How many trips does it take to get a driver's license???

One day off to get so many things done. One day off to rest after being in Honduras. One day.... Only one.
Studied hard, gathered the required items and leave the house around 11:30. Arrive at DPS office just after 12. Take a number please...#55. Now serving # 46. Waiting. Waiting. Listening to others go through the questions. SS number was asked multiple times. Hmmmm...I do not think I have that. Ok. What now? I asked and the clerk said that we could go to the Social Security office to get a form. Allrighty. Leave for that journey and take a number- 64. Should have enough time. Down tothe SS office. Take a number please. 124 of 127. Not too bad. Wait, wait...finally our turn. Bingo! Success! Drive back to the office- hungry, but no time to go back to see if they have already passed our number. Now serving #67. UGH!! Take a new number, go get lunch. #80 this time....hurry! Back from lunch- they are on #70. Going slow. A low rumble of complaints about their speed escolated as one lady kept leaving to perform driving tests. Negativity is infectious. I wanted none of it. Finally it was our turn! We got to the front, spoke with the clerk, and within minutes we were seperated because Hannah was testing. She looks nervous....don't maintain any eye contact....finally done! Score- 27/30!!! Passing!! She didn't drive home, but we were able to finally leave. Whew!!! Can't think yet about the acutal driving exam!

Living life upside down...

Honduras is such a polar opposite from life in the US. Yesterday our teams went into a village to do food distribution. Bags of 2 lbs of rice and 2 lbs of red beans were issued to each home, whether there were 8 children there or just an elderly husband and wife. I gave away all of the snacks I brought for myself (I have not missed a meal and have over eaten- stark contrast to their lives) and hugged lots of children I will never see this side of heaven again. They are so different than our children in the US. No ADHD here...children are well-behaved and quiet. They are responsible for their younger siblings. They tend crops and animals. They don't wear shoes and aren't concerned with video games. They don't know what the internet is and have never held an iPad or iPhone. Life is different here, but they seem to have it more 'figured out' in some ways. Earning a living isn't a priority...living is their priority. Daddy and Mommys don't leave their homes to work in the city and bring home paychecks...they stay home and just survive. Heading out now...more later

Letting him go...

My little Lucky boy died yesterday.

A year ago, we almost lost him.  Because of the wonderful help of several friends and K'Lynn, Lucky was able to live here with us for another year.  He was happy, although he didn't move quite as quickly.  He enjoyed being with our family and with Lucy.  When Macks got here for the summer, they were 'running buddies'- running out the door any time it was opened and staying gone for way toooo long.  He had been doing well, but he suddenly changed on Tuesday night.  We returned from a long evening in Bryan for volleyball.  He didn't move as we came in.  The other dogs ran out to go potty, but he laid on the rug near my bedroom.  I recognized the signs of congestive heart failure pretty quickly- no surprise since his heart and lungs were so damaged from last year.  His breathing was fast and wet-sounding.  He had no energy.  There was some random blood on his back feet, but I couldn't find it's source.  I prepared Hannah and K'Lynn for what the next day would hold.  I told Kyle and he agreed.  I laid Lucky on a pillow, covered in a towel beside my bed for the night.  I prayed he would not be alive when I woke up, but he was.  He had mustered up enough energy to move from there to the dog bed near the TV sometime during the night.  When I saw this the next morning, I wondered if I had made the right plan.  He was still listless, though...

I called the vet and spoke with Jennifer.  She was so understanding.  I know they do this quite often, I am not a special case- but they made me feel very special.  I do not feel that I can share all of the details of his passing right now- it is too fresh.  Just know that I took him there with his dignity intact.  He walked down the ramp from the porch to the car on his own steam.  He stopped to mark our house one last time.  The clots and bloody urine affirmed to me that my thinking was correct.  He sat up in the car on his little brown blanket the whole way to the vet.  He did allow me to carry him in and to hold him as we waited.  His eyes were a little scared at times, but mostly just tired.  Dr. Dewberry hugged me afterwards and told me that I had done the right thing.  She said that she was surpised we were able to keep him alive for a whole year because of the serious damage he suffered last summer.  She herself walked me out to the car and helped me place my sweet puppy into the back seat.  As I took him home, I called K'Lynn to tell her that it was over.  She was sad, but relieved.  

 I met Kyle and Hannah near the church.  Kyle placed Lucky in a hole he dug himself.  I stood there crying, telling Lucky that he had been a good dog.  I told him that if dogs do go to heaven, that I would see him there.  Hannah hugged me and we watched Kyle close the open hole.  The sweat and exhertion was theraputic for Kyle...Hannah and I didn't have that outlet.  We chose to spend the day together and talked about what a great dog he had been.  She was like ointment to an open wound for me- ministering to me though her presence. 

Lucy and Macks are still confused- going to the door to look for Lucky.  I am too.  I know God gave me peace to make the decision, but I still miss that little Lucky boy.  So thankful for the very best Mother's Day present anyone ever gave me 9 years ago.  I loved you Lucky....you will always be the best dog ever, in my mind.

Unpublished words.

I have so many unpublished "drafts" on this blog. So many things I would only want God to know. So many heartbreaks in recent years that I only trust to the unpublished pages of this blog. I know God knows my heart and He knows my need. God, you can fill in all of the cracks. I hope it doesn't take long. Thankful for my precious husband and family. I sure miss the others though.

So many changes...

Life is full of changes. I know this, I expect this, I rely on this. Staying the same equals stagnation usually. Lately some of the changes I have encountered have been pretty challenging. I have spent hours working on a couple of issues that seem to reappear and reappear. One step forward and three steps back. I struggle against unseen forces that I have no control over. It is hard to remember that God is in control. Today I saw a great quote on FB that I need to remember. "God wants us to have a present expectation of something good happening to us instead of constantly mourning over what has been lost". In light of Hannah and Carson breaking up, in light of those 15 lbs returning that I had lost, in light of a lot of things- I need to meditate on this. The verse in Phillipians (4:8) comes to mind: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. I have to let God be God. I talk about this, I preach it to others- now I must live it out again. I know God has a purpose. M sister sent me a message yesterday to help me understand why I have such a hard time sometimes. She said "God made your heart the way he did for a reason. You get very attached to the people in your life who strike a chord with you and it's all God. He has a reason for everything including this breakup. I do love how deeply loyal you are to those you love..including me...;). She is right. I do love those that I love very deeply. If you are in that circle- consider yourself lucky!!  Most likely, if you are reading this- you are in that circle!!

Audra is here!

Andrew and Kim have a baby now. Her name is Audra McCartney Williams. She arrived on Dec 26 at 9:13 am by C-section. She is beautiful...she is perfect...she is here! Her birth came at the end of a week of such sorrow. Kim's sweet mother, Penny, died suddenly on the 19th of December. She had a heart attack. She never met little Audra. She was very proud of Andrew and Kim and the little family they were creating.

Kim stayed strong during the arrangements and the funeral. It is easier to handle a funeral when you know the person had a saving knowledge of the Lord. Doesn't make you miss them less, but you know you will see them again someday. Audra has eased the pain a little, I am sure.

Audra is the first of what I hope will be many children that this sweet couple will have. With her grandma gone, I hope to have the honor of filling that spot any time I am needed. Kyle is as proud of her as he will be of our "blood" grandchildren someday. So thankful that God gives and takes away...this is a perfect example of the circle of life. Love that girl already, although she is only 10 days old!!

You just take care of your own game...you've got enough there to keep you busy!

Ever suffer from foot in mouth disease? I do. I sometimes just don't know when to shut up. Recently, I have had 2 interactions with people that I felt the need to take down a notch or two basically. Not my place, not at God's direction, just my own flesh. Reality is, I have enough going on in my own life and have no need to try to direct traffic in someone else's. I need to try to focus on my own game...there is enough there to keep me very busy. Neither of these situations will likely resolve. I appologized to one, the other one I am just leaving alone. Sorry doesn't take back the hurt or erase the messiness, I know that.

God, please remind me that my life is yours and it should be focused on You, not the short comings of others. I need to let you handle those. You have blessed our family in so many ways, I wouldn't want to do anything that would jepordize that by my disobedience. "Create in me a pure heart" is my prayer this morning. God, please put my blinders on so that I can focus on the path you've set before me. My flesh and my tounge are dangerous when allowed to wander about on their own. I am submitting myself to You for Your leadership once again. Keep me in check.

Dogs and children

My sweet Lucky boy almost died last week. We had just left for vacation and he was in the front yard on his leash. This has been his home for the past few week since he got all tangled up in the zip line in the back yard, almost hanging himself on the porch. Anyway, we had been gone for about 6 hours when Kim called to say she had found him in the front yard, tangled up in the line and almost lifeless. He had been in the hot sun, unable to reach shade or water, for some time apparently. He walked sideways (appearing drunk) and was panting. He couldn't really stand on his own. She got him inside, called us and needed direction. Within a few hours, many calls had been made between us, different vets, other friends, etc...all trying to figure out what to do with this friend of so many years. Our daughter, K'Lynn, was the one left to care for and deal with this very sick dog. Totally out of her comfort zone, but she did an amazing job.

Daily, I spoke to the vet. Lucky was in "ICU" for almost a week. Day by day, the question was 'when do we have to decide if he is going to make it through this or that we allow him to rest?'. I was prepared to make the decision to have him put to sleep, if necessary. He has had a great life, and a long life by most standards. He is 8 and has been a part of so many of our family's milestones. He has lived in 7 different yards, 4 different cities and 2 different states. He has traveled with us, protected us, and put up with us for many years now. He is loyal, faithful, loving, and as much an actor as K'Lynn is an actress. He has perfected the 'shiver'...he can begin to shiver and look so pitiful ("Hey, it's cold out here...can I just come inside?") even when it is only 75* outside. He is social and loves us. He is a part of the family.

On Friday evening, I got the call saying that he would make it and that he should come home on Saturday. Arrangements were made and when I got home Saturday night from vacation, there he was. His progress since then (one week ago) is amazing. He is finally trying to eat. His energy is much improved. He now wags his short, stumpy little tail again. Last night, he played with Lucy, biting her playfully on her legs as she did him. He isn't complete yet, but he is going to live.

I am thankful that God has allowed me the honor of raising both dogs and children. I have learned lessons from each of them. I am loved by both groups, and love them in return. As I type this, Lucy (little sister, as I refer to her), just jumped up beside me in the big red chair. It is dark and she is softly barking at unseen threats...pretty sure we're safe, but at least I've been warned!

Totally out of my control...

I guess I have reached one of those places in life when I am reminded that many times there are things totally out of my control. My son is in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been there for a few days already and I have been blessed (through technology) to be able to speak to him. I have heard his voice, I know he is healthy, and yet I worry. I do trust God to provide for him and to lead his steps. I trust that same God for his health and his safe return home. It is the not knowing things that makes me remain concerned. I hear that he is weary, that jet lag is really making him unable to sleep and that his energy is very low. I know that this will affect his trip there. I am hoping that God has Ryan very humbled right now through this time of weakness so that He can use him in a great way. I have had God do this to me before in different situations to get me out of my own way. That is usually when He has shown up the most. For now, my part in this will be prayer. My prayer for my little boy is that God will cover him with a blanket of peace, with or without sleep. Supernatural strength that only God can provide. I remain thankful for his sacrifice and thankful for his journey. Thankful for him- period.

Where has the time gone?

How long has it been? Well, that's too long! Life is AMAZING! Lucy is a great little girl (puppy). The holidays were wonderful. Also, we have moved into the parsonage!!! Kyle and so many others worked tirelessly to complete the place. We got here January 15th and even had a party here the next Friday. Oour open house is scheduled for Feb. 13th. I can't wait to show it off. It is so perfect for us. God has blessed us through this house so much!

New job is wonderful. Love my co-workers, my schedule, and having a boss that respects me. I cannot believe how things have changed in a year. Some not worth mentioning (like the 15 lbs I've gained back!!!), others so wonderful that I must (like K'Lynn starting her teacher's certification, Ryan begining his camp director position, ALLLLL of the baptisms and new members we gained in the past year). Just suffice it to say that life is good and we are happpy. Kyle is struggling for now with a really bad back situation , but I think I'll be taking him to the doc tomorrow. Gotta get him well!!.

Moving forward...

We got the puppy. Her name is Lucy Lou and I love her so much! She is adorable, her own person (puppy)completely although she looks looks like her sister a lot. Kyle loves her and it is great to have her here. We're doing very well!

In other news, I quit my job! I am so done with it, I hope I can finish this next week out without any big problems. Becky K is making it difficult and I want to just be gone, but I must get through a few more days! Going to work for Rehabcare at Tomball Hospital. I cannot wait!!!

Already?

I am looking at possibly getting a new puppy...already. I called her breeder yesterday to see if there were any other sisters/brothers of Mollie's available. There is one...am I ready? She's a little girl, same golden color as Mollie, same daddy, but different mama. She's maybe be a little bit bigger than Mollie was, but still under 10 lbs. I miss her...I wish she were the puppy I still had, not the one I am trying to get over. I know Hannah isn't ready, but she's just scared to love another puppy and to lose it. I have a big decision to make. Kyle and K'Lynn are supportive. We'll see what happens. Going camping today...need the break from this tough week! This will get better!

Healing, slowly...

One day later and I am doing a little better. I miss Mollie the most early in the mroning and late at night. Early in the morning, that was our time. She would be in the bathroom with me while I was in the tub. She loved licking the water out of the tub, off of my arms and legs,etc... She would run around and bark at the oddest things. She would grab my towel and try to wrestle it from me. All of it seemed cute at the time, but now I miss it so much.

Hannah helped by taking the bed with the toys outside. That was her little part of my healing process. I cleaned my room last night and did ok until I had to remove her bedding and bowls from her crate where she spend my working hours. Her little black and white blanket was her favorite. I had just recently filled the water bowl, but the food bowl was empty. I broke down when I took the bowls into the kitchen. I went to the table and laid my head down and sobbed. Everyone else was busy, so I went un-noticed for a little while. Kyle came in eventually and I jumped up trying to cover it up. He just gathered me up in his arms and hugged me...allowing me to cry. He just said "I am so sorry". Perfect...that was all he could say and all he did say. I love my husband and my family. We will get through this. The sweet little friends I have at church also made me a card trying to help me get through this also. With the love of so many, I will heal. Love you Mollie.

My puppy died today.

I got a sweet puppy a few weeks ago. Her name was Mollie. I loved her like didn't know I could. My husband loved her in a way he didn't expect also. She was growing, learning new tricks, had a mountain of personality, and every day was an adventure. She wasn't housetrained, but we managed. She slept in our bed and snuggled with us at night. She played rough with Kyle, but would snuggle up in my lap. She even won the hearts of K'Lynn and Hannah, which is saying quite a lot for a dog. She loved Lucky, my sweet Jack Russell.

Today, though, she got out of the yard and was immediatly hit by a car. I am sure they never saw her sweet little body. K'Lynn found her and it broke her heart. She was finally able to call me and I was devestated. I stil am.

More later...I am trying to decide if I am out of tears, or if there are a few left to get to sleep with tonight. Lots of prayers needed...she really was family. I love you Mollie. Rest in peace.

Changes?

God has me in a wierd place right now. Things have never been better, yet, I've never been more restless. I would love to say I am super happy with where I am in my life, but I'm just not satisfied in some ways. I have lost 40 lbs since last September, but I am not satisfied at all. I am also not doing anything to lose more, so ???? what do I expect? I am so overworked this past week that I am exhausted! I am just crazy busy at work and have so much to do at home also. I found out last Saturday that they might be selling our house...seriously? We just got here! I will have to trust God to show us what to do next if that happens. I got the opportunity to talk with someone yesterday about some possible work changes...trusting God to work those details out too. Excited about where our church is going now...can't wait for tomorrow!

From FB..."I think I saw an angel today..." from November 15, 2009

So, although I didn't realize it at the time, I think I saw an angel today. Ordinary afternoon shopping with Kyle... checking out at the front of the store. I had been aware as we shopped of a family there with loud children. I got a glimpse of them midway through my time in the store...not kids, more like young adults with special needs. I am used to that- I 've dealt with people of all types through my work in the hospitals and clinics over the years. I didn't pay much attention to them...busy with my main focus shopping for a new sweater- you know, important stuff!



Placing the items we had selected on the counter, I noticed that the next cashier was helping this same family. Middle aged Hispanic man, maybe 50-ish, with two young adult special needs children at his side. The son must have been the one I had heard earlier. He was all smiles, talking non-stop. He pointed out this thing and the next to his father. Their dad was very patient with them, responding to everything he said. Along with this son, though, was a daughter. Although very small in stature, she was probably about my oldest daughter's age- 23 or so. She was obviously developmentally delayed, but was a very happy young lady. As I was waiting on the total, I pulled out my chewing gum from my purse. When she saw the package, her eyes lit up!!! She got so excited that she began to squeal! Like a small child, she immediately held her hand out and silently asked for a piece. I didn't really understand what she wanted at first, so she began to make noises to say "Please!!". Not the word, mind you...just the sound. Somehow I got it! I looked to Dad and said "Do you mind?". He initially said "No, no...that is ok- she doesn't need that.". I said, "I don't mind..." and he finally said "ok". When I opened the package and set two pieces into my hand, she grabbed them quickly and smiled at me- all teeth!! I was feeling pretty satisfied with having made her so happy and then I heard a similar sound coming from her brother. He wanted gum too!! Two more pieces, one more big toothy grin. That was nice... I was happy to have made them happy.



Receipt and purse in one hand and bags in another , I headed for the door. I stopped when I noticed she had stepped into my path. "Do you want more gum?"... no response. Then she did it-

She reached both arms around my neck and pulled me in close. She hugged me like I can't remember being hugged in a long time by anyone. When she finally let me go, she smiled at me. I said something about how sweet she was and thanked her. I walked out feeling quite warm inside.



I got busy immediately dealing with a phone call and then the drive home. I actually forgot about that hug until I got still and began thinking a little bit ago. Then God reminded me of it and I realized what a gift I had been given today. She didn't know me and I didn't know how much I needed her hug. This young lady might not seem to have a lot to offer to some, but she gave me something no one else could- a glimpse of the Father. Who knew a simple shopping trip could be so rewarding?

From FB..."I am going to provide all of your needs...." from December 2008

The story begins with that promise. On a plane while traveling to Scotsdale, AZ, I received this promise. It wasn't a promise made only to me... just read Phillipians 4:19. I had read it before and I knew it- but it wasnt' personal. On this flight, it became very personal.



So much to preface this with, but the short version is this. 16 months prior, my family moved to another state. New jobs, new church, new school for Hannah, new house for us, but the benefit of being there with some old friends. Best friends...these were exciting times! The first year ticked right along... we kinda thought we'd be there forever. Kids were good, marriage was good, life was good. K'Lynn was to graduate from college soon and we were making plans to travel to Texas for that.



I got on the plane early that December morning. I had been with the

company only 8 months- still the new kid on the block. My boss had been out for a little while on a leave of absence. I was attending some training with our regional manager. Hadn't met him before- wanted to make a good impression. I should also say, I hate the take off portion of any flight. That morning, I kinda gripped the arm rests and began to pray for safety. To my left sat a lady, but we didn't speak. Just a nod as she took her seat- fine for an early morning.



Eyes closed...praying for the little things. Safety, as I had mentioned, but many other things. Guidance, Godly partners for my children, health mercies for my family, the courage to continue to witness to my boss when she returned from leave...so many things. Suddenly, I heard this "I am going to provide all of your needs". A voice I heard- a voice without a speaker. Is that you, God? I looked at the lady next to me. She was resting quietly- eyes shut. Must have been her, right? Maybe not. Just be still- if it was her, she'll speak again.



Eyes closed again...wondering if I imagined that voice. Silence. Then, I heard it again. "I AM going to provide all your needs". I am feeling a little like Samuel now...It's you, right God? Speak Lord...your servant is listening...



The promises came then, one after the other- each time with a different word emphasised:



"I am GOING to provide all your needs"

"I am going TO provide all your needs"

"I am going to PROVIDE all your needs"

" I am going to provide ALL your needs"

"I am going to provide all YOUR needs"

and finally

"I am going to provide all your NEEDS"



I don't really know what to think. It obviousy wasn't the lady next to me- she was snoring by now. God- this must be you. God, you are kinda scaring me. What does this mean? Is something bad going to happen? Is it our trip to Texas, God? Will our plane crash? Is something wrong with one of my children? What are You preparing me for?



As quickly as the fear and worry started- God's peace blanketed my spirit. If God promised to provide all of my needs, why would I worry? Faith...that's what I was left with. Faith that God would do just what He promised. My eyes filled with tears. Thank you, Father...thank you for loving me enough to prepare me for whatever is to come. Thank you for making straight the path. Thank you...thank you...



I had no way to know- and couldn't have handled the knowledge if I had known- all of the things that would happen after this day. No way to know that I'd be given a great promotion at work- providing financially for us. No way to know that Kyle would leave his job so quickly. No way to know that his next job and our next home was just around the corner in Texas. No way to know that my family would lose people from our lives that were almost like family. No way to know how much that would hurt or how we'd get through. God knew though. And God was concerned enough about me that he gave me a "heads up" if you will. I am such a planner- need to know all of the details in advance if at all possible. God created me and certainly knew this. It takes me a while to get used to new ideas- this was all part of the plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.



God is faithful. He is a loving God who is concerned about our day to day. He has shown me things in 2008 that I never could have imagined. Some incredible, some initially frightening, some devestating, some exhillarating- but all ordained by God.



He has provided all my needs. He always has- he always will.

From FB..."I am watching, although silently" from February 7, 2010

You know, FB is a wierd place. I see people that I have known thoughout the years on here, many I am very close with , others I only know a little bit. Some of these people I used to know very well, but haven't seen in years. Some I see on a daily basis. The funny thing about FB is that it is a glimpse into their souls sometimes. Here's what I mean...



I saw you write that sweet status about how much you love your spouse and children...it made me think about my own and made me thank God that you are doing so well.



I saw how frustrated you were with others when you updated the other day...and I prayed for you.



I realized by reading your status that you are now doing some things that you never did when I lived near you. That made me sad...would it be different if I could still influence your life on a daily basis? Is that what you learned in youth group? Hmmm....



I know now how to pray for you by reading you thoughts...seems like you are struggling in a couple of areas. I will do that for you without us ever talking about it out loud.



I see that your marriage is not working out...I wonder if my posts will encourage you to try harder?



I ask God to give you strength in regards to your child since today was a hard one for you. I write on your wall and say "we've all been there!"



This morning, you wrote that you were getting your family ready for church...I am very proud that your faith is being passed along to your children.



You tell me to "have a great day in the Lord" and somehow I really take that advise!



We are able to bear each other's burdens through the words and thoughts shared on here: death, birth, divorce, lost jobs, new jobs, victories, defeats.....life.





Remember that I am watching, although silently. Sometimes what you write pains me for you, sometimes I rejoice. I don't always comment, but I do always react. You are being prayed for and thought of with every post. God is that way too, you know. He is always aware of our needs and is actively woring to accomplish His will. He does all of this without Facebook!! As for the status updates, keep them coming...I love being able to get a glimpse into your soul.



Have a blessed day...I know I will!!

From FB..."Who could have known? from June 26, 2010

Almost 2 years ago, God picked up my life and lives of my family and shook it up like never before. It felt awful at the time. I trusted him completely, but I resented the event that He used to move us from New Mexico back to Texas. I resented the people He used, the "unfairness" of it all, how much it hurt, etc... I knew He had a plan, but I sure did try to sulk for a while! Who could have known?



My dad said he hated to see us go to such a "dead end town"...good thing is I never have taken much stock in his advice. God opened doors so quickly for us to get here that it was undeniable what His plan was. As always ( I am proud to say), we obediently walked down the path He illuminated. Who could have known where it would lead us?



Moving to Anderson, TX was risky in some ways. Small town, first pastorate for Kyle, away from family (again...but we've done this before!),a hurricain 3 weeks after I arrived... so many changes. It would have been easy to get hung up on those details, but instead God gave me such peace about it all. Returning to familiar friends since we're so close to Hempstead has made all of this a richer experience. Sort of feels like a reward for good work done years ago in our very first miniistry there, reaping the rewards of our faithfulness there through these people. Andrew and Kim, Beverly and Joe, Kim, Jason and their whole family, Travis and Madeline and the boys, Bro. Danny, James and Sylvia, Misty and Bryan and their sweet children, Mark and Cathy and the kids, Steve, Karen and their crew, and of course Gayle and Jan Mitchell...all were a part of our lives back then and have now come full circle! Who could have known??



29 people were present for the church vote on August 1st when Kyle was presented as a candidate forthe pastor position at Anderson Baptist Church. The average attendance was 6 or 7 on Wednesday nights. There were 2 children and one high school student in the whole church then. Pretty small begining from most people's standards, but we were nothing but excited by this challenge. No where to go but up! Now, on Wednesday nights, you will see 25 plus children and youth crowded into our new bulding for Team Kid and youth group. More than 25 adults come to the Parker House to have bible study and prayer meeting...Who could have known what growth God was planning in the future with people He had been preparing to join us?



Last year, our church voted (a few more than 29 people voted this time!) to bring Andrew on as our part time student minister. He had already been doing the job, but now we had grown the point that we could offer him a little compensation. A huge step for this small body of believers! 5 students and 2 adults went to Student Life camp in 2009... this year God sent 18 students and 5 adults leaders!! God is honoring Andrew's service and his faithfulness. It is such a pleasure to watch all of this growth! Who could have known this would be our future all those months and weeks ago?



Last Sunday, 92 people attended the Father's Day service. Kyle preached one of the best sermons I've heard... he sure is getting good at this preaching thing! This Sunday, we'll baptize a little boy that accepted Christ with his Mom at home recently. Exciting times! This Sunday we'll also have some of those students that attended camp get up and share their experiences...I can't wait! Many of these will make their decisions public and God will be honored! Who could have known that God would show up like only He can and speak to those young adults like He did?? 6 or 7 accepted Christ...3 re-dedications...growth in that body of students that will spread through out our church...EXCITING!!



Last week, our church (under the amazing direction of Nan Nevels!) put on it's first VBS in many years. 32 different children registered and attended ...not to bad considering only 29 people were present to vote for us to be here less than 2 years before! 38 workers participated each night...WOW!! Who could have known??



God's presence is almost overwhelming right now. It is sweet and thick and unavoidable. If you don't want any of what He is doing here, then you better steer clear of Hwy 90. He has set up camp here and is totally using our town and church to accomplish His will and plan. I am honored to be just a small part of this. Really...who could have known? God knew all along...that's because He is God!!

The first 25 years...a celebration.

25 years ago today, my world was on the verge of a huge change. 25 years and 6 days ago, I had discovered that I was pregnant. 16 years old, working as a cashier for the summer at Dollar General Store, getting ready to start my junior year of high school...all the normal 16 year old stuff. 25 years and 3 weeks ago, I had made a commitment with Kyle at an evangelism rally in Linden, TX to stop participating in premarital sex. I was very sure this was something God led us to do and we had been so faithful to that commitment for the whole 3 weeks...then I realized my period was late. When we swallowed all of our pride, walked down the bleachers to his pastor and made this confession...our daughter was already growing in my womb. As we prayed for God to help us change our dating life into something He would be honored by, the gift He was giving us was already there with us. She was a part of that vow, in a way. So, for almost 3 weeks, we changed everything about how we interacted with each other. More accountability to other people... no 'alone' time...devoted ourselves to prayer and reading of the scripture... we were doing so well!! Ignorance was bliss for about 2 weeks, until I realized that I should have had my period.

With the help of the lady I worked with, we did a pregnancy test early one Saturday morning at work before the store opened. Our manager came in and discovered us, cried with me, and gave me some good advise. I had quickly decided that I would have to quit school and just work there full time...she said "I won't keep you on here- you have to finish school". I called Kyle a little later that morning and broke the news to him. We then began the chore of talking with our parents the rest of that day. So many of the details I have lost over time, but one remains pretty clear- God's hand in it all. From the preacher being beyond understanding and non-judgemnental, to his dear wife Vicky looking at me and saying "Honey, come on in the house...I think my wedding dress might be just your size", God was in control.

I tell people that I didn't marry a preacher, and I didn't. I married my high school sweetheart. I married that really good looking guy that walked into the skating rink one night. I married that sweet young man that gave up his college years and his 69 mustang for our little family since a baby carseat didn't fit in there safely. I married my best friend, who has become so much more to me over the past 25 years. I married a man of integrity. A man that isn't afraid to stand up to a bully. A man that overlooks my shortcomings, and there are so many of those. A man that constantly pushes me in such a gentle way to become a better person that I don't feel the nudge. A man that I would gladly give my life for because I know that the world would be so much better of with him in it. I love that guy... As he has become a pastor now, I have grown to respect him in a whole new way. I have come to appreciate his wisdom and the leadership he allows God to have in everything he does. Having watched a couple of other pastors very closely, his integrity is amazing. I did not see that with the other two. They talked one game, but lived another. This man is exactly who he says he is, warts and all. God is honored in the way he leads our children, our family, our church...in all things! So refreshing!

So, this morning I can't sleep anyway and I'm focusing on how God has blessed me with this remarkable man. I have been remembering the good times and the hard times and thanking Him for both. The first 25 years was rich, but he next 25 will bring things I cannot even imagine. Both new life and death, joy and pain, heartbreak and victory, but Kyle will be with me through it all. Even when the time comes that God sees fit to call one of us home, we will remain in the heart of the other. It is hard to consider those days, but they are also part of this journey so they must be counted.

25 years ago tomorrow, I became a better person. I became a whole person because the other half of me became my husband. I love you Kyle.....