Archibald Family

Archibald Family

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tis the Season

Our blog has been pretty quiet. Anyone with children understands. School is now in session. With school comes all the demands of homework, sports, extra curricular activities...and the list goes on.

All three of our girls have joined the cross-country team. We aren't much for sports. But cross-country holds Duane and my interest. What we enjoy is 1. the coaches 2. the flexibility of practice 3. the training of what could turn into a lifetime sport and 4. the atmosphere the team provides. We approve. Katie is seeking cross-country to keep her in training for basketball and soccer. Lindsay is seeking cross-country for her PE credit, and so she can continue her music classes without any interruptions of PE requirements. Courtney is seeking cross-country because her parents said "your sisters are doing it, so you are doing it." (Oh, the joys of having siblings!)

I attend each meet. I am proud of all three of them. Each meet they have all improved. There have been disappointments when they see their time at the finish line, because they were hoping to finish faster, but each time they have improved. I watch. Katie has always embraced sports, and even though running isn't her favorite thing to do, her competitive nature keeps her on the course. I admire watching her determination. Lindsay, our first born, our perfectionist. Do I need to say more? She embraces her music with open heart and at ease...she expects her running to do the same, but it isn't something that necessarily comes naturally. At her last meet, the hardest meet they have, I saw the pain on her face. I saw she just wanted to call it quit. I wanted to endure that pain for her. I actually asked her "do you want me to run with you?", to my relief she said "no". And then Courtney. I have kept that mothering protective eye closely on her. I told her coaches over the summer "I know she isn't the fastest on the team, a matter-of-fact she is the slowest. This activity isn't about coming in the fastest, but for her to prove to herself she CAN do it." Each meet she has improved her time and each meet she has NOT been the last runner. She has impressed herself, and has seen that once consumed by the lie that she couldn't that she actually can and LOVES cross-country.
I see God's lessons in each of their lives. God gifts us with our talents, sometimes we take those talents for granted and expect life to continue at "ease". But to our dismay we run into our obstacles, but God is right there by our side. He wants to run with us, even carry us through those times we are in so much pain and ready to call it quits. HE is the prize at the finish line...HE is our victory. And there are so many lies to buy into, lies we are even unaware of are lies, but buy into just the same. It is those things God is trying to break each one of us from. What lies do you believe? I know I carry some of those "I cant's"...but like my grandfather once said "I can't isn't a word"...and it isn't a word of God's either. God can overcome these things with us. Today I will sit and ponder and make my list of those things I need God to overcome in my life, for I have declared my life as HIS, and only His!
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

Saturday, September 12, 2009

17 Years

I guess it is hard to pick out your favorite day in a year. Christmas is good for it is a reminder of Christ's birth, our salvation was brought into this world. Easter is good for it is a reminder of the sacrifice God made so he can have a relationship with us, and a reminder of the love He holds for each one of us. Thanksgiving is good for not only the great feast, but a day where we set aside and give continued thanks. Each of the girls birthdays are good for it is a reminder for me the joy that entered this world...but I think I would have to pick today is my favorite. For 17 years ago, my best-friend and love of my life picked me and said his "I do"s and I shared my love for him. And it is this day I am reminded of the love God has for me.


I look back 17 years ago, and thought I truly loved this man. But the love I hold for him today can't hold a candle to the love I have for him today.

I look back and see all that God has done in his life. How he has rescued him, and worked in him, and built himself up in Duane to be the leader of this family, and has brought wisdom in this household, and compassion, love and understanding in our marriage. I am so thankful.

I never have or will regret the decision of marrying Duane Archibald. He is the love of my life. He is one who seeks God, and pours our God's love upon me. I have struggled with understanding the depth of love God has for me. But I believe with all my heart that God has given me Duane so he can be a tangible lesson in front of me to see that if Duane can love me through the my ugliness...than God can love me that much more.


Duane, I love you with all I am. I love you because God pours His love into me to give to you too. I love you because of the man you are, and the man you are trying to become through Christ. I love you because you have always been faithful and true, and never have left me. I am so proud of you, and even more proud to call me "your wife". I look back and am amazed how fast the past 17 years have been, and I look forward to spend each day with you in the years to come. I love you, my dearheart! Happy Anniversary!

~Your Love