Sights of Christmas

Christmas Story: always on in December! Cody ready to start!

It actually works like a machine gun! Cool! Jeff was Macie's partner. I was Cody's.

Macie rockin out!! Yes, it's as big as she is!

This was Cody's highlight. Over 1000 pcs. Macie with an unloaded stocking


Legos are a team effort. The first of Macie's personal lego set

Macie pumped about Guitar Hero-DS. This SW gun was $25. We paid $5. Whoo Hoo!!

Samples from their stockings

Puddin' got a new razor! The aftermath! It was much fun!!!

A Gift for us!

We got news today from our realtor. The inspection is completed and all is well. The contract is still intact!!!! Woohoo!!! God blesses us so much by letting it be done so soon. It is such a load off of my shoulders. I believe the wood inspection has to be done and then we just wait for Jan. 30th to come. I'm asking God to allow the closing to be sooner if possible. Of course I just want all this behind me ASAP. We are so grateful, though, to be at this point. If you have prayed for us in this, thank you. And keep praying. I won't consider it done until that official closing date has come and gone.

It's official

No, I'm not pregnant. But I am under contract. Yes! We signed a contract yesterday! It was 2 years exactly since we first put the house on the market. Now, we have to wait for the inspection to be done. In case you didn't know, we were in a contract before and when the inspection was done, there was a problem found. We fixed it immediately, but the buyers still walked away. And 2 years later we still have a house to sell. So, the inspection makes me nervous. Please pray that God would pick the perfect inspecter for us who would be fair and just in his assessment of the property and that if there are any problems, we are able to fix them and that the buyers don't change their minds. thank you! God is Good!

house news

Just wanted to put a bug in everyone's ear that progress is being made in regards to the house selling. Tomorrow holds much promise. Please continue to pray for a smooth agreement process. Thanks!

Some encouraging news

1-Brannon is at home currently playing with Cody. Pain is still an issue and care of the colostomy. But, he is doing well. Praise God!

2-We have activity with the house. The kind of activity that leads to a contract. Not discussing details now but pray that God moves mountains. He's good at that!

the latest

Things are going well. Yesterday was a rough day for Brannon. Last night was hell for him and my sister. There's no other way to put it. But, God's mercies are new every morning and today has been good! He has walked in the hall, put Christmas crafts together with Cody and Macie, laughed (through much pain), and is eating and drinking small amounts at a time. Please continue to pray for his healing. His colostomy site and incision are right beside each other complicating the care of each issue. He also is having trouble clearing his chest and getting good deep breaths. Everything is a challenge in these early days so please continue to lift this precious nephew of mine to the Lord. Thank you



Other news:

Nothing on the house. Nothing.



Jeff and I have seen little of each other lately. We are very excited about next week when we have vacation time together in the mountains. Can't wait for that sweet time I will have with my 3 jewels.



Jeff is doing well with his leg but he has been under much stress and needs time to recuperate. Pray that the "business" of church events does not consume him as he tries to celebrate the Savior. We are so thankful for our relationship with God and the birth of His Son. We want Him to fill our souls this season.

For Mandy

Praying for you today!!

Please read Bullfrogs and Butterflies to see how you can pray for my friend.

Brannon

I'm back home after a long day at the hospital. Brannon had an obstuction in the colon near the ostomy site that developed yesterday. He gradually got sick through the day until they knew he was in trouble and so off to the ER they went. Our families are regulars there now! HA! (true, but not that funny).They were able to repair the problem, but had to do so through a 3-4 inch incision in his abdomen. He now has a much harder and longer recovery, not to mention having to deal with having a colostomy. He slept most of the day, but his pain level is high. He basically couldn't tolerate any physical stimulus. Please pray for him to continue to rest through the night and for the obstacles he is facing tomorrow. Please also continue to lift up his parents, Debi and Chris. Many of you have children around 9. You can imagine how difficult this is. Also, pray that there are no more complications. Thank you.

Urgent prayer request

Please stop and pray for Brannon now. Last night my sister had to take him back to hospital b/c of pain. He has a bowel obstruction and is back in surgery. No one is doing well. It is very scary so I ask for much prayer. It is now 5:07am. He has been in surgery about 25 mins. I'm headed to Baptist now and will update asap. thanks

Brannon

We got to spend some good time with Brannon and my sister and the rest of their crew today. He was very tired and in some pain but has good meds that are helping him. He is doing well. Cody was so glad to see him and to hang with him for a while. We played a game that made Brannon giggle some which was good to see, but it was painful for him. When we left the hospital Cody said, "I miss Brannon's laugh". Cody also mentioned that it was hard for him to see Brannon in the hospital like that but he was so glad he had been there. Thank you for praying for this situation. Please continue as Brannon makes all the upcoming adjustments.

Updates

1-Brannon did well in the surgery. It did not take that long and they were able to do it through the lap. That was a huge answered prayer. We will all go see him tomorrow. Please continue to pray for him as he deals with body image and the massive adjustments he has to make at 9 years old.

2-The potential offer never came and we are no longer expecting it. We also have not heard anything about the showing today. God is good and faithful and we just want to see His work be done!

3-I had my 7th grade SS Christmas party tonight at my house. It was so much fun and I needed it. It blessed me so much to have them all in my home. Our whole family had a blast with them!

Thank you to all of you who continue to pray for our needs.

Remember Brannon

Please remember to pray for Brannon today. If you are unaware of why, see post below on "Cody's other half". Thank you

the house

We still haven't heard from the buyers on an offer yet. But, we have another showing scheduled tomorrow from 1:30-2:30. This is a different couple. So, please continue to lift this situation up. Maybe this will spur the others to make their offer!

Cody's other half

Brannon is my 9 year old nephew. He is Cody's very best friend. They are 7 weeks apart and have been in love with each other since the day they met, which was 9 years ago. Brannon needs your prayers. This Friday he will be having surgery to place a colostomy. His bowel has not worked properly since he was about 3 years old. It has been misdiagnosed and treated for everything but what was really wrong. Now it doesn't function much at all. Brannon has lived a very normal life from what others can see. Behind the scenes, however, he has lived with chronic bowel irritability. He has been loaded with meds and had many dietary restrictions. And he has always tolerated it all. He has always been a champ, no complaints. Now he has this to face. It is very difficult to imagine our Brannon having to live with this burden at this age. But, I am so thankful to God for bringing the right doctors to my sister and for allowing Brannon's body to get relief and an opportunity for healing. And I know God is the great physician, Jehovah Rapha, Healer. He can do more than we can imagine for Brannon. We don't know how long Brannon will have the colostomy, months to years, and possibly life. It is very much one day at a time for him and his parents. I pray that we can all help him carry this burden. I selfishly ask prayer for Cody as well. He is very tender hearted and and is easily bogged down by things that aren't right around him. It will be a hard thing for him to see his best friend go through. Pray that he is strength for Brannon. Pray that he trusts God to restore Brannon's health completely and that he harbors peace and not fear. Pray that he is a light to Brannon, an encouragement, and a source of acceptance. And, now, pray for Brannon. He is scared. Scared of the surgery, scared of the bag that he will now carry, scared of not being better. He saw what a colostomy looks like for the first time and fell apart. Pray for him to experience the peace of God and the joy of having complete faith in the One who created him. Pray the same for his parents, Debi (my sis) and Chris. Pray for his siblings Kayla (16) and Jackson (6). Pray for us to be whatever we need to be for our family. And lastly, pray that God receives the glory for what He does. He is faithful and consistent and in complete control over this situation. And He is good!
Specifics:
Brannon goes into Baptist on Thursday to begin pre-op procedures. This alone is a difficult process for him.
The surgery is at 11-ish on Friday. Our prayer for the surgery is that they can do it laproscopically instead of having to open the abdomen. This would be a great, great thing for his healing.
The hospital stay time depends on how surgery is done.
If you would like to send him and his family a note of encouragement please post it here or email it to me: hudlergang2@gmail.com. If you want a more personal way of doing so let me know.
We covet your prayers for this sweet guy!

No News Yet

The people also looked at another house which has non-negotionable owners. Of course we are extremely negotionable. We are still hopeful to get an offer from these people. I really believe God is in full control of this situation. Please continue to pray!

Tupperware Party

I'm hosting a party at my house this Saturday at 10:30am. Amber Thomas is the consultant. Anyone reading is invited. If you would like to come, please email me for more info. like address, etc. This is a great way to get gifts for people who are hard to buy for or already have everything. Plus, we are gonna have a good time so please join us! Email: hudlergang2@gmail.com.

Please pray!

The people who saw the house a couple of weeks ago are coming back today from 1-2. We were told that they were likely bringing us an offer! Please be in prayer for us!!!

It's Coming......

Christmas that is! 25 days left! Isn't that wonderful. I love it. I love that the candy canes on this blog remind me that Christ's blood purifies me and washes me white as snow. His blood and my righteousness are intertwined together like the candy. I love the extra time I get with family and friends. I love the memories we will make this year. I love the traditions we will follow. And I love that I know the real reason. It is not so that I get the toy for my kid before it's sold out. It's not so that my kid can boast about his new things. And it's not an opportunity for me to go broke. It is an opportunity for me to boast on my Savior. He was ruler 2000 years ago, and He continues to rule in my heart. His birth now gives me life. I honor Him this year and my prayer is that you will too!

A Moment of Thanks

Lice update: it is improving. We got a presciption for it and it seems to be better today. We will be doing a mayonnaise treatment later. Won't that be fun.
So, we didn't get to go spend Thanksgiving with family. Poop on a stick! However, we have been invited to friends for dinner today and I'm already feeling the blessing of that opportunity.
I'm so thankful for many things today and I just wanted to take a moment and record the top ones on my list.

1. Christ
We have been through a lot the past 2 years. Many of you know the bulk of our journey since Jeff answered God's call to enter it to full time ministry. So many of the bumps in the road are still unresolved. There is still a lot of things that could bog me down. But truly, in the scheme of things, it always goes back to this incredible gift I have received from God, my Father. My relationship with Christ has superseded any bump we've ever hit. There has always been peace in the tears, hope in the disappointment, encouragement in the discouragement. There is always a friend who takes on the role of Christ. I hope you know who you are and how you have been used in our lives. There really is no better gift than the gift of salvation.

1. Jeff (aka Puddin)
It is too hard to try to put into words how I feel about my husband. Tears already sting my eyes as I think of the love I have for him and how grateful I am for him. Tears of being overwhelmed by the blessing of him. He is the most incredible, tangible, realistic thing in my life. Those may seem like strange descriptions but they describe my view of him best. He is incredible because he is godly, full of integrity and morality. I use tangible and realistic b/c it is like a really good dream of romance and adoration that you don't have to wake up from. We are best friends and adore each other more everyday. There is no weariness. No discontent. Just joy. Joy of knowing that neither is perfect but there is perfect love. Only the kind you can have when Christ is the center of your marriage. Joy that comes from the sense of the hope that is evident in our marriage when things around us are crumbling. Joy from the way the "one flesh" system that God designed always allows us to persevere through trials. Joy knowing that the trials we face within our marriage, we face together with the same goal in mind, to be victorious. You see, it's not all hugs and kisses, it's sweat and tears. But in the end there's the life of a marriage, founded in God, eternal. And I am so thankful.

3. Cody
Jeff made over-godly, integrity filled, moral. He is just like his dad. He is so compassionate. He hates wrong, unfair, unjust. He loves what is right and pure, sensical, and just. He is tender but strong. He is such a gift to his friends and family. I am blessed to have him in my life. He promotes righteousness in me, and he is only 9 years old. I wish I could list all the examples of where he has held me accountable to my Christian faith. He is an integral part of our family. He is our prayer warrior when things go awry in our home. He keeps us grounded in our journey with God. He has no clue how much of a role he plays in our home. God has already used this boy so mightily. I am very thankful to have him.

4. Macie
She brings life to a dark world. Lately our environment, and yours too, has been grim. The world is going south and Macie reminds me of what's north. She is my biggest challenge and my greatest joy. She sparkles with life. It's in every cell of her being. She does not recognize defeat. She does not bow to any other yet she reveres her God. She understands completely how much she needs a Savior. She is so misunderstood by all of us and keeps us on our toes as we try to keep up with her. She is one of the funniest people I know. She is also extremely compassionate towards anyone less fortunate, human or animal, anything that has life in it. She is Christ's right hand, servant at heart. I need her more than she knows. I can rely on her during strained times. I work harder at parenting her than at anything else in my life. She creates in me a desperate need for Christ and then she is always the answer from God. That is God's sense of humor in my life. I have learned more about myself from her than anyone. And I have learned more about God from parenting her. She is an integral part of my life and I am so thankful for her.

5. My mom and step dad. They rescue me regularly

6. My sis. She loves me in spite of me.

7. My in-laws, the parents and the siblings. I would have chosen them if it worked that way.

8. My Sunday school class. They enlighten me, hold me accountable, think I am way greater than I actually am, and they make me smile often.

9. My dship group. My four girls. They keep my love tank full and they let me speak truth to them. I really love them.

10. Friends. So many of you. If you are reading this blog, you are considered a part of this group. Everything listed above would be different in one way or the other if it weren't for you. I pray God's love and grace fall in abundance on each of you.

Side note: Lucy and Shelly, I miss you, but am extra thankful that our friendship crosses the bridge of time and distance.

Why, oh why?

Bugs! Yuck! What was the point God? I mean does he really have an affection for bugs? I disagree with Him on this. They are nasty. Especially when they are in your hair. Not my hair. Maymay's hair. Lice!! Yes, I said lice! AAAAAAAAAAAAA! Where did my homeschool girl get lice? Someone tell me. For over an hour last night my husband and I tried to comb bugs out of her hair. It was after 12 when we finally gave up and went to bed. I lay there knowing she still had bugs in her hair. For a couple of weeks she has been itching it and we thought it was dandruff. We couldn't see anything odd on her scalp so we just treated with dandruff shampoo. Yet, I've noticed she has still been scratching. Last night about 9pm we finally were able to see one of the bugs. I thought it was a flea. Oh no, worse. So then we really started inspecting her hair closely. It was awful. If anyone has dealt with this before, I would love some advice. I will likely be spending most of my day trying to get these yucky boogers out of her hair. As if we aren't already far enough behind in school. Dag um!!!!!!!!!

Whoo Hoo!!!!

I'm so happy it is Sunday! First of all, I had a great day yesterday. My Father really blessed me. We got some family business done. I finished and glued puzzles I had been working on. Our house is decorated for Christmas (love it). The kids played all day long with our neighbors. it was a beautiful day. Then last night I had a date with my husband. We ate at Chili's and then went Christmas shopping. We do this every year for our anniversary. Normally we are away out of town somewhere. Obviously, we couldn't do that this year. But, that's okay. We went to Chili's for 2 reasons. 1-It's good! 2-It's where we used to eat all the time when we were dating. When we were done shopping we went to Barnes and Noble. It was a wonderful night. Jeff and I have such wonderful memories. Today we have been married 12 years. I love saying that. 12 years. And I love him more today than ever before. We talked last night about how much we have experienced in our marriage and how different it is today in our lives than we ever thought it would be. God has done amazing things and we are so thankful or our relationship with Him and our oneness with each other. I praise God for Jeff!
So, that's one big reason that I'm glad it is Sunday. Another is because it is the first day of church that we have been normal again. I can't wait to teach SS today! We are starting something new and I am totally pumped about it. Then we have lunch with folks from Africa. So excited about that! Then tonight I have discipleship. Four of my favorite people are coming to my house to listen to me share with them what God expects of them in their lives. How great is that! What a blessing to have a captive audience when it comes to teaching the gospel. And I get 2 of those audiences today! I'm beaming!
And finally, another great reason for Sunday this week is my sweet puddin' gets his picc line out today. Whoo Hoo!!! He can actually take a normal shower tonight. People, don't take for granted all that you can do on a daily basis. The Lord has been good to us all!
Happy Sunday!!!!!

Ready for Christmas

I know my layout looks more like I'm ready for Thanksgiving, and I am, but oh how I love Christmas. At Thanksgiving I think about food. I'm just being honest. At Christmas, however, I think about every detail. There's the music that takes me back to childhood. There's church and the continuous legacy it leaves in my whole family's heart as each year Christmas festivities fill our schedules. There's vacation, in other words, Jeff has off and we get to spend much time together as a whole family. We really need that this year. There's gifts. I can't wait to give gifts, I love it. I love how God's love, patience, forbearance, mercy and grace are able to infuse some goodness in me. It is such an awesome time. I'm totally counting the days down! This year at Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for Christmas. Christmas, ultimately, is reprensentation of a relationship I have with the Savior. What's better than that?

Its Gonna Be a Good Day

I don't know why, it just is. I'm demanding it. JK! I don't make demands about things that are in God's control. But, I'm asking Him for a great day today. He made it and He can do it. Jeff is off to his first physical therapy appointment. He had NO fever last night at all. WhooHoo!! My nephew is at home. His doctors will meet next week to discuss the next step. His testing showed some hope of a partially working bowel. That is really great news. The colostomy is still the plan but instead of looking like a lifelong thing, they have hope now that it could be temporary. We still haven't heard anything from our realtor. I know many of you are praying for this and have been for a while. Don't stop. We could get the call any time. Pray that they are unsettled about any other house out there. Pray they can invision our house as an amazing home for themselves. Pray they know for sure they want it.
We are decorating our house for Christmas today. I'm very excited about it. We also have someone bringing a meal for us today. I'm very excited about that also. I'm telling you, its gonna be a great day!!!!!!!!

Jeff had a 100.4 temp last night. This is not too concerning since it would have to be 101 or higher to have to call MD. He is really tired today as am I. Yesterday brought bad news and good news and our emotions are amuck. The bad news is that my 9 year old nephew has to have a colostomy. Yes, I said 9 years old. Can you imagine? I hate it so bad and my heart is so heavy today, as is everyone's. My kids don't know yet and it is going to be hard on Cody. Brannon, my nephew, was told last night and I'm not sure how he is handling it. My sister, his mom, is doing better today according to my mom. Please pray for all of them. The whole family includes: dad-Chris, mom-Debi, kids-Brannon, big sister Kayla, and little brother Jackson. It is the McCutcheon family.
We haven't heard from the realtor yet. All we know is that the buyers are interested in our house and another house. Please pray for them to find great favor in ours. We really need this.

Home

Yes, we made it. This has been a very long and exhausting day. We are hoping Jeff has no fever tonight. The house showing did produce an interested buyer. PLEASE pray this amounts to an offer. I'll have more to post tomorrow.

Dag um...

I'm not in the best mood this morning. That's the first prayer request: my attitude.
They only checked Jeff's temperature at 9pm last night. No other time. He woke up feeling hot but assumed it was the covers and didn't call the nurse. So did he have a fever? We don't know. So, we can go home today and risk having to come back b/c of fever tonight, or, we could stay one more night and confirm he is afebrile and go home tomorrow with assurance that the picc line was the problem. We want to go home of course, but the thought of coming back gives me a migraine. Do you hear the attitude in my voice. Really, I'm trying. Jeff is feeling bad because he didn't call them to check his temp and now there is this unknown. So pray that we make the best call on what to do today. Also please pray for my nephew Brannon who is hear having procedures done because his bowel is not working. Long story that maybe I'll right about later, but please remember him. This is Cody's best friend. And for those of you wondering, we haven't heard anything about the showing yesterday. Thanks for the prayers

Another note

Jeff got his new picc line today. He IS staying another night to see if there is any more fever. If no fever, we go home tomorrow. If fever, ortho gets involved. So, I guess we'll see. Keep praying!

Good News/Bad News

Bad first: No growth on the picc line still
Good News: No fever last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is really great news!
General update: My kids have had enough of their dad being in the hospital. Macie completely took it out on me this morning and I totally gave it back in return. Our home was not pleasing to the Lord this morning and we were all seeking forgiveness for our inability to handle it. Thank you Emily for reminding me of what is most important right now.
Jeff is in good spirits today. We are pretty sure he is staying another night to see if he can have 2 nights without fever. Not sure if we will see Ortho today.
Please continue to pray. And remember to throw up an extra prayer for our home showing today. Thanks friends

The Latest

First of all, thank you to everyone that had encouraging words for me at church today. Jeff did spike another fever last night. They are continuing to do xrays and cultures, which means more sticks. During the day, he is basically fine. At night he's feverish and achy. The picc line was removed yesterday and being cultured. We are hoping that it is positive for bacteria because then we know what the problem is. The bad news is that it has not grown anything as of yet and it has been over 24 hours. This means that they may have to re-tap the knee joint to see if bacteria is breeding there. That is bad news for Jeff b/c it is a very uncomfortable procedure that he does not want to have to go through again. If they tap the knee and there is infection there, he will have surgery again to clean it out again. We really don't want that. So, I'm hoping the picc line grows a whopping amount of bacteria tonight, they then have an official diagnosis, he gets a new picc line and we go home. You can pray that with me. Side note: our house in Spartanburg is showing tomorrow. Please say an extra prayer for that. It is scheduled to show between 11:30 and 12:30. Thanks!!

PS. Jessica: got your text. thanks for checking!

I Mean Really!....

Not going home today. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! That's me screaming silently in my head. Jeff is screaming audibly. Not really, but he has hit a few things. Here's the deal. At 11:15pm last night his temp. was 101.9. Not good. He didn't sleep any last night. He has had more blood cultures done. They are taking out the picc line today and culturing it. They are also going to xray his knee. If picc line does not show infection they may have to re-tap the knee. This would not be good news for Jeff as it is very painful. Of course, infection in the picc line is not favorable either b/c it is so close to the heart. Another issue is that he has developed a knot in his neck, kinda like a crick. He can't lay on his side like normal and he can't tolerate me touching it. They are going to start him on a muscle relaxer today to help with that. Frustration is putting it lightly. We miss the kids. He has been stuck up in the teens amount in the past 48 hours or so. We already know he will have to have new picc line put in before going home so that he can continue to get the antibiotics he needs for the MRSA. Please pray that this resolves soon. Pray for Jeff to be encouraged today. Pray for me to be whatever I need to be for my husband during this trial. Thank you.

The Baptist Hilton

Hello from Winston! First, Jeff is fine. They have done several blood cultures and so far they are all negative. No urgent concern at this point. We are in the stage of just trying to figure out the culprit of 2 nights of fever. Since his last fever was 10 pm last night, he has to stay again tonight to be afebrile 24 hours. We are hoping that he doesn't spike fever again tonight. Please pray that with me. So if all goes well, we will be home tomorrow. I will update then. Thanks!

It continues...

Yes, here we go again...
Jeff maintained a fever of over 101 all yesterday and most of night. He was admitted and lots of test are being ran, blood cultures, ultrasounds, exrays, etc. this morning he is like regular ol' puddin. We are just sitting around waiting for the news. The prayer request is that no infection has reached his heart. That's the big one for now. We will likely be there until Friday at earliest. Thanks for your prayers. And fyi, my mom, "mimi", has the kids at our house. Yea! for mimi's!!

Here we go again???

Hello friends. We have had an interesting 3-4 weeks. Most of you know the jist of all that has happened, but I will still give a quick overview. It all started with Jeff noticing a pimple on his left knee. 4 days later he could barely walk, had basically no range of motion in his left leg, and was in enough pain to ask to go to urgent care. 2 days later we were at Baptist ER having fluid removed from his knee joint for testing, then home with new antibiotic plan. 3 days later we were at Baptist again being re-evlaluated. 5 hours later Jeff was in surgery having his knee cleaned out of infection. 5 days later we returned home but this time with a much more extensive plan of care. He has been getting iv antibiotics at home through what is called a picc line, for the past 2 weeks. His stitiches were removed yesterday and there is still a small wound that we are treating but the leg looks good. He drove to work yesterday and today which was great for all of us. He starts physical therapy next week to try to regain the muscle strength in his leg that he has loss from imobility. It has been a tough road for him considering he has never really been sick or needed medical intervention before. However, he has taken it in strides and continued to do as much as he can.
Well today has brought question. Last night, we were having one of those meetings where you discuss the business of marriage and life: finances, upcoming holidays, decisions that have to be made concerning our spartanburg house, etc. He was really stressed and had a hard time resting. He also was suffering with neck and back pain, which I thought was odd. It was a rough night but he was okay this morning and went to work like normal. He calls me around lunch to ask if the strong antibiotic he has been getting may be hurting his kidneys. This happens easily and he is having blood work done weekly to check on that. Anyway, it didn't sound like that was the issue, but more like he just had a back ache. Well then he calls at 2:30 to say he's coming home. Red Flag! Red Flag! Jeff never leaves work sick. He gets home, hits the bed and is just achey. Low grade fever, fatigue, neck and back ache. I'm on the phone calling the home health nurse right away. I'm still waiting to hear from the doctor. It may be that he is reacting to having so much antibiotic in him and it is making him feel yucky. He may just need good solid sleep. Or it may be something that takes us back to the hospital. Please pray for him. I will update when I know something.

back home

My last post said we were heading to the hospital after being called back in by Md. Well we are finally back home. That "call back" led to surgery, catheters, iv's, and picc line. Not to mention the iv antibiotics that Jeff will be receiving over the next 4 weeks. At least he is at home for that. Yes, it has been crazy. I will give details on this whole adventure tomorrow. We are exhausted and need rest. Thanks for prayers. We have great friends and are so thankful for the body of Christ!

More about Puddin'

We are headed back to hospital. They found bacteria in the joint fluid. They have to evaluate if it is a true or false positive. If really positive for joint infection, he will be admitted and have ortho consult. If false positive, we will be back home. Please continue to pray. Hope this makes sense!

Another Puddin' update

Hey friends,
Boy are we tired! Jeff's leg is improving some. I think the antibiotic is working. He has a bad wound on his knee where they had to take fluid out and open the abscess. It was as bad for him as it sounds. It's hard for me to change the dressing b/c it reminds me of what he went through. I think he has a long recovery with this. His leg is still noticeably swollen and still somewhat discolored. The pain, however, is much improved, except right on the knee cap where the work was done. As far as I can tell, it is NOT spreading. I praise God for this. I want to give a shout out for my sis. She was the one who stayed with Jeff during the procedures because I knew I couldn't watch him go through it. Jeff and Debi have always been close, but he now has a new found respect for her. And thanks Michael B. for sitting with me and keeping me distracted.
On another note, Macie had fever, headache, and stomach pain last night. Joy. She is better today, but no appetite. I'm praying that whatever she had doesn't make it into Jeff's body. Can you imaging having stomach problems when you can't bend your leg. Not good. So, thanks for continued prayers and the encouragement many of you have already been!

Puddin' Update

Spent the night in Baptist ER last night. Got home at 4am this morning. Very sleepy! Jeff had some very painful procedures done which made for a very bad night for him. His leg tissue is infected but knee joint is clear. This is good. We are now watching for continued spreading. Please pray against that. Follow up to come when I'm actually awake!

Puddin' needs prayer

Last Thursday, Jeff noticed a pimple looking thing on his knee. Didn't worry too much about it until it started hurting on Friday. Then Sat. it hurt more, then Sunday even more. Monday he couldn't take it anymore so off to Medcentral we went. It was diagnosed as cellulitis, an infection in the tissue. It is on and around the knee and goes down the leg a bit. He can't stand well or walk. It's very hard for him to bend his leg. It is very painful. He is on antibiotic and pain med. I'm pretty worried about it b/c as a nurse I've seen what cellulitis can do. It's not pretty. Plus he's my puddin' and I don't like to see him hurting :(. Please pray for healing and tolerance of pain. Also pray that he is getting the right kinda care to treat it appropriately. thanks friends! One last thing, pray also that the kids don't bump into it. I know that sounds silly but it is like a knock straight to a wound and they have come close several times. thanks

The latest from the Hudler house

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long. I have been wanting to post for a while now, but just wasn't inspired to do so until today. It's probably gonna be choppy and possibly make little sense at all, but I'm just gonna note some thoughts.

Homeschooling has been more challenging in the last 2 weeks. My challenger, the little misses, has been unhappy about life and making sure everybody knows it. Spanking has reached a new level in frequency thus increasing my burdened heart thus making it harder for me to accomplish everything that I usually do. It totally drags the whole house down, especially the boys of the house. One thing I've learned through this tribulation is that my husband is more on board this homeschooling journey than I ever realized. He stepped up to the plate big time when he volunteered to do her school at night when he is home! Praise God for supportive husbands. The good thing is that she has successfully completed all her work this week with me except for reading. I've discovered that is our point of contention. Homeschooling is so amazing. It's just sometimes the tribulation is overwhelming. It makes me realize how hard it is to fight for something you wholeheartedly believe in, something you cherish, something you would die for, a child. I think I persevere b/c I want nothing less than all I can give for my children. I want to pour everything into their lives in hopes of them realizing that Jesus poured His blood out for us. He gave it all and b/c of that, I give my all. Through the sweat and tears, they become closer to Him. Would that happen anywhere out in the world? Can it be more intense somewhere else outside of my home? I don't believe so. And when I mess up and threaten to give up, they see the full circle of it. They see me get impatient, then frustrated, then plain mad until I explode. But, then they see me repent. They hear me ask forgiveness. They here I'm sorry b/c just like them, I mess up and am not perfect. They know I need Jesus as much as I tell them that they need Him too. Homeschooling is more than giving my children work to do and shielding them from the world. God is using it to teach me what He went through to bring me to righteousness.

Next thought...
1st of all, if my husband was to say to me today, right now, that he thinks our family is not finished yet, I would be more than happy to oblige.
Okay, it's out there I said it.
So, our lovely friends, the Bowers, allowed us to participate in their fundraiser Friday night. Oh my gosh!! Amazing. What a blessing! I'm pretty sure that I already know Sierra, their daughter who is not yet home. I couldn't have been more excited to watch as people poured in to that coffee house to bless the Bowers. I had the privilege to take up money as things were sold and then to count bids, etc. My heart was leaping out of my chest and into my mouth causing my cheeks to smile so big it hurt. This little princess that is coming soon was so meant to be in the Bowers home. I believe God ordained that a long time ago. I just can't wait to meet her officially. I am rambling but it was just so stinking great!!!!!!!!

Next thought....
Last weekend I had 3 middle school girls spend the weekend with us. These are part of my discipleship group. They were staying with me because we were to leave at 7:15 Sat. morning to go to Hillsborough to see another one of my dship girls swim in a meet. I was so blessed by them. I loved the fact that they wanted to go with me to support their friend. We decorated my car in Abbey's (the swimmer) favorite color blue. Then we made two posters for her to see that we were wholeheartedly pulling for her. It was a lot of fun. On Friday night they helped Puddin' (my husband) put together two beds. Their help was so necessary and they were great about it. We had a great time! I love them! I look forward to seeing them always and I'm so thankful to have them in my life. By the way! Abbey is an amazing swimmer!

Next thought....
SS was quite a challenge today. I had a lot to get in and I had a lot of busy bodies in my class. A few of them were not focused at all. It is rarely like that so on these kind of days I'm not sure how to move through the lesson as easily. My spiritual kids are so amazing and fun to be around and normally very easy to teach. Today was more frustrating for me so I'm just praying that at least one of them heard something from the Lord and was changed in their heart when they left.

Next thought....(sorry, they just keep coming)
Our journey into ministry continues to throw us curve balls that we just can't seem to hit. We really need God to go to bat for us on this one. Most of you know that we haven't been able to sell our house in SC yet. It's been 2 years. We are renting a house in High Point and are able to do so because there has been renters in our SC house so that payment has come from them. We found out recently that they will be moving out by Christmas. Exciting, huh? Two house payments. Hmmmmm? That's all I can say. Can't wait to see how God knocks this ball right out of the park! Go God!!

Last thought....(finally, right?)
My quiet times have been nonexistent. I'm admitting it b/c my dear friend Jessica is always so honest on her blogs that it challenges me to do the same. Thanks alot Jessica...Anyway, of course I'm in the Word regularly because I can't teach ss and lead dship without it. But, my personal time with God, the kind that is just for me and Him, I've ignored it lately. Not good. I'm starving, and it's not for carrots. It is for the bread of life. So, I gotta get back in it. So hopefully next time I blog, I will have something more valuable to say then all these ramblings. I will bring you something of eternal value. Until then..........

Which Path to Choose?

Have you ever heard about the narrow gate? The one that leads to life and few enter it. Why do so few enter it? I think I know. We are studying this in Sunday school. We had a great discussion about it today. One of the reasons why I love my students so much is because they are searching for answers of truth. They want to figure it out and I love working through the gospel with them. They are learning, as am I, that there is a cost to pay to be a disciple of Christ. Few enter because they either don't want to pay the price, or they don't understand the cost. The thing I stressed to my students today and that I would like to stress to you readers is this: there is a difference between Jesus as Saviour and Jesus as Lord. To know Him as Saviour is to know that you have eternal life and will never face death because He was the Victor over death. He conquered the grave after taking on your sin, and thus paved the way for you to go to heaven. He saved you from hell, from condemnation, and from eternal separation from God, your Creator. He is Saviour. Now, to know Him as Lord is such a different scenario. Lord, as described by my students is Boss, Master, Leader. This is someone in charge. I challenged them to look at their life and see if He is in charge or if they are. I believe this is one reason why only few are on the narrow path. It's the inability or lack of desire to give up and let go of the responsibilities of life so that a higher power can take over. To many, that's not appealing. But to say that you are a Christian is not to be saved only. It is also to be submitted to One who is over all. Romans 10:9 says, "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved". Mark 8:34 teaches that there are 3 things that must take place to be a follower/disciple of Christ: deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. To make Him Lord is to deny yourself. That is the price you must pay. I have to admit it is a lot better than eternal death. I'd rather die daily for Christ to live in me than to die a final death at the end and to never know life again. So I've chosen to make Him Lord. Actually I've chosen to allow His Lordship, to accept it. He is Lord no matter what our choices are. So I pay the cost. I challenge my students to consider the cost, but to also consider the consequence. Matthew 7:13 reveals to us that the wide path, which many are on, leads to destruction, but the narrow path leads to life. I ask them "which are you on?" and I ask you the same.

A Very Special Night

Macie and her daddy just after the baptism

The supportive family

So, here's the story:
Macie has always been of her own breed. We aren't sure what breed that is exactly but we know a few other kids from the same one, so that's comforting. She is definitely classified as a "strong willed personality", but her behaviors are extreme. Through the many challenges we have faced in parenting, our number one goal has always been that she know God. Not just know about Him, but know Him in her own heart, not through us but through her own personal relationship with Him. Since submission is such a struggle for her, it has concerned me at times how she would be able to "deny herself, take up her cross, and follow Him". I mean really and truly, isn't that the hardest thing for anyone to do? But, back in October, after having quite a duel with her, God opened her mind to an understanding of Him that she had not had before. It was the kind of understanding that enables one to realize that he/she will never be able to get it right on their own. You have to submit to God for His goodness to prevail in you. When she came to that conclusion, it was in that moment that my daughter became eternally connected with myself, her dad, and her brother. Nothing would ever separate us. Isn't that beautiful? I don't mean in an "aw...sweet" kind of way. I mean in the way that God provides salvation for us all and through that, there is never separation for Him or from anyone in the family of God. We now have a household of believers, and though we are only 4, we are a mighty force for Him. I rejoiced for so many reasons last night as I sat in the front pew with my eyes heavy with tears. I watched my husband, who struggled for years with his career b/c he was unable to recognize God's call on his life, step into a baptismal pool beside his longtime friend and pastor, and then take his daughter by the hand as she declared to her little world that she loved Jesus and was gonna live her life for him. I watched her as she stepped into that water with sheer joy that she had been expressing all day long, knowing she knew full well what she was experiencing. I looked to one side of me and saw my parents and brother in law, my son, and my nephews sharing the same joy as I. I looked to the other side and saw my in-laws sitting with pride and joy as their son and their granddaughter shared in that moment together. Then directly to my right sat some of my 7th graders supporting me and sharing the moment with my family and I. Have I mentioned before how much I love them! I think I have. Anyway, as my husband lowered my daughter into that water symbolizing the new life she had attained through Jesus Christ I was overcome with peace. Overcome with gratefulness. Overcome with humility. Overcome with the greatness of God. I praise His name today, and everyday. I hope I never forget the moment of this very special night, when I and those I love witnessed God's life giving power. Last thought: Eternal Life, it's yours for the taking!
Romans 10:9-10

A New Look

Hope everyone likes it!

Discipleship-It's On!!

Yes, I finally got it going! I have been waiting for an opportunity, and the right group, to come so that I could get a discipleship group started. It was all in God's timing and His perfect planning. We officially started this past Sunday. What a treat it was to have 4 incredible students in my home. This is definitely a highlight in my week. Starting this week I will have 5, the whole group.
This is how it works:
We meet every Sunday night in my home. This is so that they can see what a Christian home looks like outside of church and their own homes. I want them to see that besides their own homes, others are trying to live Godly lives too, and that it's not just a church thing or only something their parents are doing. We are all on the same path.
It is a commitment. They can't use excuses for not coming. "I had homework to do, so I couldn't come" is unacceptable. If it is important to them, they will do what they need to do to be there every week.
It is a closed group, no visitors. This is to ensure complete openness and confidentiality.
It is consistent. We will continue to meet in this setting until they graduate or the Lord tells me to do something different. Also, I want them to see that there are people who will stick by them through all of life's journeys.
Spiritual Growth is expected. This means that they have to participate and be held accountable for their part of the Christian walk.
What we do: eat and fellowship, then Bible study and prayer. The moms are alternating bringing meals which is such a blessing.
So this is discipleship. My prayer is that maybe some of you who are reading would be led to do the same kind of thing with students you work with.
It is so incredible to be able to love and be loved by students who love Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

What I love about being a mother

1. What it teaches me about God
2. What it teaches me about myself
3. What it reveals about my husband
4. Consistency--bedtime rituals
5. Uninhibited prayers
6. Homeschooling
7. New accomplishments
8. The sincerist of apologies
9. Bluntness
10. Daily shocking moments
11. Moments of pure pride
12. Sharing Jesus among unaltered faith
13. Being humbled
14. Board games and movie nights
15. Being reminded by my child that God is slow to anger :)
16. AHA! moments in the kids
17. Being reminded of what really matters
18. Being reminded that I fail, and I really need God
19. Seeing myself as my parents saw me....so scary!
20. Understanding sacrifice

Thank you Lord for lending me a couple of jewels that I may sparkle in the dark. May our family be a light on hill that shines bright for you.

This is for Jessica

The past 2 weeks, I guess, have been nutritionally suicidal. Is that a strong statement or what? But, seriously.....From about November 07 to mid August 08 we have been on a health revolution which has included the consumption of fresh carrot juice every morning, lots of raw veggies and fruits over lunch and as snacks, and then a low fat, low dairy, low meat, high beans and veggies dinner. Last night I sent my body in to shock as I sat down to my lovely dining table and ingested a frozen microwavable meal along side the rest of my family who also shared in the same thing. Yes, Jessica, I said we all had frozen microwavable meals. Don't stroke out my friend. We all fall short!!! I have a full bag of carrots in my fridge that have had no attention given to them. I have 3 pineapples that have not seen my blender in the week that I've had them. I have spinach that will see the trash before it sees my mouth. And so on, etc. Moving sent me into a whirlwind. And I hate the way I feel right now. So......I've got to get back on track. By the way, my kids loved the frozen meals. Cody has already picked out his choice for lunch today. Ughh!!!!!!! Somebody save us out of this pit! I'm cracking myself up by the way.

Movin' On Up!!

Today was Promotion Sunday. All of the youth and children's grades moved up to the next level for the upcoming year. I was sooo excited. If you have followed my post from the beginning, you know how I love my 6th graders. Well, now they are 7th graders, and they are still awesome. I love being with them. They are funny and each of them are crazy to some to degree. Some, and you know who you are, are completely insane! But, I love them more and more as time goes by. This year I'm looking forward to the following things:

Teaching them and seeing them grow
Wednesday night worship and fellowship
Deep discussions about their fears and their relationship with God
Seeing them in their real life situations--on the ball field, in the band, in the pool, in the chorus (and everywhere else life takes them)
Getting to know their families
Laughing with them
Stalking them-Just Kidding!
Lock ins and Disciple Now weekends
Summer Camps
Doing missions
Learning from them
Being challenged by them
Praying over them
Worshipping with them

I'm so privileged to be with these guys during this time in their lives. They amaze me!! I love you each. Yeah fellows, that means you too!

Holly: Your hair WILL come down!
TJ: Have another party....Give a girl a second chance! :)

The place we are calling "home"

Some of you have wondered about our new place. So, here are some pics. Sorry about the mess. We haven't completely gotten everything in order, plus we have started school. It looks a little in disray, but we are enjoying having a home again. We don't feel like renters anymore. It is wonderful!! My favorite part: the front porch swing

An Incredible Choice

Do you know the story? I mean the whole story? You know, the one about that guy who had no earthly biological father. The one who's mom was a virgin when he was born. The one who never messed up. Was never selfish or prideful, presumptuous or intolerant. The one who came to save the world, but was hated by it. The one who lived a life like no other, but was then crucified by the ones He served. I know you know about Jesus and the things that I've already said. But do you know what happen before all that? Before, He ever got here?
The scriptures describe an even more incredible part of the story: the choice. This blows my mind. I'm gonna try to enlighten you with some amazing truths that you may not have noticed before. Bear with me and my ignorance of the mystery of the gospel.
Here we go...
John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Okay, let's stop there. Notice 1st that we are talking about the specific time frame of the beginning of time. Notice 2nd that the Word is capitalized, a name, and is referenced as He/Him. Jesus!! Jesus didn't begin to exist at birth. He existed from the very start, lived in heaven with His Father and took part of the creation of the world.

Now here's where it gets really good!
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Let's step away for a second. Imagine a place where the temperature is always right. There is no darkness, ever. There is always music, always peace, always love and acceptance. There is no fear, NO FEAR! There is no conflict, no pain, no sorrow, no harboring of wrongs suffered, no time to compete with, no hurt feelings, no illness of any kind, no sin. NONE

Would you ever want to leave?

Now imagine a place full of hatred and hardships. A place of constant uncertainty, fear. A place of pain, instability, constraints. A place where life is disrespected and people are at war. A place where goodness competes with evil and evil often wins.

I know I make our world sound terrible, but I believe that from heaven's viewpoint, this is what is seen.

Now which place would you choose?

Jesus made a choice, an incredible one. He left the only perfect place in existence to come and dwell with us on the most imperfect place. And what's really something is that it's not the place that is the problem, it's the people. He became one of us, flesh, to live among us and to save us.
An imperfect people who needed a perfect sacrifice.

Do you realize the amount of love it takes to make that kind of choice. Do you realize that love is for you, my friend? You are loved. Do you believe that in your heart? Do you believe in who Jesus is and what He did?

I'll leave you with this:
Romans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

A New Home!!

Hey all,
We are currently in the process of moving. This is definitely a good thing, but I am having lots of moments of UGH!!! Moving is just no fun. The outcome is exciting though and I'm pushing through waiting for the last thing to be moved and put in it's new place. This is the 9th place we will live since we moved to this area last summer. But, this is the first place that feels like home again. So thankful!!!! I will try to post some pics of our new place soon.
Singing His Praises!

personal need/personal love

Need:
Sorry for the self-centeredness! I do want this blog to be a ministry to others so please forgive the context. With that said, if any of my 2-3 faithful readers (HA!) know of any rental homes available, please pass the info on to us. We have realized that one thing that is quite a stresser for us is the small space we are living in. So, we are in search of a new place to rent. We aren't very picky, basically just need a 3rd bedroom. The sooner the better. So, thanks in advance for any leads.

Love:
Today is a special day. I am married to the most incredible man alive. Ok I'm biased. But, even those who know him but aren't related to him agree that he is a pretty special guy. He is as 1 Timothy 3 descibes: above reproach, husband of one wife (which works out well for me), temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, and free from the love of money. He is, simply put, a godly man, and he's mine! Well, he's God's but God has lent him to me for a while. Just one of the incredible ways God has smiled on me. Well, today is his birthday! So, if you get a chance send him a note or give him a call and wish him the best. He deserves it!

I love you puddin'!!

the beauty of transparency

Eph 6:16 "....take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

Flaming arrows. Aren't regular, non-flammable arrows bad enough? I mean do they really have to be on fire as they streamline straight to one's heart and mind? Boy, have we felt the blow, the fire, the piercing "of the evil one" lately. And believe me we know there are sharper arrows out there that others have experienced in comparison to ours. But, you know how when it is you, it can seem so hard. One of my campers, a couple of weeks ago, was struggling with that too familiar ailment called homesickness. As she would begin to feel it, her eyes would find me and seconds later her arms were locked in position around my waist. Her words: "its just so hard". It is hard when its you. The beauty of her struggle was her pure honesty of it. She knew she had the struggle and she knew she needed support. So she unashamedly sought it out and overcame the issue. Thanks for the example BB! And for all the hugs :)!
The past couple of weeks have brought me to a point of realizing the necessity of transparency for healing. There are physical things that people recognize as common among man. Reflux is one of them. When you start talking about having reflux, you realize everyone else you know has it to. Something is wrong with that picture to me. I mean, why are we all struggling with it. Are our bodies in that much of a mess? We need to straighten ourselves out people!! Our bodies are temples of the Most High God!! Okay, that was totally a rabbit trail I just chased....Back to the point. There are other issues that feel so dark, hidden, uncommon to anyone, and shameful. One I know personally is the "a" word. ANXIETY! I've mentioned before that I struggle with it. Lately, it hasn't been a struggle. It's been an all out war. And my mind, the battlefield. It is a target in which the evil one shoots his flaming arrows. So what does transparency have to do with it? Well, it has always been one of those things that my immediate family, (husband, mom, sister), knows about me, and then a couple of very close friends. But its not a conversation I normally have with people. 'Til now. As the reflux has improved :), the nerves are still raging. So when people ask, "how are you?", I honestly say, "a mess". The result of that is commonality! Not, that these people are all basket cases, but they get it. They get that life is not always easy, Christian or not. They get that sometimes we just need to be understood and to get some additional help and that's okay. Scripture says to take up the shield of faith to extinguish those flaming arrows. Faith is belief. Belief in a man who was fully God, lived a sinless life, was completely dead (by crucifixion), and then who was the subject of a glorious resurrection. Belief in the complete story of His existence and the power it has in one's life. In my life. Faith is a common place where Christians find themselves. Faith is understanding the ties that we have in the family of God. The ability for me to be transparent, yet completely loved and supported in return. And then to find God's grace in it all. How He orchestrates and weaves His hand through unexpected phone calls consisting of incredible humbling prayers, lunch time w/ friends who you now know really get where you are at and how reassuring that is. Without the transparency, you don't get the same results. You miss the blessing God has in store for you. The other thing is how will people know how much I need God if they don't know how much I struggle. I'm thankful for the dependence I feel towards God right now. I'm thankful for the assurance that I have in Him. Not assurance that I will be fine at all times and that He protects me from harm. It's the assurance that when I'm not fine, when I'm in harm's way (even if its only seemingly as w/ anxiety), He is in complete control. He is my victory. Transparency: feels naked, feels vulnerable, feels shameful. But, truly, its a beautiful thing! Try it out!
Last thought: to my friends who had a conversation with me today at any time about my struggles, Thank You!

Evidence

Do you ever wish you could just see Jesus, with your own eyes? If your a Christian you may have used the term, "I have Jesus in my heart". But, has that ever struck you strangely? I mean really, where would He sit? And what would He do as the life-blood circulated around Him? I don't know, it's just kinda weird to think about. I know literally it means that my heart--all that I am, feel, think, experience is focused toward Him. And not only that, but He is changing my heart to line it up with His, and my Father's will. But, today I had the great privilege of seeing Jesus in my heart. Jeff saw it too!
Here's the deal: I have been feeling bad lately which led to a Dr.'s visit, which led to some tests including an echo cardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). First off, all is well, praise God. Secondly, I was laying, quite uncomfortably, on the table watching and listening to the sound of my own heart. It's a strange sensation. Being that I struggle with anxiety, I'm laying there thinking of all the possible things that could be wrong and wondering how much the tech has already noticed. I'm thinking of how badly I want to go home and sleep and have the tests behind me. Just then she begins to explain the pictures to me, the motion pictures. As I looked at the chambers compressing off and on she began to take some still pictures. This is where my visit took a turn. Not because anything was wrong but because of what this lady began to bring to my attention. You see, the heart has 4 chambers each separated by walls. There is a vertical wall separating left side from the right side. Then there is a horizontal wall across the mid section of the heart separating the 2 ventricles from the 2 atriums. So picture it: a vertical line in the middle with a horizontal line in the middle--You got it...a perfect cross. Right there in my heart. Amazing. Talk about being comforted! Wow, my God knew just what I needed in that moment and He delivered. Not to mention the amazing wonder of the human body and how God has literally stamped evidence of Himself all over it. If you have never heard of the protein molecule Laminin you need to check it out. It's more evidence of God as the creator. Google the word Laminin or google Lou Giglio who has messages about it on You Tube. I can officially say that I know Jesus lives in my heart, I saw Him there today, on my birthday! Thank you Father!

Jumping In and Hanging Out

What brings you joy? What enlightens you? What are you thankful for? What blesses your heart? I can tell you several things that do this for me: Jesus Christ, God, Jeff, Cody, and Macie Hudler, and the subject of this blog.....a group of 12 year olds. Not just any group, though. A very special group. I would love to name each one, but I fear missing one and giving the impression that there is one among them less important to me. This would not be true. In my head I can think of why I love them all, individually. I'm not sure what it is exactly about them, their innocence, their potential, their openness, their readiness. Are you ready for what God wants to do in your life? They are! I saw this in them this past week. I watched them worship a God they know to be real. I watched young boys shed tears as God revealed His majesty to them in their hearts. I watched young girls lift their sweet hands in the air to worship their maker. People, are you responding to God and to what He has done, and to who He is? They are! And what amazes me so much about them is that they are responding now. They aren't waiting to grow up. They want God's plan now. They teach me so much about so many things. They make me want to be better, more godly, more serving, more available. They even make me want to be a better mom and wife. It's like my own accountability group. Strange huh? I'm humble that they sit at my feet on Sunday mornings and actually listen to me and engage in conversation with me about matters of God. I'm humbled when they cry on my shoulder unashamedly when their hearts are grieved. I'm humbled when a grandmother tells me thank you b/c her 12 yr old "loves me like another mom". They can't love me near as much as I love them. I can't possibly be as much to them as they are to me. And why me? What did I ever do that God would allow such blessings. That He would allow me such a privilege of even knowing these incredible kids, much less having a relationship with them. One thing I am very excited about is that I have so much time ahead of me with them as we move up to the youth group together. God is allowing me to continue to teach and mentor them as they journey through the next several years in the youth. And I'm so excited about that. I'm excited about watching the seeds that I have seen planted in them grow into trees that bear much fruit. I look forward to seeing them fulfill their commitments to God. Many of them made new commitments at camp this week. I realize that sometimes those grand visions fall to the wayside. My commitment to them is to pray them through and to walk the road alongside of them. I pray for you, readers, friends, and family that you will not miss a blessing from God b/c you are busy or feel the job's not for you. If God is leading you to serve in an area that may be uncomfortable, and you just say "not now Lord", or "I can't do that Lord", you may be missing out on huge gifts from God. I'm not gonna miss out. I'm jumping right in and hanging out there!

Grace in Vain?

Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

I used to walk according to the "course of this world". There was a spirit of disobedience in me. I lived motivated by the flesh. And then I met Grace. And I met Love. I met Mercy. I found Life. And for me it means salvation. It means freedom from bondage. It is peace, an inner rest. Assurance. It means eternal life. But what does it mean to the kingdom? What difference has His gift of grace made for Him. What is the outgoing impact on everything around me.

1 Corinthians 15:10
Paul says: "But by grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain."

That really struck a cord in me as I read. I think I fear God's grace toward me proving vain. I mean, I wonder if am walking in the good works that God prepared for me, as His workmanship. Or am I bucking Him. It was His grace that saved me, not my works. But, now that I live by that grace, is the goodness flowing? Are the works evident of a life changed by grace? This is my prayer: God show me any vain part of me that is missing the mark. May the Gospel I live by, that exist b/c of your grace, be fully realized in me. And may my life prove your grace to the world.

Grace: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God

further note

As I continue to study 1 Corinthians I'm realizing how much more I could write about to you. So, I just want to encourage you to study it yourself. It's a gold mine!

the truth of the gospel

Sometimes when I'm working on my Bible study I will have what I call an "aha!" moment. You know, a revelation about why things are the way they are. An explanantion to something of a mystery. I love it when I have those from scripture. Spirituality can seem so vague, or even made up to some. I am a Christian and thus fully believe that Christ existed as a man on the earth, but yet was fully God, and died, was buried, and was risen 3 days later. I believe that he ascended to heaven and left the Holy Spirit to be with those who believe to continue to teach and guide them according to God's will. Okay, so to some people that's just crazy, especially concerning the Holy Spirit part. Well, for me faith has always come easy. Patience, no way. Gentleness, not so much. Quiet, meek spirit, HA!!!!! sorry, that one made me laugh out loud! But, faith, I've got it. Now granted, I've not had my faith tested or really stretched like so many I know. But in terms of just believing, like a child does, that's me. With all that said, I had a moment in scripture yesterday where God reminded me : "this is why you are like you are". It confirmed in me that all this spirituality is for real, not just something I believe b/c belief is easy. It is something I personally experience. So I will attempt to adequately share the scripture with you.
1 Corinthians 15:12-17 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.
Wow, that's a mouthful isn't it! So, if the gospel is not true, and Christ was never raised from the dead, which would mean there was no ascension to heaven and no gift of the Holy Spirit, than why am I compelled to do right by God? Where does that come from?
Well, let me tell you this: it's not because I'm just good inside, oh no! Now, my mom would tell you I am, and maybe other family and friends would say that. But, it would not be true. On the inside, I'm all about me. I want what's best for me, I won't lie. I don't like to be inconvenienced by anything. So how do I manage to ever do anything right?
It's b/c the Gospel is TRUTH!!! Hear it my friend: It's TRUTH! I will not believe that my faith is worthless. Something inside of me compells me to turn away from sin. And when I fail, when "sin is crouching at my door, and I fail to master it" (Gen 4:7) I'm not right on the inside. Why is there such a yuck that happens inside after sinning? B/c God's presence is there. Bad is infiltrating Good. When Christ ascended He left the Holy Spirit to be who He had been in the flesh. And so, b/c of that presence of holiness I'm compelled to make choices that support holiness. If the gospel was false I would be different. Sin would completely master me, and you. And with that would be death, complete death, the hopeless kind. But, b/c the Gospel is TRUTH, I know that death has already been taken care of and that's how I have life.
1 Corinthians 15:36 You fool! That which you sow does not come to life unless it dies.
Friends, there had to be death for us to have life! This is how I know that the Gospel is truth: I have life and I desire holiness. This is not of my own accord but of God's will in me. And it is possible b/c the stories are true. It is THE TRUTH!
So, now let me give you the really good news, some real encouragement for those of you on the same track as I:
1 Corinthians 15:41-43 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Is that not the story of Christ. He became flesh, was crowned with dishonor, and was completely beat down. But, then He was raised for all eternity in full glory and power and now gives that life to us.
How do I know? Because I am not who I would chose to be. I am changed!

polar opposites

For anyone who is blessed with polar opposite children, this is for you:
My kids couldn't be any more black vs. white, go/stop, stand/sit, right/left and so on.....
It is too comical and entertaining the way their individual lives are being lived out in comparison of one another. I think the only thing they really are one mind about is God. Thank goodness they both get that one! So Cody, my oldest is extremely tender hearted, and doesn't try to hide it, takes no risk AT ALL, likes to be alone in his own imaginative world where he is completely entertained, and cannot stand conflict of any magnitude. My daughter, the youngest, is as tough as nails (or tries to make you think she is), always takes the risk w/o considering the repercussions, can't stand to be alone, and is often the initiator of conflict. He's abstract, she's concrete. He over thinks, she under thinks. He panics, she moves on. In the moments when they work together to accomplish a goal it is very interesting to watch. So I was reminded of these truths about them a day or two ago when my daughter woke up with a new (her first) loose tooth. Now, a little history. When my son got his first loose tooth, which wasn't until he was 8 1/2 years old, he would barely let anyone touch it. I know it took a month before he let me work it out of his mouth. So Macie says to me, "do you think I can get it out today?" I said, "no, it will probably be tomorrow or the next. It still needs a lot of wiggling." The next morning she was at church with her daddy and comes home to see me. That tooth was gone! 24 hours for Macie, a month for Cody. So funny. I love them and am so glad for the variety in my life! And for God's sense of humor!
PS. see bottom for picture of Macie and her missing tooth!

Little Amazements

6th graders....Does that scare you, the thought of a group of 6th grade boys and girls? It has been scary to me in the past, but truthfully now I can't imagine being with any other kids on Sunday mornings than my 6th graders. I affectionately term them "my spiritual children". They are the best. You may be wondering why I'm going on and on about them. We are hosting our annual VBS today through Wednesday. My 6th grade SS class was assigned the job of puppetry (sp?). They had to learn in a week how to manuever the puppets in timing with the CD playing--mouths, heads, arms of the puppets. There is so much to puppetry. They had 2 practices and then they had to work on the skits at home. We had our first performance this morning. They were awesome. It blessed my heart to watch them tackle such a difficult task so perfectly. And they showed such responsibility by caring for there puppets at home all week and doing exactly as I asked to make it a success. I wonder...what will they do as they grow and mature spiritually? If they can amaze me now, what great things will they do for the Lord later? And I want to encourage you to get involved with young people. They will do more for you than you could ever do for them. Thank you God for the blessings you pour out on me and for little amazements.

Encouragement from the Lord

The past few days have been stressful for me. Stress is manifested in me as anxiety attacks. Some people get ulcers, lose their hair, get sick easily, get angry, get sad, act mean, act moody, and so and so on. For me, it's anxiety. So, basically I get fearful about things that are ridiculous. Fortunately, I am aware of how my mind plays tricks on me during times of stress and so I am able to work through it. If not, I would be calling a dr. everytime I get stressed. Which I would need a direct line being I am a stay home wife of a husband in full time ministry, and mom of two very interesting children, homeschooler, SS teacher, and some part-time employment on the side. And currently planning for VBS, next year school curriculums, and management responsibilities of a coffee house. Whew......So, this has caught up with me, basically last night in the form of serious panic. The things listed are really not that stressful if I handled them all in the right way. But, my nature is to accomplish much in little time. That leads to stress. So this morning I woke up realizing how much I could just use a simple word from the Lord. Not a day of inductive study, not a sermon, not a pep talk from friend or family, all of which are so necessary in my life. But a simple truth from God's word, the bread of life. Here's what He gave me. Psalm 18:29 "For by You I can run upon a troop: And by my God I can leap over a wall." What power I feel from having a relationship with God. The power of secured victory in a life of constant strain. So I will sit back, relax and rest on THE hand that enables me to run and to leap!

New To Blogging

Okay, I did it! I'm officially blogging. Why?.....Well, why not? Actually it wasn't that simple. I have friends who have just moved to Africa to serve as missionsaries. I am keeping up with them by their blog, and it is a great thing. Then, as I explore other blogs through that one, I realize what a ministry lies there. So here I am, joining the bandwagon of bloggers. I hope you are encouraged, find humor, challenged, and even educated by what the Lord lays on my heart to say to you, my friends. Happy Blogging......!!! By the way, if you are interested in the ministry of my friends in Africa, visit the Only Servants link listed.