Praising Him through the storm...

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
1 Peter 1:6-9

We thank God for the trials we encounter in this life, because we are closer to God after we endure them. God's hand of mercy is ever present in the midst of a trial. His comfort and peace through hard times is not to be compared with any other comfort or good thing. He is all that we need. He gives us wonderful blessings, and he teaches us to depend on Him for everything we need through the trials we endure.

We are very sad to be losing our third baby. Yesterday at my ultrasound I was not surprised to see concern in Dr. Chancellor's face. God truly prepared my heart for bad news. The fact of the matter is, the ultrasound looked no different from three weeks ago. Our baby simply stopped growing weeks ago. We had a couple of options, and have decided to let my body naturally miscarry. It could take up to a month, but the process actually started early this morning. (We are so thankful for God's timing, my dear Mother-in-law came yesterday for a visit...is that perfect timing or what?)

I want you to know that this baby has changed our lives. Our future plans were to leave this fall to go to Malawi, Africa for up to three years. We are confident that God used this pregnancy to set our feet where they needed to be. He has focused our hearts on unreached people groups in Central Asia and we are now a part of the 2009 deployment instead of 2008. This will give Catharine some more time to grow and "catch up." (Not that we were worried, but it is a plus).

So in the midst of our sadness, we rejoice because we see the Lord. We are thankful for His timing, His ways, and His will. We praise Him regardless of our circumstances...He is always faithful! We will praise Him in the storm.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are so thankful for wonderful family and friends that encourage and lift us up to the Father.

Sunday

We have been attending North Wake Baptist Church in Wake Forest, just minutes from our house. We love it! Madelyn loves her class and Catharine loves being in the service with us. Yesterday she bounced and clapped her hands to the music, she loves music! Madelyn leaves church a happy camper, mostly because she is such an extrovert like her Mom and loves to be around other people!

I have been working from home for a couple of weeks now. It is going well, for those of you stay at home moms who are seeking something to do from home on your own time...look at this webstite:

http://www.westathome.com

I don't mind answering any questions you may have about it!

We are looking forward to a visit from Justin's Mom later this month...Madelyn especially :) She misses her Nana and Pop terribly. She talks about it everyday. Every night we pray for them at bed time and she always adds to the end of the prayer something about an airplane or car (because she always sees them after being on an airplane or driving a long distance in a car!)

Madelyn is fighting potty training. Any tips? She has missed the "window." She is just stubborn, but I'm not sure what to do, other than to be patient and not to push her!

I celebrated my 27th birthday last week. What was more special than it being my birthday was that we were also celebrating one year of having Catharine at home, because last year on my birthday, she came home from the hospital!

Thank you for your patience with me about blog updates, I just have been busy lately ;)

Love to you all!

Sunshine and haircuts

Enjoying some fresh air and sunshine! We all wore our sunglasses, Madelyn loved wearing hers, Catharine did not!

Super serious about driving the car

New haircut...she said she was a princess after she got her new cut. My new hair style! I think this is the first time I have had a "style"! Look how short it is!