What if?

Out of no where, our family has been hit. I don't want to give any recognition in the thief who came to steal and destroy, but rather confess where I have been.

• I have a way of seeing what is in front of me as truth.
• I still struggle with making a connection in Colorado. It seems to be an ongoing struggle. I have met many people, but still long to have a relationship where I can call to go out for a cup of coffee or go shopping with, or better yet - they call me. I allowed jealousy and envy come into our marriage, because of it. I even let confusion come into our family as to where our place of worship should even be. Connection...everyone longs for it, to have identity and be recognized.
• In a matter of a few hours, I was facing some health issues in a routine exam and the health of our youngest was resurfacing once again, which brought on doubt in the decisions we made when she was just three. I even questioned my mothering.
• At that same doctor's visit I was all of a sudden dealing with things I have already dealt with (spiritually) and thought it was all over. I was reminded of my lack of identity and condemned because of it. I was labeled over and over, never seeing one of them coming.

After seeking some prayer, and casting off the enemy's lies, I have come to praise the God I have. Through prayer and praising I am restored. Today I heard two words - what if. I didn't quite understand these words until I stewed over them a while longer as I continued to seek God.

What if ... I saw things beyond what is in front of me, if I saw things through the One who is able?

What if ... I didn't focus on connection, but rather trusted God who moved us here and rested in that?

What if ... I am allowed to experience the loss of connection, the lack of conversation, the fellowship with a friend so I may experience the heart of Gods'?

What if ... I wasn't jealous of Duane's connections and lifestyle, and yet was thankful He has blessed my husband so, and made Duane more connected to his family, and a stronger spirtual leader in our home because of this relocation?

What if ... I wasn't so quick to look elsewhere for connection but stayed where I was and allowed God to connect with me?

What if ... I remained in the peace God gave us many years ago as our daughter was given the right doctors and surgeons and through the decisions we made?

What if ... I sought the Healer who ultimately healed our daughter, and rested in the knowing He could heal her and me again?

What if ... I allowed God to come in and remind me that I am His, and that is my identity?

As I pondered these "what ifs", I found the answer to the question I have been searching for - I would be in the place God wants us all to be in - a place with Him, and a place of praise!

Today I will continue to praise God for He is faithful and true. I praise Him for His provisions and protection. I praise Him for His heart to be a forever best-friend in my life, who is interested in me, caring, compassionate and always ready for a conversation. I praise God for His creation in Duane and our family, and how I can see Him doing good things in each of us. I praise God that He can fix all things, provide all things so I don't have to! I praise God for He can be seen each day. I praise God who heals because of the abundance of love He has for each of us. I praise God for my salvation and His acceptance that I am His. He is worthy of ALL my praise!

Now, if you excuse me... I am going to run to have a cup of hot chocolate and some long awaited conversation with my best-friend!

Room in the Inn?

As you have been reading it is the girls plan to go and serve in Liberia this Christmas. Unfortunately they have not raised the full amount needed, the t-shirts aren't ready to sell, and the airlines don't have any available seats. We are seeking plan B (I suppose God's original plan): which will be going back during spring break, if not sooner. For those of you who are still wanting to support the girls endeavor, we have made arrangements for you to receive a tax-deduction by making your checks out to "Addy's Hope", with "Archibald trip" in the memo. You can send it to them or us. Thank you for your support!

The girls were heartbroken. Duane and I were too. I'm thankful that our disappointment fell during the start of a season of Hope and Joy. So, we went back to the traditions, that come with this time of year; and each of us seeking the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus, our Savior, Deliverer and our Greatest gift of all.

We are still seeking "the place" where we will go and get our tree each year. We like to make a day out of it...just the five of us (soon to be seven). This year we headed down to Colorado Springs and spent the day there, singing along to Christmas songs, and giggling throughout the car ride there.

We found our trees!!!

The girls, in all humor wondered if they could get their parents to choose this one...needless to say, we simply said "I don't think so!" :)

It is our Christmas tradition to get a second, little Christmas tree. Those of you who have known us for quite some time, probably remember a specifically hard time in our lives - when we moved from Oakley to Concord; and the home we purchased turned out to be a "buyer beware" home. As quickly as we moved in, we had to move out due to a major water leak, which brought with it mold. For three months we lived in a hotel room, without our belongings or the comforts of home. Nothing went according to plan.

We purchased a little "Charlie Brown tree", which we brought with us to our new home when it was safe to move in again. Unfortunately, the only access we had in our new home were the bedrooms; so it was our room that our little tree stood.

All of our belongings were packed and unable to get to. As the girls brought arts and crafts home from school, and our family made some ornaments we soon had our first ever home made Christmas.

I remember being grateful that Christmas that there was room in the "inn" when we were seeking shelter. We were grateful our family and friends were always willing to take us in during those dreadful three months. But we couldn't help but wonder, why couldn't Bethlehem make room for Jesus? His family were strangers I suppose.

So every year we make our home made Christmas tree (which stands not in our bedroom but rather our family room) and remember. We remember how God took care of us when everything was taken away. But it also stands as a reminder to make room always for Jesus. And that is our challenge to you this season...do you have room for Him? Is there space for Him to come?

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Are you ready?

"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

At our cell group the other night I recognized how I have been so focused on my circumstances this past week, thus not having a heart of thanksgiving. God calls us to be thankful always, and I haven’t been. I’m sorry. It is when I am thankful that I recognize God and see His heart. It is when I see the God that He is; I can see how He isn't against me but for me. I long to be in that place once again.

There is so much to be thankful for: our family; health; doctors; freedom; a family that is united in Christ and all willing to serve you Him; a husband; a job that provides; a home and its contents; warmth; food; a God who saves, loves, and is forever faithful; and the One who is our hope, deliverer and has everything under control.

I’m thankful for our small group where I am welcomed, supported and loved.

I’m so thankful for God’s healings in my life, especially the freedom in it; I’m thankful to be alive and serve the King of the Most High; for a Christian school and our church; for technology and transportation that makes the world smaller; for girls who do appreciate, love and encourage me; pets who show faithfulness and love; a heart for Africa and the people there.

I’m thankful my husband remains beside me, behind me and before me; I’m thankful for his touch and how it still excites me.

I’m thankful for God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. I’m thankful His mercies are new every morning and how I have a fresh new start each day. I’m thankful God gave me a testimony and I am chosen by Him. I am thankful too we have the privilege to embrace Elijah and Ruth into our lives even though miles separate us; and I am thankful for His provisions for them and the other orphans.

I’m thankful for the beauty of the outdoors, how I have been able to experience the salt air and serenity of the ocean as well as the splendor of the mountain tops.

I’m thankful I have been able to hold Elijah and Ruth in my arms, and witness the beauty of seeing Lindsay, Katie and Courtney enter the world. I’m thankful God has carried me through those valleys when I couldn't even stand.

I’m thankful death doesn’t mean the end but only the beginning.

I am so thankful for Jesus, who came down to earth and took my beatings, was ridiculed and beaten, then died on the cross so I could live forever more with my God. I’m thankful for God’s friendship and for Him being my Father.

I’m thankful for protection everyday as we drive the interstate; the quietness and stillness of the morning before anyone’s awake.

I’m thankful Duane still holds my hand. I’m thankful for the passion in a kiss; Eskimo, butterfly and dog kisses; hand prints and footprints.

I’m thankful for tears but especially the joy that comes in the morning. I’m thankful for quiet times where I meet God face to face; journaling; bible study and His word. I am thankful for God’s word and how I can stand on His promises. I am thankful for His hope and a future; a God who doesn’t condemn but has our best interest at heart; His provisions.

I’m thankful for caterpillars and seeing them turn into butterflies; for the beauty of watching the sunrise from the prairie to it’s setting over the ocean. I’m so thankful I was allowed to see so much of His creation on safari.

I’m thankful for each stage the girls have gone through and finding the terrible two’s weren’t terrible but terrific and the teenage years don’t push their parents away but need them even more.

I’m very thankful for God’s creation in me, his fingerprints all over me and how He dances over me; and thankful Duane and the girls have too put their faith in God and I can have peace they too have a future. I’m thankful our God reigns!

I’m thankful I am His and all these things He has allowed me to experience. To God Be All The Glory!

From Our Home to Yours, Happy Thanksgiving! May you find a joyful heart as you experience the reasons we have to be thankful, and find peace as you experience the One we thank.

My Girls Amaze Me

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

The girls have been talking about going to Liberia for quite some time. The more they hear about the history of the country, see pictures and develop their knowing of a brother and sister who live their; a stirring arises in their spirit. Also, when they have heard the countless numbers of stories of how the orphans are treated and grow an understanding of all that is available to; their hearts are overwhelmed. I wish I could record their prayers and their questions as they seek, and their righteous anger that arises when they hear what the Liberian government is doing. I can honestly say God has their attention.

It didn't surprise me when the day came, and they decided that they were going to go and serve. What has surprised me is how they are truly seeking support and how they have been truly thankful for every penny that has come in.

Let me share with you some of the ways we are experiencing His blessings.

I received a call one day, our church was asking for help. They were having a memorial service and the family involved needed a babysitter for the little one. I accepted to help, to serve a family who has lost so much. I never expected to get paid, and even declined. However, God started our funding this way....before we knew we were going.

Courtney's Bible teacher challenged her class. She challenged them to memorize all of Romans 12. The first person who memorized it would received $5.00. Courtney memorized the passage the following day and recited it. But it didn't end there. The girls attended our Bible study a couple weeks after. She recited Romans 12, each member gave her $5.00 as a love offering.

The girls have continued to sell locker shelves, that Duane continues to make.

Katie and Courtney have decided to give their birthday money to the trip, for going to Liberia is the gift they want.

Lindsay has created a logo, which is now at the printers. We are waiting to see it so the girls can start selling t-shirts.

It excites me to see these girls work, but it excites me more to see God stir up the hearts of these girls. We are looking forward to seeing what He is about to do next. And as He continues to reveal Himself to us, we will let all of you know.

You have set your glory above the heavens.

from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.

Psalm 7b-8a

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!

Family Mission Trip to Liberia

November 1, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

My sisters and I send our love to each one of you, and are thankful for each one of you in our lives.

We have already finished our first quarter in school. And as always, we are looking forward to the coming months as we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas…and of course, having some time off from school. Our school has a mission statement: To be boldly Christian, academically equipped and globally prepared. I have realized how much I have taken for granted; simply by attending a Christian school throughout our lives. I am thankful I have been able to. I see how our school is not only giving me the academics needed to go to college but is also a place where I feel safe to represent Christ freely and give Him all the glory He deserves. As I look back on my education I see how my school has given me a foundation in Christ and an education to prepare me to go out into the world.

For the past 2 yrs and 2 months we have been waiting for my brother, Elijah and my sister, Ruthie to come home. Through this waiting time my sisters and I have prayed and learned about Liberia. Our mommy got to go to Liberia at the beginning of this year and we have been able to see Liberia through her pictures. In this time we have developed a heart for the country that our brother and sister call “home”. We wanted to make this Christmas special. So with that, we decided to go to Liberia and bring Christmas not only to Elijah and Ruth but also the other orphans in the home.

My Mommy and Daddy have work to do for our adoption agency as well. You see, the agency just got finished completing a new orphanage which has classrooms in addition to the bedrooms. They need to help train the nurse how to do some paperwork and also help set up the classrooms. They also need to help the workers develop a routine. My sisters and I would like to do a VBS, as well as bring some Christmas cheer to their lives. We want to meet the Liberian people and experience their culture. Through a lot of prayer we have seen God open a door for us to go.

My sisters and I have sold several locker shelves that my Daddy has made. That has only been a small start to the funds needed to travel. We are hoping to be selling note cards and t-shirts soon. But still in spite of our efforts to raise money, we still need your help. We need to raise 15,000.00 in one month. That seems impossible to me but I am reminded in Phillipians 4: 13 “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”. My family and I are expecting to see God do something great!

We are asking for your help. If you are able to help provide towards our mission trip to Liberia we say THANK YOU! Please send your provision to Archibald Family. Our first request for our mission trip is God’s provision and all the details to simply work out. We are in the process of gathering our prayer supporters and be able to send our requests out to our team. Please be part of our team, and email us at archiengirls@msn.com. We will also be posting on our family’s blog.

Thank you for your support! We all look forward to sharing with you everything God is going to be doing in the next few months.

In Christ’s Love,
Lindsay Archibald

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!

Thankful for a visit that brought healing....

I can't believe it has been over a month since I posted last! So much has been going on, and there is so much to share. Our life remains full of school activities, church and just plain life. Juggling the five of our schedules is a full time job in itself.

Since I posted, I celebrated my mile-stone birthday...one I'm still in denial about, but was surprised when I awoke and felt "normal" as any other day! It was an amazing thing! Our family kept my celebration quiet and simple. As I opened my cards from the girls, tears began flowing for they each recognized my role in their spiritual walk. I hadn't a clue that I was able to help them in ways I hadn't realized, but felt God's hand upon me as I read each note. Duane's gift took me by surprise. Duane realized how much I have missed my friend, he has observed that when we do get a chance to talk, we talk for 1 1/2 hrs or until the battery dies...which ever comes first. He knows the heart we share. He knows how hard it was to leave California leaving her behind. He also knows that the grief we both share over the loss of her daughter not only has been heavy in our hearts, but also another thing that has kept us apart. So his gift for me was great...sending her out to visit. What I don't think he knew was how much healing was going to take place in four days.

Janette, my friend came to visit. We had the ultimate sleepover for four nights...hardly any sleep, so much talking, some eating and much more talking...tears and laughter were shared. I anticipated her visit to be one of healing, and now I am so thankful we had that time. This was our first visit that it would only be the three of us...Janette, me and Lindsay; it had always been the four of us...Janette, me, Rachel and Lindsay. Since Rachel has left to be with our Maker she took so much of our hearts and we simply miss her so much. But our friends here in Colorado, just haven't been able to comprehend our loss. You see they think they have seen all of me and Lindsay, but in reality they hadn't because Janette and Rachel are so much apart of who we are, that they haven't seen the complete picture. We were finally able to reminisce, to tell stories, and just simply let our hearts go. Rachel came back alive as we continued to reminisce, and though we shared so many tears, healing came as each tear flowed.

One of the memories we share with Janette and Rachel is hosting the children from the Children of the World Choir when the school would bring them in for a concert each year. It was Rachel's desire and inspiration that drove her family to host some children in her home, welcoming them into their lives and sharing not only her home but her heart. This is one of the ways she demonstrated Matthew 28: 19-20; going out into the world and shared Christ by being the child of God she was. So in memory of Rachel we brought the Watoto Children's Choir to Resurrection Christian School. No one knew why we did what we did, but we knew having a choir there would bring healing to Lindsay, to me and would very much please Rachel. We hoped that the school would enjoy it as well...and to our amazement they did. So please enjoy this snippet of our gift to Rachel...

And true to form we had the privilege to host six Ugandans in our home. We celebrated their culture as we shared ours, and became family as God is the Father of us all. We also celebrated Katie's birthday that evening. What a memory it was for her too!

He is the healer of the broken hearted, our comforter and encourager ... it is He why we are so thankful.

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