Out of Necessity (more or less)

we've started a new blog.

I've used up all of the space allowed for uploading photos on this site, so I thought it necessary that we start afresh.  Beginning a new chapter in our lives was another reason this seemed fitting.  

You can visit our new blog HERE, if you'd like.  

This blog will still remain; at least until we get those books made.  David did have a "blog to book" printed (from Blurb.com) as one of my Christmas gifts.  It was such a fun present; I was definitely not expecting it!  However, it was only the first year (2008).  Hopefully I can get the other years in book form before too long.  "Scrapbooking" is definitely taking on a whole new look (though I must admit it's hard to beat the personal touch of a hand made album).  But this day and age, digital books are a great alternative to those who don't have the time for creatively documenting their memories. :)  

Well, I'll miss this little "home"; 

but it is now time to move on . . . 

The Rest of the Pictures

So, I'm here in David's office again after our evening church service, and I made a few adjustments with the pictures that I tried to post last night.  There were only a few photos from our time with the Parker family showing up on the flickr slideshow.  I'm hopeful that you will be able to view the rest of them now, if you'd like.  You can click HERE - there should be 12 in all.

God's Sovereign Grace & The Official Installment

David is with the kids right now to allow some uninterrupted time for me to post a few updates.  But I am at a loss of where to even begin.  So much is going on in our lives right now during this transition.  And without having internet access where we're temporarily living (this is not a bad thing, just inconvenient for the grandparents wanting to see their grand babies!), frequent updates aren't possible.  I've been trying to keep a list of things that I want to share, but there's just so much.  Therefore, I'll just post as I'm able. 


I thought I'd begin by documenting a bit about David's "Installation Service" last Sunday.  I guess you could say he's now officially the pastor at our new church. :) It was a very special time for our whole family - not only for what the service meant to all of us - but also because of the company we had for the weekend.  We were privileged to have David's long time dear friend, Shane Parker - who was also a key instrument the Lord used in our coming to Lake Gaston - preach during this special service for David.  In addition, we were so thrilled that he was able to bring his precious family along with him.  


The Lord used Shane mightily Sunday morning, delivering a very powerful message, along with much affirmation to my husband.  I was so thankful, and I know that everyone was blessed by him sharing Truth, as well as speaking against false expectations, with us as a church body.  Thank you, Shane, for being such a special part of this time for David.  May God bless you for blessing us.  Also, the member of the pastor search committee whom Shane first gave David's resume to, shared at the opening of the service.  He eloquently recounted the search committee's long process of looking for the one whom the Lord had ordained to be their new pastor.  It was so confirming reflecting on the Lord's providence through it all.


I wanted to share some pictures that we took from the weekend with the Parker family.  We had a blast with them, as we always do, and it was so fun seeing our children have fun together as well.  Their son, Wiley, is 4 (just short of a year older than John David), and their daughter, Evie, will be 2 before long (6 months older than Claire).  Because of their close ages, they had a lot in common, and - like I said - we parents really enjoyed watching their interaction.  


The last time that Wiley and John David were around each other was when JD was 16 months old, right before we received his autism diagnosis.  As many of you know, we found this out about our son during our missionary training in Virginia.  We stopped by the Parker's house - who were living in South Carolina at the time - to break up our road trip to VA.  Because of the circumstances where we'd been living, up until that point in his life, John David had not been around many children at all.  He was normally fine around adults and older children, but he didn't have much experience being around kids his age.  While in the Parker home, John David was fearful - without knowing how to better describe it - of little Wiley.  Though he'd watch Wiley closely, and though you could tell he was very interested in what Wiley was doing, he was nothing short of afraid.  John David would cling to us in fear and even cry (I'm talking intense tears) when he came close.  (I specifically remember the outburst when they were strapped in their seats side by side in the car.)


Once we arrived at our Virginia destination, John David was in a preschool (a first experience for all 3 of us) during the day while David and I attended preparatory classes.  Of course, after 5 weeks into our 8 week missionary training, John David's teacher - Miss Marlene (whom we give thanks to the Lord for CONSTANTLY!) shared her concern for John David's lack of desire to interact with the other children in his class.  Though John David interacted with his teachers - and they described him as being an "easy" and "delightful" - Miss Marlene said she had never seen a child his age just want to sit and watch instead of play with the other children.  Within a week, we were introduced to the terms "High-functioning autism" and "Aspergers" for the first time.  


While I didn't intend for this post to primarily be about John David, I did want to share some background so that you might understand how much we were anticipating the Parkers coming to stay with us.  We've seen how much John David has learned and grown in the past two years; one of the professionals we've recently worked with said that "he's not the same child as when we first saw him."  We agree.  But we were interested and excited about the difference between John David and Wiley's first encounter and their most recent one.


I also share a small portion of our story regarding John David to point to the Lord's beautiful sovereignty over the circumstances of our family, as well as those of our new church.  It was just about the time that the Lord held up the STOP sign for us to go overseas, that the church at Lake Gaston began their long search for a new pastor.  The Lord did not intend for us to serve in Africa at that time; He lead us to Virginia to give us insight about our precious son . . . insight that I'm confident we would not have had until much later.  Instead His plan was for us was to return home and begin receiving the services and support that our son (and the rest of our family) needed.  God's plan was also to prepare David, as well as the rest of us, for His calling on my husband for the task He had in store.  Meanwhile, the Lake Gaston church family patiently waited for almost two years for the Lord to show them the one that He had in store to be their pastor.  Though we feel completely inadequate for this position, we are so humbled and grateful for the Lord's perfect sovereignty over every detail, as well as His kindness and grace through it all. 


Well, back to John David and Wiley . . . needless to say, they hit it off very well and became big buddies in no time!  Meanwhile, David and I sat back and watched with so much joy and gratitude!!  Thank you, Father ~ You are very kind!  


And as our new journey begins, we want those of you actually reading this to know how much we covet your prayers for us.  Please pray for the Lord's wisdom and guidance as we continue to seek His direction for our own family and now our new church family.  Despite our inadequacies, we are promised in God's Word that His grace is sufficient and that His power is perfected in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12).  He is so faithful; He has been thus far, and - because He IS Faithfulness - we know He will continue to be!


In closing, if you're like me, you prefer to read a blog post that contains pictures.  (or you may not even read it at all but head straight to the pictures instead!) Because I'm having trouble uploading photos right now, you'll have to click HERE to see pictures from our time with the Parkers.  Sorry for the inconvenience.   

A North Carolina New Year

I've always loved new beginnings.  To me, a new year inevitably feels refreshing and is accompanied by excitement.  It seemed fitting that we arrived in North Carolina on New Year's Eve.  We welcomed the new year with a new beginning, in the fullest sense.


Though we didn't take any festive New Year's pictures, this one was taken on January 1st, as Claire and I ventured out on our first shopping trip to the local Food Lion. (The only local grocery store, mind you.  Don't worry though; I was born a "small town girl."  This is my kind of pace.)     

I can't believe that we are now 10 days into 2011.  I've had several conversations in which I've mentioned 2010 as being "the fastest year ever!"  I mean, it flew by! I can't imagine time passing any faster - as they say it does with age - but this year has already seemed to take off at lightening speed.


Speaking of age, my brother celebrated another birthday - as he does every year on New Year's Day.  It has always made me proud (I'm not sure why, except that most things about my brother make me proud) to inform others that he was born on January 1st.  That is pretty cool, don't you think? :)  His birthday always seems to kind of sneak up on us though, after all the Christmas festivities.  I was sad that we couldn't share in the celebration of K.J. on his actual birthday this year, but I was thankful that David got to participate in a surprise "Lord of the Rings Risk Party" (of sorts) that Lynn ~ my thoughtful sister-in-law ~ had planned for K.J. before we left.  

Happy Birthday, K.J.  I love you, and I am so proud of you.  I'm thankful for all that the Lord molded you to be, and I'm constantly amazed at the heart and mind and vision (spiritually speaking:) that He's given you; thank you for being faithful to use each of these for His glory.  I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you and your family as you continue to pour out and serve and seek His face together.  I'm so thankful for the years that we lived under the same roof and/or resided in close proximity.  Blessings on another year of grace, my brother.


Well, as far as life for our family, things are going very well.  Though they are on the mend now, the kids have been sick since our arrival.  But, you know, I've really seen it as a blessing.  I think it's made for a calmer, more relaxed transition than it would have been otherwise, had they been 100% and ready to go.  It's caused us to stay inside and take it easy.  Despite their little bodies aching, I do think it was the best thing for them.  The Lord knows, of course.


Our church family here is already taking great care of us.  We've had fresh, homemade bread and muffins delivered - as well as homemade hot chocolate mix -  along with 2 dozen fresh eggs and a container of homemade chicken soup.  We've been so appreciative, and I've got a lot to learn from these domestic women!     


The ladies of the church hosted a Welcome Reception for me yesterday, and it was absolutely delightful.  I felt so honored and humbled.  They assuredly showered me with a warm, gracious welcome, and each lady brought a favorite recipe to share with me.  I've got lots of new things to try!  (I know David is thankful :)


Today was our first "official" Sunday at church as a family, so here's our "first Sunday" picture.

(pardon my "mid-sentence" smile)

We were planning on this noteworthy "first" occasion being last Sunday, but the sickness kept the kids and me away.  All throughout the day, David and I were continuously giving thanks to the Lord for how beautifully the children did today at church.  John David just walked right into his new classroom full of new faces, and he participated and had a great time!  And Claire has never had a better drop-off at the nursery.  She even was taking a nap when I went to pick her up.  I honestly was a bit in shock at the smoothness of it all.  The Lord is so kind, and His grace regarding the children this morning was so confirming that we are exactly where He wants us.

  

Here are a few "Daddy/Daughter First Sunday" pictures.  My little girl is very expressive . . . well, just like her daddy.  :)

  

Speaking of God's grace to the children, it's fun to watch them grow in their relationship with one another.  They were exceptionally agreeable today, and I wanted to make note of it.  John David likes to play games on the computer from time to time (well, as much as we'll let him; if up to him, he'd play all day!!), and Claire loves to press buttons, of course.  Today, John David was not bothered by Claire's presence as he intently tried to "defeat the bad guys," and I couldn't believe that Claire restrained her little fingers from touching the keys.  It was definitely a moment worth documenting.  

Well, THANK YOU again to those of you who've been praying for our family during this time of transition.  Please continue.  

We will be moving tomorrow to another home where we will be until our rental house is ready for us.  We won't have an internet connection at our next temporary lodging, though we will be able to use the internet at the church, as need be, just a little over a mile down the road.  Updates will probably be scarce over the next month, and - like I mentioned with my last "Scripture Memory Monday" - I've put aside weekly posts for the time being.  I'm going to try to update when I can and focus on getting settled in this new chapter. 


It's so late now, but I wanted to post while I could; I figured it may be the last for a while.  I'm still wanting to document about our Christmas (and loads of other things!), but I'll do that when time is allotted.  Until then, blessings to you and yours, as 2011 is well underway! 

Look Who Dropped In . . .

it's

BATMAN

vigilantly of the night

If I was techno-savvy, I'd insert a nice, colorfully animated "POW" here. 

Offering a powerful right jab to the punching bag, 

Batman comes to Buzz Lightyear's aid in defeating "Evil Emperor Zerg."

(Defeating Zerg is the topic of lots of conversations these days ;) 

 

and then there's 

YOGURT GIRL

consumer of the sweet and creamy

If there's yogurt that needs devouring, she'll joyfully come to your aid!  

Not only will she singlehandedly annihilate a container of yogurt,

(with cottage cheese, or whatever other loiterers might be added to the concoction)

but her superpowers prove most effective in warding off those previously susceptible to nausea and/or a weak stomach. 

Well, I'm sure glad these super heros stopped by my house . . .

and hopefully they can stay for a while. :)

A Winter White Welcome

I've found it a bit difficult explaining to my 3-year-old - who's learning about seasons and their distinctions - that winter does not always bring snow.  


Before leaving Alabama, we had a few small flurries, but nothing that stuck on the ground (at least at our house).  We were thrilled - no matter how small - at the timely arrival of these flakes . . . just in time for Christmas.

You can't even tell from the pictures that it was snowing; however, if you look closely, you can see one small flake near Claire's cheek below.    

John David didn't mind the amount of snow.  

Though it was nothing to write home about, it was now officially "Winter" to him! 

He found some antlers 

and was trying to catch snow flakes on his tongue.

Well, it's been a week ago today that we left Alabama and began our venture to North Carolina.  My valiant husband conquered the voyage driving entirely through the night.  We left around 6:30 p.m. central time last Thursday evening, and we arrived around 5:30 a.m. eastern time on New Year's Eve morning.  Two cups of coffee and two "5-hour" energy drinks later, David still had plenty of energy upon our arrival.  After helping him unload the sleeping children and an essential bag or two, I joined the little ones for some more coveted slumber.  David proceeded to unload the rest of the car and somewhat organize our belongings in the place where we are staying for a while. (The house that we're renting won't be ready to move into for a little while longer, so we are currently house sitting for some church members for the time being.)  After the caffeine began to wear off and David was finally able to wind down, he had gotten about 30 minutes of sleep when both of the kids awoke.  David was very kind and gracious, and quickly suited up to show John David what was waiting for him outside. (And he even took pictures so that I could stay in the warm indoors with Claire, who wasn't feeling well.) 

There was snow, and lots of it!

 This is what still remained of the North Carolina snow from almost a week prior.

 John David was having a blast!

  

He was finally getting to build the snowman he'd been talking about making for weeks. 

(Well, it actually turned into more of a "Humpty Dumpty" character rather than "Frosty." The boys ended up pushing it off the side of a tall brick wall.  Poor thing!) 

snowball making

and the serious snow ball face

("like David threw at Goliath" :)

 a glimpse of a small inlet of beautiful Lake Gaston

 making snow angels

David's work of art

We've really been praying (along with some of you - thank you so much!) about this transition for all of us . . . but especially for John David.  And in all seriousness, I saw the remains of the snow as nothing short of a gift from God to help John David get excited about where he was going to be living.  The Lord is kind, no doubt, and watching my boys play in the winter wonderland outside brought me so much joy.  On a morning that could have been difficult - waking in a new, strange place, being far from family and life as he knew it, etc. - John David was overwhelmed with delight.

And would you believe the next morning outside looked like this?

I was then convinced that God let the snow remain until John David was able to enjoy it.

In a conversation with one of our church members, he even said that he couldn't believe how long the snow had hung around.  Thank you, gracious Lord, that You care about every little detail.  I will always be thankful for Your gift to my son of our North Carolina winter white welcome.       

A Goodnight Blessing

Though my sentiments relate entirely to Mr. Frost at the moment, having "miles to go before I sleep," I wanted to take time to document a precious moment that took place earlier with my boy.  There are so many of these moments that I have jotted down on scraps of paper, in hopes of not forgetting them and with intentions of future, more proper documentation; but I thought I'd go straight to the computer for this one.  


David had put John David to bed, but I had to interrupt his "settling in" with a dose of tummy medicine I had forgot to administer earlier.  After he more than willingly ingested the tasty meds, he requested that I lie down with him for a few minutes; and I, more than willingly, accepted the invite for some welcomed snuggle time.  


As he was lying there quietly next to me, every other second seeming to fight against his drooping eyelids, he asked me curiously, "Are you married?"  


"Yes," I replied, a bit humored by his somewhat random question.


I then showed him the rings on my left hand and explained how you can tell (most of the time) if someone is married or not.


I then asked him if he thought he'd get married one day. 


"Yes," he said.


Interested in his answer (and thinking he'd say one of his female cousins, as he's done in times past) I asked, "Who do you think you'll marry?"  


With his arm around my neck and having surrendered to his drooping lids, he said in the sweetest voice, "Someone else like you."  


He didn't open his eyes again and quickly drifted to sleep.  Meanwhile, my own eyes couldn't help but surrender to a tear.  


Thank you, John David, for making my heart melt, once again.  I love you, my child, and I can't wait to see all that the Lord has in store for you.

*photo courtesy of our kind friend at April Rain Photography

Another End to Another Chapter

My computer is propped in my lap on our Celebrate the Season pillow that I will soon pack away with the rest of our Christmas decor.  That's on dock for tomorrow, as are many other things on my lengthy "To Do" list.  This morning, David, the kids, and I headed out early to run errands.  After those were taken care of, we took time to enjoy a meal in a restaurant - which is a treat, and always interesting with two small children - and we are looking forward to spending some friends this evening.  I am sitting here to take a breath . . . not knowing where to begin with posting photos from the past month, amazed that another year has come and gone, and thinking through all of the change that is about to take place for our family.  


We are moving to North Carolina on Thursday.  Yes, we did just buy a house about 6 months ago, but the Lord providentially worked it our for David's brother and family - who are moving back to town - to begin renting it from us once we move.  The Lord has also provided a home for us to rent in our new little town.  The home is being built and is not quite finished, yet - thankfully - the Lord also provided a most desirable place to stay until it is complete.  (We will be house sitting for a family until they return, which is projected to be the exact "move in day" for our house.)  I am so grateful for how the Lord works out details.         


David began his job as senior pastor at Lake Gaston Baptist Church the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  He set out on his lengthy voyage to North Carolina in the wee hours of "Black Friday" morn (it did seem to bring me comfort knowing that there were lots of other individuals awake at that time:), and he did not return home to us until the 20th of this month.    So we were husband/daddy-less for 25 days!  (A record that I never hope to beat - nor even come CLOSE to beating - ever again!!)  By God's grace, the kids and I survived.  Because it was Christmas, there were lots of things going on to keep us busy; but on the other hand, it was Christmas . . . a sad time to be separated in my book.  It was so reassuring though to know that David was being WELL taken care of by our new church family (he had dinner in a different family's home EVERY evening!); he was having quality time with these dear folks and getting to know names and faces and life stories, etc.; he was visiting schools and meeting professionals regarding services for John David; he was finding us a place to live.  All of these things were important - to say the least - and knowing David was taking care of these important things brought great purpose to our extended time of separation.  We did have lots of great time with family and friends, however, as we were trying to make the most of these last days with all of them.  There were still many people that we did not get to see, but that is where I bellow a hearty "Praise the Lord!" for technology.  I am thankful for this means of keeping in touch and remaining a part of the lives of loved ones.


I was specifically grateful for technology (Skype, cell phones, text messages) while David was away.  A kind member of our church took these pictures (here a just a few) for me during David's first days at Lake Gaston.  Thank you, sweet Mary Frances.  I was SO appreciative!

David's first "official" Sunday as pastor

(This was after the evening service.  He did wear a tie that morning ;)  

Christmas Sunday at LGBC

He was the narrator in their cantata that morning and evening.

So as I sit here on the couch - the last Monday in our Alabama home, the last Monday of 2010, for that matter - so many emotions fill my heart; but so much comfort accompanies each emotion.  As children of God, we can experience TRUE comfort because of the promises of God; and we can indeed be comforted by His promises because of His unwavering character.  We know that He IS Faithfulness; He IS Love; He IS Hope and Joy and Peace.  He IS, and completely embodies, ALL that our hearts desire.  He does NOT change and remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.  His Word IS Truth, and we can count on every letter of it.  


Therefore, as we embark on a huge change in the life of our family, we can know that Sovereign God - who has ordained every detail of our lives before the foundations of the world - will, indeed, go with us.    


David pointed me to Psalm 139, and encouraged me to meditate on the whole chapter as we prepare for our transition.  I, too, will encourage you to do the same, as we all - no matter what you are facing individually - prepare to face a new year.      


Specifically, David told me how the author was marveling at the character of God - His Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, and namely, the fact that He is intimately present in each aspect of our lives.  He said, "It's as if the psalmist was saying,
'You - this great God - still want to be with sinful me.'"  It is overwhelming . . . and oh-so-comforting!  

"I awake, and I am still with You."

Psalm 139:18b  

Since this is the last Monday of the year, I've decided that it will also be the last Scripture Memory Monday that I will post for a while.  Though I desire that hiding God's Word in my heart be a keen discipline in my life (and posting each week has served as a form of accountability), I do not think it's realistic to continue as we make our move.  I'm not sure when we will feel "settled" in our new residence, and I'm not sure how much I will be able to sit down at a computer at first.  


I do hope to post some pictures soon of the past month and finish documenting our Christmas festivities and celebrations, as well as some of the activities that the kids and I did while David was away.


Until then, if you are reading this now (and I'd be surprised if you've made it to the end of this lengthy post), I do ask that you pray for our family.  We need your prayers so desperately, and we would appreciate them more than you know.  I will try to post updates as I am able, so that you may know how to specifically intercede for each of us.  Also, if you are reading this, thank you for wanting to take a "glimpse" into the life of our family.  We do pray - with all of our hearts - that we will not waste this "vapor" that the Lord has granted us.  Oh, for grace to be faithful to Him in every area of our lives, in this new year, and until He returns!!  To God be the glory!! 


   

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

WITH LOVE!

~ REJOICING IN THE BIRTH OF OUR FOREVER KING ~

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!

Scripture Memory Monday

I can only imagine the wonder of this amazing announcement;

and I love that God chose the lowly, humble shepherds 

to be the ones to witness this unprecedented proclamation.  

Years of waiting were finally over, silence from heaven had been broken -

the Promised One had come!

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14]“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  

[15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

Luke 2:13-15 (ESV)