Final Farewell to 2009

It's the last day of 2009, time for reflection before looking towards the future without a backwards glance.  So, how does this past year measure up? 

My husband and I started the year 2009 without any direction.  There were many "what if's," but little certainty.  Was my husband going to lose his job?  Was his permanent residency status going to be corrected?  Which would happen first?  Will he be able to find another job in Kentucky, or would he have to look some where else?  Will we still have health insurance long enough for the baby to be born?

Okay, I know what you are thinking.  All of our problems are due to the economy, the decline in the banking institution, and well the government in general.  Yes, on the surface that is all true, but sometimes God uses what affects us to get our attention or to put us on the path that He has chosen for us.

 So where are we now from the beginning of the year? 

First, our son Macen was born on March 11th.  He is healthy and growing up before our eyes!  He is almost as big as his big sister who is four years old!

Second, our daughter Emma Jeanne turned four this year.  She also became a big sister this year which is something big when you are used to being the only one.  So far so good!  She has been a wonderful, loving big sister to Macen.

Third, my husband joined the Canadian Army in July and is almost done with all of his training.  He completed basic training in November, and now he is waiting to start the last leg of his training before he is posted permanently somewhere.

Last, my children and I have semi-moved in with my in-laws in Toronto while Jon is finishing up his training.

So, we are a long cry from where we started at the beginning of 2009.  We started the year off with worries and no direction, but we are ending the year with a new sense of purpose and a new direction.  Even in the darkest hours, the Lord provides!

May this brief reflection only strengthen our faith in God.  And in close, this is my final farewell to 2009!

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!

Turkey, Dressing, Gravy, Ham, Sweet potato casserole, Carrot Souffle, Broccoli casserole, Broccoli salad, Rolls, and of course Thanksgiving dinner would not be complete without the Pumpkin pie! Yum!!

Yes, I know that sounds more like a menu, but Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without all the good eats! Too bad I forgot to take pictures of all the good food, but I can tell you that even Macen is stuffed like a turkey!

Happy first Thanksgiving to Macen!

So, what am I thankful for this year????

My wonderful family and friends for their support and prayers.

My husband.... I love you!

My two beautiful children.

And never least...God. Without God, this past year would have been a nightmare times infinity without Him.

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll! And remember...

"God is good. God is great. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hand we are led. Thank you Lord for our daily bread. Amen!"

When God says, "Wait..."

"Rejoice in the Lord always:   
and again I say, Rejoice!"
~ Philippians 4:4 (KJV version)






For sometime now, both my husband and I have been feeling a call into the ministry.

I remember when my passion first sparked for missions. I was in the third grade and had just met my first missionary, or at least my first woman missionary. She was a missionary in Yemen but while she was in the states, she led the children's ministry at my church. From that moment on, I knew I was going to be a missionary and spread God's love to those who never heard of Him.

Well, you know how it is when you're a kid; out of sight, out of mind. It wasn't until I was in the youth group that the passion came out of hiding. To be more specific, it was at my first mission trip, a World Changers event in Mobile, Alabama. As time passed, the spark dimmed again.

I wish I could tell you that we are on our way into the ministry now, but alas I cannot.  However, the ministry is all around us.  My husband were sure we were headed in one direction and now things have taken a 180 degree turn.  Our ministry of choice is not to be, at least not right now, but God has another ministry in mind. 

Back in July, my husband joined the Canadian Forces.  It's been hard because we have been separated since then while he is basic.  It's been tough, with a 4 year old missing her daddy and a now 7 month old little boy who doesn't really know his daddy.

You might be saying to yourself right now that this is awful and how can this really be God's will?  So, here is my answer as I see it and feel it.

One, God has not totally removed the desire for the ministry, He simply has just changed the focus of the desire.  That's not to say that one day we might actually end up doing the other ministry, but we may have been trying to make our desires be God desires.  And, of course, that is impossible.  God's desires surpass us, and to think that we can influence Him is just arrogant and ignorant.  God is the Creator and we are the created.

Second, my husband has grown so much over the last few months.  This time apart has done him good.  He is able to reflect and focus on making himself better without a family in tow.  He also has the motivation he was lacking.  Most of all, his walk with God is better than it was before he left and I thank God for that!  God knows what He is doing even though we might not understand.

Third, I have grown myself.  Like my husband, I have been trying to take this time to be a better mom and a better wife for when we are together as a family again.  This time apart has also brought to my attention my faults and shortcomings.  None is without fault, but it's what you do after realizing your faults that counts.


Last, right now our ministry is in how we handle this tough time apart.  When things are good, our witness isn't as strong or really seen.  However, when we are facing trials, that is when our witness is strongest.  That is when we are most watched.  That is also when we should really be on our guard.  When others see our that we can rejoice, even through pain, that is what really makes people think.


Happiness is fleeting, but the Joy of the Lord is our strength!