CERT

This weekend, Brodie and Aida had the opportunity to volunteer for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
training with some members of our community, thanks to an invite from our neighbors.

Over the course of 3 days, they learned response skills for disaster preparedness and service in the event of an emergency.

They learned about fire safety, search and rescue, team organization, and basic medical aid.

Particularly since we live in a rural, outlying area, the training makes safety sense and I'm so glad they got to participate!

I think they both gained more than just head knowledge or hands on experience this weekend.

They also endured reality checks that look like adulthood in the making. It was good for them, though hard at times to see some things that aren't easy to see. Watching them rise above the difficulties and press on to the end made me proud of my big kids.

Hearing how it all impacted them made me grateful for the experience.

I'm thankful for their willing hearts to step out and serve in our community.

And I'm thankful for the growth I see in both of them, more with each passing day.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Mark 12:31

SERVE

This past week we had the blessed opportunity to serve our dear neighbors.

(Olia, the rose pruning expert)

(Nova trimmed all the walkways.)

(Bea washed the siding.)

(learning about the rose of Sharon)

(the driveway crew)

The guys worked extra hard clearing brush and grasses for fireproofing.

(the ultimate puppy sitters)

(weeding...and weeding)

Even the little ones were so helpful!

And joyful.

(Beck??)

It was a very special day for us all.

(learning about the player piano they brought all the way from PNG)

Our sweet neighbors are so easy to love. We enjoy making memories together.

They gave their lives to serve as missionaries in Papua New Guinea and to get to serve them in some small way now feels like the love of God expressed for them. They're like family to us and we are so thankful for their examples as servants of Christ.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve."

Mark 10:45

20 YEARS

20 years ago today, two 20-somethings said "I do"...

For richer, for poorer...in sickness and health...as long as we both shall live.

And it's been a beautiful 20 years and my heart swells full to imagine 20 more...

With you.

I love you, Brodie!

I praise God for blessing my life with you and for the journey He's taken us on...together.

Thank you for being so good to me. Thank you for being my best friend.

{Happy 20th Anniversary}

"I found him whom my soul loves."

Song of Solomon 3:4

BACK TO CRACKER BARREL...AND BASS PRO

(Cracker Barrel, California 2019)

We took a trip down memory lane yesterday, surprising the kids. I'd wanted to do it ever since our arrival back in California. I wanted us to remember the good times from Tennessee, to focus on all that God had accomplished and the special memories we made on our trek out east and then back west across the country last year. So we piled in the van and headed off to the dairy supply store for what Elka needed first, then told the kids we had a surprise for them. We drove a little further and landed at our destination...Cracker Barrel. We delighted in memories and stories while we drove, reminiscing of our journey (both physically and spiritually) last year along the way. There were many good times. And one of those defining moments took place at Cracker Barrel. It was important to remember...

(Cracker Barrel, Tennessee 2018)

My how we've all grown!!

It was important to remember God's leading hand, His love and care, our leap of faith, and His faithful provision. That's what Cracker Barrel reminds us of...and the feelings were palpable as we walked up and stepped in yesterday, greeted by front porch rocking chairs and the smells of cozy candles and comfort food in the old country store.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

We were thankful...and it was healing.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

Next...we told the kids we had a second surprise, another stop that would surely remind them of our journey.

Bass Pro...is such a cool store!!

The kids loved the aquarium...and the shooting range.

The puppies loved it too! (Bass Pro is super dog-friendly.)

They made lots of friends of course and everyone had a great time!

It was an opportunity to focus on the bright side of an otherwise tumultuous time in our lives.

It was an opportunity to praise the Lord for His workmanship and pruning and love and guidance in our lives and it was a blessed family day all around and I'm thankful we got to go back to both Cracker Barrel...and Bass Pro.

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43:19