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.