Daddy & Daughters

The girls are savoring every second with their Daddy. And I know a Daddy enjoying every minute with his girls.





















We appreciate your prayers in the coming week.
LT

Broken bone, birthday, boxes, bags...

You know I learned alliteration early from my dad's sermons. Old habits are hard to break.

It's been quite a week around our house...

Rachel broke her right arm riding her scooter...or should I say falling off her scooter. She is going to keep up her big sisters no matter what. She was a tough little trooper and is sad to not be riding her bike for 6 weeks.

Andy celebrated a birthday this past weekend. He's getting his A-bags packed and jumping through many wickets getting ready to leave.

Movers have invaded the house because we're packing up and heading to a base house. It's such a blessing and the timing has definitely been God's working. We are praying for peace, patience and protection (there I go again)...

Andy heads out on our 18th anniversary...so it will surely be one we remember. We appreciate your prayers, love and support.

LT

March...in like a lion...out like a lamb...

Well, we celebrated the 7th birthday of our baby girl. She is toothless, opinionated, riding her big bike, taking care of Elvis, reading books, having a conversation with whomever will listen and learning AWANA verses to beat the band. This is Rachel. She's such a big girl. We thank God for her life.

We're also staying busy with school and chapel activities. The Lord is blessing the ministry and raising up many folks to reach the families at Andrews AFB. We will appreciate your prayers in the coming weeks...for peace, protection and rest. Our theology will be tested as we strive to be faithful to do what He's called us to do. And not because we are able, but because He alone is able to do it in us.

We send you Easter blessings on the eve of the Passion,
LT

A Hidden Treasure

We have stumbled across a beautiful place on our little R & R trip this week. We are on the Outer Banks and visited the Currituck Sound Lighthouse yesterday. It is a beautiful place that didn't even have a road to it until 1980. It's also the place where the wild mustangs roam freely on the beach. It was fascinating. There's actually a stretch of the beach from the tip of the OBX, NC to Virginia, where the only road is the beach. So, here we were, driving down the beach. It was awesome! There are lots of beautiful houses on the beach and the only road leading there is, you guessed it, the beach. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before...a sand highway. I guess you don't get home during high tide...

It was a wonderful, family day in a picturesque setting...

Blessings,
LT

What a day...

One of the highlights of our time in the Air Force happened on Tuesday afternoon when a new friend was able to give us a tour of Air Force One. Once we were through security we enter this huge hanger and there it is...it is tremendous! Our friend began to tell us all sorts of neat things about the plane and then the six of us BOARD Air Force One.

Now, first of all you have to remove your shoes, or wear booties over your combat boots. So, the girls and I removed our shoes and stepped into "The Flying White House". We were able to see "his" bedroom, bathroom, office. We even took turns sitting in "his" chair. "His" jacket was still hanging on the back. The main level has over 4,000 sq. feet. It is truly huge. There is an operating room, conference room, two kitchens, a section for Secret Service, White House staff/aides, and the Press sit in the very back. Isn't that funny?

Well, one unexpected surprise is that "his" chef came on board to inventory the pantry, etc. We were able to talk to him and ask him all sorts of questions. (The chef was a southern guy- big surprise! :) W's favorite ice cream is Blue Bell's Vanilla Bean. You can't get it here, so they stock up when they land in TX. He loves hamburgers and quesadillas and always has his hot sauce handy. No fru-fru food for W. They showed us how they arrange the china on a tray to serve the meals on the plane. Everyone eats the same meal.

The dogs have free roam of the plane. The girls thought that was funny.

We were moved to see the place where Pres. Reagan's casket rested on his last ride to CA.

This was interesting... several great First Ladies actually chose the colors and design of AF1.
Jackie Kennedy came up with the design and colors for the outside of the plane. Nancy Reagan chose the colors and such for the interior. Laura Bush is also choosing some new things for updating.

The girls each sat in the pilot and co-pilot's seat. I was the engineer, Andy the navigator.
Somebody pinch me...

It was surreal...sorry no pics allowed. You'll just have to trust me...

LT

Happy 2008!

When you are young, it seems like the days, months and years just drag on. But the older I get, the more I realize the speed at which life travels. I look around and wonder where has all the time gone. Did I spend it wisely? Is the Lord pleased?

We had a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed time with family and some much-needed rest. The girls have played and giggled (and fought, too :) and played some more. As I write this, Andy is vacuuming up the last bits of glitter and tree needles and we are putting things back in order. It is a little sad when all the decorations come down. The girls commented on how fast Christmas came and went. That's why we put our tree up so early (Oct 31- Reformation Day). I know that may seem goofy, but we sure do enjoy the festive decor and it's a nod to Mr. Christmas Tree himself, the great Martin Luther. And I'm sure Katie Luther helped inspire him in his Christmas tree decorating.

But, alas, it's time to think, plan, save, study, set goals, pray and concentrate on glorifying God and enjoying Him every day in 2008!
Blessings from our house to yours,
LT

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...

We Have a Praise!

Sarah's arm is healing nicely and we are rejoicing that the break turns out to be just above the growth plate. After more x-rays this week (and a smaller cast) we are thankful for God's answer to our prayers. For Sarah, the difference was wearing a cast for 12 weeks or 6. She's happy that it will be for six weeks.
Thank you for your prayers!
LT

Marathon Man

My post is two-fold.

1. I'm so proud of my husband. He has been training to run a marathon and is set to do that next Sunday, Oct. 28th. The Marine Corps Marathon begins and ends at Arlington National Cemetery. I'm so impressed (and convicted) by his discipline, steadfastness and determination. I can honestly say that he is in better physical shape today than when we met 20 years ago. To God be the glory!

2. I'm asking for prayer for my (42 year old!) husband as he sets out to accomplish his goal. Please pray for his safety and health next Sunday. Go- Andy go!

LT

Show and Tell

Well, we have lots to show and tell...

You know that all three girls are playing soccer- well, make that two...
Sarah broke her wrist on Saturday morning during the game. She is being a real trooper and is recuperating nicely. We were "thankful" it was her left arm, since she's right-handed. She has a large cast for two weeks and then hopefully a smaller one for 4 weeks. It's right at her growth plate, so they are being extra cautious. I know she'd appreciate your prayers in the coming weeks.



On a happier note, we recently took a "field trip" to the National ZOO. We had so much fun!
One kooky thing that happened was a family of golden lion tamarins (aka: little orange monkeys with wild hair) got "loose". Although they roam freely in some trees in the zoo, they left their assigned area and were right above our heads. The zookeepers came out and said "No sudden movements. Move slowly to the other side and don't open any food until they cross over." We were amazed at these little monkeys. I can't think of a better place to teach the sovereign creation of God.















Happy Fall Ya'll!
LT

School & Soccer

Greetings from the soccer mom. All THREE girls are playing on base. They are excited and learning so much! I'm learning the art of "portable hobbies" whether it's reading my Paula Deen magazine or making my many lists or just getting to know some other moms. I keep telling myself this only lasts two months!

We are staying busy during the day as we homeschool. Rachel is in first grade. Abigail is in third grade and Sarah is in seventh grade. Whew! God is showing His faithfulness and continues to give grace abundantly.

Andy is at Andrews AFB more than he's at home. He's preaching for two services and has a lot on his plate. One of the incredible privileges he is blessed to do is to escort the wounded from the planes each week from Iraq. He goes to the flightline when the plane lands and goes aboard to minister to real heroes. They come in each week and a chaplain is there to talk or pray or just welcome them home. I'm glad he's blessed to be there.
We appreciate your many prayers as we minister in this place.

We hope all is well in your corner. We are thankful for friends like you.
Blessings,
LT

A few more pics...

Three sisters and our house...

LT

It's a Boy!

I thought that title may get you... We'd like you to meet Elvis- our newest addition. He ain't nothin' but a hound dog. Ha! After several years of coming up with with reasons we didn't need a dog, we finally gave in. The upside is there is finally a "man-child" in the house. Our new little beagle hound pup is keeping three little girls occupied and they are holding out for a little Priscilla to join the king, but after 2 weeks of scooping poop, their enthusiasm is waning. Needless to say, I've seen three little girls become "unselfed" lately and that's got to be good thing!

We've also celebrated the 12th birthday of our sweet Sarah. She is surely a gift from the Lord and she brings so much joy and love to our family. She's beginning to try out her babysitting wings and is looking forward to lots of "moo-lah" in her future. She is a wonderful big sister! She is growing up so fast. She is sunshine...

Andy begins services in August at the chapel 1 at Andrews. He is adjusting and excited to be back at a wing chapel again. We look forward to the ministry God has planned for our family. We are getting our guest room ready... the Thornley B and B is taking reservations for the fall...

Blessings,
LT

Daddy's Hands...

I can hear Holly Dunn now...

"Daddy's hands, soft and kind when I was crying...

Daddy's hands, hard as steel when I'd done wrong,

Daddy's hands were always gentle, but I've grown to understand,

There was always love in Daddy's hands..."

My Daddy has taught me so much...still teaches me things even today. He has managed to face many struggles and successes in his life and has let us learn from watching him. He has taught me too many things to list, but here's a few:

1. He gave me the gospel...early. I remember hearing him preach about hell and about heaven and wanting desperately to be with Christ in heaven. He was with me at my bedside that night so long ago when Christ captured my heart.

2. He taught me about football. Not just any football- but Gamecock football. I'm a Gamecock fan through and through and I'm able to go toe- to-toe with Andy watching football. When most girls didn't know the difference between a touchdown and a homerun, I knew the stats on Gamecock running backs and quarterbacks. We still wear our garnet and black!

3. He gave me a love for good music. He's an incredible musician and introduced me to all the best music- the Beatles, Elvis, the Everly Brothers, etc. Then the gospel music we love and sany so much is still in my blood. You can take the girl out of the south, but...

4. He taught me to respect and obey. Thank you for making me obey. Thank you for being hard on me. It's made me who I am today.

5. He taught me to be passionate about what I believe in. My Dad has a "fire in his belly" whether it's theology, music, Gamecocks or Harleys. He's passionate and I'm glad he is.

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy. Thank you for being the earthly father who pointed me to my heavenly Father in so many ways. I love you. We all love you!

LT

R & R...South Carolina style...

We'll be singing along with James Taylor as we head south for some R & R!

We're looking forward to seeing family and friends and fun in the sun!! When we return, we'll be packing up to move to MD. June will be a blur before we know it.

We can almost taste Piggy Park BBQ right now!

Blessings,

LT

Bless this house...

We are rejoicing that the Lord has provided a home for us in Waldorf, MD! It's a great story...


After looking for the past few weeks and coming up short, we decided to look over in Waldorf. We liked what we saw. It's a neat town and it's closer to Andrews AFB. We began looking but there wasn't much for rent, only for sale. So, I felt prompted to call about a house that was for sale to ask if they would consider renting. The family immediately returned my call and said that the Lord was the only One who knew they would be willing to rent. They asked us to come take a look and we did. I asked "What's the rent?" Then he said "How much can you pay?" I told him what our housing allowance from the Air Force is. WOW- needless to say it's worth more than we're paying. He told me they are Christians and they viewed their home as a gift from the Lord and they would love to see it used in ministry! WOW- we can do that!

Okay- here's the cherry on top- as only the Lord can do-

There's a beautiful, restored antique piano in the home. I comment on how beautiful it is and they ask me if it would be alright if they leave it in the house- WOW! I tried not to squeal! So we are breathing a sigh of relief on this beautiful day in the Commonwealth- not only are Andy's days on I-95 numbered, we are rejoicing in the grand provision of God. He has supplied our needs and gone beyond what we even prayed for! To God be the glory- great things He has done.

LT