Merry Christmas!

Wow! I can't believe (I say this often, don't I!) that next week - NEXT WEEK - is CHRISTMAS!!!! It sometimes feels like just yesterday we were in Easley at Christmas waiting to find a place to live here in Louisville. Now we've been here almost a year and have moved from the rental house to the apartment too!! It's crazy how time flies. I remember being in school, especially high school, and people saying, "Oh, you just wait until you graduate. Time will go by faster and faster every year." I thought they were crazy; now I know they were right.

December has been pretty busy for us. Aaron finished up his 2nd semester on campus at Southern. We are anxiously (or maybe he's not!) waiting for his final grades. He had exams the first week of December so I'm sure he won't have his grades anytime soon - being that Christmas is NEXT WEEK. Oh - I mentioned that already, didn't I?!? :)

I finished up my SWI classes and am excited about taking more in the winter/spring term. I will be taking OT/NT Survey and Baptist Beliefs. Sounds exciting, I know!

I also had my 31st birthday this month. It's funny to think that I'm 31. I was telling my friend just last night that as a kid I never thought I would make it to be 31. I always thought the Lord would come back to rapture His church before I grew up. Well, here I am, all grown up! At least I guess I am :)

Briggs is progressing along. We have been going through his workbook more regularly lately, and he is learning a lot. He can write his name all by himself now and recognizes most of the alphabet and can write many of the letters. We have also started on his numbers. I am proud of his accomplishments! Most days (especially now with the colder weather) he wants to play Wii ALL DAY LONG. I seriously believe I could leave him here by himself playing the Wii and he would be right in the same spot when I returned! I guess if he goes to school next year he won't be playing it as much! Having said that, I am contemplating whether or not to keep him out of school another year, send him to K5, or home school him. The cut off date here is October 1 so he would be eligible for K5, but he would probably be one of the youngest in his class. I think he would do fine. It's me I'm worried about :) At the same time, I realize that I would almost likely be homeschooling him at what ever point we go oversees as missionaries so I feel like I should just start doing it from the beginning so that there wouldn't be a change in that area since there will be so many changes in all other areas of our lives! Pray that I will use wisdom and discernment from the Lord in this matter!

I so enjoy being here with him. I really never thought in a million years that I would enjoy being a stay at home mom as much as I do. I sometimes feel so guilty with Aaron going to school and working and think that I should pick up some of the financial responsibility, but I am so grateful that he has not once pressured me to get a job. God has really changed my heart in this area. I'm not gonna say that I LOVE cleaning because that would be a lie! But I can honestly say that cleaning up, getting Aaron's clothes ironed for work or school, fixing his lunch, dinner, etc. has become such a joy for me. I totally believe that this is worth more than any amount of money in the world. We don't have all our wants, but we have every bit of our needs. God is good!

We will be spending Christmas Eve and Day here in Louisville as a family and then heading out for SC after Christmas. I am so looking forward to seeing our family and friends ... and then in the same breath I don't want to go home because it makes it that much harder to come back to Louisville. I have so much more respect now for our service men and women who sacrifice and are away from their families, and for missionaries who leave their families to go tell about Jesus, and for others who give up so much for the sake of the Gospel. God never said the road would be easy, but He promised He would always be there for us. I can certainly attest to that. I definitely wouldn't have made it through this past year without Him.

I can't fail to mention how grateful I am to God and His divine providence. He brought us to Louisville at just the right time, sent us to just the right church, and allowed us to become friends with just the right people. I never thought when we left SC that we would ever find as good a friends as we had there. God has placed some very special individuals in our lives here, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will remain friends with them for life. Again, God is so good.

This is the first year that I haven't sent out Christmas cards. I had every intention of doing so, but just never got around to it. I kept telling Aaron that we needed to figure out what we were going to do this year. For those of you who have gotten our cards in the past, you know that we like to do something different! Well, anyways, this blog/email is going to serve as our "Christmas card" to you this year. I know, I know, it's not nearly as personal, but I would have run out of room on a card for all this! Plus, I would have gotten tired of writing it over and over! :)

So from our family to yours, we wish you the very merriest Christmas ever! We wish you the peace, joy, and comfort of knowing Jesus as your Lord. We wish you His presence as you look into the faces of your children and family. We wish you the remembrance that God sent His son in human flesh to be born on Christmas day - with the sole purpose of dying for our sins one day. We wish you the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to rest upon you during this most wonderful, blessed season of Christ's birth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Riddles

For my Friend, Brittney

The link to the left for the Crazy Christmas giveaway is for my friend, Brittney. She has a link to Kari Gibson's site on her blog. She wants one of the t-shirts so I am entering for a chance to win one for her!

Merry Christmas!

Prayer

Please pray for Aaron this week as he finishes up papers and exams. He had one exam today and did well on it. He has one tomorrow (History of Christian Missions) and one Thursday (New Testament). Please pray he would do well on these! Thanks!

So Much to be Thankful For ....

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day. I really, seriously cannot believe that it has come and gone already! We had a great day. We were not able to spend the day with our family in SC, but God blessed us none the less with great friends here in Louisville who invited us over. We had two offers to share Thanksgiving with our friends here. We are so grateful to have met wonderful people here who will be our friends for life. I never thought when we left SC that we would make as great a friends as we have here. We are blessed!

We spent Thanksgiving with David & Ronda Edmunds and their family. Two Nigerian students from the seminary also came. We had a really good time, and maybe for the first time, really thought about what Thanksgiving is all about.

Moses and Abel are our Nigerian brothers in Christ who left their families to come to Southern to learn and earn their degrees so that they can go back to their homes in Nigeria to proclaim the Gospel. What a testimony! Aaron and I often feel like we have sacrificed so much to be here, and in some ways we have, but Moses and Abel have truly sacrificed. They came half way across the globe to have the privilege of attending school to learn more about God. Aaron and I so many times complain that we have to be here for him to go to school. Such differences in attitude. And just to think that these two men left their wives and children in Nigeria! We complain because we have to drive 7 hours. I think God is definitely working on me while we are here! I am learning to lean on Him more and more, and to be grateful to be here, to have been born in America, to be thankful! It's a slow process; I know that I will not be changed over night, but praise be to God that He doesn't give up on me - even when I give up on myself. Yesterday was another learning and growing day for me. I hope it was for you as well!

Below are some pictures of our afternoon together. They are actually backwards in order, but I hope you enjoy seeing them. Pray for us as we continue our journey, and pray for Moses and Abel as they continue theirs. Pray that their families would be able to safely join them here soon.

Happy Thanksgiving. Bring on Christmas!!!!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Thanks

I CAN NOT believe that Thanksgiving is only a week away! Seriously - where has this year gone? This time last year we were anticipating our move here to Louisville, and now, it has almost been a year that we've been here. What's that they say? "Time flies when you're having fun!" - I'm not sure that Aaron would define seminary as "fun(!)," but at any rate, time has flown by!

Today I would like to make a list of things I'm thankful for. It is the Thanksgiving season, after all!

1. My salvation

2. My husband

3. My son

4. My parents/family

5. My SC friends

6. My new L'ville friends

7. A warm bed to sleep in

8. clothes to wear

9. food to eat

10. God's grace & mercy

11. an education

12. health

13. a nice, working car

14. eyes to see, ears to hear, mouth to speak, legs, arms - an able body!

15. the health of my husband and son

16. the opportunity to attend SWI

17. the freedom to attend the church of my choice

18. a Christian home to grow up in

19. a place to live

20. Aaron's job

21. my husband's willingness to follow God's call, attend seminary and work hard to provide for our family

22. Jesus Christ

23. having many available versions of the Bible in my language!

24. having a Bible

25. my camera :)

And I could sit here all day writing out the things that I'm thankful for. If we really stop to think about it, we all have so much to be thankful for. Remember the "old" hymn 'Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done!' God has blessed me and my family in so many ways, and I just want to say thanks to Him!

Seeing God in the "Small" Things

So I've been thinking about how often God shows up in the "little things" - and how often I don't see them as "God moments." Well, I think any time God shows up it is something to praise Him for so here's a few things on my list:

1. the day we were at Huber's, a lady came up and gave us tickets for the children's area. It was a blessing to receive those so we didn't have to incur expenses for Briggs to play!

2. on Monday, I received a discount on my hair cut because I had to wait 30 minutes.

3. I was invited to a friend’s for supper on Wednesday and ended up getting a Christmas tree too!

These are just three things that immediately popped into my head. And then it prompted me to start thinking about our everyday blessings. Everyday blessings such as turning the faucet on and having hot water come out! Everyday blessings such as being able to use the toilet inside. Other blessings that have come to mind are having hair! I so often get discouraged with my curls because I want the latest style and there’s not really much that can be done with curly hair. And then as I am looking in the mirror, I am subtly reminded that there are ladies out there battling cancer and wishing that their hair hadn’t fallen out. So I’m reminded to be grateful for hair – even if it’s a bad hair day! And the list could go on and on.

So I guess as Thanksgiving draws near, remember to be thankful for the “small” things in life – for the everyday things that we so often tend to take for granted.

And if you’re looking for something neat to do with your family, we are going to write down one thing per day that we are thankful for and put it in a box. Then on Thanksgiving Day we are going to take them out and read them. Even Briggs is going to participate. I will write down his one thing on the paper for him. I’m excited to see what our blessings will be! We are also thinking of serving at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving Day, or possibly inviting over an elderly lady I’ve been in contact with whose family lives away. As nice as it is to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends, I also think it is nice to go outside of that circle and help others.

If we all stop to think of only one thing a day that we are thankful for or have been blessed with, I’m sure we will realize just how rich we truly are!

For Such a Time as This

Though I have not actually been able to attend my More Women of Influence class yet, I have listened to the cd lectures and have been keeping up with the Bible reading and notes. Today I was looking back over Esther. Dear, dear, Esther. It seems that everybody loves Esther! I had hoped to be able to do the Beth Moore Esther study by now, but things just haven't worked out. Maybe I can find someone with the DVDs and can work through it myself this summer! At any rate, I was just thinking about Esther's bravery.

Can you imagine being an orphan? At least she had Mordecai to step in and love her and raise her, but I can't begin to imagine what she would have been feeling about not having her parents. She was brave! And then to be summoned away to go live in the palace, to have the pressure of pleasing the king? Brave! Not only that, but being chosen by the king to be his queen. I can't even image what pressures may have come along with that. And then ultimately, the saving of her people. Mordecai angers Haman by not bowing to him. In turn, Haman commits to destroy the Jewish people. Only the Queen can save them - 1. because she is Jewish as well; 2. because she can plead to the king. Mordecai tells her, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther's bravery leads her to answer, "then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Talk about bravery! And as most of us know the story of Esther, the Jews are saved because of her.

As I read and think about Esther and her bravery (as well as the other qualities she exhibits), I wonder the same for myself. "Am I here 'for such a time as this?'" God has placed each of us where He wants us to be. It is up to us to look to His perfect plan and will and to commit to say, "'if I perish, I perish'" in doing God's will for my life.

Hubers

Saturday after Briggs' 9 am soccer game, we headed up to Huber's Orchard and Winery in Starlight, IN. The drive up was beautiful! The leaves were at their peak in color. I enjoyed taking in the beauty that God created.

It was SOOOOO cold! It misted rain for a few minutes, and the wind was hurling everywhere! It was almost unbearable, but we tolerated it, and wound up having a really enjo

yable time! The sun came out later that afternoon

and warmed it up a bit.

We stopped by Bass Pro on our way back looking for rain boots. I have been on a never ending search for rain boots since it is always raining here! I purchased 3 pair before I got the ones I really like and fit right. Watch it not rain for the next 6 months! HA HA!

Then we came home and watched our Clemson Tigers play an awesome game. We even got to watch a little bit of it on the TV instead of ESPN 360. We were so excited at the end of the game when Jacoby scored the winning TD in OT that I nearly stomped a hole in the floor, and Aaron nearly put one through the ceiling. His knuckles were bleeding after he hit the ceiling. We laughed about that for a while.

He is nearing the end of another semester in seminary. God has been so gracious to provide for us during this time. We can not even begin to praise him enough.

My parenting class is completed, but my discipleship class continues. I have also started another 6 week course called More Women of Influence. It is going to be great, I know!

Briggs is a typical 4 year old little boy - growing more and more every day. I am so blessed to be his mommy!

We are so thankful for our friends and family. We appreciate your encouragement and support!

Stuff

Well, it seems that my posts are fewer and far between than usual! I have been more busy lately, so I guess that's why!

I'm sitting outside as I type so that Briggs can play ... and boy, is it COLD! I think we skipped over fall and headed straight to winter! NOOOOOOOO!!!!! :)

We got to go home this past weekend. We left on Thursday morning and came back to the Ville on Sunday afternoon. We really enjoyed our time at home! We ate yummy rolls (that I discovered are doughnuts) from Fatz, went to the Clemson game with the Alexanders and Griggs, and got to attend the best church on the earth Sunday!! Aaron and I also got to be "grandparents" for Caden at school on Friday. His grandparents were out of town, and since we were in town, me, Aaron, and Briggs went to watch his program and see his classroom. I found out today (Monday) that Caden has the flu! OH NO!! Briggs was right up under him the entire time we were home. I guess we'll see how well that flu shot works :)

I can't forget to mention the "adventure" with the Griggs. It's always something when we get together with them! Well, this time, everything was going great, in fact, Clemson had WON the ballgame (shocking, I know!), and we headed out to the car to head back to Easley. Todd tried to start the car, and it was dead. We wound up being stuck for nearly 3 hours. You would think in a parking lot with that many people that someone would have jumper cables, but we weren't so lucky. Aaron called AAA. About the time they got there, here comes some man out of the woods carrying a blue box and said, "Do y'all need a jump?" Uh, yeah!! I was thinking, "Where have you been the last 3 hours?" Anyway, it's definitely one of those things for us to look back and laugh about.

I must stop here to land on a serious note. My mom's husband continues to be in the ICU after he began throwing up blood last Wednesday. He has been in surgery, and things have been off and on good/bad since. He is stable now, but please keep him in your prayers.

Also, please pray for Aaron tomorrow at 8:30. He has a HUGE NT exam, and well, he's been a little distracted with work and then us being gone over the weekend. He will be hitting the books hard tonight!

Well, I am sure I could continue to go on and on, however, my hands are numb from typing out here in the cold!!!

Shots

So today Briggs had to go for his 4 year check up. We got to the doctor's office (which we had never been to) where we had to park in a parking garage (I had no cash) at 12:30. We FINALLY left the office at 3:30. It was a LONG day to say the least. There were tons of people in there (many were sick) and we had to wait for the doctor to fax Easley Peds to get his records transfered. Which, by the way, they are still not transfered. For some reason the fax machines on both ends did not work. So anyway, those two things together contributed to our 3 hours there. Briggs was, well, Briggs, and he didn't want to talk to the nurse or doctor or do what they asked of him. That part went okay despite that. Next came the shots - 5 of them!! That part was awful, awful, awful. I had to lay across him and hold him down, and he screamed a scream I've never heard from him before. He cried for an hour afterwards. Once the Tylenol set in, he was fine, but I'm telling you, if any of you have 4 year olds that have to go in for their check ups, prepare yourself. It is brutal! At least as babies they don't really know what's happening to them. As a 4 year old, they certainly do! I hope we do not have to endure that again for a long, long time!

When your hut is on fire

Got this over email. Thought it'd be good to share. :)

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?,' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives... even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Happy Fall Y'all

So yes, I am totally from the South! Y'all is such a great Southern expression - and I don't really hear it that often here in Louisville!

The weather outside is so AWESOME! Yesterday Briggs and I took a walk downtown on Frankfort and then played outside most of the day. It was perfect. And it made me think - that perfect weather was made by a PERFECT God!! Even when it rains, He is still PERFECT! We serve such an awesome, magnificent God, and I think I don't tell Him that or proclaim it enough. So all this to say - God is so wonderful, and He shows it to us in someway each and every day. Maybe it's through a beautiful day, maybe it's through a friend, maybe it's just because we are alive for another day. At any rate, God is PERFECT, AWESOME, MAGNIFICENT, BEAUTIFUL, GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL ... I could go on and on and on. Just remember to thank Him today.

What's Going On & Other Insights!

Aaron is at work this afternoon and Briggs and I are hanging out at the apartment. My mind is flowing with so many different things right now! I'm not really sure where to start.

These are some of the things going on right now:

*Briggs is playing soccer. He is adjusting to the newness of it. Still shy, but getting there!

*Aaron is coming up on midterms this week. Can't believe it is midterm time already!

*Aaron's hours at work finally got cut so he is at 30-35 hours rather than 40-50 hours.

*I am enjoying meeting new people at the apartments and through my SWI classes. I have enjoyed the classes as well.

*We are seriously missing Clemson football season! We are thankful to be able to watch the games on ESPN 360 online.

*I have two ironing jobs that are some what ongoing and I have a "job" checking in on an elderly lady and taking her to dr. appointments when needed.

This morning as we were walking towards our SS class, I heard the choir practicing Revelation Song and I was so excited that we would be singing it in service. I LOVE that song. We had a good lesson in SS on missions and then headed out to worship. As I entered, I guess maybe the anticipation of the singing started getting to me, and I became so excited. We sang a couple of songs and saw a missions video during offering. During the video I began to think about how blessed I am to be able to freely worship in such an awesome building every week. I was just overwhelmed and amazed at the goodness of God. I felt the Spirit this morning like I haven't in a long time - possibly ever. By the time we got to Revelation Song, I was trembling and seriously just about to come out of my skin (or have a fit as some would say)! Tears begin to fill my eyes, and it was all I could do to contain myself. The sermon was also good as we read about Stephen being stoned to death and still looking towards Jesus - keeping his focus on Him. Then Tim Tebow's brother prayed at the end of service. It was just such a wonderful day in the Lord to think about all of His blessings in my life, in our country. It was neat to see the family of such a high profile college QB in church and praising God. I honestly think I could have "gone Pentecostal" this morning!!! I just can't say enough about the awesomeness and wonder of God.

I also felt a real sense this morning that I should be praying about going on the Women's Guatemala Mission Trip with Highview in March 2010. My mind is already racing with all the "what ifs," and everything else that goes along with such a commitment. I don't know if I will even end up going, but I know that I am supposed to pray about it - and be willing to go if God truly calls. So I'm asking you to pray with me that God will clearly reveal His will to me, and that I wouldn't worry about all the details, but leave them up to Him.

I continue to say thanks to all of you who support us - either prayerfully or financially, & with calls and cards. It means so much to us.

I leave you with Revelation Song. Listen to the words - Praise our Heavenly Father with them.

Revelation Song

Happy Birthday, Briggs!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. - James 1:17

4 years ago yesterday, God granted us that good and perfect gift in the form of our sweet Briggsy! We are so thankful that God chose us to be his parents. While he is not the perfect child :), and we are not the perfect parents :), we all love each other unconditionally.

While we missed our family and friends being here, we were able to celebrate with some great new friends we have made here in Louisville. We originally planned not to even have a party, but when Briggs asked about having one, I had to throw one together at the last minute! It was supposed to be at the park, but we had to have it at McDonald's because of rain. Honestly, I don't think the kids really cared either way. They had lots of fun playing on the playground at McDonald's. Briggs wanted a fire fighter cake so I attempted baking probably my first and last birthday cake! He picked out chocolate cake and we tinted the icing red and put a fire truck and station on top. I also baked cupcakes. The Metro fire department gave me coloring books, fire hat and badges, and safety pamphlets to pass out. All in all, it was a good day!

As I sit and think about the last 4 years, I realize just how quickly they have gone. Sometimes I wish I could go back and relive the years over just so I could cherish each milestone that Briggs has made even more. He has grown so much, and he continues to amaze us each and everyday with new phrases ("wicked cool") and new activities (soccer). I know the time will continue to fly by. I am so thankful for the last 4 years and look forward to many more to come!

I also think about how God placed us in Louisville at the right time! It's easier to look back on that now and see it! He directed us to a wonderful church where we have met wonderful people - with kids around Briggs' age! It's so amazing how He looks out for us and cares for us in even all the little details - even when we have no idea!! I am so grateful to serve such an awesome, wonderful, mighty, all-knowing, all powerful Heavenly Father!

It's Been A While!

I can't believe it has been since August 25 that I've blogged. We have gotten back in the swing of things! Aaron's back in school and has been working like crazy! He is only wanting to work around 30 hours a week, but has been having to work closer to 40 or 50 because the pharmacy is short handed. We are hoping that this stops soon!

I have been attending Seminary Wives Classes, which I am really enjoying! They are such a blessing, and I am thankful that Southern offers such things for the wives.

We were definitely homesick last weekend as Clemson played their first home game of the season. We were able to watch online at ESPN 360, but there's nothing like being in the stadium at Death Valley with 80,000 screaming fans. It really is electrifying!

Next Sunday, Briggs will turn 4!!!! I can NOT even believe that 4 years have gone by since I had him. He has started his soccer practice and will have his first game on Saturday. He is really excited about it.

I have still been searching for part time jobs, but haven't found anything. I can honestly say, though, that I am truly loving being at home. I never thought I would like it, but I do.

The apartment is great - still loving it. Still so thankful to have gotten in.

Today is such a beautiful day outside! The sun is shining, and fall is in the air. I LOVE days like this.

I think I have just about covered everything and brought you back up to speed on our lives.

Now to leave you with a question to ponder:

I overheard some people talking about salvation and baptism, and along with it, election. I certainly see SOME aspects, but I AM IN NO WAY A 5 POINT CALVINIST. Anyway, IF there is such a thing as election and predestination, then why is there a need for missions? Why does God call us to GO? Just something that popped into my mind - something for you to think about. I truly believe that God knows exactly who will accept His free gift of salvation, but I don't think that means that ANYONE can't accept it. I think that would put God in a box, and my great God will NOT fit!! And, if there is predestination, then I'm packing my bags and headin' back to home sweet home in Easley, SC.

Contentment

Philippians 4:11:

... For I AM LEARNING in whatever situation I am to be CONTENT.

So I changed the wording just a little because Paul says in the Scripture that he HAS learned to be content in whatever situation. Well, I won't say that I have completely learned it yet, but I am seriously working on it. God has helped me to see that my contentment really has NOTHING to do with ME; it has EVERYTHING to do with HIM.

Each time I begin to have a "pity party," I remember people who are less fortunate than me, who are battling grave illnesses, whose husband has deserted them, who has no food to eat, who is at rope's end, and I begin to feel a contentment wash over me through YAHWEH.

My prayer is that one day I will be able to whole-heartedly agree with Paul and say that I have learned to be content.

Until then, I keep striving ...

What's Going On ...

Boy, has it been a long week/weekend! We began moving from the rental house to the apartment last Wednesday evening. We moved Thursday evening, and Friday morning and afternoon. Our best friends, Jon and Raquela, came up to help us get moved. It was great to see them, and I hope that we don't have to move again before they come to visit!! :)

We are pretty settled already. I worked all day today to get things in order, and they are progressing well. I am loving the apartment already, and I am so thankful that we were able to move in. God's goodness never fails!

Aaron starts school tomorrow. He is taking 3 classes, one of which begins at 7:00 am on Wednesdays! I think he's a brave soul to register for a 7am class! I think he is ready to get back into the swing of things.

I am going to be taking classes at the Seminary Wives Institute this fall and am excited about that as well. I will take Discipleship Training on Wednesday mornings and Biblical Parenting on Thursday evenings. I will also be teaching either the 3 or 4 year olds at church on Wednesday evenings. I'm going to be busy, but I am looking forward to it all! I am also possibly going to a have job. The details are still in the works, but I would pick up 2 children from school and stay with them in the afternoons until their parents got home from work. I'm still praying for God's will in all of this!

Last night at church we experienced combined worship for all of the Highview campuses (there are now 7!), and it was simply amazing! God is such an awesome God, and it's so wonderful to serve Him at a great church like Highview.

Well, I guess that's about all for now! Thanks for your continued prayers!

TFTFE! Part 2 Becoming "unconnected" in a "connected" world, The problems with FB & Twitter

The second area that God convicted me was in the area of time and focus. We here in the States are blessed beyond measure. Even in a time when the economy is at it's worst since who knows when we are still far better off than over three fourths of the world. We are consumed with technology and "being connected". Our Black Berries buzz any time someone updates their face book or twitter page. If we do not send out 100 emails a day we seem to believe that we have not accomplished anything for the day. I believe that this "connectivity" is a distraction use by the enemy to actually disconnect us from each other and God.

While in Nicaragua we were not surrounded by all of the distractions that connect us. We were focused on the task at hand. The people there were also focused on each other and their communities. Each day we would have to travel down a long dirt road to get to the job site. One day as we were riding I began to think about the pastors we had met a few days before. I was reflecting on their knowledge of the Bible and the compassion that they had shared for their people.

These men had no access to the internet, no libraries full of commentaries, and no formal theological training other than the groups that have came and taught in the past. What they did have was a lot less distractions and time. Not to say that they were not busy because they are. When you live in conditions like they do, just surviving day to day takes time. There are no markets down the street, no one has a car to go to the store. What you eat you grow or kill, or you spend a complete day on your bike riding for hours to get to the bus stop to go to the store.

But these men made time they started their day early and it ended late. They didn't waste time "staying connected" to friends and family. When they had time to connect they connected to the One that matters and that is God the creator and sustainer of our universe. There connection to family was sitting around their homes (sticks with black plastic wrapped around it) and sharing, talking, and loving one another. They didn't feel the need to update their status every hour with meaningless information, or tweet (or what ever it is called) every time they had to go to the bathroom, or go eat, or scratch their nose. They spent quality time with each other one on one sharing and caring. The took the time to read God's word daily they meditated on it and hid it in their hearts.

Now I know that for some folks out there this post is already made your blood pressure rise a few digits but just relax. I am not saying that technology is wrong or even a bad thing. In fact I am thankful that I have the internet and all the comforts we have here in the states. I am however stating that God has convicted me of my "busyness". For those out there that are Christians I pose one question to you. If you had to provide a ratio to compare the number of Face Book or Twitter post you make, or pointless text messages you have sent to the number of times you have shared the gospel what would that ratio look like?

God has given me a burden. He has convicted my heart to become "UNBUSY". To refocus my attention on what matters, and that is His kingdom and sharing His story and becoming more active in evangelism.

Once again let me be clear I am not saying that Face Book or Twitter are wrong or bad. I believe they provide ways to stay "connected" with friends and family. My concern is that we as Christians are becoming to connected to our technology and less connected to the LOST WORLD that Christ commanded us "to go and preach to." When we update our status twice as much as we read God's word or share the Gospel I really feel that we have created an idol and have sinned against God.

I am well aware of the fact that Face Book and Twitter are not the only problems out there. We have moved sports, recreation, vacation, work, and many other things before God. We do how ever have to start somewhere. The next time you are going to update your status I hope you stop and think have I read my Bible today? Did I take the time to stop and speak to that coworker that is going through a difficult time? Have I told my family I love them? And most importantly Have I Put God First? If the answer to this is yes then I say "tweet" away and keep the status updates coming. If the answer is no i hope you stop and take the time to really CONNECT with what is important GOD, His Word, and Family.

Just as with the first post I am no english major. I did not let Brandi proof this so I am sure it is full of grammatical mistakes. Please excuse them.

There is a FIRST TIME for everything! Part 1

Did you call so and so? What time are we leaving? Did you see on Face Book? Have updated Twitter? Where did I lay my phone? My inbox is overflowing! How many times a day do we make any or all of these statements. And one I am guilty of saying "I am dreading school next week". I have had a week to reflect on my time in Nicaragua and as I spent days thinking and remembering I felt God was convicting me in two areas of my life.

One of the things we were able to do while in Nicaragua was some pastoral teaching. We invited several of the area pastors to come to the mission house where we were staying and four of our team leaders shared and taught from the the books of Corinthians and Romans. As we waited patiently the first morning for the pastors to arrive we were all filled with anxiety and curiosity. We were waiting on the inferior natives to show up and be trained by the Americans. As the room filled with pastors (some rode a bike 2.5 hours to get there) we were exited to get started.

As we began each pastor introduced himself to us and we opened with a word of prayer. It was at this moment the teaching began, except the roles were reversed. It was evident very quickly that these men were not uneducated men that needed training from the Americans. These men knew their Bible from front to back. They had a passion for God's word. They truly desired to understand the Bible better. Their focus and concentration was amazing. They were scribbling notes as fast as they could. They fired questions that would make the most seasoned pastor stop and think. It was evident that they took their role as pastor and as a christian very seriously.

Most of you know that I am a student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Now I am no theologian by any stretch of the imagination. In fact some days I wonder how I even got excepted here. I have the opportunity to sit under some of the best professors in the world. This seminary is considered to be one of the greatest in the world when it comes to academics. And I through the grace of God and His provision am able to attend for almost nothing. Yet many days I begrudgingly go to class and put forth half effort.

God spoke to me that day. It was like He was saying these men rode a bike for 2.5 hours to come hear YOU GUYS (a group of average joes) teach. Not only did they sacrifice to get there but when they arrived they were hungry for the word. God has given me an opportunity to get one of the best theological educations money can buy at no cost to myself and I have taken that for granted. So as I begin a new semester next week I look froward to it with a renewed passion and desire. I no longer have to go back to school but rather I GET to go back to school.

How many times do we as christians take going to church and learning God's word for granted. Week after week we just go through the motions. We show up we stay a wake and we go home. God has provided us with some of the greatest pastors and small group teachers in the world. My challenge for you is to not take that for granted. The next time you cross the threshold of the Church remember that it is a privilege and honor to get to study God's word. We should do it with passion and purpose not pain and agony.

The title of this post is There is a First Time for everything. This was my first time to post on a blog and probably my last. I am no english major so I am sure that there are a few run on sentences and comma splices (if I used any commas). I didn't let Brandi proof this so you will just have to understand and forgive me.

No Ordinary Day at the Beach

One evening we decided we were going to take a walk on the beach. As we crossed the road, we noticed police cars, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles. At first, I didn't think anything about it. But as we opened the gate and headed down onto the sand, I noticed some "official" looking people standing near the water's edge. Once we got closer, we noticed a lady that had been sitting next to us on the beach that day in tears. I immediately felt the sense to pray for her - to even go over and pray with her. I knew something was wrong. I mentioned it to my step-mom, and she walked over and asked what was wrong. The lady told us that her 8 & 10 year old daughters were missing. By this point, it was beginning to get dark. I was so scared for her. I couldn't imagine what she was going through. Paige (stepmom) told her we were going to pray for her and her daughters. Paige, Eaden (sister), and I joined hands and begin to pray. I was crying by the end of the prayer just thinking how awful the whole situation could turn out. After a few minutes, she got word that one of the daughters was found, and then a little later, the other was found. Praise the Lord! Apparently, the girls had been playing on their boogie boards at water's edge and got carried down a little. When they got out of the water, they couldn't figure out where they were or where their parents were. They began walking - but in the wrong direction. Eventually, the younger sister got scared and ran away from her older sister. The girls wound up two miles apart from each other and 6 miles (!) away from their parents. Thankfully it all turned out okay in the end. I checked on the other children back at the condo, and my stepmom and sister helped the family carry their beach stuff back to the condo. The lady hugged and thanked us when we returned to the condo.

I don't know if this lady was a believer or not, but I hope that at least a seed was planted in her heart that night as strangers walked up and asked if we could pray for her. What struck me more was what the outcome could have been if we hadn't prayed. I'm not saying that God still wouldn't have delivered those girls back to their parents, but I just wonder what would have happened if I had ignored that urge to pray for the lady - and to ask her if we could pray for her. So many times I feel a prompting from the Lord and ignore it, but now I hope that I will always think about the "what if's" of not heeding the Spirit's call and praying for others.

Well, it was this time last Saturday that Briggs and I, along with my dad, step-mom, brother and sister, were making our way back to SC from Destin, FL. Aaron was making his way to Atlanta from Nicaragua.

Briggs and I had a great time at the beach. Briggs loved the sand, the ocean, and the pool. I think he loved being with Sissy and Caden the most though. Most days were spent at the beach and then at the pool. We went out to eat one night so the rest of the week we were able to stay in our swimsuits all day and just relax. That's what I love about the beach. No rush to do anything. Just hanging out relaxing and enjoying God's beautiful creation.

I must say that I terribly missed Aaron while we were away from each other, but I truly believe the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder!" I was so happy to see him last Saturday evening. I was full of questions about his trip. I'm going to hand the blog over to him at some point so he can write about his trip for all of you. I know he had an awesome experience, and I'm already praying about what God would have us to do next. He was told about a family trip during Christmas, and honestly, I'm all set to go!!! I have no information about it, but I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas than ministering to and telling others about Jesus! I'm hoping we can get some details soon so that we might be able to get that in the works for this year.

Next week we will make our long awaited move to CHN apartments. While I'm not altogether excited about packing and moving again (this will make our 3rd time since October), I'm VERY happy and EXCITED to be going to the apartments. I think this will all together be much better for our family.

In a previous blog, I posted a link to pictures on our Shutterfly share site of Destin and Nicaragua. If you don't want to become a member of Shutterfly, you can still view the photos, but you will need a password. If you would like to view without becoming a member, email me for the password.

Aaron's new semester of school begins on August 17. I can't believe that it is time for another semester to begin. This year has flown by! He will be taking 3 classes, one of which begins at 7 am! Please be sure to pray for him this semester.

I am still looking for job opportunities. I have interviewed and talked with several different people about several different kinds of possibilities. I'm not gonna lie - I really don't want to go to work full time. My family needs the extra income, but I have so enjoyed being at home with Briggs. I'm praying God opens doors and provides opportunities for His glory. I know He will take care of us.

We continue to seek your prayers and support as we follow God on this journey. May God bless each of you.

Food for Thought

“Is it more important to maintain our institutions, sustain church programs and support a denominational structure centered on 5 percent of the world’s population that is already well-churched than to send the missionaries God is calling out of our own churches to reach the 95 percent of the world who are deprived of an opportunity to know Jesus?

“Is it really a problem with the economy or rather distorted priorities and hearts that are not aligned with our Lord’s passion to be glorified among the nations and peoples of the world?” ~ Jerry Rankin, IMB President

Destin

50 pictures
Click here to view these pictures larger

Aaron's Nicaragua Mission

50 pictures
Click here to view these pictures larger

Back to Life, Back to Reality!

So we are finally back in Louisville after our summer "adventures"!

I spent a week in Destin, FL with my dad, step mom and brother and sister. We had lots of fun. Briggs certainly did not want to leave. I was so ready to see Aaron, though, so Saturday could not come quick enough for me!

Aaron spent the week in Nicaragua with our home church (Brushy Creek Baptist Church) on a mission trip to Chosen Children Ministries. He had an awesome time.

Thanks to everybody who prayed for us. Both of us had great times and endured the week without one another!!

Playtime!

So I've spent the afternoon playing around with the blog because I kept seeing all cute ones from my friends. I can't decide if I like it or not. I'm generally kind of plain when it comes to these kind of things - it makes it easier to read and is less distracting. So please leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Do you like it the old way or the new way better? It was so hard to choose because there were so many cute ones - my eyes are hurting now from staring at them all!

It does seem that the transition to the new layout lost my counter. I can't remember where I found the thing to begin with. I enjoyed seeing the numbers at the bottom go up - even if it was partly me making them increase! I like knowing that there are people out there reading the blog :)

So in other news, the couple who came and looked at the house last Friday said that they wanted it!!!! YAY and PRAISE THE LORD!! They are such a sweet couple and had a cute little 2 month old with them. We have resent the paper work to the apartment and as far as I know, we are all waiting on the move in/out date, which looks to be sometime around August 12. That will be just in time for the new semester to begin! Classes start on August 17 so that would give the weekend before to get moved in and somewhat settled. I'm praying it all continues to work out and go smoothly. God NEVER ceases to amaze me. He knows what's right for us at the right time, "and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." [Romans 8:28 ESV]

An update to our backyard VBS:

The week went GREAT! The children brought in $240.00 to go to an orphanage (sorry, Britt, I don't remember the details or what it's called)!!! Isn't that awesome that mostly unchurched people will collect money for such a wonderful cause? There were also several families who said they were going to attend church on Sunday. I know for certain that one family did because they showed up at Highview!! How awesome is the LORD! We plan to have an ice cream social/back to school fun night in August to follow up with the kids/families who attended. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. I know it's so cliche, but that phrase is one of the truest I know.

Aaron leaves for Nicaragua Saturday. I'm nervous, sad, happy, and excited for him all at the same time. Please pray for safety for him and the team, and that they would be able to minister to many while they are there - and even on the journey there while in the airports and such.

I am still praying about jobs. I have not heard from the family I visited last week with the 3 month old. They were going to take a week to pray about their decision. I also applied yesterday for a PT position at Gymboree Play and Music to be an early childhood music teacher. I would so enjoy that, and I hope that they call me in for an interview. In the last two days I've picked up "side" jobs. I ironed for two separate ladies yesterday and this morning. One of the ladies said she may call me for odd jobs (such as Christmas decorating, watering plants, ironing, etc.) in the future, and I will resume ironing for the 2nd lady once we return from SC. It's not much, but every little bit helps! I hope one of these other positions pan out too.

The weather here in the Ville {oh, my, I'm beginning to talk like a native :) } has been WONDERFUL the last several days. 50's in the evenings and 70's during the day. I would certainly not believe it's July. It's been nice to have the doors open and no air conditioning!

As always, I would like to thank all of you for your continued prayers for us. We appreciate them more than you will ever know.

As for now, we are Following Him.

Whew! I am tired this week. We have been participating in a Backyard VBS with our Sunday night small group. It has been lots of fun, but I am worn out - just another sign that I am getting old!!! I believe that I will forever be singing the songs from VBS. "On the boomerang express, it all comes back ..." oh, sorry, I forgot I was typing for a second! :) I'm telling you, the songs are contagious. Tonight is family night. Pizza, smores, and showing the parents what the kids have been learning this week. I'm thankful that I participated in this - even if I wasn't as excited in the beginning. God continues to reveal Himself to me in so many ways. Just the other day when I didn't want to do VBS, I heard God gently tell me that He didn't really want to send His son to the cross for me either, but He did. Yesterday was rainy and humid, and again, I wasn't crazy about being wet and muddy, but God reminded me that Jesus didn't worry about the weather. I have just been reminded this week that God sent His Son to die for my sins and that I should be so grateful that NOTHING should keep me from praising Him and proclaiming His message to others. Who better to share with than a bunch of kids?

I am also praying today. Well, I pray everyday :), but more so today. There is a couple coming to look at this house tomorrow. I am praying that it is something that will work for them. There is also ONE apartment still available with no one else waiting in line (as of right now, anyway). So I am praying for God's DIVINE plan for my life and the life of my family and the family that could possibly want to move into this house. I still really want to move, but have come to peace with staying here if that's what we need to do. I am also praying about jobs still, and I went on an "interview" today to talk with a lady about babysitting her 3 month old 3 days a week. It is two houses up from the apartments where we want to move. I almost get a smile on my face as I wonder if God is up to something. Hmmmm. We'll see!

Next week we leave for SC. We will spend a day and a half there, and then Aaron departs for Nicaragua, and Briggs and I depart for Destin. Please pray for us the next two weeks.

Once we get back from our trips, it won't be long and Aaron will begin his 2nd semester on campus. I can't believe it is almost time for him to start again. I will be taking seminary wives classes as well, and I am very excited about that.

Well, I think I will leave you with one of the songs from VBS that I like the most:

WORKIN' ON MY SERVE:

I'm working on my serve

I'm putting Jesus first

Cause He deserves my total devotion

I'm checking out God's word

I'm learning that my purpose on this earth

Is to keep working on my serve for my Savior.

Sometimes I mess and I do things I don't want to

And then some other times I don't do what I ought to do

But I thank Jesus that He's faithful to forgive me

His love will help me become

All that He made me to be

So I'm working on my serve

I'm putting Jesus first

Cause He deserves my total devotion

I'm checking out God's word

I'm learning that my purpose on this earth

Is to keep working on my serve for my Savior.

Ramblings about the Riddles

So today's post is going to be tons of rambling on and on about different things. Sorry! I'll try to put the most important things first so that you don't have to read the entire thing if you don't want to!

Well, Aaron's major is all set and changed (well, for the most part anyway. still need one more recommendation form - Brittney!) so we are happy that's taken care of. The new semester starts August 17. Where has the summer gone? I can not believe that it is almost time for another round of school!

I am still trying to decide on whether or not to get a job, and if so, where. Honestly, I have so enjoyed being home with Briggs these last couple of months. I have had a job since I was like 14 or 15 so it has been really nice to not have to work. We do need the extra income so staying at home may not be an option anymore. I just don't want to take any job and then come home stressed and upset all the time. I've done that before, and it doesn't make for a great life. Then again, I tell myself that I need to "suck it up" and "take one for the team." Easier said than done. This leaves another dilemma - what to do with Briggs. In KY, the cutoff is October 1 so he would actually be eligible for 4K here (whereas in SC he would have another year). I thought I would have another year before having to think about that! Of course, I don't have to send him anywhere, but I do think he would benefit from the social interaction, plus learn at the same time. But, along with that, is the decision to go public or private. I also don't want to work just to send Briggs to daycare or school, but I also don't know anything about the public schools here. I'm sure they are good and fine, but back home, I knew which ones were the ones I would send him to. Plus, in our former circumstances, I didn't really have to make that choice - I just knew he would go to BCBC. Choices, choices, choices ... so many decisions, and at this point, so little time!

The landlord has posted the house for rent on the seminary message board and online. He has received an email from someone who may be interested, but nothing has panned out yet. I am hoping and praying that it does because there will be an apartment available at the end of August in the complex that we really wanted to move to. I'm praying for God's will and Divine intervention in this matter. I want Him to receive all glory and honor for the things that happen in my life.

So having said those couple (!) of things, please continue to be in much prayer for us. I know there are many of you who pray daily for us, and you will never know how much we appreciate and cherish them.

It was raining again this morning when I woke up. The sun is out now, but I think it rains every other day here. I've never seen so much rain as I have this year since we moved here. My dad asked me if we lived in Seattle or Louisville!

I have been trying to get out a little more lately. Briggs and I have gone to play grounds and water splash parks and later today (if he wakes up!), we are going to story time at the library. I have finally decided that I just have to get on with life!

I can't believe July 4th has come and gone. We went to the Crescent Hill Old Time 4th of July on Saturday, but guess what - IT RAINED(!) so we didn't get to stay long. The rain did subside that evening so that we could go see fireworks. Briggs thanked Jesus in his prayers that night for letting the rain stop for us to see them.

Which brings me to him - he is growing and changing every day. He says his own prayers at night without us prompting him. It is sweet music to my ears, and I can only imagine what God must feel like to hear a little child pray!!! He also told us yesterday that he needed a brother or sister so that he would have someone to play with. We laughed. Not in the plans, sweet boy - unless God works it otherwise. This is just more incentive for me to get out and meet people!

So on to stuff that is not necessarily about me/my family, but my feelings on a certain thing. Michael Jackson died a week and a half ago. Boy, has that taken EVERYTHING by storm. Granted, it is sad when anyone dies - especially if you don't know where they will spend eternity, but people come on! I feel for his children, but at the same time I think it is crazy how people have reacted. I enjoyed his music (his early music) just as much as anybody - I even had a MJ doll and special edition book (wish I still had them now - LOL!), but honestly, I am disgusted with the way our world is. This is what I wrote on FB:

Well, there's no doubt that he was a great performer and musician. I just think there were some more important things going on in the world. I'm not saying he shouldn't have been honored, but I think it was a little overkill. There are true heroes - American soldiers and police officers, firemen - who die every day without notice for what they have done. I also think that people have idolized MJ and created him into some sort of god. When we as a people begin to care more about a singer than the orphans, aborted babies, soldiers, 3rd world countries, etc., I think we have totally lost focus. People are worshipping MJ and have put their hope in him when it should be in the loving, caring, all knowing, all powerful God who created them and gave them life. That's why I have a problem with it. just my opinion though. :)

Anyway, that's my rant for today. Sorry. Just had to get that off my chest. Again, it is sad, and the world has lost a great performer, but let's not focus on MJ, but on what really matters in life.

Okay - I'm done with that, I promise!!

Last week Aaron celebrated his 30th birthday. Man, we are getting old! Briggs wanted to pick out a card for him so he got a Madagascar 2 card that sings "I like to move it, move it" when you open it up. I tried to get him not to get that one, but what good is trying to convince a 3 year old? He also told Aaron before his birthday that we got it. He said, "It's a secret. It's a surprise, and I'm not supposed to tell you. We got you a move it, move it birthday card." Can't tell kids anything!!! LOL.

We are excited also to see some friends from SC this weekend! The Pickels are heading this way for a bb tourney so we will get to say hello. I'm looking forward to seeing the games and seeing people we know!

Not much longer now until Aaron leaves for Nicaragua, and Briggs and I leave for the beach. I am happy and sad at the same time. I am happy that Aaron will get to experience his first international missions trip, but sad that he will not be with us as a family at Destin (my favorite beach!). Please pray for both of us during that time, and especially Briggs, who is a daddy's boy. I know it will be hard, but such a rewarding time for both of us.

Okay, well, I believe that's enough rambling for today. I'm sure you're tired of reading!

I Sing Praises to Your Name, O Lord!

We have a HUGE praise ... Aaron was granted the Keesee Scholarship for the fall and spring semesters!!! We are so GRATEFUL for this scholarship. God has again provided. This further assures us that we are on the right path because He is providing for Aaron's tuition. We are so thankful to God and others God has used to support us in this calling.

• For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations,and sing praises to your name. - 2 Samuel 22:50

• Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,and give thanks to his holy name. - Psalm 30:4
• I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to you among the nations. - Psalm 57:9

Romans

3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

10:9-10 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

10:14-15 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ¹⁵And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"