On Friday our town was hit with an F1 tornado with winds topping at 125 mph. Holly witnessed the event as rain whipped horizontally and then the sky opened up with apocalyptical size hailstones! Thank the Lord there was very little damage to the storm. Even our tomato plants were spared. Apparently storms of this magnitude are rare in Central Virginia though it's not unusual for one to experience a heavy thunderstorm. One woman who lives in Tornado Alley states that observant people can tell when a tornado is imminent. If the wind is whipping in one direction and abruptly reverses direction, followed by hail, then head for the basement.
Jesus encourages us all to be weather watchers: to observe and discern the signs of the times. Only then can a Christian truly be ready for whatever is coming.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Anniversary approaching
We are soon reaching a milestone in our family - and a rarity these days: twenty-five years of marriage. Just this morning we were talking about life's changes. When we were planning our honeymoon, we thought about going to the Pocono's like other newlyweds. Instead we traveled to Nova Scotia, rented a cabin and visited family. August was a very beautiful time to experience the beauty of Canada's ocean playground. Two years ago we thought we were going to have a big celebration, invite all of our friends to a catered, sit down dinner with music. Now we are a family of six (one in Philly), living in the heart of Virginia, going back to school and not having full-time employment.
Please don't misunderstand us; we're not complaining. As we review our life's journey, taking the narrow road (the road less traveled), there are unexpected twists and turns, switchbacks and obstacles along the way. Life is a series of adjustments - dare we say disappointments? If one adjusts to God's directives disappointments become Hisapointments. Certainly we never expected this path to lead us to China - not one but twice! On the first trip we had our annivesary there! We would have missed the adventure if we were not keeping our face forward.
So, where do we travel for our anniversary? This debate continues. We'll let you know how things turn out . But one thing is certain: we don't want to miss what is just around the corner. It's sure to be an adventure.
Please don't misunderstand us; we're not complaining. As we review our life's journey, taking the narrow road (the road less traveled), there are unexpected twists and turns, switchbacks and obstacles along the way. Life is a series of adjustments - dare we say disappointments? If one adjusts to God's directives disappointments become Hisapointments. Certainly we never expected this path to lead us to China - not one but twice! On the first trip we had our annivesary there! We would have missed the adventure if we were not keeping our face forward.
So, where do we travel for our anniversary? This debate continues. We'll let you know how things turn out . But one thing is certain: we don't want to miss what is just around the corner. It's sure to be an adventure.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Fourth of July
On this glorious independence day celebration, we remember the framers of our constitution who dared to stand against tyranny and injustice in order to secure for us the liberties which we now enjoy. Our freedom was won at great cost. Let's use that freedom to bring truth and integrity to America.
Today our family traveled to Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest - his summer retreat home from Montecello where we enjoyed a festive celebration that included a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. This is Steven's first July 4th as an American Citizen. Those who travel outside our country truly realize that we live in a very special country.
Last week we spent a long weekend at Myrtle Beach. with Holly's parents and her brother's family from Germany. This was the first time the boys actually played at the ocean. They enjoyed searching for seashells, surfing the waves and building sand castles. They even had a chance to fly kites!
Amy is now experiencing freedom as she completed her courses at Liberty for the year. She signs up for new courses at the end of August (with Dad). Roger still has one course to complete in July before he can relax for the remainder of the summer.
Holly's garden is a virtual jungle. We have all enjoyed the fresh garden beans, lettuce, squash, cucumbers and even our first tomato! There's much more to come!
We wish you all God's peace on this special day.
Today our family traveled to Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest - his summer retreat home from Montecello where we enjoyed a festive celebration that included a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. This is Steven's first July 4th as an American Citizen. Those who travel outside our country truly realize that we live in a very special country.
Last week we spent a long weekend at Myrtle Beach. with Holly's parents and her brother's family from Germany. This was the first time the boys actually played at the ocean. They enjoyed searching for seashells, surfing the waves and building sand castles. They even had a chance to fly kites!
Amy is now experiencing freedom as she completed her courses at Liberty for the year. She signs up for new courses at the end of August (with Dad). Roger still has one course to complete in July before he can relax for the remainder of the summer.
Holly's garden is a virtual jungle. We have all enjoyed the fresh garden beans, lettuce, squash, cucumbers and even our first tomato! There's much more to come!
We wish you all God's peace on this special day.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
All Things New
Scripture says, "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old things are gone; new things are come" (2 Cor. 5:17). This is true of the spiritual life. But it's also true of those experiencing adoption. It's because of Jesus Christ that we began this venture of adoption so that these little ones can experience a new life. We pray one day they will step into new life in Christ as well.
Speaking of new things, here is a list of ten "firsts" that Steven and Samuel have been experiencing!
1. You should have seen their faces when they boarded Pappy's speedboat and raced across the waters of Smith Mountain Lake!
2. They both went fishing for the first time, catching bluegill. Steven was pretty afraid of the fish. He never touched a live one before. On one occasion a large carp took his bait and we reeled him in. We had to explain why we couldn't keep the fish. No one in America eats carp.
3. New teeth? Within a few short weeks, Steven lost both of his lower middle teeth.
4. They both saw their first rainbow on Memorial Day too. It spread from one end of the sky to another. We shared the meaning of the rainbow to them. (Read the story of Noah)
5. Samuel can now swing himself on the swingset without needing a push. They are growing fast!
6. The boys are now able to enjoy church classes without the parents present.
7. Recently the boys attended their first 4H horse show. In fact one lovely lady offered to give them a ride on a calm 28 year old mare.
8. In preparation for cowboy duds, they learned how to do snaps on their clothes. That's a given for most children but when you have boys with physical issues, this is a milestone.
9. Steven and Samuel have been watching the garden grow and tasting fresh snow peas, lettuce and spinach. By the end of the month we will have beans and tomatoes.
10. Steven is becoming acclimated to the swimming pool. Samuel is a pro when it comes to the pool but the only pools in China are for tourists at the fancy hotels.
Diana and Rich visited us for a couple of days last week. they brought lots of old photoes and we stayed up late into the night sharing memories.
Speaking of new things, here is a list of ten "firsts" that Steven and Samuel have been experiencing!
1. You should have seen their faces when they boarded Pappy's speedboat and raced across the waters of Smith Mountain Lake!
2. They both went fishing for the first time, catching bluegill. Steven was pretty afraid of the fish. He never touched a live one before. On one occasion a large carp took his bait and we reeled him in. We had to explain why we couldn't keep the fish. No one in America eats carp.
3. New teeth? Within a few short weeks, Steven lost both of his lower middle teeth.
4. They both saw their first rainbow on Memorial Day too. It spread from one end of the sky to another. We shared the meaning of the rainbow to them. (Read the story of Noah)
5. Samuel can now swing himself on the swingset without needing a push. They are growing fast!
6. The boys are now able to enjoy church classes without the parents present.
7. Recently the boys attended their first 4H horse show. In fact one lovely lady offered to give them a ride on a calm 28 year old mare.
8. In preparation for cowboy duds, they learned how to do snaps on their clothes. That's a given for most children but when you have boys with physical issues, this is a milestone.
9. Steven and Samuel have been watching the garden grow and tasting fresh snow peas, lettuce and spinach. By the end of the month we will have beans and tomatoes.
10. Steven is becoming acclimated to the swimming pool. Samuel is a pro when it comes to the pool but the only pools in China are for tourists at the fancy hotels.
Diana and Rich visited us for a couple of days last week. they brought lots of old photoes and we stayed up late into the night sharing memories.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wet and Wild!
Though it is not summer yet, we have been experiencing some pretty wet and wild weather in the Mid Atlantic. It has rained or stormed nearly every day. The lakes are full and the garden is green and happy. Unfortunately this weather is also perfect for growing a healthy family of ticks. The boys both have had their share of these parasitic creatures crawling on their bodies. So, included in their daily routines is "inspection time". You would be surprised where we have been finding these creepy crawlies!
The Lord has also been showering blessings up on us. As we count our blessings, I ask you to make a list of your own blessings.
1. We are blessed to have primary care physicians who are Christians and practice at the
University. We all had physical exams for the first time in two years.
2. Grades were posted and Roger aced his classes. He is taking two intensive classes right now.
3. Today the Miller-Motte College is hosting a fundraiser for Steven. We will show up to support
the project this afternoon.
4. Shriner's Hospital is very pleased with Steven's progress, particular his range of motion. He
has been officially diagnosed with Arthrogryposis. We have seen progress since he came to live
with us and we believe he will continue to show improvement and gain functional strength in
his upper limbs. Our O.T. has suggested we include exercises that are "fun". So we had a
pillow fight last night. Having a brother (Samuel) has been very good for Steven's physical development
5. Amy is pondering what the Lord would have her do this summer. She is considering work at
a Christian camp. She is also taking three college classes this summer! I can see the Lord
grooming her to become a lovely caring woman.
6. The blessing of having a lovely wife and life partner - Holly works hard to make our house a
home. And she strives to provide the best for our little family - even the pets. This week we
rented an edger and buried wire to create an underground pet fence. It's enjoyable to work on
a project together. We are blessed to be living close to Holly's parents. Roger lost his father
last May and it was nice to have another set of parents to be with at this time of year.
7. The knowledge that "My God shall provide all your needs according to His riches in glory".
Even though we do not yet have income, we are debt free and have food in the cupboard.
When you become discouraged, count your blessings and share them with someone today
The Lord has also been showering blessings up on us. As we count our blessings, I ask you to make a list of your own blessings.
1. We are blessed to have primary care physicians who are Christians and practice at the
University. We all had physical exams for the first time in two years.
2. Grades were posted and Roger aced his classes. He is taking two intensive classes right now.
3. Today the Miller-Motte College is hosting a fundraiser for Steven. We will show up to support
the project this afternoon.
4. Shriner's Hospital is very pleased with Steven's progress, particular his range of motion. He
has been officially diagnosed with Arthrogryposis. We have seen progress since he came to live
with us and we believe he will continue to show improvement and gain functional strength in
his upper limbs. Our O.T. has suggested we include exercises that are "fun". So we had a
pillow fight last night. Having a brother (Samuel) has been very good for Steven's physical development
5. Amy is pondering what the Lord would have her do this summer. She is considering work at
a Christian camp. She is also taking three college classes this summer! I can see the Lord
grooming her to become a lovely caring woman.
6. The blessing of having a lovely wife and life partner - Holly works hard to make our house a
home. And she strives to provide the best for our little family - even the pets. This week we
rented an edger and buried wire to create an underground pet fence. It's enjoyable to work on
a project together. We are blessed to be living close to Holly's parents. Roger lost his father
last May and it was nice to have another set of parents to be with at this time of year.
7. The knowledge that "My God shall provide all your needs according to His riches in glory".
Even though we do not yet have income, we are debt free and have food in the cupboard.
When you become discouraged, count your blessings and share them with someone today
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A new family member
Holly and I would like to introduce you to our newest family member, Lorelai, born to Alicia on April 17 She entered this world as a 7.3 pound little bundle. Mommy and baby are well.
Classes are rapidly coming to a close for this semester but two other classes are about to start for Roger - one class on classroom behavioral management and another class on philosophy of education. Amy also finishes up one college class and immediately takes three other classes. She is also exploring the possibilility of volunteering at a Christian camp this summer.
On May 7-8 we travel to Greenville, S.C. with the boys for an appointment with the orthopedic department of Shriners Hospital. Lord willing, they should give us both an official diagnosis and prognosis of Steven's condition. Once we have this information we will be able to figure out the best way to meet his needs.
Our summer plans are uncertain but there may be a trip to New York in the future. Of course there will be multiple trips to Smith Mountain Lake where we hope to do a lot of kayaking. We would love to explore some wonderful local rivers right in our neighborhood.
Holly's garden looks beautiful! Green and growing! Though we have had an abundance of rain this week, the garden plot is draining well, thank the Lord.
Jobs are still pretty elusive but God knows best and will take care of our needs.
We hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Classes are rapidly coming to a close for this semester but two other classes are about to start for Roger - one class on classroom behavioral management and another class on philosophy of education. Amy also finishes up one college class and immediately takes three other classes. She is also exploring the possibilility of volunteering at a Christian camp this summer.
On May 7-8 we travel to Greenville, S.C. with the boys for an appointment with the orthopedic department of Shriners Hospital. Lord willing, they should give us both an official diagnosis and prognosis of Steven's condition. Once we have this information we will be able to figure out the best way to meet his needs.
Our summer plans are uncertain but there may be a trip to New York in the future. Of course there will be multiple trips to Smith Mountain Lake where we hope to do a lot of kayaking. We would love to explore some wonderful local rivers right in our neighborhood.
Holly's garden looks beautiful! Green and growing! Though we have had an abundance of rain this week, the garden plot is draining well, thank the Lord.
Jobs are still pretty elusive but God knows best and will take care of our needs.
We hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Gardening in April
Hi y'all!
Gardening in Virginia has been such a treat for Holly. She has done this month what most farmers in Maine wish they could do, plant in April. Because of a generous garden season, Holly planted peas on St. Patrick's Day along with other cold crops, and today planted tomatoes and peppers. For the first time she is experimenting with a longer growing tomato plant which should stagger her harvest. Though the garden is not as big as her New Jersey plantation, this one is close to the house and will be much easier to tend.
We also installed the boy's swingset - Roger insisted on purchasing new lag screws for safety reasons. Slowly our house is looking like a home. With more things for the kids to do around the house, we hope that sibling rivalry and bickering will reduce. (wishful thinking).
Alicia informed us this week that she had her baby - a little 7 pound, 3 ounce girl named Lorelai. Both mother and daughter survived the ordeal well.
Amy is now part of a national Migraine study to determine the effectiveness of a migraine relief medication that combines the use of iboprophen and imatrex. We'll let you know how she does in the process. Additionally, she is taking an online course through Liberty and plans to take two other courses in the summer months. Her goal is to have most of her core courses completed by the time she graduates from high school.
We enjoy the times we spend with Holly's parents. They live less than an hour away. We'll enjoy the closeness to the lake where we can both swim, fish and kayak. However there are some very nice boat launches right near us in Altavista.
Well, for those who long to plant their gardens but can't, take courage; spring is here and your turn will come. Until then, bloom where you're planted.
Gardening in Virginia has been such a treat for Holly. She has done this month what most farmers in Maine wish they could do, plant in April. Because of a generous garden season, Holly planted peas on St. Patrick's Day along with other cold crops, and today planted tomatoes and peppers. For the first time she is experimenting with a longer growing tomato plant which should stagger her harvest. Though the garden is not as big as her New Jersey plantation, this one is close to the house and will be much easier to tend.
We also installed the boy's swingset - Roger insisted on purchasing new lag screws for safety reasons. Slowly our house is looking like a home. With more things for the kids to do around the house, we hope that sibling rivalry and bickering will reduce. (wishful thinking).
Alicia informed us this week that she had her baby - a little 7 pound, 3 ounce girl named Lorelai. Both mother and daughter survived the ordeal well.
Amy is now part of a national Migraine study to determine the effectiveness of a migraine relief medication that combines the use of iboprophen and imatrex. We'll let you know how she does in the process. Additionally, she is taking an online course through Liberty and plans to take two other courses in the summer months. Her goal is to have most of her core courses completed by the time she graduates from high school.
We enjoy the times we spend with Holly's parents. They live less than an hour away. We'll enjoy the closeness to the lake where we can both swim, fish and kayak. However there are some very nice boat launches right near us in Altavista.
Well, for those who long to plant their gardens but can't, take courage; spring is here and your turn will come. Until then, bloom where you're planted.
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