Breakfast with the Family

So after 4 straight days of taking all the kids out we all went to Bojangles Saturday morning to hang out together and to talk about our adventures from the week.  We gave each of the kids a gift to remember their day but to also remind them of how they are uniquely created.  It was a great ending to an even greater week.  We had a blast with the kids this week and look forward to the many adventures we will have with them after we are settled in Harrisburg in a few short days.

We gave Olivia a new set of watercolors to remind her of her creativitiy and the way she loves to serve others by making them pictures and giving them away. Her cheery personality and bright smile are always an encouragement to those she comes in contact with.

 Logan got a Civil War (replica) musket ball and an arrowhead.  These were to remind him of the things he saw at the museum.  These 2 unique gifts also serve to remind him that God has created him as a boy who will one day grow into a man and that he will one day protect (musket ball) and provide (arrow head) for his own family.  He is energetic, outgoing and very affectionate.  He has a desire to know how things should be done and has a teachable spirit.  He is a great boy and will be a greater young man as The Lord continues to grow and mature him into His likeness.

 Maddy got a T-shirt from the ranch where she rode the horse.  Her love for animals, particularly those who are sick or hurting comes from a deep compassion and a heart to serve.  She has a deep faith and a desire to see those hurting (animals, friends or the lost) healed and believes without a doubt that God will do it.  This faith and compassion will be a joy to watch develop as she grows and matures in her walk with The Lord.

Breanna got a "new" old camera.  This was a reminder of her creativity and how the photos she took were much more than just random objects, they were letters spelling out her name.  Breanna is very creative and loves to read, particularly biographies and journals.  Breanna has a gift at looking past the facade most people see and going much deeper.  Her desire to know someone's story coupled with her discerning spirit has and will continue to serve her well in her love for missions.  She truly sees herself as a missionary to her peers, not just a teen who wants to be a missionary someday.

As we get closer to moving to Harrisburg, 11 days to be exact, it has become evident throughout the past week that these days were not just for the kids.  God, in His infinite grace, took the opportunity to show Billy and I that these kids are ready.  They are ready for the mission the He has called us to, they are ready for the adventure of moving to a new place and above that they are ready because the Lord has equipped each of them for the work ahead.

We have ended each posting this week with Psalm 139:14 to show how The Lord has created each of our children wtih care and detail.  Since this posting is for our entire family we wanted you to know that as a family we are dedicated and united in the ministry God has called our family to. It does not start with moving to PA, it began nearly 16 years ago on our wedding day and has increased with the addition of each child.  So.....

¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:15