"See You Soon"

A few weeks ago we helped pack up two of our very close friends and sent them home to Illinois. Kenny and Martha (and now their new son Jackson) have been amazing blessings to our family for the last two years that we've lived in Waco. We met them at church, joined a small group together, hung out...lived life together. When Caleb was born, they took care of Josie and stayed at our house with her while we were in the hospital. Like I said, they have been a huge blessing. The day they left we stood outside hugging each other. I decided to say "see you soon" instead of "goodbye." I know it may be cheesy, but I think "goodbye" just sounds so final.

I have had to say a lot of "see you soon"s this summer. Besides Kenny and Martha, several of the girls in our college department at church that I had become close to through Bible study graduated this year; other friends moved to different cities; and this week two families who mean a lot to us will be leaving to answer God's call to make His name known to the people of Central Asia and North Africa.

Yesterday at church, the family who will be going to North Africa shared their hearts with the congregation. The church then surrounded them and prayed for them. After the service, Wesley and I lingered with many others to hug them and encourage them. It was once again a very difficult thing to leave and not know when we would see them--or even if we would see them again on this earth. But, because of the hope we have in Jesus, I know that if it's not on this planet, it will only be a short time until we see them in Heaven. After all, like James 4:14 says, our lives are but a "mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Our lives here are short compared to the amazing future God holds for us in Heaven; so, I won't say "goodbye" to them. I'll simply say, "I love you, see you soon."

~Paige

Future Lake City Softball Star!

One more from Lake City. Just for fun. :o)

Family Vacation

Well, this is our first official post on our blog. We've had it for months, but I finally decided to go ahead and post something. (I wonder if that's a sign of how often we will actually post anything.) What better place to start with than our family vacation to Lake City, Colorado during the week of the 4th of July! It is probably one of my absolute favorite places on earth. It was the first time our whole family of 4 was able to go. We definitely had to modify our activities to fit our kiddos' schedules. We spent a lot of time at the park just a couple of blocks over, and in our own yard, but we still had a great time.

Our extended family was with us as well, which was a HUGE blessing. They even kept Josie and Caleb so Wesley and I could steal away for some much needed alone time. One day, we went to get milk shakes from the San Juan Soda Co. and then drove the jeep out past the lake. We were able to spend some great time in uninterrupted conversation, prayer, and laughter. We finished our afternoon together by taking a short hike on a trail called "Water Dog Lake". We could see most of Lake City from one point. The whole day was incredibly refreshing.

There's something special about being in the mountains. Maybe it's growing up in central Texas where you aren't really surrounded by anything "majestic". So, when you are standing in a valley looking up at these enormous mountains on every side, you're reminded how small you are and how big God is. The first morning we were there, we went to our friends' restaurant (Poker Alice...YUMMY!) for breakfast. They had KLOVE radio playing on the stereo both inside and out. As we were leaving, I stopped on the porch and looked up at the mountains. A song came on the radio by Matthew West. The words at that exact moment were:

Take a look at the mountains stretching a mile high.

Take a look at the ocean far as your eye can see and think of me.

Take a look at the desert, do you feel like a grain of sand?

I am with you wherever, and where you go is where I am.

I am always thinking of you.

Take a look around you.

I'm spelling it out one by one.

I love you more than the sun and the stars that
are taught how to shine you are mine and you shine for me too.

I love you.

Yesterday and today and tomorrow I'll say it again and again,

I love you more....

In the cool, crisp morning air I felt so warm. The rest of the song goes on to remind us that God will always hold on to us no matter what we're going through. What a promise! I think Jesus knew I needed to hear those words of reassurance, and he saved that song for that specific instant.

Thank you, Lord, for your amazing reminders that you love us!

I hope you enjoy our blog!
Blessings,
Paige