When a guy looks out for others instead of being self-absorbed and self-centered, he is noticed by girls. Chivalry: Attractive. Magnetic. Wholesome.

1.      Chivalry isn’t just for your girlfriend. As H. Muller writes, "The concept of chivalry has changed with the times. Chivalry now means being kind and courteous to anyone, regardless of if we are romantically interested in them or not. This means helping the older woman carry her groceries to her car,"  or even simple things like setting aside one's technology during meals.

2.      It prepares you for the future. Guys who treat females like royalty deserving of respect and thoughtfulness, and who learn to serve even when they don’t feel like it, build into their character the muscles of patience and tenderness they will one day need as husbands and fathers.

3.      It isn’t about getting noticed. Chivalrous guys are genuinely kind and serving to everybody even when nobody’s around to notice. Whether they’re listening with interest as an elderly person tells them the same story for the tenth time, or they’re behind the scenes helping a young couple move into their new house, they go the extra mile without expecting to be observed by anyone around who might give them a good review.

4.      Chivalry is very attractive. It is a character quality that I and many other girls are praying for in our future husbands, and one that we should be working on in our own lives if that is what we expect from our men.

How have you seen chivalry in your family?

 You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Happy Birthday, Ike!

Ike turns 23!

Ever since I can remember, he and I have been the best of friends. We have so many fond memories of countless hours spent roaming the fields and orchards near our California home, sitting around doing schoolwork together, cooking together, planting gardens, loving on our dogs and cats, and spending many early morning hours playing chess.

Ike is an incredible companion and the kind of friend who sticks with you through thick and thin. He has a steady, easy-going way about him, a quick smile and ready laugh, and a truly rare strength of character. He is highly skilled in many areas, yet so humble that many people don't even know he's a licensed attorney (currently working via a virtual law office with a firm in the southwest), an accomplished musician, a future private pilot, an entomologist -- and did I mention that he's almost done with pre-med and is on his way to becoming a doctor? 

But Ike isn't just about book study; he’s a can-do guy who grew up building fences, digging pools, and constructing outbuildings and additions to our house in the country.  He's always loved the land, loved getting his hands dirty, smelling the clean fresh soil, planting in the spring -- mission work in a frigid climate has entailed a lot of sacrifice for a guy who loves the outdoors, yet even in icy winters, he hikes snowy island cliffs and warms up for studies by chopping wood for the fire or cooking tasty food. One of the things we miss most about California is our animals. Ike had a goat back then, a wonderful bristly old goat we called Friendly, and he always took excellent care of her, as well as of all our other animals.

Ike also has a gift for leadership. He’s the go-to guy for us in many areas; he has a gift for reading people, drawing them out, and caring for their needs.  I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use him in the coming years. His passion for following hard after God is an inspiration to me.

I love Ike more than words can say. 

 

Feel free to leave a comment to wish him Happy Birthday!

 

Roadside Good-byes

An Update

The last few weeks have been quite the whirlwind of ministry, traveling, appointments from dawn to dusk, short times of sweet fellowship enjoyed with friends, and lots of wonderful Texas heat. We have one week left before we make the final trek back to Vermont, and the days are packed!

We are so grateful to all of the friends along the way who have refreshed us in the Word, encouraged us by their example of commitment to staying the course, fed us amazing meals, and graciously lent us the use of their laundry machines, among other things. :)

Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks.

It is always hard to say good-bye to FCF.

We took one last picture outside, on the last day before we left, and it was sooooo sad! Lord-willing we will be back soon!

We also said good-bye to old Squinny, eating yet another pecan (wonder who gave that to her?? :)

...and to our favorite cat...

More sweet times!

And I shall end with our dear Nanny Rose. At 93, she is still going strong, has a most infectious laugh, and loves life. She and Curtis are best buds, and in her view he is already an M.D. (that's his picture she is holding above). She is a wonderful adopted grandmother to us, and we love her to bits!

4th of July Recap

We were blessed to be able to join dear friends for the 4th of July this year, and they put on a grand party! We enjoyed fun games of horseshoes and washers before dinner...

When you see each other once per year, you fit a lot of fellowship into a short window of time. :)

We LOVE these adorable little kids! It's amazing to see how much they grow between visits.

Such a sweetie.

We miss you guys already!

Missing Texans already...

You guys are great!!