Moving forward...

We are back from the holidays in NY where we spend time with friends and family. We are so blessed by the deep friendships we enjoy...despite the miles that separate. Since being back we have accepted that Wilmington is indeed HOME, and that we are more excited than ever about what God will do through Crosswinds Church.

We were challenged last week at Port City Community Church to pick ONE WORD for the new year (check out http://www.myoneword.org/) . One word on which we will focus our thoughts and efforts, ALL YEAR. It's been an interesting process for all of us to reflect and examine. As a family we've shared together what words we've thought about. The confession of weakness, in itself, has been valuable...and overwhelming. I'm praying that God will impress the word He wants for me....I think MY list is up to about 20 or so.

We'd appreciate your prayers as we try to sort out our housing options. We hope to lease a new place, a townhouse closer to where the church will be, but we're waiting to hear back from the owner. We think that two contracts came in on the same day. The plan was to be out of this apartment by Jan 24th, but we'll have to see how it all works out. Again, we trust that the Lord will work out the details if he wants us in that neighborhood. And if not...He knows best, and he'll provide as He always has.

Crosswinds Church has secured commerical space in Leland and will be "moving in" at the beginning of February. We are excited about the coming months; Mark will be busy as he works to prepare the building AND juggle schoolwork, family, and work. We are most excited about the people who will become part of what is happening at CW. Would you pray with us that "CROSS-eyed" people would join the CW team? That our impact would be multiplied? That our focus would be a God inspired vision?

We are humbled again...and greatly inadequate for the task ahead. Thank you for holding us in prayer and for your continued encouragement. You are precious to us!

1/9 P.S. We did get the townhouse!!!! Thanks for your prayers!

December in Wilmington

John, hangin' with the surfin reindeer

Lizzie, getting to know shopaholic reindeer

It's been a time of adjustment to experience such mild weather in the middle of winter. Last week, Wilmington's temperature reached in to the 70s!!! I almost had to turn on the AC, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. We "suffered" with the apartment temp at 79 degrees.

Today for our anniversary, Mark treated me to a special dinner at a restaurant on the beach. It is a beautiful day... the making of a memory :) We are thankful for the 12 years we've shared together and for the adventures that lie ahead of us. God has indeed been good to us.

Thankful that HE knows

Hey friends,

Just a quick update on what's happening here. We ended up putting the purchase offer in on the foreclosed home and found out within hours that two other offers had come in. We had until Monday to submit our 'highest and best' offer. After a few phone calls to get perspective and advice, we humbly submitted the offer and prayed that if they Lord wanted us to be there, in that neighborhood, in that house, then he would work out the details. Our realtor's advice "Don't get too attached..." So here we are...Thursday...and have learned that the bank accepted a different offer. The initial disappointment has been replaced by peace that God knows best. He knows what the bigger picture looks like. He knows our needs as a family. He knows what neighborhood would be a good fit for us. He knows what will happen with the economic situation. He knows the timing. He knows our deep down desires ...mine, Mark's, John's and Lizzie's. I am so thankful that I can trust in the LORD, that He knows all these things (and so much more) and that I do not have to rely upon my own knowledge or power or resources. I can rest in Him....that HE knows best.

Opportunities

We enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving in Conway, SC where Mike and Suz put on quite a spread and shared their warm hospitality. The day was beautiful...60+ degrees! It just didn't seem right to celebrate in the warm weather (but we were still thankful for it :)). John loved it and played football in the backyard. The next day we drove to Jacksonville/Amelia Island FL where we shared time with the Kamienskis...a relaxing and fun time. Lizzie and I (Mark and John, too) enjoyed getting to know the "trips," helped with feeding and dressing the babies...and just loved on them. Their lives are a miracle, but their routine, and "system" was amazing to me. I thought 3 babies would be chaos, but everyone was sweet and stayed ON SCHEDULE! On Saturday we eased into the day, played football on the beach, and enjoyed the fellowship. These are moment that memories are made of....

This week we have returned to our routine here in Wilmington. We have been house hunting, as our lease is up on Feb 1. We saw several homes last week and have put a purchase offer in today on a foreclosed home. Knowing the market is not getting better, we bid really, really, low. We are hopeful, but are not afraid to walk away if it's not a great deal. We're praying that God would make it clear....it's definitely in His Hands. Honestly, we feel at peace waiting on God's timing and the opportunities He presents to us. Please pray that we see God's plan clearly and that we surrender our own "wants" in order to be in the center of His will. Here's a photo of the potential-new-home. Does it remind you of our home on Benjamin Road? Yeah...us too. Just lacking the 14 acres...this lot is .3 acres!

Crosswinds Church has been progressing. This week we served a meal at a local elementary school as a way to thank them for their service to the community. It was well received and we look forward to connecting with others in the community of Leland. We will be meeting a potential worship leader this Sunday. Our facility plan is coming together and we are close to signing the lease for commercial space in Leland. We're still planning on a February 22nd launch. It's an exciting time and are so glad that you are a part of the journey with us. (psst...Crosswinds has a Christmas wishlist...if you'd like to contribute a tangible gift that will help get our church "off the ground" please let us know and we'd be glad to email it to you. Everything from diapers, to cleaning supplies, to coffeemakers, and children's puzzles.... )

We hope to catch up with many of you when we're 'home' at the end of the month. We'd love the opportunity to sit together over a cup of coffee and catch up on what is happening in your lives. And as always, you are welcome to visit in the warm south :) We love you and are blessed to have such great friends...keep emailing or calling! We love to hear from you!