Sunday, January 4, 2009

Celebrate as we wait


     We were reminded in church today that the people of God are instructed to celebrate, even when they have not received the promised ending yet. For example, the Passover is a time to remember what has already come and remember that we are hoping for even more.
     When we went to Thailand, we were there for four months; we felt really productive, and it changed us deeply. We have lived here for almost four months, and it's been a way slower process. We know there are a lot of things to learn and accomplish - things we've intended to do, and things that will surprise us. We have not seen the fruit of these things yet, but we are celebrating because we know they are coming.

We had a great break from the city in Arkansas. Since coming back, Candace has felt peace.
We are embracing our new life here. (coming home to a thawed Chicago, with clear sidewalks helped!)

In the 2009...
We will pursue some mentors soon. 
We are interested in finding opportunities to serve the poor. 
We plan to be intentional about some relationships here. 
We have been going to bed early, waking up early, and spending the evenings with each other. 
I do not want to relax with technology anymore. 
We are preparing for the new baby with six weeks of child-birthing class.
Jedidiah plans to become potty trained. (A few successes already this week!)
Jedidiah wants to get bigger.
Jedidiah will become a big brother.

Your notes of encouragement are appreciated!
Shalom

3 comments:

Kelly Efurd Lawson said...

you guys are great. And that little man is so adorable. I know he will make a great big brother. Good luck with the potty training. You don't want to be changing TWO kids' diapers!

KahluaJane said...

Even though you're not using technology to relax, you promised to watch the "Ride of Our Lives" dvd. Mom

R.S. said...

You and Jedi are quite handsome there. Without technology, you might have to go to cigars or something.

Ryan