Introductions

In order to know someone, it is typically considered proper to ask their name, occupation, education, and maybe a favorite color or pastime. If you really want to get to know them, you'll ask them their plans for the future or how they see their lives progressing from here forward.

While that information is all well and good, I would suggest to you that to know someone really really well, you have to have at least a baseline understanding of their family and those closest to them. Today, that's who you will be meeting!

Dad is a thoughtful, gentle, caring man whom I love dearly. He leads our family with care and excellence, and has given us a wonderful example of a Father's roles and what kinds of expectations to have of men. He cares and loves deeply, does his best at everything he does, loves to run, bike, and be active. He enjoys reading and laughing. He has a contagious laugh... and he's funny. He teaches us how to perfect our skills and be better at everything we do. He supports us in what we enjoy, and encourages us to finish what we don't. Directionally challenged would never ever ever be used to describe him, and even after he has a place "figured out" he enjoys exploring and finding new ways to get places. One day, he's going to live on a plot of land with a Great Dane named Guthrie.

Mom is a strong woman who loves to plan, explore, and schedule. She always pulls together the coolest trips for us to go on, finds out all the best places for us to go, and makes it happen at an affordable cost. She loves and cares well for her family, and makes sure that we always have someone to talk to if we need it. She values family above most things, and makes the effort to care for and stay in contact with both family members as well as close friends. She is a great writer, and had the patience to homeschool her three children for about ten years. She is the loudest person yelling from the sidelines at our sporting events, and the first one to congratulate us when we come off the field. One day she will compile all the things she's written and publish a book worth buying.

Yeah, they're pretty great.

This is my first sister, Lauren. She is a sports fanatic, super athletic, and talented. When she's not crushing others at sports, she amazes us through her artistic talents. She thrives on adventure, and her relationships with others. She has a great sense of humor, and cares deeply for others, especially her friends who are hurting. She's spunky, and easily bonds with children (of all ages). She expresses her emotions through her art, and it is simply stunning. She is a movie fan, and can quote back to you any one-liner from a movie after only watching it once. She loves to give and to make others happy. Although you'd never know it, she lives her life with a broken back. The way that she always gives 100% of her effort to everything she does, you'd never know she ever felt pain. One day, she will be a crazy old cat lady, and she'll love it.

My youngest sister, Zoe, is one person that thinks deeper than many other people I know. She loves her alone time, and will go so far as to lock her door to keep Lauren and me out. She enjoys reading, writing, talking with friends, and processing various ideas and thoughts. If she does not get enough sleep, she actually becomes physically sick. She enjoys exploring and writing about her adventures. She loves people dearly, and makes a strong effort to let them know that they are loved. She enjoys writing letters, but loves receiving them even more. She gives her all in everything she does, wether that be studying, reading, writing, sports, planning, speaking, or whatever. One day she will own a typewriter and only communicate with people through physical paper.

"This is Austin; he is a dork." -Austin. He is my editor, best friend, and collage survival buddy. He enjoys soccer, running, reading, and spending time getting deep with friends. He has a huge heart for people, and is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met. He always sees the good in people. He is fluent in both Spanish and English, and tries his best to use that skill to connect with more people. He has an uncanny ability to recognize people in all different kinds of situations. He is a deep thinker, and searches out deepness in relationships with others. His motivation to do and be the best that he can at everything he does is nothing short of inspiring. He is a great motivator and encourager in tough times. One day, he will be a cute old man riding his bike down the beach as he watches the sun fade into the distance.

While I am sure that the pictures of these gems I have painted are fantastic, they are human. They all have their flaws and downfalls. However, the most important point about each one of them is that they love the LORD with every fiber of their being. Each one of them has sought out His will in everything. They all value HIS desire and plan for their lives above their own, and love HIM with all that they are.

They are all great examples for me to emulate and learn from as I seek to do the same in my life. They all have their struggles and their downfalls, but their greatest strength is that they come back from each thing stronger and seeking after the Lord even more.