A Wall Of Remembrance

For many years I have been praying about my "memorial stones". After reading Hinds Feet in High Places, and being impressed about all those stones of remembrance she put in her pockets along life's journey to the high places, I desired to make a memorial for the Puebla Ponderosa to have to commemorate God's faithfulness to us.

So I had an idea. An idea of a remembrance wall. A place where we passed by daily and could take into our senses all that God has done and REMEMBER!  A place where my children can see visibly how God has rescued us and provided in amazing ways.

Just this week, life happened, and I walked over and read the past feats God accomplished in our lives and it encouraged me.

I knew I wanted the central point to be the journal pages from our family remembrances over the last 20 years. I printed them out on parchment paper, burned the edges and mounted them on a canvas that I painted. I then lacquered them.

Obviously, the "P" signifies the Puebla Ponderosa.

At first, when I was putting this wall together in my mind, I wanted the word "faithfulness" etched on something. But as time went on, I realized God's faithfulness wasn't changing, but our remembering to remember was. So my hubby cut out individual pieces of wood that I stenciled the letters to read "remember".

After we were married, I cross stitched our vows. I was determined to make this part of our wall of remembrance. These covenants were vital to the Ponderosa. God is the sustainer of all. He is the reason we exist.

Of course, pictures had to be part of the wall. I took a day a few weeks ago, to reminisce. If I am like each of you, I have gobs and gobs of pictures. If you were a fly on the wall of my heart you would have seen tears and heard laughter; sensed regret, and felt leaps of joy. Moments of treasured days have slipped away. It was good to remember in this way.

I strived to choose pictures that were integral parts of our lives for the past 20 years. 

Next, I had seen a beautiful piece of craftiness on pinterest with scrabble letter tiles. So I arranged our names and added an important dimension that has knit our family as one. A family from many backgrounds into a beautiful picture of art.

Before, Christmas last year I was given a creative chalkboard from this amazing online store. Each week we take turns writing what we are thankful for. My littlest had the last go round...in modern lingo...bff's...that's what she is thankful for.

Lastly, I knew I wanted Scripture that reminded us how this wall came to be and to Whom we give glory for His faithfulness. The Lord has encouraged us to be strong and to be still.

So, there you have it. I pray these displays are forever etched in our hearts. I encourage you to find that arena in which to carry your memorial stones. 

Much love from the Puebla Ponderosa

Justice and Mercy

God met us today in a big way. (There were critical decisions made regarding "Hoss'" future.)

He is the perfect balance between justice and mercy. At the cross, this is most vividly seen. 

As we go through this trial and valley with "Hoss", we are truly coming to realize the Perfect Father's love for His own adopted children. At times, I thought all hope was gone and was so tempted to give up on my boy/man.

Thank God for grace.

Thank God for mercy. 

Thank God for redemption.

I am also reminded of this: "For this child I prayed. And God answered."

I am also struck at God's amazing provisions. My hard working husband has been giving an abundance of side work. And today, we received a check for overpayment from the hospital that "Hoss" was at last summer when he broke his hand after bull riding. Can't remember ever a time when that happened!

God is good all the time!

How God Used a Bull...

I'm thinking this might be a book you hear about in the future.


God is doing some amazing things here at the Ponderosa, as well as where our boy-man is, Agape Boarding School in Missouri.


The last two months have been tumultuous. The valley has been very low, full of shadows and lingering failures. Communication was cut off for a while with "Hoss". We didn't know for how long. We cried tears daily that he would surrender fully to the Master and Creator of his life. We continue to pray. We struggle to believe. And yet, God slams us with His grace in amazing ways.


July 3rd, "Hoss" attempted bull riding for the first time during Agape's first rodeo of the year. When he fell off, the bull stepped on his left hand, breaking a bone. I wondered what God was up to...


Last Saturday, an Agape Mom (currently has a son at the school) posted on the website that she felt impressed to set aside a time that night for all the parents that could to pray for our family. I was in awe. Next thing I knew I had a private message from another mom that confirmed this was the Lord. She said she couldn't stop thinking about Josh for a couple days and was in awe, herself, when Mom #1 posted the request. I was in awe and many tears again. Little did we know we would be able to call "Hoss" the next day for the first time in too long. A good conversation.


Tuesday, July 1oth, he went to an Orthopedic Surgeon to determine if surgery is needed since the bones have shifted. They are waiting one more week, added a splint to two fingers to see if they will self correct. He will go back in Tuesday, July 17th for another x-ray to determine if surgery is needed. 


Needless to say, this Mommy's heart is broken, so wanting to be with him, not knowing if this is what he really wants. God continues to lavish grace through these hours and astound me.  I am given permission to call "Hoss" daily, normally only allowed once every other week, and am told that I can come help take care of my boy.  


So, I ask the Lord, "Is this possible?" I don't think you'll be surprised by the answer. I am headed to see my boy next Wednesday, the 18th. God has provided above and beyond anything I could every imagine. (I find myself saying this many times...so it shouldn't surprise me anymore, but it does...O, Me of little faith.) Food, boarding, transportation; He's worked it all out. I am forever grateful to my God, who uses the body of Christ to be His hands and feet.


I know God is at work in my lamb's heart, too.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

God has provided what we needed for our son. He is able to stay at Agape Boys Ranch. Our months will still be living by faith, but our hearts are content as the future of the one we love is now secure. We are thankful to those who are loving on our son; taking our place while we love him from afar. They have made a decision to allow him to stay and had favor on us as well.

Thank you for your prayers.

God gives grace for each moment of each day.

Praise be to our Father and Master.

Angel?!?

Summer, at the Puebla Ponderosa, was a turbulent one. But amidst all the undoings, there were some nuggets that occurred that reminded us of our Father's love. This story is one of them.

The number kept showing up on caller i.d.: Christian Care. You see, we are part of a medical share program that takes the place of insurance. It has been a blessing. This summer, when "Hoss" had to be taken to Agape Boarding School, we contacted them to make sure he would still be able to be covered out of state and out of our home. Since this is a Christian Ministry, they prayed with "Mr. Cartwright" over the phone for our son.

After that initial phone call, someone from their office continued to call and I was never able to get to the phone in time. He kept leaving messages like: "This is _________, from Christian Care. I am the chaplain here and would like to pray with you concerning your son. Finally, "Mr. Cartwright" called him back and was astounded at the conversation. This man, who also happened to be adopted, (providence?) gave his testimony to my husband of his own rebellion and issues of being adopted. He encouraged "Mr. Cartwright" greatly that day and left the conversation with, "Our God is a great God and has great things for your son. I will take this on personally to pray for him and bring him before the throne of grace."

Since then "Mr. Cartwright" has tried to reach him. He was told, "We don't have a ________ that works for us."

We firmly believe that God sent this precious man that day to uplift us in our grief and pain. We continue to try to find out who he is....God knows!