It has been so long since I blogged so I wanted to "pop" in and write a bit of what is going on in our home my heart.
This past summer through me for a loop. I knew the day was coming that Bethany would be gone for 10 weeks to serve with Worldview Academy; but when Benjamin got accepted to UNC and announced he was going to be taking summer classes our household became a lot quieter. I love being a mom and have never looked forward to the day our children would be gone from our home, so I found myself quite sad over the summer - missing Ben and Bethany.
Fast forward to last Monday when I was sitting in the grocery store parking lot listening to Family Life Today. Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates were talking about what women feel and go through when their children start leaving the nest. They put into words in that short 30 minutes what I had been wrestling with since June. The Lord had heard my cries and was giving me wonderful direction and encouragement through these dear ladies.
Saturday morning I was doing some work for David on the computer and my cell phone beeped letting me know I had a text message. It was from Benjamin and said, "Mom, could you please have Dad put the garage door up?" I knew that could mean only one thing... Ben was home! He had come home for the week-end to surprise me. How wonderful it was to put my arms around him and see his face. We had such a good visit that I was still smiling yesterday from his sweet surprise and our time together.
Here is a pic of Ben hugging on our puppy, Millie (I am so ready for her to get out of the puppy stage!!!)
Bethany is gone for the week serving with Worldview Academy in Texas for their fall camp. They have 150 homeschoolers for this camp. She has ten 16 year old girls in her cabin. She will also be giving a lecture tonight on the subject of The Scopes Trials. Here is a recent picture of her when she was visiting her grandparents.
One of the highlights of our fall is watching Samuel play soccer. He is playing on a homeschool team that is part of the state homeschool league. Our team is doing so well this year. His classes are harder this year but we are having fun learning together and I am so thankful for our youngest son! He brightens our home on a daily basis. Here is a pic of him at yesterday's game.
Hi! How are you? I am well. No wonder I haven't seen Bethany in a while! So you said she was at Worldview? What is she doing there? Well, we will pray for your family! How is Sam doing in his classes? I heard Emily has been going with you and Sam to class. She said she likes class. I better go now! Will you be at church this Sunday?
Horsiebabe
I know exactly where you have been. I was right there with you this summer. I grieved so deeply this June and July, as it sank in that Briana would not be coming back at the end of the summer like originally planned~ after being gone since last Aug. What hit is that, more than likely, she will not be coming back at all. The only things that got me through those previous 10 months were God, of course, visits, and the knowledge that she would be home again at least for a while. I grieved so deeply, but God has been gracious and has taken my burden and pain. Some times I still have those moments, but that deep longing, desperate pain has been filled. I pray He is filling yours, too.
Hello Miss Julie!
How are you doing? I am well. My Grandparents are coming up here today! They come here once in two weeks, I think. :-) Are you going to be at church this Sunday? I hope so, because I have something to ask you. Well, hope you and your family are well!
• Oct. 1, 2009 - Hello!
Horsiebabe