His Timing Is Perfect

Sometimes it isn't fun to celebrate your birthday with a holiday/special day.  This could be one of those times, but it got me thinking as we celebrate Courtney's 13th birthday and Good Friday. 

I can't help remember these past 13 years.  

 It was over 13 years ago, I was to be unmoved from a couch for over 3 months.  Doctors wondered if she would make it until her due date.  Worry and frustration came over me.

Courtney was 10 months old when illness struck, and left her sick until she was 4.  Our new "normal" would be life at the doctors office and Children's Hospital.  Peace and Joy remained. 

Courtney was diagnosed and misdiagnosed time and time again, before the correct diagnosis was given.  We grew tired.

Courtney endured two major surgeries.  I held Jesus' hand as worry struck me.

Courtney had a G-tube, which made her feel abnormal as we would "plug" her in so she could burp or get sick.  We thought this was her healing and rejoiced.

Courtney had to change her diet.  We needed to learn more.

She endured bullying and "not" fitting in.  Our hearts were broken.

God remained faithful and overcame!

By His stripes He has made her whole and healed!  Today she remains free from illness and pain.  She lives a life as any 13 year old would.  She knows the source of her healing and goes to Him without any hesitancy for anything.  God grew her faith. 

She speaks of her belief even in her public school classes - no matter how "foolish" she may look.  He has given her boldness.

She is quick to let go and forgive.  He is her gentleness.   

Jesus overcame the cross and overcame in Courtney and our lives. 

This year we celebrate Courtney's birth and have the privilege to be reminded of how much He has overcome.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday.  I wish we were closer so we can spend some time together - laughing and being silly - the things we do best.  I spent some time reminiscing yesterday.

I was brought up as an only child (except in the summers).  Most children have their siblings to get into trouble with.  To wrestle with.  To watch scary movies with.  To laugh with.  And just simply see what lies around the corner with.  Most people have their siblings.  I had my Dad. 

I remember getting in trouble WITH my Dad because we were so loud wrestling on the family room floor.  I remember being at a nice dinner at friends houses, and us having to NOT look at each other knowing we would bust out laughing and get in trouble for it.

I remember my Dad having a routine when he came home of putting his lunch box away in the kitchen closet.  I hid myself in there, and scared him to DEATH when he came home. 

My Mom often thought she had two children.  She reminds me that I grew up and moved out.  He still remains.  What she doesn't say, but is known ... the laughter and joy my Dad brings is treasured.

But out of all my fond memories, at this time of year I remember one above the rest.

The rule at our home was whoever got

tp'd, had to clean it up.  I often had to clean up our yard ...  very often.  My Dad stood and laughed.

Dad's birthday lied around the corner.  Plans were made.  My friends and I took a hundred or so rolls of toilet paper and tp'd my own house.  It wasn't just any ordinary job for any ordinary man ... we had to make it memorable for the man he is.  We wrapped the toilet paper around each rod iron post.  We wrapped the trees.  I shredded the toilet paper to say "Happy Birthday Dad" in the lawn ... and sprinkled it down with water.  (Yes, knowing it would make clean-up even that much harder).  I stayed up way late that night.  You see, my Dad is worth it!

My Dad was extremely surprised.  And even more surprised when I reminded him of the house rule ... and Mom backed me up. 

It was a great birthday present!

So Dad, consider yourself lucky to be living so far away.  I still remember how to tp and I have three girls who would LOVE to learn!  Have a Happy Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

I wish you could see the girls faces as they discuss what they can do in Liberia. When an idea comes to them, an idea that they really, really like, and idea they are proud of...their whole face lights up, and they talk and they talk and they talk. They are so excited about going to serve.

We are all so excited about going that we actually let a special day slip by...

It was when I wrote the date yesterday that we realized...our baby is now 2!!!

Happy Birthday Ruthie!

Another Birthday

We never thought that a little over two years ago when we found this little boy we would be celebrating his 5th birthday without him. However, we are so grateful to the One who has remained faithful by continued protection, care, love and provision throughout this journey. We celebrate another year older, and our God who is!

We have had news this past couple of weeks, but we were hesitant in sharing. We know there are people who watch our story and don't understand the ups and downs that come with the road we are on (which is simply part of this territory). Our story isn't about us. Our story isn't even about Elijah or Ruth. Our story is about the God who is the author of it, and it is He that we want to keep our eyes focused upon.

There has been much chatter that the Liberian government is releasing those children that had court decrees before January 2009. Elijah falls into this catagory! We are very excited about the news, but it doesn't stop us praying. We need prayers now more than ever. We are also praying for God's favor that Ruthie can be "added on" to all the documents so she too can come home with her brother.

So with this post we wish our son a very Happy Birthday and may his and our wish of him coming home, be sooner than later! We love you, Elijah!

Another Teenager in the House!

That's right, we have another teenager...and all the emotions with it! Another teenager just puts me further on my knees.

Katie turned 13 on September 30th. The weekend before we celebrated by having a surprise birthday party...and she was surprised! We find that we are in such a instant gratification society that there are things we put ages on just so some things are that much more special. So in our house, when 13 comes so does ....

GETTING YOUR EARS PIERCED!!!!

Happy 13th Birthday Katie!