An Update on Our Lives

It's been a while since I posted anything on here, so I figured an update would be appropriate. This last year has been crazy between Eric getting promoted to working full-time for the church as, not just the Youth Pastor, but the assistant Pastor, and the adjustment to life with a little one.

Our sweet baby Alethia was born on April 9, 2013. To us, she was absolutely perfect. It hasn't been easy to adjust to life with a baby, but through God's grace, he has led us all the way! That little one is now thirteen months old; it's hard to believe that it went so fast, but it's been exciting to see her grow and develop. She is a sweetie, but definitely has an sin nature (for sure). She is starting to test her limits and find out how far she can actually take her new-found independence: walking.

Eric and I celebrated our two-year anniversary. It's hard to believe that two years has passed since we've said our vows and said good-bye to the college extension church I had grown to love.

I still miss the people and friendships at First Baptist of Hartford, but am very thankful for the church where Eric and I have been placed. There is a lot of stretching and learning that has taken place over
the last two years, and I cannot possibly imagine being in another church at this point. Our youth group is doing well, and while not really growing in numbers, the enthusiasm and participation in the classroom has gone up a lot, especially in the last few months. Pray for our teens. We have many who have made professions of faith as children, and now seem to just be doing "the Christian thing" rather than developing a true and thriving relationship with Christ. We are severely lacking in the male leadership department. In our split sessions last summer Eric taught the teen boys about leadership, and had one of the Seniors tell him that he had absolutely no desire to be a leader. It's sad, since he was one in which we saw HUGE leadership potential, and his decision has adversely effected him in more ways than I think he is able to realize at this point. Pray for us as we try to lead and teach them the importance of following after God. It's not about following rules or having high personal standards (neither of which are bad), but they are all getting distracted from the main thing: getting to know Christ, and developing a personal relationship with him.

What have I been up to? I'm a stay at home mom who takes care of Alethia and supports Eric in the ministry. On the side, I have taken up photography as a hobby. Last summer, a college acquaintance of mine (who as a photography business) was upgrading her camera and selling her old one. Eric decided that it was good option to pursue, especially for the great deal we received for it. I received it last July and have been learning a lot about photography and lighting since then. I'm excited about what I am learning, and am hoping to be able to set up an actually business soon.

This summer we are hoping to put in a vegetable garden at our house and finish beautifying our flower garden. I love fresh vegetables and look forward to working with my hands this summer, even though it's hard work that takes a lot of patience and effort. We are also looking forward to spending time with my family in June, as all of my siblings, their spouses, and their children are all going to be convening at my parents house for a reunion. We won't be able to stay long, but it'll be good to see everyone (and meet my new niece). Later this summer we will be going on vacation to St. Louis. Eric and I are very excited about that one, and look forward to getting to spend a whole week together as a family without the pressures and stress of the church ministry.

Well, I suppose this a long enough update to keep you all occupied until next time.
Nadine