A letter to you all

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

We had my most enjoyable trip to Chicago yet this week. I was a little nervous what Megabus might be like. I don't know if it's always this way, but we had quite deluxe rides both ways, especially the way home. I think it might be hard to convince me to go to Chicago any other way from now on!

We also had a great visit to Moody Bible Institute and Wheaton College. We have never been there before to either one, and we were blessed by both visits. We did a lot of walking in extremely cold weather to take buses and trains for all of this. But even that was enjoyable. It was nice to get out and about. As far as Esther's school goes, we are praying. We trust the Lord will both lead and provide for His perfect will for her. As all of you know, the college search days are quite intense, so please forgive my laxness in communicating to you. The search and application time has always been an exciting but consuming time. I love and miss you all! Some consolation knowing that EXACTLY 4 weeks from this writing, Adam, Ruth, and little John are due to arrive. Oh, how I wish they could stay for at least a month. But I must focus on the good. THEY ARE COMING!

I feel the same about Kelsea and David. It is actually a big chunk of time to take 2 whole weeks away from the duties at home to visit families in August. But...I wish you could stay for at least a month!

Well, praise God that we all love each other so much that we actually miss each other! I am so glad that John gets to visit Kelsea and David for 10 days before returning to S.A.!! It has been tremendous that he has had a chance to see the whole family, which was his heart's desire. God is very merciful and gracious to us all. And, of course, I already miss John, just knowing that he is leaving! But at the same time, I am happy for him.

I love each and every one of you, (those of you at home as well as those abroad!)and am praying for you personally every day. Any little tidbits of your life that you want to write, email, or call to tell me, are always appreciated. Those of you at home have the added blessing of talking to me face-to-face! (Just kidding!) I LOVE YOU ALL!

Mom

A Good Reminder

Dear Family,

Joseph is going to be doing a research paper on the life of Eric Liddell.
This past week I read some of his biography, and then some of a book
written by him while he was in the interment camp in China where he died.
I want to read more of this small book titled The Disciplines of the
Christian Life.  I was impressed by the quiet but very powerful testimony
of Eric Liddell's life. The following poem was not written by Eric Liddell,
but when I read it this week, I felt it was a good description of his life.
I believe that a quiet life of meekness and faithfulness preaches more
than all the words we say.

Sermons We See
Edgar Guest

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advise you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day

Sweet Treat for a Squirrel!

Yesterday Joseph spotted a squirrel in our back yard eating off a whole wall from of a gingerbread house! We then spent the next 20 minutes or so having fun watching him. He was already a very plump and pretty grey squirrel with a big soft-looking tail. He was on the ground at first, then finally climbed WAY up in a tall pine tree and sat next to the trunk on a branch with some in his mouth. When we looked through the binoculars, we could see him holding colorful gumdrops.
I was sorry we didn't have a picture of it, but when I looked on-line for a picture, I learned that it isn't as unique as one might think! I guess it is a good way to get rid of a gingerbread house! I really can't remember what we did with the one I remember us having at our house in Lauderdale. I'm positive we didn't eat it! But I'm sad to say that I don't think I thought of the squirrels either.