First, I apologize for the length of this blog, not really a way around it . . .
This past Saturday was a very bittersweet day for our family. We spent most of the afternoon hanging out, denying the inevitable - that part of our family would be moving. My Aunt Jane, and her wonderful family, have been giving the opportunity to move to Oklahoma - a dream they have been praying about for 5 years. In the past few months, God opened every door as wide as He could for them. There was no mistaking that this is what He desired for them. So, on Satruday, we all gathered to have one last hoorah and to say good-bye. I tried not to think about it - it was just another family gathering. Then, it was time to go. I thought I could say good-bye quickly, just another normal good-bye. What was I thinking?! I tried to hold back the tears, but they came. I knew it would be hard to say good-bye, it always is. We will miss them so much. As sad as I am to see them leave, I am at peace with seeing them go. Like I said, this has been a dream of theirs for many years and I know that God's hand is in it. I know that they will be a blessing to many people there like they have here in Arizona. One author, Warren Wiersbe, stated it perfectly:
"One of the greatest tragedies in life is wasted opportunity--not making the most of what God has given us. . . Remember, God has planted you where you are that you might be a blessing. He wants you to take deep root. He wants you to bear rich fruit. And if you will draw upon His spiritual power, He will enable you to be a blessing. Bloom where you are planted and bear fruit to the glory of God and the enrichment of others."
This past Saturday was a very bittersweet day for our family. We spent most of the afternoon hanging out, denying the inevitable - that part of our family would be moving. My Aunt Jane, and her wonderful family, have been giving the opportunity to move to Oklahoma - a dream they have been praying about for 5 years. In the past few months, God opened every door as wide as He could for them. There was no mistaking that this is what He desired for them. So, on Satruday, we all gathered to have one last hoorah and to say good-bye. I tried not to think about it - it was just another family gathering. Then, it was time to go. I thought I could say good-bye quickly, just another normal good-bye. What was I thinking?! I tried to hold back the tears, but they came. I knew it would be hard to say good-bye, it always is. We will miss them so much. As sad as I am to see them leave, I am at peace with seeing them go. Like I said, this has been a dream of theirs for many years and I know that God's hand is in it. I know that they will be a blessing to many people there like they have here in Arizona. One author, Warren Wiersbe, stated it perfectly:
"One of the greatest tragedies in life is wasted opportunity--not making the most of what God has given us. . . Remember, God has planted you where you are that you might be a blessing. He wants you to take deep root. He wants you to bear rich fruit. And if you will draw upon His spiritual power, He will enable you to be a blessing. Bloom where you are planted and bear fruit to the glory of God and the enrichment of others."
We love you Smalley's!!!!!
The Super Smalley Family
All the cousins . . .
Dude, don't let them take me to Oklahoma . . .
Uncle Dan and Caleb
Steve and Caleb
Teresa high atop the fence, far away from Jasper the dog!
Lorissa, Mariah, Krysten and Tanner hanging out on the fence
Mariah taking her turn riding Chocco
Caleb and Jacob wondering, "when's it our turn to ride Chocco?"
Micah and Doug playing it cool!
Doug, Teresa, Riss and Micah playing cards
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