Extraordinary Blessings: Happy Birthday, Ry Guy!!

Happy Birthday, Ryan Paul! You've blessed me more than you could ever know. 

On March 6, 1995, I received a title that I've cherished deeply ever since. Ryan, you were the first to give me the honor of being a "big sister," and I am so so thankful that God placed you in my life. 

What a journey these last seventeen years as siblings has brought us! 

Perhaps a highlight reel is in order? 

In the last 17 years we have: 

+Welcomed two more Billman children into our family (and certainly showed them who the bosses were ;)

+Made countless forts and created millions of make-believe scenarios in our back yard 

+Prayed with Emily outside in the snow as she accepted Jesus

+Worked on countless math problem sets and papers (ok...maybe those weren't highlights...let's just stick with "learning experiences") 

+Rocked it out on PC Swim team together 

+Survived two big moves

A lot of times, people think that it's the little sibling that's supposed to look up to the older one, but truth be told, you are the one who should be admired in this relationship. I watch the steadfast love that you continually demonstrate to your friends...and I want to be a friend like that. 

I watch the way you approach life, easygoing and carefree, "sucking the marrow out of life" to quote you're favorite Thoreau (ha)...and I long to find joy like you, in even the most mundane. 

I listen to a room burst with uncontainable laughter (my own eye pouring out tears as I, too, laugh until I can no longer breathe) at your witty and timely humor...and I want to be around your contagious personality for hours upon hours.  

With fascination, I observe the ease and fluidity with which you recite mountains of information about Anatomy or History...and I think to myself, "This kid must certainly be a genius." 

I listen intently, as you vividly describe an experience or conversation related to faith and God...and my heart beats a little faster because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will do amazing things for Jesus. 

Ryan, you are an absolute gift to this world: to our family, to your friends, and especially to me. I would love to claim that I "taught" you a lot of the things that you know, like a good big sister should, but the truth is that you have had so much more to teach me. Thank you for showing me how to live big, love hard, and enjoy the moments God has given me. Thank you for having a zest for life that beckons me away from my seriousness and not-so-sociability. Thank you for years of unconditional love that only a little brother can give. 

You are so so loved, Mr. Ry Guy! Cherish this day as we all celebrate 17 years of your life!! 

Happy Birthday!! 

Extraordinary Blessings: Who is it today?

The extraordinary blessing series continues!

I've had a bit of a dilemma, so before you think I'm completely jipping the other members of my immediate family, just know that Ry-guy and my momma will be getting "their own" posts, on their birthdays coming up next week. Miss Emily Kay got her "shout out" here; check it out to see what a gem this sweet girl is! 

So who do you get to read about in today's post?? 

Hmm...it was a tough decision ;) but I think we're gonna have to go with this guy! 

Mr. AJ Yunker.  

I'll try to condense the mush for you, but I'm not promising some won't sneak in ;) 

AJ, for those of you who aren't aware, is basically the best boyfriend that has ever walked the face of this earth...oopsies, let the mushy stuff sneak in already...darn. 

Seriously, though, talk to AJ for five seconds and you'll see it too. 

He has a fierce determination to accomplish anything set on his plate and a work ethic that knows no limits--not criticism, not crazily early mornings and tiring late nights, not an already full schedule. This determination applies to academics (he's a real smarty pants, let me just tell you!), his job with MSU's football team, and so much more. If AJ says it'll happen, it's going to happen, and you can count on that. AJ is as dependable as they come, never willing to compromise any commits that he has made. I'm inspired each day by his tenacity in making goals become a reality. Everything that AJ has accomplished in his life (believe me, the list is lengthy) has been earned by his own hard work. What a blessing to be daily challenged by this diligent worker!

Probably the thing I admire most about AJ is his love for God. I love his thirst for Biblical knowledge and for practical application in his life. I love that I am running this race of faith with someone who isn't afraid to ponder the tough questions, who is running fast after God, and who is a great encouragement to my own walk with God. 

There are so many things we have to learn from our close relationships, and my relationship with AJ is no exception. From him, I've learned many things, including: to find my value in who God created me to be; to never give up in an argument; and to march to my own beat and do what's right for me. 

AJ is...

A confidant for when my frustrations exceed tolerable levels. A reality check for when I feel like the weight of the orphans' burdens are heavy on my shoulders. A challenge for when I try to give up on something...again.  A source of joy as I'm reminded daily that we serve a sovereign God with impeccable timing who has woven our stories together in a topsy-turvy but oh so perfect way.

Thank you, Abba Father, for the way You have crafted my life with the utmost care. Thank you for bringing AJ into my life at exactly the right time, and thank you for the ways he continually blesses me. Again, I stand astounded at Your mighty work, both in his life, in my life, and in our relationship together.  

Extraordinary Blessings: The "Baby" Turns 12!!

Well, I had planned on talking about my momma as the next "Extraordinary Blessing," but since it's Mr. Owen's birthday today, let's go a little out of order :)

My "baby" (gasp...I don't think I can call him that anymore) brother is 12 today!! 12?!?! How is this even happening??

This boy is an absolute treasure. He was/is the perfect completion to our family.

On the exterior, Owen is as "boy" as they come. He has seemingly boundless energy, loves to play sports, refuses to wear anything but sweat pants, and enjoys getting dirty.

His athletic skills are astounding! For right now, this superstar has narrowed himself to lacrosse and football, and man is he good at both. His hard work in each sport has earned him much success, although you might not know it because (as he's learned from his daddy) Owen is quite humble.

There is something you might not immediately guess about Owen, that is until you talk to him for about two seconds. This boy has a preciously tender heart. Just as an example...there is a little boy in his class that has autism, and do you know who reaches out to this boy? My sweet Owen man. And this year when we went to downtown Columbus to give meals for Thanksgiving, do you know who was so clearly touched? O-man. The compassion in Owen's heart for others is so apparent in his actions; I just love it!

I also think that brewing under the surface, Owen shares with me in a heart burdened for orphans. He and my mom are reading Kisses from Katie every night before he goes to bed, and he also reads Katie's blog with my mom. And this is by choice not force. Maybe some day Owen will even want to move to Africa with me? Just a thought... ;)

Owen is also tremendously resilient. A lot of things in his life have not come easily, and yet he keeps on keeping on. Last year and this year alone, he has made huge accomplishments that I am so incredibly proud of. Way to go, buddy!

In years to come, I cannot wait to see what God does with this hard working, resilient, compassionate, God-loving boy. It's been a sweet 12 years with this guy in my life; he truly is an extraordinary blessing

Lord Jesus, thank you for blessing my life with Owen Matthew. Thank you for his tender heart and resilient spirit. We know that you have great plans for the next years of Owen's life.

Happy Birthday, Owen man! You are dearly loved!

Extraordinary Blessings: Daddy Billman

Sometimes when I think about all of the blessings in my life, little tears gather up in the corner of my eyes. How is it that I've been given all of this?

I think sometimes thankfulness seems elusive to us. We look at our current circumstances and say, "Well, what on earth do I have to be thankful for? I feel like everything in my life is falling apart. I'm stressed, but unmotivated to do the hard work. I'm tired, but my burdens don't allow me to rest. I just can't be thankful, no matter how hard I try."

Frequently, this is my lament. I just can't be thankful, but then there is a gentle nudge. "Ellie, look at everything I've given you. How can you not be thankful?"

Caught red-handed. My excuses for discontent and unthankfulness bear no weight in front of the mighty blessings of my Father God.

In an effort to help myself remember the blessings, and possibly as a gentle nudge for you to remember yours, I'm going to start a series of posts called Extraordinary Blessings. In these, I'd love to describe to you some of the greatest blessings in my life.

Let's start with the Big Kahuna, oldest and wisest of my immediate family, Daddio Billman.

This guy. Yeah, that handsome one below.

To call my dad a blessing in my life is quite an understatement. 

He is all things wise. A gentle giant. The peacemaker. An excellent communicator. 

He leads our family as a man of God and has imparted much spiritual wisdom into our lives. I've watched him model a life of integrity, humility, and unwavering faith in God. He's directed me in the way of the Lord, and without his (and my mom's) example, my relationship with God would be a lot different.

This man, my dad, is as hardworking as they come. Each success has been earned with perseverance, sacrifice, and fearless determination. Yet, as successful as he is, my dad is the most humble man I've ever met. He never boasts about his achievements, rather giving glory to God. 

We share many similar traits, and because of that, my dad very easily understands where my head is. He knows just what to say to make things "all better." We also share in a love for biking, reading, moleskin notebooks, ice cream, Starbucks, deep conversation, and blueberries. 

Throughout my life, he's done just what a father is supposed to do. As a young girl, he was my prince, the excitement of my day when he came home from work. In my awkward middle school years, he loved me for who I was, even when I felt ugly and unlovable. In high school, he encouraged me to pursue "what's right for me" and cheered on the sidelines of millions of swim meets, lacrosse games, cross country and track meets. Now, as a college student, he's supportive of my academic pursuits (after convincing me to not skip college and move to Africa). 

Thanks, Daddy, for being a rock for our family, for showing all of us the way of the Lord, for encouraging us to pursue our goals, and for, well, just being you. 

Second to my Father in heaven, of course, you are the greatest dad any girl could ask for. 

You are a great blessing! 

   

163 million reasons

163 million reasons to go...

Will you make a difference for one?

Dear Rosie

Dear Rosie,

I told some one about you today. In Spanish class, we were supposed to discuss with our partners one of the happiest moments of our lives. So I told them the story of how we met, how I saw you, the smallest of all the children, standing quietly and expressionless. I told them how I held your small body in my arms for hours. I told them how sad I was when I couldn't get you to smile or laugh. In telling this experience, my voice, in its already shaky Spanish, quivered as the emotions behind our story threatened to burst to the surface.

I continued with the story, and I'm sure they began to wonder, "How was holding a serious, saddened child in a field in the middle of Uganda one of the happiest moments of your life? Wouldn't this break your heart, more than make it happy?"

Well, truth be told, sweet Rosie, holding you as you refused to smile did sadden my heart. But the happy moment didn't come as you continued to stare blankly, simply nodding your head when I asked you how many balloons you held in your hand. The happy moment came when I tickled your tummy and a beautiful smile crept across your face. In that moment, your expression of joy (including a little giggle that escaped from your tightly pursed lips) made me so happy. To know that you felt loved in that moment still brings joy to my heart.

So, that was Spanish class today, Rosie. Another time to reassure my weary heart that waiting on God's timing, pursuing nursing here so I can heal kids across the globe, is worth it.

While I wait, I'll keep telling them all, my sweet friend; I'll tell them because you matter. You matter to Your Heavenly Father, and you surely matter to me.

Depraved Indifference: How much longer will we let it last?

Abba Father, 

Raise up in our hearts the desire to forsake our depraved indifference. Give us courage to step up as Your chosen ones; whether that be in raising awareness for the destitute and orphaned, financially supporting those who bring tangible care to Your precious children, or adopting these dear ones into forever families.  Any way and every way, use us, God, to bring Your restoration to a broken world. Thank you for being a God of hope, whose grace and mercy beckons us to share this message of love that You demonstrated by Jesus' death on the cross. 

Amen.