A Letter to my Daughter, Katherine

Happy Birthday, my dear daughter. Twenty-three years ago today I held you for the first time in my arms, a 6 lb 7 oz beautiful answer to prayer. You were and still are a joy and delight. Each year you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord and show more and more of Jesus. The greatest gift a parent can have is for her children to love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength and serve Him wholeheartedly. I am grateful beyond words that God has graciously captured your heart, and those of your brother and sister, and you are all accepted in the Beloved. May He continue to dwell in your hearts by faith and deepen your roots in Him in love.

Your time in Chile is a gift. The Diaz family is a gift. I know you are becoming more and more aware of God's grace in these blessings. Our Father delights to bless us. "The Lord thy God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He will quiet you in His love, He will joy over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17. I believe this verse describes this season of your life, for you are learning each of these things. In becoming vulnerable and sharing Jesus, you are growing in maturity and wisdom quickly. Let the joy and delight that is so evident in you, in your looking at the world with freshness and childlike eyes, and in your delightful and contagious laugh as you discover simple joys ever point to our heavenly Father. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and do good; so you shall dwell in the land and be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him..." Psalm 37:3-7a May the Holy Spirit draw you to make our Lord Jesus your true Beloved and First Love always. May He ever be your greatest delight.

I am grateful God chose to bless me with you, a daughter who I longed for years before you were born. You and your sister and brother continue to be among my greatest treasures and answers to my heart's desires. May you ever know of my deep love for you and how proud I am of you. Yet, my love pales compared to our Father's love. He loves you with an everlasting love and made a way for you to be right with Him through the gift of Jesus Christ. Embrace Him, delight in Him, and fall ever deeper in love with Him.

I love you dearly,

Mom

His Amazing Grace

"Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see."

A wonderful song, but how often do we really pay attention to those words. Listen to more...

"T'was grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed."

But what about now? Does grace still seem precious to you? Recently, I have realized that grace is just as precious and just as meaningful. In a moment, more on that, but listen again...

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. T'was grace that kept me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."

I am convinced that though we might know some of the dangers, toils, and snares we have come through, many more are unaware to us.

What amazing grace we are given. My husband has great grace given to him to do his job and do it well, especially with the long hours he puts in. My daughters are in other countries and thriving--that is grace--especially since one of them told me today that there is great depression and oppression there. There is a clear demarcation as to whether you follow God or not. There is no middle ground. God has worked it out for her to spend time daily with Him, in the Word, listening to our pastor's sermon cd's she took with her, listening to worship cd's and doing a much relevant Bible Study on Esther. That is grace! I am taking care of my ailing parents, and there is great legalism still present here. Yet, I am delighting and rejoicing in the Lord and He is giving me places to escape in Him and the grace to handle the current situation. In the midst of life, He is here and close and very real in His presence. How I love Him and being in His presence! There's no place I would rather be. Despite all that swirls around me, I can rest in my inner woman. That my friend, is Grace!

A Season of Change

My days of small children and routine are gone. My children are grown and I am finding myself in a place I've not visited before. My usually busy household is giving way to long stretches of quiet and times where I am by myself. Unaccustomed to spending time on my own, I am learning to appreciate these moments where I can refresh, regroup, and just be. I used to think taking time for myself was selfish. Now I am learning that it is necessary to be best equipped for all that is on my plate. It has been a very busy and hectic spring with taking care of ailing parents who live several hours away and the multiple trips I have made. My oldest daughter recently graduated from Lee University, I was honored to be the wedding director at a dear friend's wedding, and I have helped both of my daughters get ready for their summer trips. Katherine left about 2 weeks ago for 3 months in Chile where she is studying the Spanish language, working with students, youth, and blessed to be living with a pastor's family and one of her dear Chilean friends. Christina left yesterday for the Netherlands with a group of students and a professor to study graphic design. Both girls are away to study, but both feel they are being sent to be a light to the culture they are visiting. And more change is on the way. We are soon to be moving into a new home that has potential for much ministry. All of our children are now in the 20's; my baby turned 20 earlier this month. It seems strange to me that I no longer have any teenagers. I love teens--taking time to really know their hearts provides much insight. Despite the raging hormones and trying to find their way to being on their own soon, they are a delightful and fun age group to be around. I am blessed to work with a great group of teens in our church in children's ministry and in our drama group.
Yes, change is inevitable. This season of change seems to be more intense than others. I am thankful I serve a God Who is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Jesus Christ is faithful and He promises to never leave nor forsake me. So, despite the often overwhelming times I am in, He is there walking through each step with me. Whether it is a day so full I can hardly find time to grab a bite to eat or a day like today that has moments of quiet respite throughout my cleaning and packing, He graces me with peace and joy in the journey.

Come along with us...

Come along with us as we drive up a long, gravel road. After a few yards, we come to a small crest and wind left and then right as we pass a large, grassy knoll. Continue down a small dip in the road past acres of woods with both established and yet to be forged walking trails. Follow the road upward and bear left to a 1 ½ acre clearing, surrounded by trees. Pause for a moment and take in the peaceful surroundings. To the left is an inviting site for a future in- ground swimming pool. To the right, a small garden beckons to be planted. Further on the left is the location of a large playground. The future labyrinth of tunnels and mazes end in a variety of unexpected joys that delight both children and adults alike. Opposite, on the right, looms a mountain that waits to reveal itself as the summer fades into autumn and the colorful leaves carpet the ground below. Towards the end of the clearing is a grassy area awaiting games of volleyball and capture the flag, and culminating in a point in the shape of a candle flame which is a beautiful setting for weddings and other special events. Nestled in the midst of the clearing is a large custom built brick home. Take the walkway on the left around to the front of the home shaped like an H. Go up the wide brick steps to the front porch and open the large, wooden door. Step into the gracious open floor plan which is designed to provide hospitality to large groups as well as small. Welcome to God’s newest gift to Harvest Church. Located in Strawberry Plains, this gift is minutes away from Cherokee Lake and the Millertown and Washington Pike shopping areas. The short drive for most Harvest Church families and a private, serene setting make it an easily accessible and relaxing retreat.
Acting in faith, we have put in a contract for this beautiful property and home. Please join us in prayer for the quick sale of our current home near or at the asking price. We anticipate taking possession of our new home in mid-August, and after a few days of painting and cleaning will move our things to our new home which we have the honor of stewarding.
We invite you to come often, and bask in the presence of God. Renew, Refresh, Revitalize, and Restore as you spend time alone or with your loved ones at Harvest’s new blessing.