Giving thanks with a grateful heart

John with my great-nephew, JJ. Two pretty sweet boys right here!

My kids are funny. I like that John is fully involved in a cackle here.

The fam. Oh, my word...I am one blessed woman!

Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16

NOTE: I wrote this while away from any internet connection last week.

I know it has been forever since I updated this. The pace of life in America has taken me a bit by surprise, and I have yet to feel that my life is somewhat organized. But I promised myself I would write at least one blog while on vacation and post it when I return, so here I am, early Wednesday morning, sitting on the dock with my Bible, this notebook and pen, and a rather strong cup of coffee. We are in east Texas at my sister and brother-in-law's lake house. We came in from Florida (via a speaking engagement in Alabama on Sunday) on Monday afternoon, and the rest of the family came in last night. Sarah Beth arrived late last night with her cousin, Katie, who drove her down from Tulsa. Now we are all here, ready to enjoy some time together. There will be games, bonfires and roasted marshmallows, and lots and lots of fishing.

We have spent a good part of the last few weeks traveling. We took Hannah home to Oklahoma for Marc's 20th college reunion. I have to be honest--that kind of thing never really enticed me much, which is surprising, because I loved college. But I'm so glad we went back. What a great time we had--seeing old friends, showing Hannah the campus, seeing some of our kids from Moscow. It confirmed for me something I'd really thought about as my kids got older--the importance of a Christian education. So much of who I am and what I believe was formed and shaped by my OBU experience. Don't get me wrong--I'm very proud of my degree from UF. However, I could not have done the giant, 4-year state university at 18. OBU was perfect for me. JBU is the perfect place for Sarah Beth. Wherever the other two wind up, I pray it will be at a Christian university, where Godly men and women can influence them in the same way those at OBU influenced me.

We left Saturday for Dothan, Alabama, where we spent the night before speaking at FBC Headland, Alabama, on Sunday morning. The real treat for us in Dothan was seeing our friends, Barb and Troy, and their kids. They came in from their home in Graceville, Florida, and spent the afternoon and early evening with us. What a blessing it is to spend time with precious friends we haven't seen since July, 2007. A lot has happened in the lives of both families, but the fellowship hasn't changed a bit. It amazes me how God brings people together to encourage and renew each other...just one more reminder of His faithfulness.

As for the future--everyone's question of late--we're still headed back to Europe. We think it looks like next summer/early fall. And we don't know where, yet. (Yes, that IS making me a little nutty!) What I appreciate about that, though, is that the indecision is based on not only what is best for our team, but what is best for our family, particularly our kids. We are praying only that God would guide our supervisor as he makes decisions, and that He would prepare our hearts for wherever our next home might be. I will tell you this--we have certainly prayed over whether or not we should return. We honestly looked at whether God was calling us here or there. And I can say without a doubt that He is calling us back to Europe. We have had enough confirmation of that from enough different sources that we are not questioning our next step at all.

So that's the blog from the dock. The wind is starting to really pick up, and my paper is not longer cooperating, so that's my cue to end. I am looking forward to a great day with people I really love. That's a great deal to be thankful for in and of itself. And when I think that it's only one blessing in a life showered with blessings...well, that's enough to leave me speechless. Wherever you are in the world, I pray that you are counting your many blessings, and that your husband just sat down next to you with a fishing pole, too. Blessings to you and yours!

His,
Kellye