A Crosspointer, I Must Become

Over the last week, our lives have officially changed.  No baby yet, still have a few weeks for that one!

As of Sunday, Rich has stepped into the role of Lead Pastor of our church, Crosspoint Community Church.  I am so proud of Rich.  Over the last 13 years, I have watched him grow so tremendously as a man, a follower of Christ, a husband, and a father.  What a journey, and what a blessing to see things desired become reality.

As for me?  I am humbled beyond all reason.  I feel like the shoes I now wear shall never fit.  As if parenting 3, almost 4, children isn't enough, now I carry the title "Pastor's Wife."  I much prefer the anonymity of behind-the-scenes work.  Beyond that, my role as wife (in general) really has taken on a new dimension, as my bi-vocational husband juggles more.  Add to all that a newborn.  Yeah.

Am I complaining?  No.  Am I in need?  Absolutely.  I think the beauty of this transition is found in the name of the church, "Crosspoint Community Church." 

When things become overwhelming, which I am confident at times they will, I can remember that I only need to point to the Cross.  The work has been completed, I must simply rely on what Jesus has already done for myself, my husband, my children, and our church.  What a stress reliever!  

Our church is based on community together.  What a beautiful thing to live in community with one another and become a discipling bunch, who in turn make disciples.  I have a built in support system that is committed to gathering weekly to lift each other up by the power of the Gospel.  It is beautiful.

As a community who points to the Cross, we step out on mission together, aka the "church."  When we feel lost, we simply join back in on the mission of the church, in the fellowship of our community, in admiration of the cross.

This new chapter is one that excites me.  I am not perfect, and don't have much in myself to offer.  But I do know a God who is infinitely equipped to handle any situation, and to Him I defer.

To My Littles

Rusten, Reed, Kensley and Goober,

Our lives are about to change.  At church yesterday, Pastor John announced that he and Miss Marlo were going to step down as lead pastor and that daddy and I would be stepping into that role.  

Since daddy and I were dating, many moons ago, we have always felt called into full-time ministry. We never really saw it playing out like this, but it is something that we are excited about.  We love Pastor John and Miss Marlo so very much.  They were our youth pastors, they were a part of our wedding, they dedicated you, Rusten and Reed, and they are very precious to our family.  It's an awkward excitement (as your dad keeps saying), that we feel.  Although we always have the assurance that you're going to marry Jadyn someday, Rusten, so we know they'll always be a part of our lives!

As I type this post, you three (Goober, you're still in my tummy, so you're sitting here with me) are running around playing hide and seek.  Rusten you're out of school today.  You boys keep passing by me asking if I've seen the other, and sister just screams and laughs as she follows you two.  I love the innocence and simplicity of all that entertains you three.  Goober, you seem to be entertained by nestling up in my ribs ... ouch! 

I say all that, because I want you to know that daddy and I promise, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us, to maintain a peaceful, innocent, simple environment for you to thrive.  You four are more important to us than anyone else in the world.  We want you to know that our family will always be first before ministry.  Your walk with the Lord and your knowledge of His Gospel, His Great Rescue Plan, will always be our priority.  

I get nervous sometimes when I think about this transition, as I realize that there will be more time demands on our family, especially daddy.  But we will continually seek the Lord to help us maintain the proper priorities.  I want you to always feel free to tell us if we aren't.  

I love you guys more than you'll ever know ... well, at least until you have kids of your own, then you might understand a little.  We pray for you guys all the time, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things God has planned for each of your lives. 

Messy, Messy, Messy *spoken like the magician on Frosty*

Making gingerbread cookie dough is MESSY! By the way, that's why I need a KitchenAid Mixer!! Using my Walmart half-price hand mixer in a shallow plastic bowl to mix molasses, water, butter and brown sugar is a recipe for disaster! I had it up on the walls!!

The women at our church are having a cookie and ornament exchange on Monday night, and I am getting ahead of the game by making two batches of dough this morning. If I have time later today, I'll start baking. If not, tomorrow it is. Rolling, cutting and baking is a big mess too. Then if you have Rich help you frost and decorate--Lord have mercy. Last time, I had poor gingerbread men with beautiful frosting and TORTILLA CHIP stuck on top. Yep, you read it right. He was shopping all over the kitchen for things top the beauties with because, apparently, the can of different Christmas sprinkles wasn't quite enough. Yeah....the stuff memories are made of.

I'm trying to talk Rich into getting the Christmas decorations down today and possibly getting the tree. It's overcast and cozy today--perfect holiday conditions for such activities!

Well, I have a pile of laundry and a pile of work giving me nasty glares, and it's time for Kensley's next feeding...

The Waiting Game

So now we wait. I had the ultrasound and blood tests this morning. I thank God for such a wonderful, friendly ultrasound technician today. She really made me feel at ease, no matter what she was seeing on that screen.

I feel achy all over my abdomen. I keep telling myself it's all in my head....but I'm pretty sure the discomfort is really there. God is faithful, though, and I have to keep my eyes on Him, not the flesh. Romans 8:6!

Anyway, Kensley had her 2 month appointment today. That meant shots. Oh, it makes me cry right with my kids. It was SO precious though. Before the doctor came in, she Kensley was talking away to me. I've never heard her coo so much. Then I stuck it to her, what a great mom! She did very well and everyone who saw her today commented on what a peaceful and happy baby she is. She's been a bit fussy since the appointment, poor baby!

I must give a big shout out to Grammie. She really saved the day today. She came over early this morning and stayed with the kids all morning long. It was such a blessing to be able to take care of everything and not have to worry about the boys.

Tonight is another busy night...not as bad as last night's Walmart at 10PM thing, but pretty busy nonetheless. The boys are going with Mimi to see the Christmas Parade. They are real excited about that. Kensley and I are going to Miss Dawn's house to get some things ready for Nativity Village. I have pumpkin bread in the oven to take to the potluck dessert tonight....mmmm! Rich will be home alone (lucky) studying for Sunday since he's speaking.

Praise God for my busy, happy, healthy family!