Grandparents and their attachments

It really is funny to see how my parents and Kristy's parents love on Stephen. They each have their own things they do, but the main thing seems to be getting that time in with him. We're quite thankful since Kristy has been under the weather with this pregnancy. A little break from our "rambunshus" two year old helps. And, that's important for the grandparents.

Stephen is totally comfortable with all of them. I think he would rather stay with them than with mom and dad if he had his choice. I also think (know) they let him get away with more, but that's part of grandparents too.

I love the mountains

Subject says it all. I really enjoy where we are in the world. I've generally lived in this area and I do love actually living in the Appalachians. For example, we had SNOW last weekend (Saturday before Easter) and this past Sunday. SNOW. In the middle of April.

Even in the dead, brown time of winter, the mountains have their own beauty. Kristy and I were discussing why mountains are beautiful. Kristy, being the insightful one, said it was because they are so majestic. I must agree - they are so large, so grand that it humbles us. We drive over a mountain to get to church in Franklin, and it really is surprising how the views can take so many forms depending on time of day, season, and weather.

On a very sad note, the fruit crops were nearly wiped out from the frost this year.

Pray for Knox

Greetings,

For my friends outside Westminster PC in Bryan, TX - please pray for little Knox. He's 17 months and had a bathtub accident. He was found unresponsive and is (as far as I know) still in ICU at Temple. (I'm getting all this third-hand.)

I understand that his heart and lungs are doing well, but his brain activity is minimal. Please pray for him and his family - for God to show His great mercy on Knox and his family.

Due Date

For those who are keeping up - Baby #2 is officially due Nov. 18. Kristy got to see the heartbeat on the ultrasound yesterday. Yay! We're of course very excited.

Putting down roots…again

It's about 6 months now since we moved from Texas, and I've been reflecting on that transition. When we first moved to Texas, I was hesitant to make friendships and get very involved in the church there since I knew it would be temporary (2 years, maybe only 1). Of course we couldn't really help ourselves, and we were sucked into choir and small groups; and I was eventually ordained a ruling elder.

But now, we moved "back" to North Carolina. I love my job and it's great being close to extended family. However, this evening I see our family having to once again set down roots. I miss being 10 minutes from other couples our age with kids our kid(s)'s age. I miss getting up before dawn on Thursday mornings to shoot the breeze with some of the guys from church over greasy breakfast food and slowly (oh so slooowly) go through a book of the Bible. And the church here is different – not bad (at all!) just different in character and style in many ways.

It’s partly a matter of time to settle in here – and get used to being so far from the church building, and therefore the majority of the membership. But, on this Easter Sunday, it’s also a matter, I think, of longing for that final permanence that can only be tasted to a tiny degree in this life. I really long for that eternal city of God, for that permanent home that will never be shaken. I’m tired of setting down roots in a place and then having to dig up again. I miss the many friends I’ve made, but I’m bad at keeping up. I suppose it’s driven out by more immediate tasks and geographically close people to see. Consider this passage - I hope it gives you great comfort to look for that permanent "place":

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. -John 14:1-3

Nickles Baby #2

Yes indeed. We've told family so now we can tell the world. We are expecting baby #2! Kristy and I are very excited. I think Stephen has some comprehension of what's going on. It helps that we have friends here with a son that is a "big brother" to help make this concrete. No ultrasound pictures yet, but those will come soon.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. -Psalm 127:4-5

Praise God with us!