Sunday, December 23, 2012

Forrest & Katie: Engaged!


Katie as a little girl
Lou & Katie..first day of
seminary & high school
We cannot believe how time flies.  When Cathy was younger, her mother would tell her that time flies faster once you have children.  Boy is that true!! Katie was 9 years old, when she came to live with us.  Many of you know our story...we were not able to have biological children.  After pursuing some medical intervention and adoption, we felt like the Lord was closing the door as we were approaching 40.  Within six months, Katie (Lou's niece) came to live with us.  Her mother had died and Katie joined our family. 
 
Katie -- 2006 --
Junior Year at Pine Creek
As most parents, we loved her dearly, but we also made our mistakes with Katie.  But, by the grace of God, Katie has turned out fabulous!  She has a lovely personality, a great sense of humor, a zest for life.  She graduated from Pine Creek High School in 2008.  She then entered into college life at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC).  As she started the summer of her Junior year, she meet Forrest Bowlick.  Forrest had just graduated from UNC and was about to start his Master's Degree at the University of Idaho.  Forrest and Katie met at work as they were Freshman Orientation Directors and the romance began.
 
Happy Engagement
On Friday, Forrest asked Katie to marry him and she said YES!  We are so excited for them.  Every parent wants their child to be loved and cared for well.  We have witnessed Forrest loving Katie and caring for her well.  They are very compatible, are happy and are committed to one another! 

They currently live in College Station, Texas.  Katie is a substitute teacher, pursuing a full-time position as an elementary teacher.  Forrest is a PhD candidate at Texas A&M.  He is pursuing his PhD in Geography and will graduate in 2015.  We are excited to have him join our family! 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

15 years...still missing you!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I truly LONG to go home.  I’m not talking about my earthly home, I’m talking about heaven.  For those of you who are Christ-followers, I think you knows what I mean.  I have days that are filled with joy…I have days that feel like I’m in a battle.  On this day, every year, my heart reflects more on this longing of going home.

December 6, 1997 - 15 years ago today, my youngest brother Chris was called home by the Lord. He was 27 years old and died suddenly in a car accident. My life - my families lives - everyone that knew and loved Chris - have never been the same. I miss my brother immensely. I think of him every day...I still dream of him, although not as often. 

Having fun together many years ago!
I am grateful that my memories of him bring more smiles now than tears. I am thankful that healing has occurred in my heart, even though there are still times my grief is overwhelming. But, I am forever grateful that I have HOPE.
 
I have hope that I will see him again because of our relationship with Jesus. I have hope that one day I too will be called home and enter into a place where there are no more tears, no more sadness. In Heaven, I will walk on streets of gold, see my Heavenly Father face to face and be reunited with Chris. I do LONG for that day.  
My fabulous sibs:  Rich, Jeanne & Chris
As I reflect on this anniversary...I remember the words of the song Homesick by MercyMe. They still ring true and are the heartbeat of my heart. I am including them below...as you read them, my prayer is that you have the same confidence that I have, that you have the same hope that I have. My hope is in Jesus!
 

 
Homesick by Mercy Me

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
 
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
 
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
'Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
 
In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now