Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Guess What????

This is a picture of Claudette who lives in Cazale, Haiti. She is recovering from severe burns suffered as a result of falling into a fire. Rachel drew the picture that Claudette is holding and we scanned and e-mailed it. Amazing the joy that a simple thing like a picture can bring! Please be praying for this precious angel as she still has a LONG way to go in her recovery. One of her big challenges wil be learning to walk again. OK...on to our BIG NEWS of the day...
The blueprints for our new house arrived in the mail today!!!! Woohoo!!!! It is far beyond our wildest dreams and expectations. :-) LOTS more room for hospitality and ministry. Bring it on, Lord...we're preparing the soil for whatever You desire to plant and harvest for the Kingdom through us and this new home.


Was able to get a much needed perm today. My hairdresser is one of the dearest ladies ever...so caring and interested in her client's lives, not just doing their hair. As I put on my coat to walk out the door, she sweetly handed me a gift certificate for the total cost of TWO more perms!


Rachel and Faith got to spend the day being loved on by the Gambills. Nathan had another day of work with Brian. Drew had a date with Emily and Jon had the privilege of hanging out with his mama and Granny all by himself.


Mark received a beautiful little scrapbook filled with Scripture, notes of concern, encouraging words and many thoughtful gift cards from the corporate staff of OPRS. We are so blessed that he has the privilege of working for such a wonderful company. In addition, the staff and residents that he works with at WTC have loved us sacrificially in so many different ways.


"The steps of the godly are ordered by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives."

Psalm 37:23 NLT


Resting in Him knowing that He has all the details under His very capable control,


Chris for all the Crew


Monday, March 28, 2011

What To Say...

"...do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." Matt. 19b & 20 Early this morning, we met with our attorney friend who is lovingly shepherding us through this process of working with insurance. She talked with us for a bit and then led us in prayer before going with us to meet the Cause and Origin Investigator called in by our insurance. He began by introducing himself and then told us that he would be interviewing both me and Mark separately. Mark went first and was questioned for 30 minutes! Then it was my turn. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the investigator was very personable and easy to talk to. He asked LOTS of questions, but also just let me tell the story from my perspective. When he had finished interviewing both of us, he then began examining the site in detail and took LOTS of pictures along the way. He started with the least damaged area of the house...the fireplace and garage...and worked his way to the most damaged area of the house...the center of the basement. After about 3 hours of work, he was able to tell us A)that he had ruled out both me and Mark as suspects, B) the fire had started in the center of the basement in the area of the downstairs stove/furnace which were back to back with each other (only a wall separating them), C) the fireplace and anything in it had absolutely NOTHING to do with the fire and D) he could not rule out a possible electrical or furnace problem as the cause in addition to propane. All in all, the investigator was on site for 5.5 hours today! The next step is that the investigator will be in touch with the adjuster who will then determine, based on the investigator's report, whether there is enough evidence to pursue subrogation against the propane company OR whether the insurance company will just choose to eat the expense of the loss themselves. If the insurance company chooses to pursue subrogation, more intense investigation of the site will be required which could take weeks. If not, we should be free to start searching and clearing the site later this week. Please pray that the insurance company will have wisdom and that Truth will be revealed on all fronts. By His grace, Chris

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Such a Fun Day!!!

One of my favorite activities all day long...8:30A to 5:30P...a consignment AUCTION fundraiser for Clearcreek Township Fire Department!!! Oh, how I do love auctions! :-) What a blessing to contribute to one of the fire departments that responded to our fire two weeks ago and gave their all on our behalf!!! Was able to get many, many nice things that we will be able to enjoy both now and in our new home.

Watched a family movie and laughed 'til we nearly had tears running down our face. Laughter is definitely healing. :-) Enjoyed another delicious supper prepared by someone from our church that we are just beginning to know. We are getting VERY spoiled!

Basking in the warmth of His grace,

Chris for all the crew

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Friday, March 25, 2011

End of Week Two

Seems very hard to believe that we've now been on this unexpected journey for two whole weeks. The rental house is really beginning to seem like home and we are truly settling in.

Received a very special gift from the Lord today...I had e-mailed the Midwest Homeschool Convention about being able to go to the exhibit hall for even 1 day just to connect with various vendors, pick up catalogs and look at curriculum in the hopes that my memory would be jogged and I could begin compiling the list of what we lost for insurance. Within a short time, one of the coordinators e-mailed me back and asked me to contact her ASAP. Come to find out, a Canadian family who had hoped to come suddenly needed to change plans and wanted to transfer their registration to another family. They had a full conference registration which included all 3 days for 4 people, the Worldview Teen Track AND tickets to see both Tim Hawkins and the Duggar family!!!! Woohoo!!! We are SO excited!!! My mom & I, along with Nathan and Faith, will be heading to Cincinnati on Thursday afternoon. Can't wait!!!

Was asked by The Homeschool Foundation to write a little summary of some of what we've been learning through all this. They published it on their facebook page today. Here's the heart of what I sent to them:

Every day we are asked by multiple people how we are doing. And every day we tell them we are doing very well by His grace and through His strength He is all sufficient to meet our every need. There are all three principles from the teachings of Elisabeth Elliot that have been instrumental in our healing and adjustment to this new normal.

1) DO THE NEXT THING - From the time that we first got the call about the fire until now, our days have been packed with more tasks than we could ever begin to complete. Reminding ourselves to just do the next thing has been very freeing.

2) IN ACCEPTANCE LIETH PEACE - Multiple times each day, items come to mind that were lost in the fire and can never be replaced ... my wedding dress, baby books, every snapshot from almost 23 years of marriage, heirloom Christmas ornaments, love letters and the list could go on endlessly. As we choose to accept these things that cannot be changed, the peace that passes all understanding encompasses us.

3) EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF OUR LIVES, WHEN OFFERED UP TO HIM, BECOMES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A GATEWAY TO JOY. As the hurtful menories surface and painful moments come, we simply say, "Jesus, I am offering this up to You." The joy that Jesus gives IS NOT dependent on our circumstances.

"Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing." Nehemiah 13:2b We have been truly blessed in these last 14 days of the new normal.

By His grace,

Chris

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Amazing Discovery

We hit upon a gold mine today in the form of a place called the Waste Not Center. It is located on Fisher Rd. in Columbus and is open every Thursday from 2P - 6P as well as every second Saturday from 9A - 11:30A. This is the description from their website: "The Waste Not Center receives donations from individuals and businesses that would otherwise be discarded and makes them available to teachers, artists and non-profit organizations at no charge other than a small membership fee." A 2 year membership for me as a homeschool teacher was only $50. I am free to go any time the doors are open and take as much as I want. This is what I came away with today...all for FREE!!!!
1) ceramic dish with lid
2) 2 figurines
3) cardboard dollhouse
4) 7 egg cartons
5) 1 floral arrangement
6) 1 ice cube tray
7) 2 divided trays
8) 1 divided plate
9) 1 plastic ice cream bucket with lid
10) 2 ceramic coffee mugs
11) 1 Thomas Train floor puzzle
12) lg. piece of material
13) sm. stained glass frame
14) 1 drink bottle with lid
15) sm. calculator
16) embroidery hoop
17) travel coffee mug
18) kitchen tongs
19) wooden wallhanging to hold keys
20) wooden picture frame
21) sm. bottle brush
22) Bible cover
23) sm. game
24) Farm & Ranch Living magazine
25) 2 c. paper clips
26) Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cheesecake Cookbook
27) Insects Do the Strangest Things - book
28) Mrs. Mike - book
29) Roget's II The New Thesaurus
30) Volumes 7,8,9,12,15,17,18 & 19 of Golden Book Encyclopedia
31) Pippi Longstocking - book
32) Miss Pickerel Goes Undercover - book
33) Roget's New Pocket Thesaurus in Dictionary Form
34) Frightful's Mountain - book
35) After Many Days - book
36) counted cross stitch pattern
37) The New Read Aloud Handbook
38) Scholastic Children's Dictionary
39) Highlights for Children - magazine
40) greenery arrangement

Thus I leave you with this Scripture for the evening: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20 & 21

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Oh Happy Day!...Scoops is now open!!!

Yes, you read that right...yummy deliciousness is available once again at Scoops! And now I live right around the corner from that wonderful place. How cool is that?!?!?! Ice cream...here we come. :-)

Put together a bookcase today to help with organization of toys, games and books. Rearranged the living room a bit. Got a little bit of laundry done. Stopped by Big Lots once again and found a handy dandy little tool kit to use around the house.

Nathan and Brian got started on the new portable chicken coop...can't wait for them to get it finished so we can bring a few of the best hens over here to the rental porperty. There's just nothing like fresh eggs!!!

Planning to check out a place called Waste Not Center tomorrow. For a small membership fee, you can go any time the doors are open and take whatever you would like for FREE! Many of the things are designed for teachers so we are hoping to be able to start replenishing our homeschool resources. Check it out at www.wastenotcenter.org (I think.)

From the Word: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 He is revealing much to us in these days of the many ways that He is working for our good in and through the experience of the fire. Praise His Name!

By His grace,

Chris for all the crew

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Another Love Gift from Jesus

I worked on preparing bills to mail whilst the little boys painted wooden helicopter parts. Note to self: better to spread a huge drop cloth when little boys paint than to rely on a simple paper grocery bag to contain the mess. Nathan worked with Brian again all day and Rachel went with Emily to learn a little Spanish and help clean house.

Mom graciously came over yet again and took Faith, Drew and Jon to lunch at McDonald's with time at the PlayPlace afterwards. So fun for them and gave me a chance to run several errands.

Found a bird feeding station at Aldi's that I had spotted in their weekly ad. Also picked up some more seed packets for 10 cents each at Sutherlands and a couple more raised bed kits at Big Lots. I just have to be able to grow something even if it isn't my regular garden this year. :-)

But the big find of the day for me was at Tractor Supply! Just 2 days before the fire, I had purchased a wall hanging which read, "Children are God's flower buds just waiting to open." I placed it on the wall right beside our front door so that anyone coming into our home would know how we feel about each child's potential. Guess what I found at the Circleville store today??? You guessed it...that very plaque!!! It was the only one like it left. Jesus saved it just for me. :-)

I leave you with this nugget from His Word: "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."

By His grace,

Chris

Monday, March 21, 2011

We Found Duchess ALIVE!!!!

Such a wonderful day!!! And one of the sweetest parts was finding our dear Duchess alive in the briar patch by the old house. I had stopped by Mom's to pick up a few things and decided to go back to the site for a bit. I spied something in the rubble that looked like it had words on it. As I went around to the walk out end of the basement to retrieve it, I heard scrambling over in the briar patch. As I glanced over to see what was making the sound, I saw a blur of black & white and heard what sounded like meowing!!! Sure enough, there was our precious Duchie...alive and seemingly well. It took a good bit of coaxing, but I was finally able to lure her close enough to pick her up. She just wrapped her paws around my neck like always. :-) Life from the ashes again!!!

Worked on errands again today. Sutherlands, Big Lots, Bank, Aldis. Oh, and DQ...can't forget that in the interest of full-disclosure. :-)

Blessed by another delicious meal prepared by a family from our Connection Group at church.

Then finished out the evening at the Tragedy into Triumph service at Circleville Nazarene. And the worship leader led us in singing our new family theme song..."Out of the Ashes...WE Rise!" That song sure means a whole lot more to us today than it did 10 days ago. Mr. Wayne Huizenga, Jr., president of Huizenga Holdings Inc., an investment conglomerate, spoke about his experience of finding success in business, but remaining unsatisfied until he entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. He discovered that a relationship with a church does not equal a personal relationship with Jesus. Only Jesus truly satisfies!!!

Scripture for the day: "...and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the dsiplay of his glory." Isaiah 61:3

By His grace,

Chris

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Quiet Sunday

A wonderful morning of worship with our dear church family followed by a delicious meal and afternoon of fellowship with good friends. And the bonus was getting to love on their beautiful labradoodle, Rosie. :-) Nothing like some sloppy dog kisses to brighten one's day!!!


Worked on paperwork and organizing receipts this afternoon and evening. Finally have it all recorded in an orderly fashion. What a relief!!!


Looking forward to an an early bedtime after having a difficult time staying awake from time to time today.


Will leave you with this nugget from the Word, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

I Peter 4: 12 & 13

Polk, Nathan's grand champion breeding turkey, survived the fire along with the other tom, 2 turkey hens and the chickens, Praise God that their pens are as far away from the house as they are or the tremendous heat and sparks would have gotten them.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Another Great Day

I'm so sorry for the late post, but when I went to post before bed...no internet connection! AAAGGGHHH!!!

So here I am for just a quick post...woke up with Jesus showing me some things that I knew I needed to get down on paper while they were fresh in my mind so I wouldn't forget. And if course I had to check to see if internet was up so you all are getting a quick middle of the night post. :-)

Kids got to go to COSI yesterday with Brian and Emily...came home excited after having a blast. Then went on to their first 4H meeting of the year last evening and had fun there, too.

Meanwhile I stayed home ALL day (imagine that!) and got a ton done. What a relief to begin to get all our paperwork organized and get a gift list started so we can begin to get thank yous out to all who have so very generously poured into our lives this past week!!!

Looking forward to a special morning of worship tomorrow!!!

These last 8 days have taught us to look at everything through the perspective of the Cross. How are YOU doing with that truth these days???

Hugs to each of you who are following along with us on this amazing journey!!! :-)

Chris

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Lord Is My Rock

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior...In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears." II Samuel 22:2&3, 7, 19b and 20


Truly He is our Rock...our very firm foundation in the storm...our source of peace that passes all understanding. We are resting in Him. :-)


I was able to stay home all day today. Woo hoo!!! Several angels passed in and out through the doors. One came to organize the pantry, do laundry and organize the boys' room. Another worked on sorting, labeling and putting into bins the mountain of clothing in the garage. One of my computer heroes loaded software, fixed the printer and explained a little more of the mystery of blogging. A sweet baby gave herself and was a minister of encouragement as she let me hold her and spilled a bubbling brook of laughter throughout the house. Still another precious soul ran errands and made needful purchases. Delicious pizza and salad appeared right on time for supper. A person I had never met before brought homeschool supplies, curriculum, toiletries, toys and games. Someone came and took Faith and Rachel for a delightful outing.


How very, very blessed we surely are!!!


Tomorrow the kids are headed to COSI for the day. Some of them have never been there so it will be quite an adventure. :-)


Mark & I are planning to work here at the house until time to head out to 4H meeting in the evening.


Meanwhile, bits and pieces of our former life continue to surface at the site. Today, an antique ax head, a china doll head, 2 china doll arms and 1 china leg were found.


I'll leave you with a happy picture before I fall asleep typing.


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Blessed by a Special Gift


Sometimes we think that what we do is of little significance. The mechanic may "just" be fixing a car. A teacher "just" teaches the same concept one more time. Some farmer "just" works the ground and plants the next crop.




But the Word says that, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."




Today He gave me a BIG love gift and it came via the Verizon salesman "just" doing his job serving a customer. I came away from the store with a car charger (so that I am not halfway through the day & have a dead phone because I am using it so much), a bluetooth headset (so that I don't wreck the SUV trying to drive one handed becaue I am constantly on the phone with one thing after another these days), a phone for Faith so that she has some means to communicate to the outside world when Mark & I both have to be gone and she is watching the others; no land line in the rental house), a microSD card (so that I can take pictures with my phone when needed and then transfer them to the computer) AND.....................


some pictures that I had on my cell phone which included this one of Abby and Faith!!! Woo hoo!!! What a blessing to see that sweet little pug face!!! (And might I add that I am so proud of myself for figuring out how to get a picture from my cell phone microSD chip to the blog post...even if it is sideways!)



  • Because I am longing for my bed, you all are going to get bullet points for the rest of this post:

  • A divine appointment sitting at the dog pound from 5:30A - 10:15A (but that's another post in and of itself)

  • Very teary while explaining to the dog warden and the Humane Society that Abby, Cocoa and the 2 birds died in the fire

  • Stopped by the appliance store to start the process of picking out new appliances so the owner can get a price quote for insurance

  • Stopped by the furniture store to give them a heads up about needing to do the same thing with them

  • Grabbed a shredded chicken sandwich and coke on the run for lunch

  • Went to the post office to get stamps for thank you notes

  • Visited the county auditor's office to fill out their form required for total losses

  • Purchased thank notes at Christian book store so I can get started with what will be a BIG job...we are so, so very blessed!!!

  • Bought groceries with a voucher from Charity Newsies

  • Visited our burnt kitty at the vet...needless to say, he was very glad to see a familiar face. :-) The most pitiful part is seeing how painful his little burnt paws are to him. :-(

  • Unloaded groceries at home and had just a little while before Mark got home, supper was delivered and more visitors arrived with additional donations.

  • Enjoyed the first meal with all of us around the table at the same time since last Friday (although I was falling asleep with my head in my hands while my beloved was trying to lead family devotions).

May I leave you all with this challenge?? Consider..."But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Genesis 9:16


Are YOU allowing His power to be revealed in you that His matchless Name might be proclaimed in all the earth???



By His grace,


Chris for all the crew


P.S. I promise I'll try really hard tomorrow to write the story of what happened to us just 1 week ago...the day our lives changed forever.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Exhausted!

That is what I am, BUT the rental house no longer looks like a cyclone struck it. :-) My OCD tendencies kicked into very high gear after everyone else was in bed and everything is fairly in order now. Hallelujah!!! It drives me bonkers to have clutter everywhere and not know where things are.

Met with the insurance adjuster yesterday. Positive experience! He is supposed to be getting us the "large loss packet" this week. Sounds a bit ominous to me, but we'll just wade through it one form at a time.

Also met with our builder yesterday. He was to meet with the log manufacturer this morning to get some drawings going for blueprints. If everything goes well, we should be able to start the new house in about 3 weeks. Yay!!!

We continue to be astounded by the lavish blessings being poured out on us. In many ways, this fire has really been a gift to us. Just tonight, the youth group from Crossroads Church came and sorted clothes for hours. What a HUGE blessing!!!

Talked with our older daughter tonight. She's back on campus to finish out the semester. As we talked, she shared that people continue to ask her how she can have such peace & be OK in the midst of this. She replied that it is only through Jesus that this kind of peace is possible. How true!!! Both of us feel like we are done crying and are ready to move on in this new adventure. I'm sure there will be many more times where a particular memory will bring tears again, but today we've reached another milestone in the process of grief.

Will try tomorrow afternoon to begin to write the story of what took place beginning on March 10th.

Psalm 116:12 "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?"

By His grace,

Chris

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A New Beginning


















Our God is Greater

Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there's no one like you none like You!
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
What could stand against.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
Then what could stand against.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

By Chris Tomlin