Drop-By

A few days ago, Casey got an e-mail from a student that he had in his ministry here in Grand Junction. He was pleasantly surprised to get it, as we haven't heard from too many people since the resignation. This young man expressed that he wanted us to make sure we come to their house before we moved, and we looked forward to getting the chance to do so, as we really enjoyed him and his brother. And I have enjoyed conversation with is mother and found in her a mom and wife worth emulating.

Casey replied to the e-mail, and we knew that we would be able to be in contact with that family at least until we move... and prayerfully, beyond.

Yesterday was the first nice day in a small streak of cloudy, cooler weather, and Norah had been itching to go to the park. So into the double stroller the kids went, and we enjoyed a very warm walk to a nearby park. We played there for a bit, and began our journey home. Casey and I were discussing "what-to-do's" as is usually the topic of discussion these days as we prepare to head back to Oregon, and a care drives up right beside us, "Hey!" a female voice called.

It was the mom and her two sons, who had e-mailed Casey! It was such a nice surprise, and they invited themselves over for a visit. The boys were dropped off while their mom went to an appointment, and when she returned, they visited with us more. Haddon knew the mom, and kept "talking" to her, and Norah wanted to play with her. Norah recognized the boys and was genuinely excited to see them, as we were torn away from our church home very suddenly and abruptly.

We were able to express to them that we did not intend to leave as we had to, and told them that they are welcome to stop by anytime for a visit. They asked what our plans were, and it was a nice time of fellowship.

What struck me was that even though our time here has been quite short, and really, by human standards, we weren't very successful. Very few students, if any, would come to mid-week programs, and Sunday School attendance was sporadic, but I know that my husband poured personally into those few that he was an under-shepherd to. And he had touched the lives of these two brothers. Their mom recounted to us the tears that were shed when they learned that Casey had left, and the more tears shed when they thought of him moving before they could talk to him again. He impacted those young men, and we as a family can be thankful to the Lord for that.

What a precious drop-by that was for our family. We could choose to believe that there was no reason for us to come to Grand Junction (it seems like it at times!), but we know that the Lord will reveal more and more in His time. And even if that's it- an impact on two brothers and nothing else- it would be worth the hardships that we have faced here. We pray the Lord will use us wherever He leads, for whatever purpose.

House For Sale

As of today, our house is officially for sale. We're hoping it will sell quickly, but you never know.

UPDATE: We've had 4 different realtors/clients come to look at our place in the two days since it's been listed, so that's a good sign.

Visiting Church

This morning we visited a new church. I had been fretting about the decision all week, wondering whether it would be more pleasant to go to a church where we know other people or not. We ended up deciding to visit Monument View Bible Church in Fruita, where I have a few acquaintances. I ran into a few people I know, and overall the experience was pretty pleasant. The pastor preached on politics and government, which is not one of my favorite pulpit topics, but is probably a necessary evil every few years. He did speak truth, though (and avoided partisan political rhetoric, which is nice).

Since it is our hope to get back to Oregon as soon as I can find good work there, it is hard to have to try and find a new church to attend here. Nothing is going to be permanent, so it is hard to go somewhere while having no desire to get very committed or involved.

The kids did surprisingly well, though. Haddon did fine in the nursery; his number never came up on the video screen, which is always a blessing. Norah stayed in service with us for the songs, then went with the other kids to children's church. She seemed to enjoy her class with the other little kids, and liked playing games and coloring pictures, but I still can't get her to tell me what her Bible lesson was about. Oh well.

Latest Happenings

Hello, Casey here.

I thought I would update anyone who might read this with some important news regarding our family. As of Monday evening, I am no longer employed at Heritage Church. Though this may be surprising to some of you, it is not to us. Things have not been healthy here for some time, and with the right opportunity I would have left on my own some time ago. The church board just sped up my own decision, I guess.

There is much that could be said regarding the details of how and why this happened, but I'd rather not post that here. If you're very curious, you can contact Kelly or myself. We are not actually all that disappointed that this happened, but we have been extremely disappointed in the manner in which it was carried out.

So, what now, you ask?

Well, if we could pack up right now and just move back to Oregon, we probably would. However, it is not that simple. We have a house to sell, and there is also the small matter of finding a job. Currently, I am trying to find a job here (where the job market is much stronger), while keeping an eye out for things back home. If anyone knows of anything, please get in touch. I have a few jobs I have applied for here, but have not found much back home. I am not just looking for ministry work, either, but anything that will support my family.

Please pray for us. I know that God is good and faithful, and will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. I have been greatly encouraged recently by an old hymn entitled "The Lord Will Provide," by John Newton (the same guy who wrote "Amazing Grace"). These are the lyrics:


The Lord Will Provide
From the album All I Owe, available at www.matthewsmith.us
Words by John Newton, Music by Matthew S. Smith
© 2006 Detuned Radio Music (ASCAP)

Though troubles assail and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail and foes all unite;
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide.

The birds without barn or storehouse are fed,
From them let us learn to trust for our bread:
His saints, what is fitting, shall ne’er be denied,
So long as it’s written, the Lord will provide.

We may, like the ships, by tempest be tossed
On perilous deeps, but cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide,
The promise engages, the Lord will provide.

His call we obey like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers we have a good Guide,
And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide.

When Satan appears to stop up our path,
And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried,
This heart–cheering promise, the Lord will provide.

He tells us we’re weak, our hope is in vain,
The good that we seek we ne’er shall obtain,
But when such suggestions our spirits have plied,
This answers all questions, the Lord will provide.

No strength of our own, or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known the Savior’s great name;
In this our strong tower for safety we hide,
The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide.

When life sinks apace and death is in view,
This word of his grace shall comfort us through:
No fearing or doubting with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting, the Lord will provide.

SECOND UPDATE:
Without a church to provide an offering to this month, we decided to take a up a child sponsorship through Compassion International (an excellent, church-based charity). I tried to find a girl around Norah's age, hopefully to help teach Norah some things, and this cute little Haitian girl is who we ended up with.

Baseball Videos

Norah's been really into playing baseball lately. Check out that sweet lefty swing, slapping base hits to the opposite field like a miniature, white, female Rod Carew:

Haddon, meanwhile, is more of a bunter. Maybe he'll be the next Brett Butler?

Or maybe coaching will be his thing. Watch him argue this call like a little Lou Piniella:

The Happenings on Cris-Mar Street

Norah's getting the "shutter bug" and likes to have her picture taken. So she's posing more, and wanting to take pictures. (Or as she says, "pay-churs".)

Haddon likes to snuggle when he gets up from a nap:

And Norah sneaked out of bed at nighttime, but didn't get too far. She fell asleep within 3 feet of her bedroom door in the hallway, and we could hear the squeak of her thumb-sucking in the living room:

Crashing Sunday, Griese, and Pudding

Sometimes on sundays Norah is pretty tired. She crashed on the floor...

Tonight we had pudding for dessert after dinner. Haddon likes pudding and was sporting a pretty sweet Griese Broncos jersey. He was pretty excited about this treat. His new phrase is, "Be-o-By!" And we have converted that into, "Oh me, Oh my!" which he kept saying while savoring the pudding. You can also see his shorter haircut.. brand new today.