Sarah is currently in South Africa with a group from her church, High Pointe.  There are three teams in total, and we’ve provided a link to their blog. Or, you can just click here.  We are very pleased that she’s on this trip and pray daily for God’s protection and for His hand in their ministry.

We changed the site so that you can leave comments.  We’re going to try it for a while.  If you would like, you may leave a comment on any post!  Hint: click on Comments (it might say No Comments) near the title of the post.

Also, we updated the “About Us” page.

June was, to put it mildly, an emotional roller-coaster month.  We started the month with Sary-Jo injured, having severely sprained her ankle on May 31.  We would not learn the full extent of the injury until late June.  She didn’t go to the doctor until 2 1/2 weeks after the initial injury and it took another week to fully assess a torn ligament.  She is now pursuing an aggressive physical therapy regimen and prospects are good that she will be able to build enough strength to avoid surgery.

Then on the 3rd of the month we lost a good friend unexpectedly and rather suddenly.  We talk more specifically about David in another post.  Through all this, we have seen God use our church and our small group to minister to each other and to David’s wife Madaline.  So it has been a time of pain, but also a time of comfort and growth.  We continue to see His comfort, guidance and growth in our lives and those of our dear friends.

Our oldest daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and is on a chemo regimen until August.  She gives herself shots weekly.  She maintains a positive attitude and is doing well.  In August she will begin a biologics treatment that also involves weekly injections.  This treatment is from human cells, mimics the immune system, and has proven to be very effective in arresting the progression of the disease.  She loves her work with exchange students and is now also working at an alternative high school as the graduation specialist in charge of making sure the seniors have completed all the requirements for graduation.  She has raised support and has been preparing for a mission trip to South Africa late July where she will minister to the youth.  She is a remarkable young lady and we are very proud of her!

Janel moved a couple of weeks ago to an apartment in Oakland.  One of her housemates from UPS is moving in with her in August.  She found the chaplaincy program she was in much too stressful.  She is now working at a shoe store in Berkeley and going to school at night to get her Sign Language Interpreters certificate.  We think this is a great fit for her!  She is dating Ryan and is as happy as can be!

Meanwhile at work, Randy’s key project reached a successful conclusion (except for some paperwork).  This too was somewhat bittersweet because this project will be his last meaningful achievement with the company after a 26-plus year relationship.  Again, we see the hand of God as Randy is mentally prepared to separate from the company.  In addition, leading the project helped re-invigorate Randy in a hands-on role and increased his confidence.  He is now very ready to join another firm and contribute to its success.

As for the adoption, we began the month wondering why we didn’t yet have a court date.  We understood that court dates are typically assigned about two months in advance so we were concerned that we might not actually get the boys until late Autumn.  This seemed like a long delay, but we knew that God was in control.  We just didn’t understand what good would come from the delay so we were a bit frustrated.  Before the month ended, however, we had our court date and it was only three weeks out!!!  Now we’re anxious about the embassy appointment, but that’s another story.

With the court date known, and the embassy date narrowed to a couple likely dates, we’re able to do some “what if” travel planning.  We are so eager to get our boys home, yet we’re also a bit excited about possibly adding some leisure travel to the trip.  Our daughter Sarah has been very helpful in mapping out some alternatives for us, and now we just need to know the date of the embassy appointment so we can put the plans in motion.

This is but a quick synopsis of the month.  Through all the highs and lows we have seen the constancy of God.  We depend on Him fully and are so grateful that He cares for us. 

Please pray:

• that Sary-Jo’s ankle will heal before we have to travel and surgery will not be needed
• for our friend Madaline as she adjusts to life without the love of her life and for us to be tuned in to her needs and available when needed
• that the treatments Sarah is on are successful without serious side effects; safe travel and time in Africa as well as personal spiritual growth
• that Janel would have a peaceful time of reflection and earnestly seeking God’s will for her future; that she is able to meet her financial responsibilities
• for God’s perfect timing for employment provision and that Randy would be mindful of opportunities; graceful exit from WRECO
• for God’s protection over the boys as they leave the orphanage and prepare to come home with us; successful court date July 15th; embassy appointment and details of our trip 

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  Psalm 8:4

On Sunday, June 7, Christian and Nicole exchanged vows in a beautiful outdoor setting.  We’ve posted a few pictures.  Click on the one shown to see more.

David Thorpe

Our dear friend and brother in Christ, David Thorpe, went home to the Lord Wednesday morning, only a couple of weeks before his 56th birthday.  He died unexpectedly when his heart suddenly failed him and, over the course of several hours, even the paddles didn’t help. 
David was in our home group that meets regularly for fellowship and prayer and we worked together supporting the marriage ministry both in marriage classes and as marriage mentors.  Though we had only known David (and Madaline) for a few years, it seems like much longer.  We have discussed this phenomenon with them in the past – how we all feel like we’ve been friends for decades rather than just a few years.  I suspect many people feel that way about them because they are so genuine.  We know very few people without pretenses – those people are a joy to get to know and they challenge us to be bold in our walk.  David was not a complicated man.  He had a heart that reflected God’s character.  He loved Jesus.  His humility, sincere love and selfless service to others were inspiring.  David loved his beloved wife Madaline and precious adult daughters Noelle and Courtney.  He adored his three grandchildren and had an especially sweet relationship with Jonathan because he lived nearby.  We loved David’s laughter and kind spirit.  He will be deeply missed.
David and Madaline had an amazing testimony.  During their 35 year marriage they encountered an unbelievable number of very painful trials, yet their faith in a sovereign God and their obedience was their focus – a compelling example and inspiration to others.  Despite much opposition, David did not hold a grudge against anyone.   He merely wished that others would know he held no animosity or ill-will toward them.  He wanted them to know the truth, but recognized that they were not likely to ever do so.
Life is precious.  No matter how long we live, compared to eternity, it is short.  We rejoice in the knowledge that David not only believed in the one true God of the Bible, but he walked the talk.  His life was an example to many.  Because he placed his trust in Christ, he truly is in a “better” place.  Those of us that choose God’s way will also share in the joy of being in the presence of God – rather than separated from Him – forever. 
Our hearts are heavy today because we have parted company with a very dear one, but we praise God for His provision and that David accepted God’s gift of eternal life and lived with that blessed assurance.  It is our heartfelt prayer that you too realize your need for God and choose life today!  Tomorrow may be too late.

       For many years now I have had a desire to study the Bible – not just at church or at Sunday school, or with our small group – but for myself, decisively, daily, completely.  I had actually begun such a study when the girls were young, but dropped out when I went back to work.  My lame excuse was that we were too busy and it was hard to find the time.  I shudder when I think about it now!  No time for God’s Word?!  As the girls were finishing up high school and heading off to college, I planned to begin again, and this time finish, what had been put on the back burner for so many years.  I was largely inspired by my daughter, Janel, who from the time she was very young, read her Bible daily.  Her depth of knowledge, understanding, and application always amazed me and left me feeling a bit ill equipped to be the spiritual mentor I should have been. 

       This week I completed a seven year study through Bible Study Fellowship.  BSF is a comprehensive inter-denominational Bible study program that uses a four-fold approach: daily questions and personal Bible study, discussion groups, challenging lectures, and study notes.  The studies included John, the history of Israel and the Minor Prophets, the Acts of the Apostles, Genesis, Romans, Matthew, and the life of Moses.  Without a doubt, this has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys I have ever embarked upon.  Praise God for helping me persevere and for growing me in the areas of humility, obedience, and trust.

The study solidified my core beliefs in a reasonable faith and deepened my understanding of God’s character and my purpose.  Spending time in God’s word has been food for my soul.  I don’t know everything or claim to have all the answers.  I am in process and looking expectantly to the future nuggets that I will discover and apply to my life as I continue to spend time reading, studying, praying. 

So what are your priorities?  Where are you looking for truth?  When are you looking?  Are you making God and the Bible fit your ideas, or are you allowing God to mold your heart to be aligned with His?  Your choices have eternal consequences.  I encourage you to dive into God’s Word, examine the evidence, believe the truth, and be transformed!  There is a BSF class near you!

Sary-Jo, who is working on her own post on this subject, completed the seven-year study of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) this week.  I was blessed to be able to observe her steadfast study and willingness to be taught by her leaders and, more importantly, by the Holy Spirit.  Every week for 34 weeks a year, she diligently read the text, reflected on the questions, and wrote a thoughtful answer to each question. 

Once a year, she would miss a class session to attend the annual meeting at Lighthouse Christian Center.  This year, she also missed a week due to illness and one when Jackie passed away.  Otherwise, she had perfect attendance.

Her attendance and diligence are not what impress me the most (although they impress me).  Rather, I’m impressed with the changes that God has worked in her.  She is more patient, more gentle, and has a godly perspective on virtually every issue that comes up in life.  She also shows confidence and an inner peace – especially in our recent times of job turmoil – than ever would have been possible.  I am so blessed and I just wanted to share with the rest of you how much I love her and appreciate what she has done, and what she has allowed God to do in her life.

– Randy