Our Story: Meeting and The Long Summer

To start at the beginning of the story, see Our Story: Introductions.  Second installment, see Our Story: Rescued.  Third installment, see Our Story: A Long Wait. Fourth installment, see Our Story: First Sight. Fifth installment, see Our Story: Just a Hint. Sixth installment, see Our Story: What Is Going On?.


The Meeting and The Long Summer
Ben Gives a Call



Two months passed. A painful scramble of no news and hints of interest that kept me on pins and needles.

It was toward the end of May when the phone call came, a voicemail actually.

Would you be free to talk, maybe sometime tomorrow?

Well, sure. (Incidentally, I found that my dad had gotten a phone call a few days earlier himself.)

So, on a Thursday evening before Memorial Day, Ben came to the door, and we walked down a block and over a block to Dunn Bros. I got a decaf white chocolate mocha, which Ben paid for. It sat there mostly undrunk, cooling while we talked.

Ben fiddled with his glass, leaned forward, and said, "You probably already know this, but I'm very attracted to you. I've been talking to David Livingston, so all my wisdom is coming from him. First and foremost, I want this to be based on Jesus Christ. And I'd like to get you know you more."

The conclusion of the conversation: We were officially "friends getting to know one another." And when we got back to the house, he gave me a bouquet of little white flowers.

So began a rather tumultuous and emotionally turbulent summer, for me.

My whole family was actually coming to town a few days after that fateful meeting, so after the Saturday night worship service, Ben drove me in his little black Geo to Baker's Square to meet them all at dinner.

I was pretty giddy and happy there, finally to have some explicit confirmation of interest. But then the other side of me spoke loudly about the impracticality of it all ... It could never work. We are too different.

One evening a few weeks later, four other couples and Ben and I had dinner at the South office. We played round robin ping-pong and hit around a volleyball outside in the rain. Ben was goofy, and I felt conspicuous amongst the other "confirmed couples." The next few days were full of analyzing. I felt like we were from two different worlds--his exotic and far away and full of change and adventure ... and mine stable, focused, disciplined, secure. I felt very far away from him and a little scared at the way forward.

Weeks went by, and I continued conflicted.

We would see each other periodically. Sometimes Ben would seek me out, and I would feel a mixture of excitement and dread. Sometimes we would miss each other, and I would feel agitated and uncertain.

I found myself in the church kitchen one day that summer, mixing up brownie mixes for a big event. The solitude was so calming, and I prayed for God to lay bare my heart, to show me what the motives were behind all this turmoil.

Was it pride, thinking I was better than Ben? Was it fear that I would be thrown from everything known and familiar? Was it legitimate lack of connection? Was it avoiding conflict and not wanting to disappoint him or others?

The sense came to me that I was projecting beyond where today was--trying to find feeling in myself beyond our status, trying to peer into the future and see what would happen in 10 years, if I would be married to a stranger in a strange place. I wasn't waiting for the Lord to unfold His will moment by moment, quiet in His hands, receiving just what He was pleased to give.

I read a little piece from the Word, and a peace fell. I could rest right here, right where we were... officially, friends intentionally getting to know one another. Not more, but not less.

It wasn't the end of the questions, but it steadied my heart through a few more weeks of wrestling.

Highlights of the Past 2+ Weeks

The difficulty of seasons full of sweet and busy activity is that the sweet, busy activity tends to preclude (me, at least) from actually recording what has happened!

So, to briefly catch up on life since graduation ...

We enjoyed Grandma Kay's visit so much, along with lots of lovely time together with our Katterson cousins! It was a special and meaningful gift that she was able to come and celebrate the big milestone of Ben's graduation.

Ben built me a sweet raised garden bed, and I am earnestly seeking to reform from my entire life's track record of killing plants! It has been rather thrilling to see what simple care and God's gifts of sun and rain will grow!

And my cute little gardener helpers are the best.

We had our last week of Sunday school a couple weeks ago. These sweet girls were in my small group, and it was a joy to get to know them through the year. I'm thankful for their friendship!

 

We were able to host 3 camp trainings, a "new 7th graders" open house, and a volunteer appreciation at our home. It's been really great to be able to use the beautiful yard and great big garage for the kinds of hospitality that we dreamed of when we first saw this home. Great and exhausting. :)

For Memorial Day weekend we were able to make a trip to Iowa, which provided a lovely, refreshing break from the busyness and also a chance to celebrate Ben's graduation with my family.

Everybody loved some time with the cousins, and we had a little Elliot birthday celebration as well! On Saturday the girls and kids went to Stringtown Grocery while the guys golfed. And Sunday afternoon Ben and I had a great date! A leisurely lunch and time to chat at Panera, walking through a park, stopping in at Half Price Books, and picking up frozen yogurt for later in the evening.

Big handsome growing boy.

Classic Elliot face...

Our last evening there was a great highlight of picnicking at the Banowetz Christmas tree farm and then shooting off some super cool rockets!

Now we have completed a full week of Ben's new full-time position, and we are amazed by God's grace, enjoying these full and meaningful moments, and looking forward to what the new mercies of our next morning will bring.

Summer Bucket Lists and a Mystery to Seek

It's a warm Sunday afternoon, with the breeze shuffling through treetops out the window. It's a good day, this first Sunday in June, to consider the summer still stretching before us. Grabbing a handful of books off of Ben's office shelf, I scanned through the first couple pages of one of them, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.

A line (underlined by Ben) caught my eye. As Burroughs unpacks Philippians 4:12, he summarizes the point: That to be well skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment is the duty, glory and excellence of a Christian.

It arrests my attention maybe because of my original plan in hiding out in Ben's study for an hour or two this afternoon ... to make a list of goals for the summer, or at least things to discuss with Ben when we have a few minutes.

Summer Bucket List:

• Daddy dates (and Mommy dates) with the boys
• Explore nearby ice cream shops
• Concerts in the park
• Swimming at Golden Lake Beach
• Sunday picnics after church
• Explore north trails and regional parks
• Check out a county fair
• Family bike rides

Lovely things, really. And I hope we do some (or all) of them.

But this painfully elusive mystery--contentment at all times, whatever may come--strikes me as a helpful, permeating pursuit for the season ahead.

A heart that receives with quiet gratitude what God is pleased to give.

Be it sweet, silly moments making faces with my boys ... or a temper tantrum at the Cub checkout. Restful and refreshing mornings at a coffee shop ... or a middle of the night stomach flu. Peaceful playing at a park ... or stressful, exhausting shepherding through sibling squabbles, defiance, arrogance, and the painful revealing of my own sinful need.

Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.

Yes indeed, growth in the art and mystery of contentment would be a sweet fruit of grace this summer.

Encouragement

Click here to view this photo book larger

 

Thank you to so many for being pray-ers, cheerleaders, encouragers, and counselors along this journey. We are so thankful!

Graduation!

Last night was remarkable.

Commencement from Bethlehem College & Seminary. The end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Oh, how much life has happened since Ben started seminary 4 years ago. How many papers written, diapers changed, books read, miles driven, milestones marked, memories made. Late nights, early mornings, long hours, weary eyes, full hearts.

I am so proud of you, love.

You have pressed on along a long journey. You've leaned on grace, fought for faith, romped with our boys even when papers called. You have had an open ear to my requests and concerns, a closed eye to many of my faults and sins, a warm hug at the end of many long days.

I am so glad to be at your side. And gladder still that we are both held by the everlasting arms. May He hold us fast. I love you!

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25

1 Year Old!

1 year old!

11 months old

10 months old

9 months old

8 months old

7 months old

6 months old

5 months

 4 months

3 months

2 months

 1 month

 2 weeks old

Dear Elliot,

Wow, what a day! You are one year old, and you are growing by leaps and bounds.

It's always fun to mark a first birthday... Today you got to devour an entire piece of coffee cake, a bowl of yogurt, lots of bread, baked beans, crackers, some bits of grape, and a mountainous cupcake. All of which you polished off with supreme ease and enjoyment. You wore it well, my son.

Here on your first birthday, we make note:

- You are definitely mobile. Your favorite destinations are the area under Victor and Josiah's chairs at the kitchen table, where you happily graze among the crumbs for many long, quiet minutes before I notice. You still have a cute little two-legged hop to some of your crawling steps. It's pretty sweet.



- You throw up a hand and say (your version of) "Hi!" when someone comes in the room. It's very cheery and warm.

- You still only have 2 teeth, but that doesn't stop you as long as the food is nice and soft. Saltines, cereal (Special k and corn flakes), and yogurt are favorite foods. You are also a fan of whole milk. But you don't handle your own sippy cup, you still won't drink from a bottle, and Mom is a little nervous about leaving you for 4 days the week after next... But I'm sure you'll do fine!

- You still put everything in your mouth, but normally when I come to fish something out, you'll kind of stick it out with your tongue, so it's not too tough to reach. That is very accommodating, buddy.

- When you wake up from naps, often Victor will come in to greet you. He almost always sings to you (Jesus Loves Me and My God Is So Big). You really like it!

- You still give absolutely the best snuggles. You put your head down on my shoulder and grab my arm, and just lean in for long moments.




Today I want to remember and pray for you again, my special verse for you. The meaning of Elliot, and our greatest hope for you: "The LORD is my God." As Zechariah 13:9 says:

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

Elliot, when the troubled times come, call on the LORD.
When joyful times come, call on the LORD.
When your heart is uncertain, call on the LORD.
When all hope seems lost, call on the LORD.
When you are amazed and humbled at the grace in your life, call on the LORD.
When you feel like you have no friends, call on the LORD.
When you see brokenness in the world and in your own heart, call on the LORD.
When you feel your need for forgiveness and mercy, call on the LORD.

Last Sunday we celebrated Easter. The victory of Christ over the sin and death. O my son, may He, our gracious Maker, Keeper, Savior, and King, be your God and the hope of your heart all the days of your life.

I love you , my big one-year-old!

Momma

He Is Risen...

Oh, so much to be thankful for today!

Despite a bit of mastitis that hit me on Friday, and despite a last-ditch puke for Josiah at 2am last night, we all met this Resurrection Sunday morning feeling quite joyful and well.

We started the morning with a little "searching for something" scavenger hunt 

(like the women, who went to the tomb to care for Jesus' body but did not find Him there). 

Their surprise included matching spring jackets for the big boys and a new(er) copy

of one of our Bible story books which has come upon hard times. 

 

The boys also talked through the Holy Week events using the Resurrection Eggs with Daddy.

Josiah got to open up the last egg.

 

There was nothing inside!

Sweet to hear our boys explaining this empty egg.

Victor: Josiah, the egg is empty because the tomb was empty. 

Because Jesus rose from the dead!

Two dapper-looking Katterson men heading to the early service at church 

(while the "sick, weak, and infirm" stayed home).

Victor got to eat a donut on the way 

(with a hole in the middle, of course, because the tomb was empty!)

Josiah had a great appetite, but with his middle-of-the-night upset tummy, no donut for him.

So, we had "empty tomb toast," and he got to roll the "stone" away 

to see that nothing was there!

We also Facetimed with Grandad and Grammy.

Elliot was feeling mighty fine.

In God's kindness, we were still able to host our Sunday lunch gathering!

It was lovely to enjoy time with our Katterson cousins, Pop-Pop, and the Clausens.

It was just a delightful, sunny afternoon.

We enjoyed a feast of food, lots of fun fellowship, games, and a candy hunt.

To finish off the day, we soaked in the evening sun with supper on the deck.

These were truly special moments, but to be honest, our greatest joy today is the unshakable reality of Resurrection Sunday. That God gave His own Son, who lived perfectly and died to pay the debt of our own sins, and then who rose again to prove that He was indeed the triumphant, redeeming Son of God--this is glory! This is joy! He is risen... Jesus is risen indeed!

A joyful Easter to you each!