I took this photo this morning. I find this so amazing for many reasons. Just the sight of Old Glory is incredible. The things it represents - freedoms, lives lost, lives fought for, the place we are blessed to live. What is even more incredible is that this tattered flag is outside of Toad's school and we were there beneath it praying for his campus and God's glory to be known in that place. You can't do this everywhere, but you can here. We were there to honor the One who died so that we could lift up His Name, to seek His blessing and protection on that campus, to bear witness to Him. Nobody bothered us. We were not interrupted. I pray that it was an incredible sight before the Lord.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Incredible Sight
I took this photo this morning. I find this so amazing for many reasons. Just the sight of Old Glory is incredible. The things it represents - freedoms, lives lost, lives fought for, the place we are blessed to live. What is even more incredible is that this tattered flag is outside of Toad's school and we were there beneath it praying for his campus and God's glory to be known in that place. You can't do this everywhere, but you can here. We were there to honor the One who died so that we could lift up His Name, to seek His blessing and protection on that campus, to bear witness to Him. Nobody bothered us. We were not interrupted. I pray that it was an incredible sight before the Lord.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Long Lasting
One of the things I stressed out about when I was getting married was making new married friends. I know that's not on everyone's radar when you get married, but we were moving across the country eight days after the wedding to start two new phases of life - marriage and preparation for ministry. I wanted friends there, too. By the way, moving across the country was the best thing we ever did for many reasons. Finding friends in life is hard. It's even harder once your married. You want both of you to really like both of them. You will have couple friends that one of you really likes one of them, but rarely do you find both. We prayed for good friends that would love us and walk side by side with us in those days of learning.
The Lord was faithful to provide us with several couples with whom we are still close ten years later. They are all people who love Jesus like we do and want what's best for His glory and not ours. Their ministry and friendship over the years has been meaningful and met many needs in our lives. We have different things in common with the different couples and though we live many miles and states from some of them, my life is enriched each time I speak to them or hear of what the Lord is doing in and through them. I am thankful beyond measure for their willingness to love us, for God's provision and look forward to many more years of these lasting friendships.
One of the friendships we made in those early days of marriage was with a couple a few years older than us and in a different stage of life. They had five kids when we met them and we had only been married a couple of weeks and had no kids in our sights for some time. What may have seemed odd was easily comfortable and fun. We shared many Friday night pizza nights and a snow storm with their family and watched them closely. We saw biblical parenting at work in their home, a marriage grounded in God's Word and worked alongside them in our local church. There are many things that the Lord has been able to teach us through this family.
He gave to us 'in-the-field' type training through this family.
Our seasons of life have changed. We have our four kids and they now have two kids married. We were able to hang out with the two newlyweds recently and it brought back such great memories. We played games, visited, laughed a lot and just had a good time. It was so fun to see the girls all grown up and married with new lives of their own. I pray they find the kind of couple friends that we found in their parents - the kind that will be a blessing, encouragement and support to them for years to come.
The Lord was faithful to provide us with several couples with whom we are still close ten years later. They are all people who love Jesus like we do and want what's best for His glory and not ours. Their ministry and friendship over the years has been meaningful and met many needs in our lives. We have different things in common with the different couples and though we live many miles and states from some of them, my life is enriched each time I speak to them or hear of what the Lord is doing in and through them. I am thankful beyond measure for their willingness to love us, for God's provision and look forward to many more years of these lasting friendships.
One of the friendships we made in those early days of marriage was with a couple a few years older than us and in a different stage of life. They had five kids when we met them and we had only been married a couple of weeks and had no kids in our sights for some time. What may have seemed odd was easily comfortable and fun. We shared many Friday night pizza nights and a snow storm with their family and watched them closely. We saw biblical parenting at work in their home, a marriage grounded in God's Word and worked alongside them in our local church. There are many things that the Lord has been able to teach us through this family.
He gave to us 'in-the-field' type training through this family.Our seasons of life have changed. We have our four kids and they now have two kids married. We were able to hang out with the two newlyweds recently and it brought back such great memories. We played games, visited, laughed a lot and just had a good time. It was so fun to see the girls all grown up and married with new lives of their own. I pray they find the kind of couple friends that we found in their parents - the kind that will be a blessing, encouragement and support to them for years to come.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy
Tonight was 'crazy hair night' at AWANA. It brought much excitement to our campus and my kids had a blast. They were looking forward to it all week. So what do you do with a kid who has no hair? You paint it. Yes, it should be maroon but the basic, cheap halloween makeup kit does not come with aggie maroon, so tech red had to do the trick. Toads had so much fun showing it off. The Girl got to participate as well.....she picked it out. Old lady, zebra, whatever you think - she was way cute. I love these two and their excitement for everything they do.
They each said all of their verses for tonight and are ready to go for next week - hiding God's Word in their heart. So much fun with long-term benefits!
They each said all of their verses for tonight and are ready to go for next week - hiding God's Word in their heart. So much fun with long-term benefits!
He Can Do It!!!
I know there are many milestones in the life of your children and so many are major. There are some minor ones that I will always want to remember, but today is a major one. Every mom out there will agree. This one helps me. 
This one makes my life easier. This one builds his confidence. This one makes him more independent. This one is a jump up and scream, give a high five, shout for joy milestone.
He can tie his own shoes! I sent Toads to school today with shoes tied all by himself.
This one makes my life easier. This one builds his confidence. This one makes him more independent. This one is a jump up and scream, give a high five, shout for joy milestone.He can tie his own shoes! I sent Toads to school today with shoes tied all by himself.
Monday, September 14, 2009
This time two years ago
Two years ago at this time - 2:35 pm - our Samoosa took her first breath in this world. What a fabulous two years it has been. The news of her upcoming arrival surprised 
us all and here she is a quick two years later with surprises, joy and blessings abounding. Her big eyes draw us in. Her squishy cheeks call out our name. Her Samoosa lips pucker up so well. Her determination is undeniable. Her ear infections make us sad. Her belly is never full. Her hugs and kisses for Girly Girl are constant. Her attitude is 'two year old cute'. Her words are few. Her opinions are many. Her desire to read is constant. Her screaming in bed is heart-wrenching. Her need for Mommy is extensive. Her love is contagious.She changed us all. She is Samoosa. She brings an excitement for life to our
family that only she can bring. We understand life more. We relax more. We smile more. We laugh more. We cry more. We went from four Linos to five Linos and this more has always been better! We love you Samoosa! Happy Birthday!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Blank but Intense
If you could have had a camera installed in my living room to watch the last few weeks of our lives unfold, you would have often seen a blank but very intense stare on the face of our fearless leader. Nathan has been so focused and intensely excited about what the Lord is doing at NEHBC. If you are out of the loop or haven't heard yet, go watch this video on his blog to get a taste of what lies ahead.
She Did It
Samoosa had a much better start to her preschool day today. A teacher she knows very well was there today and welcomed her in with no crying! Now if she can just learn to stay on her nap mat.
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