Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Tale of Two Sisters

"It was the best of times....it was the worst of times", Charles Dickens opens his novel,The Tale of Two Cities. Dickens journeys through the comparisons of Paris and London in the days before the Revolutionary War. It is easy to see the similarities between the Dickens classic, and a story we have watched live the past 14 years. Enjoy an excerpt from a chapter...

One sister has a memory of a short lived life as an only child. The other sister was just an innocent bystander in the whole process. The two are just thirteen short months apart in age. Their young lives we claim that we survived. Some nights and days sure felt like that of the cast of Survivor. We were thrown into the unknown island of parenthood and quickly found ourselves parenting two with the little resources and knowledge that we had available. Those first few years it was also more than just surviving. We made memories, we laughed and we loved. These two sisters were best buddies. We were on the move for the first five years of their lives so they learned to play together.


Fast forward a few years, school begins and activities start, and the great divide forms a crack. The sisters find new interest and activities. One sister wants to separate and move in new directions. The other sister wants to be just like her sister. Several years pass and it seems the Howell-utionary War had been in full swing.

Skip a few detailed chapters of small skirmishes and little blood loss, you will find yourself at the present day chapter of Howell-lutionary War. Summer of 2010 arrived, and the Howell sisters had completed spring class registration. The kind and thoughtful Mother, who was loved by all, (I am writing this chapter so I can embellish however I so choose) begin to taunt and tease the two rivals that they would enjoy two classes together. They both were registered to take chorus and p.e. and what fun we had laughing that they might "build a bridge" and be bff's for classes this year.


It is time for Fall Orientation and the reconciliation process begins. The two sisters are thrown into chorus and p.e. together. The sisters cry out in agony in the beginning, but over a few short weeks the laughter is heard yet again. Story after story of "Sisters....sisters....sisters" (sounds heard in day one of chorus...taunts of the guys who know them and are determined to keep the war going) bring much joy to the parents who remember the early days of a great friendship.

Tales of ultimate Frisbee and the sister domination team. The teacher soon realized that the two must remain divided because together they are a great threat. The stories each night at dinner about a school day center around the conquest of Sister #1 over Sister #2. Each recollection of the days events are different from the story teller, but the laughter of other family members grows. In fact, the family awaits the next installment in the "tale".


The greatest story thus far has come over a friendly game of football. Did I mention a great competition has in sued over the past 14 years? Another important fact is that Sister #2 understands little (I mean nothing) of the game. Sister #1 takes full advantage and waits for the perfect pass to head towards Sister #2. She swiftly races in between the ball and Sister #2. The interception is made and a jog to the end zone guarantees her team another day of winning in 2nd period p.e. I have never laughed so hard when hearing the recap of the day. The two sisters are truly great story tellers especially at the expense of the other1

It is so nice to see the Howell-utionary War coming to a close (I hope). The Tale of Two Sisters continues, but maybe at least we are heading to a season of peace! (Until time to get ready of school in one small bedroom and bathroom)

Sisters - Homecoming Week 2010


Note: Pictures to come!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

What's Your Legacy?

I've really spent this Summer thinking a lot about this question. I spent six weeks doing the Summer Siesta Bible study online. We studied Kelly Minter's, Ruth. It walked through the loss, love and legacy that encompasses the story of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi.



I've been fond of Ruth before this study. I always looked at her dedication to her Mother-in-Law as admirable. I had memorized Ruth 1:16. You know all the stuff you get in church. I must admit that I unfolded the book of Ruth to find new layers and new loves.

I think this question resonated with me so much because my Honey (grandfather) had been writing a book about his faith journey. It basically was a request of his children and grandchildren that he record his life for us. His legacy -if you will.


The book was printed this Summer. I am so excited to know that my children will have the opportunity to read the details of his life. They are so blessed to know this 91 year old man. He is a man of faith who has seen a lot of life's ups and downs. He has lived a life full of integrity, and that is something I want them to know. I want our children and grandchildren to know their legacy.

In the last week of study, Minter focused on the legacy part of Ruth's story. She told the story of her Grandfather who was a rear admiral in the Navy. She mentioned that he had given his whole life to the Navy. Minter realized after his funeral that if she were going to leave a noble legacy that she would have to give her "whole life to the Lord". This statement made me think. My Honey has spent 91 years doing this. He continues to build that legacy.

Minter lead us in the last week in a study of the legacy of Boaz. His mother was Rahab, a prostitute. Boaz lived a long life single then met and became Ruth's kinsman redeemer. They bore a son Obed who was the father of Jesse who was the father of David. And the line carries all the way to Jesus.

How awe inspiring to think that God could use us no matter our flaws or past. He used Rahab to carry a line of faithfulness to give birth to our REDEEMER...Jesus. God is so creative!

My Honey told a long story of a life of following Christ. I am sure there were times of doubt, discouragement, questions, but he recorded for us a LEGACY. Our family story of faithfulness.

I have thought of the question many times since finishing the study and his book. What is my legacy that I'm leaving? It makes me ask myself, but I also want to ask you....What is your legacy? I hope I can have a faith journey that others want to read.

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