Day 2.

I am thankful for my Dad.

I call him Pops.

He calls me Mandy Lynn.

He works harder than anyone I know.

Day 1.

I am grateful for the people who have partnered with me and have 

supported the various opportunities I have had to GO and to serve.

Fall.

what a privilege...

Granted it is only October but I think it is safe to say that my "phrase" of 2011 is this...

What a privilege it is!!!!!!

It is truly something amazing to be a part of something SO MUCH bigger than ourselves. 

The crazy part of all of this is if you would have told me before I went to EA that I would have the opportunity to be a part of this I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED IN YOUR FACE.

Right now it's vague and that's okay. Trust me when it is okay for me to share ALL of the details I will. 

But know this, the people that need to know KNOW and the people that can make it happen will KNOW soon enough. God is BIG. God is GOOD. God is FAITHFUL to HIS promises. God does place the lonely in homes. God is a father to the fatherless. It is WORTH IT to be involved in the lives of children. When people are obedient, crazy awesome, only God could have orchestrated all this, things happen.

Be there.

Presence matters.

Showing up matters.

It's what community is all about.

It's what holds a family together.

Be there.

Be in.

Be ALL in.

Listen.

Ask questions.

Cry some.

Laugh more.

It's messy. 

It's hard. 

It is worth it.

and before you leave, give me a hug.

94

He lived a long life.
He loved his family and his work.

He served his country with pride.
He served his community and church for many many many years.

He was a quiet hardworking man.
He was a man of the Word.
He was an avid reader.
He was faithful to his wife and family.
He was stubborn, frugal, creative and determined.

He had 4 children, 13 grandkids (most pictured below) and 4 great grandkids.

It's an honor to be a Call girl.

Teens vs Wild

This past weekend was the 3rd annual Teens vs Wild high school retreat. 

It was my first. It was a great 24 hours spent out in the "woods," hanging out in a "barn" with a group of students who are eager to learn and grow in their walk with the King.

 

the "barn"

The owners of this barn have some really neat collections of "stuff" all over the place.

It is SO great having this kid back in town. 

He's a dear friend and brother.

 

Says it all.

Yes there was a pig involved. 

There is never a dull moment when these two are together.

a few good men

haha

 love them

the most hard core