{they do}

I mentioned recently that 2013 is---once again---the year of the wedding.
I really can't adequately articulate the joy that floods our souls as my husband and I get to participate in the joining together of lives committed first to God, and then to one another.
In almost all cases, these are the "kids" we got to work with for most of their lives.
Now, seeing them all grown up and desiring to make much of Christ through their marriages, it's our absolute delight to do premarital counseling with them (and for my husband, getting to marry them)!

The most recent wedding took place this weekend.
It was an incredibly sweet, God-honoring, fairy tale day,
and as I watched Jason and Elizabeth worship together and make vows to one another,
the verse that rang in my heart and mind was 3 John 1:4

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Jason & Elizabeth

Two of our other former "kids" who have been married in the last year or so.  So glad that when these guys married, my life was further enhanced by their beautiful, precious wives.

you're beautiful

At our recent district youth conference, some of my girls and I had the pleasure of attending a seminar by former world-class model, Jennifer Strickland.  She wasn't just your hoe-hum department store model. 

She had made it.  Big. 

Jennifer appeared in Glamour, Vogue, and Cosmo magazines. 
She modeled for Armani,
lived in Milan.
She's absolutely gorgeous.

She shared the story of how she'd seemingly had it all.
She was living the ultimate dream---the one dreamed by so many young girls.
She had beauty, wealth, and fame,
yet as we've often heard, the modeling world is not what it seems.
The traps and snares were many,
and it wasn't long before she'd hit rock bottom.
From the depths of the pit,
God surrounded her with people who were able to offer the hope they'd found in Him.
And she gave her life to Christ,
wholeheartedly, no holds barred.

Today, Jennifer travels the world telling the life and forgiveness she discovered in Jesus.
She speaks truth into the hearts of women of all ages, reminding us what true beauty is all about and offering words of healing and hope.

Her seminar was good.  So good.  But it wasn't till the next morning when we got in line for breakfast that I realized that maybe my head knowledge still needed to take root in my heart. 

As we approached the breakfast line, I spied Jennifer and a couple of her friends up ahead of us in line. 

Immediately, I felt small. 
Less. 
Ordinary.
Frumpy. 

There was this internal battle raging within, and I determined there was no way I was getting in line, side by side, with a former world-class model.  I stalled.  I made small talk with my girls.  I stood back.  Way back. 

A few moments later, as I picked at my scrambled eggs, I was convicted.  Were my girls aware of the fight raging inside me?  I later told them.  But the question echoed loudly in my heart:  do I really believe all that stuff Jennifer had shared the previous day?  That I'm a daughter of the King?  His princess?

• Is He not my father, who created me, who made me and established me?  [Deuteronomy 32:6]
• He is my Father; I am the clay, and He is my potter; I am the work of His hand.  [Isaiah 64:8]
• I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.  [Ephesians 2:10]
• He knit me together in my mom's womb.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  [Psalm 139:12-14]
• God saw everything He'd made--and it was very good.  [Genesis 1:31]

Do you believe it, dear one, or do you, like me, sometimes question what God was doing when He created you?  No matter your age or stage in life, take joy in knowing and remembering and rehearsing what God says about you.  Listen to who He says you are.  If you know Him, you're a daughter of the King!  He compares you to no one; He's enamored with you.

The Lord your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness;

He will quiet you by His love;

He will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

This is our God!  Isn't it mind-blowing?  Isn't it freeing?

Believe it, dear one, whether you're 17, 37, or 57:  You and I are made in the image of God.  His love isn't based on appearance or performance.  It's not based upon we do or how we stack up to that other mom who seemingly has it all together.  He loves us simply because we're His.  Believe it.  Take heart.  Rejoice.

Those who look to Him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Psalm 34:5

No Greater Joy

Our annual Sr. High Camping Trip ~

one last "hurrah"

Our second-born's public statement to the world that he is identifying himself with Jesus.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 1:4

He Knows

Upon arrival in New Orleans, my girls and I were directed to our room in the yellow house.  However, upon entrance, we discovered another group had already settled there, leaving 3 remaining beds in that particular room.  And there were 7 of us. 

We were told there were 4 additional beds available in another room on the other side of the house.  But selfishly, I didn't want to be split up.  I wanted all my girls together on this last trip.  We were sad.  Incredibly sad. We all bucked up and separated into 2 groups, but in my heart, I was grieving and feeling sorry for myself.  This wasn't the way it was supposed to be.

During the hours that followed, I had the usual thoughts I always have in the first 24 hours of being away from my family:  I want to go home.  I hate it here.  Saturday can't come soon enough.  Blah, blah, blah.  Those thoughts, of course, were compounded as I wallowed in my bitterness about the room situation.  Little did I know, though, that God was once again up to something completely unexpected.

It began as small talk.  I chatted with the other leader in our room.  She was a little older than me.  Her boys were a few years ahead of mine.  I learned she was a pastor's wife.  And then her story began to unfold.  She explained that she and her husband had been in youth ministry for 17 years when the church leadership approached her husband 2 years ago and asked him to become the pastor of adult ministries. 

Are you kidding me? [for anyone who may have missed it, see this post]

I don't think I could even speak.  I think God silenced me so that all I'd do was listen. 

This woman I'd never met.
This woman I ordinarily would not have roomed with, and consequently, probably would not have had opportunity for extended conversation.
This woman who had been where I am;
who understands where I am.

She spoke of adjustment and change, joy and blessing. 
She described her continued involvement in youth ministry;
growing, stretching, letting go, and flourishing.
She spoke to me of hope and contentment.

Somewhere in there, I managed to whisper a
"Me, too.  That's just where we are."
And we hugged in understanding.
We hugged in recognition of God's gracious hand once again leading, guiding, and loving us so perfectly. 
So personally.  So completely.

Two women from the midwest finding kindredness in the central city of New Orleans;
God using one to pour courage and hope and strength into the other.

My God knows me. 
As my loving Father, He knows just what I need.
I'm blown away---completely awed---by the way He lovingly, repeatedly customizes these sweet reminders of His active involvement, active care in my life. 

When our group came together for devotions, I testified that God had taken what we viewed as a disappointing situation and worked it for good.  And not only that, despite the fact that my girls and me were in two separate rooms, God provided incredibly rich, sweet, tear-stained nights in fellowship and prayer.  As always, I'd been wrong to doubt Him; wrong to question His perfect plan.  Because as always, He knew exactly what He was doing.  And I think that's a lesson that my girls and I won't soon forget.

Of Rain and Serpentine Belts and Grace

We weren't far into our long trek to New Orleans when God sent us an incredibly awesome, not-soon-to-be-forgotten reminder of His faithfulness!

About an hour into our travels, we hit torrential rain.  I'm talking, windshield wipers on full blast, minimal visibility, knuckle-whitening rain.  As a matter of fact, that's how it was much of the way down to Louisiana.  Anyhow, we had crossed the state line only moments before when the lights on our dashboard began flashing and bells began dinging.  Before I knew it, my husband calmly said, "The van's losing power.  I'm sure it's the serpentine belt."  Thank God for my calm, balanced husband when my own heart is reeling!  He turned off the air, the cd player, the wipers---everything he could in order to preserve the battery.

We immediately contacted the other van in our caravan and told them we'd be pulling off the interstate as soon as possible.  The first available exit took us into farm country...Boone County, to be exact.  In our minds, this exit was everything less than ideal.  There was nothing for miles around.  As we headed east, the landscape got more and more rural.  Our son fired up his i-phone and GPS and mapped out the route to the nearest "country" garage.  As we followed his directions, we came into a small community.  We were so intent on following the directions, we missed the fact that we had just passed a NAPA Auto Parts store.  One of our guys noticed and spoke up, "Hey, what about that place?"  My husband turned our caravan around and pulled into the lot.  As we all remained in the vans, my husband strolled directly into the garage to inquire about their availability to help us out. 

It wasn't long before he returned, gladly informing us that they had time to repair our van.  Not only that, but they warmly invited all 13 of us into their "playroom" to wait (and use the restroom).  As soon as we entered the waiting area, we spotted Bible verses posted on the walls, not to mention a display featuring information about the auto care ministry they do each Monday evening.  We giddily laughed and smiled as we recognized this garage as a specific gift of God. 

Twenty minutes later, the mechanic strolled in and informed us our van was set and ready to go.  When my husband tried to pay him, our new friend insisted that there was no charge.  Our group gathered in the far end of the garage and bowed our heads in joyful thanksgiving, marveling at God's grace and goodness.  He had so obviously and clearly provided for and protected us.  He used this delay as an opportunity to remind us of His love.  It was a divine appointment that only He could arrange.  Our hearts soared and took courage as we set out once again.

But that was just the beginning of God's grace-filled reminders...

More Love

My husband and I just returned from our second missions trip to New Orleans in the past 4 years---each one post-Katrina. We were especially thankful to share this trip, not only with our youth group, but with our oldest son, as well.

New Orleans.
Down there, we're so intentional.
We are, it seems, always "on."
Always looking for opportunities:
opportunities to love those rejected by others;
opportunities to give and serve without considering personal risk or cost;
opportunities to speak truth and hope and life into the heart of one who so desperately needs it;
opportunities to let Jesus use us in whatever way He chooses.

I'm convicted.  Deeply.
Here, in my small midwestern town,
day to day life finds me
comfortable.
lazy.
apathetic.
Shamefully, I'm not looking for those same opportunities when I leave my home.
I want my personal time.
I don't want the needs of others to infringe on my own life.
In my heart, I'll "cross on the other side" when seeing one who is different from me.
I don't want to give till it hurts; don't want to risk anything.
I often waste God-given opportunities to speak Jesus' words of life into the hearts of those who are without hope.

The contrast is stark.
And the realization hurts.


{Our guys praying outside the home of an elderly friend they'd made that week.}

I long for my heart to reflect Jesus in the ways I love and give and serve everyday, not just for a week every couple of years.
I don't want to have to go somewhere else for God to move my heart with compassion for the lost;
I want to be tender and sensitive to their needs when I go to the grocery store, the baseball bleachers, or my own front yard.
It's not a matter of simply trying harder or doing better.
It's all about Jesus:
His extravagant love poured out on me.
And me, learning to love Him more and more
and being a willing, available vessel through which He can do His thing.
That's my longing and my prayer.

Living Life Together

Nineteen years ago we entered our first youth pastorate.
Newly married.
Young and inexperienced.
Naive and sometimes incredibly foolish.
But we knew God had called us.
And we loved Him.
All we wanted to do was follow passionately on His heels and set the pace for the young people entrusted to our care to do the same.

We made mistakes.
Dumb decisions.
Like the time we had a planned event and returned back to church hours later than expected...without calling.
Ouch.
Yet even then, God was plainly at work to mold and conform us to His image.
The parents extended us grace...and loving correction...and forgiveness.


We've grown up a bit over these past 19 years.
In a lot of ways, we grew up with our kids.
We've grown in our passion for Jesus.
We've grown in our knowledge of His Word,
but more importantly,
we've learned better what it means to live it out.
Countless parents have prayed for us and welcomed us into their lives.
They entrusted us with those they love most in the world,
praying that God would have His way...in all of us.
And as we entered the teenage years with our own boys,
it's frequently been those parents---those who are just a bit
ahead of us in the parenthood journey---
that we've looked to for godly wisdom and insight.
We walk together, love each other, and do life together.
It's our heart's great joy.

We've had the privilege of loving hundreds and hundreds of students over the past 19 years. 
We've had the pain of releasing them when it's come time for them to fly. 
All across this globe are our kids.
Students we've loved.
Students we've prayed for. cried over. rejoiced over.
Many are actively, passionately pursuing Christ in everything.
Some are actively pursuing other loves.
And some still are attempting to run far from Him,
refusing to believe He is the only One who will truly fill their heart's every need and longing.

Youth Ministry has never been simply a job;
never a drudgery or something to be endured
(even on the annual camping trip).  :)
Through the mountaintop joys and the heart-wrenching lows,
it's been our delight and answered prayer to follow Jesus together. 

Change.  The mere word can cause me to break out in a sweat.
We certainly weren't looking for or anticipating it.
Nevertheless, it's that inescapable, never outgrown, never expired fact you can most definitely count on.
It's a tool in the hands of a loving God.
And though I have shamefully spent much of my life trying to avoid or spurning change,
I'm learning that my ever faithful Abba Father uses it to make me more like Him.

The leadership of our church family has approached my husband about taking on a new position within our church.
That of Pastor of Adult Ministries/Discipleship/Family.
This, of course, means he'll no longer be a youth pastor.
This is the first time I've written those words, and I have to tell you that simply writing them opens a floodgate of tears.
But somehow there's peace amidst the questions.
There's this crazy excitement amidst the daily realizations of what will be no more.
There's full confidence that this is the way God is leading and guiding, even though it hurts. 

So my heart is incredibly full these days.
Full of memories and wistful longing.
Full of joy and thanksgiving for all that has been.
Full of deep ache and sorrow over a seeming ending.
Full of excitement and anticipation over a new beginning.
Full of inexpressible gratitude for being in relationship with a beautiful church family with whom we can love and serve and be reminded that---even amidst change---it is completely safe to trust Jesus.

Milestones Lately

It's been an eventful month filled with
lots of extraordinary moments and milestones
to tuck away in my heart for safe keeping.
Each has been drenched in grace---
a reminder of God's faithfulness
even among seemingly constant change.

Among them...


2011 Prom Alternative with two of my favorite men



Our oldest son starred as Gilbert Blythe
in his high school's rendition of "Anne of Green Gables."  Fantastic!



Our middle son completed 8th grade---and his homeschool career. 
He's eagerly looking ahead to beginning high school in the fall. 
I'm giving thanks for the blessing of being his teacher all these years---and I'm excited for him---
but man, I'm gonna miss him.

 







Our youngest son earned his Timothy Award in AWANA.



He also starred as King Josiah in his final youth musical at church. 
With that he completed 6th grade and is moving on to Jr. High (and youth group)!



In all these milestone moments and joyful occasions, our prayer for our boys remains that they will continue to grow as Jesus did.   May they ever be growing in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man  (Luke 2:52).

It's Banquet Week

My days (and even my dreams) are filled with bright tissue paper flowers, sweet love songs, and pork butt.  We're moving at an ever-accelerating pace to get it all done.  But even when the to-do list is long and my attention seems temporarily focused elsewhere, my husband has my heart.  Wholeheartedly and completely.

As I was praying for this weekend's banquets and marveling at the wide age-range of couples who will be attending---and the life-long commitments on display---this video came to mind.  This is what it's all about. 

***To watch video, please pause the music at the bottom of the page.***

Toy Story Revisited

My affinity for Toy Story is no secret.
It's more than a movie. More than mere entertainment.
It's a family video of sorts. memories. nostalgia.
And in a sense, our story.
Remember?
See this post.

And so, when coming up with ideas for our next youth takeover night, I was more than a little excited when our high school kids decided on a Toy Story theme.

They planned to include a very random menu of "Pizza Planet" pizza, Cheetos, and fried chicken. They also assembled the praise band, organized games, offered entertainment, and led a devotional. Without question, enthusiasm for this night was high.

My sole responsibility? Making *cough, sputter, wheeze* costumes for my family and a couple friends. Let it be known I don't sew, but I can wield a tube of liquid stitch with the best of 'em. Thankfully, my mom came to the rescue and helped out with the three alien costumes. She was the model, template, and chief ironer. And miraculously enough, my son and his buddies actually wore them---AND the costumes held together! Below are a few personal highlights from the night...

Andy: "These little dudes are from a strange alien world: Pizza Planet!"

Andy: "Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you... ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what."

Andy: "The Potato Heads: Mr and Mrs. You gotta keep them together because they're madly in love."

A Life-Changing Trip

Five years after Hurricane Katrina, I'm taking a look back at our missions trip to New Orleans 3 years ago [see yesterday's entry].
***
Originally posted June 29, 2007...

It was with great eagerness that I arrived at the Challenge Circle (think AWANA games) last Thursday evening. We'd been taught the games and trained the previous Sunday. However, when we arrived in the projects to play with the kids for the first time on Tuesday, it began raining within 10 minutes, so we had to leave. I wasn't able to attend on Wednesday night either due to being with our young friend in the ER. So when Thursday night finally arrived and we jumped out of our big grey van, I was more than a little excited to see the kids swarming us!

Our nights at the Challenge Circle included 1 hour of free play, followed by 1 hour of the organized games (which are optional). Many of the kids immediately began looking for their big "friend" from the previous night. Wow, what a joy it was to see our kids running around with these precious children on their backs! All of them...both big kids and little kids alike...had huge grins on their faces. Some of our high school students and I kicked the ball around with a few kids, but then I spotted a huddle of little girls gathering to draw with sidewalk chalk. I was immediately drawn to their little circle.

Soon a little voice rang in my ears. Yep, I heard her before I ever saw her. "Excuse me, please," she said. I looked up to see this adorable 5-year-old girl. I asked her her name. "Tessa," she replied. Together we drew on the sidewalk...you know, all those typical little girl things: rainbows, butterflies, flowers. Tessa asked me to draw a dog. Evidently she didn't know me very well! When I presented her with my work of art, she exclaimed, "That doesn't look like a dog!" She was right. Together we laughed at my elephant-looking dog.


Our lovely creations extended quite a way down the sidewalk. Pretty soon Tessa decided she wanted to color instead, so we found a coloring page from a Bible story coloring book. Tessa settled into my lap and began coloring. While she sat cradled in my lap, I sang "Jesus Loves Me" softly in her ear. It was evident she didn't know it. I scratched her back and rocked with her while telling her how much Jesus loves her.

Each night concluded with the launching of water balloons. I hoisted Tessa onto my shoulders, and we laughed and giggled as the water balloons burst all around us. Then it was time to leave and I told her I'd be back the next day.

On Friday we arrived for our final day with the kids, and I scanned the crowd for Tessa. She wasn't there. Disappointed, I found a place in the circle of sidewalk-chalkers and began visiting with them, all the while mindful that my little friend wasn't there. About half an hour before it was time to go, Tessa came running across the yard and my heart skipped a beat. She ran right up to me and threw her arms around me. Oh, what joy! Together we colored and drew, and I told her again how much Jesus loves her and wants to be her best friend.

As we prepared to go, my heart ached. I told Tessa how glad I was that I got to meet her and play with her. I told her I wouldn't be able to come back because I was going home, but I would be praying for her. Then I turned to walk back to our van...and I cried. Thankfully, this sweet little girl had rejoined her friends and was oblivious to the inner conflict going on inside of me. But as I watched her through the chain link fence she calls "home," I couldn't help but wonder about her future. What will her life be like in 10-15 years? What are her dreams and hopes? What does her future look like? Will she come to understand her need for a Savior?

Tessa is permanently etched on my heart. We serve a great and able God, and I'm praying that He captures the hearts of her and her family. I'm praying He shows them their desperate need for Jesus, and that they place their faith and trust in Him alone for salvation. I don't know whether or not you'll think about our New Orleans missions trip anymore, though I do appreciate the interest you've shown in reading my heart's ponderings over these past days. But if God should bring our trip or our team or me to remembrance, would you please pray for little Tessa and her family? Please pray for her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs; pray that the seed planted in Tessa's life will continue to be watered by all those who will be regularly interacting with and ministering to the kids in New Orleans this summer. And pray that Tessa and her family will receive Jesus as their Savior and be a light to their neighborhood.

5 Years Later

Where were you when Hurricane Katrina hit? I remember visiting my in-laws that particular night, watching coverage on the news. I was horrified then and in the days to follow. It was so hard to believe that a natural disaster of that size had hit so close to home. Little did I know that two years later, I'd have the opportunity to go to New Orleans on a missions trip with my husband and a group of our high school kids to assist in the clean-up efforts and shine the light of Jesus in a dark place.

With the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina taking place this weekend, I've been pondering the heart lessons God taught me through the catastrophe and our subsequent trip there. I chronicled our trip on my blog 3 years ago (label: youth ministry), but I'm re-posting a couple of those entries as reminders that through the pain, God has faithfully been at work to change and draw hearts to Himself---including mine.

***
Originally posted June 26, 2007:

6.19.07 ~ New Orleans

Embarrassed, I release a nervous little laugh as I recall standing in front of the mirror for even a moment last Tuesday morning. One of our girls even braided my hair and together we donned our bandanas. We were looking pretty cute, we thought.

Excitedly, we all loaded into our vans and headed for the lower 9th Ward. This was our first day of gutting homes, and excitement was high as we anticipated tackling the work for which we had come. There was light, cheerful banter in the vans, and we were all pretty pumped.

Two teams (including mine) were sent to gut this cute little blue house. The other team was sent inside to begin gutting, while our team was told to begin clean-up outside. I was completely unprepared.

As my new friend, Ali, and I began cleaning up trash around this house and the neighboring houses, we soon found deteriorated pages from a cherished photo album. This struck me particularly hard, as these homes now had a personal face. They weren't just abandoned, empty homes...they were homes where real people like you and me lived and did life. We came across old cupboard doors. Lots of what we found was simply trash. You can imagine all that was floating around in the flood water. We were working outside a home which had spray-painted markings on the outside indicating that a dead cat had been found inside. It smelled as though it was still there. As Ali and I worked outside the home, the stench was overwhelming even through our masks. We frequently had to walk a few steps away, gather our composure, take a deep breath, and return to our task.

Before long, our team was called in to join the team in the house. They wanted us to work in the garage which appeared to have served as an extra bedroom. This, too, surprised me. I guess I'd assumed that while we'd be gutting homes, the homeowner's contents would have been long since removed. But this was not the case. This house had not been touched in nearly 2 years. All of the homeowner's earthly possessions laid in a jumbled mess throughout the house. The garage in which we worked was covered in a thick coat of sludge. We sifted through clothes and Christmas decorations and bedding. For once, I was thankful that my contacts had clouded over...it made me oblivious to the cockroaches that were often seen scurrying across the floor. Though the work was hard...both physically and emotionally...our whole team persevered. Of course, when someone yelled, "Rat!" all the girls (including me) screamed and ran like wild women outside. But before long, we re-entered...energized and renewed for the task at hand. It was nothing of our own strength. I was regularly reminded that friends and family all across the country were praying for our humility and servant's hearts.

Once the garage was mostly done, I went to the main bedroom of the house. It had pink walls. I discovered a bulletin board in the rubble. Tacked to it was a letter with the homeowner's name and address. Once again, this project took on a more personal feel. And then I wondered...had Shirley survived the flooding? Was she still around? I was relieved to learn that she was actually the person to request our help in gutting her home. Also attached to the bulletin board was this poem. It moved me to tears.

"Have you taken it to Jesus?
Have you left your burden there?
Does He tenderly support you?
Have you rolled on Him your care?
O, the sweet unfailing refuge
Of the everlasting arms;
In their loving clasp enfolded
Nothing worries or alarms.
Have you taken it to Jesus,
Just the thing that's pressing now?
Are you trusting Him completely
With the when and where and how?
Oh, the joy of full surrender
Of our life, our plans, our all;
Proving, far above our asking
That God answers when we call.
Have you taken it to Jesus?
Tis the only place to go
If you want the burden lifted
And a solace for your woe.
Oh, the blessedness to nestle
Like a child upon His breast;
Finding ever, as He promised
Perfect comfort, peace and rest.
~ Mrs. E.L. Hennessay

Outside the house, we were instructed to make 5 piles: one for overall trash (the largest pile), one for appliances, one for flammables, one for salvagable items, and I can't remember the final pile's function. As you might figure, the smallest pile was the salvagable items. I removed a small knick-knack shelf from the wall with its untouched knick-knacks. I was also overjoyed to find a cameo. I wondered if this might be a family heirloom...something special the homeowner might find great joy in being returned to her. A framed picture of a toddler boy with a bright smile...a grandson perhaps...was also among the saved items. That was about it.

When we left that day, my heart was filled with much to ponder. God was teaching me about humility and servanthood and perseverance and compassion. But perhaps most of all, God impressed on me the life of a woman named Shirley. Though we've never met, I've found myself thinking about and praying for her...her life and her eternity. How I'm praying that God will use the devastation she's experienced to draw her into a rich, vibrant, living relationship with Him. Won't you join me?

When God Brings the World to You

We've known and loved a lot of kids over the past 18 years.

Many of them are now married with kids of their own.

Many are serving in their local churches---some in the U.S. and some across the globe.

So many fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness as we see how God is using them to make His name known.

This past school year we experienced a first. We had not one, not two, but three foreign exchange students actively involved in our youth group.

One from Chile. One from Ghana. One from Thailand.

And our lives are forever changed.

God used these students to expand our worldview. So often we can become focused solely on the here and now and the immediate needs we see right outside our window.

But these bold, courageous teenagers are in-the-flesh reminders that God is actively building His church around the world. I have loved hearing these students speak of their home countries. I've loved hearing their hearts and their passion to make Christ known in their homeland. To be honest with you, their boldness and courage often put me to shame, and I'm thankful for the challenge their lives posed to each one of us.

Tonight we (somewhat reluctantly) bid them farewell. It wasn't easy. We want them to stay. And yet we must release them. And so we do so with confidence and assurance (and pain), fully knowing that God is going to continue to use these young people to bring the gospel to their world. And whether or not they were better equipped to do that through their time with us, I don't know. But I do know that because of their time here, I am changed and challenged. Through watching and hearing them, I want to boldly, unashamedly share the Reason for the hope that I have.

As God brought the world to us this past year and united our hearts to dear ones we otherwise would not have met, we've clearly seen it's His love that unites us. It's the bond we share in Him that keeps us close. And that bond remains whether we're loving and serving side by side in the U.S. or on the other side of the world.

How Beautiful

After so many years of putting on the Sweetheart Banquet each February, you'd think that perhaps we'd reach a point where it's standard...predictable...same old, same old.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

God taught me so much in the past week that my mind is spinning.

It started when I received a phone call a few days before the first banquet. One of my kitchen helpers was down with potential swine flu. The next day I got a call that another of my kitchen helpers was "stranded" in Hawaii and wouldn't make it home till Sunday. Breathe in, breathe out. It's gonna be okay, I told myself.

Then I did a trial run of our banquet menu for our high school kids at the SB dress rehearsal. Despite the fact that I'd made the beef tips & mushrooms on the stovetop with much success at home, this time the end result (from the Nesco) was not satisfactory. So two days before the first banquet, my stomach was in knots, trying to figure out how to remedy the problem.

The day before the banquet, I was achy. Feverish. I had a sore throat. No, no, no! I couldn't be sick! I tossed and turned all night (and therefore so did my husband). I think I got about 3 hours of sleep.

The next morning, still feeling feverish, I went downstairs to throw a load of laundry in the dryer and promptly fell down the stairs, hitting my head on the stairs as I did so. I dissolved into a rush of tears at the bottom of the steps, so overwhelmed with all that had been going wrong these past days. I considered laying there till someone found me, but fearing that might take too long, I dragged my sobbing self upstairs to where I might find some sympathy.

An hour later I stopped at the grocery store to pick up my 40 heads of lettuce, reached into my purse to pay for them, and realized my wallet was missing. You have got to be kidding me. Yep, it was still on the computer desk where I'd left it the day before when I was paying bills. So with my kitchen crew waiting for me in the church kitchen, I had to quickly return home, pick up my wallet, and return to the store.

It goes without saying that I was feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, and weak when I finally pulled into the church parking lot that morning. With half my kitchen crew unable to make it that day, I knew the tasks ahead of us were time sensitive and daunting.

But when I walked into the kitchen on Friday morning, I found it already a buzz of activity. For there, God had assembled a team of amazing women that I didn't even realize were planning to help. What a beautiful sight. And I was overcome by emotion, so thankful for the family of God. Despite the fact that seemingly everything was going wrong that week, God once again showed Himself faithful. He provided exactly what was needed in that very moment: reminders that I'm not alone. And I was newly, freshly grateful for the beauty of the body of Christ: His cross that unites us, not to mention our shared burdens, joys, and heart cries.

This weekend could not have happened without the unexpected (yet somehow, completely expected) presence of women who just want to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ in the way they love and give. The way they selflessly served makes my heart weep with joy! Thank you, ladies, for giving me such a beautiful snapshot of the body of Christ this weekend. I'm left feeling tired, yet so unbelievably full and blessed.

And to all who are wondering, both nights of the banquet were a smashing success! Night two even culminated in a surprise marriage proposal---doesn't get much better than that!

Chattanooga Choo Choo is Choo-Choo-Chooing

It's that time of year when my blog generally takes a hit. It's not that I don't have anything to say, mind you. It's simply that there's so very much going on and I don't have a lot of extra time to write about it. But for those who have been asking, here is a little update:

Kitchen prep for this year's Sweetheart Banquet, February 12 and 13, marches on. This year's theme? Big Band! Imagine the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing in a romantic old supper club...that's the feel! As always, our youth will be providing the entertainment (which includes old radio dramas, big band music, and even a little swing dance).

This year's menu: an assortment of dips and spreads with crackers and veggies, followed by a classic iceberg wedge (which really wasn't invented till 1950...but shhhh...don't tell), beef tips & mushrooms, whipped potatoes, garlic-buttered green beans, rolls, and strawberry lemon shortcake.

I've made more beef tips in a short span of time than I thought possible...tweaking, tweaking, tweaking to get them just right. I'm still not quite there. My guys are such good sports to be my dedicated taste testers ~ they absolutely deserve a reward!

I'm awed, overwhelmed, and truly grateful for all the people who have come forward to join the team and help me in the kitchen. I'm so thankful that we're never in it alone...God always raises up people to walk beside us, share the load, and spur us on!

On a related note, I've been trying my hand at various 40's hairstyles and find that I'm somewhat enamored with that period in our history. Love the hair...the makeup...the fashion!

Set-up and decorating begin on Sunday afternoon, and while the preparation and workload is immense, this is always one of the highlights of the year! We're so glad to be able to provide an evening for adult couples where they'll be able to steal away, receive Biblical encouragement for their marriages, and focus on love, renewal, and commitment. Please be in prayer for all those in attendance!

tidbits

• Finally! After three weeks of attempting to narrow down and finalize the order for our family pictures, I succeeded today. The trouble is, I was hoping for one good photo. But with an amazingly talented photographer, they were all so good! I finally settled on a "now" list and a wishlist for later. I think we're going to get a lot of mileage out of these family photos throughout the coming year!
• Son #1 is having his birthday party tonight. I used to love throwing themed parties for our little boys. I went all out. But this is different. All I gotta do is supply the Vault, Mountain Dew, Pizza, and Spaghetti and they're good to go.
• After spending the next 18 hours with a houseful of 8 guys, I'm sure I'll be ready to hang out with my girls on Sunday night. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, our high school kids meet for D(iscipleship)-Group. This is for those who really wish to go deeper in their faith. This year my husband is meeting with the guys and going through Brett and Alex Harris' fantastic book, "Do Hard Things." I get to study purity with the girls as we delve into Dannah Gresh's "And the Bride Wore White." This is one of my most favorite things to do! I LOVE connecting with our girls, praying with/for them, and hearing their hearts.
• God is at work in a mighty way!!! Just over the past week, we've received three different emails from our kids, testifying to how God is at work in their schools. They're living out their faith and loving those around them. And He is giving them the courage and boldness to share the gospel with their friends and co-workers. God is using our youth, friends! Oh, how I pray that He uses me, too; that I'll be obedient and pliable in His hands.

Here's a bit more of what we've been up to over the past couple weeks...

Ready? Ready!

We've been down this road before....many, many times.

But it doesn't get any easier. In fact, I dare say it only gets more difficult.

Oh, I've written about it at least once a year...perhaps to the point that I sound like a broken record. But you write about the ones you love; you write about the ones who deeply impact you and change you; you write about your kids. And that's what they are: These are our kids. And so I find I must write about them.

Each year we reach this point in the summer where our seniors...correction: college freshmen...are heading off to college. Some are going to state universities; others are going to Christan colleges. But the common factor is that many of them are sold-out and committed to making Jesus Christ known across their campuses.

I've talked with them over coffee throughout these past days; I've listened to them share their hearts around a campfire. And my heart is so challenged and stirred as I hear them share the joy they've found in their quiet times; the fulfillment they've found in a love relationship with Jesus. I'm encouraged as I hear one of the guys share that he wants the world to be directed to Jesus by the way he shows His love. I'm brought to tears as I hear their desire to provide accountability to one another, knowing that college life isn't going to be a walk in the park.

I look at them---our kids---and I see, I hear they're ready. They're passionately pursuing Christ; they're ready to turn this world upside down with His love; they're ready to stand for Him and make a difference.

But as much as they're ready, I question my own readiness, 'cause every year at this time I want to hang on. I don't want to let go. I want everything to remain the same. I like it that way.

But every year, I must be broken. I must allow God to have His way and trust Him with those I hold so close to my heart. Afterall, He loves them even more than their parents do. He loves them more than we do. And when they're on their own in a big new world, it's Him who will meet and provide for their needs. It's Him who will be their refuge and their strength. It's Him who must be their everything.

And so once again, I find Him prying open my clenched fingers and asking, "Do you trust me?" Today it's with these ones we've loved and done life with for these past 11 years. In a few years, it will be with our own sons. And in many ways, I feel God is preparing me for that not-too-distant day when they'll be flying from our nest. And I pray that when that day comes, our boys...and their mom...will be ready.

To our kids ~ Can't wait to watch you soar! We love you dearly!

Take-Off
Hello and Goodbye
My Girls
(previous entries about our kids)

"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth
that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my
heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:25-26
(the verses God impressed on my heart as a college freshman)