Grief is a part of our everyday life. Not just the death of a loved one. We grieve for the time we've lost, friends we've moved from, the way we react or respond to someone. But for some reason we only talk about the grief of death. I read in a book recently that we can grieve over things we've lost but haven't died.
I'm grieving over friends that I've moved from and the friendships I would like to have, but for some reason can't. I grieve daily for the time I've lost not being able to accomplish my "to-do list". I grieve for the time that my children are growing and wishing I could get back the days that are gone.
I know grief is a part of daily life, but I wish it didn't happen so much or hurt so much....but then it wouldn't really be grief then would it. In our grief is when we reach out the most and hardest. It is in the darkness and the valley that we look up to God, and say "Help, I'm hurting so bad, and you're the only on that can fix it".
I'm not one of those thinkers that says God causes this. He lets this happen to make us rely on Him. Because in our sorrow He is the Healer.
"For I know the plans I have for you,: declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, June 5, 2009
Oklahoma....
Well, we're moving to "No Man's Land". AJ and I went there in view of a calling. It was a whirl-wind weekend. Friday night we played Wollyball with the youth. It was great getting to know them, and they seem like a great bunch, with a lot of potential for growth.
Saturday was an all day get to know you at the church. I did get to leave and go take a nap while AJ was practicing for Sunday morning. Everyone at the church who came to visit was really nice. Good people with great values. It was nice to see such a good turnout.
We had a nice visit with the Pastor, Jim after AJ was done rehearsing. He's a very straight-forward man. No guessing with him on what he values and where he stands. His wife and son are in Amarillo at the hospital so Jon Mark can get better. We went to visit Liberal, KS afterward. It's a great way to feel like a minority. There are ton's of Hispanics. And I didn't hear any of them speaking English. Guess I'm gonna have to expand myself.
Sunday morning, church service went really well. AJ did a great job, and then we were off to the office so the church could vote. That was the longest time for me. I don't do well with waiting on something I can't plan for. But the vote came back with 79 people that voted and 71 voted yes. A 91% Yea.
Well.....not sure why I never finished this one, so now I'm here to finish it.
So much has happened between that last sentence to today June 16, 2011. We made the move to Hooker. We had Gavin's birthday in MO, and moved that same weekend. All I remember is having the wonderful FBCKC Youth group to help, and all the emotions attached with a far off move. AJ drove the U-Haul w/the Escort on a dolly, and the boys and I were in the van. I was okay, until we were about 2 hours away. I was exhausted and just had a crying fit the rest of the way. By the time we got the parsonage, we slept on the floor in the living room together. The next morning, Dick Fisher and some youth boys came to help move things in. It was wonderful to have strangers help, and the big stuff was in in no time. That was just the beginning on the wonderful hospitality this town and church possess.
In the 2 years (almost) we've been here, we have had a lot of the "good, bad, and the ugly".
The youth saw a sudden numbers explosion :) , but once they realized AJ meant truth and expectations it took a dive :( . But we have seen some truly great friendships grow because of their commitment to Christ and each other. Who says you have to have a big group to reach the most people?
Aidan has enjoyed his 2 years of homeschooling and we'll be starting on our 3rd in the fall. It's been great to teach him what the school system says is important, but also what we as a family says is important. His faith is unshakable, his commitment stronger than most adults, and his love for others is growing every day. Gavin started pre-school in 2010 for the socialization and speech program. He has truly come out of his shell, and realizes that there are others just like him. His speech is becoming clearer and he's getting more confidence. Along the way, we also added another member. Reylynn Hope was born on November 18, 2010. A couple weeks early and not without a difficult pregnancy. But she is well worth it. She has added a quiet devotion to the family. He love for Aidan has shown since the beginning, and she is teaching Gavin what it means to be a big brother.
I'm still plugging away, trying to find my spot in and out of the family. I'm still helping AJ (where needed, and time fitting) with the youth, although I have taken a step back, due to the church feeling like I help "too much". I love teaching Aidan, although we do have our moments together. Gavin keeps me on my toes as a typical 5 year old would. And now with a daughter, I am looking forward to all the "girlie" things I will be able to do.
If anything, Oklahoma has taught us to be a family dependant on each other. To take care of others outside of our family. And know that there are different lives that affect us every day. But that God has us here for a purpose.
Saturday was an all day get to know you at the church. I did get to leave and go take a nap while AJ was practicing for Sunday morning. Everyone at the church who came to visit was really nice. Good people with great values. It was nice to see such a good turnout.
We had a nice visit with the Pastor, Jim after AJ was done rehearsing. He's a very straight-forward man. No guessing with him on what he values and where he stands. His wife and son are in Amarillo at the hospital so Jon Mark can get better. We went to visit Liberal, KS afterward. It's a great way to feel like a minority. There are ton's of Hispanics. And I didn't hear any of them speaking English. Guess I'm gonna have to expand myself.
Sunday morning, church service went really well. AJ did a great job, and then we were off to the office so the church could vote. That was the longest time for me. I don't do well with waiting on something I can't plan for. But the vote came back with 79 people that voted and 71 voted yes. A 91% Yea.
Well.....not sure why I never finished this one, so now I'm here to finish it.
So much has happened between that last sentence to today June 16, 2011. We made the move to Hooker. We had Gavin's birthday in MO, and moved that same weekend. All I remember is having the wonderful FBCKC Youth group to help, and all the emotions attached with a far off move. AJ drove the U-Haul w/the Escort on a dolly, and the boys and I were in the van. I was okay, until we were about 2 hours away. I was exhausted and just had a crying fit the rest of the way. By the time we got the parsonage, we slept on the floor in the living room together. The next morning, Dick Fisher and some youth boys came to help move things in. It was wonderful to have strangers help, and the big stuff was in in no time. That was just the beginning on the wonderful hospitality this town and church possess.
In the 2 years (almost) we've been here, we have had a lot of the "good, bad, and the ugly".
The youth saw a sudden numbers explosion :) , but once they realized AJ meant truth and expectations it took a dive :( . But we have seen some truly great friendships grow because of their commitment to Christ and each other. Who says you have to have a big group to reach the most people?
Aidan has enjoyed his 2 years of homeschooling and we'll be starting on our 3rd in the fall. It's been great to teach him what the school system says is important, but also what we as a family says is important. His faith is unshakable, his commitment stronger than most adults, and his love for others is growing every day. Gavin started pre-school in 2010 for the socialization and speech program. He has truly come out of his shell, and realizes that there are others just like him. His speech is becoming clearer and he's getting more confidence. Along the way, we also added another member. Reylynn Hope was born on November 18, 2010. A couple weeks early and not without a difficult pregnancy. But she is well worth it. She has added a quiet devotion to the family. He love for Aidan has shown since the beginning, and she is teaching Gavin what it means to be a big brother.
I'm still plugging away, trying to find my spot in and out of the family. I'm still helping AJ (where needed, and time fitting) with the youth, although I have taken a step back, due to the church feeling like I help "too much". I love teaching Aidan, although we do have our moments together. Gavin keeps me on my toes as a typical 5 year old would. And now with a daughter, I am looking forward to all the "girlie" things I will be able to do.
If anything, Oklahoma has taught us to be a family dependant on each other. To take care of others outside of our family. And know that there are different lives that affect us every day. But that God has us here for a purpose.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Still a Callin'
I think I've figured out that this is a lot like dating. When you first meet a prospective churches search committee, it's like a first date. You put on your best clothes, attitude.... you spend the night kinda feeling each other out, and hope that they call you back. Well First Baptist of Hooker called us back. They came all the way to Kimberling City to watch AJ lead worship to see if he is who they wanted to bring before the church. And he is. That Sunday went really well. AJ lead the music and the choir, which he did wonderfully. He had a chance to talk to them right before they left to go back "out west". And by that night they informed us that they would like our family to come out there in view of a calling. So now the ball is in our court. The dating is getting a little more intimate. There will be a come and go greet and meet, and then AJ will lead the music for their Sunday morning, and by that night we will have a vote and know whether they would like us. So at that point, is it considered a serious relationship. I won't say that it's ever marriage, b/c you're always moving and changing, and in a marriage that's not suppose to be an option. But I digress.... This is all happening fast, and then it's dragging by. If we do move, I will most likely get to home school Aidan, which I am thrilled about, and they do have a speech program that Gavin will transition into. AJ's excited about all the possibilities, but we know that Kimberling City is our home. Where we want to end up, but I guess that doesn't mean where we are. I'm so glad that Julia decided to do the Esther study now. It's help more than she'll ever know. So know we're waiting on the next date to see how it goes and if we get a phone call for a last date.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Calling
Well I figured I should cronicle our first trip to visit a prospective church. It is in Hooker, OK, which if you're not sure where it's at, look at the panhandle of Oklahoma and it's in the middle. As far away from family as I've ever been. This church was introduced to us by Jim Evans. It's wehre he got his start, and he loves this chruch. The whole reason we got started on this is because AJ surrendered to the ministry and everything that is associated with that. He had a conference call, sent them a video of him leading Encounter, and the search comittee is coming on April 19 to view AJ leading worship at FBCKC. So knowing all this, we decided to go see the town and it's people.
We left the boys this morning at school and Mrs. Lisa's. Luckily they have wonderful Godparents who will watch them for the 2 nites that we will be gone. So AJ and I set out on this loooong trip. And when I say long, I mean it. 8 1/2 hours!! And if anyone knows me they know that I don't like to be in a car for any lenght of time. Going to see Mom is long enough. So out we go. I luckily got to drvie our new van to Joplin. Wasn't too bad. AJ took over from there. Once we enter Oklahoma it starts setting in that this might be our new home state, and we will have to invest in a PikePass! Thanks Kristal and Jared for borrowing yours! So not too bad yet. We get to Tulsa and it looks like any big city. Old homes right next to the freeway. Tall buildings on the sklyline. I pretend that it's Little Rock or St. Louis! Once we're out of Tulsa the winds start up. Now we've been warned of these winds! I think the joke is that you lean into them and that's what helps you stand up. We really experenced them in Enid when we got fuel. They will blow you over. Girls, it's a whole new hairstyle even if you didn't need one. Now I'm getting worried. Not to sure abou the wind. I don't mind a little breeze, but this was like hurricane force! Oh, well, I just won't drive any where!! So now we're on out way out, out west. We knew that they had a Blizzard last Friday. (I checked the weather to see what we're looking at) But anyways, they hada Blizzard in March. And they still have it on the roadside. And not just a little, but a lot, and I'm really thinking, what are we in for. Missouri is cold enough, and they don't get Blizzards! So we finally make it to Guymon, OK. Which is where we're staying the night, b/c Hooker doesn't have any "nice" hotels. Guymon is about 20 miles south of Hooker. It's where the WalMart is and the FairGrounds. It's nice, but not Branson that's for sure. No billboards for shows and attractions. No SDC. We get here and have time to kill before we meet the WHOLE search commitee. Boy, that'll make you nervous!!
The first person we meet is Dick Fisher. He's the one that AJ has been on the phone with about weekly and the head of the committee. Really nice fellow. The kind you would picture working on a cow farm. And that's what he does. His wife's name is Billie. Now I'm thinking I'm back home. Their daughter is also on the committee along with her husband. The wife teaches at the Hooker school. K - 12 music, band and coral. She has her hands full! Really nice. She's also heading the churches youth group while they don't have a youth minister. All in all there were 12 people that we met tonight. Really great people. And down to earth. Not knowing what the future holds it was great to meet them. Tomorrow we're going to Hooker and actully see the town and visit the school and church.
If Hooker, than God.
We left the boys this morning at school and Mrs. Lisa's. Luckily they have wonderful Godparents who will watch them for the 2 nites that we will be gone. So AJ and I set out on this loooong trip. And when I say long, I mean it. 8 1/2 hours!! And if anyone knows me they know that I don't like to be in a car for any lenght of time. Going to see Mom is long enough. So out we go. I luckily got to drvie our new van to Joplin. Wasn't too bad. AJ took over from there. Once we enter Oklahoma it starts setting in that this might be our new home state, and we will have to invest in a PikePass! Thanks Kristal and Jared for borrowing yours! So not too bad yet. We get to Tulsa and it looks like any big city. Old homes right next to the freeway. Tall buildings on the sklyline. I pretend that it's Little Rock or St. Louis! Once we're out of Tulsa the winds start up. Now we've been warned of these winds! I think the joke is that you lean into them and that's what helps you stand up. We really experenced them in Enid when we got fuel. They will blow you over. Girls, it's a whole new hairstyle even if you didn't need one. Now I'm getting worried. Not to sure abou the wind. I don't mind a little breeze, but this was like hurricane force! Oh, well, I just won't drive any where!! So now we're on out way out, out west. We knew that they had a Blizzard last Friday. (I checked the weather to see what we're looking at) But anyways, they hada Blizzard in March. And they still have it on the roadside. And not just a little, but a lot, and I'm really thinking, what are we in for. Missouri is cold enough, and they don't get Blizzards! So we finally make it to Guymon, OK. Which is where we're staying the night, b/c Hooker doesn't have any "nice" hotels. Guymon is about 20 miles south of Hooker. It's where the WalMart is and the FairGrounds. It's nice, but not Branson that's for sure. No billboards for shows and attractions. No SDC. We get here and have time to kill before we meet the WHOLE search commitee. Boy, that'll make you nervous!!
The first person we meet is Dick Fisher. He's the one that AJ has been on the phone with about weekly and the head of the committee. Really nice fellow. The kind you would picture working on a cow farm. And that's what he does. His wife's name is Billie. Now I'm thinking I'm back home. Their daughter is also on the committee along with her husband. The wife teaches at the Hooker school. K - 12 music, band and coral. She has her hands full! Really nice. She's also heading the churches youth group while they don't have a youth minister. All in all there were 12 people that we met tonight. Really great people. And down to earth. Not knowing what the future holds it was great to meet them. Tomorrow we're going to Hooker and actully see the town and visit the school and church.
If Hooker, than God.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Young at Play
Today was Aidan's first basketball game and it was hilarious. Trying to get 10 4 and 5 year-olds to dribble and remember where to shoot the ball at is great! But Aidan showed some real gumption. He was aggressive with the ball, loves to shoot it, and an all around ball hog. It really surprised us. When he played soccer last year, he was content to stay out the outsides and get the ball if he needed to. Not with basketball. He was stripping it from the other team, and wrestling in the floor for it. It was great. His future girlfriend and wife will love when I show this video, and I darn well plan on it! AJ and I think we've found his sport, so hopefully he'll grow, or learn to handle the ball great so he can be a point-guard. But I'm so proud of him! Future NBA here we come!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Gavin's Hearing
The day after Christmas, Gavin had tubes put in his ears. We are no novice to surgery since at 11 months he had his tongue clipped, but it still doesn't stop you from worrying. The surgery was at Walnut Lawn in Springfield. And we had to be there EARLY. I was so glad that there was a TV in the waiting room so he had something to occupy his mind instead of wanting milk. The doctor and nurse came to get him about 8 am and at 8:20 we were back in recovery with him. He was so groggy, but didn't want to lie down. He downed his first cup of water and then another. The best thing about it was that the baby down from us was crying and Gavin was complaining that the sound hurt his ears. It was wonderful! When we finally were released, we walked outside and Gavin had a shocked expression and his mouth was wide and looking around. He was looking for the sound of the traffic. He heard it for the first time. Little things that we often take for granted and grumble about, he was hearing for the first time. Now time will tell about how quickly his speech improves. It's already going leaps and bounds. He's stopped the baby jargin and is using words. He's starting to say love you, which will melt your heart.
Christmas Jones Style
We had a wonderful Christmas time. And multiple days of it.December 23 we got together with Toni and her crew, Jason and Josh included, Grandmom, mom, dad, and the 4 of us. Jason and Josh were with us, and mom and dad almost didn't make it due to the wonderful weather in Arkansas and people forgetting how to drive on ice and snow. But it was a fun night. Jason helped unclogged the sink stopper and all the kids had a great time opening presents. When you have 4 kids under the age of 5 plus 2 bigger kids (sorry Jason) there's a lot of paper.
Christmas Eve, AJ, Aidan and Gavin went to Grandma and Grandpa's in Norwood, MO for the Jones Christmas. Becky, Layne, and Lauryn with Rachel, Kent, Rio and Dre' were there. Grandma and Grandpa got their grandchildren's picture and I sure hope they love it as much as we did. I didn't get to make that one, but I had a chance to go home, clean up and wrap all the presents that I'd been putting off. Plus mom and I got to be together. And I made it to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was very nice. The boys got home in time to open up their Christmas Eve pj's and go to bed to wait for Santa! 
Christmas morning, Gavin woke us up, and then we had to go wake Aidan up. For some reason I see this as a every year tradition! The boys had fun opeining up their presents and playing with them while waiting on Nana and Papa.
Grandmom came over for Christmas lunch and more present opening!
It was great to have family around for the Christmas season. And it's truly wonderful to know that the boys understand the true meaning of Christmas. It's Jesus birthday. He was born in a manger and the sheperds and wisemen came to see Him and bring Him gifts. Without His birth there would be no Easter and no hope for our world. Christmas Love. Christ Was Love.
It was great to have family around for the Christmas season. And it's truly wonderful to know that the boys understand the true meaning of Christmas. It's Jesus birthday. He was born in a manger and the sheperds and wisemen came to see Him and bring Him gifts. Without His birth there would be no Easter and no hope for our world. Christmas Love. Christ Was Love.
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