My First Mother's Day...

First of all, thanks for all of the texts, e-mails, and phone calls. I had a great first Mother's Day. The day started with Baby Dedication at church. My mom, Joe, and Josh came up to church. Shawn did a great job communicating with us as parents. I am even more excited about praying for Peyton to one day decide to follow Christ & give her life up! I really do feel like Mountain Lake is place that will walk beside Peyton and our family as she begins her spiritual journey. Shawn even gave each family a letter to give to their child (it is sealed and from him) on the day they accept Christ into their lives.

Next, Daniel joined us and we took off for Six Flags. The weather ended up being great, and we had a very relaxing day. Buck finally had someone to ride coasters with. Peyton and I got to hang out with my mom & Josh most of the day. And, I got to eat too much cotton candy...which I probably enjoyed too much. Peyton rode three rides: the Carousel, the Hanson Cars, and Monster Plantation.

Then we came home & Buck and I just relaxed together a bit after putting Peyton to bed. It was a great day for me.

Josh & Daniel with Peyton //////// Peyton dizzy on the carousel


Peyton chatting with my mom

I love my growth group...

Here is a letter I wrote to my group after we met tonight. I love doing life with these people...just four couples doing all we can to love each other, love others, and pursue Christ:

Hey guys...I just wanted to say how thankful I am for God placing Buck & me right where we are...at Mountain Lake...in our neighborhood...at the jobs we have (had for me), and especially in our growth group. I can honestly say that most weeks (for the first time since we have been married) I look forward to going to small group. I always leave feeling encouraged, yet challenged. I like knowing other people are struggling in the same ways or in different ways. I like being able to celebrate with you guys..the little things & the big things. I like being able to speak and not feel judged. I love watching the couples in our group grow together as a couple. I love the weeks where the conversations are deep & the weeks we don't get to the questions. I love eating pizza that fell on the floor with you guys. I love sending & receiving e-mails during the week. I love hugs from the girls:)

Thanks for being authentic community to us! We love learning & growing & playing with you guys!

Beth

I'm Growing Up...5 weeks

Sweet for other people...

Well, Peyton has already perfected the art of being so sweet for other people and then coming home and refusing to sleep, eat, whatever. I guess I would rather it be this way than her be awful for other people. She has now been to her "infants" class at church four times and I don't think she even knows it.

I am so glad that other people think she is cute and adorable like I do. And, I am so glad that she enjoys being out because I enjoy being out. There are just days when I wish she would scream for someone else & be calm and happy with me!

I know she is just growing and changing everyday, taking the world in bit by bit, so I think I'll stick by her side as we journey on. She amazes me every day as she does new things, gets bigger (mainly her tummy), and recognizes her mom and dad more.

Uncle Adam...

Well, my brother Adam came up for a surprise visit today. He called on his way and asked if he could take Peyton and me out to lunch. She stayed awake just long enough to see him for a few minutes before we headed to lunch. She loves being held, so they bonded pretty quickly. It was good to just chat & catch up on life. Also, I want Peyton to see him as much as she can now because we never know where he will be stationed. In May he heads to Washington for a month and then to San Antonio for seven months before finally making it to North Carolina for at least a year...so is the life in the military. It was a short but great visit. Thanks for coming to see us today!

More Pictures...

Exercising during tummy time


this is Peyton's serious face

Simply Existing...

Do you ever have those days? You know the ones where you get stuff done and it is a good day, but you still feel as though you are simply existing...that you have little purpose or direction. I think today is one of those days. I have had a wonderful day with my family. We slept in, had a great breakfast, and hung out together this morning. Then Buck & I took Peyton to watch the NFL Draft...I know; we are nerds. Needless to say she slept through most of it. It was a nice afternoon out though. Then we came home and had dinner. Buck is teaching tomorrow so he has worked on that a bit. We have both read a little.

Still, we have pondered the same thoughts that we have so often over the last few years. God, is this what You want from us right now? Our family has been so blessed. We have a wonderful new daughter. She has wonderful family and friends, a great system of support to grow in. We love our home. We love the community we have found here. We love the vision of our church. We are financially more stable than ever. We are giving more away than ever. God is so good. But, we still wonder. Will God provide Buck with a ministry position again? If yes, will that be soon? Will we one day move far away again to pursue our dreams or will it be provided where we are? Can I continue to stay home with Peyton in our current situation?

I wouldn't say I am worried about these things as I have been in the past, I am just wondering. I have complete faith that God will provide...He has never failed me. I am just not sure what that will look like. Days like today are simple. Days like today make me wonder what is next. I guess days like today should make me pursue Christ even more...that I should remember to daily surrender all of me to Him...the Provider, my Savior, the Leader of my life.

Peyton meets Puzzle...

We met the newest addition to our family yesterday, Puzzle the Giraffe. Puzzle was given to Baby Peyton by Dax & Cole. Dax thought it would be a good idea since her room has a puzzle theme and Puzzle the Giraffe looks like she is covered in puzzle pieces. The boys were so thoughtful & finally brought Puzzle to Peyton yesterday at the park. The boys also held her for the first time and did a wonderful job. Cole even played Peek-a-boo with her to try and make her happy.

Dax Isbell

Cole Isbell - I don't even think he cares that she is crying.


Farah Isbell


Karen Isbell

We love visitors...

Peyton sleeping in her party dress! She really liked it I think.

Janet, Molly, Emily & Amanda




During Peyton's first few weeks we have had lots of wonderful visitors, including some of my friends from college who all came into town yesterday. My mom threw a shower & lunch for them to come visit us. It was such a relaxing time. We had great food...really great...and just hung out and let everyone hold and take pictures of Peyton. I am so glad these women are still a part of my life and that my daughter will know all of them:)


Louie & Lindsay Lovoy came to visit Thursday night. They brought us a wonderful dinner & hung out and chatted with Peyton. We are so glad they are in our growth group at MLC.

My Legacy...

Well, Today was Peyton's first trip to Mountain Lake. She was a little startled by the music once or twice, but overall she did a great job.

We finished up our NO REGRETS series today, and the message was about leaving a legacy. That is obviously something I have thought about even more now that I have a daughter. I want her to know that my number one priority was Jesus, that my life was about following hard after Him, that even the little things in my life point towards Him. I want her to know how important my family is to me. I want her to see a good picture of marriage as she grows up. I want her to see what love and generosity look like by the actions and decisions I make in my life. I want her to know what it means to value people and how important relationships are to point people toward Jesus.

Living a life of no regrets means leaving a legacy with eternal impact. I pray that Peyton will one day make a decision to give up her desires and herself to follow Jesus. I pray that other people in my life who are still searching, who are making their way on their spiritual journey will be one step closer to eternity with Jesus because of my life, because of the love Jesus gave me to share with them.

Our First Date...

Well...our first date since baby arrived. My brother Daniel kept Peyton for about an hour tonight while we went on a "date". I thought date nights were important before a baby, but now I do believe they are essential. We took a simple trip to Kroger & used the rest of my Starbucks giftcards to get a special treat. I don't know that we even talked about anything at all, but it was nice to have a few minutes away to just relax. We are definitely going to have to make sure we don't let those go just because we have a new little one in our family.

What I Want...

Well, we all have those friends...the ones who always know what we really want, what we really like. My friend Farah is like that, which is why she brought me this soap. What a wonderful gift to me. Others may question its greatness, but not me. I love washing my hands at her house because of the way I smell after using this soap. Something so small can become so significant when a friend thinks about you. My day is better because I have a friend who thought about me & knew exactly what I wanted! Thanks Farah.

Thankful...

I am beginning to enjoy being mommy to Peyton more and more...maybe it is because I am sleeping and therefore not completely exhausted. Buck is being a great daddy. He is trying to get lots of quality time in since he has to go back to work tomorrow. She looks so big to me when she is laying stretched out on the floor, but then when she curls up on daddy's chest, she looks so tiny again.

I am so thankful for our wonderful blessing. I am thankful that we have so many friends and family around us who want to share in this exciting time for our family! I cannot wait until each one of you can meet her and hold her.

VISITORS
We would love to have you drop by the house whenever. Just give us a call 253.307.5165 or 253.973.6935 before you do. It is nice to have some company and "big" people to interact with.

Her first walk...that she slept through.

YAY for sleep...

Well, last night was the best night we have had. Peyton still woke up a lot, but every time she went back to bed awake and quietly went back to sleep. We were so refreshed this morning after so many nights without any rest.

Day 3...

Well, this is my first post since Peyton was born. Buck brought the computer downstairs since I am supposed to stay upstairs or down as much as possible. I am recovering pretty well although I am pretty sore all over. Hopefully she will sleep better tonight so that we won't be quite as exhausted.

I just have to say, my husband has been the greatest. He has changed almost every diaper...has burped her after feedings...cleaned the house...and more. I am so thankful for my best friend.

Dad with Peyton at her first doctor's appointment

Peyton got a visit today from Grandma (she hasn't decided on a name yet), Grandpa, and Uncle Josh. Hopefully she will be getting a visit from her other Grandma & Grandpa soon!!

More pictures

Mom and Baby are doing well. We are home now and trying to establish "the routine". I never understood the real value of a child's routine until the last 2 nights. You gain a lot of perspective at 3am. Other then the sleep thing which will come in time. Being a Dad is incredible!

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a link to more pics. Enjoy!

Peyton's first few days

Peyton Elizabeth

Just after Birth


Right after her first bathMom and Dad with the Peyton

Still waiting . . .

It's been a slow process. We checked in the hospital at about 8am this morning, started the Patosin around 10am, and mercifully decided to get the epideral around 3pm.

The epideral was painful for me to watch, so it was obviously a lot harder on Beth. I'm so amazed at what women go through in labor and we aren't even at the fun stuff yet!

Currently Mom is at 5cm and making progress. She is doing really well, and the epideral is working it's magic.

Beth's Mom and husband have been here with us and have been a wonderful support. Thanks for all the e-mail's, texts, phone calls, and well wishes. We feel very loved and grateful for our friends and family.

We'll keep you posted.

On the way

This morning at 6am Beth's water broke.

It was nothing like the movies, just a gentle "Hey my water broke". So we got up, I took a shower, and then we headed to the hospital.

Mom is doing great, contractions are mild at this point, and they have started the Patosin (sp?) and so now we are just waiting.

I'll update more later!

The due date...and I guess she isn't coming...

April Fools...

Well, unless she decides to come before Tuesday, our little girl will be born on April 1. The hospital schedule is wide open that day...crazy huh? So, we will head into the hospital whenever they call us on Monday and then they will induce on Tuesday...guess she won't be a March baby.

Three years...

Well, yesterday was our third anniversary. It was definitely different this year with us expecting our little girl anytime now...I think I am a little too exhausted to really be romantic:) Anyway, it was still good to look back at the last three years. Sometimes it seems a lot longer. God has brought us through so much & continues to provide everything we need and then some. We still have so many questions about our long term purpose and how He is going to get us there, but I know He will take care of us every step of the way. I am looking forward to this next year as our life will change dramatically, but I am excited about learning and growing together as a family!

A March Baby...

Those are the words I wanted to hear when I went to the doctor today, and he said them: "She will be a March baby". YAY! So, if I haven't had her by Monday they will induce. So, that means that by this time next week we should have our little girl in our arms. I can't wait. I cannot wait for Buck to get to hold her and not just because I am desperately tired of holding her.

He is going to be such a great dad, so I cannot wait for them to meet face to face. I have had so many women tell me that the dads just don't do as much as you need. She isn't even here yet & he is already doing so much. Today he continued reading "On Becoming Babywise"...I think he read the part about identifying healthy growth signs...like what her diapers will look like. Even though he thought he could get through life without ever reading that, he has been so supportive & involved in everything from her room to packing our bags to taking great care of me...not to mention the fact that he works so hard every day so that now I will be able to be home with her.

Babe, I love you & I am so excited about raising our little girl together. Thanks for being my best friend and loving me way more than I deserve.

Another Quote from Yesterday...

Just like Buck's quotation he posted yesterday, this also came from the wonderful Crystal Corn:

On why everyone should join us for camp at Bonclarken, "Cheesecake! Paddleboats! and Paintball!"

Random Post

 I have some random thoughts that I've meant to share for a while so here they are in a random order(except for #1):

- My wife is amazing. She is my biggest fan and I'm grateful to God for allowing me to be her Husband! You were more then worth the wait.

 - I can't remember a time in my life where I have seen God take care of  our family (or me individually) more then the last year. He has provided in every way imaginable. Tomorrow will be Beth's first official day home, not having to work. I didn't even know if this was possible 12 months ago. 

-  I serve with a team of leaders that are incredible. Honestly I mean that, that's not just church talk. We have some really talented leaders in the student ministry, they are passionate, talented, and they encourage my heart often.

- Redbox is a great way to rent movies. 

- I don't love the job I'm in, but I'm thankful that I have bosses that great to work for. Beth and I were talking about it today. If I had the same type of management that she was working for I'd probably be employed by Comcast right now.

Random Quote for the day - "Breaks that long lead to pregnancy!"

Daniel 3: 16-18 (ESV)

O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Our First Shower...

The women in my small group threw a shower for me & it was a blast. It was kinda fun hanging out with women from all my different areas at church at the same time.

A Balance Beam...

Well, even when I am pregnant I get hurt in ways other people don't; although, I still claim that if I didn't have a huge basketball protruding from the front of me, this 2x4 piece of wood would have headed straight to the ground. Anyway, yesterday at school my after-schoolers were playing with the balance beam and it popped up into the air. One of the boys was trying to put it down and it hit me directly on the top of the stomach. At first I just felt dizzy & nauseated, and then the contractions came...all these braxton hicks contractions are nothing compared to this. Anyway, the people at my school got really worried (I was too out of it to really give my opinion) and called an ambulance. I think Buck could have driven me just as well considering he came from farther away and beat us to the hospital. But anyway, our little girl is doing great...she was very happy during the ultrasound and monitoring for like four hours. We finally came home around midnight & I am taking today to rest. I am just thankful for her health. God totally knew what he was doing (even if it's a little freaky at times to have a human being inside of me) when he created this whole process. Our baby is protected so well even when I am not. Hopefully she will be here in a few weeks...I know God already has the time picked out for her.

Be Still

I get to teach this weekend and I'm pumped about it. I forget how much I enjoy the process of putting together a message and then getting to share it. Honestly the best part of it is that I always learn something as I'm teaching. Here is what I learned this week:

Psalm 46:10a - "Be still and know that I am God!"

Have you ever heard this verse and thought um ok sure. What does this mean?

In order to shed some light on this I want to look at another verse and see if it sheds some light on things:

This is right before the nation of Israel was about to cross the Red Sea. The Egyptians were literally chasing after the slaves that they had just let go. Israel was having doubts about weather they should have left at all. They came to the edge of this sea and thought this is it. End of the line now is the part of the movie where they come kill us. In short they were scared.

Exodus 14:13-14

13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

What does “being still” mean?  It means that you trust God. We usually don't have a nation chasing after us. When God says be still and know that I am God. He is saying “STOP”. Trust me. Let me speak into your life. Let me show you how I want to move in your life.

When we stop and spend time with God we are saying. I trust you. I trust you to give me enough time in the day to get everything else done and spend time with you.

So what does that look like? I want to challenge you to make a choice. It's not a one time thing, but it can start that way. Choose today to say I'm going to make this relationship a priority in my life. The thing is you have to make the choice on a daily and weekly basis. I challenge  you to schedule time with God every day.  

Road trip

A group of us from Mountain Lake went to visit a church in Birmingham this last wednesday. It was a great time. We left around 3pm and got home around 1:45 am. Which made for a really log day at work the next day, but it was totally worth it.

The ministry had literally exploded from 125 students to regularly hitting over 500 kids in only a few months. We went to check it out and see what they were doing.

I knew going in that we weren't going to see anything drastic, that we had never seen before. And from a programing stand point it wasn't anything radical, or really even innovative. 

I'd seen other ministries with the better facilities (and this was a very nice new building), better communicators, funnier videos/ skits, and sharper run production. (Please don't take that as a knock, I just mean I've seen some well run ministries). What I've never seen before though was the culture they have created that empowers students to take responsibility for making guests feel welcome.

There were 5 adults and 1 student in our group and we had no less then 8 different students greet us and ask for our names while looking us in the eye. It was AWSOME. Not sure what that would look like at Mountain Lake, but there is something there.

Great video

Do yourself a favor and take the time (2.5 min.) to watch this video. 

Very cool story.

For My Brother...

Well, my little brother Adam had a great success today. After a year and a half of Flight Navigation School with the Air Force, selections for what he will be flying were made. So, he will be flying F-15 Strike Eagles. That is what he wanted...except for the extra two months of school those guys have to go through before they get their WINGS! He has worked so hard to get where most people do not, and I am glad he loves the idea of defending our country!

Let it Snow...

Here are some pics of our home for those of you who have not yet seen it. It snowed Wednesday night & we are expecting a bit more sometime this weekend.

The Latest...

Well...here is the pic some have been waiting for...11 weeks to go.   We got a digital camera yesterday & Farah snapped this pic while I was over at her home.  Thanks, Farah.

Name Withholding...

Well, Buck and I decided to not share the name of our little girl who will be born in less than twelve weeks. We have known her name for a while...soon after we were married. (This is not the case with our boy name.) Apparently others are not too fond of this decision. I am sorry to everyone, but I am content with our decision. You may continue to guess or call her ridiculous names in the meantime. Thank you for your many suggestions; unfortunately, we have already settled on the name. You will love and adore her just the same when she is born, even if you cannot give her something monogrammed . We thank you for your patience with this crazy decision we have made. We have not decided if we will take this approach with future children...so, you can hold out hope there.

Happy New Year...

Happy New Year! It is 2008...crazy. 2007 was so full--full of blessings & consistent provision. Even amidst some uncertainty and disappointment and sadness, God has continued to be more than I deserve, the Savior of my universe. I am looking forward to the new journey of 2008; even though I am anxious some days, I know I can fully trust Him. May your 2008 be a year of searching more for Jesus, and following Him closer, and leading others to His grace, love, and forgiveness.

Missing Ministry Together...

Well, today Buck left for a student ministry winter retreat in Boone, NC. I am so excited that God provided for him to go. I am not even particularly depressed that I am left behind without him on New Year's Eve. What makes me sad is that we are not on this retreat together. This is the first time there has been a major student event since we have been married that we did not get to experience together. We both enjoy how we are serving at MLC...me with middle school and him with high school. But, I miss desperately serving together. I miss having students in our home all the time. I miss our late night discussions about students and the direction of the student ministry. I miss planning events together. I miss the stories we have about students. I know God has something planned for us in the future...whether near or far. I know His timing is way better than mine. But, I am sad today as he goes to hang out with students and student leaders for three days...without me.

Home for Christmas

We are in Ark. for Christmas. We had a really good trip up including a stay in Nashville, with Molly one of Beth's roommates at Auburn. Last night we went to see Aaron, Kathrin, Caleb(3), Kayla Grace (2), and Kaitlin. Aaron just moved back to NW Ark. we grew up together. He is horrible at Wii Boxing(I pounded him), but it we had a great time catching up with them.

Now we are at home with my parents, sister, and 2 nieces. It's been great just being able to reconnect with friends and family. I look forward to a couple of days just hanging out with them, playing games, laughing and watching movies. It's good to be home.

Miracles...

Well, we are in the middle of a series at Mountain Lake called Miracles. I thought this would be a great series for disconnected people...you know, the ones who don't believe Jesus & miracles like I do. Well, apparently I struggle with my belief as well. Anyway, I have been challenged to pray more specifically for things I need rather than just blowing them off. Also, I have been reminded of how much I have to be thankful for this year. Last Friday, at WOW! It's Christmas, Shawn reminded us to say thank you more often. I think coming to God with a thankful and honest heart is one step I can take to looking for more miracles in my life.

THANKS, Jesus...

• For giving your life for me. It really is that simple...you chose to die so that I may live. WOW!
• For the gift of marriage & my husband Buck who every day shows me humility, tenderness, courage, unconditional love; for his humor, provision. and protection; for his calling to ministry, his unique love of students, and the abilities God has developed within him
• Our beautiful baby girl who is growing everyday...I cannot wait to meet her face to face
• Our family who has supported us in all that we do--allowing us to follow after God without regret
• Mountain Lake - a church filled with the best people in the world; thank you God for the leadership, the vision, the community, the passion for world care & church planting, two campuses, a heart of giving, and the growth you are blessing MLC with each week
• David, Farah, Dax, and Cole Isbell - our closest friends who consistently teach us about the love of Jesus through their actions & friendship toward us; thank you David & Farah for the example you are to parents...we are looking to you more than ever
• Our Growth Group at MLC - Bryan, Karen, Rodney, Sarah, Caleb, Rachel, Brian, Jodi, Aaron, and Nick - we are truly experiencing community because of your authenticity and love; we are exciting about growing closer to you all as the year goes on!
• Our new home - what a blessing; our home is so much more than anything we deserve or ever thought we could have at the point in our life!

Here are the Miracles I am asking boldly for these days...

• Courage in relationships with disconnected people; I am praying for so many right now - Katie, Davis Family, Kanov Family, Melissa, and Pat & Beth
• Financial Freedom - the freedom to stay home with our daughter; the ability to give away more
• An opportunity for Buck to do full-time ministry again - my heart aches for him to do what he was created to do - we love students and miss the freedom to be around them all the time
  

Another reason I love Apple

Last week our Mac started turning off after it would go into sleep mode. Long story short it died on Wednesday, well that is to say I couldn't get it to turn back on. I tried everything and came to the conclusion that I was just going to have to take it into an Apple store and see if they could help. Keep  in mind my iMac is a little over 2 years old, and the warranty expires after a year.

We drove the 25 miles to the Mall in Alpharetta at 10am I didn't have an appointment but thought I could get in by noon but, the next appointment wasn't until 5pm. So we decided to do some shopping, catch lunch, and a movie. It was actually a pretty nice day.

5 finally rolled around and I waited patiently to be helped. The Mac Genius (that's what they are called and I believe it) asked me what was wrong, I explained. He tested it on the desk, grunted and then took the computer to the back.

About 5 to 8 Min. later he returned said yeah it was the Power Management unit. Then proceeded to start typing stuff up on his store computer. I presumed he was totalling up the bill. PMU's cost around $150 bucks plus labor. Which is still cheaper then a new computer.

He prints it out and asks me to sign 2 different pieces of paper. 

The Bill = $0.00

I asked him about it and he said they have had some issues with the PMU's on my model and he didn't think it would be fair to charge me. 

Apple you know how to build loyal customers! 

What and why do I celebrate Christmas?

I'm teaching tonight at SPIN (our High school environment) in preparing for this week I asked myself this question. And if I'm honest the answers really don't have a lot to do with Jesus, at least in as far at the traditions go.

Don't get me wrong I definitely reflect on the fact that God became human. Chose to dwell among us, so that the world could be in a relationship with him.  That's just plain crazy by the way when you really think about it:

GOD became an infant, Grew up to be a sinless man, Died a bloody awful death, so that we could  have a relationship with him.

I could make a good case that really we celebrate this through out the year as followers of Christ. 

But what do christmas trees, gifts, shopping, hot coco, christmas movies, christmas songs have to do with an infant, that came to redeem humanity?  I'm still not sure exactly I think a lot of it has to do with family, and friends. 

I'm not saying it's bad or wrong, I'm just thinking through how it all connects and why I enjoy the season so much, and really what am I celebrating? 

I'll let you know if/when I decide on something. 

. . . and were back

We were supporting the writers strike in holly wood. But have chosen to break the picket lines and begin using this space again. 

Life has been very full for us the last few months, and honestly I just haven't felt like writing. Here are the clif notes of what's been going on with us:

1. Beth is pregnant with a baby girl, due March 29th. Yes we have a name, but are choosing to keep it a surprise until she is born. (not even our parents know!)

2. We purchased a house in Dawsonville, Ga about 3 1/2 weeks ago. It's a gorgeous home that we feel very blessed to have (I hope to post some pictures soon, we just haven't borrowed a digital camera yet). The move (about 15 miles north of our old apartment) has put us a lot closer to David and Farah along with almost every one in our small group.

3. Beth's brother Daniel moved to GA a couple of months ago and is living with us. I have really enjoyed having him around the house. It's nice to have some one to beat at NCAA football, currently Arkansas (me) has a 8-5 lead over Georgia(daniel) in the series.

4. We absolutely love Mountain Lake (our Church). I am working a lot with the High School program and even teach from time to time. Beth is working the Middle School program. And we have an incredible small group, that we have been able to connect with.

With this post I want to let you know that I am making it my goal to post at least twice a week. It may not always be long, or deep, but I feel like this is a place I want to put a few thoughts of what God is doing in our lives. 

Our Life...since that last post so long ago...

So, what has been going on with us? Here are just a few:

1. We are having a baby. We are due March 29...so, 14.5 weeks now. We are super excited, especially since we have safely made it past 13 weeks this time. God is so good to give us peace when we need it most.

2. Things are getting fun & busy at Mountain Lake. Buck is directing SPIN (our high school environment) and I am working on the team for our brand new middle school environment Amp'd. We have also found an amazing small group, people we are going to enjoy doing life with and growing alongside.

3. Football season is back...Auburn finally looked good and beat Florida..WAR EAGLE! Arkansas has had some tough losses, but we still get to watch the best player in the country everytime they take the field.

4. My brother Daniel moved in with us while he trys to find a job and get settled in here. He has jumped in and is serving in the MLC student ministry as well. It has been fun to have him around.

5. We are planning on heading to Pensacola for Thanksgiving and then Arkansas for Christmas. There are some good things about being back in the south & closer to our families!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN...

38 Days 18 Hours 44 Minutes 41 Seconds

COLLEGE FOOTBALL COUNTDOWN BEGINS...45 DAYS!

Post a link to favorite moments of your team! WAR EAGLE!

This year's Heisman Winner!

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INDEPENDENCE DAY...

Happy 4th of July! Have a wonderful day!

Battle at Kruger

It's about 8 min. long, but this is sooo cool.




Who need National Geographic?

You gotta see this

This is a very cool video that I almost missed.

If you watch it watch the whole thing here (it's only 4 min. or so) or you'll miss the point.

It's a little artsy, but worth your time.

Summer Camp...

Well, I am a little sad this week. The middle school students at Mountain Lake left yesterday for summer camp. There is nothing better to do in the summer than take students to camp! I know that is where I am supposed to be. Things are a little different this year b/c I do not have a job that I can just take off. I miss so much the opportunity to just hang out with students for an entire week. I am very close to the five girls I took to camp last summer at Discovery. I am able to spend more hours in that one week than most of the school year! David Isbell even gave me an invite Saturday night, but I just couldn't go...I only get three days off the entire year...doesn't work out too well for camp. Anytime you get a chance to send a student to camp...whether it is your own or you can help your church send students by giving, DO IT! You will be investing more than you know in the life of that student.

Memorial Day...

Memorial Day is a little different for me these days. Yes, I think about my great-grandfather who served and is now buried at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. But, everything seems to hit much closer to home now that my brother Adam is serving in the Air Force. Adam is not overseas or anything; he is still training as a Flight Navigator. But, I am so proud of him. He is completely committed to what he is doing. He is enthusiastic even though he knows the risks involved. He is prepared to die for his country. And, while that scares me, I know he is doing what he was created to do.

The other day Buck & I were watching Behind Enemy Lines (which I have seen before), and it seemed to be a little more intense since Adam is training to be a flight navigator just like Owen Wilson's character. I was more in-tune to to the details of what he did, and rooted for him like never before.

Then one of the pastors at our church, David Putman, got up to speak this weekend & told of his son in Afghanistan. He is so proud of his son serving, but you can hear in his voice how much he misses him. I now know I must begin praying now for my brother, long before he is sent to defend our country.

We spent our day yesterday with Dan & Renee Weber. Dan's sister is in the Navy, so we talked some about how different it is when it is your family. We had a blast there. First, we played a super-long game of Cities & Knights. Buck and I are really excited that we have found people here who enjoy playing games, and they happen to be really cool! Then we just hung out, talked, and ate great food the rest of the evening.

Anyway, Memorial Day is different for me than it used to be. I am so thankful for the freedom I have everyday. I am thankful for the blessings God has poured on my life. And, I am thankful for the men & women who are fighting as I type this to protect this freedom.

Auburn vs Alabama 2006

Just couldn't help remembering good times!

Easter...

We had a wonderful trip to Pensacola to see my family for Easter. Buck was able to meet several of my aunts & uncles he had never met. All of my brothers were there, but most of my cousins were not there. It was a good weekend though; I am glad to be closer to my family!

Thunderstorms...

We are supposed to get thunderstorms through this area later in the day. Besides a few places to eat like Chick-fil-A and Moes, thunderstorms were probably the thing I most missed while living in the Northwest. I think I heard thunder four or five times in the four years I lived there. Thunderstorms are best though when you can be at home cuddled up to people you love.

Yesterday...

Yesterday, my good friend Farah came over to be "my responsible adult" around after surgery b/c Buck had to go to work. I was so glad she came over, and so glad she brought her two wonderful boys. She has been a blessing lately. Their family went through a miscarriage at the same time during the pregnancy (five weeks ago) as we did this last week. The encouragement and comfort their family has offered from the first moment has been beyond anything we could ever deserve, but this is not the first time God has granted me something I did not deserve. From the first moment we new something was wrong they have been there--David picked Buck up from work and had him at the doctor's office so quickly; then he sat with us while we waited for the news...calming us in a way only David could. This week they have delivered meals, Dr. Pepper, and hugs. They found people to make meals for us who don't even know us. By the way, if you need some food let us know...you can come over and eat with us:) They have helped take some of the burden off of Buck...I know he is emotionally drained. He has been so strong and stable (unlike me) over the last few days. He has done all sorts of things that will probably come and go without any thanks. Because of the kindness of others, he has been able to relax a little, and we have been able to spend some quality time together. But, back to the Isbells. Before they came over yesterday, Farah prepped Dax (their very bright 3-year old) about the situation...what shouldn't be said...that soft hugs were okay...things like that. Anyway, he came so close to making it the entire couple of hours...but then it came out at lunch, "Aunt Bether, why did your baby die?"....All I could say was, "That's a great question, Dax." And it is. It is the question I have struggle through. It is the question that has made me mad, the question that has made my faith waiver. I have been asking myself that. I think Dax allowed me to hear the question out loud that I had only heard in my head or in intimate, emotional coversations with my husband. And, I don't know why. Sometimes when you hear something out loud, you are able to better understand it as reality. And, it is much easier to deal with something once you allow it to become reality rather than suppressing it. So, thanks, Dax. And, yes, I am scared to death to try this process again...but, I will b/c I know I am supposed to be a mom. God has some plan, even though I cannot comprehend most of it. Dax ended our coversation by saying, "Your baby is in heaven with our baby". What a load for a three-year old to handle. But, what faith he still has in God's plan...you can see it in everything he does. I am thankful for those moments in life where things go a little differently than mom pictured them going. They help us grow. They help us deal with what is on the inside.

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind words and thoughtfulness this last week. Thank you for your prayers. We have felt very cared for. We are trying to deal with the different emotions that come with something like this. We are trying to remember the blessing we had for a short while, and still look forward. I really don't know what else to say but "thank you".

The beginning of the end . . .

I honestly believe that if guys like this run the Southern Baptist Convention then it will be dead or severly diminished in 50 years.

Read this article.
Missouri's most powerful Baptist takes on the 'emerging church'

In case you don't want to, here is the last few lines that sum it up for you:


Moran acknowledges that what emerging churches offer is attractive to young people.

"What we've got now is a church where you can drink beer in the bar, you can talk about rock 'n' roll, you can watch R-rated movies on film night," he said.

Moran believes that some in the emerging church may be theologically sound but that its leaders are caught up in the culture that is leading most Americans astray.

"They say they have a passion for reaching people for Christ … and I think that they do," he said. "But I think they cross the line in becoming so much like the world."




So what you're saying is you're so legalistic that even though you think the leaders are theologically sound and have a passion for reaching Christ, YOU don't have the power so you hope the movement dies off?

Give me a break.

My Husband...

Well, yesterday was our second anniversary. It seems as though it has been much longer than two years. I think that is mostly because I have loved these two years so much, and I have such a hard time remembering the dailyness of life before marriage. I know I enjoyed life, but having your best friend with you all the time is like nothing else...even though I know he wishes I were not with him "so much". All I can say is that I care for him and love him more than I ever thought I would be able to. Sometimes I struggle because I know I put too much faith in Him. Sometimes I lose sight of the blessings God pours on my life because I am looking somewhere else. One of the biggest struggles I am facing right now is how to encourage and support him completely. I know his priorities are God, then family, then ministry, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to watch him go to a job every day that he does not love just so that he can support our family. I want him to be having lunch with students, and studying for lessons, and meeting students over coffee to chat. I want students to hang out at our house just for fun. I want there to be time in our lives for ministry, not leaving for work at 6:30am and getting home at 7pm. But, God has a different plan for our family right now. I know somewhere there is a place He is preparing for our service. I pray that we would be faithful in this waiting time, that we would focus on building a loving home for our new child. I pray that our lives would still be missional, that we would constantly be focused on other people in our lives. I pray for Buck, that he would continue to have the courage to lead our family. I pray that I will serve him and love him moment by moment. I am so thankful for these last couple of years with him, and I am looking forward to the rest we share!

A Prayer Request and thank You

First I want to ask you to pray for Jon Fredricks (the pastor of our church in Tacoma). A few days after we left, he was in a pretty serious car accident. He suffered a broken jaw, arm, and leg and has been in the hospital for about a week. Please pray for him and his wife and his 4 children. I'll post the link to his blog in a few days.

Also, I just wanted to post a quick thank you to our Discovery family for their incredible generosity and help in moving. Beth and I felt very loved and appreciated. We miss you and will keep in touch.


We are in Atlanta and will post some more about the trip, but internet is spotty at the moment, so sorry for the delay.

The Top Ten Things Somone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life

I got this in a an e-mail, this morning from Dash (they publish the cirriculum we use for students). I thought it was funny and wanted to share it with you. It's an article by sturart hall. Here is the link as well

The Top Ten Things Somone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life

I have recently noticed that seemingly no one that lives in Atlanta is from Atlanta. My neighbor across the street moved here from San Francisco. My next-door neighbor hails from New York. When I asked them what motivated them to move to the Dirty South, one consistent phrase (apart from work) reared its head: They all wanted a more simple life. Not the Paris Hilton simple life, mind you, but one of less stress, more leisure time, and a lot less headaches.

As somewhat of a transplant myself (Alabama), I decided to create a Top Ten Things Someone Moving to Atlanta Needs to Know to Live the Simple Life list to keep at the ready for all the new neighbors. You can substitute these ten things for your fair city. Regardless of where, transitions are hard. Everyone wants to be accepted. And if your goal is simplicity of life and you too are a transplant, then this will help make the transition easy:

10. Never take visiting relatives or friends to the Stone Mountain Laser Show. They will (a) believe that the state of Georgia is considering succeeding from the Union again and (b) realize that some locals don’t realize the first Civil War is over…

9. Never taste test the Coca Cola products from the Middle East at the World of Coke unless you want to hurl…

8. Michael Vick is always hurt and loves bottled water…

7. Chick-Fil-A is the scientific term for “Christian chicken.”

6. GA 400 is a Southern term for “parking lot.”

5. Never say the words “Roll Tide!” very loud in public (substitute your school). Unless your pledge of allegiance includes Dawgs, Yellow Jackets, or War Eagles, you will be received as warmly as Michael Moore at the Republican Convention…

4. Ted Turner owns everything. If he doesn’t, Arthur Blank just bought it…

3. A start by John Smoltz at a Braves game equals game over. An appearance by the Braves in late October means that Satan is ice-skating…

2. If you attend NPCC, you are either an Andy Stanley fan or a Louie Giglio fan. You can’t be both…

1. Life is not that simple.

Life is not simple. Geography and grits will not help you evade unpredictable events and circumstances. The beauty of a fall day in north Atlanta will not quell the storms of life that almost always come. Times of tension will rain and reign for a time. The question for you and me is “What will we do with that tension?”

I used to wish that I could have the foresight to see those times beforehand. I even prayed that way. “God, give me Superman x-ray wisdom to see what is coming. I want to be ready.” I foolishly prayed that way until I realized that I really could not handle what I was asking of God. You and I cannot handle such foresight. For God to reveal that to us would be, in essence, God revealing Himself and all of His glory to us. My finite mind trying to understand the sum of the character and attributes of God is not exactly a promising event.

It is for this reason that men and women in the Old Testament could not look on the face of God. It is the reason why God placed Moses in the cleft of a rock: so He could pass by without Moses seeing His greatness in full. Moses only saw God’s back. Not His face. He could not see Him coming. He definitely saw Him passing.

I am learning to embrace the tension that bubbles to the top of my life. The principles of weight lifting are appropriate: Just because you have a weight bench, weights and work out clothes with a Swoosh on them does not mean you are getting stronger. You only get strong when you embrace the tension and get under the weight. That is where your physical muscle is sculpted. And that is where your faith muscle is sculpted as well.

There is something not so simple coming. Mark it down. And it will come to serve as tension in your life.

I am grateful for the back of God: Revelation in retrospect in the midst of unpredictable events. Sometimes the tension is almost unbearable. But it is making my faith so much stronger and life a lot less complicated.

And my neighbors are watching . . .