Easter

 “Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts. 4:11-12)

 

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!

 

~ posted by Betsy ~

 

My "Mother-in-Love"

~Posted by Betsy (Tribute written to share at the funeral)

Dearest R and A:

Happy Valentine's Day! R, you were determined to spend this day with the love of your life, one way or another. It doesn't surprise me...you and A have been joined together for 57 years, and were seldom if ever apart. Now, you will never be apart again, praise be to God, and to the Lamb!

This letter was one that I wanted to write to you a long time ago. Not as a goodbye, but as a thank you. A thank you for allowing me the privilege of marrying your wonderful son, and welcoming me into a most precious family. A thank you for the innumerable ways that you impacted me, and inspired me to be a better person.

This letter might have been a surprise to you, early in our relationship. Decades ago, in my 20's, I was wise in my own eyes and not shy about teaching my elders a thing or two. I was ignorant of how ignorant I really was. Any other mother-in-law might have distanced herself, but you had extraordinary patience, and unconditional love, not to mention a good sense of humor. You bided your time, endured my immaturity, and never said an unkind nor impatient word to me.

You and A both shared this elusive fruit of the Spirit--the fruit of Patience. You were so well matched in that regard. It's not often that one can count on someone always being self-controlled and even-keeled. But we could all count on you both. You understood the value of measuring your words, and controlling your tongue. Because of that, I felt secure in your love, and even felt free to disagree with you from time to time.

One thing I always admired about you was your ability to disagree without being disagreeable. You enjoyed a rousing debate, and never took offense at the opposition, nor expected them to take offense. You truly respected people and their rights to their own opinions. And you counted on them to respect your opinions as well.

Yet you used to chide yourself at times, saying that you were too blunt and always spoke your mind. Funny how we don't see ourselves the way others see us. To me, you had the gift of being honest and yet not offensive nor disrespectful. I so admired that about you.

Another thing I've always admired is how you never rushed through life. You were completely in the moment, whatever that moment was. To you, there was nothing unusual about sitting for long stretches of time on your enclosed porch, watching birds at the feeder. If they were flitting about, showing their colors, eating the food you put out, and providing such joy, our supper or chores could wait awhile. Or if you were out working in the yard, and a neighbor passed by, you welcomed the opportunity to stop your work and chat for a long time. Multi-tasking was not in your vocabulary. You understood that hurrying always empties a soul...that it doesn't make up time, but rather throws it away. Psalm 39:6 says, "We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing."

In your last days in the nursing home, you continued exhibiting patience and forbearance with others, 'though not always with yourself. We will never forget how often you tried to sneak out of bed by yourself--and the bed alarm always ratted you out. You were determined to get up alone, move alone, walk alone--all the things you were forbidden to do, and really couldn't do. Our favorite story was the time Grandpa finally had enough and warned you that if you moved one more inch, he was going to sit on you. You quickly scooted back up on the bed!

I have stored up decades of rich memories with you, and such a great love for you has grown in my heart, that I can hardly express it. Who will sit for hours and listen to my children talk on and on? Who will make me vanilla milk as a practical joke, when I meant "white" milk? Who will teach me things I never knew--about birds, about fine-quality clothing, about politics, about the Civil War from a southerner's perspective? When will I ever again enjoy a homemade potato salad with every piece of potato the exact same size? Or a rich peach cobbler unsurpassed by any?

As precious as these memories are, nothing can compare with the scene in heaven on Friday night. Grandpa was there to greet you, laughing joyously at the amazed sparkle in your vivid blue eyes as you beheld for the first time the splendor of what Christ prepared for you. One look was all you needed to know that all the pain was worth it. And to think that you have the rest of eternity to express your thanks to Jesus, for paying it all!

So thank you, R, for running the race, and finishing well. Your example inspires me to be a godly mother, and grandmother someday.

Goodnight, sweet mother-in-love. See you again soon.

Father-Daughter Retreat Part 2

~ Posted by Rubia

 

Hi all! I’m continuing the story about the wonderful weekend Roma and I had with our Dad in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Yesterday Roma posted about what we did up until after high tea on Saturday, when we had the privilege of meeting two of our favorite speakers at the conference, Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin.

 

After that, the day was not over yet! We went upstairs and changed clothes to tour the Callaway gardens.

 

The flowers were so pretty! I think that almost all the pictures I took that weekend were of flowers! The area was all so beautiful and I think that it is especially so in the spring time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Although it was rainy most of the weekend, I’m glad that it cleared up a bit that afternoon so we could be outside.

 

 

After we toured this pioneer house, we made our way to the butterfly house.

 

This brought back funny memories of when Roma and I were afraid of butterflies when we were little. We went through a butterfly house many years ago and we screamed and ran from the butterflies. This time we were doing just the opposite—we were trying to get the butterflies to land on us! There is still one butterfly that bothers us just a little bit though, and that is the owl butterfly. This one has what looks like an owl’s eye on both of its wings. It looks a little bit scary, but it is also kind of neat. J

 

Walking through another part of the gardens, we made our way to the chapel. I’m not quite sure how often this is done, but sometimes in the afternoon someone plays the pipe organ in the chapel, until 4:00 p.m. It was so close to 4 as we started fast-walking towards the chapel, still some ways away. We could hear it from a distance and that motivated us to go faster. It sounded beautiful! We made it to the chapel at 4:00 sharp when it stopped and the player was gone! Oh, well. At least we heard it from a distance.

 

The stained-glass windows were very pretty. There was a window to represent each season of the year. At the front there was a cross on top of a rock reminding us of Christ the Solid Rock, and the Bible in front was open to 1 Corinthians 13.

 

 

 

 

That evening, we went to the Gardens restaurant for dinner, which was more formal. When Bianca went to the same retreat several years ago, she and Dad went to this same restaurant ~ a really nice place with delicious food!

 

Roma and I had some really good trout with broccoli (I think it was broccoli . . . J) and a grits cake stuffed with cheese and herbs. For dessert we had bananas foster. It was all so good!

 

 

Back in the conference room after dinner, the next speaker was Mr. Curtis Bowers. His message was specifically to the fathers in the room. He spoke of the importance of godly fathers in a dark world and how God has chosen us to shine in it. He talked about the ways in which God has blessed his family as they work together. (By God’s blessing, they worked together to make a really good movie called, “Agenda.”) I quote something he said that I think is very true:

 

“God will bless a father who has his children involved in his life. Working together as a family nourishes relationships and blesses other people.” He went on to say that the saddest words a father could say at the end of his life are “what would’ve been.” It is important to be faithful and purposeful.

 



Photo Credit: Roma.



The next speakers we actually Skyped. They were a man and his daughter, who is unfortunately in the hospital with cancer. But their message was very encouraging. They spoke of families (specifically fathers and daughters) going through trials together and the importance of being strong in those trials. Trials will either strengthen relationships or destroy them. This is something that our family has also been learning together during this time. I believe that God uses trials to strengthen our relationship with Him. The young woman with cancer whom we Skyped said, “If we didn’t know trials, we wouldn’t know God and His power and that He is our rock and strength.” I would say amen to that!

 

Another reality is that the world around is watching us and our reactions to trials such as these. What do we want them to see? Do we want them to see Christ in us?

 

Photo Credit: Roma.



The next Sunday in church Mr. Scott Brown (speaker and author) preached a sermon from Matthew 25 (the parable of the 10 virgins), about being ready for Christ’s second coming. This was also a great message.

 



Photo Credit: Roma.



This retreat was such a blessing. I am grateful to have had the opportunity! I admire the people who do retreats and conferences like this because of their vision: the building of families with Christ alone as the foundation. I also met some really great people and made friends that I hope will be life-long ones!

 

I will close this post with one request: I would love for ya’ll to join me in praying for my dear Dad. This has been a difficult time for him, having his parents pass away not long ago, and trying to deal with many issues. Thank you so very much! (And thanks to those of you who already have been praying!)

 

Father-Daughter Retreat 2013

~Posted by Roma

That’s right! Ruby and I went to Vision Forum’s Father-Daughter Retreat with Daddy! We were so surprised one normal evening at dinner when Dad announced that we needed to start packing and that we would leave in two weeks! Yikes. We had to think--shopping, new shoes--you know, make sure we were “travel ready.” Bianca had gone with Dad a few years ago, and now it was our turn. But one day, we would like to make it a family trip and while everyone else would do activities in Callaway gardens, Dad could take ALL 3 of us girls to the retreat.

It’s hard to pick a favorite part of this retreat! We just loved everything—listening to the speakers at the conference center, the high tea, dinner with Dad, seeing beautiful butterflies and flowers, games and meeting new people-–oh, but I’d better not spoil too much. :-)

Day #1-Friday, March 22:

 



On the airplane. Dad, well, he likes my hat just as much as I do. J

 

As soon as we landed, we got pizza at a gas station, which was actually quite good!

Driving to the inn where we’d be staying. I like how you can see my camera in the mirror.

We made it!! After checking in our room, it had started to rain. Actually, pour! But after waiting a bit, we did get out onto the wet lawn. We still did lawn games anyway!

We did three-legged racing with three of us! We actually went faster than I thought we would….

The blindfold game. That was hard. Especially in a skirt trying to go under a triangle. J

Some Dads out there tried to do it with 4 or 5 of their daughters. Crazy.

We met a new friend our age out there--G and her dad. It was awesome meeting new girls! We three girls tried doing a three-legged race together, but, well, failed. She was actually the younger sister of a boy Ben met in Colorado! Small world.

 



After a break in our room, and freshening-up, we headed down to dinner. They had the picnic and ice cream social inside. J We got to meet even more new people at our table, like the Z family and the F family.



Everyone in the conference room. Scott Brown spoke that night. He was really good! I took LOTS of notes on his talk!



Afterwards we got into our room and crashed. We had another big day ahead of us, to dress up and meet more new people. I could squeal with delight under my covers!



Day #2 Saturday, March 23:

 

We had to get up really early this morning; We were definitely exhausted! We dressed in our high tea clothes and went downstairs.( I don’t know that Daddy was too enthusiastic about putting a tie on, but he was excited to spend time with his wonderful twins.) At breakfast I met another nice girl and her sister; A and M. There was also another girl at the table but her name escapes me. A and I talked all about Washington D.C, as we had both been there!

 



Shortly after breakfast, we went into the conference room and Scott Brown led worship.Then, Geoffrey Botkin spoke. He did a great job also.



Then came Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. We’ve enjoyed listening to them on webinars, and reading their blog, and they speak at this conference every year.



Then came Mrs. Morecraft. I loved her poetry and singing--she loved to sing--her amazing stories she had to tell, and her lesson on how daughters can be an encouragement to their fathers.





After morning sessions came the high tea! The food was…too beautiful to eat. J I just HAD to take so many pictures!

Me, Daddy, and Rubia at high tea. We sat with the Bowers family (their Dad made the movie “Agenda”) and the M family, and their girls, M and C.

 

After tea we took a picture with the Botkin sisters! That was a neat experience. They were very friendly.

Well, that’s all I’ll be writing. But this will be continued by Rubia….. until next time. I’ll just say one more time how much I loved this retreat! I did learn a lot more too, on just what kind of daughter God wants me to be to my father—and to both parents. We learned what a biblical young lady should look like today. There were great messages for fathers too. We learned how we could be a greater part of our fathers’ lives. Thanks so much. Daddy, for this great event we could do together!

 

Touching Gift

Last Thursday night, we were all sitting innocently around the dinner table enjoying a family dinner before Dad and the twins left for a Father-Daughter Retreat the next morning (more on that tomorrow.) Suddenly, all my siblings get up and go upstairs together. I thought they had some kind of surprise for Mom and Dad. I kind of wondered why I had been left out of the surprise…

When they came back down, they had a tin box in their hands. They placed it in front of me. Completely caught off-guard, I opened the lid. Inside was loose change, lots of $1 bills, a few $5's and a $20. On top was a note that read "Bianca's Orphanage Project." For months, my siblings have been squirreling away money to give me. Their "golden goal" was $100.

Inside that little tin box was $102.67! I was so humbled by their initiative and thoughtfulness, especially when they all pointed to Josiah as the one who came up with the idea. I'm more impressed by the fact that they kept this a secret for so long. J I was so touched! I am so incredibly blessed by my siblings! J

Blogger Challenge Day 10: Something You're Afraid Of

One of my goals for 2013 was to face my fears. In a lot of ways, I’ve already come a long way. J Living in wild Texas, I slay poisonous spiders on a regular basis without any squeamishness (I’d much rather hurt them before they hurt me!) As a family, we moved across the country and started from scratch at a new church, in a new community, and a new job for my Dad. My brother and I have committed to spend a month of our summer break in a third-world country where we will have no running water, not be able to speak with or understand 90% of the people, and will travel without our parents for the first time.

But one of my favorite quotes is “True courage is not the absence of fear. It is refusing to allow fear to control your actions” (Gregg Harris as quoted in “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris.)

While there isn’t a whole lot I’m afraid of, there are a few things that one could say I dread. I dread going to the dentist office. I don’t tremble in fear, but I cringe at the thought of getting my teeth poked and prodded.

I also have a slight fear of bloody wounds. Getting hurt internally (pulling a muscle, breaking a bone, getting sick, etc.) doesn’t bother me at all, but the thought of, or hearing someone describe, any injury involving blood makes me cringe. I guess I can cross surgeon off my future career list. J

*Alright, now that I’ve confessed, I want to hear from you! What is one of your fears? I promise not to laugh. J Really! Share in the comments!*

Childhood of Eras Past

One of the things I brought home from my Grandparents’ house was a box of old letters, cards, a few photos, and old newspaper clippings. Over the past few months since their deaths, I have enjoyed going through the box reading the notes and letters.

 

While much was discarded, I have kept a few of the old newspaper clippings. My Grandma (pictured above with one of her brothers) loved the newspaper and reading stories. I found this untitled, un-credited clip from who-knows-when, but I really enjoyed reading it. While every generation made its mistakes, it’s interesting to look back at the more traditional culture and childrearing philosophies of the days when my Grandparents grew up:

 

I know most of you will appreciate this. Looking back, it is hard to believe that anybody who lived as a child in the 40’s, 50s, or 60s has survived as long as we have . . .

 

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat. Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. (Not to mention hitchhiking to town as a young kid!)

 

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. Horrors. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times we learned to solve the problem.

 

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. No cell phones. Unthinkable. We played dodgeball and sometimes the ball would really hurt. We got cut and broke bones and broke teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. They were accidents. No one was to blame but us. Remember accidents? We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it.

 

We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank sugar soda but we were never overweight . . . we were always outside playing. We shared one grape soda with four friends, from one bottle and no one died from this!

 

We did not have Play Stations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, video games at all, 99 channels on cable, video tape movies, surround sound, personal cellular phones, Personal Computers, Internet chat rooms . . . we had friends. We went outside and found them. We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s home and knocked on the door, or rung the bell or just walked in and talked to them. Imagine such a thing. Without asking a parent!

 

By ourselves! Out there in the cold cruel world! Without a guardian. How did we do it? We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live inside us forever.

 

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. . . Some students weren’t as smart as others so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade . . . Horrors. Tests were not adjusted for any reason.

 

Our actions were our own. Consequences were expected. No one to hide behind. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke a law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law, imagine that! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years has been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

 

And you’re one of them. Congratulations!

 

Gifts that Speak

~ posted by Betsy ~

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

~ stack of letters waiting in the mailbox ~

~ voice in my ear of loved one on the phone ~

~ musical chime of txt arriving ~

~ Frank Sinatra crooning “Fly Me to the Moon” in every room ~

~ smiles from friends on my computer screen ~

~ long skype visits with family ~

~ comments pending on our blog ~

~ prayers for dear internet friends I've never met ~

~ emails overflowing with love, encouragement, and God's words ~

~ photo journals sharing her life with me ~

~ familiar names of long-lost friends in my inbox ~

~ attending a webinar without leaving home ~

~ livestreaming a concert I couldn't attend ~

anticipation of techno-gifts still to come...

(Inspired by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts)

Our Mother!!

~Posted by Mark (Tribute written to share at the funeral)

Mom, what can I say? You must have really wanted to be with dad. We certainly did not expect to be sitting here today. But we all know that God’s timing is supreme and with divine purpose.

One of your key gifts was encouragement. I can remember many long conversations with you either after school or after work. Even after I moved out, I could remember conversations with you every week on the phone. You were always supportive of my efforts. You were always willing to listen to me. You would also encourage those at your church. I will miss my mother’s wisdom and advice.

Your 57 years of marriage was an encouragement to many. You stood by dad and showed him tremendous love. Even as both of you struggled with your health, you would still sit in the nursing home holding hands and before dad left the two of you embraced and kissed.

I have so many great memories. I remember some great fun playing basketball with you. That was no easy task as you were a state champion in basketball. Growing up on a farm also made you more of a tomboy. I can recall one time trying to scare you with a garter snake; however, that was hard as it became evident that I was more afraid of the snake than you were.

Mom, I love and will miss you until one day we meet up together in heaven.

Goodbye for now!

Your loving son, Mark