I Love My Job

Today at the pregnancy center, a young woman came in for an appointment, undecided in regards to whether or not she planned to carry her child to term. After meeting with a counselor, she received an ultrasound. There on the screen danced her precious, 18-week baby. She laughed! Oh, the joy! A baby. A real, live baby! A heart beat!

She walked out of here with much to ponder and weighty decisions to make. But we are hopeful she will choose life for her child!


A second story:
"Monique" (named changed to protect confidentiality) and her boyfriend came for their ultrasound today. Several weeks ago, they had originally made an appointment for an abortion, but at the last minute, they changed their minds. They just couldn't bring themselves to end their child's life. Instead, they came here for support, resources, and guidance. During their ultrasound today, Monique and her boyfriend saw the image of their baby and nearly cried. They were so thrilled they had not gone through with the abortion!

Thank You, Lord, for the victories you are winning!

I love my job.

Recommended Reading

Recently, I have read:

An intriguing story that inspires me to get more involved with the publication of the Gospel worldwide while provoking much thought over the intellectually-stimulating theological conservations throughout the book!

A easy-to-read biography about the famous little woman who was told she could never be a missionary and then went on to see lives transformed in China by the Gospel message she determinedly carried forth!

(I have read this one at least three of four times now! Her story never ceases to inspire me!)

A true delight to read! Inspiring, encouraging, and full of fun within its pages!

Currently I am reading:

This is the book I always wanted to write, but never did! I feel like it contains stories, experiences, and lessons from the Lord that came right out of my own life! Rarely have I found such a "kindred spirit" author in the literary world. Truly edifying!

Lovebirds Take Flight

Well, today Katelin and Nathan flew the coop! They are off to Colorado for a few weeks with Nathan's family over Christmas, and then it's on to Ukraine in January to make a new home for themselves on the mission field to which God has called them. While we will certainly miss Katelin's cheery presence in our midst, it is comforting to know that she is fulfilling God's purposes for her life and starting an exciting new chapter alongside her husband!

I thought you all might enjoy seeing some pictures from their first month as a married couple.

This picture was taken in front of their cozy little cabin near Branson, Missouri, where they spent a few days of their honeymoon.

They are getting quite good at self-portraits!

They are also getting quite good at their new favorite pastime: kissing! And they love to demonstrate for anyone who cares to watch. :-)

Lovin' being in love.

After their return from their honeymoon, there were mountains of presents and cards to be opened!

Smile for the camera!

Kissing for the camera...again...

Sitting in the pile of tissue paper.

At American Chinese Fellowship, Katelin and Nathan gave a talk about guy/girl relationships from a Christian perspective, mainly speaking from their own personal story, interspersed with pictures and Biblical commentary. The ACF group wanted to bless them with an actual wedding cake to commemorate the happy occasion. It was especially meaningful since Katelin had chosen not go with the traditional wedding cake at her reception, voting instead for ice-cream sundaes. This way, she got the best of both worlds!

What would cake eating be without getting some icing on each other's face???

So long, Lovebirds! We'll miss you!

Glimpses of Our Snow Day!

"Outside the snow is falling..."

Beautiful.

Shivering with a smile! (Please notice the snow-covered palm tree in the background.)

You've heard the phrase, "Stop and smell the roses?" Well, how about "Stop and taste the roses!"

Yes, we still have roses in December.

Almost enough for a snow-ball fight!

Snow-dusting...a rare sight!

Snow Outside My Window

It's a cozy Friday morning.

Delicious smells are wafting from the kitchen. Beautiful Christmas music plays softly in the background.

Best of all, snow is falling outside. Yes, snow. Here. In Houston! At Christmas time! Every few minutes, I have to run to the window just to drink in this glorious sight.

Maybe it's hard for you northern readers to understand the delight of seeing snow. You probably see more of it than you would wish. But for us southerners who live in the semi-tropics, snow is a miracle! Especially at Christmas time. :-)

It's been snowing lightly on and off all morning, but right now, at this very minute, there are thick flakes falling fast and furiously! Maybe, just maybe, as the temperature drops throughout the day, it will even stick to the ground.

Oh, wait! It is sticking! Nice little piles are starting to build up on the plants and fences outside. This is so cool!

Thank You, Lord, for the unexpected delight of a snowy day!

Eric Ludy has done it again!

All I can say is, "Wow."

You've got to hear this sermon clip from Eric Ludy. What powerful truth!

The Older Sister's Perspective

A lot of people have expressed genuine concern towards me over these last several months about the fact that my younger sister would be getting married first. Many have assumed that this must be a hard thing for me to experience, and while of course I'd be happy for my sister, surely I must be feeling a bit sad for the single state I find myself in, wondering when in the world my turn will come!

I would like to take the opportunity in this blog post to set the record straight. Watching Katelin go through the beautiful journey of courtship, blooming love, engagement, and now marriage has been a tremendous joy. I have been so delighted for her and Nathan as God has been scripting their love story, there just hasn't been any room for sorrow or self-pity!

And as an older sister, I have been especially thrilled to get to watch my younger sister go first in something for once and be the "guinea pig" from whom I can learn! By being second in line, I have received the privilege of observing her experience, my parents' reactions, courtship conversations, wedding preparations, and more, all the while making mental notes about what I would and would not like to do the same if it's ever in God's plan for me to marry. Katelin has been a great example.

It is by the grace of God that I can truly say that I am content and, yes, even grateful for this season of singleness that I am walking in right now. Marriage to a Godly man who loves the Lord is definitely a gift to be cherished and received with deep appreciation from God. But I would suggest that singleness is also a precious gift to be received with equal appreciation and used to the fullest for the glory of Jesus Christ.

As God's Word says, "The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit." (1 Cor. 7:34) This season of singleness offers so much opportunity for developing a close relationship with the Lord as the foundation for my future...whatever it may hold. There is also a great deal of freedom and availability to engage in missionary work both locally and abroad that will not be the same if/when a husband and children come along. I am so grateful for the opportunities to travel and share the Gospel in foreign countries, to minister to busy mothers in my own backyard, to work at Care Net Pregnancy Center, and lead Bible study for young Chinese girls...among many other activities in life. Truly, this season of singleness is proving to be a wonderful adventure with Jesus that I am loving!

So...for all those of you who have been wondering about me lately...wondering how I've been holding up in the midst of Katelin's exciting times...wondering if I am pining away over my "tragic" state of singleness...you can stop wondering. :-) Rest assured that all is well. There is no need for pity in my direction. Because of the all-sufficient grace of my God, He and I continue to walk this road together and the journey is truly full of joy.

"Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forever more." Psalm 16:11