So Sorry to Leave You Hanging...

I know after my previous post, some of you have been wondering, "What in the World Happened?" Sorry to leave you guys hanging in suspense like that, but things were crazy and I just wasn't ready to talk about it. Things are still a little crazy, or maybe a lot, but at least now I can feel you in on a few details. Before I go into that here are some verses that I have been going over A LOT lately...

"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." 1 Thess. 3:8

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

"...that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." Phil. 1:27

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness." Eph. 6:13-14

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Gal. 6:9

It has been there verses, along with several others, that have helped me to press on and know without a shadow of a doubt that we are doing the right thing. Without going into a lot a details, let's just say our work with the congregation at Fairview took a turn for the worst. Me and Brad decided that we would stand for what God has said NO MATTER WHAT, and needless to say, others did not see it that way. We strongly believe that every one is responsible for their own salvation ("...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Phil. 2:12). Because of this, we have stood for the truth and lost our job. That may not sound too fair, but it is a sacrifice we are willing to make. We had much rather suffer here on this earth, than to burn for eternity because we went along with what some man told us to do. We are making it just fine, due to the providence of God. Brad has been able to find work until we can decide on a preaching job, and we have already had a couple of tryouts with more prospects to come. We hope to be able to start our new work by July 1 and until then will stay with the awesome friends we are with and just make it day by day. Please continue to pray for us, for we know God has a plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

A "FYI" Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are no longer working with the congregation in Fairview. We are however, doing fine thanks to many wonderful friends and family. Brad has been extended several preaching opportunities, and when we decide when and where we are going we will let you all know. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we go through yet another transition in life. I know that God has a plan for us and he will use us to the best of our abilities.

It's a Hard-Knock Life...Preacher's Life That Is

To say that being a preaching family is hard might be the biggest understatement ever made. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my church family, and I love the work that we are doing for the Lord here in Fairview. This is really an appreciation for all that our dear friends go through every day trying to work for the Lord. I guess when I went through the preaching school and listened to all that the instructors told us about how it would really be, I guess deep, down inside I never really truly believed that it would be that way. There are so many days when you feel like you work your fingers (and heart) to the bone and no one really cares. Not only do they not care, they say horrible, hurtful things that makes all your work seem to have been done in vain. Not to mention those doing the talking are 99% of the time doing none of the work. But that's o.k. I know that if I continue to pray to God, he will fix it. He will open my eyes and make me realize that regardless of what people do, think, or say, he is proud that we (meaning preaching families) have decided to dedicate our lives to bring souls to Him. To all my friends, I pray for your work everyday, as I know you pray for ours. Just remember what Brad always says, "Our retirement is out of this world!" It is such a sobering thought to think that one day all of this hard work will pay off when we hear those words "Well done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant" Matt. 25:21. Hang in There Guys...We Love You All!

13 Years Ago Today...

I married my Best Friend!!!

Love you Brad!

2010 in Review and a Look Into 2011...

Well let me start off by saying Happy New Year to You and Your Family! It is so hard for me to believe that it is the year 2011. It seems like the older I get the faster time goes (oh, that's what my parents were always saying :) As always this year has been a year of change in our family. We started our new work here at Fairview, and so far (keep your fingers crossed) things have went great. We have met and been accepted by a wonderful Christian family here. They are very active (as compared to most congregations) and we keep very busy. The kids are very involved with Lads to Leaders and I have watched them grow so much spiritually this year. To watch my shy little man lead singing at the devos makes me want to cry, it's amazing! The church also started a pre-school program this year, which I am director. I love it! We are going to expand the program into this summer and I am very excited about the possibilities it holds. This summer me and Brad got to renew our vows at Tybee Island. It was wonderful to get to have that experience and renew my love with Brad. This fall I had to have my hysterectomy. It was a long recovery (due to my unique condition), but was soooooo worth it. I am feeling great right now. All my pain is gone and no periods...WHOO! WHOO!!! As far as the new year is concerned, I have lots of goals (as always :) My number 1 goal is to lose some of the weight that I gained during my recovery. Some great friends at church are helping with that. There are several of us couples at church who are competing in a "Biggest Loser" competition. Since I am super competitive and HATE to lose that should keep me on track! We shall see :)

A Parent Must-Have!

For all of you parents of small children, this "Elf on the Shelf" is something you must get. I will admit that I have never heard of this little guy until some friends here at Fairview introduced us. He comes with a story book that tells all about him. How he works is once your child gives him a name he comes to "life". He shows up sometime before Christmas at your house. He hides out everyday in a new place and observes what is going on. At night, he goes back to the North Pole and reports to Santa, then returns to your house in a different location the next day. Christmas Eve night, he gets to go back to the North Pole with Santa until the next holiday season. Jacob and Carley have had so much looking for "Samson" (our elf) every morning., plus it works as a good threat :) Here in Nashville you can find him at most Hallmark's and Gift Shops, but he is also available online.

Snow Days...

Well it's official, Nashville has had there first snow day of the season. We measured somewhere between 4 and 5 inches. We were out of school Monday, late start Tuesday, and early release Wednesday. Talk about a crazy week.

Look at my handsome husband (all for that ugly hat...hehe!)

Here's my little angel all bundled up. It was a balmy 6 degrees!

Here is my rough and tumble ALL boy. His favorite thing to do is throw snow at people.

But pay backs can be dangerous!

The best part of a snow day...Hot Chocolate!