life as we've known it...

{I realized that I never posted these pictures from our Christmas card/family photo session, so here they are...6 months later.} 

There is one thing I have left out of those past catch-up posts. And it's kinda major. While this news is its own post, truly it has permeated throughout every day and activity over the last several months.

We are doing something new. While we have had a lot going on, we have also had a lot of lasts.

So, let me just begin by saying...we are moving. We will be leaving the home we have made in Sandersville and closing this chapter of our lives. Joe and I are answering God's call on our family to plant a church. A two-year process with the Methodist church (and truthfully, several year process in our hearts) has led us on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, stops and starts, and eventually to the outcome we were hoping for when the appointment became official in March.

In June, we will be moving south to Valdosta where we will begin building a church. From nothing. We believe God is calling us to reach the unchurched, to make disciples, and to do our part in growing His kingdom.

God's will be done.

When God invites us to be a part of what He's doing, it's not so we can bless Him. It's so He can bless us.

This is a leap of faith, obviously. There is no one waiting for us on the other end. We don't know anyone (other than our realtor). Joe will be making much less. I will have to work, too. And together we will work to start this church. As I have told some, we have many challenges and uncertainty ahead of us, but we have God. And He is all the certainty we need.

Remembering God's faithfulness in the past lets us embrace the difficulties of the present and the uncertainties of the future.

We are excited...and, yes, scared. We are sad to leave Sandersville, the home we have loved for five years, and for the special friendships we have made. We are dreading the goodbye. I have found that the tears come easily.

But we are ready to begin this new chapter.

The news of our leaving was announced to the church on April 3. The following Sunday, Joe and I spoke to the congregation. We wanted to share the story of our calling to plant a church and our journey over the last few years to answer this call. It was tough. Joe and I alternated our perspectives and stories. Really I kept it together just fine, until I looked up at one point and saw several of our friends and members of our church family crying. By the end of our message, and especially after the closing hymn, "Here I am, Lord", there weren't many dry eyes. 

The tears affirmed how much our church loves us, for which we are so grateful and encouraged. Joe and I were humbled at the outpouring of love and support. So many kind words.

It was difficult the last several months - even the last year - not being able to talk about this endeavor. The Methodist church leadership told us to wait. We waited and waited, and waited. Even our family didn't know for a long time. This calling to start a church was a well-kept secret between just a few people for almost two years.

Not being able to share with our closest friends was hard. I have a girls small group that meets once a week, where we share and discuss everything from parenting to marriage to faith. We've been doing life together for a couple of years now and I love and pray for these girls daily. It was weird not being able to talk about the biggest thing in my life. Joe had a few conference peers that he could talk to, but most of his friends and our couple friends were in the dark. That was awkward and felt almost dishonest at times.

At the same time, we didn't really want to talk about it until we knew it was going to happen. The way the church works with pastoral appointments, there were no guarantees. So everything is kept confidential until the bishop and his cabinet start making things official. Of course once the appointment is official, the news can be shared.

And the weight could fall off our shoulders.

God's process may be long, but His plan is perfect.

It was weird writing the last several posts of all we have been up to without that little (or big) detail, because in between all of the activities and trips, we've been sharing the news, getting ready to move, finding a home, and trying to live each day to the fullest.

For those that read this, I ask you to pray for us!

Pray that God will continue to lead us in what we confidently know He has called us to do...

For discernment in this process and peace in knowing He will provide...

That His purposes and plans for us will be revealed...

For the people in Valdosta He will raise up as leaders to help us start this church...

For those that will come to know Jesus through our ministry...

For our church here in a time of transition...

And for our family as we say goodbye and settle in a new home.



We know the power of prayer, and we greatly appreciate those you lift up for us.

Father, help me trust my unknown future to you, the known God.

{Words in italics are from Proverbs 31 Ministries' First 5 devotionals I have saved...These devotionals have been an amazing source of peace and encouragement for me.}

lent

Today is Good Friday and I am thinking back on the last almost-40 days. It has been a very different Lent for me. I challenged myself to spend one hour in God's Word every day. This hour was to be separate from my morning daily-devotion time. It proved to be quite a challenge. Harder than anything I have ever given up for Lent.

Joe put together a read-through-the-book-of-Luke calendar for our church and that is where my focus has been. He gave me a great leather-bound study Bible on our 3rd anniversary (the year of the leather-themed gift) and so not only have I been reading the selected passage, but also all the accompanying notes. It ends up taking quite a bit of time.

I have learned so much more reading the Bible this way - in small doses but with heavy concentration on the words, characters, and context. After studying scripture, I reflect and pray. This has been fun actually. Oftentimes I found myself walking around the backyard (and getting sun in the process!) talking to God. I tried to do this routine before picking up the kids from school, but many days I sat in the backyard or on the playroom sofa while Hannah and Joseph played outside. Occasionally, I did have to try to ignore the little guy driving circles around me on his motorcycle or tractor. Such is life with little ones!

But this was a hard commitment and I was not 100%. There were many days when I found it time to get the kids and, telling myself I would do it later, never found the time (or made the time) until bedtime. And, yep, there were a few days when it didn't happen at all. Sometimes I thought it would have been much easier to give up something I ate or drank, but I'm glad I made that decision on Ash Wednesday. I certainly learned a lot - about my Lord and about myself.

I am thankful for this time of learning and growing in my faith. Challenging myself now to continue this practice year-round.

So, since I'm here and I haven't blogged in a while, I'll post some photos from the last couple months.

Date with Dad, February 5th:

Delivering Girl Scout cookies and selling at Walmart:

Valentine's school parties, making hearts for Daddy, and after-church special Valentine lunch:

Hannah's World of Coca Cola field trip with the Oratorical Club. I got to go, too!

Celebrating Cousin Stella's 1st birthday party in Savannah, February 20th!

Back home...being cuties:

(In Uncle Ben's sweater, he thinks he's pretty cool.)

Welcome March! Joe and Hannah, looking very liturgical in their purple:

My scripture-reading distraction, Officer Buck patrolling the backyard:

Pocahontas encouraging "Sharkie" with his shark-hotel building skills and then saying she's got to go kill a deer to eat for dinner. (Not making this up!)

Hannah's very favorite Sunday tradition, "helping Daddy" close up the church and walking from worship back to the office (currently relocated during construction). 

Soccer. Lots of soccer! Hannah has loved it and looks forward to every practice and game. She has come a long way and is playing great. Joseph is Ferdinand the Bull (if you've read the children's book, you know exactly what this means). While he loves to kick the ball and play at home, he has no interest in playing with the team and prefers to piddle on the sidelines, playing in the dirt or with the water cooler. He does get excited when he can play goalie.

St. Patrick's Day...in Sandersville for the third year in a row. Hannah had pink eye and couldn't go to school so we watched the parade in Savannah online. That night I co-hosted girls supper club, so I wasn't home, but Joe made the kids a fun green feast!

Palm Sunday, March 20th. Hannah walking with Joe again. Joseph is excited about Reese's cups given to them during the children's message. It was about it being Palm Sunday but also Passion Sunday and therefore a day of mixed emotion. Rev. Sidney gave them the illustration of funny things that go together (like sweet and salt) and gave them chocolate and peanut butter. They loved it, of course and Joe did too (Reese's is his favorite candy).

Joe has had a few appointments in Athens for physical therapy. What started as a running evaluation given to him by my mom became treatment for injuries and pain relief for his back. The therapist is great and we are hopeful that he will eventually find total pain relief from all accident-related injuries. On two occasions, we made it a day-date and I went with him.

And today. I have a hard time with Easter parties and egg hunts on Good Friday, but I understand how it has to work with school. My cute Monkey before heading into school. She has a super fun field trip lasting most of the day:

Well, that update didn't take too long. Maybe I'll be back with more after Easter. :)

HE deserves my best

Earlier, as I started to update the blog, I began to write what's below. But then I got caught up in trying to catch up on all we have had going on, and it became a lengthy post with pictures and I decided they just didn't go together.

But, I didn't want to leave this part out, as that's how it all started in my head (and in my heart), so here goes...


This morning I read a devotional about Anna from Luke 2. (The widowed prophetess at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus.) I have to admit I've never really stopped to appreciate her part of the story and unpack what those few verses about her mean.

The prayer at the end of the devotional definitely hit me hard, resonating in my soul: 

...You deserve more than the few crumbs that fall from my too-full calendar. You deserve my best. A heart of worship, night and day. A willingness to add fasting and more prayer time to my life. Please teach me to be still, to wait, to listen and always to give thanks. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

More than the crumbs that fall from my too-full calendar... Wow. Yep, I have definitely been guilty of that.

We are in the midst of Christmas-season busyness in our family. The last week (plus), we've had things going on every night...and during the day some, with school activities and parties. It has been a lot of fun, but also a lot of late nights and tired babies. Throw work and regular to-dos into the mix and Momma and Daddy have been tired, too!

I am also quite sure I've never had as many behavior problems with my children as I have over the last month. I understand that they are excited, getting less sleep, and likely feel the stress that also rears its ugly head this time of year...but still. They have been bickering, whining, and having melt-downs much more than is typical. 

Hannah and Joseph generally get along pretty well. They are close in age (19 months) and usually play well together. They are best friends. But even best friends have their moments. And I do not have the patience or gentleness that is required to handle squabble after squabble. I find myself wanting to pour a glass of wine and escape to a long peaceful bath. Or shut them in their rooms and grab a book. Or leave them in the house fighting over toys, while I run off somewhere. 

Hopefully, now that school is out, and I feel less pressed trying to tackle super-long to-do lists, things can be more peaceful. Hopefully! 

I read this recently and loved it so much that I scribbled it onto a piece of paper that I look at several times a day... 

Perfect peace isn't dependent on circumstances.

It comes from a steadfast, trusting heart.

Let's start this Christmas season by intentionally growing our steadfastness

by focusing our trust on God who is faithful.

The resulting peace will point to the savior we're celebrating.

I know we are past the starting point of the Christmas season, but the truth held in those words is vital - to my sanity and to my peace - that every day I find it helpful. Just taking time to be intentional and focusing my thoughts on Jesus, the reason for this season, changes everything. 

God deserves more than the crumbs from my too-full calendar. He deserves my wholehearted devotion. Yours, too. Right now during Advent, let's take time for Jesus!

{Cute shirt is from Meme; photo this morning by Hannah.}

catching up: holy week

Spring is here! (And we've had the pollen to prove it.) Our Holy Week was jam-packed with activity. Hannah had a field trip to the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon. Joseph and I followed the bus and enjoyed tagging along.

Both kids had their Easter parties and egg hunts at school. Hannah's was on Thursday…

She enlisted Joseph as her official helper and he was thrilled!

The egg hunt took about 5 minutes and then we were back in the classroom watching the kids happily stuff their faces with cheese puffs, cookies and cupcakes.

Joseph's party was on Friday. I have a problem with parties on Good Friday, but nobody asked me. It was, however, a beautiful day, and Joseph had a fun time. Just look at all these eggs, ready to be snatched up by eager preschoolers!

Joseph was more into it this year. (And Hannah certainly was - stay out of her way!) He did a pretty good job filling his basket. Joe's basket, actually. You see, I ordered the kids Pottery Barn Kids baskets when they were born but did not realize how huge they were. This was the first year they carried them on Easter Sunday. Hannah used hers for her school hunt, but you see how she and Joseph both held it!  We went with Daddy's smaller one for Joseph's school hunt (also from PBK but a long time ago). Speaking of Daddy…

I adore my boys. Joseph also stood still long enough for me to get a picture with his BFF, Weston.

And there I am, sweaty from a run. It was a hot and sunny day and we spent a good portion of it outside, but we didn't forget what it was all about:

Worship is an important part of Holy Week for us. It is the busiest week of the year for Joe and he has services on Thursday, Friday and of course, Sunday. 

On Maundy Thursday, Hannah received Holy Communion for the first time. It was really special and sweet watching her participate in something that is so sacred to us as followers of Jesus. There is no set age children start taking communion in the Methodist church; a child can begin taking it whenever. But to Joe and me, we wanted to wait until our children understood the significance of what they were doing. I've had several conversations with Hannah on recent communion Sundays, as she's wanted to receive, and I knew she was ready. Joe talked to her about it, she had a very good understanding of it, and we decided the service on Maundy Thursday evening would be the perfect time. After all, that is when it was initiated by Jesus. 

Good Friday service was at noon with scripture and meditations on the last seven words of Christ. I had Joseph with me, and with the solemnity of the service was a little unsure of how he'd do, but he pretty much sat quietly next to me the whole time. Even after all that sugar he consumed at his preschool party!

Saturday came, and with it - Meme! We dyed eggs on the back porch… 

…Sweet Easter aprons courtesy of Meme, of course. We also made bunny cakes. Instead of our traditional large bunny cake, we used different size bunny-shaped cookie cutters to make smaller ones so the kids could decorate them however they liked.

Then we went over to hunt eggs and play with dear friends. Hannah loved seeing Elizabeth and Jane, and their cousin Gena.

It was such a fun (and full) day!