Table of Olives

It is an absolute joy to study scripture with others. We read, gain insight and come together to learn more. Recently, we took a slow walk through the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It was painful and I just wanted it to quickly pass, for to engage in another’s suffering is difficult. As the Lord would have it, I read the familiar words, “…and with His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). For the first time ever it hit me, nobody is healed by my wounds. Our wounds are caused by our own sin and the sin of others against us, but they are both healed and forgiven by Him. Sometimes it is tempting for me to make much of my wounds, but they have no power to heal. What have they have done is increase my love. Forgiven much leads to loving much. And when I forget, I remind myself that the same mercy received for all our sins, is offered to those who have sinned against us. Goodness! We serve a radical God!

Our Anna Kate turns 18 years old today. She is quiet, observant and never misses a detail. The mind God created her with is remarkable, for it holds more knowledge than I thought possible. What impresses me even more is the way she is able to take what she learns and explain it to others. What a gift! Her work ethic, in all things, speaks of her character and I wonder sometimes how she does it all. Will she continue to feel the pressure to excel? What are the plans the Lord has for her and is this all part of the training? I have to believe so, for something else drives her. It is exciting to see who she is becoming and challenging too. Quiet ones are a bit harder to read, but that is exactly how she was made and I would not try to force a change. For each of us is made in the image of God and designed specially as He saw fit. Glory to God for our differences!

So happy birthday, Anna Kate! You are loved more than you know…

And just like that, sixteen years have flown by with this child. She is sweet, kind, funny, gracious and unselfish. Her inward beauty shines outward and I often wonder if she can see it too? I would love to know her thoughts when she glances in the mirror. Does she catch the light of her Savior in her eyes or the peace that rests on her shoulders? Does she hear the pure joy in her laughter or notice the smile she brings to others faces? Can she take in the excitement her younger sister tries to contain when they get to hang out? Goodness, this girl amazes me!

Happy Birthday, Abbey Grace!

I love you!

We knew we would see you on your birthday weekend and could hardly wait! Phone calls and texts just are not the same as in-person conversation. Goodness, it is so good to see your smile and listen to all your stories from school. If we knew twenty years ago the journey God had for you, I would have not believed it. The challenges have been many, but all have worked to produce character, endurance and strength. What will God use all of this training for? One thing I see clearly is your appreciation for small things, especially acts of kindness. I also see how you look for the outsider and make them feel seen. Another observation is your strong work ethic, without the need to be motivated by rewards. You are a rare one. I look forward to watching you live out the story God had written before you were even born.

Happy Birthday, Jackson! You are so loved.

I am a big fan of days on the calendar that give us opportunities to express love. It may be a card with perfect words, a thoughtful gift, an encouraging text or phone call, we all can take advantage of this day and do something. Who do we know that needs to know or be reminded they are loved?

For us, we will make heart shaped pizzas and eat dessert. We girls were given flowers and the boys their favorite candy. Words of love were penned and waiting by my coffee this morning. I treasure words because they come from what is in our heart. I know the cost of him getting up daily to feast on God’s Word, reasons for prayers that pour out like an ongoing conversation and faithful obedience. He loves our family out of the love that has been first given to him. What more could we ask for?

Happy Valentines’s Day, Damon.

I love you

Tomorrow we will move our son into his first college dorm. He wisely took a semester to wait and see the path to take. Sometimes when you are unsure, wait. So the time has come, excitement and sadness play tug of war in my heart. Excitement for what all he will learn, the people he will meet and how much he will grow. His character, discipline, love and focus are rare for his age. His challenges have been many, but have served in the making of him. Goodness, I am going to miss seeing his smile everyday and trying to keep all his favorite foods stocked. I will miss his helpfulness and quiet strength. He asks alot of questions, so those will happen over the phone now. And facetime allows for smiles to be seen too. This kid is ready to fly and his roots are deep in what matters most. My cheering him on will be mixed with tears, but both are evidence of love.

So dear Jackson, remember as you walk into the next chapter, “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Keep following Him and remember His presence is your constant help, strength, peace and source of joy. Now fly!

The theme of this year for our family appears to be change. One child moved into an apartment in New York and another will be moving into a college dorm next week. Come August, we will pack another one up and move them into a dorm as well. Another child will get their license and will no longer need us to drive them anywhere. One needs braces and his smile, that we see so often, will change. One has her mind set on trying softball, adding practices and games changes our nights. It is a lot for a heart to feel. Sorting through these thoughts and feelings brings me to a decision, my heart is being expanded again. What new friends will our kids meet that we get to love? Who will be on their softball team or roommate? I wonder if they have heard the Good News yet? Yes, so much change, but many opportunities too. I think we will be just fine.

*Photo Credit: Avery Earl Photography

Our youngest one turned ten years old yesterday! She is strong, gentle, kind, determined, a good friend, patient, smart, helpful and confident. She never acts like she has to prove herself, just does her best and encourages others to do theirs as well. When you are having a conversation with this child, you catch glimpses of who she is becoming. I recently asked if she would consider dropping out of school to be my assistant, because I enjoy her company. She said possibly, but only if I were her assistant. I loved that feisty response. Her biggest complaint right now is my cooking, but we will work through this challenge too. She has marked several delicious looking recipes in cookbooks for us to try. Instead of just complaining, she looks for a solution, which I admire. This one is spirited for sure and extremely easy to love.

Happy Birthday, Vivian. I love you!

It is the month of birthdays in our family and we got to celebrate our newly turned fourteen year old on Monday. He wanted to go around town and collect all the free stuff businesses give on your special day. And that is exactly what he did because this kid is a deal finder. He is also extremely funny and has more energy than I could ever imagine. He loves people and finds age differences to be an easy obstacle. He can find something in common with just about anyone and build a relationship from there. There seems to be this inborn confidence that causes him to live out of his true identity. He truly is someone I greatly admire and love.

Happy Birthday Paxton!

We let one of the kids skip school today to celebrate their birthday. This kid does not ask for much and is the picture of contentment. It makes gift buying a bit challenging, because need and want seem like a foreign concept. I can honestly say that these past twelve years have been extremely humbling, challenging, fun and refining. This one has shown me my need for wisdom, guidance and the fear of man that still remains. I never know what to expect with this child. Will wisdom beyond his years come pouring out or something so random, it is embarrassing? One has to wait to find out. Only God knew how much our family needed this kinda kid and I am so thankful. To be taught so much by one of your own is evidence of His grace.

He asked me recently if I felt like we were at the halfway point of him growing up and I just laughed. Not sure which one of us needs the most maturing, him or me. I think we will just keep learning together as a family.

Happy Birthday, Eli!