To the Three

This is a letter I just finished writing to the three men the Lord used to bring redemption to our marriage nine years ago. It was 4:00 in the morning when I began writing, awoken with this on my heart...

To Jon, Jeremy and Stephen,

I find my cup overflowing with thankfulness for the three of you, as I'm awoken this Tuesday morning. I've heard Gavin say on multiple occasions that had the three of you patted him on the back that dark October night in 2000, and told him not to feel bad - everything was going to be okay, that the two of us would most likely not be where we are today. Through your love the Lord brought redemption to our marriage that we continue to walk out - that night.

I always dreamed of having a husband that was a spiritual leader, loved me and our children - but truly, I never imagined a husband and father as amazing as Gavin is, and is continuing to become. I was flipping through one of the random bibles we have lying around the house in the middle of the night recently and was led to Hebrews... it was the very bible that Gavin had used during those three days of death. It was marked up with red pen and at one point a line was drawn to the bottom of the page, pointing to words he had written, "I am an adulterer". My heart sank and at the same time was overwhelmed with thankfulness. It sank because my heart hurt for the man that wrote those words, in great pain and revelation, and was overwhelmed because that is not the man I am married to anymore...nor have been since that day.

In our current community we are dealing with a need for church discipline. We have gotten a LOT of push back. There is a severe lack of understanding where church discipline is concerned. Too many are focused on the Grace of our Lord Jesus and fail to realize that very grace is not extended unless there is repentance. The prayer of my heart is that the Lord would rise up His body to come around this family in need. He is stirring, and has been for some time. We're so thankful to see all that He is doing - but this family hangs over a flaming fire that is hungry to devour it... Though the mom and her four children are living with us, and have been since January, we had no previous relationship with them. Gavin has done his part faithfully, but the Body is what is needed and sorely lacking. Church discipline, done properly and led by the Spirit, has almost completely disappeared from our current religious structure - this is the most damning aspect of the modern "church".

I praise the Lord everyday, but especially recently, for the way He covered us during that pivotal season in our marriage. That we were NOT left out to dry; that we had intimate relationships around us and men that cared enough about Gavin not to let him loose everything; that were led by the Spirit; that saw church discipline as mercy instead of "judgment", (righteous anger as loving instead of condemning - that yelled at him, and loved him in the same breathe). I know who my Redeemer is, but I also know who He used that night and the three days to follow.....and I'll never forget it.

Our marriage was dead for three days, and on the third day resurrected and given new life. This Easter season, I'm reminded of the One who made that possible, and the one's he choose to use. I love you, my brothers.

The Christ in me sees the Christ in you,
em

Reece is FIVE!!!

We celebrated our precious Reece's 5th birthday this week. It is truly hard to get my mind wrapped around the fact that she is five years old! Wow.

What a precious little one, she is. Gavin and I are ever amazed at her thankful and appreciative heart. She's always quick to say thank you. Reece truly appreciates everything she has. We were talking tonight about how many times she has thanked us for her little party on Saturday, or her gift, or....you name it.

We hosted her 5th birthday party at our house this year. My friend, Linda, gave me a great idea to only have a big party on the special birthdays...like 5, 10, 13, 16, 18 - I LOVE this idea. The other years will just be family dinners with cake and a few balloons. (I can't have a birthday go down in my house without at least a dozen balloons....I'm just sayin')

It was a tea party/brunch theme, with white hats and gloves and all the trimmings. Because several of the little girls commented on how they didn't like tea, or their mommy said they couldn't have tea, the beverage of choice was apple juice which we pretended was tea. We also had an assortment of scones and breads.

The big expense was having a face painter come and treat the girls. This was not part of the original plan, but after having missed out on a face painting opportunity a few weeks ago, I decided to check on the rates for a private party. It was a little pricey, but since it was our only major expense for the party we were able to justify it. The girls loved it.

Tuesday was her actual birthday and we celebrated at Don Pablos...our birthday place for some reason. Everyone likes it. Reece wore the little sombrero and opened presents from family.

Today her teacher, Mrs. Rouse, did her special observance of Reece's birthday. She tells a story about the birthday child every year....it is so precious. Reece felt so special. We passed out mini cupcakes and fruit to everyone. It was a big hit.

So, Reece has pretty successfully carried on the "Brown girl" bday tradition: subconsciously stretch out your bday celebration for as long as you possibly can! Yay, Reece!

I'm still looking for my cord to be able to upload pictures. ....coming soon.

What I LOVE about Reece:
hilarious!
fashion-ista
trend setter
confident
sweet
beautiful
smart
ingenuitive
creative
artistic
strong
thankful heart
loving
nurturing
mischievous (at times)
aspiring musician
humble
servant's heart

I love my Reece EmmaKay. Thank you, Lord, for this precious and priceless gift. I know that she is Yours, but I'm SO thankful to be with her as she grows into the amazing little woman you have created her to be. Bless her and keep her. May your face shine upon her. Please fill her with purpose that she may live a life worthy of the calling you have placed on her. And give her peace forever.

Thank you, Lord, for Reece!!