew everything and storming in here with a squirt gun to save the lost and rid the world of evil...
on the contrary, I will rather sheepishly admit the truth...I was scared to death! My whole world was turned upside down, having left everything I had ever known and most of what I loved and held dear, too.
Thankfully, my 2 most precious treasures, Matt and Clara, were there beside me all the way. I know I never would have made it through those first few lonely months without them.
Often, I remember thinking, "I don't want to even go outside...what if someone says something to me...I don't understand these people and I am going to be so embarrassed and make a big fool out of myself."
I remember those first Spanish classes, there was a whole lot of Spanish that went flying quicker than lightning right over my head. I felt as I were drowning in a great big sea of mixed up mumbo-jumbo, and I could NOT keep my head above the water for anything. So much frustration and so many tears back then. Aching to communicate and to feel like someone cared. I knew, I mean I KNEW, that God was there and that we were doing the right thing. I even knew that this was all par for the course, but that didn't make it any easier or less lonely.
Never will I forget coming home that very first time from the grocery store; Matt and I were both shell-shocked and physically and emotionally wiped out! I remember thinking, "Is every shopping trip going to be as stressful and nerve-racking as this one?" Aisle after aisle, label after label, barely catching a word here and there...such frustration to do what one thinks of as such a simple, non-thinking thing. Wheew!
Among lots and lots of other changes, I have found that it is the little, everyday things that sometimes take the most getting used to, as they so often catch me unaware. Big things are somehow more expected, I guess.
In February, after what seemed like a long 2 years of pregnancy, my Ethan was brought into this world, healthy and full of life. He has definitely been my biggest blessing {and challenge} of the year. What a change he has brought into my life! He is the spittin' image of his sister, yet ALL BOY! He is so handsome and immediately stole his mama's ♥. He has brought such joy and fulfillment to our lives and I thank the Lord for him and his sweet smiles everyday. I love to think about how God prepares a mother's heart especially for her darling child and molds their relationship into something amazing. My ♥ is knit to those of my dear "babies" and I want to raise them as faithful servants of the King.
This past April, God allowed my kiddos and I to stay behind in Argentina while my hubby traveled to the states to be the best man in his brother's wedding and take care of paperwork for us. It was a difficult time, feeling somewhat trapped in my own home, with 2 munchkins depending fully on me, and wishing that I was with hubby, seeing all the fam., showing off my new precious bundle and my ever growing sweetie pie. But, it was not to be. Now I can look back, and although it would be easy to keep asking "Why, Lord?", I know that God used that time of testing in my life to teach me many things. I learned that I must rely on Him and Him alone for my safety and that I can be strong and independent when I need to be. This experience, though difficult, brought me closer to my Lord. Doesn't it often work that way?
No, things are not perfect, I still have my days, and my ups and downs {let's face it, if you are part of the female race, so do you!}
But, there have definitely been improvements.
One of the biggest things has been the ability to speak {albeit clumsily}. Who would have ever thought that I would have trouble getting words to come out of my mouth? I am rarely at a loss for words and they usually come in an over abundance and quite quickly, too. Spanish is a whole other story, I think until recently people down here thought I was pretty quiet. HA! Little did they know...they are starting to find out! It's still frustrating at times and I miss my opportunity or chicken out at times, but at least I know what's going on around me and feel much more a part of the group. I am 27, not a little kid anymore, but still want to feel accepted and a part of things. Guess that never changes.
Also, this year has been a great growing experience in working in the church. Between singing in choir, helping in nursery, doing bulletin boards, and teaching 0-3 year old Sunday School {right on my level!}, it has been so good to get involved and watch the Lord work inspite of me. Learning a new language is such a humbling experience, and has taught me to rely on the Lord and his strength so much more and for the "simple" things. {Not so simple in another language}. Plus, this year those things have been coming a bit easier, and I just can't wait to see how things continue to progress and what other doors of service will open for me this year. I know that the Lord is stretching me and molding me, and my desire is to be a more suitable vessel for Him in 2011.
May we all have a productive 2011, serving the Lord!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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| Clara surrounded by suitcases, the day we arrived in Argentina |
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| My Baby Clara, February 18, 2009 |
When we arrived in Argentina...
I was not cocky, thinking that I knew everything and storming in here with a squirt gun to save the lost and rid the world of evil...
on the contrary, I will rather sheepishly admit the truth...I was scared to death! My whole world was turned upside down, having left everything I had ever known and most of what I loved and held dear, too.
Thankfully, my 2 most precious treasures, Matt and Clara, were there beside me all the way. I know I never would have made it through those first few lonely months without them.
Often, I remember thinking, "I don't want to even go outside...what if someone says something to me...I don't understand these people and I am going to be so embarrassed and make a big fool out of myself."
I remember those first Spanish classes, there was a whole lot of Spanish that went flying quicker than lightning right over my head. I felt as I were drowning in a great big sea of mixed up mumbo-jumbo, and I could NOT keep my head above the water for anything. So much frustration and so many tears back then. Aching to communicate and to feel like someone cared. I knew, I mean I KNEW, that God was there and that we were doing the right thing. I even knew that this was all par for the course, but that didn't make it any easier or less lonely.
Never will I forget coming home that very first time from the grocery store; Matt and I were both shell-shocked and physically and emotionally wiped out! I remember thinking, "Is every shopping trip going to be as stressful and nerve-racking as this one?" Aisle after aisle, label after label, barely catching a word here and there...such frustration to do what one thinks of as such a simple, non-thinking thing. Wheew!
Among lots and lots of other changes, I have found that it is the little, everyday things that sometimes take the most getting used to, as they so often catch me unaware. Big things are somehow more expected, I guess.
More recently...
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| Newborn Ethan Matthew |
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| February 16, 2010 |
This past April, God allowed my kiddos and I to stay behind in Argentina while my hubby traveled to the states to be the best man in his brother's wedding and take care of paperwork for us. It was a difficult time, feeling somewhat trapped in my own home, with 2 munchkins depending fully on me, and wishing that I was with hubby, seeing all the fam., showing off my new precious bundle and my ever growing sweetie pie. But, it was not to be. Now I can look back, and although it would be easy to keep asking "Why, Lord?", I know that God used that time of testing in my life to teach me many things. I learned that I must rely on Him and Him alone for my safety and that I can be strong and independent when I need to be. This experience, though difficult, brought me closer to my Lord. Doesn't it often work that way?
As for the Here and Now...
No, things are not perfect, I still have my days, and my ups and downs {let's face it, if you are part of the female race, so do you!}
But, there have definitely been improvements.
One of the biggest things has been the ability to speak {albeit clumsily}. Who would have ever thought that I would have trouble getting words to come out of my mouth? I am rarely at a loss for words and they usually come in an over abundance and quite quickly, too. Spanish is a whole other story, I think until recently people down here thought I was pretty quiet. HA! Little did they know...they are starting to find out! It's still frustrating at times and I miss my opportunity or chicken out at times, but at least I know what's going on around me and feel much more a part of the group. I am 27, not a little kid anymore, but still want to feel accepted and a part of things. Guess that never changes.
Also, this year has been a great growing experience in working in the church. Between singing in choir, helping in nursery, doing bulletin boards, and teaching 0-3 year old Sunday School {right on my level!}, it has been so good to get involved and watch the Lord work inspite of me. Learning a new language is such a humbling experience, and has taught me to rely on the Lord and his strength so much more and for the "simple" things. {Not so simple in another language}. Plus, this year those things have been coming a bit easier, and I just can't wait to see how things continue to progress and what other doors of service will open for me this year. I know that the Lord is stretching me and molding me, and my desire is to be a more suitable vessel for Him in 2011.
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| Our family now, December 26, 2010 |
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| My Big Girl Clara |
May we all have a productive 2011, serving the Lord!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thanksgivings--Past & Present
Memories of:
Crispy fall leaves swirling around in the yard and pumpkins sitting on the deck
Cool, brisk mornings, perfect for wearing your favorite sweater
Waking to the smell of turkey in the oven (or even better, deep fried) and the promise of many more wonderful dishes to go along with it
Peeling potatoes with my mom (yes, I am probably still the slowest one)
Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as a family
Hot apple cider to warm me up from the inside out
A day to enjoy family togetherness
and of course, throwing up--I know not exactly a wonderful memory, but a memory nonetheless...throwing up my Thanksgiving meal because I was pregnant with my sweet Clara at the time...{I guess--wink} she was worth it
...Just to name a few.
It no longer includes many of these things...there are no fall leaves nor crisp air, rather the fragrance of spring flowers and humidity.
Now I wake to get my little family ready to go and we make our way to some friends' house for an "American" Thanksgiving--mission field style. Yes, in spite of the "wrong" season and the heat we still prepare the traditional dishes as much as possible. We all bring food to share, and it looks as though we are preparing to feed an army or store up for the winter (but it's spring, so that makes no sense ;)
The ladies laugh and chat and compare babies. What's new with your kids?, how's homeschooling going?, how are things at your church?, etc.. are all frequently asked/heard ?s. Meanwhile the men are busy trying to correct all the wrongs in the world and love to ask those "What if" ?s and get into debates both Biblical and political. The kiddos run to and fro amidst us seeking out their long lost playmates and having quite the time, while the babies are doted on and passed around and loved on by all.
Don't forget the FOOD! Like all good Baptists, esp. as missionaries, and esp. on Thanksgiving we manage to devour the majority of the enormous spread until we can't possible fit another bite of turkey n' taters or 'punkin' pie in.
We also use this as an opportunity to exchange any books that we are ready to part with; such fun to scan through the piles and find a few "new to you" books to bring home, too.
The other missionaries become your "family for the day" and if you are wise your dear friends for a lifetime. After all, who better/closer to understand where you are at and what you are going through and to reach out and help in your time of need?! We have so many dear friends here, and hope that we can do half as much for them and for other new missionaries that come along as they have done for us. They have showed us such love and kindness; one more thing to add to the growing list of things to be thankful for.
BOTH Thanksgivings, here and there, are unique and special in their own ways. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world, because no matter where I have been on Thanksgiving, I have always been surrounded with people that I care about and care about me and every year the Lord has blessed me with an innumerable amount of people and things to be thankful. I cannot complain, actually I have nothing to complain about. All that I am able to do is stand in awe and be thankful to "...him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." --Eph. 3:20. That's what He has done for me...He has given me far more than I ever could have dreamed of...
So, as I contemplate Thanksgiving Day and all the memories that come with it, my ♥ overflows with gratitude to my Heavenly Father and I will attempt to scratch the surface of my "Thankful List" and share some of those blessings with you soon.
God bless!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9-11, 9 years later
My heart is too full of thoughts and emotions to express them in words. I will simply leave it at this~May we always remember this day and pray for our brave heroes-- military, police, fireman, etc. and pray for our nation and its leaders. Most of all, may we pray that God shows us His longsuffering mercy once again, that His hand of judgment will be held back and our nation will fall to its knees in repentance.
May God continue to bless America, land that I love, and keep her FREE!
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