S T R A C K E L J A H N: Church Updates

Showing posts with label Church Updates. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

An Optomist View of Our Homelessness...

For a time we had been desiring Michael the opportunity to finish his seminary degree. An "opportunity" came up in June of this year and since we had also desired to be closer to family, we decided to move in WITH my parents. :o)

It was difficult to leave the ministry we had been so much a part of there in WV. It was hard to paint over Lila's nursery and pack up the only place she had ever known as home as this was where we had brought her home from the hospital. It was extremely difficult saying goodbye to some friends sent for above... but it was hardest to step out, in faith, and move.

We have been overwhelmed with fear, brokenness and grief as we have seen unbiblical examples of "brothers and sisters" in Christ. It was ugly. ;o(

And we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of God's love, kindness and grace shown to us through His children. Starting with friends in WV who showered us with prayer during our difficult time, to helping us even steam clean our carpets and pack our things, and sending us off with a cherishing farewell. When we thought there was no way that they could possibly give anymore ... they gave again. We received cards of encouragement, at just the right times, from brothers and sisters in Christ, who go to Sunday School with Michael's grandparents. We were welcomed into a church family where we feel at home, where we can heal and grow from the biblical disciples and teaching. Most of all we have been shown favor in the graciousness of our families and friends through prayer and hugs.

And in a time, I could fear being homeless (and did!)... God orchestrated events that not only do we have a bed to sleep on, we are able to live in TWO large bedrooms, with our own private bathroom (with double sinks), have the run of a dream house, all while being close to family (al-biet REALLY CLOSE. haha.) I am NOT complaining!

However, we DO hope for the future when God makes His plan clear for us in ministry and family. We would covet your prayers. Thank you!

p.s. Michael and I have always desired to be completely candid with all our faults and challenges as well as joys and triumphs. If you have questions, or would be interested in more information on our move away from WV, please contact us. We would be open to share.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!

I'm so glad I've learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend.
And to know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end!...
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more!

There have been several things that have happened recently that have grieved us deeply concerning Michael's ministry. This song is heavy on my heart and something that I want to be constantly reminded of during this time.

Thank you to all those who are praying for us.

We feel the prayers and we DO Trust in Jesus!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Music City, Nashville TN

After leaving the foothills of NC we headed to Music City in Tennessee.

Our drive took us up to Johnson City because i-40 was closed due to a landslide. So our 5.5hr drive turned into almost 7 hours! (but it felt like 10!)

We arrived at the Opry Land Hotel while it was still decorated for Christmas. It was beautiful! The hotel was HUGE! We checked in and pretty much went straight to bed.

The next morning was the start of the conference we were attending with three other ladies from our church. It was the Children's Pastors Conference.

There were some GREAT resources and we had fun spending some ministry money and gaining lots of ideas to bring back to use in our children's ministry! There were also some disappointing "sessions" where an unbiblical perspective on parenting, men and women, and ministry was taught. We are praying that God will allow us to speak this truth to the church about this conference, and also to point them in a different direction.

The trip to Nashville all in all was a good trip. It was great working with the ladies from our church and finding our VBS curriculum. Also, enjoyed eating at "the aquarium" where we ate and watched a guitar shark swim in the tank!

We ended up staying a few extra days to celebrate our two year anniversary...but we moved to the Sheraton. We actually enjoyed the KING size bed more than the double at the Opry Hotel and it was more comfy for me too... after all I am like the princess and the pea! (o:

It was great to relax and spend one-on-one time with Michael. We feel blessed to have received some Anniversary money and used it on this portion of our trip. We went to the hardrock in downtown Nashville for steaks, the wax museum and cooters/dukes of hazard museum.

It was a great trip. Then we headed to Louisville for Michael to take a class at SBTS toward finishing his degree!

My 19 week belly at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville, TN

My love and I at the Hard Rock.

Guitars at the Hard Rock.

Michael and I at the Phil Joel concert!

CPC Conference.

Phil Joel of Newsboys!

Dukes of Hazards Car.

Me in front of the Cooters/Dukes of Hazard Museum.

Michael and I with Reba!

can't believe we paid $10 for this!

seriously... Brooks & Dunn

Monday, September 28, 2009

Promotion Sunday & Carnival at SCBC...

Aug. 30, 2009

Today was promotion Sunday at our church! Michael, being the children's pastor was very involved in this whole day. We had worked long and hard on a new concept for the children's ministry called "The Treehouse at the Creek" ... since we are Simpson Creek.

We are so thankful to my mom who helped us write and edit the children's brochure! God has blessed us with very talented family members! Her and I combined spent about 60hours coming up with every aspect of this brochure helping Michael to start the children's ministry in a new direction!

The kids had so much fun and love the TreeHouse! Please pray that God will continue to bless this ministry as we look for new ways to share Him with the children here at Simpson Creek Baptist Church.

Here are a few pics from our very fun day!

Brochure!

Promotion Sunday Booths.

Michael spent some time in the dunk tank!

& the children lined up to dunk him!

He definitely got WET!

Pastor Mike showed up, but for some reason we couldn't convince him to get in the dunk tank?

The children enjoyed some other fun carnival games too!

Somehow or another... Michael ended up the coach of the church softball team...

Aug 2009

Add "Softball Coach" to your resume!

It was one of those... "I'm not gunna be here this week and the league starts... can you help?"... then Michael got stuck! But he did phenomenal! I was SOOOO impressed! On this particular day that I had my camera Michael was pitching. He has even had a few triples and they ended up 3rd in the league!