My time at school is quickly drawing to a close. This week is Fall Break - a time to get caught up and hopefully work ahead a little as well. With only five or six more weeks in this semester, the time will truly seem to fly.
A lot has happened since my last update (on Memorial Day - Yikes!), so let me give you the highlights. Our struggling church has ceased having morning worship services due to financial constraints. The property has been gifted back to our "mother church" and we will be allowed to stay here in the house until I graduate next year. However, this does mean I'm also out of a job. While this does make our financial situation a bit more tight, it has offered me some opportunities I may not have otherwise been able to pursue.
A couple of weekends ago I was able to take a trip to Nashville, TN for a class on church planting. We heard presentations from five different church planters ... all of whom have successful planted churches using different styles and methods. It was a very encouraging, yet eye-opening time. I was able to stay with a family from the host church and had a great time getting to know them. The highlight of the trip came on Saturday night when I was able to go out for dinner with two of my friends from school - both of whom had previously spent some time in Nashville. One of them contacted an old friend who lives there and he joined us for dinner. He is an atheist, and after about 45 minutes of pleasantries, he began asking the three of us questions about our faith, science, the Bible, etc. We were able to spend the next 2 hours sharing the gospel with this man, and while his views haven't changed, we were able to give him some new perspectives to think about. I believe he is a few steps closer to the Kingdom now.
In addition, our family has now been able to attend church together. It's been nice being able to worship as a family with no extra responsibilities on my part ... I know this likely won't last, so I'm enjoying every moment of it while I can!
A few weeks ago, my third child, a.k.a. the comic in the family, turned 2! All that day she screamed, "Happy Day!" And pretty much every day since then she will come up to me at least once ask, "Happy Day?" Everyday is a happy day in our household now! :) Yesterday, she was eating her breakfast at the table and I walked by her and tickled her behind the ear. She giggled, then turned to me and said, "More, please!" Yes, I know - she's very cute!
The older two children have been sick more this year than in years past it seems. Both have recently had battles with pneumonia. My son missed the better part of the first two weeks of school this year because of it. Thankfully, everyone is healthy ... for now.
The baby is now 10 months old! She is cutting multiple teeth at the same time and can get a tad cranky, but most of the time she's as happy and playful as the rest of them have been. What's amazing is the amount of hair she has. Even at ten months, she has as much hair as the 2 year old does now. This one is definitely going to look like her momma!
Speaking of which, I saw a great T-shirt the other day. On the back it said, "DADD - Dad's Against Daughters Dating ... Shoot the first one and the word will spread." PERFECT!
Have I mentioned recently that I'm married to an AMAZING WOMAN?
I'm now in full job hunting mode. Given our housing situation, decisions will have to be made by next June. So, I'm planning on taking a job hunting trip back east in January (weather permitting). Unfortunately, with all the school the kids have missed, the family will not be joining me. But if you'd like to get together with me while I'm out that way, send me a note and I'll be sure to get with you while I'm in the area ... PLUS - if you know of any churches looking to hire, please let me know that as well. As we've said all along, we are keeping all options open during our search!
Thanks again to all of you who have been praying for us and encouraging us during this grand and glorious VENTURE. God has blessed us in so many ways during this time and all of you have had a part in that! Your support is greatly appreciated! Blessings!
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