Today I am feeling lots of emotions, which I know is good. I want to talk about the fire, infact I hardly can talk about anything else. I remember this happening with the tornado. My heart is just so sad.
I loved my little log cabin. It was so, so, so sweet and I wish so badly that every single one of you, my bloggy friends, could have come, from around the world and that you could have seen it, walked around in it, and enjoyed it.
It was me.
I had been “simplifying” for a long time, so really, I had only kept my very most favoritest things. Most everything had been sold to help bring babies home, but I had kept my treasures. It was hard yesterday as I looked some of my favorite things, all melted or burned or covered with nasty soot that smells putrid. Hard to throw them in the garbage bag, but really not able to be kept. They were the last remaining treasures of mine. So I left them there for now. They are reminding me that I did have some special things, even if they are barely recognizable.
I had always wanted to live in a log home. I had dreamed about it for years. There was something very simple sounding about living in a log home. When we sold our big beautiful home on the Canyon I was so excited to be moving to a little log home. It felt like it was such a gift from the Lord.
And our little log home, all 2,011 feet of it had precious memories scattered through out. Memories of our lives and 30 years married. Memories of our kids growing up. It wasn’t fancy, but it was probably best described as cozy and inviting. I love that it was heated with wood and that it was tucked in and couldn’t be seen from the road. I loved my new staircase and I loved my remodeled kitchen and bathroom. It had favorite colored goldish walls. I had snowshoes that I had given Dw a few years ago up on a ledge. They lended to the lodgey/mountain feel. It was safe feeling. It was our refuge. It was home.
I want to share with you some of the pictures I took yesterday of Elizabeth and Elijah’s room.
This is the hallway leading down to their room. Their doorway is an immediate left in the picture. The laundry room door is on the right a bit farther down at the end. The door straight ahead leads to the garage. Yes, the floor caved in at the end of the hall…..
Elijah and Elizabeth’s door…..
Elijah and Elizabeth’s room….that charred wall is the log wall exterior and it is the front of the house….
This where Elijah’s crib was….and to the left is where Elizabeth’s crib was….and the floor is caved in under Elijah’s…..
What remains of Elijah’s crib……
Elizabeth’s Crib Mattress…..
Oh your sweet heart….praying for you. Praying you are able to rest and have peace as you go about your day. So thankful your family is safe…and will continue to be safe in His arms.
Oh my, these pictures are heartwrenching! I can’t imagine what all of you are feeling. It more than I can get my mind around.
Praise God that His timing was perfect and all of you were able to escape without physical injury (or worse.)
I continue to pray throughout the day and night. May God hold and carry each of you through all the days ahead.
I love you!
Those pictures are so shocking. You could definately tell that the devil hated poor Elijah and Elizabeth, their room was absolutely charred. I will continue to pray for you and the family as you go through this unbelievably hard time.
In Christ,
Brittne
Gosh Linn – those pictures just say it all! I had a chance today to listen to your podcast from Sunday and the raw emotions from both of you just touched me so much. I was again brought to tears by your story. Still praying here in Alabama!
DawnS
Oh Linn, I feel your pain in your posts and cry for you often. I pray for you constantly. Your family is in our every thought. We will continue as a world to lift your family in prayer. God be with you all.
Those pictures… wow! In tears, I have to say praise our Lord for that smoke alarm and it alarming you in time to get those babies out.
Praise the Lord that you didn’t wait 5 minutes to get out of there!
Praise His Holy name!
sherri
My heart is aching for you and my eyes are crying. I am so thankful that God gave you that pesky alarm panel to get you out of the house when you did. And (referring to a couple of posts ago) you are exactly right with Satan hating you and your faith and your fight and llove for the orhpans… the damage done to elijah & elizabeth's room is proof. Satan, though, is being pounded and beat upon by all of our prayers to the Lord. I wonder if God is looking at Satan, with a smirk on his face, saying "See? I told you they will always love and trust in me. You cannot take my children from me."?
You are still in my prayers when I wake in the middle of the night.
Wow.. wow. wow.wow.wow.WOW! Those pictures say it all. WOW. How my heart hurts for you… but I take comfort in knowing he IS the same yesterday. tOday. and Tomorrow. Praise God for the his protection. Praise God you did NOT take 5 minutes longer. Praise God that your boatload of kiddos, each and everyone of them , is safe and sound.
Love you girl!
Amie
Linn, my heart breaks for you…I am SO thankful that you are all physically okay, and I pray that you will heal emotionally. I know a part of you lifted up towards the Heavens with the smoke that day. The pictures are sobering, I am praying daily that you get everything you need to rebuild your cabin and make it a new favorite place, not to replace the old favorite place, but to give you that same feeling of security and comfort that you had before. I pray that the pain will be helped by more room for more babies!!! Hugs, Sherrie
Linn (and family) – To see the pictures and read your earlier post, I am so thankful to our awesome God for saving all of you! Only HE could overcome the evil that was sent to your beautiful home. My prayers continue for the whole family, but especially for you Linn – that you may find some sense of peace and rest as you deal with all of this. May you feel God’s arms around you and the angels protecting you every minute of the day. Hang in there.
Thankfully that the most important treasures are stored up in Heaven. Elijah and Elizabeth are 2 more treasures you will be rejoicing in Heaven with someday, and so will all of your children who know Christ. I have learned to simplify my life to be able to bring home more chilren also, and it is so much more rewarding than anything else. I know I would miss the precious memories if they were burned. Hang in there, through all the heartache and pain God has something wonderful for you. He always brings beauty from ashes.
I’m sure you have heard this all before, but I just want you to know that I am praying for you and for God to bring peace to your heart and to help you get through this difficult time.
God Bless
Denise Mom of 5
in Michigan
Praise God you are all safe! Hugs from all of us!
Linny, I just prayed today that God would give you strength and that just maybe you would find some small treasure amongst the rubble. As I thought of what to say to you I was reading your poem “I would gather children” and I see that you truly were given the greatest treasure. After seeing those pictures there is nothing but God that can explain the fact that all of your lives were spared. To God be the Glory! My son lost a precious young friend today in a terrible car accident and we were once again reminded of what is really important in this life. I know how hard a fire is, we went through it a few years ago with my mom, but I rejoice with you that you came out with the greatest treasures of all – Your faith and family!
Suzette
So sad for your loss, but thanking God that He kept your sweet babies safe.
Blessings,
Sarah
Praise God! You all are alive!! God is good, So Good. I am so sad that you lost your memorabilia, but, so happy you all live! Still praying for you all!
I cannot imagine losing everything in a fire or tornado. My heart goes out to you and your precious family. You are special people to care for orphans so much. May God Bless you with a new log cabin one day. I have you in my prayers.
I’m speechless and in tears. I’m reminded as I see this just how good God is in that he nudged you to get that smoke detector fixed. My heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of your treasures. I know how much they mean, especially when it comes to the treasures of our children. You continue to be in my prayers. Loads of love from up Manitoba way.
~carol
Praying for your dear, sweet family. There are no words that can explain how sorry I am to see this. God bless and keep you all!
Wendy in Kentucky
Oh Linn,
My heart is aching for you and your family. I am just so sorry. I am hopelessly sentimental so I can only begin to imagine what it would be like to lose those things that have so much heart value…
As I see those pictures though, I am so thankful that you and your sweet ones were so protected.
Sending BIG Hugs,
Sharla
The pictures and your words just leave me breathless… I so praying for your family… and I am so sorry… talk about it as much as you want, and as long as you want…. we are here… be blessed. be blessed. be blessed.
I am heartsick at the pictures.
And a bit angry.
Look at just how badly the enemy did not want you to be bringing Elizabeth and Elijah to a safe harbor in a family. Funny thing though – he couldn’t touch what is really keeping them safe… the hand of the Almighty who has lovingly placed them in your care.
Thank you for sharing… I know it’s good to talk when you want to – and to tell everyone else to quit talking when you don’t want them to 🙂 We love you, friends.
Praying for you guys as you continue to go through this process. I was reading Isaiah 61 and verses 1-3 jumped out at me as some encouragement for you.
Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD’s Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
A crown of beauty instead of ashes . . . a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Your family – your faith and your future are a display of His splendor. Love to all of you.
I cannot even imagine what you are all going through! I am praying and lifting you up daily. I am so blessed to be here for you (even if it is through cyberspace) as you sort through belongings and emotions. May God continue to hold your hand as you walk this out!
God Bless You All–
Michelle Webster
Whidbey Island, WA
Linny, these pictures are so sad but they really speak volumes about how lucky you and all your babies were. My husband is a fireman and I know that these kind of smoldering fires are the worst because they smolder for hours and then can flare up with out warning. I shudder everytime I think about you being in that house for all that time. We are still in China but leave tomorrow. We are ready to bring our little girl home! David, my son, has been sick the last few days with a fever and I know he wants to be home too. Our sweet dog Lucy did pass on while we were gone. She would not eat after we left and she was too old to be able to handle it. We are so heart broken that we were not with her and wonder what she must have thought. I think your Lucy and my Lucy are frolicking together at this moment!!! I am thinking about you constantly and feel very helpless. Please know I am thinking of you and praying for you!!!!
Love and hugs, Kathie
Linny, these pictures are so sad but speak volumes about how lucky you and your babies were. My husband is a fireman and knows that these kind of smoldering fires are the worst because they can flare up at any moment. I shudder when I think about how long you were in that house while the fire was probably smoldering! We are in China but leave tomorrow. We are ready, Daivd, my son, is sick with a fever and just wants to be home. He is being such a trooper. I can’t wit to bring Sierra home to family and friends. Our dog Lucy did die while we were away. She is now frolicking with your Lucy. We are heart broken over the loss. I am paying for you and your family but feel so helpless. More when we get home!!!
Love and hugs,
Kathie
Oh Linn,
I am so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers unceasing.
With Much Love,
Amy
Praying for you all! Hugs, on my behalf, from all of us at Cross Bar X Youth Ranch.
Sweet Linny- I am so sorry that you have to go through this… After essentially losing our home I know what you mean-a home is so important for everyone the kids and the adults- it is your refuge, a place to relax and take a deep breath. God bless you dear sweet momma to many- you can do this- hang in there-bless you, bless you.
Thinking of you,
Jean
Oh my—these are absolutely heartbreaking. I just cannot imagine how hard it must be for you to see your lovely little log home like this. I wish I could just make it all better.
Linny—I look at these pics and am soooooo absolutely grateful that the Father rescued you ALL!!! Satan’s intentions were so obvious—BUT OH GOD IN HEAVEN! So amazing—He still has so much that He NEEDS you to do, sweet friend. The evil one got your house—but he did NOT get your lives, your passions, your hopes, your dreams and ALL that is within you! He so did not get the victory. The battle belonged to the Lord. I know your heart is aching—we’re here to hold up your arms.
Love and hugs
Adeye
Linn, The pictures are so hard to look at from bloggyland. I can not imagine being there as a witness to my own home burning in flames. All the what-ifs that are ravaging through your mind! You know that you are in my constant prayers! Love ya sista!
What a blessing that Kyle fixed that smoke alarm! We never know sometimes how God uses something rather insignificant like a visit from the handyman to work miracles. Still praying for your healing.
What a blessing that Kyle fixed your smoke alarm! We don’t always know at the time how God can use something seemingly insignificant like the visit from the handyman to work great miracles. Still praying for your healing!
Oh Linn, My eyes well up with tears just looking at those pictures 🙁 Those sweet babies must have a mighty mission for God! Praise God that He chose for them just the right family and that you all were obedient to that calling. It is so clear that God was the one to remove all of you from satan’s plan. What a mighty God we serve. We are praying! Blessings, Lisa C.
Unreal. That about sums it up.
Still praying for you, my friend.
Ah, sweetie! You just go ahead and tell us whatever you need to. Maybe by hearing and seeing, we can help carry a little of this very heavy load! We love you and yours SOOOO much!
Hugs, love and prayers…Nancy (ShaoXi’s mama)
Linny,
As you spoke of how you wished we all could have seen your little log cabin, I thought that we all HAVE been there. You have spoken so often of this home, your writings are so describtive, that I feel, as I am sure others do, that I have been invited in and have had the full tour. So we all can understand what you are missing as you mourn your loss.
I pray that the Lord holds you and your family in the palm of his hand as you struggle through this hard time.
Janelle
Wow. A picture is worth a thousand words, I guess. The devastation must be unbearable; I cannot imagine. We pray for you daily, and we wait with hopeful hearts to see all the good that will eventually, somehow, come of all this. Just so very happy daily that all of you got out safely, and as I see the pictures, I am humbled and ever grateful to Him for getting you all to safety.
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH
Goodness me. There are no words. Just old fashion hugs and prayers.
Every memory I have of your sweet little log home is one of comfort and coziness…I can remember being there for tea with the staff wives; eating dinner with all the staff and your family; playing pirate bingo; laying Pax down on Emma’s bed for a nap when he was jsut tiny….my heart aches for you all right now. I can only imagine how much greaving you are doing for your home-more than a home-a place where love and memories lived. I hope you know how much we love you all, are praying for you all, and how hard we are working to help in any little way we can…it feels so insignificant. I wish we could give you your home back. love you.
Oh dear Linn,
Bless your sweet heart. I can’t even imagine what you must be feeling right now, although as I looked at each picture, I praised and thanked God that He allowed you and your children to be safe.
Our prayers continue…
Hugs,
Ohilda
Wow, when I first read this I was so emotional I couldn’t even leave a comment so I can’t imagine what you must feel. I honestly don’t know what to say now other than my heart hurts for you all and I pray for you so many times a day.
My heart continues to break for you all. I hope it helps a little to know you are very prayed for! I’m continuing to lift you up to our ever restorative God!
Oh Linn, I wish I could give you a great BIG hug! My hearts just aches for you and your family as I look at these photos and read your story. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I am so sorry you lost precious possessions but so glad you are all safe. Praise the Lord for his protection on all of you.
Lisa K. – Whidbey Island
The damage is devastating for sure. What really makes me thankful is that Elijah’s mommy got all her children out, especially after seeing his crib.
Tears…..
Its nearly impossible to imagine what devastation would look like. And to know how close you all were to never knowing what the remnants would be. Thank God for Ryan and thank God for His mercy, and your over concern for “a feeling”.
I think I mentioned this last week, but I will say it again… Awareness has become so much more a forefront to my family. We have checked and double checked our alarms, we are purchasing more because we live in a 4 level house that doesn’t seem to have enough in the way of advanced warning systems, and we are thankful every day when we wake up in, and return home to this place full of memories.
I pray that you will soon be able to rebuild a new place to call home, and build even more new memories!