If you’ve just started coming by A Place Called Simplicity, you can read about the fire here. I had always had a curious compassion for those who lost their home to fire. I wondered what would that be like? What were they feeling? How could they handle it all? What would it be like to sleep somewhere else that first night (and subsequent nights) knowing that you could not ever go home again? 
But no amount of wondering about what other people had gone through could even slightly begin to prepare me/us for what it was like to have it personally happen to us. 
It has been the most difficult experience we have ever gone through. It has been devastating emotionally. I have walked through much pain in my life. But if I was a guessing woman, prior to the fire, I would have guessed (after already walking through so much pain in my life) that there was not much that could cause me to question everything about myself, my life or anything else. All of the ramifications of the fire took me by surprise.
At one point this past year I stumbled upon a posting on a site where people (who don’t know me) were talking about our fire. There were a few comments and one of them was from a woman who said that she really questioned what type of mother/person I was that I did not call the fire department sooner. The words stung. I understand that people can always question others decisions, but really friends, I have tormented myself for a full year about not calling sooner. There are some things that I have come to conclude. For one, denial is huge when tragedy strikes. I definitely was in denial. There was absolutely no way our beloved log home could be on fire.
There are other components that have caused me to struggle with the decisions I made that morning. One of them is that I was unable to put the fire out. I just couldn’t think how to do it. Probably because of all the emotions: terror, panic, fear….I really couldn’t think. The fire extinguisher wouldn’t work. BUT If I had been able to figure it out, our sweet home would still be here and we would not have gone through this hellish nightmare this past year. And so for a complete year I have had the opportunity to torment myself with the “what ifs?”
Some people have tried to comfort by saying, “Well it was just stuff you lost.” Ummmm, true. But our “stuff” is the things that have made our houses our home. Things that we would call treasures, maybe not to anyone else, but to us anyway. Things that represent special memories of days gone by. Photos. Framed pictures. Trinkets. Dumb little stuff and extra special stuff. Others have said, “Well you get a new home out of the deal.” Granted, we have a new home, but what most don’t know is that we have built several new homes over our marriage and really, building a new home is not all it’s cracked up to be. It is work. It is time. It is stressful. We purposefully bought our log home because we didn’t want the all-consuming job of building a home. We thought remodeling would be just so much easier. So we remodeled (which is a chore in itself) and the day after Kyle screwed the last piece of a light fixture in…the house burned down. I told Dw the other day….between moving from our Canyon home (to get out of mortgage debt so we could adopt more kids) to the log house and then major remodeling it and then the fire, we really have not been “settled” in about 3 years. That’s a long time to be in “transition”. We’re weary. 
We are very thankful to be in our new home. But it is not quite feeling like “home”. Ya’ know how when you move you put your stuff out and that makes your new home feel more like home, cause it’s your stuff? Your pictures, your wallhangings, and so on. That’s not possible when you lose everything to a fire.
Emma said the other day, “Mom, when we hang up our pictures and stuff it will probably feel more like home.” I said, “What pictures?” She said, “Oh. Yeah. I forgot.” Very weird feeling.
I read recently that there is often alot of emotion as one approaches the anniversary of a traumatic event. It was good to read that. Now I know why I keep starting to cry “for no reason” and why if I do talk about the fire I really, really start to cry.
Then there are the things that I haven’t ever mentioned to you my bloggy friends. Like how I had not been wearing my engagement ring the morning of the fire. Later that night a friend went with a flashlight and found it hidden away in my little hiding spot. It was smoke damaged. To make a long story short, my engagement ring was later stolen while we lived in the hotel.
Then there is the whole fact that we could have lost our lives. The fire department fire specialist person said that we probably had 5 minutes to spare. Just five minutes. Who can comprehend that? I had actually in my state of denial debated going to take a quick shower. There’s that denial part again…
Then there is the part about the only ONE smoke alarm (with three other possibilities) that worked was the one we had fixed less than 24 hours earlier. Really, God’s fingerprints of divine protection on our lives were all over the entire event. But even in that it leaves one very sobered.
And then there’s the fact that Graham went upstairs in the loft to try to grab some of our photo albums, he just didn’t want to lose those. I can hardly think about that possible scenario. I had no idea he had gone up there. I would have never have told him to. But the smoke drove him back down. But what if he had not been driven down? What if I had gotten out to the car and discovered he was not in it? It was only at the most 30 seconds before the explosion of smoke billowed out of the windows, cracks and crevices of our home. At that point I wouldn’t have even known where to look for him and the smoke would have been consuming. I could throw up at what could have happened to our precious Graham.
I was laying in bed early this morning about 4 am my time
and I saw in my minds eye that Satan had
come to exchange your beauty for ashes,
as we know he comes to steal, kill,
and destroy, he tried to start the fire late in the night
when no one would awaken, but the Angel of the Lord
was there keeping the wood too wet to burn,
Satan wanted to take you all, but the Angel of the Lord said no,
you can have the house, you can have Lucy,
and you can take Graham thru the valley of the shadow of death,
but NO, you can not have them. You are doubly blessed in
all this, for you have not only been able to assemble
the family God gave you a vision for, but God allowed
you to carry them all out of dangers grasp.
This was your Exodus exerience, your family has walked
right past the grim reaper and survived.
This is a time of rejoicing. Of all the outcomes that
could have been, this is the one you would
have chosen. Julie and I have wept with you
and we rejoice with you in life.
Blessings, Your Big Brother in Texas
Psalm 34:7
A young mom, Jo, at our church had an early morning phone call from her dad who works with the fire department. He told her our home was on fire. They had even announced over the scanners that a home was on fire and a mom was home alone with her six kids sleeping……the firefighters raced wondering if I had gotten all the kids out. This young mom, Jo, called one of our staff wives, Jill. When Jill picked up the phone at 7:15am she wondered why Jo would call so early. Jo said, “Is Dw out of town?” Jill thought what an odd question at 7:15am, but ‘yes’ Dw was still out of town. And then Jo said, “Their house is on fire.” Mark and Jill kicked into gear. Mark dressed and came to our home. By then 15 fire trucks lined our country road. I will never forget seeing him running past the fire trucks, down the road toward me. It was relief to see a friend. Jill got her kids ready and went to Kim’s home to help with my little ones who were staying warm there. 
And then there are the friends who came as soon as they heard. Terry, one of our closest friends, lives not far from us with his sweet wife Tavvy. He kept hearing the sirens from his home. Then taking their son to school, he saw even more fire trucks en route. He thought to himself, ‘what a huge fire must be somewhere.’ Then he heard the Christian radio station talking about a woman with six kids on the mesa and he realized, ‘it must be Linn, not many have six kids at home with them’. Terry came and stood with us.
And then there was Sara and Irma who went and bought us clothes to have waiting when the fire had ended. Clothes for each of us, even undergarments in our sizes.
And then there is Seth and Maria, who graciously opened their home for us to stay in. And there are the firefighters themselves. They risked their lives. Our floors were collapsing. They tried to stop the fire and save our home. Although they were unable, I can never, ever thank them enough for responding, caring, risking and being so nice to me as I watched. They are true heroes!!
Long-time friends and people we never met cared. The Christian radio station announced it all day. People began to pray. It was incredible, the outpouring of love and support.
Then there was you, my sweet bloggy friends. As soon as you heard you started praying. I know many of you have prayed for us many, many times this past year. We are forever grateful. Many of you mailed us treasures to help us get started again. Thank you forever. As I use the things you sent, the quilts, the towels, the rugs, the trinkets, the books, the toys, the clothes, the jackets, the winter gear, we continually thank the Lord for each of you.
Some of you even heard about my Boyd’s bear collection and shared some of your own with me…..and I have to tell you….truly this is my favorite part of my new house. It feels the most like “home” to my heart. 
Although there are still many things I don’t understand – – – -This I know for sure…. There are many things in life that we may never understand. Life is painful. Times of suffering come. Through it all God is faithful. His mercies are new every morning. He is 100% trustworthy. Tonight we will be having a special family time. Much like the Isrealites celebrated the Angel of Death passing over their home with the Passover Feast, we will be having an “Encampment Feast” tonight and for the rest of our lives on January 14th…. celebrating how the Angel of the Lord encamped around our home and protected us completely. We will feast with a special dinner. We will have a tender time of remembering what God did. We will have a time of worship: thanking Almighty God that no matter what, the things we understand and also the things we don’t – we choose to celebrate His complete faithfulness. We will also anoint our home again, asking God to protect it and thanking Him for protecting us one year ago today. Thank you sweet friends for letting me share my heart. I love you all and if I could I would hug every one of your necks. xo
Linny – People say such thoughtless things. Please do not beat yourself up about the decisions you made – how can one know what they would do in that situation.
Praising God with you today for His hand of protection around you all!
I will never forget reading about your fire. We were in China on an adoption trip. My heart broke for you and I lifted you up to our Father. May He continue to give you strength and comfort especially as you walk down memory lane today as a family.
Oh Linny. What a heartfelt post! I have never understood how people think they know what they would do unless in someone's shoes, I can only imagine how it must feel to have someone say those words about you. I have studied and teach about trauma and how the brain reacts and let me confirm to you, you can only do what you are capable of doing at the time. The brain reacts in a certain way, it forms certain thoughts/process'/ideas and in that moment we are acting in fight/flight which is NOT our normal responses. So while I'm sure you still knew what needed to be done, you had to do it in the way the brain allowed at the time. Hope that makes sense?
Lifting you all up in prayer today and always!
Oh Linny. What a heartfelt post! I have never understood how people think they know what they would do unless in someone's shoes, I can only imagine how it must feel to have someone say those words about you. I have studied and teach about trauma and how the brain reacts and let me confirm to you, you can only do what you are capable of doing at the time. The brain reacts in a certain way, it forms certain thoughts/process'/ideas and in that moment we are acting in fight/flight which is NOT our normal responses. So while I'm sure you still knew what needed to be done, you had to do it in the way the brain allowed at the time. Hope that makes sense?
Lifting you all up in prayer today and always!
Our home burned down on August 7th, 2008. A few months before yours. I found your blog about a year ago linked from another blog specifically b/c of your fire. Losing your home in a fire is not something many people understand. It's something you see in a movie. But it really happened. For us it was lightening. 4 bolts to be exact (the have satallite images). I walked around my house as my babies were napping (it happened in the afternoon) trying to figure out where the smoke was coming from. Once I realized smoke was pouring into the kitchen from the garage, I did probably the dumbest thing possible, I opened the garage door. Nothing add'l happened. It didn't backdraft and I wasn't burned. But I am haunted by the memory that my initial reaction was not to run and get my babies and leave. It was to open the door from the kitchen to the garage. Why? Thankfully nothing happened. I opened the door , saw nothing buy smoke and closed the door. By that time my neighbor was beating on my front door and helped me get my kids out of the house. We also rebuilt and moved back last April. We were out of our home for 9 months. My youngest was 10 weeks old when the fire occurred. Nothing like a little PPD on top of a house fire. My oldest daughter was 2. They lost all their toys, blankies, etc… It was horrible. LIke you we were blown away by the amazing firefighters who worked on our home. I still get teary eyed when I pass the fire station. Our church was amazing. Not sure how someone can go through an experience like that without a church family. Your blog helped me. Your faith and love for Jesus shines through your words. I love reading it. And I am always excited to see you have a new post. So thank you. You've never met me, but we experienced an horrific event together and without realizing it you provided me with some comfort and wisdom during a very dark time. Welcome "home" to your family. I 100% understand how difficult it is for the new home to feel like home. I'm praying for you.
God Bless This Home.
God Bless & Protect the Sanders Family.
Amen! Amen!
wow…i am so sorry for what you had to go through! loved what your brother wrote and it so true how God was watching over all of you!
I was brought to your blog by the news of your fire. When all the other bloggers were working so hard to get extreme homemakeover involved, I read your blog, I ended up going back in time and reading all of your previous blogs and fell in love with the story of your family. I would love to adopt one day and your family is so insperational….Even through tradgedy your family remained close and that really inspires me ….I am amazed that in one year you were able to rebuild your home, send part of your family away on mission work, another child to war, have a wedding and still bring your child home from China. My New Years resolution was to learn more from others and your family has truely taught me so much 🙂
Celebrating your protection with you! Love and hugs -Rachel
Rejoicing with you in God's protection and praying for your hearts to be healed and for a season of refreshment.
Wow! All I can say is thank you for sharing your heart. I continue to pray for all of you and I trust that God will continue to provide for each need.
Love you guys!
Can't Imagine the pain & sadness. Praying for you all at this time. Know that we are lifting you up!
Dear friend, I remember the day as if it was yesterday. I watched your blog most of the day for updates and prayed. For those who question what you did or didn't do, they've never gone through a fire. They truly have no right to question!!!
Throughout this past year you've been such an inspiration to me. Your faith has never faultered, you've uplifted others even when you were struggling and although you've cried much, you've shown us laughter too.
There are so many things we won't ever understand and this fire is definitely one of them. Yet God is ever faithful. Hugs and love
Linny,
We will pray a prayer of thanksgiving today for God bringing you through the fire and out on the other side.
Much love from our home to yours,
Janet, Kevin, Ted, Philip, and soon to be home Eli
I dont want to even pretend to try and understand. I do however want to thank you for being real. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I pray that God peace and restoration would come. I pray that comments from those who make them too quickly would never make it to your ears or eyes.I pray that God would replace all the "what ifs" with his peace. I command the enemey of your soul to not use them to cause more havoc and lack of peace. I trust and pray Gods richest blessings over you and every family member in the areas of your health, mental and emotional peace, finances and ability to rest and enjoy life! Thank you Linn for sharing your life with us. I BELIEVE in all of the things I prayed over you through Christ alone.
(please dont publish this. this is something I just wanted to pray with you personally)
i have thought of you so many times over the past week… today is my son's birthday, and i will remember your anniversary every year. my son also knows of your tragic loss and we have a birthday candle in our memory box, which you gave us, to remind us of this day. this is the day i met you. you have blessed my life so much over the past year, and have taught me so much about our Miracle-working, Mountain-moving, Awe-inspiring, Gasp-giving God!!
I am so truly thankful the Lord spared you and your family that day. We have such a good GOD!
Praying for you.
I love that you are having an Encampment Feast. That is perfect! Take this day back. The enemy has NOT won! God is victorious. He is the same yesterday (before the fire) today (one year later) and forever (all of your tomorrows!) Love you guys!
I pray that someday (sooner rather than later) God will allow you to see why the fire happened at all… what good did come because of it. Something good always comes, even from the worst times in our lives. You have gone through so much since I last saw your beautiful face in person. And I stand in awe of your courage and strength. I hope that someday I can be just half the woman that you are. Today I celebrate that an Angel of the Lord was there with you one year ago, protecting your precious lives!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all on this difficult day and at this emotional time.
Loves to you sister,
Shonni
Praying for you today, Linny!
It's like yesterday!!! We all remember and we love you!!! Katrina
I started reading your blog exactly one year ago today. My life has been changed so much over the year. I am sooooo angry that people think they have the right to judge other people. I wonder how they would feel if the tables were turned their direction. Linny my heart has broken so many times over the last year for you. I have found myself without words because it often seems so unfair. Yet days later I come back to your blog and you have made so much Godly sense out of it. You are one of the most amazing women I have every known. And yet I don't even know you in person, but you have caused a dramatic change in the direction of my heart. I am sooooooo grateful for you. You are daily in my prayers. I will pray for you often today. You have A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. rewards awaiting you in heaven. I know that God is proud beyond words because of the way you have chosen to walk through the last year.
Thank you for giving away so much of your heart to your readers.
With Boatloads of Gratitude,
Portia
oh Linny – you always have a way of making me cry. I can't even begin to comprehend all that you have gone through. Your brother's words brought even more tears to my eyes. What a special family you have.
Not sure if you remember, but you and I had traded emails that night – we were in China and there was a family in our travel group having some very serious issues and I emailed and asked for your prayers. The next day is when a friend of mine, who was in one of your travel groups – emailed me and told me about your house.
I'm outraged that ANYONE can question ANY decision or thing you did or did not do that day. We all know hindsight is 20/20.
Blessings to you my bloggy friend – there's a world of people out in blog land who think the world of you guys and continually hold you and your precious family up in prayer.
I can only say that I am sorry and I can never understand. Hopefully, time will help to heal the emotional wounds.
Praying for you and your family as you struggle with your emotions on this day. Praising God you all made it out safely.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. As crazy as it sounds, it does help to share, to get it out. My mom, dad, brother, and I do this a few times a year. You see, on Dec. 13, 1998, my dad was severely burned in a fire at home. He was in the garage located a few hundred yards away from the house, working on my mom's van when he caught on fire. Everything in the garage was lost, the worst being a vintage Chavelle, a vintage Impala, and a Ford pick-up that my grandfather used on his farm when my dad was younger. But, we didn't lose my dad. We came very close, so close, but the Lord spared him. Every year since, we have never missed a Dec. 13, and we probably never will. But, the wonderful thing is that what we remember the most about the tragedy is the wonderful things God did. At one point during his 5 week stay in the Burn Unit, my dad passed away, but the Lord spared him and brought him back. During my dad's 3 week stay in rehab, he came back to the Lord. My dad actually told my brother that he loved him. That was a first.
Then, January 13, February 12, February 14 and 21 become my own personal celebration….because of the fire and what the Lord did. On Jan 13, He tore down every reason I hated Christians and God. Since I was 13, I refused to believe that God existed. On February 12, my dad came home. On Feb. 14, I went to church for the first time since I was 13 because my dad asked me to go, and I wanted to spend every moment I could with him. We attended New Life Chapel, 45 miles from home. It was there that God really began to work. It was first time I cried since I was 13 where I didn't have to force myself to feel anything. Feb 21, the Lord finally spoke to me at New Life. It was so audible, I had to search to see if someone had spoken. Everyone around me was lost in worship. It was then, I gave myself over to Him, and I haven't turned back.
Yes, Dec. 13 was a day of tragedy that I'll always remember. I'll always remember the stench, the way my father looked, my mother's panic, my brother's strength, the emergency professionals who came to our aid. But, I'll also always remember all the miracles that happened that day. The fact that the airlift was even in the area AND warmed-up, ready to go, was a huge miracle. Normally, it would have been in Albuquerque (we were in Aztec), and it was so early in the morning, it shouldn't have been prepped. Later, we found out that the pilot had "got a bug in his ear" that he needed to prep it when there really was no reason to. God had it ready for us. And of course, the best reasons to remember and rejoice: my dad came to know the Lord, I came to know the Lord, our family was finally healed. My dad still carries the scars and his health still has issues, but we rejoice because he is still with us. That fire was horrible, but at the same time, God made it a tool for salvation and healing for those things that were more important.
I encourage you to try to focus more on the good things that have resulted. They may be harder for you to find than they are for me, but I know that they are there. Focusing on those wonderful miracles of our awe-inspiring God are what helped each of us sleep, helped us sift through all the emotions that rise up, and helped us to not be fearful. I love you, and am praying for you.
Oh, Linny, of all your posts that have moved me (and there have been many), perhaps this is the one that has helped me bear your burden the most. I remembered that today was THE anniversary but didn't want to mention it in case you wanted to forget the fire ever happened.
I've never endured a fire, but I have endured significant loss. January 9th was the six year anniversary of the loss of a full-term baby boy due to an umbilical cord knot. I had the same guilt and denial–I should have known something was wrong or perhaps I could have prevented it if I had just done something different. But I understand now that nothing that happened was an accident. God's sovereign hand was on us the whole time just like with your fire.
It's a long road back from the valley of the shadow of death. For the first time in six years, January 9th came and went without tears.
Healing will come. Restoration will happen. And, praise God, goodness and mercy shall follow!!!!! (Hmmm. Can you tell I love the 23rd Psalm right down to the title of my blog.)
I just love the words from your brother. The enemy wanted to destroy it all. To take home and lives and futures. To leave Dw to pastor a church without his beloved wife and most of his precious children. He wanted Jubilee (and future children you might adopt) to spend the rest of her days as an orphan. But God protected the treasures that could not be replaced.
I'm praying for you today. Go ahead and celebrate the "Feast of Purim" early this year. It's the day that mourning has been turned to joy. And may that joy come in abundance.
With Much Love,
Kathie
Oh Sweet, Dear Linny~
I have a HUGE ol' lump stuck in my throat as I finish reading through this post. Your brother's letter to you really did me in. The realization that indeed, an angel of the Lord was present during that heart-wretching day, just gives me goosebumps like none other. Praise God for His unfailing love and the POWER in His Word! I am SO glad that you have wrapped the walls and rafters of your new home in scripture. There is SO much power in those words…HIS power! I plead His hedge of protection over your family, and praise God that He has made His angels charge over you. No more heartache. I'm so sorry for your loss. I was actually thinking about the 'anniversary' myself as it was approaching. You have been deeply in my thoughts and I want you to know you are SO loved (I think you clearly know this already!) by so many of us, and you are in our prayers to this day!
I've had something I've wanted to send you for a LONG time now, and just never got around to it. I don't want to put it off any longer. Can you email your new address to me…I only had an old one for you. thomclan@cfaith.com
Sending BIG HUGS and love your way…to EACH and every one of you!
love you,
~Tanya
Aww, Lin! Brings tears to my eyes… tears of joy and of sadness for you and your sweet family. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
I have tears reading this. I was away in China last year when this happened and I was shocked beyond belief when I returned and read your news. I am so thankful to the Angel of the Lord for protecting you all and please, Linny, do not beat yourself up. You got each and everyone of your precious treasures out of your home and to safety! You did it and you should be proud of yourself! And you and DW have given them the love and support THEY have needed to get through this year and you are rebuilding for them and all of you a loving, warm home for them to gather together in where you will form new memories and share precious times together. May the Lord protect you all in your new home! Lots of love – Charissa
Oh I just feel like crying all over again.
I remember when this happened. Devastating.
I was just praying for you all the other night, I'll keep doing so.
A couple of years ago we lost everything in a flood. It had been raining excessivly for weeks. Early one sunday morning we got a knock at our front door letting us know that the stream that runs close to our house was flooding, by this time the water was so high there was noting we could do. My husband lost his work truck but thankfully it stopped inches from the house. With in 2 weeks the rain returned. I woke up early hearing the rain, the street was already flooding, I woke my husband to get 1 of the trucks moved down the street but this time we lost everything in the house and my car that I had only had for a couple of months.We wadded out with the kids and the dogs and when we were able to get back in we spent 3 days pulling everything out of the house. It was Augest and extreamy hot so everything started to mold fast. Me and my son got sick, we had to stay with my family for several months. During this time My grandmother passed away. Even now,almost 3 years, its still hard. I'll look for something and realize its gone, we didnt have pictures for my sons graduation "look back" b/c they were all destroyed. Its hard to move past something like that wether its a flood or a fire..the feelings are still the same….
Sweet Linny, I can't even comprehend all that you and yours have gone through this past year but I'm so thankful the Lord's hand was hiding you. You are such a blessing to so many, such a testimony of His faithfulness to so many and I am forever grateful for you! May the Lord's anointing continue to flow over your family and your new home. Big hugs to you today, dear friend.
Love in Him, Noreen
Dear Linny,
What a sobering and gutwrenching post that was. It made me cry to think of all you guys have been thru, but how victorious you have been in spite of it, and what a shining light of Christ you and your family are. There will always be struggles, but better yet, there will always be our loving Heavenly Father to see over us. That is one of my favorite scriptures especially if my husband travels about the angel of the Lord encamping about those that love him. It is a wonderful scripture that has brought much peace to my heart over the years.
That is the perfect scripture to put in your new home. I know it doesn't feel much like home now,
but one thing I have noticed in life, is that the Lord always replaces what he takes with something even better. I believe in time you will see that….. these situations take time.
I hope you are past your beating up on yourself about what you could have done. You did the best you could do under the circumstances.
I think your encampment celebration is a wonderful idea,
and I think it is gonna make the enemy soooooooo mad!! That makes me happy, and I bet it does you too!
The Lord will be cheering and saying I knew this is what they would and how they would react, so what do you think now satan!! See my servants Linny and DW and their family, aren' they the best!!
Have a Grand Celebration of thanksgiving…..because with all that was lost and it was a lot I know, but like your brother said,
you walked right past the grim reaper with all your family intact.
Now that is something to celebrate!!
Praise you Father for your protection and watch care over this precious family.
Blessings, Nellie
Dearest Linny,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the fire and about how The Lord spared you all! For that, we are very thankful!
I would ask that you would be praying for my dear friend Sarah's family. Her husband Craig, and two daughters, Violet and Lena (both adopted from China). Sarah had heart surgery on the 6th, and died yesterday evening. I never got to meet her face to face, but, we talked on Facebook and on the phone a lot. She was an amazing lady! I know that I will see her again, but, i'm still reeling from the shock of it all. She was in the process of adopting her third daughter and would have been matched next month. I know that God is sovereign and that He can see the big picture, but, sometimes it is a bit hard, isn't it?
Thank you,
Alycia
Linny, please don't beat yourself up over the comment that someone said about you calling. You did the best you could, in the moment. That is all we can pray for during an emergency. That we do the best we can. I love your heart and your honesty. I've prayed from the very beginning that people would show you empathy and understanding as you walked this road. ((HUGS))
On a side note, the thought of your verse painted gives me CHILLS! Praise God! He gave us His Word so we can stand on it confidently.. and if that isn't a fitting verse I don't know what would be! I hope you share pictures… 🙂
Linny,
We are so blessed to see where God has brought your family over the past year. I know we may never understand why some things happen to us. But God is ever faithful. Your testimony of coming through this will reach many for Jesus, it already has.
You've been in my thoughts and prayers all week with this anniversary coming up. I pray for sweet rest and peace to overwhelm you. Much Love. Your friend Sommer:)
Linny thank you for always sharing from your heart. I started following your blog the day of the fire because my cousin Amy(My 4 blessings)asked her bloggy friends to pray for you and your family. I went to your site and still read what you blog. You are willing to share what the Lord does in the lives of your family and it brings Him Glory.
Our son Adam woke up the morning of 13 Nov. to his apt burning. He dragged his roommate out of his burning room and tried to put out the fire, but it didn't happen…he raced to get the other 4 apts. residents up and out while the fire dept. was on it's way. He is currently living with us and I believe that he feels much like you do, about what you did or didn't do when you were going thru the morning of the fire. He is running from the Lord and we are praying that the HS touches him and his anger and there will be beauty from ashes.
God allows things in our lives to make us more like Him. Don't let things that people say in haste affect you and the Lovingkindness the Lord has for you and your family.
Lovingly,
Sandy in NC
Our laundry room caught fire on Thanksgiving last year. We were getting ready to leave to see family for several days in just a few short hours, when my husband (who, by God's will, had forgotten to wear his breathing machine) smelled the smoke. He rushed downstairs and started trying to put out the fire (in his underwear!!) with a bowl of water. You are right.. in that situation you just *can't* think — we had two perfectly good fire extinguishers that he had totally forgotten about.
After the fire was out, one of the firemen asked if we were Christians, and we told him we were. He told us that today was a day of Thanksgiving because we very easily could have lost our lives, and definitely could have lost everything.
Everything just seemed so insurmountable at the time. We had gotten a referral from our foster care agency, and I was scared to death that we wouldn't be able to take her, since we didn't have a place to live for several weeks. God worked it out, plain and simple. And her adoption should be final soon.
Hearing about your fire is what brought me to read your blog, and you have just blessed my socks off this year. I'm so sorry that you and your lovely family have had to suffer through this, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from you, all the same.
God bless you guys in 2010!!
I was brought to your blog a year ago today through anothers' who had asked for much prayer for you and your family during such a horrible event.
During the past year I've greatly enjoyed 'getting to know' you and all of your treasures through reading your stories, and especially, I've been at awe with the strength that you carry with yourself, and with Him within you.
You are inspiring!
You know where my heart has been all day…no more needs to be said. You knew it entering the day. It's a VT kind of thing!!!
Loving you!
SO thankful I got to hug your neck.
I've prayed for you along the way, and will continue to pray for you!
I love you friend!
Linny, I don't really have words.
Sending a huge hug instead!
Truly love you guys!!
What thoughtful and meaningful reflections one year later. I will never forget getting that news and seeing you guys – and I will forever praise our mighty God for sparing your sweet family and continuing to use you in such mighty ways. Much love and hugs to all of you and here's to making this home a place of wonderful memories and ministry. I love you!
Oh Linny…you were on my heart and in my prayers last night as I fell asleep…able only to imagine what emotions this day would hold for your family.
I wish I had the gift of words that could adequately express how sorry I am for what you have been through as a result of the fire. I pray that you will be delivered from the "What ifs" and "If onlys."
There is not a soul among us (your friends)whom would ever doubt your love and devotion for your children…that their safety and security is your primary concern. I am so sorry you were exposed to hurtful judgements. But Linn, GOD KNOWS your heart. You are HIS. And YOU PLEASE HIM. No earthly opinions matter.
With Love and Prayers…Always,
Amy
I have never commented before but I have been reading your blog since last year when I saw a prayer request for your family (not sure where I saw it).
I have prayed for you and your family many times in the last year. And I want to thank you for sharing your life. You have encouraged me and challenged me to think a little bit different on some things. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to follow your blog.
I hate that you have had to go through so much but I have no doubt that HE is using you to minister to others through your trials.
I am praying now that you can find peace with all that has happened. I hope you find comfort as you mourn the loss and joy as you look to the future.
I will end by saying….I think you are a great mom!!
Jennifer
Oh, Linny, how I cannot fathom all you have been through this past year. A family in our church just lost their home, and our pastor reminded us that it is the closest experience to death.
Oh, how I pray your new house will soon really feel like home.
Oh, how I praise the LORD with you that His angels were encamped around your family.
And, what a loving brother you must have, what precious words of love and wisdom he shared with you.
Thinking of you often,
Robbie
Whew! Remembering the past year with you with tears all over again.
Umm, where can we "get ahold" of the folks who really think they know what they would do in your situation? I mean really. Only the Lord knows how any of us would respond. That's why we need His Angels around us ALWAYS! Whether we think we do or not! Thank you Lord for your protection and healing power! Sheri
Linny – thank you for sharing so openly about where you are at right now. I can't imagine all of the emotions you are feeling, but I do know that you should not blame yourself, or question any of your decisions. The most important thing happened, and that is that you all made it out safely.
The very first time I ever came to your blog was the day after your fire, and while I am so sad that is how I was introduced to you and your family I am so thankful that you are a part of my life. The lessons God has taught me through you have changed my life for the better this past year and I thank you for being open to ministering to me, even in the midst of all of your struggles.
~Amy
I will never forget whereIi was when I heard. We were in China. And I had been so tickled that you had left a post on my blog telling me how happy you were that we had Sierra. And then I received an email the next day…pray for Linny her family has suffered a tragedy. Linny I can not tell you the fear in me after reading those words. I went to your blog and saw about the fire. But I was so relieved you were all all right. As the wife and Mom to many firemen, I know how dangerous that fire was. But God prevailed that day, not Satan. And all AHH's travel mates prayed for you that day, all the way from China.
And Linny…the bottom line is you got your kids and you out!!! Period!!!
Hugs to you today
love
Kathie
Love the verse you are painting in the house! As you described all of the things that happened, My heart kept saying, but you are all safe, you are all safe and now Jubilee is too! Praise God!!!
Your sweet AROMA will fill your home (Affection Respect Order Merriment Affirmation)-Family Fragrance by J. Otis and Gail Ledbetter.
The pain will fade with time – not a year or even ten years, maybe 20. I am sure it feels a bit like an untimely death. You weren't prepared, you couldn't imagine, you were NOT ready.
My wish for you this year is for new beginnings, for letting go of the what ifs, as they do not matter now and hopefully that you all can have a less stressful year, a time to become comfortable and be comforted again.
Linn, what a well-written post. Very appropriate. I can't believe its been a year already. Getting to know your family has been a true blessing this year. Much love to all of you. And many, many prayers for Ty.
What a great idea! Celebrate what you saved rather than what you lost. With time the wound will lessen, if not heal. It's hard to take a positive outlook on such things. You're doing a great job.
Linny…thank you for sharing your thoughts AND emotions one year later.
My mother often says DO NOT dwell on the WHAT IF's of life…God has a plan and you must trust that he does not make mistakes.
I'm so sorry about all the pain you have suffered. I continue to pray for you guys.
I love the feast idea!
This post gave me shivers (as many of your posts do). God was with you then as he is today.
Thanks for sharing.
I can't imagine all the ways the fire has impacted your family, but I know that God is at work through it all. He will be glorified! One way I see His hand is that through the fire, you have gained many new followers of your blog, and have been able to share with them the truth of God that you share so faithfully post after post. I know God is using that.
My family's log home burned when I was 4. Long story, but through that fire and local Christians' response to it, my mother came to know Jesus loved her, accepted Him as her Saviour, and has followed Him ever since. Her 5 children, and then eventually my dad, came to Christ. My 5 children love and follow Christ, and my 15 grandchildren are being raised to know and love God, including one from Uganda. There is an orphanage in Uganda where 15 precious children have been rescued by the Redeemer. The ripples go on and on. And all because of a fire that God used to show one woman how much He loved her.
I believe the ripples from your file will go on and on, and you will never see how they reach this side of eternity. I only know that God knew He could trust you to still hold His name high in the midst of all the trauma and suffering, and He allowed it. Thank you for walking worthy so that God could use you, even in the midst of a tragedy! Love you, Linny. To God be the Glory!
wow, Linny, I am amazed by your story, your trust, and the AMAZING things God showed your brother. I think we always know there is an enemy who seeks to "steal, kill, and destroy" but we – at least I – tend to breeze by those words far too casually, seldom ever really stopping to think of how he may be LITERALLY standing in my home, demanding to sift my family like wheat, while God's angel of protection LITERALLY stands in his way.
Thank you so much for being willing to share your story with us. Much love to you and your sweet family. Praying the Lord will quickly make your new house into a home.