Jo's 28th Birthday!

What a great day it was for my 28th birthday! Great, because of the Lord's gift to me in my sweet, sweet husband!

I awoke this morning at 5am to the raspy tune of "Happy Birthday" bellowing from Dustin. (I will spare you a morning picture...and I don't have one).

Then I ran off to be a teacher and had birthday gifts (including chocolate) and sweet notes on my board from my students. Then I left for a doctor's appointment at 1:30pm, which was great because I got to have a half day at work!!

I picked Dustin up and we went to our appointment (which was very encouraging by the way). After the appointment, since we were a good boy and girl, instead of a lollypop, we treated ourselves to some Starbucks (sorry Josh) made possible by a gift-card from my sweet Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Spence! The Pumpkin Spice Frappaccino was good...but not as good as The Corner Perk's in Bluffton, SC (shout out for my brother's famous and best coffee shop. I have to say that, because I always feel guilty walking into a chain coffee shop! But in all fairness, we do live 6 hours away!)

After coffee and getting home, Dustin surprised me with a hunt for presents throughout the house. It was so fun playing "hot and cold!"

And, though to many it might seem minimal...he couldn't have gotten me more perfect presents.

First, the love letter...my favorite!

Second, books that couldn't have been more perfect for our current situation. Truly, the Lord blessed me with a spiritual leader.

Third, a Cd Player and Tape Adaptor (ya, so I'm still in the 90's, so what!!! My car is OLD...but it's paid off!!). So now, I can listen to Scripture and good music on my hour long commute to work!! (No offense Christian radio station...but you aren't very good!)

And finally, he bought me Cheaper by the Dozen 2 which I was thrilled for, because I've wanted it for about two years.

Back story: When Dustin and I were married, he told me he wanted 12 kids...so I needed some inspiration! haha But, really because I love family, big families, and we want to have a big family, Lord willing, one day (maybe not 12 kids...don't freak out moms and dads)...so it makes me all gooey inside to watch! So, as soon as I opened all my presents we watched my new movie!! Although, after watching it, I do think the first Cheaper by the Dozen is much better, but it's still cute.

So, simple, but great. I am very easy to please! Tomorrow will be our date night out. Dustin said he planned something for us to do. He asked me out on a date! Woo Hoo. Far more in love with him now, than even when he asked to pursue me, Oct. 14, 2004...8 years ago! 

And my hairy kiddos have been super sweet too...Love eyes mean "Happy Birthday" mom!

(Daphne had her eyes open until the flash blinded her!!)

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! It was a wonderful day. I pray the Lord blesses me (and Dustin) with many more!

It's Been A Long Time...

Hello friends!

So, it has been a long time since I've written on here. Pretty much 'cause we've been so busy. Here's the run down:

1. Dustin made it back from Honduras! If you were still waiting to know if he arrived safely!

2. I started a full time teaching position, teaching 8th and 11th Grade English and AP Language and Composition (woo!). It's been a tough transition back to work, but I love the students, school, and staff!

3. Dustin started his own handyman business. It is called Creation Handyman Services, LLC. and he is doing great! Though he was almost shot one day and almost fell off a 40 foot roof another! But he made it!

4. We welcomed our new niece into the world on August 4, 2012. Baby Ellie Grace! And got to spend time with our Colorado family in Hilton Head...so fun!

5. We are heading on a cruise in less than two weeks with our closest friends to Jamaica and Cayman Island! WOO HOO! Definitely in need of rest together...me and the hubs!

That's life in a nut shell. I have been working 11 hours days (because of my drive time to work) that I have not touched this blog!

We love you and pray you have a great Fall Season! We'll be in touch! You can check out our pictures on Facebook for updated photos!

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

As the saying goes. After nine days of being without my beloved and six more to go, I think I can honestly agree with that saying! With Dustin in Honduras, with very little communication possible (except for the occasional e-mail), my heart feels like it will explode for him. We have a saying we tell often tell each other. It goes, "I love you more today than I did yesterday." Well, my dear Dustin..."I love you more today than I did yesterday!" Ready for you to come home, but praying for God to do incredible work in you and the missions team while you're away. 


A couple of insights the Lord is teaching me while we are apart. First, I am overflowing with thankfulness for the Christ-centered, sacrificial marriage I am blessed to be in. There is nothing much sweeter on this earth (besides our Savior) than a Godly, vulnerable, trusting, intimate, best friend, marriage. It is a way that we can show the Gospel. how God loves his children...through the sacrificial love and faithfulness of a forever covenant (i.e., Jesus' love for his bride, the Church). Dustin and I get to emulate such love through our marriage. With divorce and cultural marriage "woes" ruining this Gospel proclamation, I am so thankful the Lord has called Dustin and I to the task of fighting for marriages that magnify His love and good news. Secondly, I realize in these times apart (which seldom happen 'cause we love to do things together) just how much Dustin and I are one-flesh. The Lord has woven us together and when he is not with me I truly feel as if part of me is missing. This man--who when he proposed handed me a rose and said, "This rose is a symbol of my heart. I have one heart to give...I give it to you"--has truly stolen, forever, my heart. It is his and his is mine. And finally, a not-so-sentimental insight...I have an insomnia problem when Dustin is not sleeping beside me. Sorry Ike, Daphne, and Baxter (our dogs and cat)...you just aren't as snuggly. 


Hurry home my love...I am ready to have my heart back (and I'm ready to sleep again! haha). Please join me in praying for Dustin and the Rowland Springs Church team in Honduras. I did find out that my little bro, Daniel, recorded Dustin's first preaching gig! Oh, I can't wait to hear my hubby...I mean my Preacher Man. 


So...it is late, again. I will now try to read until I can't keep my eyes open. Please, Lord...a good night's sleep. 

Gone Fish'n

Dustin and I spent a super fun Friday date day together before embarking on our 15 days of separation for teacher training and missions (read the previous blog if you are confused). Friday morning we woke up early to see if the fishes were biting! Borrowing our friends' boat, we headed out on the beautiful lake to dangle the bait...















Mr. Fisherman throws the bait...

 To catch an teeny, tiny BASS

Then Mrs. Fisherman throws in her line to catch a giant, massive BASS

And then another giant bass is caught by ME! (Dustin was helping me put bait on the entire time...so unfair advantage with my line in the water longer!)

Here are all our fishes!!!

Our vessel...

Dustin doing the dirty job...cause I just think it is gross to chop off their heads and scrape off their scales! Ewwww (But, Dustin looks like he is having fun). On a side note, it was about 105 degrees that day! We were so hot and burnt!

After getting cleaned up...which took a while. We drove about 30 minutes to the Drive-in Movie Theater! How fun!! We saw Spider Man and Men in Black 3. Such a great time. When we got there we realized we should have brought cards since we had about two hours before the movie started (had to get a good parking space). 

So, we went to the nearest gas station looking for a pack of cards. We bought cards but in order to spend at least $5, which was the minimum to use your Debit card...we bought a LOT of candy! So, after parking the truck, we played corn hole...Dustin won (but only by a few points...it was neck and neck!). And then we played a new card game that we were taught by our friends. And THEN we ate so much candy we gave ourselves tummy aches!

What a GREAT night we had! I am so thankful our dates just keep getting better and better...after almost 10 years of dating!

Fifteen Days!!! Day ONE

Here I sit in my hotel room...all alone. I feel like singing "All by myself...don't wanna be...all by myself...no no no."After three glorious weeks of Dusty poo (that's my affectionate name for him, well that, or sugar lips) and me hanging out together the time of fun must be put on a 15 DAY hold! Yuk! 

This is my "NOOoooo, don't leave me all alone" face!

Getting this amazing teaching job came with it the requirement to go to Charlotte for a week of AP English training/workshop. The week is this week, Sunday through Friday. Fortunately, I get home Friday because that is the day Dustin leaves for his 10 day Honduras mission trip. Unfortunately, his plane takes off before I walk in the door of home sweet home, into his arms! 


So, I will be all by myself this week in a hotel until Friday and then I come home to...two puppy dogs and a kitty cat. Yes, they're snuggly but I would rather my hunky man. We are hopeful that when he returns home on July 22nd, we will be going to Hilton Head soon after for Miss Ellie's arrival (my sister's second baby girl to be born soon). 


So, for your enjoyment here are today's highlights:

• Slept for two hours last night because of so much strange hotel noise (really this morning from 4:00-6:00am)
• Got lost for 30 minutes on my way to class...yes, I walked in 30 minutes late
• Yawned at least 55 times in class
• Probably failed the AP Writing portion of the exam because I was too tired to put sentences together (good news is it wasn't really graded...just for fun)
• Got lost for 30 minutes coming home...ya, I know you would think I learned the first time!
• Ate free boneless chicken wings for dinner at the hotel while watching "The Prince and Me"...really a pretty good movie
• Planned to go to the pool but it is going to thunderstorm
• And now going to get buff in the gym because I just can't read or write anymore today!

So, pray I sleep better tonight...not used to being "All by myself..." (Sorry, I won't' start singing again).

Here's to day number one!

I am AMAZED!

Bottom line: I am in amazement at my God! This is my SONG this morning...

Psalm 118:13-16  

¹³ I was pushed back and about to fall,

    but the Lord helped me.
¹⁴ The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has become my salvation.

¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory
    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”

God has Heard and Answered Our Prayers

On June 12th before we were let go from Converting Hearts, I prayed in my prayer journal for the Lord to help us because we were burdened and exhausted with the way our crazy life schedules were ruling our weeks! I wrote in my journal, "Lord, you know the desires of my heart...(I am exhausted) so my dream for us for the next five years or so (while finishing school) would be for me to work from home writing and managing (organizing) our home. I would write for magazines, finish my book, speak and teach, and counsel at the church. Dustin would work from home also as a furniture maker. We would do family and marriage counseling together. Lord, I love Converting Hearts, but I don't only want to focus on addictions. Help us to listen to you and trust you as we take some "next steps" with our future plans. Lord, please bless our marriage with many years and much service for your Kingdom. Please give us clear direction!"

Now, today on July 2nd...just a few weeks after that plea for help from the Lord to make changes for us and relieve burdens, He has amazed us with His provision!!

1. He took us out of our burdensome (but wonderful) job positions
2. He gave us a month to enjoy incredible time together and with "neglected" friends!
3. He is sending Dustin on a mission trip to Honduras (stress-free) to preach his first sermon!
4. He is allowing Dustin to begin a longtime passion to start a furniture making and handyman business (that wherever the Lord sends us for ministry could help financially)
5. He has delivered a PERFECT job to me*
6. He has shown Himself once again so REAL and Loving...He always provides and does what is best (though at times hard) for His children. 
7. Now because of our current financial situation, Dustin could qualify for a scholarship that pays his entire school tuition this next year!

*Why My New Job is Perfect...this is pretty GOD cool!

I will begin on August 7th as a teacher at Grace Christian School. Many of you know that I used to be a teacher in Charleston for 8th-12th grade for English, Bible, and Drama. I loved, loved it! Many of you also know that I am finishing a book called, The Beautification Process. It is written to young women, high school to 20 somethings, to prepare them for true intimacy and devotion with their Savior King! Dustin said to me the other day that he absolutely would want for me to find a teaching job if possible...first, because he says the Lord blessed me with that ability and I thrive in that role, and secondly, because I have become clouded with my book/passions and need to refocus by being around high schoolers. My desire is to be a preventative counselor too, not just counsel people already broken by sin and marriages/families falling apart (however that is awesome to be a part of too). I would love to share with them the message of flourishing in Christ BEFORE they run to worldly "pleasures." So, the Lord has given me a new job that perfectly fits the direction Dustin and I are heading in...preventive/equipping counseling and seeing God raise up Godly marriages and families. He also answered by previous prayer for both Dustin and my jobs...He is now a handyman/furniture maker and I am teaching, writing, and counseling!!! Also, Dustin is spending the next year in an internship under one of our pastor's at our church (he gets credit for school too). The awesome thing is that our church is very aware of our desire to do more in family/marriage preventive & crisis counseling so that is most likely going to be Dustin's internship project...bringing our passion alive at our church!

I am about to jump out of my skin I am so excited to be used as a leader, teacher, mentor in these 8th-11th graders lives I get to teach. And that the school will give me the honor of being the school's counselor too...I will get to have a front row seat to the Lord transforming young people's lives for His glory! I am amazed!

Let alone, I don't start until the 7th of August so I can use the next month to help market/organize Dustin's new business, take care of home managing/organizing, write in my book, and spend some time with my family in Hilton Head when our second niece is born (I'm praying a week early since her due date is August 5th). God has provided for us through this trial in more ways then I could ever have imagined. And that He has shown us His steps clearly has been so exciting. We are on the most incredible adventure and I can't wait to see what comes in the days ahead.

A Look into the Future...

Every year on our anniversary (Dec. 30th) Dustin and I have a year end recap, talking about our greatest failures/accomplishments, trials/gifts (both are blessings), and what we hope for in the year ahead. We also give the passing year a theme and come up with one for the next year. Last year (2011) was the Year of Suffering. We dubbed 2012 the Year of Anticipation. We had a feeling God was going to do some mighty work...though we had no idea He had all this in His plans! WOW!

I stand Amazed!

Life Update...God's Been Busy

Good Saturday Morning!

It is HOT outside...105 degrees...WHEW! So, since we last updated you, the Lord has been so faithful to us. Thank you everyone for all of your love, support, and encouragement during this difficult time. We have been blown away with how many lunch, dinner, and coffee invites we have received; how many phone calls, cards, and e-mails; how many offers of assistance for finances, jobs, and materials. We have been truly blessed by our Christian family! So, thank you.

Now, two weeks later, we rejoice in that the Lord knows what He is doing in our lives! We still don't agree with certain aspects of this situation, but we do know that God has a purpose for us to start something new and He is in perfect control because He loves us. We have so much peace and are very excited for the adventure ahead! So, for His glory, we share:

The Update

The Lord gave us two work opportunities to help pay the bills! First, Dustin built a deck with a couple friends. Second, we were Food Lion Promotional Models...we gave away free groceries to a neighborhood to promote Food Lion's my essentials products and were filmed while doing it. We made $400 in 6 hours working together!

Dustin will begin his own business for handyman work. So, he will be doing work like: landscape, deck and shed building, laying tile or hardwoods, painting, replacing siding on houses...pretty much anything that fixes something broken or makes something look better (nothing structural)! He will also be starting his furniture making business which will include restoring old pieces. Those of you from afar already putting in orders, we need to figure out how to ship or deliver the furniture before we can take any orders!! haha For now, he will be making items upon request. First one to request...ME! I need bookshelves, two side tables, a dinning room table, and a shed in the backyard! haha He has to build his portfolio, right!? We already have a couple other requests, too! It will be amazing seeing Dustin do something he loves, is very talented at doing, and gives him flexibility to finish school (in the next two years) and get more involved with our amazing church, North Wake. No business name yet for the handyman work...anyone have some ideas? Best name wins. As for the furniture company, I am still pushing for, what I think is the best name. Business name will be DUSTY, with the tag line, "Rustic Wood Design and Restoration." I think it is quite catchy and everyone seems to agree. Dustin is getting there.

What will I be doing?? I have landed an amazing job with a Christian school nearby. I will officially sign the contract next week, so I just need to sign the dotted line. I will be the 8th and 11th grade English teacher. I will also have one period set aside each day open for students to come to me for counseling! Pretty awesome! I will keep you posted about this great job and ministry. God provided an incredible job in two weeks!

What we've been up to?

Well, besides the countless hours job hunting and staring at this computer, we have been playing in the yard and hanging out together and with many friends! All is great, except that I have an incredible amount of poison ivy all over my body, a heat rash on my tummy, and strange itchy things on my foot (not poison ivy). And Dustin has chiggers! We are a mess! But for today...I think we might just go fishing! (Or maybe tomorrow...today might be TOO hot!)

We will keep you updated...and thank you for your prayers. There is more to share, but I'll leave that for another day!

BLESSINGS!

God is Good...All the Time!

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
    or sit in the seat of mockers.  

 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
    Whatever he does prospers. 

 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

It has been a very difficult, yet beautiful week and this Psalm has been one that the Lord has used to minister to my soul. Dustin and I both loved our positions with Converting Hearts Ministries, but the Lord had other plans. Last Wednesday (at 4pm), we were both let go from CHM! We now find ourselves jobless...both of us...which is something neither of us has ever experienced. It targets the pride, your feelings of worth, and fills you broken heart with many confusing thoughts. Especially since this was the ministry the Lord so clearly laid on our hearts to raise support and risk everything to work for! (We gave up great jobs and took less pay to work more hours!) Why would He want us there for only 6 months, see many lives changed (families restored), use our gifts for His Kingdom...and then poof! we're done there? First the fog hit, but now we are beginning to see more clearly about what the Lord may be up to and it is so exciting to follow in the adventure of the Lord's steps. I'll try to give you the mini version of what happened (to be blog friendly), what the Lord is doing, and how you can pray for us!

The Reason

Because God said so! haha Well, in a nut shell...Reason one (1) Dustin's job was a beast! He was over social enterprise (farming, carpentry, whatever brought money into the ministry), operations (over housing facilities and vehicles and the budgets for both), and counseled 12 men in the residential addictions program per week. Needless to say, his job was really a three man show...he needed to invest about 60-70 hours a week (seriously) to make it happen)! With full time seminary on top of that, being small group leaders, and a little wifey to love, he was overwhelmed and anxious often. Our boss knew he was very stressed in his role and knew with two years left of school he had no way of working 60-70 hours per week. Reason two (2) Our boss knew Dustin and my passion is for marriage and family ministry. Also that Dustin wants to be a pastor one day. He told us our future plans were going on a different path than our roles at CHM and he wanted people on staff who wanted to passionately pursue a career with addictions ministry. Reason three (3) Summer months are hard for a non-profit ministry. We had raised $15,000 to begin working at CHM and they had told us they would fulfill the rest we needed for the year. However, the $15,000 we raised runs out July 13th. The ministry did not want to invest any money into us, so they will pay us through the 13th. 

Why KJ was let go...Really, bottom line is that we are married and though we were doing completely different jobs and didn't see each other but for staff meetings, our boss thought it would be best for us to leave from our current roles together. It was very hard for me because I loved my job...and because I had just talked to him the week before about my job going full time in the very near future (like in a month). I turned in my full time job proposal the Monday before we were "let go." As the Director of Women's Ministry, the women's program (non-residential counseling, monthly meetings, support group, etc.) was booming. Also helping with marketing and writing...I was absolutely taken by surprise. They offered me a sub-contracting position (to be paid to write, counsel, and teach "per gig"), but for many reasons, I declined. 

What the Lord is Doing?!

There is much more to this situation...we don't agree with how we were let go...but we believe that our God is completely in control so this must be His best to make us most like Christ and for His glory (Rom. 8:28-30). Kinda like..."No use crying over spilled Milk." Or the biblical version...“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isa. 43:18-20). God has given us some glorious time! For the last three years (since we to moved to seminary) we have been so busy and stressed with school, work, and ministry. Now, we have a few weeks to get needed work done around the house, spend time with friends and family, and just rest with the Lord and each other. We have said probably 100 times over the last five days to each other..."Wow, it is so wonderful hanging out with you all day." We are best friends and this has been a wonderful time of "vacationing" at home with each other and relying completely on the Lord. We know God is teaching us to completely trust Him and what it looks like to balance work and rest (we have been stressed for too long). And He has given us the gift of time right now...to rest with each other!

For the last three years Dustin has worked full time while going to school full time...amongst many other leadership responsibilities. I don't know how he did it all! He gave me the gift of working part-time so I could focus on school and taking care of our home. Well, since I am about done with school and Dustin has two years left, we thought with this new re-arranging of our lives should also come a change in the way we've been doing things. We decided, since the Lord hasn't blessed us yet with little babies, I will go to work full time and let him work part-time and focus on finishing school. I am so excited about giving him this opportunity because he is the hardest worker I have ever seen! With the stress of school off my back, it is perfect for me to work more to help him! YAY...God's timing!

Prayer for Us 

To find jobs!  Obviously, in all this resting and house work together a frenzy of job hunting comes with it! We have until the 13th of July before our paychecks cease. Right now, Dustin is hoping to begin working with a buddy as a handyman (something he greatly enjoys and already helped build a deck last Friday) and is thinking about starting his own furniture making business (he is very talented!). I told him he should name it "Dusty Furniture!" haha He laughed, but I don't think he knew I was serious! I think it's catchy!? Me and jobs, well...whatever I can find that is full time and pays the bills! In the pipeline right now is possibly teaching again, being a journalist reporter for the local news station (haha), technical writing, and my favorite, working again for the seminary (there may be a job opening coming soon!!). 

Pray for us to glorify the Lord with our thoughts, words, and actions during this difficult time. 

And pray that the Lord would provide and we will constantly trust in Him.

...don't know what you're up to God, but I sure love your guidance for those who follow you!...

Is Marriage Worth Fighting For?

At Converting Hearts, Dustin and I work with so many hurting men and women...broken marriages and nearly destroyed families. We have a passion to fight for these marriages because our marriages, filled with the grace of God, are one of the most beautiful pictures for the lost world to see the Gospel. If Christian marriages are filled with sin and divorce, the lost world will see divorce and brokenness when someone begins talking about the love of Christ for his Bride, the Church. When we talk about God's faithfulness, they will immediately see the unfaithfulness of His followers. Yes, Dustin and I believe there is so much joy in a marriage that is founded on Christ, but it is not just the companionship we are after. The reason we help couples fight for horrible marriages to be glorious and hope-filled is because our Creator God's Name is at stake. We fight because we believe the battlefield for Godly marriage and family is the most deliberate fight tactic Satan in using to see the Name of God tarnished (ruined) in those who are lost.

So our plea...don't settle for an okay marriage and don't give up on a terrible marriage...FIGHT to have a marriage that glorifies God Almighty and is a display of the grace and Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians are called to be a witness to the nations, so that the lost call on the Name of this Almighty God that moves in such incredible ways through His people. And if you need help because your marriage is hurting, seek help from your church and a biblical counselor to help carry this burden. Don't give up...never give up...more than your happiness is at stake--fight for the Gospel and the eternity of many who are lost. Fight for a Christ-centered, flourishing and fulfilling marriage, and proclaim the Gospel loudly through it!



Some more thoughts:
Divorce in current American culture is not only practiced, but sought after as a simple solution to marital woes. Counselor, Jay Adams appropriately conveys the concept of divorce as unbiblical; therefore, he instructs Christians to do all they can to understand it and to teach what God, and his Word, says about it. Adams states, unlike marriage, divorce is a human institution; for God in his perfection designed marriage to be permanent.

The very opening words of Scripture, lay the foundation for God’s design of marriage: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24, NIV). Jesus utterly condemns divorce as contrary to the divine institution of marriage held at creation (e.g., Matt. 19:6). As theologian John Murray puts it, “Divorce is the breaking of a seal which has been engraven by the hand of God.”

Marriage is a covenant (Prov. 2:16-17; Mal. 2:14); it is defined as a sacred bond between a man and a woman established by and publicly entered into before God; as “an agreement that a faithful person would not break even if the partner to whom that person is in covenant breaks the stipulations of the covenant.”

The New Covenant established by Christ with his church, in the mind of the Paul (Eph. 5:22-33) was a permanent relationship created by a redemptive act of love when Christ “gave himself up for it he might sanctify, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, it he might present the church to himself a glorious church.” This is the model marriage is to form after, even though imperfect at times.

Do you call yourself a Christian...are you LIVING like one?

These videos were shared with me and I have been watching them with a conviction for me to start living like a Christian. Also, I just finished reading for the 2nd time the book by David Platt, Radical. So, if you are anything like me, I thought you also would be challenged by them!

We live in America in luxury and comfort...even when barely making enough to pay the bills!! We call ourselves Christians, but live more as moral citizens of this grand land called the U.S. of A! When are we going to be sold-out for our God and His Kingdom? Has He called you to live for more than you are living? Your job, your location, your purpose, your ministry, are you serving others or only yourself...Are you living for God or really only yourself?

I know He has called Dustin and me to give our whole life, yet my heart rebels against dying to my own desires and comforts. I love my comforts...love them! He has called us to live a radical life for Him. Really not radical, but because most Christians don't live the Christian life as described in the Bible, we see those Christians who do give it all for the Lord as extreme. Will you obey? Or will you live this life for yourself and then happily waltz into Heaven, because after all you said a prayer and walked the aisle. Salvation means radical abandonment from self and the ways of this world! God saved us for more...saved us to live for Him! He purchased us and we belong to Him and His work...which is true joy! We need the grace of the Lord for every moment of life. To be near His presence and be filled by His power to accomplish the work He has for us...to be His ambassadors. Watch this video and for more videos like it, visit this site. And may the Lord give us a renewed passion to give our lives to see more come to know Him as Savior and LORD!

Life at the FARM...We're a Working Team

So, one thing we failed to mention on here is that we are both officially working at Converting Hearts Ministries. With many loving and sacrificial donations from family, friends, and churches, and CHM, we are officially on staff. However, the failure to mention is that we have been working now for about a month!

Here's what we're doing:
Dustin is the Director of Operations and Social Enterprise; developing the social enterprise component of the ministry through a farm, carpentry, and other self-sustaining projects used to teach the men biblical lessons through hard work illustrations. He will be a counselor to both men and their families, and teach and preach during weekly Bible studies.

I joined Dustin as a counselor for marriages/families and also counsel wives as the Director of Ladies' Ministry. I am also the magazine and seminary coordinator (more like executive editor), for the quarterly magazine, G-360 (Gospel 360). Together we will teach a marriage and family biblical foundations class starting sometime in March or April.

While we are working with CHM we will continue our schooling (which, praise the Lord I only have one more semester to go...Dustin has about 2 years!); lead our small group (not small at about 22 people!); serve as individual, group, and marriage counselors with our church’s Hope Counseling Center; and K.J. will be actively involved in women’s ministry through writing and teaching as she finishes her first book, The Beautification Process.

We think of ourselves as a couple-saint; we are unified as a team in ministry. God has placed heavily on our hearts the need for solid teaching and biblical counsel that calls individuals and families to actively live for their Creator.

If you want to read about how the Lord worked in getting us to this ministry go to:
From Wreckage to Restored.

Photo Card

Takes Two Cocoa Wedding Save the Date

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Officially a Zoo!

It was all Dustin's idea!!! I promise!!!

Here he is...this face that bleeds, "I see a cute and cuddly creature and can't say no!"Dustin called on Monday and gave me the ultimatum. There was a kitty at the Converting Hearts farm and it was either to the pound or our HOUSE for him. He was a stray...we think! Well, having two dogs already, I was not in the market for another pet...even as sweet as a kitty. So reluctantly after Dustin assured me this was "his dream kitty because he was so sweet" I said, "OK...we'll see how it goes!"

After this little boy amazed us in one days with...eating about two pounds of food already, learning to use his litter box, making friends with the dogs, purring non-stop (even while getting a BATH!), and sitting in our laps...We add to our family of four (two with paws)...another set of paws. Baxter, the boy kitty. We weren't sure how the puppies would do with him. But, besides Ike screeching like a little girl when Baxter raised his paw to hit him, they seem to be becoming fast friends.

Since he was a stray cat, my dad referred to him as the HOBO Cat. So He's name is offically (named by Dustin) Baxter "HoBo" Nally. Here is our newest furry family member.

Where Baxter likes to sit...currently where he is while I'm writing this!! haha

Tiger stripes match Daphers!!! All the kiddos wanted a piece of the new kitty toys!

Baxter's Motor Never Stops!!!

And finally...I think they will be great friends!

Thoughts on Childbirth...ya, a little random, I know!

I have never had a baby so I'm not speaking out of personal insight here...but one of my best friends just did on Tuesday (actually twins)! My sister, my friends, my cousin, my mom (obviously..hehe) all had babies. Babies everywhere! The word I'm hearing from all these ladies is: childbirth is quite painful!!! Why is this interesting to me right now, you ask? Well, I am editing a document for Converting Hearts on the Doctrine of Sin. Deep. I mean it is...really deep.

Here's the title:

A Biblical explanation of Sin: The Prognosis and Diagnosis

Therefore, while editing it hit me while thinking deeply theologically through the fall of man and God's curse to mankind: WHY God gave those specific curses to men and women? So here is what I amazingly gathered in my study (if you can follow).

Man was created distinct from the rest of creation—in the image of God. This identity gave him the freedom to serve God fully; to pursue work and rule over the created things (Gen. 1). Eden was governed by a couple general laws: (1) Adam was to rule over creation according to God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:26), (2) serve Yahweh (Gen. 2:15), and (3) reproduce other worshipers (Gen. 1:28). So bottom line was: Love God, rule over the created order, and make more worshipers.

Though Satan could not make Eve sin; he enticed her and challenged the strength of her allegiance to God and reliance upon Him.

He said, “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

More or less saying, "Did God really say..." And challenging God's trustworthiness.

The strength of Eve's allegiance and trust was present prior to this test and temptation, which could have been strengthened if she had passed the test. Therefore, neither God is to blame for Adam and Eve’s idolatry, nor Satan, though he did play a role; Adam and Eve had the ability to overcome sin through trusting their Creator God.

The curse: The punishment for man’s disobedience was a broken relationship between man and God; God’s perfectly created order on earth was handed over to Satan and death would reign. The curse to man was that cultivation or ruling over creation would be burdensome, as all harmony between creation was destroyed. For women, childbirth would be terribly painful and she would desire to reign over her husband.

So, then. Here are my deeply theological thoughts: The broken relationship between man and God was completely restored through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. And, through the Holy Spirit's (massive) help, we can even have harmonious relationships with other people (i.e., wives out there, we can even die to self...I'm saying, give up that control freak in you...and submit to your husband).

The Final DEEP Answer:
So, why childbirth? It seems that the curses given specially to men and women are to be a constant reminder of how far we fell in our treason against the perfect Creator and how high God lifted us to share in Jesus' inheritance...because he loves us He died in our place!

So, back to childbirth...Sure, not everyone experiences physical childbirth. But, at Creation, God commanded a one-flesh union to be fruitful and multiply...worshipers (because there was no sin in man...yet). (Side note: We can also multiply worshipers through discipleship--Matt. 28:18-20). Now, every time a baby is born through the pain of childbirth--something that would have been joyous of bringing a new worshiper in the world--is now painful because the child is full of sin and death. It is a brilliant reminder to every person on earth (because we've all been born) that we need the only One who can make us into a worshiper--Jesus Christ. Then, we can be born-again (sometimes just as painful for the spiritual parents as physical childbirth!).

The pain in childbirth should make you think of the Creation account, how God made redemption through Christ, and how trustworthy He is! AMEN!

Cool, huh! (If you caught any of those very very deep thoughts!)

P.S. I almost went searching on Google for a "childbirth" picture, but then got scared...not certain what would flash on this large screen. Since God gave us an imagination, just imagine childbirth. See, now you have a picture along with this post :)