Promises

Sports.  I don't know about where you live, but here in Colorado there is a sport or two and a team or two for every season.  If I turn on the nightly news, it is sports that cover the hour.  For the past two or so weeks all we have heard about is the Payton and Tebow saga...and it is always top of the news.  I won't even remind you...it's not football season, and we haven't heard one comment about the Rockies. 

I have never been a Bronco's fan, and more likely never will.  I'm not a football fan.  Our family is all about baseball.  Duane and Katie enjoy basketball.  Trading seems to be part of the sports territory, no matter what sport you choose.  As a fan, it is to the point where it makes it hard to get your heart sold out for your "favorite player" before the team sends them on their way for someone new.

Duane and Katie were upset days ago, as their favorite player got traded off the Nuggets.  Duane remained in confussion, as the Nuggets had just paid a hefty price to keep this player for five years ... but now he is gone.  The money is still paid, but the promise of playing on the team is broken.  My baseball team since I was little, traded in a player that won't be able to play because of penalties he has to endure, as part of a consequence to his behavior.  Yet he was brought in a promise to play, and sealed with a salary.  Broncos just took on a favored and well known quarterback for a hefty price of 95,000,000.  The promise is Payton will play and the hope is the Broncos will be in the Superbowl.

It got me thinking about promises.  A team promises to keep a player, and the promises are sealed with a price.  And in spite of the price, promises are broken.   

I thought about God.  Because I play for him.  He has many promises for me, and with me.  I was even sealed with a price ... an ultimate price - His life.  When I break my end of the promise ... his price has still been made.  I also so thankful I won't be traded for someone bigger and better than I will ever be.  God will keep me still.  He sees my worth and my potential.  He sees how much He has invested in me and with His coaching, all the victories we will experience.  I hold onto my promise in Him, and know it will never be broken, for my God will never leave me or forsake me. 

So perhaps we are in an era where promises of jobs are like shifting sand, perhaps our family's promises of get togethers don't stand to be true, perhaps even our promises of friendships come and go ... either way, I will remain confident of this:  "The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made".  (Psalm 145:13b)

Let Me Hold You Longer

There have been a couple of events that have taken hold in our home in the last month.  Events some may think, it isn't that big deal...others, can grasp it in their heart.

Last month, Lindsay turned 18 years old!  18 Years old marks adulthood ... yet I still see the baby girl within.

Last month, Lindsay was accepted to two colleges!  Two weeks ago, Lindsay had auditions to get into the performing arts school of music in one of the colleges.  I will save that story for another time, and for now I will focus on this Mama's heart.  The day we have trained and prepared our baby for is closer than ever before ... I don't see my life ever being the same. 

This weeks marks the first week of the last quarter.  The school year is drawing to an end.

I contemplated how to share the tears I have wept, the joy I have danced and the full heart I hold during this time.  I came across a children's book I purchased a few years back, not grasping it then but with a full concept now. Let me read it to you, with my own pictures, and some edits made personally by me.

Let Me Hold You Longer

Written by Karen Kingsbury

Long ago you came to me,

  a miracle of firsts:

First smiles and teeth and baby steps,

  a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away
  and leave to me your past,
And I will be left thinking of
  a lifetime of your lasts...

The last time that I fed

your baby lips.

The last time that I lifted you

and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,

  needing to be walked,

When last you crawled up with your Cookie Monster,

  wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,  still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you'd marry
  Daddy when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and
  bright flashes from you past-
Would I have held on longer if
  I'd known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,
  your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite
  dress and gave a little tap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,

  those last days of first grade,

Your last craft created in Sunday school,

  last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all

  your yesterdays long passed.

So what about tomorrow-

  will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog

  in the window wells.

The last time that I kiss your hurts

  all those time you fell.

Silly,scattered images

  will represent your past.

I keep on taking pictures,

  never quite sure of your lasts...

The last time that I comb your hair

  or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you
  and tuck you in a night.
The last time when we cuddle
  with a book, just me and you.
The last time you jump in our bed
  and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,
  the last field trips, especially in 4th grade.

Your last few weeks of middle school,

  and watching you squeal for parades.

I look ahead and dream of days
  that haven't come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss
  today's sweet, precious lasts ...






The last time that I help you with

  a math or spelling test.

The last time when I shout that yes,

  your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for
  a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night
  and your argument of how "things aren't fair".

My life keeps moving faster,

  stealing precious days that pass.

I want to hold on longer-

  want to recognize your lasts...

The last time that you need my help

  with details of a date.

The last time that you ask me 
if you could be home late.

The last time that you talk to me

about your hopes and dreams.

The last time that you wear your drum major uniform

for your high school team.

I've watched you grow and barely noticed

seasons as they pass.

If I could freeze the hands of time,

I'd hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,
you'll be going far away.
College life will beckon
in a brilliant sort of way.
One last hug, one last good-bye,
one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand
just how much you'll be missed.
I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God,
to every precious last.

This is what the Lord says:

"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom

or the strong man boast of his strength

or the rich man boast of his riches,

but let him who boasts boast about this:

that he understands and knows me,

that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight,

declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-34

D.R.A.M.A.

I'd be a millionaire for all those people who told me when my girls were little "oh, just you wait for those teenage years".  I'd be a trillonaire for all those people who gave me their warning and now I'm "living the dream!"

Boys.  Clothes.  School.  Who is dating who and who is breaking up with who.  Hurt.  Friendships.  Cunning remarks.  Good days.  Assemblies.  Sports.  These are the highlights of my afternoons when the girls get off the school bus and walk into our lives.  Duane and I have noticed we've become the "fix-it doctor" as we council our girls through their everyday issues.

Now in no way I'm going to share with you my struggles to receive your pity.  I'm not complaining, I have noticed how I have stepped off my path and now getting back on course.   I also want to make it clear:  I love my world, because I love my girls!  However, I do believe with every mile stone in raising our children is another mile stone for me to learn.

Time between a husband and wife seems far and in between.  My personal time with God seems to be limited only when the girls aren't around.  Quietness and the calmness has seemed to have left our home all together.  I noticed I would rather be out of the house than in it, and that is when the alarm bell set off.  I love my girls, and if I love them I should want to be around them...not away from them.

I noticed too I was exhausted.  All this drama was consuming me, and I was now a 24 hour counselor, 7 days a week.  Somewhere the boundary was broken ... and now it was my job to fix all their problems.

God never speaks directly in His word about how to raise teenage daughters in the current day and age we are in, and never speaks directly using the word "drama" but I did see something.

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.  They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.  Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  "In your anger do not sin":  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 4:17-5:2

Now I'm not saying that we have it all together at all, but I have found my direction and have taken back my home once again, filling it with calmness and love once again.  I have already lived my teenage years, and choose to take off those old ways and live in the new creation God made in me.  I will love my girls through these challenging years, and help them see all God has for them and is in them.  I will trust God's council in their lives, not mine.  I will have us all check our words, thoughts and deeds at the door and bring only what is good in.  I will continue to forgive and seek forgiveness just the same.  And I will guard what comes off the lips of mine and my girls.  I will no longer let the devil have a foothold and steal the life we have in our home.  Kindness and compassion will fill our home once again ... and it will stay as the drama leaves!

Me? A Warrior in Battle?

There is something in our home, one only parents would pick up on.  Something just isn't right.  I couldn't put my finger on it, so I just ignored it.  The something seemed to get bigger, but I still couldn't put my finger on it.  My first instinct was to ignore it, take the easy way out - you know the way.  The way that says, "well, God knows.  He is our warrior.  He fights for us.  He will step in at the right time."

Yes!  God is all knowing.  God is our warrior and will fight for us!  And God has proved himself over and over again that He will step in at the right time ... not a moment too soon, and never too late!

But the Holy Spirit kept on nagging me.  Something still wasn't right in our home and it was time for it to leave.

The Holy Spirit prompted a question to me this morning:  "Do I have peace or not about a certain person?".   Well, the truth?  NO!  I do not have any peace about this!  And so I sought God, and sought Him hard!  I started praying for this individual.   

The Spirit reminded me that I have all authority that was given to me to take back what is rightfully mine.  I have all authority to call on the name of Jesus to fight, and help me fight with him for this person.  God was calling me to fight.  But truthfully, I didn't want to be a fighter.  Perhaps it was the era I was brought up in ... I just want to be in love and peace.  God reminded me that He has equipped me for this, and I am more than ready to go to war. 

I drew a picture of my fighting attire:  the full armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Now I'm not any scholar.  But I saw power in what God has equipped us each with and I was so thankful for what He has given.

The helmet of salvation.  I remembered that our minds have so much control of how we think and even how we feel.  I sought that I would be reminded of nothing but God's salvation, who He is and who I am because of Him.  I want that to control every aspect of my being, and how He sees me and who He calls me to be to control everything of who I am.  The helmet fits tightly, not allowing any other thoughts to come in and try to manipulate or take control.  I am His.  He is mine.  My salvation is in Him.  It will control my very being!

The breastplate of righteousness was the next thing I picked up.  It protects our heart.  Without our heart beating our whole body dies, for our heart brings life.  I called for God to bring life through His righteousness and that our heart will not beat for those things that we think we "love" or even think we are, but rather every beat will be loud and clear for Him!  The breastplate is marked to be right with God, and with it I call forward that everything I do will be right with God.  May we hunger and thirst for it so much that we will long to pick up this breastplate each day. 

And what is a girl without her shoes?  I put on God's shoes.  I remembered how much protection they provide.  They keep our feet from becoming blistered, torn burnt or even frost-bitten.  They keep us sturdy.  I knew with God's word in my life and God himself I stood in sturdiness...with God's word I can't fall, and can't even get off the path.  But those times that I do fall off the path, these shoes give me the ability to get back on! 

Then I picked of the shield of faith.  It is so big I could hide in it.  I know the faith He has put on me and my loved ones so long ago and found protection in it.  I choose to hide behind faith and ONLY faith.  With this shield of faith there is no access for evil to prevail.  I will stand behind my faith!

The belt of truth.  It is so big, and so heavy it can cause us to tumble over.  I have taken my stand and will gain strength through its weight and it will be encompassed by it.  It will be in every step, in every movement I make.  If I take a step forward, or take two steps back...truth will remain about me.  I was born in truth, and will die in truth and every moment in between will be nothing but truth!  Truth will reign!

Finally,  I saw the sword I've been so afraid of.  It is so violent and peace and love is how I choose to live.  But I have discovered the evil one doesn't play fair, and he will take me out if I don't hurt him first.  God knows this and gave the only offensive weapon I'll need...the sword of the Spirit!   I picked up my sword, and started swinging.  At first it is was so big and heavy, but I grew accustomed to it.  And I saw with it NO enemy will stand.  The Spirit leads it, and it would be wise of me to follow.  The Spirit is my friend and will look out for me.

I am so thankful God has equipped me.  I am thankful He has told me I'm ready.  I'm so thankful He is always present.  I'm thankful that with Him and with how He has equipped us, the battle isn't as fierce.  I'm sure the battles will get more tiresome and hard ... BUT GOD remains the Victor, and the Victory will always be His!   

Confess, So We May Experience More Than We Can Imagine

It wasn't too long ago, that I had to discipline one of our girls.  Part of the consequence for their choice was that they had to tell their daddy what they did.  What this child didn't know was I had already shared with Duane what took place, and all the details.  Duane was prepared to offer grace, forgiveness and mercy.  But most of all he was ready to extend his love.

But this child feared the worst, and chose to avoid telling her daddy. 

I watched my daughter agonize over speaking the truth to her father.  Through her agony, I saw her withdraw and her emotions turn in anguish and blame.  I saw something else ... I saw a father not only ready but eager waiting to extend so much love to his daughter.  As much as she fought the truth, the more her father's heart broke because he wasn't allowed to share all he had to offer.  

Then it struck.

How many times do I avoid and tip toe around the truth of telling my Heavenly Father of things I need to confess?  I have allowed my emotions turn against me and even others and lead me because of things I've done wrong, when all I had to say was a quick confession.  How many times have I blamed others, trying to seek out an excuse for what I've done wrong?  Bottom line, if I would just be quick to seek forgiveness I would experience more than I could comprehend.  I would experience a love that He wants to just pour out on me.  Forgiveness is already mine ... why do I forget?

I am so thankful God allowed me to see this, because now I think I am able to know His heart a little more, and will be able to step out and experience it even more on those days I just have to say "I'm sorry". 

"to the praise of his glorious grace,

which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

In him we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God's grace

that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure,

which he purposed in Christ,"

Ephesians 1:6-9

A Mama's Hearts Prayer

Oh My Savior, My Father, My Great God, My Friend and Love,

You have impressed so much on my heart these past few hours ... to get them on paper will be a challenge, but being the perfect one you are... I know you will make sense out of it all.

I have been convicted to repent to you.  I have realized lies I have believed, and where the door is open for the enemy to walk in and badger me with his lies and condemnation.  I see it and now I will shut it!  I see what I have believed since I was little:  the lie, I don't belong in the family I was born into, and then married into.  Somewhere along the line, I believed that I was unwanted - no matter how much was told to me on the contrary.  I believed it.  That belief has manifested itself in so many areas of my life:  others not wanting a relationship with me or me not being good enough.  Now I see it weave its ugliness in my children.  Enough is enough and I break that lie off our family.  I see that I am your child, wanted and redeemed.  I see how much time and love you have put into me, taking the time to grow me and see fully that I have never been a mistake - especially in your eyes.  We love, because you first loved us.  I love my extended family, and am so thankful for each one of them.  They are your treasures too, and you are there to meet with each one of them.  I claim restoration, and can't wait to see the day!  

Father God, I confess when the trials of raising three teenage daughters makes me weary, I immediately wonder and doubt I was ever cut out for adopting another child into our home.  I have figured that I'm not doing a good job with the children I already have in our home, how can I be responsible for another.  Well, truth is ... you called me into motherhood a long time ago and I am cut out for the job you instilled in me as long as I lean on you.  I see that I have taken my children's mess-ups and put them on me.  Their errors, are theirs.  Mine are mine.  You redeem it all and make it good.  I repent of taking on others mistakes and calling them my own.  I will stand on your redemption, and leading as I parent the children who are in our home as well as those who will come.  I will also stand guard as to what others speak into my life, and make sure I clarify what is said.  What you say is all that matters.  Your love never fails and will guide us through all of our seasons in life - even this one and I will rest in it!  Thank you Jesus for your constant presence.  Thank you for showing me where to close doors, and open them to you.  Thank you for making everything good. 

Today I rest in you, as you are my strong tower.  With you, I need no other!

I love you,
Karen

Adoption - The VERY Heart of God

So many times I have written confessing me desperation in our adoption journey, and so many times I have written sharing the moments I have grasped of God  through this journey.  Today I "get it" like no other time prior.

The prayer in our home has been to open the doors that are shut and bring our Liberian children home.  I have also prayed another prayer before the first - that I would experience God fully and understand His heart, and that His heart will become mine!

I started a new Bible study, and we are reading "Beautiful One", edited by Shae Cooke.  I read the first chapter and had to reread it, and have stewed on it during the past couple of days.  It talks of the orphan spirit and the spirit of adoption.  It is funny, I try so many times to think of something else and NOT adoption ... but the word still comes forth!  I don't believe in coincidences, and I do believe God is trying to reveal something to me.  And frankly, I can me a very slow learner, but I finally have gotten it!

One of our pastors told me a year ago that "adoption is the very heart of God".  I knew the passages in the Bible he was referencing, I have heard the statement he said many times before and it was nothing new but I confess I haven't pondered its full meaning, and haven't grasped the fullness of the statement - until today.  It took God to show me through our adoption journey His heart.

We have prepared a room for Elijah.  God has prepared a kingdom for me.  (Matthew 25:34)

We have gathered clothes for Elijah and Ruth.  God has handmade a robe of glory for me.  (Luke 15:22, Romans 3:17)

We have a place designated for Elijah and Ruth at the dinner table.  God has prepared a feast for me.  (Psalm 23:5)

We have paid adoption fees throughout the adoption of Elijah and Ruth.  God bought me through His son.  (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23)

We speak of Elijah and Ruth being ours constantly, God does the same for me and is pleased of what He created in me.  (Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16-20, Psalm 139: 13-18)

Elijah and Ruth have the same rights and inheritance as our own daughters who were birthed from me.  God gives me the same inheritance as his own flesh and blood, Jesus.  (Colossians 1:12, Hebres 9:15)

We constantly invision Elijah and Ruth home with us.  God plans a place just for me.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

We wait.  He waits.  (Romans 8:23)

Even as we plan for others to come into our home, not once have we given up hope that Elijah and Ruth will join us one day.  God has never given my spot away either - not for even the person who measures so much greater than me.  Because He has predestined, called, justified and glorified me.  (Romans 8:29-30) 

Today I have seen my prayers answered.  Not the way I had invisioned, but they have been answered just the same.  No, Elijah and Ruth aren't coming home, but through their journey I have seen mine!  God has heard my hearts cry to understand and know His heart and I finally am grasping it and calling it mine!    

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possission, the the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:11-14 

YES!

The Holy Spirit prompted what Christmas day was to look like in our home. This year we were to bring gifts to Jesus, just as the wise men once did.

In the hussle and bussle of getting ready for Christmas, I remembering wondering "what in the world am I going to bring to the King, who has everything?". I then started creating one gift when the Holy Spirit prompted me to give another.


Our family had a sweet time opening stockings, playing games and just being together centered in love and laughter. It was one of our favorite Christmas'.

Then the time came ... in order to open our gifts, we had to surrender our gift to the Christ child first. Even with the confirmation of knowing we loved one another, and we weren't to judge one another ... the act of giving to our Savior was very hard to do. We had to remove ourselves, and reveal our vulnerability.

Duane removed the family portrait and brought it in. He mentioned how much he valued and loved his family, and has learned that he can't protect it enough, and needs Jesus' to take his family and care for it the way it needs. God does it better, and Duane will follow His leading to be the husband and father he is called to be.

Katie and Courtney shared poems. One a poem of how she sees God and who He is. Another a poem of brokenness and surrender of where she is at in her walk with Him, but a love just the same.


Lindsay brought a necklace that was once her best-friends. After two years of grieving her best-friend (who died from cancer), she has finally giving Jesus what she held most valuable: her best-friend.

When it was my turn I swallowed my embarrassment and gave my gift ... the gift of "YES". I was shown how my words are willing, but my actions aren't following my commitment. In other words, I have been a hypocrite. I told God I would follow through and act out in YES, and not doubt and question. God has given me doors to walk through and I have found comfort in the waiting for those doors to open, that I haven't walked through them as I should. God in return gave me a promise as He extended His hand and showed me TOGETHER we will walk through the coming open doors.

The Christmas gifts are all put away, the tree is taken down and the decorations are stored. However, I still see my gift lying at the manger, and my heart still giving it today. "YES!" I will not be led by how I feel, but trust God fully and TOGETHER we will walk through many open doors in not only this coming year, but the years to come!

"And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Isiah 6:8.

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours!!!!

Christmas 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings! You need to know you have touched our lives and we are so grateful for you!

As I turned our calendar to November, my mind quickly turned to figuring out what to write about in our annual Christmas letter; panic set in. I didn’t know what to say, but as I cleared and washed the dinner dishes tonight as the family rushed out the door, it was then I knew exactly what to say!

Our lives are full! Extremely Full! Full of Life. Full of Jesus. Full of Love. Full of Fun. Full of Friends. Full of activities. Full of each other. Full of passion. Full of good times. Full of challenges. Full of laughter. Full of emotions. Just plain full! We are experiencing a bounty in fullness….and LOVE it!

Duane remains hard at work, leading our family, being the homework guru and the spiritual head of this family. After 19 years of marriage this year, my admiration and love for him has grown. I can’t speak enough about him. Duane is our stability in our very emotional household! Duane continues at Amgen, in spite of the many lay offs this year. We remain grateful for his job. Duane is a back up leader at his men’s group at church, a leader in the high-school ministry and now helps with security at our church. But mainly…he is the go to man for us. We girls know if we need a problem solved, a listening ear or just a hug where to go … Duane, AKA Daddy. He is the best!

Lindsay. Our lives are filled with anticipation as we watch her finish her senior year and what life holds next for her. But I have to admit seeing her today as she was filling out her college applications brought some sorrow to my heart. I’m not ready to see her go as we enjoy having her around. I enjoy talking and listening with her …especially if shopping is involved! Lindsay continues in piano, bassoon, clarinet and anything else she can get her hands on. She was Drum Major in her school band this year – and as always, did an awesome job in directing, as well as leadership. I stand and look at my daughter, who is now a grown woman, and see her come beside freshmen, encourage, and embrace them; it fills my heart. Lindsay continues working in the church’s nursery and leads worship at the convalescent home. She recently got back from a mission trip to China, bringing back not only many stories but a much bigger heart for the people there. I celebrate her!

Our always active young lady, Katie, is just that…still active! I can’t believe she has started high-school this year, and can believe she loves it, as social as she is! Katie has continued on in band, and is exceptional on the flute…she just got placed in fourth chair (out of 9; beating juniors, sophomores and one other freshman). This is her first year in marching band and seems to bring a lot of life and fun with her. Katie is currently playing basketball, and will be joining the soccer team as well. Katie continues to attract little kids…whether they know her or not, she is mesmerizing to them and a whole lot of fun, and she often takes the time to play and talk with them. The kids love her in the nursery at church, and seem to always look for her! Katie has a gift of life. She embraces it, lives it, and teaches me to enjoy the moments!

Courtney amazes me! I just recently told her how she is my hero. Courtney is back in school, after being home-schooled and LOVING it! The lunch room conversations have been centered on faith, as others have different beliefs. Courtney remains bold and certain as she shares her faith and belief…she stands up when things need to be said – something I would never have done at her age! Astonishing! She is now volunteering twice a week at the Humane Society: one day caring for the cats, the other – the dogs. She loves it. She just recently joined a writing club at school, a place her imagination can run wild, and helps lead Awanas at our church. We are pleased to see the confidence arise in her and just plain astonished!

Me. I am so thankful to be able to still stay at home. I see now, that teenagers need the consistency, stability, and availability now more than ever; and I have the privilege to be able to provide just that. I am now a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster care children; their voice in court). It takes much of my time – and worth every second and mile I have put on the car! I work along side of Duane in the high-school ministry and continue with my bible studies. I am fully blessed!

At the beginning of the year we were able to go to Disneyland and spend some much needed family time. We continue to find magic there, but now found as the girls are older, Duane and I could go and do things we wanted to do as the girls went on more rides. Freedom! Summer seemed so short, as it was filled with volunteering, marching band practices, VBS and our annual summer church retreats. Hiking wasn’t as much as we would have liked to do, but we managed a couple; Duane and Katie hiked a 14er. Katie and I celebrated our birthdays with my mom this year, which made a quick trip to California, and some special time just the two/three of us. We experienced sadness of putting our rabbit of the past 11 years down, but now welcome a new rabbit, Emily – who can’t seem to stay in her cage. Duane and I managed a couple nights away in the mountains that seemed to rejuvenate us for the coming school year, as well as give us the opportunity to have uninterrupted time.

Our home is full of not only the five of us, but it seems that every day there are additional kids calling me “Mom” and sitting around our dinner table or watching a movie with us…or dancing to the wii. It is true…if you feed them, they will come! And we thoroughly enjoy it. A matter-of-fact our family has also finished all the certifications for being a foster home for Denver County. Now we wait to hear what child will be joining our family. So, as you can imagine, our food budget is at its max; yet God continues to provide.

What amazes me the most this year, especially as we celebrate this Christmas, is how the King of the Universe, the same Creator who penned the creation and blew life into it all, the ultimate Healer, the source of love, joy, peace, strength and so much more desires to have personal time with me. Just Him and me, sitting on His lap or laughing as we walk through each activity in life. I have learned to cherish the time I have with Him, and it is that time that I’m able to see life through His eyes and love everything and everyone that comes my way. The Creator of time has time for you too, and as I have found every time I seek Him, He is right there to be found. I pray as we anticipate the coming of a child who is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and reigns on His throne on high that you too will experience that intimate time with Him. He came for me, and He came for you.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate Jesus!

With hearts full of thanksgiving, celebration and much love,

Duane, Karen, Lindsay, Katie and Courtney Archibald

Joy To The World The Lord Has Come!

The last couple of weeks we have had a bit of a scare in our home.  We have had moments of peace, sometimes even a full day ... but somewhere fear would creep in, and tears followed.  We have been waiting medical tests to know whether or not I had a tumor or not.  Like I said, the waiting hasn't been easy.  I audibly heard God's voice on the exam table, saying "I will get you through this".  I didn't hold onto His promise, but instead allowed fear to come in as I didn't know what "this" was.

This morning I was reminded of a similar story.  Please bare with me.  In the beginning of Jesus' story, we are told of another ... the conception and birth of John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for Jesus.  Zechariah was encountered by Gabriel, the angel who told him of the coming of a son.  Zechariah questioned the promise which resulted in silence until John was to be circumcised.  Months of solitude - not being able to voice his say in matters, not being able to voice his insight with his fellow serving priests, not being able to voice the intimate secrets a husband says to his wife, not being able to voice his feelings and wisdom and even blessing on the birth of his son.  

Mary too was visited by Gabriel.  Her promise was even more obscure than Zechariah's .. as she was a virgin.  Mary questioned too.  Yet a gentle answer and explanation was her response. 

Do you see the difference?  Mary saw Gabriel and believed what was said.  Zechariah saw Gabriel, and doubted the words off his lips.  Mary's song glorified the Lord and speaks of How great God is, her surrender to His calling , she was even thankful to be part of His plan.  Zechariah, even after serving in the temple, being a Godly man he was and believing God full well, didn't give God praise and recognition until AFTER John's birth and AFTER his time of solitude.

So as I have been waiting, today I questioned and wondered.  Did I recognize the Greatness of my God?  Did I glorify the Lord in song?  Did I surrender to His calling?  Was I even thankful?  I would love to tell you yes ... but honestly, there were moments and days I have been more like Zachariah than Mary. 

I am so thankful God works with us, and knows us better than we know ourselves.  He teaches us through life's moments and shows us His word brought to life.  I have the hearts desire to be more like Mary ... but bottom line, Zechariah and Mary both recognized God and brought Him honor in their own time.  I want to be more like the person He called me to be, and rise up to His plan and recognize how Great our God is in spite of the circumstances!

I can't help but hear the glorious words to the song "Joy to the world ... OUR LORD HAS COME" and that is why we rejoice this time of year.  Yet I rejoice throughout the year as our God Almighty came to earth in form of a precious baby knowing He was going to be rejected and crucified...so we may have eternal life with Him!  Knowing He is the same God today that He was when scriptures were written, brings me much peace and reassurance.  As I see He was a God who walked the streets, walked through the journey we call "life", with all the questions and pressures we have, but HE had ALL the answers!  Today that same God lives, continuing to bring us peace and reassurance.  He fights for us and holds our hands even before we need holding.  He wipes our tears and rejoices with us.  He is a good God and remains good to this day.  He continues to have all the answers.  Through Him and because of Him we are all set free!

And today we celebrate as He set our family free from worry and questioning ... everything was benign!  Thank you Jesus!