It's A Wonderful Life...

In an effort to continue with thankful hearts, we pulled out an oldie, but goodie. We made kettle corn and made the girls watch the old black & white, It's a Wonderful Life. And it was wonderful to see them following the movie and learn from it. Of course, I cried at the end (as I've done for 17 years). Then, we begin to think of friends, family and the places the Lord has directed our steps and our hearts are full. I watched it for the first time during our first Christmas as husband and wife in 1990. I was moved by it. The life that touches other lives. The real value of "people" over "posessions." Oh, that our girls would learn what true "treasures" are...
On the very next family night (Fridays in our house), it was time to plug in "A Christmas Homecoming", the first Waltons movie. It was during the depression and we watched the children delight in one special gift...not even expecting that. It was moving...humbling.
And you guessed it, Our first Christmas in the Little House is next. We are hoping our little "daughters of Eve" are beginning to see a theme. :) Simple is nice. We are aiming for simple this year.
"A man is no failure who has friends."
-Clarence, the angel

Thank you for your friendship. It's a wonderful life...
STD,
LT

Thanks-living...

Andy preached a sermon on Sunday from Luke 17 and the ten lepers. It's interesting because statistically speaking, only 10% (1 in 10) returned to say "thank you" to Jesus for making him clean. Now depending on your soteriology you could say the Lord physically healed them but only spiritually and physically healed one- the Samaritan who returned to praise God. This not only shows God's grace on the unjust, but also the depravity of our human heart. Even after being cleansed from the worst disease known (in those times) they were not willing to return to say thank you. We know ingratitude dishonors God.

Fast forward to 2007- how many thank you's do you hear in a given day? Maybe not particularly directed at you, but even overhear as you go about your day-to-day life. I asked the girls yesterday if they could say "thank you" with a frown on their face. We all tried. It is darn-near impossible to say those words without a smile creeping across your face. Isn't that incredibly ironic- God commands His children to live in a state of thanks- thus causing a smile and joy to overcome us and causing the world to look at us and wonder- why are they smiling?

Well, we're smiling today. Saying "thank you" as often as we can. Wanting for one to ask us for The reason for our hope... We're also smiling when we think of you and how the Lord has blessed us with your friendship. Blessings to you and yours, from our little pilgrim family.

LT

The White House

On Saturday, we had the rare privilege to tour the White House. We took the metro into the city and found our way to the southeast entrance. We had to be checked in, go through several security checks and then we walked in... I'm not sure what I was expecting... but it was so interesting. Of course we had our "own" personal tour guide (Daddy) with more little tidbits of trivia than I could ever remember- it was entertaining. Here are our thoughts:

Sarah says, " I liked the Red Room. It was so elegant. It's where the First Lady entertains."
(We asked if she "really" does use the room and they said after the tours end at 1:00, the ropes are taken down and the rubber mats rolled up and they use the rooms in the afternoons and evenings/weekends.)

Abigail says, "I liked the Blue Room because it looked like no one ever sat in it. It looked like old stuff."

Rachel says, "I liked the George Washington paintings. And there was a statue of Abraham Lincoln's head. And I saw a picture of Rondo Reagan."

I can't decide. There was a piano unlike any I've ever seen before. It was gigantic and had eagles carved on the legs. The curtains were also striking... they were so majestic. The material, the tassels, the length. We're walking through and all I could think was that this is the closest thing to "royalty" we would ever see in America. This is the most famous house in America. WOW!
We did ask if "they" were home and both the President and the First Lady were gone, but it was a moment to stop and thank God for His providence and His provision for America. God has truly blessed America.

Well, the downside is that no cameras are allowed. So, you'll have to take our word for it until you call or write a Congress member and request a tour for you and yours.

Blessings,
LT

Thankful Thoughts...

*Sarah is thrilled to have her cast off. God healed her arm beautifully and she's especially happy to fix her own hair again. Do you remember how awful it is to be a 12 year old girl and have your mother fixing your hair?

*We've completed our first quarter of home schooling. The girls are doing so well. They are studying hard and learning spiritual lessons along the way. We're thankful to God for the grace and strength to teach and learn at home.

*We are making new friends at Andrews AFB. What a blessing to make new friends. Of course, the military "blesses" us with this opportunity often! But it is such a joy to meet folks from all over who come together for a season and purpose. God is faithful...

*We're thankful for "old" friends too. We pray for you as the Lord brings you to mind and
we love hearing from you.

Just a few thankful thoughts. Until next time...

LT

Some pics...

He did it!! 4 hours, 7 minutes...





Even Elvis had some pumpkin seeds...