jump.

Dear Mason,

Thank you for teaching me something so meaningful and important through these 4 simple photos. 

1.  Take off running.  Don't hesitate - just trust that the path you're following is "right."

2.  Give it all you got.  Let others watch you & cheer you on.  Your ambition and drive are motivating to those around you.

3.  Jump high and far.  Believe that you'll land right where you need to.

4.  Keep your feet firmly planted.  Where you land is where you'll grow from ... and no matter where that spot is in the "yardstick" of life ... it's worth measuring.  Your footprints leave a legacy.

glimpses & forgiveness.

The rain was pouring down this morning.  Pouring.  And with it came grouchiness, tired & achy bones, and weariness.

The words came out before I could stop them.  They were bottled up inside me and as soon as I said them, I wanted them back.  The flood of ugliness that spouts from within when I don't think before I speak had not been the way to start this day.  It's not the way to start any day.

"Forgive me ... I'm sorry ... please ... forgive me."  The rest of our morning ride was spent in silence with tears running down my face just like the rain drops splattering all over the windshield.

.....................................

Boys,

I almost ran over your dad today.  He needed me to pull start the water truck and it was the very last possible thing I had time for or wanted to do for that matter.  I got in, didn't even really glance in the mirror through the rain drops covering the window, and lurched forward with the water truck in tow.  I had no idea that your dad was underneath the water truck, and before I could go any further, all I heard was screaming and then suddenly his fist hit my window.

Storms hit unexpectedly, and the best advice I can give you, is to brace yourself as soon as one hits.  Brace yourself and then try your best to not let "ugliness" escape. 

You both watched in horror as your dad & I "had it out" about whose fault it was, who should have done what, and how I had almost killed him.  I'm sorry it happened.  The whole thing was a disaster, but the good news is - it's over.  Done.  No one was hurt physically and the words that stung were washed away with the rain.

That's what forgiveness is.  The washing away of hurts and not just forgiving, but forgetting too. 

..........................

These pictures I took a couple of weeks ago speak volumes.  They are glimpses into what I think God sees through the clouds when He looks into our lives.  They are pieces of a big picture that portray many different aspects of who and what we are.  They capture hard work, determination, and a lot of "crap" too.  But that dirt and grime are washed away - and we are made new.  He makes us new. 

 They say it's what's on the inside that counts most ... and I couldn't agree more.

So many times we worry about what others see on the outside ... what we look like, having furniture that matches, the flower gardens without weeds, the size of our car, the brand of our jeans, the "right" friends, and all the "right" words.

None of that matters if the inside isn't filled with Him. None of it.

And thankfully we have a Heavenly Father that washes our sins away - just like the hosing out of a cattle truck & trailer.

Love Does.

Dear Bob Goff,

I just finished your book in record speed.  I'm not a track star, or even a runner for that matter, but I am a reader - and a fast one at that.  Over the past few days, I've been reading (and re-reading), highlighting, ear-marking, and telling everyone I know to go get your book:  Love Does.  To get it, read it, and "lose the cape" with me. 

You see, after reading your "stories" and looking at my own life in a different light, I feel like I could run a marathon.  I really think I could, even without the training.  And I say that with confidence because my life is filled with people that are "with me" ... I'm sitting "palms up" ... and my faith "isn't always explainable or easily calculated, but it always has Jesus on the other side of the equals sign."  When you have all of that - what more do you need?  "We all get a chance to be awesome if we want to be."

This afternoon I sent you a text  - and I don't even have a cell phone plan that includes texting. (I know what you're thinking ... who doesn't text?) Anyway - it was well worth the 25 cents.  In fact it was probably the best money I've spent in a long time ... and you know why?  Because you called me back.

When I saw your number on the screen, I couldn't believe it.  You called me back.

You said:  "Hello Lindsay, this is Bob Goff ... and I want to thank you for taking the time to write me a note today - you MADE MY DAY."

I made your day.  Unbelievable. 

Four minutes later I held my phone in my hand and just smiled - remembering that "people who follow Jesus are no longer typical - because God constantly invites them into a life that moves away from typical."  That phone call was anything but typical ... and I'm certain I'm not going to be "typical" any more.

So Bob, I don't know if we'll ever meet face to face on this Earth, but I do know that I am looking forward to riding in the side-car of your motorcycle in Heaven.  And you were right - people can say words that change everything - and we're the ones who can say them.

Wish your daughter the best from me as she enters the world of teaching - it's an amazing profession & one that makes the lives of others better in so many, many ways - but most importantly your own. 

I'm going to RSVP yes to God's invitations and go after those things He's made me to love ... because I don't need to know everything when I'm with someone I trust.

Trusting in God and doing what I was made to do,

Lindsay


P.S.  I'm a huge fan of a thesaurus too.

Breakfast of Champions.

Dear Mason,

This amazing thing happened to you on Thursday and because it has a whole lot to do with your character at the young age of 7, I don’t want you to forget it.  And for some reason, I don’t think you ever will.  It’s for sure that your dad and I won’t.

We woke up a little earlier than usual – but not by much.  You wore what you do every day – jeans, a button-up shirt with a white t-shirt underneath, your dad’s belt buckle, boots, and an Echo Cougars sweatshirt.  The only thing different was your hair wasn’t covered with a cap.  You looked just as handsome as you always do, but I think you were standing a little taller than normal – and for good reason.

Hermiston Schools, Stanfield, Umatilla, and Echo hold a special breakfast three times a year called Breakfast of Champions.  It’s sponsored by McDonald's and local businesses to honor outstanding students in our community.  They serve breakfast to award winners, their families, and their teachers, while spending an hour speaking to the qualities and traits that light up the community we are blessed to be a part of.  This award has a whole lot to with character and little to do with status – and is given to very few students.   Your life has been lived well, and at the age of 7, many people are seeing you as a leader and a helper – full of kindness, grace, and compassion – living a life of character.  Read it and believe it Mason - you're living it, not wishing you lived it.

I’ve been to three of these events in the past four years – twice as a teacher of a recipient, and just this Thursday as a mom.  It’s truly an honor to give the award – but it's life changing to hear and watch your son get the award.  Thank you for the gift you gave me without even really knowing it. 

We sat near the front at a table filled with just a few of your biggest fans – but, you know what Mason - the room was filled with your fans.  There were people at almost every table that know you, love you & admire your work ethic and ability to draw others in with your smile, your laugh, and your personality.  They are proud of you because of what they know about you and how they've seen you live.  They’ve followed your life personally in real life & even through this blog.  The people in the room and the ones reading this letter have read about your temper tantrums – and even experienced them in person.  They know about your inability to rest and slow down, as well as your struggles with how to react when things don't go your way.  They’ve cried with me as I’ve pleaded and prayed to God for wisdom in raising a boy with character for the past seven years.  Many have watched you learn to drive a feed truck, build fence, hose out cattle trucks, and repair stock trailers in amazement.  They know you, some have even taught you, and all of them have cheered you on.  I believe with my whole heart that they too, were receiving this award alongside you.  You have a cheering squad and stadium filled with fans – and you always will.  Your character is what makes you – you!

Mason, you’re going to make a difference in so many lives – and I can say that with confidence because you already have.  Shine on, son – shine on!  I’m proud to be your mom & don’t you ever forget it.

Love,

Mom (and dad too)

p.s.  Alexis got the award for her school too - look how far you both have come!

a hose, a dog, and even some tears.

Some stories are better without words - kind of like "choose your own adventure."

And some adventures end in tears ... especially when Mack is involved.

horseback.

Dear Ian,

I spent Friday evening following you as you pushed the cows toward fresh feed.  It was the end of a long and busy week, and it was raining.  More calves had been branded and the cows needed to be moved. And when cows need to be moved, it doesn't matter if it's raining.

I wish I could say that I rode along side you, but instead I looked, watched and cheered from a distance - capturing some of my very favorite pictures of all time.

The next morning was beautiful, and I chose to sit on our deck & read a good book while you rode across the hills in front of me.  It was like a fairy-tale scene ... almost too good to be true.  I may have even pinched myself more than once.

We may not be rich, but we have a whole lot more than money could ever buy.  And as I sat on the porch, and walked down the road, I couldn't help but sing along with these birds and remember the words I had read earlier that morning:

The morning sunlight that opens your eyes can remind you that in Heaven there is no darkness; there is only light in His presence.  The birds teach you how to sing His praises - loud and strong & filled with joy.  The flowers, the trees, and the skies all give you glimses of the beauty that is waiting for you in Heaven.  Walk through today - keeping your eyes and ears fully open - hints of Heaven are all around.  ~ Jesus Calling, April 14

I'm in awe of our view, I'm believing in and trusting in our future, and I'm loving that I get to share it with you.

Ride on, & may you always know I'm right behind you every step of the way.

Lindsay

Easter afternoon.

Dear Ian,

There is this extraordinary thing that happens when you actually take a bit of time to "relax."  I call it extraordinary because it's anything but ordinary in the life of you.

Somehow the word relax and Ian just don't match up on a regular basis, but man, when they do, magic happens.  I say magic, but maybe what I really mean, is "heart-stirring" or even "beautiful".

Thank you for hiding Easter eggs.  Thank you for picking Mack up off the rocks and for making sure he didn't miss out on finding one single egg.  Thank you for being a kid at heart - in so many different ways - and for loving our boys so very much.

You appear hard-working, serious, and all-business in most of my posts.  People that read our blog see you only through pictures - and most of them are of you working.  On Easter, 2012, I was able to capture one of the sides of you that I love most. 
So, in this post, the tall, handsome, adventure seeking, Hershey chocolate loving, friend and dad that I'm blessed enough to be married to is the "you" people will see.  And the "you" that will stir their hearts too.

Looking forward to next Easter already,

Linds

P.S.  Just remember that the candy is meant for Mack to find, not to melt in your mouth.

out with the old, in with the new.

Dear Donna,

Thank you for spending 2 hours with me making life brighter than ever!! I'll treasure our evening of fabric and staple guns for life ... and my chairs will too.

Life is better when someone does a project with you & you are always up for tackling a {project} with me - even if it requires sweat, blood and tears - you're ready and willing!  Thank you for that - it's a true gift.

Looking forward to the next adventure/project,

Your favorite (and only) daughter in law - Lindsay

springsteen.

Dear Mason,

There is something about these pictures and your favorite song right now that makes me wonder what life will be like when you're 17.  Will you hear a melody that brings back a memory?  Will you be standing in a field on Easter day, looking just a bit taller and probably just as skinny? 

I got you the Eric Church CD for Easter.  I don't know anything about the guy, but I do know you love his song:  Springsteen. And for the simple reason that you just seem to have a {grown up} look to you right now - especially in jeans and a white t-shirt, I bought it.

You were thrilled and danced around doing flips for about 5 minutes straight. 

Every day since - you, Mack & I sing our hearts out about discount jeans, cut off jeans, an old jeep, the stars in the sky, and July Saturday nights on our drive to school.

I don't what the future holds for you, but I do know that you're going to have songs in your life that bring back memories.  You'll hear a tune and a face of someone special will come to mind.  So when you hear Springsteen by Eric Church, I hope you remember being 7.  I hope you remember how much you loved farm life, our spring of {farming} at Forths, and playing with your friend Dylan. 

But most importantly, I hope you remember that every day could be its own soundtrack ... so play hard son, do your best at everything, thank God for the blessings that surround you, and make memories.  And sing along to the tune that is yours - because that's what life is all about.

Your biggest fan,

Mom

a whole lot of {good} Fridays.

Dear boys,

This year has been anything but ordinary.  We (all 4 of us) have a lot more cows, a lot more responsibilities, a lot more love, and gobs of grace surrounding us each and every day. 

We are blessed to have some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for.  Friends that loan farm equipment so that your dad can grow his own hay this year.  Friends that help and guide your parents through tax season.  Friends that help pull calves, brand calves, move calves, and tolerate our calves.  Friends that loan fence chargers in the middle of the night.  Friends that bring dinner.  Friends that know just what you need - right when you need it.  And friends that love you boys as if you were their own.

You've spent a lot of Fridays with Clint and Darcy this year - and they've been so full of goodness and grace.  Friday, April 6 was no different.  You ate breakfast with them, you branded with them, they fed you {all day}, you drove for miles with them, you bred cows with them, and you were loved by them.

I hope you never forget how important it is to love others well. Loving, not just because you have to, but because you want to.  Loving people for who they are, and their potential - even through the mistakes and mishaps.  Loving those figures & mentors that God has place purposefully in the life of you.

Your day was filled with goodness last Friday - {good Friday} - a whole lot of blessings surrounded you... and you know what?!  I think you're really starting to realize how good & blessed your life really is - not because I'm telling you, but because you are experiencing and tasting and living it yourself. 

Psalm 34:8

"Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"

The next time you see Clint and Darcy - make sure you thank them for being 2 of those many figures in your life that love you well - just because they want to.

In awe of how fast you're growing up, and how much others love you,

Mom

P.S.  Your trip to the {Zoo} up Butter Creek was definitely something I hope you never forget.  Ever.  And for some crazy reason, I don't think you ever will.