The things that make me smile ...

I truly love being a mom. Sometimes, I'm tired. And yes, frustration occurs. But when I look at my children, I can't believe how much God has blessed me! Every single day my kids give me a reason to smile ... and laugh out loud. It's amazing to watch Ashley, Alexis and Shane grow and develop their own unique personalities and gifts. They might look alike ... but they are so different in so many ways. Today, I just thank the Lord for my kids and for giving Greg and me the opportunity to raise them. May we bring honor to the Lord as we do!

Happy New Year!

Can't believe it's 2010! Can't believe I am just now sitting down to do our yearly "State of the Family" Christmas letter. Truly, life offers many challenges. For me, finding time to do anything other than family, ministry and life in Germany in general is an overwhelming task!!! However, I know many of our family and friends pray for us ... and want to know what is going on with us. So, for you, I put together a summary of our 2009. I'll post some pics of the family too!

*** Greg is loving his job here! More like civilian pastoring than he has done in the past. He is the community chaplain for an all-housing post, so our ministry here is very family-focused. And it is awesome. The chapel has experienced unprecedented growth this year. We have a full (and amazing, I might add) Praise team and band. Children's church. Sunday school for all ages. Men's fellowship. Wednesday night small groups. The already established ladies' Bible study group has grown, too and is really the "backbone" of all the ministry that takes place here. Greg also spends a great deal of time counseling one-on-one or for couples. As you can tell, he stays BUSY. He also spends time at the gym daily (another good place to connect with people, while getting fit!!!) and has enjoyed doing some traveling this past year (more about that in a minute!)

*** For me, days consist of the normal "mommy" stuff and lots of ladies ministry stuff! Taught two Bible studies this past year ... and served as the "Titus 2 Advisor" on our PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) board. Took on a new challenge this past summer as the Director for the Crocodile Dock VBS. Along with continued part-time writing, being available for ladies here on post, working out and struggling through 3rd grade math, life stays pretty busy!

*** Kids are doing great ... and growing fast! Ashley is in 3rd grade. She enjoyed playing soccer this past year and learning some German. In August, Greg had the opportunity to baptize her, a real highlight for both of us! Alexis is in 1st grade. She loves to ride her bike and scooter. Playing outside is truly her "thing." Shane, 3, brings a lot of joy to all of us. He became quite a "prayer warrior" over the summer. Loves to pray! I think we might have another "preacher boy" in the making in our house.

*** We were blessed to see some of Europe this year. Our spring break trip to Italy (Florence, Venice and Sienna) was amazing. Thought nothing could be more beautiful, until we camped with several friends in Jungfrau, Switzerland. Breathtaking. We also spent time in Strasbourg, France. We've also seen lots of Germany, including a couple of stays in the German Alps (we even took a cable car to the top of the highest mountain in Germany!) We've got a list a mile long of all the places we still want to see. The history and beauty of Europe has captivated all of us. Just so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us to see the world!!!

*** In May of 2009, Greg headed back to the States for a conference at Saddleback Church in California. The trip gave him the opportunity to learn a great deal ... and meet the family of his Chaplain assistant who passed away in late 2008. He also got to go SHOPPING (not of his own accord ... I sent him with a LIST). Then, in July, we all headed home to spend time with our families. It was a perfect trip and many wonderful memories were made. Worth every hour spent on the plane to and from! Shortly before Thanksgiving, Greg's parents were with us for two weeks. At Christmas, my parents came. So incredible for us to share our life here with our wonderful parents ... who have so faithfully prayed for us and supported the sometimes crazy path the Lord has placed us on.

Thanks so much for continuing to keep in touch with us through email, facebook messages and blog notes. We are so blessed to have an amazing network of family and friends across the United States who care about us and lift us up in prayer. Please know we are happy and content doing the Lord's work here. Still thankful God called us to Army Chaplaincy and still looking forward to what He has in our future.

Happy New Year to all of you!!!

God is Amazing!

Today, I'm just so thankful God is who He is! Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. As Greg preaches on the Names of God found in Isaiah 9:6, the Lord continues to remind us, as a family, that these are not just words, but loving characteristics of a REAL GOD who constantly intervenes in our lives and circumstances ... we are so blessed!

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

I am supposed to be cleaning my house. My in-laws will be here in a few days (yippeee!!!), and I have a list a mile long of things that need to be done. I cleaned the pantry earlier today. And that's where it stopped. Instead, I:

Enjoyed a hot shower. I think I deserved it ... I ran in the cold rain this morning and finished up at the gym with my friend, Theressa who is helping me get back in shape (a huge task, I might add)

Played with Shane. Always a must, in every day. He's usually a lot of fun. Today, he is a bit tired and cranky, so our play time hasn't been great.

Watched a Christmas video. Shane needed a break, so he picked last year's Christmas Spectacular from Thomas Road to watch. Interesting choice for a 3 year old. We enjoyed it.

Answered email. Lots of it.

Checked out Anntaylorloft.com. Just 'cause. (Didn't buy anything, thanks to Finanical Peace University, I rarely part with a dollar these days.)

Ate lunch with my sweety. Greg came home for lunch. It was great!

Now, I am anticipating the arrival of my girls -- and our afternoon/evening routine will begin. Oh, cleaning ... when will you get done????

Hiding God's Word

I want my kids to know the Bible! One of the greatest benefits of attending Christian school while growing up is that I learned a lot of scripture. At the time, I'm sure I didn't appreciate it. It was more homework. I remember times in High School when I would leave that verse (or passage) to the very last minute, cramming it in last thing Thursday night or even before school on Friday morning. But let me tell you ... God's Word is living and active! I REMEMBER those verses. Throughout my life, I have had the blessing of recalling scripture when I need it most.

Now, Greg and I want to pass this gift along to our children. Because we are SUPER busy all the time, we've looked for some help in this area -- and we found it! On Sunday evenings, all 3 attend AWANAS at the local International Baptist Church. And they are ALL learning verses weekly. We try to familiarize ourselves with the verses on Monday and then review daily. On Sunday afternoon, we kick it into high gear and make sure Ashley, Lexi and Shane are ready to recite the verses to their leaders. And I've decided to memorize the verses along with them. Ashley thinks it is cool that I learned 4 verses in one week (I had to admit, it was all reveiw for me), but I also told her she will be doing the same thing as she continues to get better at memory work.

Of all the things we fill our brains with on a daily basis, this is by far the most important! I encourage you to help your children hide God's precious Word in their hearts ... and to memorize scripture yourself. What a difference it will make in your life.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blog Background

Hi everyone! This month, Alexis picked out this fall-themed background for our blog. Ashley wants you to know it will be her turn next!