Family

My Family....

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." -Anthony Brandt

This year, between my mission trip to Mexico and being at school in Pensacola, I have been away from home the longest time ever. And although I was often told by others to "cherish my family while I was still at home", I have to say that after being gone for over a year I know really know how much of a blessing family truly is. Being home this summer has given me the 'taste' of home that I have been missing while in college. It's been so much fun to sleep in my room, cook in our kitchen, play with my siblings, and just relax around the house - a house full of memories from a wonderful childhood that I have had, thanks to my dad and mom!!!

My family is so unique and we all 'LOOve' each other! If I had to describe us in one word, I don't know if I could do it. We are made up of seven members that each have special attributes we bring to the family. To imagine how our family would be without one of us is truly impossible. Each of us complement each other; we all have unique relationships with one another and the 'LOOve' is always there.

My Dad and Mom are simply the best!!!! I cannot express how much I love them, but most of all, how grateful I am to the Lord for giving me such godly parents. Both of them have been by my side through the good times and the bad.....they've laughed with me and they've cried.......they've rejoiced with me and they've prayed with me......they've supported me every step of the way and their love is always unconditional. My dad has always loved missions and his heart to give the Gospel to others is so evident. My mom loves children and is such a powerful prayer warrior. Thus, God used them to spark the interest of becoming a missionary in my life. Through my time at home these past 11 years, I witnessed the powerful testimonies of a man and woman following the heart of God. The love they share as a couple is very inspiring and truly has set a strong foundation for our family. My prayer and hope is that God would allow me to follow in their steps as I move ahead in life. I want to be the godly, faithful man my dad is and have to love and commitment that my mom has in her life. God has blessed me with a the best parents in the world!!! And for the record, I not sure how they do it, but they are managing to be parents of three adult kids, while still working on the ABCs and multiplication tables with James and Grace! They definately were made for parenthood and have a lot of talent!!! (Thank you dad and mom!)

My brother Mark is in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and he looks very sharp in uniform. Mark and I share a special bond as older brothers in our family and we have a lot of fun memories growing up. Between Boy Scouts, swimming, school, and other activities, we have a lot in common. Nonetheless, I have always appreciated Mark's unique generosity and his adventurous spirit. We both enjoy watching movies and recently we have had a blast playing Super Mario Bros. on the Wii. I thank God for giving me such a great brother who loves me and cares about me. I am very blessed to have Mark in my life.

My sister Hannah is currently working at the IBLP Headquaters up in Chicago. She and I have always shared a special bond that I cherish greatly. We have had the priviledge of working together as leaders for various Bible clubs and conferences, directing handbell choirs, and participating in numerous school activities. Lately, with her work with ATI, she has been able to add Peru to her list of foreign countries visited for missionary work, which alrealy included Mexico and China! Hannah has a great passion for the Lord and I know that God is going to use her greatly for His service! This summer, I got to see her up in Michigan on our family vacation and we had a blast remembering all the crazy things we did as little kids. (Just so that you know - we weren't 'angels' all our lives: we kept Mom busy trying to get 'foolishness' away from our systems, but even now, I think we still have our moments! :) )

Gracie is my precious little princess! Ever since she was born, Grace has been my baby girl. This summer, I have realized how much we accually have in common, including our love for music, talking, and noodles!! :) She is such a smart young lady and she always acts so many years older than her age of seven. I have enjoyed teaching her Sunday Children's Church class and she always participated with so much enthusiasm. She has a great love for the Lord and her passion to share about Him to others is very challenging. Grace and I have a special 'scrapbook' that we have been working on for a few years now, and just yesterday, we had a special time working on another page together. I love her very much and know she is going to be a powerful vessel for the Lord.

Little James is the baby of the family. He definately gets spoiled by all of us cause that's what the baby of the family gets, right? :) Well, even with all the spoiling, James is growing both physically and mentally. His vocabulary gets bigger each day and sometime I'm impressed with what he is able to think and say as a four year old. He loves to play outdoors and is becoming an awesome baseball player. This summer, he is learning how to swim and just loves the water. I've enjoyed reading books to him and using him as an excuse to watch 'little kid movies' that I actually love (don't tell anybody! :)) like Madagascar and Toy Story. He loves to color and does an outstanding job! James loves to read the Bible and knows a lot of Bible stories by heart. His prayers are very inspiring! I love James!

Well, know you know a little more about my family and how blessed I am to be a part of it. My family is very special to me and with only 2 and 1/2 weeks remaining before I go back to Pensacola, I am cherishing every moment spent at home. I like what Psalm 127 has to say about the home:

1. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain."

2. "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sheep."

3. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

4. "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth."

5. "Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

I thank the Lord for blessing me with wonderful parents, awesome siblings, and a family that will always be there for me!