These ties that bind us

Grandpa rex is showing us persistence through trial as he battles for every breath. His disease, emphysema, requires such physical exertion. Elijah has only known Grandpa as someone who is sick, much as he knew his Mammaw. But he is learning the value of life through the eyes of those who have lived much. And he is learning by example how to care for those we love as he watches his dad and others give and give. These ties that bind us are stronger than death and add such richness and depth to our lives. We rejoice over Grandpa rex!

Winter beauties

After over six months of 100+ degrees, we are finally breathing again! December brings relief to my rose garden as well, with blooms bright and beautiful. I am captured by the sights and smells of them and rejoice once again in the imagination and unselfish gifts from our Creator God. Their beauty is rivaled only by the people in our lives, who radiate with the love of Christ.

spelling bee

Elijah participated in his first Eastside Explorers spelling bee this past Monday evening. This was a great experience for Elijah, especially since we just started our first "official" spelling curriculum this year. We are very proud of him!

father-son day at the office

Elijah enjoyed a "field trip" to Chris's office this week, in order to learn more about his Dad's work. We enjoyed lunch together at the golf clubhouse, and then took a driving tour of the many new homes under construction. We visited Chris's office and toured a few of the model homes. Elijah especially enjoys looking at the houses and commenting on the positives and negatives (he gets it honest). We toured the Shea Homes - Trilogy "Superiology House" which contains many exhibits about cost- and energy-saving construction methods. We also enjoyed seeing the Star Award, which Chris's team won for the second time recently. We are so proud of Chris and his work. His wisdom, experience, integrity, team spirit and leadership skills really shine through.

oh how we love Grammy

Grammy came for a week in October to share Elijah's baptism with us, and to spend a "typical homeschool" week in our lives. We visited the Narnia exhibit before Elijah's science class (Acids & Bases) at the Arizona Science Center, and enjoyed history class (illuminated manuscripts), Bible study (Galatians), karate, 2020, and a field trip to Schnepf Farms during the week.

elijah is baptized

Elijah was baptized on October 19, 2008 (Chris's 51st birthday) at North Bible Church in Scottsdale, AZ by our youth pastor, Wes Buchanan. When asked why Elijah wanted to be baptized, he spoke into the microphone, "Because Jesus is in my heart and I want everyone to know." My heart soars.

We are grateful to Grammy, Uncle Cameron and Aunt T for coming to share this special day with us. Also our friends, the Herfurths, the Hurds, the Morelocks, the McKowns, the Masons and the Fosters celebrated the morning with us. Thank you, dear friends.

the boys

These are the 2020 boys, whom we love and are committed to for as long as the Lord keeps us in Arizona. We praise God for the privilege of knowing them and their families, a true community of faith.

a band of brothers

Our 2020 boys are truly becoming a "band of brothers." Each week that we meet, they are more excited to be together. Seventeen boys means lots of energy and so much potential for impacting our world. Each week I am humbled beyond words when I look at their faces. There is just no telling what our Lord has in store for these!

Join with me in praying for our boys by name? Axel, Carter, Davey, Dylan, Elijah, Jansen, Josiah, Kaden, Logan, Max, Michael, Morgan, Noah, Rutger, Thatcher, Wesley & Zachary.

May our Father God thwart the enemy's plans against each of these boys and their families? May each boy know Jesus as his Savior, desire Him most in their lives, and commit to live fully for Him? May they desire to store up treasures in heaven more than desiring earthly riches? May they stay pure in heart and body for their bride? And may they impact the Kingdom of God by following God's perfect plan for their lives? May they see that following Jesus IS the Grand Adventure, and that nothing else will satisfy?

2020 - a new ministry birthed

My son, Elijah (right) and his friend, Davey, are just two of 17 boys who are joining us every Thursday this year for a class we call "2020." We meet together for two hours each week to study about how to truly know and serve our heavenly Father, what our lives really mean to Him, what His Grand Adventure is really all about and what is going on in our world for Christ. We are beginning the preparation in our hearts to live our lives completely sold out to Him, because in the year 2020, these boys will be MEN - the image bearers of Christ in our world. Please commit to pray for these boys and their families? And for me and the other volunteer teachers (Julie, Susan & Ken)? For the men (dads and church leaders) who will be speaking Truth into these boys' lives?

one less meal at a restaurant

For less money than most families pay for a meal at a restaurant each month, you can literally change the life of a child for all eternity. The Bible calls this "storing up treasures in heaven." I call it "reversing the blessing," because much is received in the giving. Compassion Connection, World Vision, African Orphan Outreach and It's About Kids are just a few groups focusing on ministry-outside-the-church-doors. Won't you pick just one, take God at His Word, and make the commitment? (Pictured are Martha, Grace and Tony in Ecuador, It's About Kids)

the whole earth His canvas

As unaware of the air that I breathe, I am often unaware of God's creativity unfolding around me every day. Every fingerprint, every embrace, every moment unlike the last, our Maker is dancing with glee around His own and surprising us with colors and sounds. Are we listening?

welcome

Day One with new blog spot...welcome!

This butterfly hatched right before my eyes at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle in late August. A glory to behold.