I had the privilege of photographing the Lawrence Family a few weeks ago. It was pleasure to work with you and thanks so much for the opportunity to capture some precious memories of your family.
Peek-A-Boo!
Siblings chatting
Just for fun!
Family Portrait
Mother and daughter
Father and son
The kids had been so patient during all the posing and smiling. . .
Then we let 'em loose!
Titus has been asking both Shawn and I a lot of questions about Jesus, sin, God and eternity. It all started the weekend before Thanksgiving. That Friday night he began asking questions, so I took time to answer and explain that . . . all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Shawn drew a diagram for Titus showing us on one side of the ravine and God on the other. In between was a fiery pit. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 God created us to be in a loving relationship with Him, but Adam and Eve chose their way instead of God's, thus allowing sin to enter in. God had a plan right from the beginning to restore our relationship with him because He loves us that much. Shawn drew a cross over the ravine, bridging the gap of sin to God. God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 It's simple. We cannot earn it. We can not try and be "good enough". It's not possible as we are tainted with sin through birth. We need a perfect and spotless sacrificially offering to make a way to God for us. Jesus. He bore the wrath of our sin so that we could have a right relationship with God. It's a choice we all make one way or another. We either refuse Him or we'll accept Him. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides in him." John 3:"36 If we choose Him, then we must confess that we're not good enough on our own and never will be and, therefore, call on Him to save us from death and eternal separation from Him and place our trust in Him as our Savior. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
Simple enough for a child to comprehend and accept. Just as Titus did that Sunday morning with his earthly father leading him through a prayer of confession, belief and trust. But yet, as adults, we tend to over think and complicate things with our own reasoning, selfishness and rationale.
If you're reading this blog and have not made a decision to trust in God, the One who holds the stars and planets in place and causes the sun to rise and set each day, but yet the very same God . . . who knit you together in your mother's womb. . . Psalm 139:13 won't you consider accepting His precious invitation to restore your relationship with Him. At this time of year, when all are busy shopping for gifts to exchange this Christmas season, what better time to accept a perfect gift of love given freely by your Creator. There is no greater love than the Father's love. . . just come to Him, just the way that you are. Just stop and think about it.
Shawn and I rejoice with all in heaven that now all of our boys are safe and secure in their relationships with Jesus. There is no greater joy for a parent!
Titus praying to receive Jesus as his personal Savior
Joy indescribable!! "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Isa. 49:16
So after church we had our Sunday School Social at the Brick House on the church's property. Tons of food, fun and fellowship. There were way more kids than adults present and soon enough they formed a football game. Our boys were told not to get involved in the tackle game as there were older boys playing. They opted out of obedience and consequently one of them was injured. Guess which one.
Titus was tackled, tossed, thrown, whatever the case may be, face first into Elijah's knee. Instantly, his cheek and eye swelled. Bloody lip and all, he must have processed his decision to go forward and play tackle football despite his father's instruction. On the way home from the social he was looking sullen in the back of the car. He muttered, "I guess Christians don't get black eyes, huh?" Meaning he was quickly processing the Holy Spirit's conviction and "felt" immediate cause and effect of his poor choice to disobey. Shawn lovingly reminded him the importance of obedience and accountability to God now that he was a Christian man.
A shiner always gets worse before it gets better. Although, he's aware of his error, he sure was proud of that shiner. Everywhere he went, he made sure people saw it.
Oh that boy! How we love him so.
NEXT!
Mom and Jaime rolled in from Florida a couple of weeks ago for a quickie visit. Awhile back they made plans to spend part of Friday night and Saturday afternoon with us. Our schedule was clear. Clear I tell you! Then one event at a time began to fill up our Saturday. With the first two I called her and warned her that we'd have to work around this and that. Being the trooper she is, she rolled with it, reassuring me she understood that we were in the busy season of our lives with three very active boys. But then I finally called her exasperated that two more commitments found their way into Saturday's schedule, she said, "I think we'll just pull out of town early Saturday morning." sigh.
PEOPLE, CAN YOU BELIEVE WE'RE TOO BUSY FOR MY OWN MOTHER?!
In her words, "Well, it's a good thing I'm not sensitive." She's right. They plan their trips between Florida and Pennsylvania weeks ahead of time, and despite our calendar being open at the time, no matter how hard I tried, unavoidable commitments cropped up. She was great about it. I, on the other hand, was probably more sad than any. I really miss the days of just laying around at her house talking and sharing. It's been 15 years since those days and I'm finally learning to adjust. I'm slow at adapting.
Albeit only a couple of hours, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. So here's a few pics from their sweet visit.
The boys had been fascinated with yarn tricks - Cats in the Cradle - and so they were happy to show off their tricks to Grammy and Lolo. On a side note, how cute is my mom? She's always dressed nicely in matching monochromatic outfits. Since we've moved to NC, my boys don't see her in the day to day of every day life. She doesn't stay in our home when she breezes through. They stay in a hotel. Therefore, they don't see her in her jammies or knock around clothes. So Titus looked her over Friday night and inquired, "Grammy, do you always wear those clothes?" Funny what goes through their minds, huh?
Grammy obliged Joseph with sticking her hand in the middle of his trick.
Titus making the Witch's Broom for Lolo.
Jaime recalled playing these games as a child in the Philippines.
He even showed the boys how to make a bridge!
WARNING! Lengthy post. But, honestly, there is no way to condense it without robbing this story of it's glory and awe. No hard feelings if you choose to pass it by. Besides, I'll never know!
I have always loved people. Obviously, I first learned to love my family as a small child. I then made friends in my neighborhood and then upon going to school, I made more friends. From some of those settings long ago, some of those friendships still remain. I suppose it's partly genetic. My father was very much people oriented. He and my mother shared good friendships cultivated over the years. I remember my father being the first to greet our new neighbors, making them feel welcomed and like they had a friend for life if they needed one. He became friends with the bank tellers, the baker, the grocery store clerk, the doctor's office personnel, the choir members, you name it! While my mother preferred a more private social arena a few, but very close friendships built over the years through trials endured and joy shared. Despite my parents opposing friendship styles, I somehow managed to emulate a bit of each. I learned the importance of being aware of people around me in need and in so doing learned to reach out and love others on a daily basis while also cultivating long term and close friendships. While always the social butterfly in school, (The proof is old report cards I've saved, brimming with teacher's comments warning of my devotion to chatter as opposed to the 3 Rs - ReAdiNG, wRitInG and aRithMEtIc.) But I too desired to have a few of those tight knit friendships over the years. Some of those childhood friendships still continue to this day. I am blessed to have experienced relationships through both acquaintances and those more solid and deep friendships.
One aspect of friendships for me has changed over the years and God has and continues to transform my heart. Before I surrendered my life and heart to God for Him to do as He will, I didn't always befriend people with a selfless heart. Meaning that while I was probably a good friend in theory, I was more self-serving in my actions and words, not motivated by His love. He has taught me to be much more aware of the needy, the broken hearted and those who most have discarded and dismissed because they are unlovable. In my relationships now I have more of awareness that it's God who loves through me. When I'm drawn to someone, as I often am, I know that I am called to love them as He first loved me. To love with a desire to serve that person and point them to the truth. Whether that occurs through laughing, listening, crying, rejoicing or saying those difficult words that need to be said. If anyone is drawn to me, I am very aware that it's not me they're drawn to but the Father's love. He put a love in my heart by first loving me. Then in turn, because of His goodness and mercy shown in my love, I'm then able to extend mercy toward others. Yes, this can be quite challenging at times. There are those I don't want to reach out and extend love to. Those folks who are difficult to love. Their words are biting at times. They're selfish. They're frustrating. They're needy. They're tiresome. Quite honestly, that description fits my family. BUT, am I not all of these things myself? So you see, loving others requires a selfLESS love. A love that is only possible when we allow God to love through us. His Spirit convicts and draws us to them and then we just open up our lid and let His love pour out of us as if we're an empty tin can. A vessel He chooses to use to share His story. His story of love and mercy. Forgiveness and restoration. God has blessed me with a loving and caring husband who has been given the gift of discernment and wisdom from God. He taught me about loving others and dying to oneself. He demonstrated through his actions what it is to serve and show unconditional love toward others. He has been a great example to me.
This is not a post on how "bad" I was before my conversion and how "good" I am today. Nope. I want to share my heart with you about the transforming power that God can do in each of us if we only surrender our own desires and plans to Him. I can take NO credit whatsoever for the blessings in my life today. In obedience to Him, I have found true freedom and a richness that pales in comparison to the greatest kingdom in all the world.
Through His pursuing me many years ago, I accepted His free gift of love and made a choice to surrender my life to Him. Through trusting Him completely, He has been able to do a mighty work in my heart. All I did was obey. He is the author and the finisher of my faith. To Him be the glory - not me. With God at the helm of my ship and Jesus ever before me as the perfect example of a servant, I now navigate the waters of life much, much differently than before. I have learned over the past few years that I love differently. Whether it be my neighborhood, church, the boys' baseball and football fields, basketball courts, grocery store, hair salon, any social setting, you name it - He has opened my eyes and heart toward people in a way that seeks nothing for myself, but has everything to do with Him. HIS agenda. HIS people. HIS plan. HIS purpose. HIS glory. HIM.
He created us to be in a loving a relationship with Him. But our freewill ruined that perfect loving relationship when we chose our way and not His. I am so thankful that He made a way, through Jesus' death on the cross. His son paid the penalty for my sin so that I can receive forgiveness and have a restored relationship with my Creator.
He surely doesn't need me to love on mankind. He's God. He can do it all himself. But I sure am blessed when He allows me to be involved and used. I learn, I grow, I'm stretched, I'm at times, challenged. He has put this love in my heart for others that overflows at times and seems almost uncontainable. A selfless, compassionate, caring and giving love that can ONLY been from Him.
Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" was this, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " Matthew 22:36-39
When we love others through His lens of purity, grace and mercy, it runs deeper than any river and the blessing is greater than any we'll ever know here on earth. When we open ourselves up to be used by Him to live out the message of Son sent to die for all mankind, we'll never know an end to the joy that follows.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his own soul?" Matthew 16:24:26
I have had what this world has to offer and in no way can it ever come close to the joy and blessings that He has given to me as I seek to serve and glorify Him. I could share many stories of how this works when you put into action. Individually, and together Shawn and I have had numerous opportunities, over the years, to serve Him through loving others. But the love and service we experienced week, in particular, will not be forgotten. Hopefully, it'll show a picture of God's love and power at work right before our eyes.
This is a story of two boys born and raised in different countries. Both having received Christ at a young age and how they lived three decades without knowing the other until one day God brought them together and knitted their spirits together through His perfect love. Kindling a friendship that defies geographical boundaries, language barriers and cultural differences. I'd like to share it with you if your willing to hang in there with me.
I first met Geovanny last fall when he came with Lynn's crew to work on our backyard. (He's pictured toward the end of the post.) Geovanny's from Guatemala so, of course, when I found this out, I tried to tell him about our Aunt and Uncle. I explained that they are missionaries there. I think he understood. After the work on our yard was complete, I never really gave him much thought until a couple of months ago. Shawn casually mentioned that Geovanny had been working for him since Lynn no longer had the landscape business. "Oh, that's good," I said still not giving it a whole lot of thought, except to say hi and bye when he'd come to the house to ride with Shawn to work. But then God -
Two weeks ago we learned that Aunt Edith and Uncle Clyde were stopping by to see us on their way to Pennsylvania from Guatemala. Excitedly, I told Shawn about it and thought enough to prompt him to invite Geovanny to dinner when the Murphys arrived. Shawn agreed, but he wasn't sure if Geovanny would be around for their visit. See, he was going home to Guatemala. For good. WHAT?!
I had been unaware that for the past two months Shawn had gotten to know him better and began encouraging him to go home to his family. You see, we've had several Mexicans work for us over the years. They come here to the United States for work, leaving their families behind only to send their earnings back home via mail or electronic transaction. Sadly, some end up having a second family in the States as well. But there was something different about Geovanny. He knew the Lord. He was wrestling with wanting to do the right thing, but wasn't sure what that looked like or how to make the first step. Through Geovanny's broken English and Shawn's attempts in Spanglish, they quickly formed a friendship that knew no barriers to language. Their friendship was rooted in their mutual love and worship of God. For God, of course, surpasses any language barrier. He is not a respecter of persons. Shawn was relentless. Daily encouraging him to go home and be a husband, father and loving leader of his home. Imagine how scary it is to think that you cannot provide adequately for your family in your homeland that you would leave them behind in search of provision. Then you get here and it's like you're stuck. You get used to the income and fearful to go home. But at what cost? We have struggled financially most of our married life but neither of us can possibly know what Geovanny has walked through these past two years.
When Shawn asked me when the Murphy's were arriving, I told him they were coming on the 13th. The possibility of dinner for all of us would actually become a reality as Geovanny wasn't leaving until the 20th! Shawn invited and he graciously accepted. Now, what none of knew at the time was that the Murphys go on furlough every two years. Last year they had a trip all planned out to come to the states, but had to cancel it unexpectedly. Therefore, it was bumped to this year. This month. The week before Geovanny's departure for home. I told you! "But then God..."
Through the Murphy's translation last Friday night, we learned that he had grown up knowing the Lord and then made a decision to go after the world, rejecting God through most of his adult life. Two years ago when he arrived on American soil illegally and, quite dangerously at that, he felt God's Spirit telling him to do the right thing. So for two years he'd been working out his salvation with fear and trembling. In the last 2 months of that struggle God chose Shawn to be an administrator of truth and love. Shawn was faithful and obedient to the task at hand, not knowing then the outcome of their talks. By God's grace, in the last week of that battle for victory, God allowed me to partner with Shawn toward His great plan for Geovanny. A small part I played, but yet the blessings were huge! I will never be able to adequately express my joy in seeing the Lord work in Geovanny this week. I will never, ever be able to explain how that has stretched me and grown my faith by leaps and bounds. To be used in a way to advance His kingdom is a privilege. He doesn't need us. He's God. But He chooses to let us serve others as unto Him to give us a glimpse of His majesty and goodness. I am blessed to have been a small part of a victory in eternity.
The dinner with the Murphys opened up more opportunities to further encourage and disciple Geovanny. We were afforded a glimpse of his soul as they translated his story for us. I can see now how their unplanned visit to our home had an eternal impact not only on Geovanny, but on us as well. Shawn called me Tuesday afternoon and asked if we could prepare a meal for Geovanny. Apparently, at work, Shawn was able to share some scriptures with him and wanted an opportunity to go over them when they could both sit down with each of the bibles side by side. With excitement and enthusiasm, Geovanny came back to our home for dinner. The boys enjoyed playing basketball with him while I finished preparing our meal. Awhile back, I had noticed that Geovanny always arrived a half hour early to our house when he was working with Shawn. When I inquired of Shawn, he told me that he used that time, sitting in his car, to read his bible. His heart hungers and thirsts for the truth of the living Word of God. It was God's truth that transformed him from a worldly, self-seeking wayward believer to a man who is now running after Jesus and going home to his family out of obedience to the Lord.
Below are some pictures of our wonderful week with him. Our time was short but oh, so precious. As I type this post he has currently been in the presence of his wife and children for just two short hours. I've been praying all day that God would give him a peace and joy upon landing on Guatemalan soil. I know because His Word says that . . .He who has begun a good work in "Geovanny" will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Aunt Edith taking time to get to know the boys. 
Titus showing her his reading skilz!
Uncle Clyde interpreting as we fellowship over a meal together.
Aunt Edith was so helpful as well! I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to have both of them here for this experience. Later that evening just the four of us enjoyed more time together reminiscing and sharing.
I printed out some of these for Geovanny to take home with him.
This week the boys showed great creativity in occupying themselves while we ministered and fellowshipped.
After lingering over a late morning breakfast and just about talking their ears off, we sent them on their way with love. We very much enjoy having company and never like saying goodbye. Until next time!
Let me tell you, Aunt Edith rides in comfort - all the way!
Off they go!
Later that week Shawn and Geovanny cleared our leaves.
Playing hoops. Our boys thoroughly enjoyed that!
Geovanny worked his way into all of our hearts.
The night he came over to study the bible, I found a way to translate some of our conversation online. Go Google Translate!!!
Shawn gave him a study bible. He was thrilled! He told him he didn't have one of his own. He is hoping to have people over to house with the thought of leading a home bible study with his wife. Wow.
I had translated and copied down what Shawn wanted to write to Geovanny in the new bible. But Geovanny asked Shawn to write it in English as well. We also picked up a couple things for his wife and kids. . . as a small token of our love to them as well. We will be praying for them and their family.
Upon their return to Guatemala in January, Aunt Edith and Uncle Clyde have promised to contact Geovanny and send word our way of how he's making out.
My heart has been filled with the Spirit's love this day, praying nonstop as he makes his way home via plane to his precious family. I cannot stop praising the Lord for His faithfulness in the lives of those who love and serve Him. A God of love and tenderness, indeed. . .
I don't know who was blessed more through this experience, Geovanny or us, The time spent this week eating and studying the bible together has increased they joy of my salvation that's indescribable. Geovanny quickly scribbled notes while Shawn pointed him passages meant to help and encourage him in what lies await for him back home. Excitement took over and filled the air with the aroma of Christ as we rejoiced together finding verses that confirmed he was, in fact, doing the right thing in going home to his family. While we wrestled through translation barriers, The Holy Spirit worked to communicate as Shawn acted out of obedience and in accordance with the Word of God. Shawn has been living this out for the past few months, while I merely had the privilege of coming along for the ride in this last week. Wow! What a blessing it was to love Geovanny through God's love. We had the privilege of nourishing his physical body with food each night, but also were able to give him spiritual food to nourish and feed his soul. God afforded me the privilege to come along side Shawn and lovingly minister to Geovanny. Neither Shawn nor I will be quick to forget this experience. I realize that the love in my heart for Geovanny, after only knowing him for such a short amount of time, is ALL God's doing and none of my own. Only God's Spirit could enable me to love a family whom I've never met. This is a story about the goodness and mercy of God working first in my life so that I am equipped to then pour out into the lives of others. Think about it, for Shawn to have successfully crossed a language barrier and form a friendship in such a short amount of time is evidence of a miracle that only God can perform. I am confident that someday we will hear about the great things God is doing through Geovanny and his family to further the gospel for HIS sake.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that in no way is Geovanny doing the right thing by because of Shawn. Shawn was merely was available to be used by God to encourage Geovanny and confirm what he knew he needed to do. Geovanny's life is directed by the Holy Spirit. We cannot be someone's Holy Spirit. Only God does the work through people. However, if we're in tune and aware of our surroundings and open to the Spirit's prompting, we align ourselves with God's will and are then available to be used by God to carry out His plan. The glory in all of this belongs to God and God, alone. In being obedient, we were rewarded with blessings of joy, indescribable!
This song penetrates my soul each time we sing it in service. I am reminded of my unbelief and unfaithfulness to God, and yet - He loves with a love that endures. He keeps His promises to His children. He is faithful and unfailing. All of this, despite my adulteress heart.
The following is from C. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening".
Ever since we came home from the Earles in January, we've been dreaming of the day we'd be together again. And this time Shawn and Travis would meet! Our Saturday began as usual with the hustle and bustle of getting out the door in time for the boys' games. I had spent the week planning and preparing for our special guests. The boys have been counting down the days until their arrival, frequently asking, "Is this the day they're coming?" Which is why I find it so funny that we were completely unaware of their arrival for a good 20 minutes!! After Joseph's football game we joined some friends for lunch. I was anxious to get back home so as not to miss the Earles arrival. Shawn was getting cleaned up and I was talking his ear off about this and that. The boys were in Joseph's room pouring over new baseball/football cards they had received at lunch. When I looked out the window and saw their car out front, I squealed with delight!!! I alerted the boys and we headed downstairs to greet them at the front door. As I passed by the upstairs window I noticed movement in our backyard. It was all 6 Earles playing and making themselves at home. AAACK!!!! How did I not know they were here already??? What a welcome committee we make. We ran down to greet them and welcome them INSIDE our home gushing apologies for not hearing the doorbell. They graciously extended forgiveness and instantly the big boys shook hands over first time introductions and headed out to the garage for a grueling game of foosball.
I hung the sweet letters that Ellie, Tim and Mary wrote to us up on our message board. Their kids are so dear.
The boys engaged Tim in a round of basketball with both dads coaching and encouraging the boys court side. Ellie and Mary quickly found our craft items and were busy drawing and creating, while Josiah was thrilled to put on a helmet and try his hand at quarterback.
Breaking bread together in the garage - which is our new dining room, game room, laundry room, mud room, etc. By Sunday morning little Mary must have thought it a peculiar arrangement and asked, "Why do we always eat in the garbage?" Out of the mouth of babes!
After a quick meal and many knocks on the door from early trick or treaters, we managed to get the kids outfitted and on their way with the dads graciously chaperoning. Jonalee and I relished the time to chat and get caught up. We finally got smart and put the candy out on the porch so we could talk uninterrupted. So much for being neighborly!
The kids had great fun trading and counting candy pieces!
While some find great joy in super hero candy. . .
others are delighted to have candy straight from the White House - peanut M&Ms with a presidential seal! (Travis works at the White House.)
Then it was time to hunker down and get ready for some baseball!!
We're not going to talk about game 3, kay?
Let's just say the Earles were definitely our silver lining in two painful nights of baseball.
We introduced their kiddos to a new show and one of my childhood favorites, Tennessee Tuxedo. This is what they did in the morning before we got their breakfast together. Jonalee brought scrumptious cinnamon rolls as a treat - yum!
It was so great to have them come with us to worship at church. They fit right into our Sunday School class and the kids seemed to hang in there with our boys in their various classes. During worship I was again reminded of the miraculous origin of this friendship.
For her mother's family to have moved away when I was just a little girl. For her mom and dad to come to salvation through Jesus. For years and years to have gone by without us ever knowing about the other. And then for us to have met through a spontaneous meeting of her mom and dad while I was visiting in Pennsylvania two years ago. Yes, this friendship exists only through His perfect orchestration. I know that this friendship is a precious gift from His loving hands.
Although I took my camera, I have not pictures to show for it, Jonalee and I got out for a bit Sunday after church. I took her downtown Wake Forest to show her our town's quaint charm. Somehow we miraculously found our way to Target's Greatland? Shocking.
She helped me pick out a pillow that is my new inspiration to my living/dining room. THANK YOU! I've been tossing around a variety of blues since January. My decision is now final. I'm keeping the green stairwell and upstairs hallway and hoping to soon paint the walls a beautiful blue. Now if I can just get my painter to commit. *wink*
Rats. Time to say our goodbyes! Elijah had tears in his eyes after they drove away. They immediately began planning and questioning when the next visit would be. So I think it's safe to say it's more like "See you later!" We had such a wonderful time sharing stories, marveling at our God's mercy in each of our lives, laughing and bonding. It continues to amaze me how the Father orchestrated our meeting and remains the cornerstone of this budding friendship. I agree wholeheartedly with Jonalee's post of our visit. We too feel as if, ". . .they are old, old friends".
I doubt my mother would mind, so I'm taking the liberty of sharing her response to my email telling her of the wonderful time we had with Jonalee's family.
hi lisa... so glad you had such a great time... and cemented this relationship!! amazing how this came about... all from the origin of our life on herblew road.... doesn't that blow your mind? i guess that is why i am so aware of the LORD'S LEADING!... and the blessings it brings!
I never had a doubt but that it was the Lord's will for us to find that little house on Herblew Rd..... and i have many, many memories of the joy i had living there!!!
