The Latest Link-Up in "Pages in Our Heritage of Faith"

The Happy Couple going in to get their marriage license

Scores of people are heading our way. The programs are almost finished. The list of “to-do’s” that couldn’t be done until now is formidable. The weather is still the unknown variable. The marriage license had to wait until now because they both have to go, and Kris lives in Oklahoma. There have been a few glitches in our carefully orchestrated plan: an over zealous son wielding a pickax smashing the sewer line, two more snakes have become ill, four families requesting the kids’ help taking care of their houses and pets while they leave town this week of all weeks, thinking the music for the ceremony was all ready only to find out that it is yet to do, Elizabeth’s asthma flaring.


You can read the rest here, and jump in on the link-up.

This Season of Preparation

The weeks drag on for Mackenzy. She wrestles with her heart. With her fiance over 400 miles away, both of them working lots of hours, taking lots of classes, and having schedules that are mostly opposites, phone calls are few and far between, and it makes the waiting harder for her. She misses him. He misses her. And it's easy for them to just want the waiting to hurry up and be over.


Plans for the wedding are progressing. We have lots of the big pieces in place, but there are still millions of tiny details to determine. And during all the planning and working and studying, preparations need to be made in their hearts.


It's always a transition, learning to live together. It requires so much Grace. Even when you are deeply in Love, there will be sharp edges that need to be smoothed away. Preparing your heart to humbly walk the path of becoming one requires lots of prayer.


And that's what we are encouraging Mackenzy to do: trust the Lord for His Purposes in this season and don't miss the lessons available in the next few months.


During seasons that are unpleasant, the temptation is to wish them away. We can be tempted to shift into a survival mentality, planning to go through the motions, hoping the time will pass quickly and the unpleasant season will be over. 


But if we succumb to that temptation, we can miss learning things the Lord has for us in those unique times and circumstances. As students in His Classroom during this life, there are always lessons to be learned, Blessings to be found in His work on our hearts. 


Are our eyes open?


Do we expect Him to teach us in every situation? Every season?


The rate of our growth toward spiritual maturity is directly affected by our attentiveness "in class." When we expect lessons, we can often see Purpose where we otherwise would only chafe under unpleasant circumstances. 


There's always a lesson to learn that will help make us more into the image of Christ and to better prepare us for what lies ahead. Are we being good "students?"


Mackenzy is learning. And so are we. During these last few months with her living at home, we don't want to miss any lessons He has for us.


May we each walk in Wisdom, trusting His Purpose in all the circumstances He allows into our lives.

The Story Behind the Ring

Kris is terrible at keeping secrets. Mackenzy knew when he was asking us for her hand. She knew when he bought her ring. She knew the time frame during which he was planning to propose. He is so excited, he can't help but talk to her about everything. And since they are normally separated by hundreds of miles, both working and going to school, when they do find time to talk, they want to talk about their future life together.


Since Kris asked our permission to marry Mackenzy a couple of months ago, she really has been quite patient waiting for that special day to arrive when they would be officially official. 


That day was to be Christmas Eve.


Kris was to fly in that morning, and the plan was to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with his family, then they would drive to Abilene and join all of us at Grandma and Grandpa's, with the rest of the Conder Clan. 


We left home on Friday afternoon. The weather forecast had the possibility of snow in it, but it hadn't begun when we left. After we left, however, several inches fell. That's amazing for us to have two snows in the same winter! 


The morning of Christmas Eve, Kris' father drove Mackenzy to the airport to pick him up. While there, they learned his flight was delayed. He had made it as far as Dallas, and they weren't sure whether they would actually head west or not. They did finally decide to board passengers and try to make it. As it turned out, they flew all the way to Midland, but were only allowed to circle. West Texas is not well equipped to handle frozen precipitation. The other planes that were in the holding pattern went all the way back to Dallas. Thankfully, Kris' plane stopped in, of all places, Abilene! Kregg drove out to the  airport and snatched him up before they changed their minds and took everyone back to Dallas.


Mackenzy, poor thing, was beside herself!


Here we were with Kris, in Abilene, on the day he was to propose. And there she was, still at home, in the same city as Kris' parents. Not exactly what they had planned. After consulting the Department of Public Safety, we decided Mackenzy could try to head toward Abilene. We didn't like the idea of her driving in the snow by herself, but she promised to take her time and be extra careful. Thankfully, the worst of it was localized around Midland.


A few hours later, she arrived safely. Kris had already "run the gauntlet" of meeting all the relatives by the time she arrived. In total, there were over 35 of us that eventually gathered. If that didn't scare him off, he's definitely a "keeper." :)


That evening, after we all had dinner, Kris and Mackenzy drove into town and walked around a beautifully lit college campus in Abilene, called Hardin Simmons. Under a large tree, lit by thousands and thousands of lights, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

When they returned, everyone wanted to congratulate them and see the ring. It was so sweet.

After the family picture on Christmas afternoon, they drove back to Midland to celebrate everything all over again with Kris' family. 


Now all the wedding planning may commence. Officially. :)

Another Momentous Occasion for Our Family

Kris had asked our permission to propose to Mackenzy several weeks ago and we gave him our blessing, but he wanted to wait until he came back for Christmas to ask her. She has known it was coming, because Kris has a really hard time keeping a secret. :) She has had a hard time being patient. 


Because the engagement will be long-distance, with both of them working lots of hours and taking lots of classes, the planning will have to done as quickly and efficiently as possible. The wedding is scheduled for June 2nd.

Thankfully, our dear friends have volunteered to let us have the wedding in their new backyard. 

All of the landscaping will soon be finished. It will be so beautiful. We kept telling them they didn't need to offer, but they said they would be honored for Mackenzy to be married there. After all, they've watched her grow up and have loved her since she was 7 months old, when we moved to Midland.


So we have the venue set.

Guess who volunteered to be the wedding photographer? That's a HUGE piece of the puzzle! What a blessing. :)

Last week, two of Mackenzy's friends, who will be some of her bridesmaids, Kris' mother and I drove to Lubbock where Hannah had made appointments for Mackenzy to try on wedding gowns. I thought there was no rush, but Hannah informed us that the lead time on some gowns is several months! Since we had time, we decided it would be fun, even though the engagement wasn't officially official.

These are the ones we didn't pick. We'll have to save pictures of her in the one she chose until after the wedding. 

Then we went to this charming little spot for lunch. To top it off, we had Kris' dad, mom, and one of his brothers over for dinner. It was a lovely day.

Celebrating Mackenzy

Today we are celebrating the birthday of our precious second child, Mackenzy. We are so thankful for the gift she is to our family, for the energy and fun she brings into a room, for her love for others, for the enthusiasm with which she views life. We are also so incredibly thankful for all that He has done and will continue to do in and through her. She is passionate about her faith in Him, and that's the greatest blessing of all.


A senior in college, she still lives at home and works full time while looking for ways to serve Him through the battle against human trafficking. 

Her beloved, Kris, flew in from Oklahoma to help celebrate. This picture was taken at the wedding of Kris' best friend a few weeks ago. Aren't they adorable?


Happy 22nd, Sweetheart!! 

My Talented Husband

Kregg wears many hats: father, shepherd, businessman, hunting guide, board member for many organizations, and craftsman. In his spare time, he enjoys building furniture. He is completely self taught, just picked it up and figured it out. Amazing! I can simply rip a page out of a magazine showing a piece of furniture I like, and he can build it! 

When we were expecting our first child, he built a baby bed. He then decided he would make each one of our children their own, so they would be able to use it when they started having children. So sweet! But a dangerous precedent. :)


As the older ones began to graduate from high school, he decided to begin a new precedent: a piece of furniture. For Hannah, he made a mission style bookshelf with glass doors. I cannot find a picture of it in my files. But as life has grown more busy, the schedule has been a little delayed. Instead of having it finished when they graduate high school, it has now moved somewhere into the college years. 

But the wait is definitely worth it to receive a "Kregg Conder Original." Mackenzy's hope chest is basically finished!!! It still needs some felt "bumpers" so that it closes softly, and one more piece of hardware to keep the lid within the desired range of motion. But, it is now in her room, filled with all the things she has been saving. So sweet!


I love that my wonderful husband wants his children to have things crafted especially for them by his strong, loving hands. 

Hearts Are Still Tender

I miss hearing his praise and worship music playing in his room.


I miss saying, "I love you," as he walked out the door.


I miss dishing him up a big plate of supper.


I miss hearing his motorcycle pull into the garage or his Jeep into the driveway.


I miss his laughter.


I miss his ready smile.


I miss those long conversations where we would talk about the Big Things in Life.


I miss the wrestling matches breaking out.


I miss the sheepish grin followed by, "Could you iron my shirt?"


I miss him asking if he could show me a new worship song he had found on iTunes.


I miss the sound of him coming down the hall from his room.


I miss him telling me about another answered prayer.


I miss sitting beside him.


I miss his hugs.


I miss seeing the faces of his siblings lighting up when he came home.


I miss him taking them on errands with him, seeing their smiles.


I miss him calling for his dog.


I miss him encouraging his younger brothers and sisters to honor us.


I miss hearing him play his guitar, his mandolin, his keyboard, even his drums.


I miss doing things for him and seeing him smile.


I miss him coming to show me a special passage in a book he's reading.


I miss him coming to tell me about another book he wants to add to his library. 


But then I think about what this new season is all about, for him and for us. 


He believes he is in training for the Vision God has placed in his heart. The equipping that will take place, because of His Faithfulness, over the next three years fills my heart with such anticipation! My role has changed in his life to one more defined by prayer support. I keep praying the Lord will keep Caleb's focus on the Vision; that he won't be distracted or diluted during this season. In fact, I pray that the Lord will bring that Vision into a clearer and clearer focus. 


Meanwhile, the chemistry of our home life has taken on a new flavor. And it is Glorious! We are able to spend more time with the ones still here (5). There is a hint of excitement in the air around here because each of the five remaining ones are entering such new territory in their lives. 


Mackenzy is in her senior year of college, graduating in May. She is exploring all kinds of ideas for ministry through creative business ideas. Doors are opening for her, ideas are overflowing her brain, new contacts are appearing that are excited to hear what she's thinking, and then they are giving her more ideas. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Her passion is inspiring. What will it all look like? How will the Lord use her giftings and talents to accomplish the Vision He is giving her?


We are entering a new season in the Body Life with the four youngest as we step into a type of mentoring role with the youth where we worship. We've "stepped things up a notch" in our homeschooling as they become ready for more challenges. They are learning to walk out their Faith in new ways. They are learning new skills and to stretch themselves in new areas of learning outside all the book work. We are finding more time for family read alouds and the kids love to have Dad sitting in on a great story with them. 


The Lord knows best. He has Faithfully brought us to this point and prepared us for this transition. It's all Good. And even though it costs our hearts so much to let another one leave the nest, He more than makes up for it with the Fruit He bears in our family through the healthy growth of our children. 


And so it's time for another Link Up. This is your chance to testify to His Faithfulness. I LOVE reading your stories!!!! If you link up every week, thank you! If you've never jumped in, come on. The water's fine! :)  How has He shown Himself Faithful to you or your family? Is there an old favorite family story? Or did something happen today to remind you of it? You can link up anything you have, old or new, that testifies to the Faithfulness of our God. Grab the button from the right sidebar and add it to your post if you want to invite others to join us.  

John Piper and Owl City

Daughter number two (aka as Mackenzy) loves Owl City. I mean she really loves his music. A lot! 


So when I saw this video that combined the teaching of John Piper with an Owl City song, I figured it had to be good. 


It is. 


Enjoy. 

The Gratitude List: May 23, 2011

What an incredible week! So many blessings to list! All the Glory is His!

1515. A new reason to blog: Pages in Our Heritage of Faith
          A way to encourage parents to "write it down" and build a 
          legacy for their children and grandchildren!! I am so excited!
1514. Such encouraging comments from precious readers
1513. Remembering my dad on this, his birthday. He would have 
         been 86.
1512. "I miss you, Mom," from our oldest
1512. New things listed in our gratitude list for marriage
1511. My new computer! I have been editing photos all this time
         with only 1 gig of ram--found out I need at least 4!
1510. Being silly with Kregg on Skype--the "delay" is pretty funny

1509. This darling little pet lamb that thinks it's a puppy--if only they
         stayed this small

1508. Ben's cocoon imitation

1507. Making memories sleeping in hammocks in Grandma and 
        Grandpa's backyard

1506. A precious new grandniece! 
1505. Great grades for another one of our college students
1504. A pediatrician who will honor Hannah and Jeremiah's wishes
        for their baby

1503. Mourning doves on the powerline
1502. A trip to see Kregg's parents
1501. Chris Rice's album: Peace Like a River
1500. A message from Caleb!!
1499. Everything falling into place for the Tabernacle Experience
1498. Kregg taking the kids fishing--3 hours away-what a good Daddy!

1497. The enjoyment the kids have in the bunnies
1496. Cotton ball shaped clouds

1495. Protection for all our tiny, tender plants during the hail
1494. Dwelling within the desires of my heart
1493. Practice is sitting before Him
1492. Practice in trusting
1491. Practice in patience
1490. Seeing the Lord "grow up and mature" a new spiritual leader
1489. Such a rich relationship with a child
1488. The SMELL of RAIN!!!! So refreshing!!!
1487. The sound of the rain on the roof--it has been SO long!
1486. RAIN!!!!! We have had .11 inches since September 2010. I
         am guessing we might have gotten .5 inches at our house!
1485. Kregg getting to see Caleb on skype, even though it was
         only working one way
1484. A chance to bless a young family through service
1483. Special words of spoken blessings--a gift to me

1482. The fun of "all things baby"--like these little shoes!

1481. Being forced to slow down for a little while with a precious
         friend's baby
1480. Generous funding to pay the expense of The Tabernacle 
         Experience 
1479. The Tabernacle Experience is coming!!
1478. Precious phone call from my sweet sister that was filled with
         wisdom and insight
1477. A message from Caleb!! From Uganda!
1476. Great dental checkups for 5 out of 5! WooHoo!
1475. A safe trip home for Mackenzy as she drove home from KC
1474. The International House of Prayer and the precious time
         Mackenzy spent there last week

1473. The Lord's "vision casting" for precious Mackenzy, showing her
         things He has gifted her to do
1472. "My sin is always before me," as Kregg surveyed the pile of 
         his things on the counter in the closet--too funny :)
1471. Sweet friends that rejoiced with us in a safe arrival for Caleb
1470. His Peace that sustained us while we waited to hear from Caleb


The rest of my List is here.


If you haven't started your Gratitude List, could this be the week?? :)

The Gratitude List: May 9

This week has brought so many blessings, it's been hard to keep up. He is so lavish in His blessings. I am truly overwhelmed.

This week I am thankful for:

1429. A special Mother's Day dinner
1428. Ben's exuberance and his Bear Grylls imitations
1427. The peace that comes to a heart when it lays everything at 
         His Feet
1426. Knowing precious people are lifting us up in prayer

1425. The fun the kids have in giving gifts

1424. This precious hand made gift for our grandson 

1423. A beautiful owl feather 

1422. Motorcycle rides with Dad

1421. A precious Mother's Day gift and message from Caleb
1420. Laughing with Caleb over Geico commercials
1419. The sweet love poured out as siblings pray for each other
1418. My Father Who can move a mountain, and Who moved a 
         mountain for us this week

1417. A yummy surprise from Kregg for Mother's Day

1416. Baby horned toads

1415. Gorgeous orchids from sweet Mackenzy for Mother's Day

1414. Remembering these little teeth marks where Hannah 
         chewed on her crib when she was a baby

1413. Seeing the plaque Kregg put on Hannah's baby bed,
         the one he built when we were expecting her, and now
         she is going to use it for our first grandbaby

1412. Rebekah cooking dinner for the family  
1411. Kregg getting a chance to go "with the guys" on a motorcycle ride

1410. A sweet call from one of the sewing students about how much
         fun she had

1409. Our first sewing class
1408. An afternoon of birdwatching
1407. Seeing a man walking a little burro down the road
1406. Hearing the name of our first grandchild for the first time

1405. Finishing the baby bedding for Hannah
1404. Hearing Mackenzy singing at the top of her lungs, filled with Joy
1403. Friends ready with "a wheelbarrow" to help carry our burdens
1402. Breakfast for dinner
1401. The way He holds me so very closely when I am afraid
1400. A gift from a sweet friend to celebrate becoming a grandma 
1399. Prayer is still available to battle the schemes of the evil one 
         who is trying to deceive a precious heart

1398. This GORGEOUS sunrise


The rest of my list is here.