The Weekend

Thursday we welcomed to the world Shaun and Christin's baby. Kaitlyn arrived healthy and on time. Mom and baby are doing well and as for Shaun, well he is doing fine as well. Leah and I spent most of the weekend involved in our first ever singing Christmas tree. In our presentation of The Christmas Shoes we retained our previous job of the solos for the Grinch song. Things went pretty well. Over the three night span we had approximately 1000 people. We also had two individuals accept Christ. So the time and dedication was well worth it.
This weekend we head to Johnson City, Tenn. to Andrews wedding. He and Michelle will be married this Saturday. I must speak with him about planning a wedding during the middle of duck hunting season. He must learn to prioritize. Just kidding! So that is where we've been and where we're headed. Have a great week. I have been told we need more pictures. Less writing and more pictures were his exact words. So I will try to include more pictures next time!

DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!

In his 1993 ESPY Speech Jim Valvano uttered those very words. While watching some highlights from the Jimmy V Classic on sportscenter, I was inspired. After a pretty lousy start to the week, things have begun to look up. I got my truck back and its running great. I have finished all my classes for this semester which has lifted a huge burden. This semester was my toughest yet. So tonight I pondered those words on my ride home. I had decided to call a plumber and get our house back in a working condition. All the way home today I tried calling to get someone to come out and take a look and no one really seemed intrested(except the really expensive guy). I took my shovel and headed out(thinking dont give up, dont ever give up). I will leave out the details that will bore you or gross you out and just state that I finally got our plumbing fixed. This is why I am up until the wee hours of the morning. This was a huge accomplishment for me, although in the grand scheme of things it is insignificant. Must sleep! Bye!

Be Still And Know

The last month has been very difficult. Often times its hard to find the positive outlook when things seem dim. About two weeks before Thanksgiving we had some issues with our plumbing as I believe Leah has written about before. As we continue to work on our house, the plumbing has hindered our progress a great deal. Our kitchen is halfway put together along with our bathrooms. The character of this old house grins a sly smile as we strive to accomplish something...anything!!! A visit and quote by the man from roto rooter inspired me to become a plumber and try this myself. I have learned since that God has called certain people to do certain things and plumbing was left off my skill list. So the house continues to be a work in progress. On top of the issues surrounding our house my little cavalier, my little engine that could......can no more. She finally died last Wednesday. A cracked head and possibly a new engine is needed. It is worth it to me to get it fixed but we shall see if she can brought back to life and continue on. I did not really want to put my truck on the road just yet. Its still new to me. I thought I had finally made a good decision in purchasing a truck to back up the ever aging cavalier.....but once again I was wrong. My truck died on me this morning as I was headed into Columbia. It just shut down on me completely.....Bam! No power. At this point I was quite frustrated. After frustrations with the house and losing a vehicle, I received a call Friday to inform me that Duke, our lab that has been missing for about two weeks, was found dead in an abandoned house a couple of miles away. Although we knew he was missing we always felt someone would call or he would find his way home. Then first thing today, we lost another vehicle, that is currently being repaired. In the meanwhile I am in the middle of exams and Leah has been quite sick with the addition thats coming soon! All in all things have been quite hectic.
I say all that to say this. As I sit tonight on the couch, in the corner of this home we are so thankful to have, I am reminded of the Scripture that says to be still and know that I am God. In spite of all that is going on in our lives at this very moment, it is so important to understand that God is in control of every aspect of our lives. In the hustle and bustle of my studying for exams, God sends a still small voice to remind me to that I can't do it all. He reminds me that some things are impossible by myself. He reminds me that simply if I could do it on my own, then I wouldn't need Him. How sad life would be without Him! When it seems sometimes that nothing in life is going right. Be still and know that He is GOD!