“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”

2 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Moving Right Along

Just wanted to drop a quick note to give an update about what’s going on these days. Everything is going well in Charleston. I am still loving my job SO much! In the moments things get tough here or we when we’ve had small questions if this is where  we’re supposed to be, I’m quickly reminded of my job and the miracles God did to give it to me. These families are AMAZING! They’re some of my very favorite people here. One of them has a little girl, Mary Helen, due in January. I can’t wait to have a little girl in our life on a daily basis again! It’s one of the best feelings in the world to go to a job every day where you’re loved, appreciated, and respected.

Mark got a part time (well, about 25-30 hours) job at the Charleston Coffee Exchange. He is loving it SO much!! Every time he works, he comes home with a smile on his face. The people who work there, and the “Regulars” (these people go in there to hang out literally every single day) have become a family. Though we’re all very different, they’ve accepted us with open arms. We get to hang out with all of them and I go to the shop to see them all as much as I can when Mark is working. Many of these people have made it clear that they’re not into Jesus or religion because of what they’ve seen from other people, but they quickly came to love Mark and have named him “Preacher Man”. It’s a great group of people who we love to be with and to love on.

The church is going well. We have a place to start meeting… a brand new facility at an elementary school. We’ve started our preview services, and they’re going well. We launch on January 31st, 2010.  Mark is doing an incredible job with his role in the church. He’s getting to do some things he didn’t know he’d be doing, and they’re challenging him in all areas. It’s been great for him! His integrity and character never seize to amaze me. I’ve always loved this about him, but this has become even more evident than ever since we’ve been here. It’s an honor to get to be his wife, his partner, and his best friend.

The adoption is  going well. We officially turned in all of our paper work…. whew! It was a lot, but it was fun. Mark and I both had to write these 20 page autobiographies about ourselves and our lives. They asked very personal question about our past, our marriage, our goals, our relationship with the Lord, parenting philosophies, etc. We weren’t allowed to read each others until they were totally complete. We took one evening when we were finished, and sat and read them both, one question at a time. It was SO much fun!! We had almost the exact same answers on everything that applied to us both. Aside from begin really fun and funny, it was also great to confirm that we have no problem with communication!

We’re waiting now for Bethany (our agency) to get our background checks back. Then they’ll send out our reference letters. Once they get those back, they can start out interview process with our social worker. We have an all day meeting next Friday in Columbia, SC. We’ll get to do this with the other adoptive parents, which will be fun! We’ll get to talk to lawyers, social workers, etc and get all of our questions we have answered. Bethany is a WONDERFUL agency so far!!! There’s nothing they could have done better so far. We’re very thankful for this, and for the people who work there.

The Lord has been some amazing things in our life lately. A lot of what we’ve always claimed we believe in life is being tested…. it’s the first time we’ve had to live out some of these things. The Lord seems so close right now as He pulls Mark and I closer to Him and to each other to teach us exactly what HE wants us to know. It’s a challenging, yet amazing season of our life. Spiritually, it’s probably my favorite time I’ve ever had. Thank you for everyone who prays for us, in some or all of these areas. We’ve learned a ton about prayer and about interceeding for each other. Know that if you have asked us to pray for you, it’s done. We’ve got some amazing, amazing friends and family. This has only become even more evident to us in this past year. It almost sound cliche to say it, but it’s true…. we are very blessed.

~L

Thoughts on Jon & Kate, Sanford, and MJ

Big news!! Wow, every where I turn one of these topics is being talked about. Opinions are rampant and everybody has one (including myself), but more importantly is “what now?”.  Everyone deserves damnation… thankfully I serve a God who offers grace through His Son, Jesus.  These are just some thoughts on some of these topics:

Jon and Kate: Jon allegedly cheated on Kate and got caught in a scandal… both parties are pointing fingers at each other.  Could it be that both took their eyes off of Jesus and instead put it on fame and how it looks.  What if they did things now that made God happy without trying to make everyone else happy? If the focus was on the Lord then, in turn, the relationships between each other would mend (God can do that).  Jon & Kate are in a position to really show the love of Christ.  Fame and celebrity status are great opportunities to show the world a Christ-centered life, but are also ammunition that Satan uses to destroy.  I pray that Jon & Kate step back from the situation and the emotional blurriness to see the truth that God wants them to use this situation to glorify Him.  Possible? I know it is!

Mark Sanford: Once again, another affair story.  All things mentioned above is true in this case also.  Is he truly repentant?  More and more information is unfolding on his affair, and more and more fuel is being poured on the emotions of everybody who listens.  I got news for you… HE HAD AN AFFAIR!  Whether he slept with her 1 time or 200 times, whether he told her “I love you” or held her hand in public, or whether he lied to his wife multiple times. The real question is “what now?”.  Use the situation to glorify God! Be prayed up and start making the right decisions (which I can’t think of any that will be easy).  Does his wife have a right to leave him? Of course, but also has the right to stay. I can’t say what the right decision is, but I do know that God has given us an amazing gift called the Holy Spirit that if we tap into His power that no matter what the difficulties are that arise, His strength will carry you through to His glory.

Michael Jackson: This is a hard one! Was he a pedophile? Was he truly concerned about charities and children? Does he deserve to be mourned? How can people love and respect such a weirdo? The thought that keeps coming to my mind is, when he was standing before the throne and being judged by the One who is just, where is MJ spending eternity? I want it to be true that MJ is worshiping God in heaven right now, but I’ll never know until I reach that place. Jesus died on the cross for MJ and all of his sin just like for me and you.  Its crazy how one man can have a impact on so many lives, good and bad, but its so easy to file away our opinions about someone elses soul as truth. There is an ultimate truth, but I pray people realize it about themselves before they die, because guessing it about someone else is only an opinion and changes nothing except your heart for better (compassion) or worse (hardening).  I don’t know if MJ accepted Jesus or rejected Jesus…it doesn’t matter now…what matters now is if you have accepted Jesus or rejected Him.

Thank you God that you have given us your Son Jesus and that I have the power to make and know what the RIGHT choice is in any situation through your Holy Spirit. Will I make the right choice? That is up to me… in being obedient to You.

My Wife

Hello all!   First, let me apologize for the lapse in time before I updated the ol’ blog. Second, I wish I could type faster.  I am trying to commit myself to blogging at least once a week from here on out.  Call it a second quarter resolution.  Ok, I believe that the last time that I wrote to you we were finishing up 2 weeks here in C-town.  Now we have been here another five and a half weeks, making it close to 2 months!  It’s crazy how 2 months can feel like 2 years.

This first week I would like to say is how honored and proud I am of my wife, Lauren.  She is the real deal!  All my life I have had the ability to adapt to change quickly, but this has been a tough one.  Maybe it’s because I have never made such a change with the responsibility of a family before.  When things get hard around here Lauren is the hand that pulls me back on my feet.  I know for a woman, it is not the easiest thing to pick up your home, family, finances, and security and follow a man who is imperfect and hard-headed on an adventure where the outcome is undefined.  But, she is so in love and in tune with God’s calling on her life that she moves on it through her faith in Christ and me.  See, there are a load of women and wives out there that say that they desire what the Lord has for their lives as long as it fits into their agendas and plan, but there is only a handful who have the faith and courage to put their money/security where their mouth is and live the abundant life.  Lauren desires to have an extraordinary life.  Not only with the Lord but with me and our family.  It’s enjoyable being married because of her. We have a healthy marriage because she knows what a healthy wife looks like and refuses to let anything strip that vision away from her.  If you ask me, Lauren is best wife, friend, helpmate, and Godly influence ever!

~M

Adopting our Child

Hey everyone. Ok, so Mark and I are learning that we for sure are not the best bloggers in the world. At least you can know that if I post, something must really be on my heart…. which it is now.

Here’s a short update…

We LOVE it here in Charleston. God has opened friendships so quickly, our marriage is better than ever (and I didn’t even think that was possible), we love where we’re living, and we love our jobs! The Lord has absolutely blown me away with these past 2 months. Some things have worked out differently than we planned, but wow, am I glad…. which bring me to the reason for this post.

As most of you know we’ve been trying 3 years this October  to have a baby. I found out last year that I have Stage 4 endometriosis and had surgery to remove it. They put me on a shot (Lupron)  for 6 months to get rid of more of it. I’ve heard horror stories about endo. and Lupron, but we’ve had zero problems with both. The Dr’s said they can never say for sure that I can’t get pregnant, but that the endo. is too aggressive to think it’ll happen without medicine or fertility treatments. We prayed about it, and neither of us had a peace about any fertility treatments, pills, etc. We’ve simply prayed and waited….. and enjoyed being just us while we have the time!

Before we ever tried to get pregnant 3 years ago, we actually discussed adopting before we tried to have a biological child, but decided that we’d pursue adoption one day down the road.

After both being sure about no using fertility treatments, we started praying through adoption. We’ve been told not to “give up” on getting pregnant. Let me assure you we are not “giving up” on anything, except on having things the way we planned. If the Lord wants us to get pregnant, we will get pregnant and it will be wonderful!!If the Lord wants us to adopt, we will adopt and it will be wonderful!! I’ve never been in a more freeing situation, when, had you asked me a few years ago, I’d say it would be a heart breaking situation.

We’re now walking down the road to adoption. We’re researching agencies, private, legal, financial, and wow, has it been a slight roller coaster. There is SO much involved and can be very confusing… and expensive. We’ve learned a lot of things and have had a lot of people that have made it much more clear for us. We’ve possibly even found ways that it’s less expensive, which has been really cool. We joke that Church planting and adoption don’t go hand in hand in our minds…. support raising…. and cost of adoption.Yikes! Great thing is, as I seem to be slowly learning, God isn’t too concerned about what goes hand in hand in my mind!

 I mainly tell you this to ask for your prayer. Earlier I was reading forums where women and girls are pregnant and they’re deciding whether to have an abortion or give their baby up for adoption. It was through a private site so I couldn’t comment. Let’s just say it was quite humbling to hear about where these ladies are in life. I can’t imagine it. We have to eventually write a letter to birthmothers who might be reading our profile. I mean…. could there be a harder task?! How do I share with a woman who is considering giving her child to us how I feel… about her going through what she must be going through…. about how much I want to love and raise her child as my own… about how we have  God who somehow works all of this to His glory, and for the good of us all, even though I completly don’t understnad it all?  I told Mark that it feels like when I hear of a person who needs a heart transplant. God blesses them with a new heart and it’s an amazing miracle and answer to prayer, and then there’s the realization that someone had to die for them to receive that new heart. It’s got be humbling to receive that heart. That’s how I feel with this. If a woman chooses us take her child, we are blessed with the miracle we’ve been praying for so long. Yet, there’s the realization that she had to make an incredible sacrifice for our child.

Goodness, I just feel like it’s the perfect picture of who God is. It’s so much bigger than we can ever wrap our minds around. Some would say it’s not fair that I can’t get pregnant, some would say it’s not fair what she’s going through. I say that it’s nothing but humbling…. to know that the Lord loves that baby enough to work His plan for that child and everyone involved, whether some deem it fair or not.

All of that long windedness (yes, it’s a word. ) to say please pray for us as we enter in this process, as we write that letter. I want to somehow be able to say in a letter exactly what’s in my heart for her, for the baby, and for the whole process….. feels a little bigger than me right now. Please pray for that mom who may be pregnant with our child now or who may get pregnant with him/her in the near future. Pray that if she doesn’t already know Christ, that she might meet Him through this process and have the peace and love only He can give. Please pray for Mark and I, that we are on the same page throughout the process and know the right timing to proceed to each next step. Pray that we take it all in stride, good and bad, and remember God is in control of it all. And, of course, please join us in praying for that baby we will one get to call our own. I love the fact that I will get to share with him/her that there were so many praying for them before we ever had them.

Well, that’s enough for now. I’ll update as we find out anything new!!

~L

Second week…so far, so good!

We have survived two full weeks in a foreign land!!!  The crazy thing is, I haven’t even been to the beach yet.  There is still so much to do, but we are knocking out a good chunk quickly.  God has really opened up doors on the spring break mission trip in April.  The week of the deadline for sign-ups there were 7 students, on the last day of sign-ups there is a total of 32 students and 8-10 adults.  How cool is that!!  Randy Disharoon, the pastor of C3 church, and I have been nailing down details on the trip for the past 2 weeks, and it is coming together beautifully. 

Randy Disharoon and his wife, Susan, have really been encouraging to us this whole process.  I believe God has placed this family strategically in our lives.  They are a couple that we can see ourselves sitting under and learning what a healthy relationship looks like as a pastor and pastor’s wife. 

Todd and I have been working on our quarterly budget and developing what the next 9 months is going to look like.  It looks like we will be having cook-outs and Bible study on alternating weeks until August, then we have our Pre-launch services begin. 

I am still in the market for a part-time job.  The job market here is definitly in a freeze, being that South Carolina has the nations 2nd highest unemployment rate.  But I am doing some market research jobs as an independant contractor, which doesn’t bring in a lot, but at least it is something.  Also, I have had two job offers today, one from and insurance company where I would be an auditor, and one from Chick-Fil-A.  So even in a state-wide job freeze God is opening doors and proving that He has our back. 

Lauren has fallen in love with this city!  Her job as a nanny is the highlight of her week.  The two families that she works for are becoming some of her closest friends here.  They have been more than gracious to her in so many aspects.  Both families are incredibly supportive of our ministry and are the easiest people to work for.  Being that 1 of the moms is a dentist, Lauren has a found a place to get her teeth cleaned!! Please lift these families up in your prayers, for they are a blessing in our lives.

Please continue to pray for our new adventure.  And if you would like to be on our formal list of prayer partners please go to www.riverchurch.com and click on the contact tab and send me an email.

~M

Officially Charlestonian

Well, we are in our fourth full day here in Charleston and it is awesome.  The weather has been nothing but sunny and warm.  We are 95% unpacked.  And Lauren had her first day on the job yesterday, and loved it!  Todd and I had our first staff meeting here yesterday and it is so much more fulfilling knowing that what we plan we can take more action now that we have landed in the place where God has called us.  It feels like home already.

We had no idea what our apartment looked like on the inside before we got here, because the apt. we originally were going to live in fell through after we were back in GA.  Our first impression… this is BETTER than the original one.  As we started unpacking we noticed that this apt. is more spacious than our house in Hiram (minus the garage).  Lauren is pumped about all the cabinet/closet space this place has.  Charlie has a fenced in dog park in the complex, so he can come off the leash and run. 

The church has a lot of stuff going on as well.  We have a group of approx. 40 middle schoolers from Ga coming and doing some missions with us here in the city over spring break.  We are building relationships with partners from local businesses, churches, and government agencies.  Developing what our preliminary meetings and services will look like.  A lot of it is just networking and making contacts here, which thankfully Todd is a master at. 

I am currently looking for a part-time job.  The past 2 days I have filled out more applications and turned in more resumes than I have in my whole lifetime.  If anyone knows of anyone looking for a part-timer in the Charleston area let me know. 

Thank you all who are praying for us.  We have continued to see God work through us and bless us in these times. And I know it is because so many folks are lifting us up to Him in prayer. 

Some other prayer requests are:

• That I find a part-time job this month.
• That we continue to receive financial support
• That the transition continues to be smooth.
• That the people we encounter are receptive to Christ and us.

If you are not on our support list and would like to be, please respond to this post with your email address.  This list contains everyone who has commited to pray for us over the following year or have commited by financially supporting us.  Our goal is to have 100-200 committed prayer partners. 

We will be keeping you undated.

One month left and nowhere to live

Ok, so we spent 9 days last week looking at every house and apartment for rent in West Ashley, nine days of mapping out directions from house to house. Sure, we were “on vacation”, but primarily worked on finding our place to live when we get to Charleston. By the end of the week we were more exhausted than when we started “our vacation”, but we did settle on an amazing apartment that was a deal we couldn’t pass up. The apartment is a 1550 sq. ft. 3bedroom 2 bath, with a fireplace, and is on the ground floor  for $899/mo. It has all the amenities:  pool, work-out area, movie theater, and a dog park!  Not to mention, it was smack dab in the middle of the area we are planting.  At decision time, it was a no-brainer. When we got home we were relieved to have that step behind us.  We could now focus on the upcoming move.

The apartment manager told us that we could not put the apartment on hold until 20 days out, but assured us that they had 6 apartments open and that it was practically impossible for all of the apartments to go that fast. This past Wednesday we got an e-mail from the complex saying that they had 2 apartments left and that the special deal was gong to end on Feb. 5th.  That meant that we would have to move by Feb. 25th (if any apts. are even available by then).  I can’t leave my job until March 1st at the earliest.  So, needless to say we are not going to be able to get the apartment. 

Now, we are planners, and like to have all the answers as soon as possible. So, you can imagine that my first reaction to the news was confusion and frustration.  I say all of this not to vent or complain, but to confess how I know that God’s hand is holding mine.  A year ago, before I had to place so much faith and trust in God’s control, back when I thought I could control the situation and found comfort in my own abilities, I would have assured myself that “I’ll take care of it”.  I am learning that I am saying “He’ll take care of it” as my first state of thought, instead of my next to last resort.  I don’t say this out of laziness.  I don’t think that I can just sit back, kick my feet up, and let God do all the work for me.  No, I know that from now until we land a place to live we will be researching, making phone calls, and e-mailing; not out of panic, but out of faithfulness and the knowledge that our God IS.  And that, my friends, is the only shelter I need.

~M

Children’s Consignment Sale

I know some of you are involved in this, but I wanted to let all of you who have children or who have friends with children know about this….

My sis-in-law, April, and I own a seasonal children’s consignment sale. Our 3rd semi-annual sale is coming up February 20-21st. If you’re a mom, you can sell all of your new or gently used children’s items and toys and get 70% of the profts (consignment stores usually give between 10-40%). You enter your items on a program we have, print your tags the program creates for you and tag your items (we have an easy step by step process). Then you just bring your items to us, we run the sale and you pick up your items and your check 2 days later.

You can get in early to shop and get the best deals the night before it opens to the public. To do this, sign up as a Consignor, volunteer (to get in at the earliest time), or sign up as a “New Mom” (waiting for an adoption, pregnant, or have a child up to 12 months).

Also, if you have your own company or product that is appealing to women, families, moms, or children we have Vendor Booths and Vendor Bags available.

Go to our website at www.nextgenerationsale.com to find out all of the details and to register. It’s so much fun to be a part of, and we’d love to have all of you involved!! The deadline to sign up is February 14th at 10pm or when all of our slots fill up.

~L

Charleston Trip

We are so excited to be going to Charleston this next week to find a place to live. We’ve decided to rent, rather than buy for the first 1-2 years. We’d like get to know the area better before we commit to buying a home. We’re praying that God would make it clear to both of us where we need to be. We can’t wait to see where we’ll be living in the beginning stages of this adventure. We’ll keep you posted as we find out. Please be praying with us.

…An Evening with Drs. Tim and Beverly LaHaye

What are you doing to celebrate Valentines with your sweetie?  I’ve got a great idea… take him/her to dessert and coffee with the LaHayes!!!

The LaHayes are coming to Kennesaw Friday, Feb 7 to speak at a benefit for River Church at Burnt Hickory Baptist. They will be talking on relationships/marriages that night. Perfect for a date night with your special someone or just you and a pal.  There will be desserts and coffee there before the show too. 

For those that don’t know who they are,… Tim LaHaye is the author of the “Left Behind” series and multiple other books. Beverly is also a writer and well-known speaker.  They come together and give an awesome seminar on relationships and marriages too.

Tickets are on sale online ($10) and at the door ($15) at burnthickory.com, click on the link titled “An Evening With Drs. Tim and Beverly LaHaye” to purchase your tickets.

So, come and enjoy a night with us and the LaHayes

~M

I’m at a loss…

To all of you moms and/or nannies out there. This one is for you!

I’m now keeping one of the sweetest little boys ever! However, he’s recently decided that he will only breastfeed… no bottles for this kid… not even when they’re filled with breast milk. His parents have tried everything they know to do. We’ve all researched online and nothing seems to work for him. I’ve tried a couple different bottles, different temps, different positions, etc. He gets here at 8am and leaves around 5:30p and eats 0-2 ounces the ENTIRE time! And the 2 ounces only happened when I dipped his pacifier (which he LOVES) in the milk and basically dripped it in for about 1 hour. In all of my years of nannying and through all 11 children I’ve been a full time nanny for, this is one I haven’t encountered.

He’s SO sweet and cute, but I just hate it for him. There may be nothing that works and we assume he’ll eat when he can’t stand not eating anymore. I hate it for him because I know his little belly is so hungry. And I hate it for his sweet mom, as she is the ONLY one who can feed him when she gets home from work and all throughout the night. She’s a trooper, but a tired trooper.

Anyone have this happen with their child? Any suggestions?

2009 Resolution still in the works…

So my Dad has always made a big deal about making New Years resolutions. He and I used to always think about and discuss what things we’re going to do for the upcoming year. For us, most of the time it’s not a “work out more” or an “eat healthier” type of resolution, but more of something that God has laid on our heart to work on and focus on. This year is no different. I called him on New Years to find out his. When I talked to him, mine was still forming in my brain exactly what it looks like, and it still kind of is.

New Years Eve (well, I guess technically it turned into New Years Day since it continued to after 2am) April (my sis-in-law), Mark, and I sat around talking about our New Years Resolutions (another seemingly tradition she and I have started…. what is it with me?! ) April’s was a pretty concrete thought this year, while mine was still needing a little more processing.

So what is my resolution for 2009? Be more vulnerable. I’ve actually always thought of myself as a pretty vulnerable person, but over the past year I’ve learned through other people that maybe I’m not so much. Here’s my dilemma, and what I’ve begun to research in my Bible…. what does this look like in a Godly way? I’ve been asking people what exactly “vulnerability” means to them. I’m hearing many answers that seem to encompass “sharing the bad things that are going on in life.” No one says it in these exact terms, but in a round about way, it seems to be a part of most answers. I’ve been told that I can be too positive about things so it comes across that I’m unapproachable to talk about the bad things with.

Yikes! Predicament here….. I ALWAYS want to be approachable by all people, but I also don’t plan on getting rid of my positive outlook on life. It makes life extremely enjoyable, plus it truly is simply how I think. I literally cannot think of one situation in my life that when I share the negative I don’t naturally share the positive without even thinking about it. Human nature (me probably most of all) likes having someone say,”I know what you mean.” I’ve learned that many times this looks different than what God intends friends to be for one another. I’m learning that “being vulnerable” can very often turn into gossip (or if we need to feel better about it, we often call it “venting.” ) This is one of my biggest pet peeves and cautions in life so I think that I tend to just shut down altogether so that I’m not a part of it. (not that I’m anywhere near perfect at this, but you get my drift). Basically, I’ve learned that I’ve gone to the opposite extreme to avoid another extreme. The healthy balance, where I believe Christ is in this matter, is what I’m searching for this year.

I’m praying through what exactly God intends for friendships to look like in this. I try to think about what I want or need a friend to be when I call them with a problem. My 2 closest friends are closest because they listen and love me, but pretty quickly share with me how I can make a different choice or see things from a different perspective. (One of them, I happen to be married to so I think it’s pretty ingrained in me now. ):) They allow me to hurt for a little while, and sometimes even vent for a while but don’t allow me to stay there long. They are pretty quick to point out when I’m out of line. Many times they can’t say, “I’ve been there”, or “I know what you mean,”  or even “I agree,” but they have no problem speaking very strong truth into my life. Trisha (the other friend I’m referring to) has a very strong grasp on the fact that she does not have to experience what I am experiencing to know God’s character and what He says, and to remind me of it in a loving way.

People seem to enjoy that I’m a good listener, but many times that’s as far as I go. I believe as I’m beginning to search, this might be a big part of what vulnerability looks like from me… not being afraid to lovingly speak truth into someones life if they choose to confide in me, rather than sitting there awkwardly because I don’t want to hurt feelings or disagree.

As far as sharing my life, I’m trying to focus on being completely real about how I feel about situations, even with people I’m not close to. However, if you’re one of the people I’m talking to, one, realize that I’m going to hopefully always chose to see the good in situations or people…. I promise I’m not in denial. And two, I’m hopefully going to have already run my thoughts and feelings through my God and my husband so feelings are probably already decently resolved in my heart. If not, please remind me to at least take step one and come back to you.

So…. any thoughts? What does Godly, healthy vulnerability look like to you? Do you think that sometimes we, as humans, tend to vent (gossip) and excuse it as vulnerability and being open? For those of you who are great at this, what am I missing?!  Next year this time, I want to have a solid grasp on this!

Oh…. and Mark’s deep, philosophical Resolution?….”Try to run more.” And there you have it!

~L

Car vs. Scooter

Ok, so here’s the dilemma.  We have been going back and forth on getting a car in Charleston or buying a scooter for me to get around in. Let me set up the scenarios:

1. Lauren continues driving her 2 door Blazer, which runs great and is paid off, and we buy a scooter for me to drive once I lose my company vehicle in March. The pluses - we save on gas and purchase price with the scooter, and I’ll just enjoy it. The negatives - Lauren has to use a 2 door vehicle with kids, and it does rain in Charleston (I’ve heard), which can be not so much fun on a scooter.

2. I drive the Blazer and we buy a used 4 door (Honda,Toyota….) so it is easier to transport kiddies for her. The pluses – it’s easier for the both of us. The negatives – we spend more money on gas and the purchase price.

3. We use 1 car for the two of us. Pluses – save money altogether. Negatives – we both will have jobs in two separate areas so we will have to work out a “who drives the car” schedule.

 It’s the classic case of convenience vs. price.

I have had the good fortune of having a company car for 8 yrs, so it is a harder decision to add any more expenses to our finances. Yet, do we want to deal with the hassle of putting babies into the back of a two door day in and day out, or battling cold, rainy weather on a scooter.

This is just to let you in on a debate. Right now we’re leaning more toward #1. Please feel free to give us your two cents, it could give us a better perspective on the wisest decision to make.

~M

River Church update

These past couple of months have been the most scary, yet the most amazing so far in this whole process.

I’ve been looking for a job in Charleston. I posted an ad on Craigslist a while back, looking for a nanny job. I didn’t really think I’d hear back, but I just wanted to get my name out there. The first night, I received 3 e-mails. One was from a girl who needs a nanny for her newborn and her friend’s newborn. Two boys due around Nov/Dec. They needed someone to start in February, but we know we can’t be there until March so I kind of figured it wouldn’t work out. I sent back and e-mail, just responding to find out more details. What I forgot was that this blog is a part of my automatic signature. The next morning I had a REALLY long e-mail (we’ve discovered she’s as long winded as me)  waiting for me all about both families and how they’re been praying for someone who loves Jesus to love and take care of their little boys. She had read my blog and felt like we were a perfect fit. The next week, the whole staff was in Charleston so we had the opportunity to go and meet the moms for an interview.

Before we went, Mark and I had been praying for some very specific things in a job for me. When we went and sat down with them, first of all, if was like we were hanging out with two of our old friends, and secondly, it was as if they had heard everything we had been praying. Some of the things they suggested themselves were amazing and such a answer to prayer. They are going to wait on us to get there. They’ve interviewed a ton of people and they’ve chosen to put their children in daycare until I can get there in March. WOW!! Also, they told us that they are totally cool with me taking the boys to meet Mark so that we can work in the community together and do ministry together. To make sure we didn’t just jump in excitement, we continued to pray through it for a couple more weeks. We were so excited when we got to tell them yes! I don’t know them super well yet, but I’m excited because I feel like I might be getting 2 friends out of this deal too. One of the little boys was born on Nov 3rd, and the other little guy should be here soon! My job is nailed down. Please be praying that God opens a door for Mark to find something on the side of working at the church. Please pray that with his full time job, part time job, and my full time job,  we’ll always keep our relationship with Christ and each other first.

The next big thing is that we’ve officially launched the church website. We would really love for you to check it out…www.riverchurchcharleston.com. It’s actually more of a pre-website, to let people know how to pray, give, and be a part of the process. Some of you have asked us how you can give to support us. If you want to give to Mark and I in the supplemental support we’re needing to raise, you can send a check to River Church-P.O. Box 778 Hiram, GA 30141. Make sure to put “Mark and Lauren Estes” in the FOR place.

If you want to donate to the church budget, for equipment, you can go to the website and actually click on Join, Give, and pick one of the items there. Obviously both of these ways of giving are 100% tax dedutible. A cool thing about this is that my Uncle Chris, who owns a lighting and sound company (http://www.iveysound.com), is giving us an awesome deal on everything. When something is bought online, when it comes time to buy everything, he’ll be able to stretch the monies there to buy even more equipment for the church. This was SUCH a crazy, and unexpected thing.

It has been cool to see how God is working the financial side out. Mark and I have been a bit wary about this part, but God has used some of the most unsuspected people and avenues to remind us that HE is leading this whole process. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always heard people have those crazy miracle stories of how God provided in ridiculous ways. I told Mark…. I have a few of those stories now and I’m sure I’ll have many more before it’s all over. It’s really cool.

If you’re praying for us, supporting us financially, moving to C-town with us, or all three, thank you. It’s going to be so cool to see who God chooses to put on this team in all of these ways. We love you guys… I hope we do a good job of letting you know that.

Life at “the Inlaws”

So we’ve had several people telling us to update our blog, and even a few suggestions about what to write about. Sorry we haven’t been on top of it. There has been a lot of things going on lately, but we’re going to have to work on taking time out to keep you posted.

In this one, I’ll tell you about the living arrangement. (Peggy suggested we write about how much we LOVE living with the “old folks”. Great suggestion!! It’s been amazing. We have now lived here 2 months. It’s very funny…when I tell people we’re living with my inlaws for a little while, I always get a sympathy face. Well let me tell you, I have the “exception inlaws”! It has been amazing. We all knew that 4 adults living together, and living 2 different ways could possibly be a little tough, but it’s been quite the opposite. Tim and Peg are easy, even fun, to live with! And we’re excited to be able to spend a good bit of time with them before we move. We only wish we could see my family this much before we leave. If there’s anyone you should feel sorry for, you might need to give the sympathy look to Tim and Peg. Mark and I have together managed to break a cutting board, paper towel holder, and melt some of the vinyl siding on the house (by the way, you should never put a grill by a vinyl siding house ) We’ve of course replaced it all, but it’s a running joke now that Tim and Peg are going to have everything new by the time we leave!

Job Update

So, we’ve had a little change in my job situation from last time. The one little girl who I was going to keep through March is no longer coming. Her parents lived a while away from here and they just found someone on their street who keeps children…. can’t blame them. But we were a little disappointed. Oh well…. such is life. Meanwhile, I have 1 amazing little girl, and another coming for about 1 month.

I’m hoping to get my other little girl (Riley) back for a few months. Her mom just had a little boy and they are praying through bringing her AND him back here until we leave. There’s a chance one of my good friends, April Chandler, might be able to keep them all when I leave. I would LOVE that!! To know that those kiddos are loved and taken care of, and get to stay together would be a wonderful thing. It’s going to be hard leaving them so I’m praying that they all end up with someone who loves them almost as much as I do!

My husband

I just read a friend’s blog and saw this quote and verse she has on there…. “The way we live each stage of our life leaves a lasting impression on others and a legacy.” “We are not trying to please men, but God, who tests our hearts. (1 Thess. 2:4)

I’m told that a blog is for writing about what is on your heart. Well, today (and most days), after reading that verse, my amazing partner is on my heart. Mark Estes understands, and lives this verse like no one else I’ve ever known. Do you ever have a time you stand back and just say “Wow” to something, or someone God has given you? I’ve done that recently with my husband. I know, i know, I’m a gushing sap when it comes to Mark, but these past few months the love and respect I have for him has risen to a totally new level.

Over the past year or so there have been a lot of challenges that a lot of people would be negative about. I’ve had the chance to stand beside and watch a man who tells me (and lives out) that he is living for Jesus only, and that he really does find joy in trials and tough seasons of life. He actually looks forward to those seasons because he knows thay they too are apart of what God has for us. I’ve heard a lot of people say these things over the years, but I get to watch Mark behind closed doors and hear the things he prays and the ways he chooses to think. One thing is for sure…. if Mark Estes says it, he mean it.

I’ve learned that most everyone in Paulding County knows the Estes, and know Mark to be the hilarious, blunt, center of the party guy. Very true! And always very fun! But, that’s about 10% of who my husband is. Peggy and I were looking up meanings of names a few nights ago… we were bored.  We looked up Mark’s full name, Jonathan Mark. Jonathan- committed friend, gift from God. Mark- warrior, strong character. THAT is the bulk of who he really is. The man who goes to work every day with such strong work ethic, loves people, almost always makes the right choices, is very wise, stays balanced and focused, and who keeps his God first, and his wife second.  I love that I get to hold his hand be his wife!

Anywho, this entry isn’t really an update… just a thank you to my husband for being the man and leader he is.

~L

Change Happens…

I actually started this entry on Monday, but I was just now able to finish it.

So, we’re officially moved into Mark’s parent’s house. We moved our big stuff to my sister’s house last week. She’s letting us use her basement for a few months! We moved the rest of our stuff into the garage apartment at the Estes yesterday. We were both so tired last night, and this morning was hilarious… Mark trying to dig through boxes to find his clothes, me going back and forth from the kitchen inside to the mini little “kitchenette” I set up for us upstairs, trying to fix Mark’s lunch. Bread-upstairs, ham- downstairs, Cheese -downstairs, baggy-upstairs… you get the point. I broke the world record for longest time to make ham, cheese, and and pickle (yes, it makes me want to gag too) sandwich. The best part of it… Mark was in a hurry and left without his lunch!

In this middle of this Estes madness, I looked at our empty little house yesterday and had I not been so tired and ready to go to bed, I probably could have cried. Isn’t it funny that 4 walls and a roof can be packed of so many memories you don’t want to leave behind?! We’re SO excited about what is ahead and SO thankful for how God is getting us there, step by step. But, for a minute, I wanted to freeze time, wanted to hold on to the memories that were made here…. Cleaning the yucky house when Mark first moved in (I’ve heard I didn’t have to do the worst of it… thank you Peggy an April! , painting, helping my “Friend,” Mark, turn it into a fun bachelor pad, trying to disguise those BEAUTIFUL teal leather couches, eventually making it an actual home (byebye bachelor pad, hello real furniture), coming home from our honeymoon, Christmas, birthdays, youth groups, singing at the top of our lungs and dancing around the house (hoping no one peaked through our windows), movie nights, fun nights with our nephews, and everything in between.

It’s crazy how we can be so thankful and excited about where we’re headed, yet be slightly sad that this season of our life is coming to a close. Amy said that reading our blog is like reading a really exciting story, and not being able to put it down…. well said! Well, we love our story book and we can’t wait to see what happens in this chapter.

~L

Next Miracle… man, this is fun!

It’s so cool to see God unfolding our every move. Two days ago a friend of mine sent me an e-mail about another lady who needs childcare. I called her yesterday. As we began talking, she realized that she had met my sis-in-law, April, a couple of weeks ago. April had told her about me keeping children and they meant to switch numbers, but left before they could.

I told her how I could only keep her little girl until March and she’s actually looking for someone to keep her for only 6 months! I’ve been keeping children for a long time and I have never met anyone who is looking for short term childcare. Now, God has brought us two different families right when we need them, and they need me. I love it, love it, love it! Thank you to all who are praying!

~L