The Linzey Team

Well, we are back from home now and in the process of shifting our family schedule to the summer routine. The Lord has given us the opportunity to invest in the lives of three young people from our church on a daily basis now that school is out, so our little house is being stretched with lots of people and activity! For the count, at this point, throughout the day, we have 17 individuals in a 1300 sq. ft. house :) But the Lord has gifted Mama with an amazing ability of organization and delegation for a large crowd and both giftings are being put to good use right now! As for the rest of us, I am reminded of three lists in the Bible: 1) The Fruits of the Spirit being Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. (Galatians 6:22-23) If we're walking in the Spirit and the Spirit dwells within us, we don't have to produce these attributes. They Just Grow! But, oh, how often I, in my own selfish pride, decide to walk in my own way and forget...

A picnic at the lake was planned for Monday, Memorial Day, and we all worked hard to get everything ready for the anticipated day ahead. Grandma and Elisabeth gathered the lunch supplies and Grandpa, Papa and the boys prepared the blow-up boat while the rest of us got everyone else ready to go.   Then we all headed out for a day at the lake!  We had our picnic first, and then Grandpa started the boat rides :) First to go: Joshua (middle), Caleb (left) and Joseph (right) Next in line: Christina (left), Charity (right) and Joanna (middle) Elisabeth with Sarah (right) and Carolyn (left) While on the lake, our little, adventurous Sarah had to have her hand in the water  pretty much the whole time! There she is waving :) Josiah and Laura enjoying a ride together The younger boys loved the shore! In fact, all the little ones did! But at least one older one was there…just in case… :) And, thankfully, we didn't hav...

 The long-awaited family bike-ride had finally arrived and we anxiously hurried to downtown Siloam Springs, Ark. a few minutes distant from Grandpa and Grandma's house. Excitedly, we rented one 8-seater bike as well as two 5-seater bikes and struck out for a very eventful afternoon.  Bike selections… Neat-o, we get to be "old-fashion" today! Team #1: Papa, Mama, Christina, Charity, Caleb, Joseph and Daniel Team #2: Anna, Elisabeth, Joanna and Sarah Team #3: Josiah, Laura, Joshua and Carolyn First stop was a quaint, little quilt shop which was of peculiar interest to certain of us. :) Next, we had a great time making good use of a nearby hill. The way up was rather steep, forcing most of us to resign into pushing our bikes the rest of the way up. Sure did drain ones energy!      The "power team," the title we all soon referred to them as, made it up the entire hill without dismounting!  Looks as though she's p...