Thankful Thursday ... The Dolbees

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Dolbee Family

Adam, Brenda, Kayla, Kevin, and KC

I will admit, I was nervous about meeting the Dolbees. You see, Jerome and I had served in youth ministry since the dawn of the Jurassic Age. Ok, maybe not that long. But really, I think it was 10 years. And, when you are deeply involved in a ministry that long, it is very easy to think of it as your own. To put assumptions on the ministry that don't belong there. And, when the two previous pastors of said ministry are, in order, your closest friends and your brother, there is a certain attachment.

When we stepped down from the youth, I left a part of my heart there. I will always treasure teens. They have an energy that cannot be compared. I love them. But we knew it was time. But, in a sense, these were all my little brothers and sisters. And I wanted nothing but the best for them.


So, when we found out that Pastor Dwight had hired a Raiders fan to lead them, I knew it was time to pray. Hard.


Just kidding...sort of...


What a treasure this family has become, in just the short time they have been here. It was obvious from day one that God has called Kevin, Brenda, and the kids here to do an amazing work in this town's youth. They are real, they are honest, and they are willing to be in your face with God's truth. Exactly the combination, I believe, that will transform these young people.


Our growing friendship is proof that it is possible for all people to work together for the good of God's kingdom. I mean, seriously, a Raiders fan and a Broncos fan - as buddies? Who would have thought? But, really, this family is the genuine article.


Kevin and Brenda, I have completely fallen in love with. They are just real. There is nothing pretentious, nothing fake about them. Adam and KC are becoming like little brothers - it took them a grand total of 5 minutes to figure out all my pet peeves and use them against me! No, really, they are two wonderful young men who consistently bring a smile to my face. It is a joy to be around them. And Kayla, sweet Kayla. We have so much in common - the youngest child, Daddy's girls, football fans to the core. It is so fun and refreshing to be around her. And my children have fallen in love with her. Violet cannot wait to get to church so that Kayla will spoil her.


I see the vision God has given Kevin for these youth - the desire for them to escape average, to live the life God has called them to. And I'm getting excited. I cannot wait to see where these youth are headed, because Kevin and Brenda are training up a generation of world-changers, right here in our little church.


Thank you, Dolbees, for giving up so much of yourselves to obey God's call. I know it was not an easy decision to move here, and there have been times you have had to pay the price. Know that I am grateful. You are an amazing family.


And... P.S. GO BRONCOS!!!

Thankful Thursday ... The Quisenberrys

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Quisenberry Family

We first "met" the Quisenberry family when their son Ryan got married to the Saunders oldest daughter Abi. And by "met", I of course mean heard about this crazy family just like the Saunders with a bazillion kids who were all going to be in the wedding and were all bestest buddies with the Saunders kids. That kind of "met".


At that point, we had no idea just how God would weave this fabric together.


Right after the Saunders' home burned in January, these crazy kids came to stay with them and help. Because there were so many of them, they became "the Quiz kids". Man, they were fun to hang around. And, yes, when the Quisenberry and Saunders families get together, there are A LOT of teens. And it's such a blast! Again, no idea about the weaving.


Fast forward to this spring. At the church, we were facing the departure of 3 of our pastors. Seth & Maria were preparing to move to San Francisco, to launch a church. Megan & Benjie were preparing to move to Los Angeles to rejoin YWAM. Adam & Kristin were preparing to move to Fort Collins so that Adam could go to med school. Hmm... that left... the Saunders, and the Palmers. Interesting...weaving...


So, guess who God brought from Wydaho (the border of Wyoming and Idaho, in case you were wondering) this summer? Yup, the Quisenberrys.


And our lives were never the same.


A few weeks after they moved to town, we invited them to our house for dinner. I vividly remember Lori asking, "All of us? Are you sure? People don't normally invite all of us."


Well, they all came. Not all of them, actually. They only have six kiddos still at home - Josh, Steven, Anna, April, Ruth, and Drew. But still, our home was filled with the sounds of lots of kids that night. Luckily it was warm, so we could eat outside. But a bond was formed that night that I will treasure for the rest of my life.


Steve and Lori are so wise, warm, welcoming, humble, real, amazing. They are down-to-earth real people, no hint of pretension about them. Their children are respectful, helpful, gracious, treasured servants. When we were finished eating, all of the kids stood up and started clearing the table, washing the dishes, putting away the food. Without being asked. How many teens do you know that will do that?


On hard days, when my three-year-old patience-tester is really getting to me, I'll grab Lori. "Please tell me its worth it. Please tell me my kids can turn out like yours. Please tell me its worth the fight." And the look in her eyes, the gentle hug reminds me that it is.


What a blessing this family is. I wish I had more eloquent words to describe them, because blessing just isn't enough. They are a treasure. A treasure, prepared by God to minister to our church, and our family, for such a time as this. Thank you, Lord, for bringing us this amazing family. Thank you, amazing Quisenberry family, for being our pastors. Our teachers. Our children's teachers. Our friends.

Thankful Thursday... The Klines

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Kline Family

Jen, Josie (the baby), Bill, Toby, and Grace

There are those times in life. When you meet someone you know God meant for you to meet. Someone who "gets" you. Someone you would swear you were separated from at birth. If only they weren't just a few months older than you...ahem...





That's how Jerome and I felt when we met Bill & Jen. Bill is Jerome's ultimate sports buddy. Jen is my adopted, 80s-loving big sister. Their kids are some of the funniest, sweetest, coolest little monkeys I've ever met. Their heart as a family is to serve. It is so refreshing, and challenging, to see an entire family that places others above themselves simply because of their love for people.





It has been such a blessing to watch where and how God has called them. They moved to Durango four years ago. We met them, and knew them, as "Pete's sister and family". As we got to know each other more, the passion both Bill and Jen have for following Christ's heart became more evident. Every thing they do, they do in prayer first. We were honored to serve with them in youth ministry for a few years, then in children's ministry. They have touched many young people with their honesty, genuine love, and commitment.


In this last year, God called Jen to become our church's Children's Pastor. I am giddy to see how God is going to transform our church through her vision for the children. You can read a little bit about it here.


My awesome friends, I am thankful:

• God brought you to Durango, to our church, to our lives.
• you consistently seek and follow God's direction.
• you are willing to let down the guard and be real with people.
• you are people of integrity and honesty.
• you are so stinkin fun to be around! Even if Billy is the Rule Nazi...
• you have three awesome kiddos that bring so much joy to our lives.
• we can truly call you friends.

We love you guys!

Thankful Thursday...The Palmers

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Palmer Family

I vividly remember the first time I met Mark. Jerome and I were in high school, and he had been trying to convince me to go to Power Lunch. It was a free lunch sponsored by some of the local churchs for the high schoolers. Well, I finally went, and got to meet Mark. Little did I know what a huge impact this meeting would have on my life.





You see, I was not a Christian when we were dating. Not even close. I guess the best way to describe my "religious" persuasion was ... well... witchcraft, combined with a little demonic worship. But, Jerome and Mark prayed for me, trusting that God had a bigger picture for our relationship.



A year and a half after we started dating, I accepted Christ. I asked Him to heal me of the deep wounds, forgive me for rejecting Him, and to love me like no other man ever had. I know that Mark's tenacious prayers for me were instrumental in my salvation, because I could literally feel my walls slowly crumbling in the light of God's grace.



A few years later, when Mark and Jill married, I was given a gift beyond compare. The gift of a friend. It had been many years since I had a true girlfriend. A woman I could trust, who I could confide in, who loved me for me. Jill has become that and more for me.



Mark and Jill have served in many different areas in our church, in many different facets. But, in everything they do, they serve with humbleness, honesty, integrity, and love. It is evident in everything they do that they truly love our church and the people in it.



Anyone can make superficial relationships, and pretend like that is enough. It takes a true friend to push beyond the surface, to discover the core of a person's being. Mark and Jill are that. They love beyond what is seen, to what is needed. They are not afraid to speak the truth, but gently love people through their yuck.



Mark and Jill, you know how much I love you. You are a treasure and a gift to me. I am so grateful that God crossed our paths so many years ago, because I would not trade our relationship for the world. Thank you for all you do for our church, and us. Please know that it does not go unnoticed.

Thankful Thursday ... The Saunders

**October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are so blessed to have the pastoral staff that we do at our church. They are truly a gift from God. This month, each of my Thankful Thursday posts will feature one of these amazing families.**

The Saunders Family (only missing Abi & Ryan(son in law), Ty & Sarah(daughter in law), Autumn, and Jubilee)

Graham, Linn, Isaiah, Liberty, Elizabeth, Emma, Dwight, and Elijah

The Saunders came to us as senior pastors in 2004. There is something truly amazing about this family. They have given up everything of the flesh to pursue everything of God's heart. Dwight once had a successful law practice, but knew that God was calling him into full-time ministry. So, they obeyed and followed. They lead our church body with integrity, honesty, and compassion. They have challenged all of us to truly listen to God's heart, to follow His leading, to obey His calling.

On a personal level, they are one of the most fun families you will ever get to be around. You cannot help but laugh and smile when you are with them. Their joy is contagious! Each of their older children has learned how to serve, and serve graciously. Their younger children are treasures, bringing such light and humor to our lives.

There is not a shadow of doubt in my mind that, if needed, the Saunders would be at our family's side in an instant. When Violet was in the hospital, Dwight made a point of taking time to come and visit us. He brought her the sweetest little elephant (for the Republicans, of course) that she sleeps with to this day. He took time out of his day to minister to us. This is what they do every day, for countless people in our community, and around the world. Linn has a blog, A Place Called Simplicity, that God is using to reach thousands around the world. What an exciting venue God has opened for them - to preach, teach, and encourage in a tangible way through an intangible medium. If you have not read her blog, I highly encourage you. She is a woman gifted in wisdom and discernment from God.

They have agreed with us in prayer on many occasions, and have encouraged us as a mom and dad in the Lord. They have challenged our ideas of what is comfortable, what is necessary, what is the heart of God. They have mentored, counseled, and comforted. Basically, to steal a phrase, they are Jesus with skin on. Their hearts are to minister to the broken, the weary, the orphan, in all sense of the word. Their heart for orphans, and their example of bringing them into their forever families, is contagious. Because of their example, we are praying for the day we are able to bring home a child through adoption.

Saunders, thank you for following God's call to Durango. You are a blessing beyond words to our family, our church, and our community. You continually give and give, never asking for anything in return. I adore each and every one of you, because each of you reflects a different aspect of the Father. Thank you for giving your lives to His calling. It has not gone unnoticed.

For the Saunders...please pray!

I know I have a few "lurkers" and readers that do not follow our dear pastor Linn's blog. I have wanted to post about what has been going on this week, and to ask you to plead in prayer for them with me, but I simply did not know where to start. My heart is so heavy, and so hurting for this family, that I couldn't even begin to write.

Wednesday morning I received a call at 7:15 AM from Linn. When she answered, she was so hysterical I could barely understand her. Their home was on fire. She had gotten all the kids out of the house, but couldn't get diapers for the little ones. For those of you who do not know, they have 9 children, both by birth and adoption, with 6 of them at home. Her husband Dwight was about an hour away at a pastor's retreat. We live nearby, so as I quickly grabbed diapers, wipes, whatever I could think of, Jerome & the girls began praying.

The day was filled with frantic emails & phone calls as the news spread. Praise God, everyone is safe, but they believe they have lost most of their belongings. The damage to their home is extensive, but they believe it is repairable. They are now beginning the process of sifting through what is left of their belongings, a task I cannot even imagine.

And, when the timing couldn't be worse, their son Graham had to be rushed into emergency surgery yesterday for acute appendicitis. He is recovering well, but this dear family is beyond what they can handle. I know God's word says that He will not give us more than we can handle, but I can't imagine much more than this.

Two fellow bloggers, Lori and Lydsey, dear friends of the Saunders, have built a blog dedicated to updates about the family. They are also using this blog as a way for people to communicate how amazing this family is. You can go there for updates, and to leave encouragement for the family. They have also set up a ChipIn account for people across the nation and the world to be able to give to this family. Lurkers, this is the time to come out of hiding! This family could use all the support and prayer you can give. Please pray especially for the children - they are mourning the loss of their beloved possessions - blankies, stuffed animals, etc. Two of their precious family, Elizabeth & Elijah, just came home to them from Uganda right before Christmas.

Thank you, my dear friends & family, for lifting up this family with us.

In Honor of Our Pastors

While I was creating my "Thankful Thursday" list, I realized just how grateful I am for the pastors of our church - ALL OF THEM! Because, husbands & wives have to be a team in ministry for it to succeed. And these couples have succeeded! So, since I know that at least one member of each pastor household is a blog addict, I would like to take the time to honor each of them. I encourage you to do the same...

Pastor Dwight:

I cannot even begin to imagine the emotional & spiritual challenges you have faced on a daily basis since coming here. But, I am so grateful that you continue to face those challenges head-on, unafraid. You lead our church with passion, integrity, & committment. You have & continue to challenge our family to strive towards Christ and His calling for us. Thank you for preaching the truth, no matter what.

Pastor Linn:

Thank you for being transparent. You have shared so much of your life with us. You are who you are, in every circumstance. You don't beat around the bush, and you don't play games. You continue to challenge me to be consistent in my relationships, to give honor where honor is due, & to show respect to people, even when they may not deserve it. You have challenged me to look at myself through my Daddy's eyes, & I will forever be grateful for that revelation. You are amazing!

Pastor Seth:

I am so grateful you & Maria came to Durango with Dwight & Linn. You have challenged me to let go of my compulsive, organized side for a while & just go where the Spirit leads. You lead with passion & love. You are an encourager, constantly seeking to bring out the Spirit's gifts in people. Thank you for seeing the gifts in me. My heart is both overjoyed & broken to see you go to SF. I will miss serving with you, but I know you will accomplish great things there. Thank you for encouraging me to look beyond the walls of our church, & challenging me to serve, even when I may not "feel" like it.

Maria:

I love you, girlfriend! I really feel that God brought me a kindred spirit when you & Seth came here. You are an example of how to bring balance to relationships. You serve wherever you are needed, whenever you are needed. You have shown that, yes, women can be passionate about sports! Before you came, I thought I was the only one! You have taken all of the "God" surprises in your life, & thrived. I will miss you so much when you leave... Thank you for speaking the truth, even when it hurts. Thank you for enouraging me, & helping me to see God in EVERY circumstance!

Benjie:

Wow, what a joy you are to my life! You are a bringer of joy to everyone you meet. People cannot help but smile when they are around you. I have so much respect for the passion you show - you wear your heart for God & Megan on your sleeve! You have shown me that the only things you really need in this life are your relationships. I have watched you walk by faith in so many situations - you encourage my faith every day. You have challenged me to seek God everyday, in every place. Thank you for helping me see Him! And, by the way, the Lakers will never compare to the Suns!

Megan:

Thank you for becoming a prayer warrior. You have challenged me that prayer is so much more than most people realize - that an intimate, personal relationship build on trust & conversation is possible with the Ultimate Creator. Thank you for being willing to serve, wherever in the world God calls. Thank you for challenging me to follow my dreams, & to discover what those dreams are. You, like Benjie, are examples of faith giants to me. Seeing God provide in amazing ways for you, because of your faith, has encouraged me to trust my Daddy for those "faith mountains" in my life. I pray that my girls follow their Heavenly Daddy like you have - in absolute faith & trust!

Mark:

Oh Mark, my friend, my absolute opposite! Thank you for stealing me from Children's Ministry so many years ago. You sparked a passion for young people that I wish I could explain. You challenge me to think outside the box, to let go of myself & my desire for control, & to just have fun with life. Thank you for consistently hearing & following God, even when it didn't make sense at the time. Your "hat" at the church has changed a few times throughout the years, but your passion & commitment to God's people hasn't. Thank you for taking Jerome under your wing so many years ago, & not letting him go. You have helped to shape him into the man he is today, and in the future. You & Jill have challenged me to never give up, & to never lose hope. You have held Jerome & I up when we could not stand on our own. I am eternally grateful to God that He gave us such amazing friends & traveling partners for this journey.

Jill:

My sunshine, my friend, my challenger, my encourager, my JillyBean! I love you so much! You have seen the best in me, even when I couldn't. You have taught me so much about biblical counseling, prayer, accountability, true friendship, motherhood, life as a wife, life in ministry, integrity, etc., etc., etc. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I tried, in my times of depression, to push you away. Thank you for pushing harder. Thank you for loving me in my ugliest times & seasons. Thank you for "rejoicing when they rejoice, and weeping when they weep". You have been there for us, and me, no matter what. I pray that someday I am able to return to you even half of what you have given me.

Adam:

How far we have come! Thank you that, even when we didn't get along, we were able to love each other through Jerome. Thank you for loving & encouraging him. I, as a wife, can only do & say so much. The love of a brother is so strong! Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for listening to the calling of God on your life, & obeying. Your time as the youth pastor has encouraged & challenged me like no other time in my Christian walk. Your teaching & leading of the Well has pushed me to strive towards Christ with reckless abandon. You continue to challenge me in integrity, transparency, and honesty. You have pushed me to do things that were uncomfortable, but necessary for my growth. Thank you for getting me out of the kitchen, too! I wish I could convey in words what your leadership has meant for my walk - all I can say is that I am closer to God & more confident in His calling on my life now than I have ever been, and I know that a great portion of that has come from you. Thank you!

Kristin:

I had to save you for last, because I knew that if I started with you, I would be crying so hard (at work, no less) that I wouldn't be able to continue. I cannot express my gratitude to God for bringing you into Adam's life. I will never, as I have told you before, be able to forget the first description I heard about you, from Jerome. "I think I just met our sister-in-law". Jerome is not known for his immediate confidence in situations, so the fact that he said that spoke volumes to me. I know that Adam had started the journey back to God when you met, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that it has been your influence in his life that has led him this far. You have challenged us to seek God's plan for us, no matter what anyone else says. While we have had our challenges in our relationship, there is no doubt in my mind you will be there for us, no matter what. You have shown me that it is okay to say no, and to serve where God has called you. Thank you for continuing to serve on the worship team after Pax was born - what an example that children are a continuation of the ministry, not the end! Thank you for being my sister. Thank you for leading the youth with integrity, & encouraging the leaders to challenge students in their integrity. Thank you for not standing behind Adam, but alongside. Thank you for showing me what a strong woman in ministry looks like. Thank you for loving my children - there are few people on this earth that matter more to them than Uncle Adam & Aunt Dub! I love you, now & forever, my sister & friend!

Thank you, all of you, for what you do. You inspire, challenge, encourage, & lead me towards Christ every day. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I am grateful for all of you!