We love the way
each of you comes to mind, with the memories of times spent together
and the expectancy of times to be shared in the future. Even in this
busy time of seminary, work, and school there have been some
wonderful opportunities! We spent some time in Washington DC with
friends (Loretta's & the kids first visit), spent a summer with a
wonderful sitter for the kids and lots of pool time, and took a quick
trip to the beach in September. We had visits with cousins, hosted
our niece Kayla's high school graduation party, and had a terrific
trip to Williamsburg, VA area in the spring, with time for visiting
with family. We have also had some visitors to our house, and
especially love those times. We look forward to more visits with all
of you!
Nate
seems to literally grow daily, he is seven and in first grade. For
him, life is about eating, sleeping and playing. He is enjoying
being able to read, but not the process so much. He seems to be a
whiz at Math, loves art, recess and...LUNCH. His easy going, caring
spirit warms our hearts, makes us laugh, and brightens our lives. He
is playing basketball now and is planning what sport will be next.
His gross motor skills still amaze us, he says he is the best jump
roper in first grade. We BELIEVE him. His “best day ever” is
when he and Daddy get to cut wood, pound nails, shoot hoops, play
catch, play light sabers or his Wii Lego Star Wars game- he likes boy
time! But, he still LOVES his sister and works hard to try to beat
her at Chess or his most recent favorite game, Battleship. He says
his biggest memory from 2012 is our trip to Myrtle Beach and getting
to play putt-putt and go bowling. He gave up his life long dream of
being a scuba diver, and now wants to be an A-10 Warthog pilot. We
tell him he needs to get more specific.
Emily is in 6th
grade! We still have to pinch ourselves to actually believe this.
She discovered she enjoys tennis, is in demand for sleepovers and
time with well-loved friends, is reading voraciously (any suggestions
of good books appreciated!), and is quickly becoming a good piano
player. She is struggling through 6th grade Latin,
wonders why studying History is important...and seems to excel at
Math and Writing. She has become a part of our church youth group,
enjoyed a summer Middle School Bible study and recently went to her
first Beach Blast Retreat in November. When asked, she said her
biggest memory of 2012 will be, “becoming a preacher's daughter”.
She considers the grown up possibilities of a professional Momma,
teacher, artist and writer. Unfortunately, she will probably have to
give up anyone's idea of having a pediatric cardiologist in the
family as she has come to realize that she literally gets pale and
clammy at the site of blood. As we move through all the changes that
2013 will have for our family, Emily is learning what it means to
truly trust and serve the God who loves her and is drawing her heart
to be more like Christ.
Loretta is working
at the Cardiology office and is blessed to be in such a great
workplace. She is always looking for new recipes for the crock pot,
shortcuts for housework and a strategy for using coupons. She got to
be a chaperone at Emily's recent youth group trip. Giggly 6th
& 7th graders = no sleep! She tries not to let her
security rest in the number of pairs of clean underwear everyone has
to spare or how together everyone may seem. God is bigger than all
her fears, and as the Lord leads she is trying to follow joyfully.
Joe has finished
his fall class work. Graduation is ONLY FIVE months away! Mark your
calendars, May 25th is the day. He has been helping with
the Lego Robotics Club and a few chapel services at the kids' school.
He looks forward to dusting off his running shoes in May (his
words!) and reading what he
would like to read. He has had the wonderful opportunity
to occasionally fill the pulpit of Ellerbe Presbyterian Church whose
pastor retired in February. This congregation along with our own
Sandhills Presbyterian Church have blessed and encouraged us in
astonishing ways. We are beginning to get a glimpse of the
possibilities of a call to pastor a church, and what lies ahead is
very humbling and exciting!
We are ever so
grateful for the prayers, support, love and encouragement that you
have showered upon us. It continues to be humbling and overwhelming
what God has done for us in 2012...and it onlymakes us even more
thrilled to see what is next!
In this coming year, our family will be praying for your family...
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your
In this coming year, our family will be praying for your family...
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your
whole spirit and
soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes
again.
God will make
this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
May
the Lord bless you richly,
Joe,
Loretta, Emily, Nate
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