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
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
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!!
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!!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Church Discipline
I've been studying this topic today because we are dealing with an issue that requires such action. As I've been studying the passages that apply, and reading articles from church leaders throughout time, I'm struck with a righteous anger.
It occurs to me that the absence of church discipline may possibly be the leading cause of the rising divorce rate within the Christian community.
I want to repeat that: The absence of CHURCH DISCIPLINE may be the LEADING cause of the RISING DIVORCE RATE WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
Church discipline has gotten a bad reputation throughout the years due to either not being done according to the biblical guidelines or using it for the purpose of excommunication. The purpose of church discipline is NOT for excommunication. It is for the purpose of RESTORATION and RECONCILIATION! Excommunication can be a consequence of church discipline, but even that is still for the purpose of ultimate restoration and reconciliation.
My mom fought through over six years of submitting herself to my dad (six years of him lying about his affairs, being caught, becoming violent towards her, etc.) - literally laying down her life, her rights, her dignity - for his salvation. The church never stepped in and enacted church discipline. Why?!!! My dad was a deacon! My mom was a teacher. They were both very active in the church. Everyone knew my family. It's not like we were just some family that attended some local congregation.
The church turned it's back on it's responsibility to discipline my dad and their marriage was, therefore, given over to the enemy. It's been 10 and half years since that nightmare began, and we are all still dealing with the aftermath.
How common is this?! I shutter to think about the answer to that question.
What are we doing Church?! How many more marriages and families will we hand over to the enemy?! Let it not be, oh Lord! Have mercy on your church, and let it not be!! Rise up, CHURCH! What has the Lord required of you? To DO justly, LOVE mercy, and WALK humbly with the Lord your God. Rise UP!!
There are many interesting articles I found during my study. Here is one from bible.org regarding the reason, benefit, spirit behind and process of church discipline. Here is another article by Al Mohler that I found insightful.
It occurs to me that the absence of church discipline may possibly be the leading cause of the rising divorce rate within the Christian community.
I want to repeat that: The absence of CHURCH DISCIPLINE may be the LEADING cause of the RISING DIVORCE RATE WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
Church discipline has gotten a bad reputation throughout the years due to either not being done according to the biblical guidelines or using it for the purpose of excommunication. The purpose of church discipline is NOT for excommunication. It is for the purpose of RESTORATION and RECONCILIATION! Excommunication can be a consequence of church discipline, but even that is still for the purpose of ultimate restoration and reconciliation.
My mom fought through over six years of submitting herself to my dad (six years of him lying about his affairs, being caught, becoming violent towards her, etc.) - literally laying down her life, her rights, her dignity - for his salvation. The church never stepped in and enacted church discipline. Why?!!! My dad was a deacon! My mom was a teacher. They were both very active in the church. Everyone knew my family. It's not like we were just some family that attended some local congregation.
The church turned it's back on it's responsibility to discipline my dad and their marriage was, therefore, given over to the enemy. It's been 10 and half years since that nightmare began, and we are all still dealing with the aftermath.
How common is this?! I shutter to think about the answer to that question.
What are we doing Church?! How many more marriages and families will we hand over to the enemy?! Let it not be, oh Lord! Have mercy on your church, and let it not be!! Rise up, CHURCH! What has the Lord required of you? To DO justly, LOVE mercy, and WALK humbly with the Lord your God. Rise UP!!
There are many interesting articles I found during my study. Here is one from bible.org regarding the reason, benefit, spirit behind and process of church discipline. Here is another article by Al Mohler that I found insightful.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Looking for the Profound...and coming up short
I've had the desire to blog lately but not the revelation.... I find myself avoiding laundry, taking advantage of little moments with Elle, driving the girls back and forth to school, catching up on emails, thinking about what I need for the new little one's arrival, cooking dinner, cleaning up after dinner...functioning.
There are some activities that transcend "functioning", namely our prayer times. I love our prayer times every night. Those are such sweet times together as a whole family. No matter how chaotic the day (or the 30min. just before) has been, our prayer time always ushers in such a powerful blanket of peace over the house. Each night looks different, but each night is special.
Things are still going well with our added family members. Brandon is very much so entering into adolescence. He's a smart kid. He's also a special boy - he has a special place in Gavin's heart, but it's still a challenge. Each of the children are special, in their own way, and we're so thankful to be a part of their lives.
I'm trying to balance raising our girls with the high standards we've always had for them and at the same time ease the other children into knowing what to expect. We have to have the same standards for all the children - there is no other option, but we do expect it to be a process...
We're finishing our second month together and all the children are doing wonderfully. It's not easy, but it is worth it. Brandon is a typical big brother - picking on all the girls (especially Rae - she seems to attract this kind of attention...apple having not fallen far from tree...). Raegan and Kaira play great together and are great buds. Reece and Gia are two peas in a pod. They get along beautifully and are also great friends. Elle loves Justice and tries to take great care of him.....tries being the optimal word there.... She also loves playing with all the big kids. There is no way to convince this one she's only two...(in a few weeks).
Athena, their mom, is tired, but doing well. She longs for this to all be over. Please pray for her.
(All the children are in bed by 8:00, at the latest, and "adult time" begins:)) Our evenings are spent either catching up on TiVo, laughing together (we have lots of laughter in our home), praying together, counseling each other, making treats once the children have all gone to bed - a kid's worst nightmare!!, but all of it is just living life together.
I want to paint a realistic picture. I hope I have. Bottom line is that we need prayer for wisdom and insight, peace, and health. But, living in community is something Gavin and I have been designed for and we can't imagine life looking any different. We covet your thoughts and prayers. We love you, dear friends.
There are some activities that transcend "functioning", namely our prayer times. I love our prayer times every night. Those are such sweet times together as a whole family. No matter how chaotic the day (or the 30min. just before) has been, our prayer time always ushers in such a powerful blanket of peace over the house. Each night looks different, but each night is special.
Things are still going well with our added family members. Brandon is very much so entering into adolescence. He's a smart kid. He's also a special boy - he has a special place in Gavin's heart, but it's still a challenge. Each of the children are special, in their own way, and we're so thankful to be a part of their lives.
I'm trying to balance raising our girls with the high standards we've always had for them and at the same time ease the other children into knowing what to expect. We have to have the same standards for all the children - there is no other option, but we do expect it to be a process...
We're finishing our second month together and all the children are doing wonderfully. It's not easy, but it is worth it. Brandon is a typical big brother - picking on all the girls (especially Rae - she seems to attract this kind of attention...apple having not fallen far from tree...). Raegan and Kaira play great together and are great buds. Reece and Gia are two peas in a pod. They get along beautifully and are also great friends. Elle loves Justice and tries to take great care of him.....tries being the optimal word there.... She also loves playing with all the big kids. There is no way to convince this one she's only two...(in a few weeks).
Athena, their mom, is tired, but doing well. She longs for this to all be over. Please pray for her.
(All the children are in bed by 8:00, at the latest, and "adult time" begins:)) Our evenings are spent either catching up on TiVo, laughing together (we have lots of laughter in our home), praying together, counseling each other, making treats once the children have all gone to bed - a kid's worst nightmare!!, but all of it is just living life together.
I want to paint a realistic picture. I hope I have. Bottom line is that we need prayer for wisdom and insight, peace, and health. But, living in community is something Gavin and I have been designed for and we can't imagine life looking any different. We covet your thoughts and prayers. We love you, dear friends.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day
The gift my husband has given me this year is priceless!! I'm sitting in bed watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, reading friend's blogs....and hiding for a few hours. Yay!!
I do also have a sleeping baby here beside me (Justice) and Eliot unplugging and re-plugging my computer. She's being very quiet so as not to wake Justice.
We're going to dinner tonight. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with my boy.
Elle just found my coffee from this morning (grinning over the top of the rim at me). She's currently going through my bedside table drawers.
Athena and I surprised the kids this morning with lots of red heart balloons and goodie bags, with Miles Davis playing in the background. They loved it.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I do also have a sleeping baby here beside me (Justice) and Eliot unplugging and re-plugging my computer. She's being very quiet so as not to wake Justice.
We're going to dinner tonight. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with my boy.
Elle just found my coffee from this morning (grinning over the top of the rim at me). She's currently going through my bedside table drawers.
Athena and I surprised the kids this morning with lots of red heart balloons and goodie bags, with Miles Davis playing in the background. They loved it.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Eliot Katherine
I have the rare blessing of being home alone with my dearest little Elle for a few hours this morning. She delights me.
Here are a few words that describe her:
Confident
Independent
Love-bug
Tease
Smart
Helpful
Funny
Ingenuitive
Curious
Strong
Fiesty
Beautiful
Extraordianary
Delightful
Precious
Great singer
Big girl
She started sleeping in the big bed with Reece a few nights ago and hasn't skipped a beat. I sent her up for her nap yesterday and by the time I got up there (maybe two minutes later) she was already asleep. The queen bed she and Reece share looked enormous with her little body right in the middle of it.
One of my greatest joys is hearing her sing in the car, at the top of her lungs. She knows almost every song that plays on our local Christian radio station. .....ah, what a blessing. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful it is. I pray I never forget that sound.
I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. Elle is such a joy. I'm amazed by her daily.
Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings. You are good - whether I see it or not - but I'm so thankful for the way you reveal Your goodness through Raegan, Reece and Elle. You are good, Lord. Not to us, but to your Name be the glory!
Here are a few words that describe her:
Confident
Independent
Love-bug
Tease
Smart
Helpful
Funny
Ingenuitive
Curious
Strong
Fiesty
Beautiful
Extraordianary
Delightful
Precious
Great singer
Big girl
She started sleeping in the big bed with Reece a few nights ago and hasn't skipped a beat. I sent her up for her nap yesterday and by the time I got up there (maybe two minutes later) she was already asleep. The queen bed she and Reece share looked enormous with her little body right in the middle of it.
One of my greatest joys is hearing her sing in the car, at the top of her lungs. She knows almost every song that plays on our local Christian radio station. .....ah, what a blessing. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful it is. I pray I never forget that sound.
I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. Elle is such a joy. I'm amazed by her daily.
Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings. You are good - whether I see it or not - but I'm so thankful for the way you reveal Your goodness through Raegan, Reece and Elle. You are good, Lord. Not to us, but to your Name be the glory!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I'm Back!
So much has happened since I last blogged and much to talk about. I'll try to be brief.
First, Jenny and Nick left for their trip on January 3rd. We've heard from them several times and they are doing great. Please keep them in your prayers. If you're curious here is Jen's website, and here is Nick's website.
Reece had her tonsils and adenoids removed the first week of January. We were having them removed because of sleep apnea, but found out after they were removed that they were actually rotting inside of her little body!!! What a HUGE blessing to have had them removed before she had any complications. Though she did BEAUTIFULLY before the surgery and during, the recovery was very difficult. It took a solid month before she was back to herself. The apnea was gone the first night, but she was in so much pain. I'm not a great nurse as it is........by day 10 I was over it. We made it through and she is back to her sweet, adorable self!! Praise the Lord!!
Finally, for the year that Nick is gone my friend, Athena, and her four children are living with us. Athena has been through a nightmare with her husband, Damion. It's such a long story and crazy. I wouldn't believe it were I not there to witness it myself. The Lord is definitely moving and we have seen so much fruit.
Brandon is 10, Kaira is 7, Giana is 4, and Justice is 7 months old. They are precious. (pictures to follow soon)
We run a really tight ship but the Woodson children have fallen in line beautifully and love their new routine. We all have dinner by 6:30pm, everyone pitches in to clean the kitchen, wipe down the table and sweep. Next we have prayer time together around 7:15 (which is so precious - our worship time together is even more wonderful with them here.). Everyone is in their rooms by 8:00 at the latest. They know that anything after that is getting into adult time and that is NOT taken lightly.
Every other weekend the kids go with their dad, as well as, dinner every Wednesday from 5 - 7pm. The transition times are always difficult. The kids never want to go with their dad, though they love him very much, and they always come back a little confused and disoriented - especially Brandon.
We have been under a lot of attack - spiritually and physically, but we have also been so blessed, overwhelmed with His blessing! The kids all get along so beautifully and play very sweetly together. We have family meetings and talk about any issues that arise on a weekly basis. We have also allow the kids to plan activities for the month to come. As a result this coming Valentine's weekend is a BIG one! Friday night we'll be bowling. Saturday morning is breakfast at IHOP. Monday is ice skating at Reston Town Center..... whew! They are so excited and we're all looking forward to treating them to a fun weekend, as well.
Prayer requests right now:
Peace that passes all understanding - we've been so blessed with an abundance of peace and pray that it continues - despite the chaotic storm the Woodson's are in.
Health - It's hard enough to be submitted to the Spirit when you feel great, much less when there is sickness...
Healing and Redemption - for the Woodson family.
Protection - Gavin is very much on the front lines of the spiritual battle going on around us.
(The pregnancy is going well. I'm very tired this time through. I haven't felt great the entire time, though I do have days where I feel like myself. I feel a lot of closure this time. We are in NO way closing the door on more children (we've talked about adoption before we had Raegan), but I do feel like I have "permission" for this to be my last pregnancy. I have a lot of peace about it. Also, this is either Sutton Vian or Judah Patrick Gavin - it's official:))
much love, dear friends. Thank you for your love and concern - and especially your prayers.
First, Jenny and Nick left for their trip on January 3rd. We've heard from them several times and they are doing great. Please keep them in your prayers. If you're curious here is Jen's website, and here is Nick's website.
Reece had her tonsils and adenoids removed the first week of January. We were having them removed because of sleep apnea, but found out after they were removed that they were actually rotting inside of her little body!!! What a HUGE blessing to have had them removed before she had any complications. Though she did BEAUTIFULLY before the surgery and during, the recovery was very difficult. It took a solid month before she was back to herself. The apnea was gone the first night, but she was in so much pain. I'm not a great nurse as it is........by day 10 I was over it. We made it through and she is back to her sweet, adorable self!! Praise the Lord!!
Finally, for the year that Nick is gone my friend, Athena, and her four children are living with us. Athena has been through a nightmare with her husband, Damion. It's such a long story and crazy. I wouldn't believe it were I not there to witness it myself. The Lord is definitely moving and we have seen so much fruit.
Brandon is 10, Kaira is 7, Giana is 4, and Justice is 7 months old. They are precious. (pictures to follow soon)
We run a really tight ship but the Woodson children have fallen in line beautifully and love their new routine. We all have dinner by 6:30pm, everyone pitches in to clean the kitchen, wipe down the table and sweep. Next we have prayer time together around 7:15 (which is so precious - our worship time together is even more wonderful with them here.). Everyone is in their rooms by 8:00 at the latest. They know that anything after that is getting into adult time and that is NOT taken lightly.
Every other weekend the kids go with their dad, as well as, dinner every Wednesday from 5 - 7pm. The transition times are always difficult. The kids never want to go with their dad, though they love him very much, and they always come back a little confused and disoriented - especially Brandon.
We have been under a lot of attack - spiritually and physically, but we have also been so blessed, overwhelmed with His blessing! The kids all get along so beautifully and play very sweetly together. We have family meetings and talk about any issues that arise on a weekly basis. We have also allow the kids to plan activities for the month to come. As a result this coming Valentine's weekend is a BIG one! Friday night we'll be bowling. Saturday morning is breakfast at IHOP. Monday is ice skating at Reston Town Center..... whew! They are so excited and we're all looking forward to treating them to a fun weekend, as well.
Prayer requests right now:
Peace that passes all understanding - we've been so blessed with an abundance of peace and pray that it continues - despite the chaotic storm the Woodson's are in.
Health - It's hard enough to be submitted to the Spirit when you feel great, much less when there is sickness...
Healing and Redemption - for the Woodson family.
Protection - Gavin is very much on the front lines of the spiritual battle going on around us.
(The pregnancy is going well. I'm very tired this time through. I haven't felt great the entire time, though I do have days where I feel like myself. I feel a lot of closure this time. We are in NO way closing the door on more children (we've talked about adoption before we had Raegan), but I do feel like I have "permission" for this to be my last pregnancy. I have a lot of peace about it. Also, this is either Sutton Vian or Judah Patrick Gavin - it's official:))
much love, dear friends. Thank you for your love and concern - and especially your prayers.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hairbows and Undershirts:)
The girls got hair bows and under shirts this morning. These are NOT the undershirts we used to get when we were kids!!:) ...tres cool.
Here are some pics
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Countdown Presents
So I decided a few days ago that I needed to blog about "Countdown Presents" and then my friend, Laura, asked about it yesterday, so I am compelled:)
Countdown Presents are a wonderful tradition in our home, started by our matriarch, Mom Stalvey (my mom's mother). I don't know how she came up with this fun tradition, but she told me this week that we, the grandchildren, are the ones that actually came up with the name "Countdown Presents". My mom has continued the tradition with my children, and my brother's children.
What is it? It is a gift for each of the twelve days preceding Christmas day. It's so much fun! Mom Stalvey continued the Countdown presents through our sixteenth birthday. I'm assuming Mom will do the same. The girls love it!! They look forward with great expectation every morning to see what they will open. It's never anything big, but always something fun or meaningful. The girls are never disappointed.
I don't feel like I'm giving this sweet tradition due credit. I can't wait to continue on this tradition for my grandchildren!
Countdown Presents are a wonderful tradition in our home, started by our matriarch, Mom Stalvey (my mom's mother). I don't know how she came up with this fun tradition, but she told me this week that we, the grandchildren, are the ones that actually came up with the name "Countdown Presents". My mom has continued the tradition with my children, and my brother's children.
What is it? It is a gift for each of the twelve days preceding Christmas day. It's so much fun! Mom Stalvey continued the Countdown presents through our sixteenth birthday. I'm assuming Mom will do the same. The girls love it!! They look forward with great expectation every morning to see what they will open. It's never anything big, but always something fun or meaningful. The girls are never disappointed.
I don't feel like I'm giving this sweet tradition due credit. I can't wait to continue on this tradition for my grandchildren!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cookie time
Jenny, my sister, decided we needed to bake cookies on Sunday, so she led the way! It was great fun. There is more Christmas cookie baking ahead of us. We have to make four dozen for a cookie exchange this Sunday for girl scouts, but this was fun....especially since I just got to watch and take pictures:)
(the guy in the picture is our friend, Nick, who has lived with us for the past two years. He's leaving for the World Race through Adventures in Missions in January for a year. Jenny is going back, but as a leader this time and only for 4-5 months. Keep them in your prayers. They leave Jan. 3rd!)
I also threw in some pictures of our decorated space.
Mom, the girls LOVED their outfits this morning - the #9 countdown present. They all wore their outfits today. Here's Reece in hers. She especially loved the way her shirt feels so soft. She told me when she got in the car that she let everyone feel her shirt...but not her pants..:)
Recent pics of Elle
The girls were inspired by one of their "countdown presents" to dress up as cowgirls and dance around the room to country music....Alabama was the band of choice this particular time. (I should say here that I am not a country fan. Though there is a bit of a cowgirl in me, I'm more of a DixieChick:))
The other picture of Elle is her playing Chef and restaurant with her sisters.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Sister fun and Gingerbread...
Here are a few happy pics from the Long family. I realized, as I was looking back over my blog, that I've been Debbie-downer for the past few weeks. Well, I'm coming out from under my cloud and fully embracing this wonderful, fantastic, magical time of year!! I truly love Christmas and the magic that fills the air during this season.
We're in full Advent mode. We get our "prize" each night out of the (two) Advent calendars and read a story that builds up to Christmas Eve. Each Sunday is a special Advent celebration with candles, special drink and snack. It's so much fun. I've added pictures of our calendars and some other pics, as well.
The girls made a gingerbread train last night. It fell down over night but they had fun putting it together. Elle had fun eating the decorations.
It's the most wonderful time of the year! And I really am enjoying every moment. I pray you are, as well!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Tribute to Elsie
We found out this past Thursday evening that Gavin's beloved grandmother, Elsie Costner Jacumin, had passed away. She was 95 years old and lived a long and full life. She volunteered everyday "helping the seniors" at a local nursing home, up until the day she died. Elsie still had her license and drove, legally, and maintained a garden in her back yard. She was always on the go and helping others.
Elsie started serving others early in life when she dropped out of school in third grade (like so many of that day) to go to work for her family. She was the oldest of eleven children and served them all. They all testify of her service and care.
Gavin wrote the liturgy for the funeral on Sunday and ended up officiating, as well. I was honored to sing a few songs for the celebration of her life. Raegan wrote a story about her great-grandmother and read it during the eulogy. It was a very moving service.
Though we celebrate the long life she had and the legacy she has left behind, we are sad to loose her. She was very healthy, so her death came as a shock. Gavin and his family are still mourning her passing. Please keep them in your prayers through this holiday season.
Give all your loved ones a big hug this Christmas season!
much love,
em
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Mixed Emotions
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. What a wonderful time of year to reflect on all God has blessed us with. The beginning of our Thanksgiving was joyous. Mom came up and we had a great Thanksgiving feast with our friends, Athena and her four children, and Athena's mom, Lona. We had dance-off's with the kids, had the parade going on in the background, watched Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving, talked, sang, sent "cheers" around the table for all we were thankful for, talked some more...and definitely ate!!:)
Raegan did an amazing job dancing as the Meritoll doll in the Nutcracker; two performances on Saturday and one on Sunday. Then mom headed for home after the first performance, after being with us for 4 wonderful days.
...enter mixed feelings, stage right...
Dad and Dorothy came up on Saturday evening for a second round of Thanksgiving festivities. This is the first time she has been in our home. My countenance immediately falls, and I get a pit in my stomach, every time I think about this, or thought about it over the past few weeks. I knew they would be there when Raegan and I returned home Saturday evening from The Nutcracker (I volunteered all day backstage, during both performances). The wonderful thing is that our friends, the Pryor's, were also coming that night. They were stopping over for one night on their way on up to Marblehead, MA - the whole family!!! (including their newborn that we hadn't met yet:))
It was great visiting with the Pryor's, holding that precious little Kiara, visiting with the rest of the kids: Kelsey, Jackson, Sydney and Elisa, having our family prayer time together with them before bed, and staying up WAY too late talking with Jeremy, April, Jen and Athena. (Thankfully Dad and D went to bed soon after we arrived home so I didn't have to deal with those emotions yet.)
We had another nice Thanksgiving feast Sunday afternoon, then headed out, our family and Dad and D, to watch the last performance of The Nutcracker. Raegan did such a great job!! It was great to finally get to see her do her thing. (I hadn't gotten to see any of the performances on Saturday because of helping out in the dressing rooms) Everyone did a great job. Elle even sat through the entire performance this year!!!!!
Dad and D just left (Tuesday morning) and I still feel sick. I realized last night as Gavin and I were lying in bed talking about everything, that I hadn't even looked up since Sunday evening. I don't even want to look at her...and you know I'm a big eye contact girl... I'm sad. ...I'm sad.
I'm repulsed by her. There is nothing lovely or attractive about her. ...Nothing!
And yet...
Rom 5:7-8 (NIV)
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
While we were repulsive to Him, Christ sacrificed himself for us...
This has been a great sacrifice and we will be having a LOT of conversations with the girls this afternoon and the days and weeks to come, about all they saw and heard.
Did we do the right thing? I have no idea. I believe we did what we were supposed to do ...but it may take me a few days to come out from under this dark cloud.
Your prayers and thoughts are appreciated.
Raegan did an amazing job dancing as the Meritoll doll in the Nutcracker; two performances on Saturday and one on Sunday. Then mom headed for home after the first performance, after being with us for 4 wonderful days.
...enter mixed feelings, stage right...
Dad and Dorothy came up on Saturday evening for a second round of Thanksgiving festivities. This is the first time she has been in our home. My countenance immediately falls, and I get a pit in my stomach, every time I think about this, or thought about it over the past few weeks. I knew they would be there when Raegan and I returned home Saturday evening from The Nutcracker (I volunteered all day backstage, during both performances). The wonderful thing is that our friends, the Pryor's, were also coming that night. They were stopping over for one night on their way on up to Marblehead, MA - the whole family!!! (including their newborn that we hadn't met yet:))
It was great visiting with the Pryor's, holding that precious little Kiara, visiting with the rest of the kids: Kelsey, Jackson, Sydney and Elisa, having our family prayer time together with them before bed, and staying up WAY too late talking with Jeremy, April, Jen and Athena. (Thankfully Dad and D went to bed soon after we arrived home so I didn't have to deal with those emotions yet.)
We had another nice Thanksgiving feast Sunday afternoon, then headed out, our family and Dad and D, to watch the last performance of The Nutcracker. Raegan did such a great job!! It was great to finally get to see her do her thing. (I hadn't gotten to see any of the performances on Saturday because of helping out in the dressing rooms) Everyone did a great job. Elle even sat through the entire performance this year!!!!!
Dad and D just left (Tuesday morning) and I still feel sick. I realized last night as Gavin and I were lying in bed talking about everything, that I hadn't even looked up since Sunday evening. I don't even want to look at her...and you know I'm a big eye contact girl... I'm sad. ...I'm sad.
I'm repulsed by her. There is nothing lovely or attractive about her. ...Nothing!
And yet...
Rom 5:7-8 (NIV)
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
While we were repulsive to Him, Christ sacrificed himself for us...
This has been a great sacrifice and we will be having a LOT of conversations with the girls this afternoon and the days and weeks to come, about all they saw and heard.
Did we do the right thing? I have no idea. I believe we did what we were supposed to do ...but it may take me a few days to come out from under this dark cloud.
Your prayers and thoughts are appreciated.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Inconclusive Results
Hi sweet friends,
I did go to the doctor this past Friday for my mid-term ultrasound, but unfortunately the results were inconclusive. I'm not too upset about this. I think it will be nice to be surprised. I'm pretty positive we're having a girl. So here's the name we're thinking of....I know this is a risky move....but I'm really excited about the name and want to share it: Sutton Vian.
Sutton means "from the south town" and Vian means "full of life".
Our back up boy name is still up in the air. I love Elijah (Eli), and Judah (Jude); Finnegan (Fin) has been in the running for years. Gavin loves Abraham (Abe)... We can't come to any agreement on this one.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, but absolutely NO pressure. I know you love us despite the odd names we choose for our children.
much love,
em
I did go to the doctor this past Friday for my mid-term ultrasound, but unfortunately the results were inconclusive. I'm not too upset about this. I think it will be nice to be surprised. I'm pretty positive we're having a girl. So here's the name we're thinking of....I know this is a risky move....but I'm really excited about the name and want to share it: Sutton Vian.
Sutton means "from the south town" and Vian means "full of life".
Our back up boy name is still up in the air. I love Elijah (Eli), and Judah (Jude); Finnegan (Fin) has been in the running for years. Gavin loves Abraham (Abe)... We can't come to any agreement on this one.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, but absolutely NO pressure. I know you love us despite the odd names we choose for our children.
much love,
em
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Nutcracker 08
This is a picture from our local newspaper, of Raegan in her doll costume for the Nutcracker performance next weekend. We are in full swing with rehearsals. Rae is practicing today from 10-12 and 1-3, then dress rehearsal tomorrow. The first two performances are on Saturday (Thanksgiving weekend), and the third is on Sunday evening.
Here's a link the article.
It's comin' on Christmas!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Day of Counting My Blessings
Today was a difficult day, but also one of counting my blessings. The Lord has been blessing me with many opportunities lately to praise Him for His many blessings. The sickness in our home has caused me to thank the Lord for the blessing of health....a lot. A precious friend suffering a loss has caused me to thank Him for the three little girls He has blessed me with. Being short on vehicles has caused me to thank Him for the numerous ways He provides for our needs. ...just to name a few.
Today I was moved to thank Him for my amazing husband, loving family, and treasured community around the country. I spent the day in the court room supporting a friend of mine who is going through a legal battle to save her family. The court system is such a manipulative, twisted, and crippling.... I don't even have words... It is a very difficult thing to sit and witness such manipulation and twisting of the truth, all for the sake of winning a case. ...so many lies, so much deception... it truly is the enemy's playground - and not place for Christians to settle disputes.
Paul spoke of this very thing:
1 Corinthians 6
1-4And how dare you take each other to court! When you think you have been wronged, does it make any sense to go before a court that knows nothing of God's ways instead of a family of Christians? The day is coming when the world is going to stand before a jury made up of followers of Jesus. If someday you are going to rule on the world's fate, wouldn't it be a good idea to practice on some of these smaller cases? Why, we're even going to judge angels! So why not these everyday affairs? As these disagreements and wrongs surface, why would you ever entrust them to the judgment of people you don't trust in any other way?
Today I was moved to thank Him for my amazing husband, loving family, and treasured community around the country. I spent the day in the court room supporting a friend of mine who is going through a legal battle to save her family. The court system is such a manipulative, twisted, and crippling.... I don't even have words... It is a very difficult thing to sit and witness such manipulation and twisting of the truth, all for the sake of winning a case. ...so many lies, so much deception... it truly is the enemy's playground - and not place for Christians to settle disputes.
Paul spoke of this very thing:
1 Corinthians 6
1-4And how dare you take each other to court! When you think you have been wronged, does it make any sense to go before a court that knows nothing of God's ways instead of a family of Christians? The day is coming when the world is going to stand before a jury made up of followers of Jesus. If someday you are going to rule on the world's fate, wouldn't it be a good idea to practice on some of these smaller cases? Why, we're even going to judge angels! So why not these everyday affairs? As these disagreements and wrongs surface, why would you ever entrust them to the judgment of people you don't trust in any other way?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Quick Update
We're all sick in the Long household. Health is such a gift. These moments remind me how blessed we are to have our health.
We find out the gender of our baby on the 21st. I was trying to convince Gavin to be surprised but he doesn't do well with surprises.....:) I'm excited to know, also. One of the things I love most about being pregnant is the joy of praying specifically over the little one as he/she is growing and developing.
The prayer the Lord gave me, while I was pregnant with Rae, was that she would be a warrior for the Kingdom and would be bold in her witness. I've been amazed to see how the Lord has already developed this in her little faith.
With Reece, my prayer was that others would be drawn to Christ through her great love. I'm constantly in awe of the love she pours out to those around her.
With Elle, I kept getting the word "justice". So as I prayed for her to be one that would seek out justice in the midst of injustice, I also prayed for her to have a heart of compassion. We'll see how that develops.
With this little one, I keep getting the word "loyalty". That's interesting.
Just to be clear, I don't think there's any magic in these prayers. It's more like the Lord clues me in to how he's already gifted them. I LOVE that!! What a blessing.
I will definitely post the gender when I know (thanks for asking, Julie:)).
We find out the gender of our baby on the 21st. I was trying to convince Gavin to be surprised but he doesn't do well with surprises.....:) I'm excited to know, also. One of the things I love most about being pregnant is the joy of praying specifically over the little one as he/she is growing and developing.
The prayer the Lord gave me, while I was pregnant with Rae, was that she would be a warrior for the Kingdom and would be bold in her witness. I've been amazed to see how the Lord has already developed this in her little faith.
With Reece, my prayer was that others would be drawn to Christ through her great love. I'm constantly in awe of the love she pours out to those around her.
With Elle, I kept getting the word "justice". So as I prayed for her to be one that would seek out justice in the midst of injustice, I also prayed for her to have a heart of compassion. We'll see how that develops.
With this little one, I keep getting the word "loyalty". That's interesting.
Just to be clear, I don't think there's any magic in these prayers. It's more like the Lord clues me in to how he's already gifted them. I LOVE that!! What a blessing.
I will definitely post the gender when I know (thanks for asking, Julie:)).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
So Proud To Be a Part of History!
Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
Isaiah 40:27-31
Our trust and hope is in the Lord!! Our prayers continue to be that Pres. elect Obama will be steadfast in his hope in the Lord and will lead, doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with the Lord, our God! We are SO thrilled to be a part of making history. May the Lord continue to have mercy on our country.
much love,
em
I'm still moved to tears...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Christmas List
(I'm writing this so I won't forget it.)
I've begun getting together a list of Christmas items so that I can budget out how to pay for everything over the next few months. It's easy for me to pick Raegan's three gifts. She tells us all throughout the year the things she wants - she has an agenda!!! But as I started to fill in Reece's three blanks, I drew a ....blank.
A few days later Reece and I were sitting on the couch together and I casually asked her what she would like for Christmas. She thought for a moment and said with a big smile on her face..."maybe a light bulb for our night light, 'cause it keeps flickering at night....or....a...picture of Jesus....Mommy you can get me whatever you like" followed by a big hug.
That is Reece EmmaKay Long. She is a beautiful blend of sweet, mischievous, compassionate and care-taker. She blesses me.
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