Summer 2008

I decided I had quite a few Andrew and Elijah fan club-friendly pictures to add to the blog. They have been busy this summer!

This is Andrew and his good friend Faith. Faith likes to dress him up like "Prince Charming".Andrew is very social and loves his friends. I think loyalty is going to be one of his best qualities.

Andrew has been learning to swim. He is really doing well...

Elijah is even doing well but prefers playing around the pool. He jumps to Micah and me fearlessly; just kind of falling happily into the water. He doesn't jump in unless someone is there to catch him, unlike my sister Amy if I remember correctly!!!

Elijah has been doing the funniest thing. I have been encouraging him to use words (now that he knows a few) to tell me what he wants instead of screaming "No!" or, well, just screaming. Instead, he has started acting out things that happen. For instance, the other evening he fell face first in the grass. I didn't see it happen, but he ran to me with a face full of dirt crying. After I asked him what happened, he laid down face first on the floor in front of me to demonstrate. The other people around me thought he was just hilarious, so he kept acting it out for them. He is quite a character!

Here are my boys with friends at a birthday celebration.

Book Review

Tonight, I finished reading the book Escape by Carolyn Jessop. It was a book Micah thought I would enjoy reading. I don't know if enjoy is the word I would use to describe my experience trying to understand the world of FLDS (the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints). I am however glad to have gained some insight on their beliefs as well as those of similar groups. There are two things that were most impressed upon me after finishing the book.

First of all, if a person doesn't see and know the true word of God, there are many many ways to be deceived. I was astounded at the bizarre doctrine that was neither questioned in the least let alone denied by the women in the group; even when it meant severe physical and emotional abuse for themselves as well as their children. I see how each person, from the earliest age is indoctrinated to not question, but still this fact was shocking even on a every-human, general-revelation level. Man can say anything, but God's words do not change and are consistent and true. Just as Eve was deceived, these women are continually deceived, buying into lies and deception to please their husbands enough so they will be allowed into "heaven".

The second is that even though Carolyn, the writer of the book, successfully escapes her abusive, polygamist lifestyle, she finds herself "not shopping for a new god" in the end. It made me very sad; knowing her vision of God has been severely skewed and leads her to a works based salvation. I would love for her to see the God of the Bible who seeks after her and works salvation in and through the finished work of Jesus Christ. She claims to know freedom, but there is no other lasting freedom than this.

Anytime I am made aware of children being abused, it breaks my heart. It always brings me to my knees, praying for mercy for those who are so small, they cannot defend themselves. It is something I think we all have to push out of out minds to find some level of comfort in the world, but the suffering is real and it happens constantly. This book made me deal with this reality head on; ending up in the same posture as before.

In contrast, I am teaching at Lagrange Baptist Church's VBS next week. I studied Jeremiah 36 and was further encouraged to take seriously God's words. I have also been attending a book study at church using Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Lies Women Believe and the Truth the Set Them Free, additionally instructing me to know the word. I guess assuming this is important is a gigantic understatement!!!

No More Stitches!!!

Rainy, stormy day... on the balcony to get some "outside" time.

Andrew's Head Injury Update, etc.

Andrew has been healing well. He goes to the doc today to have his stitches removed! It is amazing how quickly our bodies repair themselves, with the help of skilled docs through God's gracious general revelation:) Here he is with stitches and hopefully I can post soon with a picture of him with out them!
I had to include a picture of Elijah with his new friend, monkey. While we were on vacation, Micah found this monkey the same size and texture as "bear" and thought Elijah needed it. In fact, he needed it so badly, he squealed his tires to make it into the shopping center before they closed. This is very untypical of my husband!!! Nevertheless, monkey is the newest addition to our family and seems to be just as important as bear at this point!


I also have been doing more painting. I thought I would share my latest piece. I did this one for my mother-in-law. It is relaxing and much like good therapy to carefully and sometimes haphazardly put paint on a blank canvas~

Andrew and the ER

We have had company this past week. Micah's brother Matt and his wife Stacie arrived Saturday and stayed with us while they attended the "New Attitude" conference in downtown Louisville.

As the Lord would have it, we would need a couple of extra hands this past Monday evening. I have heard the phrase "You are going to bust your head wide open!" many times growing up and have adopted it myself in warning the boys about rough play and running/jumping/climbing in the house. Monday evening around 6:45, Andrew proved this saying can actually transcend words and become reality. He was running and hit a wall corner in our apartment and busted his head open! Thankfully, after visiting two ERs, consulting with four docs, his head was stitched up around 12:45 a.m.. Andrew was so brave. I remember when he broke his arm being astounded at his ability to stay calm and follow directions despite his pain and uncertainty. Micah and I both as well as the doctors throughout each of these instances have given him clear expectations of what was going to happen. He listens and trusts. It is very convicting for the adults to see a child do this better than they do sometimes! Thank you for your prayers for Andrew. He goes to see a facial surgeon on Monday to see how he is healing.
In every trial, there is so much to be thankful for- The fact that God saw us through it, that it wasn't worse than it was, there were doctors and nurses who knew just what to do to fix it, that Micah and I could be there for Andrew (as we watched a child being brought in from an accident separated from his mother and very frightened), and that Matt and Stacie were her to help care for Elijah. Blessings abound.

Good, Gracious Gift of Vacation

There are few things in this world more beautiful than the way waves crash on the shore, especially when illumined by the glow of a full moon. There are moments when joy is multiplied ten thousand times and spills over into contagious laughter. There is a quiet that calms a weary soul and brings peace where there was turmoil. There are friendships that God gives that will encourage in just the right ways. There are days when God's extravagant gifts are so evident a person would have to intentionally try to ignore them for them not to overwhelm a soul. There were all these elements in our vacation. It was completely undeserved rest from the everyday and we are so thankful for our time away. Interestingly enough, we were glad to get home where luxury doesn't prevent our faith from being tested more frequently:) More specifically...

Andrew loved the water and the beach.

Elijah loved the beach... not the water so much.

We had the privilege of taking all the kids putt-putting; a favorite Abernethy pastime. Here they all are in the van entertaining themselves!!!

And here are the boys sinking holes-in-well, whatever it took. We didn't keep score this time:)

The boys got to touch an alligator. He was quite docile!

Our last night at the beach was spent catching ghost crabs. You should have seen Andrew go after them with his pail!

Everyone celebrating with lots of ice cream.

Beautiful Sandestin, Florida

We arrived in Florida yesterday after about 12 hours of traveling. We had safety all the way! Today, and spent our first day on the beach. This is Andrew's second time at a beach and Elijah's first. Every time I am near the ocean, or in this case, the gulf, I am always overwhelmed at the vast and beautiful coastline. This beach is especially mesmerizing with the water's blue/green color against the white sand. The boys love the beach. It took them a while to enjoy jumping waves in the ocean, but they are warming up to it with appropriate respect. Playing in the sand is what they like the most.

We have had a great time with our friends, the Meyers. Our children have all had such a good time, although Andrew wasn't sure at all at first about all the "girl toys" they brought to share in the condo! Thankfully, beach toys are generic~

Happy Days

We recently traveled to NC to visit with family and celebrate Micah's 30th (yes, I said 3-0!!!). The trip was quick, but enjoyable. It was especially nice to drive in view of the beauty of a NC spring. The flowers, grass, and trees show God's glory and creativity in creation in a way that always awakens my sleepy, winter soul. The time with family was sweet, though brief. I want to take this opportunity to say hi to Ben- Micah's cousin and avid reader of Joy in Our Journey. It always humbles me to know you read our blog!

May 6th was Micah's actual 30th birthday. I am so thankful to have had 15 birthdays with him. I used to think it was cliche' to say that time goes by quickly, but these days I am in complete agreement. Here is the picture the boys included in their birthday card to him. It was their attempt to read Grudem's Systematic Theology. I love the look on their faces!

"Active" is the theme of their lives right now. Andrew loves his friends and brother. Elijah likes to emulate his brother and seems to have very little fear of heights (yikes!). These are pics of them playing at their new favorite place in Louisville called "Incredible Dave's".

Here they are at Tom Sawyer Park, a place we frequent often.

We are leaving Sunday for a much needed vacation thanks to some dear friends who are lending us their condo for the week. I will make sure to include pics from sunny (we hope:)) Florida next time.

Grace and peace to you all!

The best rest...

When I first moved out of my parent's house and went away to college, I was so excited! Anyone who knew me at that time knew I was terribly independent and ready to be on my own. There was something I missed after I left home and I remember identifying it quickly. I had a wonderful home to live in during college, but there was something about sleep in the bed I grew up in that made my rest the sweetest I have ever known. Now I am aware that children grow up in homes where family life is extremely volatile to say the least, but by God's grace, I felt safe at home.

Since I have been married, responsibility has changed me tremendously. There is a great difference between being a kid reliant on parents and being the parent... making sure the doors are locked at night, there are functioning smoke and CO2 detectors in the rooms, etc. I watch the boys though, as they barrel carefree through a day. When they play, they play hard. When they rest, they rest so peacefully. "Home" itself for us has changed over and over, as my past posts have stated. The uncertainties of where home will be in the future bring curiosity and much prayerful consideration. Even when I visit my parents home now, it is not the home of my youth and even though they are welcoming, I am a guest.

I am fairly certain that Isaac Watts may have shared the same sentiment when he wrote the final lines of "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need". This is a song I sang with my high school choir and one that has stuck. I have sung it to Andrew and Elijah many times. Its words inspired by Psalm 23 have always been moving, but here recently the last stanza has encouraged me toward acceptance of a deeper truth. I may have eluded to this before, but I am finding more and more that the Lord wants me to long for my eternal home more than the temporary, unsatisfying rest this world brings. Having grown up in safety, this is something I am having to be taught. The other portions of the song are also beautiful, giving me hope until I am like a "child at home" in my Father's house. I pray it is encouraging to you as well.

My Shepherd will supply my need:

Jehovah is His Name;

In pastures fresh He makes me feed,

Beside the living stream.

He brings my wandering spirit back

When I forsake His ways,

And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,

In paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death

Thy presence is my stay;

One word of Thy supporting breath

Drives all my fears away.

Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,

Doth still my table spread;

My cup with blessings overflows,

Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God

Attend me all my days;

O may Thy house be my abode,

And all my work be praise.

There would I find a settled rest,

While others go and come;

No more a stranger, nor a guest,

But like a child at home.

Moving and Anniversary

Before I talk about our move, I have to first acknowledge an important milestone in the Child's family. Our 10th wedding anniversary was March 1. Micah's mom and sister came up to keep the boys for us on Friday, February 29 and we had some extended time away (thank you, thank you, Nana and Aunt Mary!!!). We stayed one night on the Ohio river in downtown Louisville at the Galt House. We had a fabulous time. It has been fun over the past few days to reminisce. We have so much to be thankful for. I thought I would include some facts about the past 10 years for us, to refresh my memory and also to testify to how far the Lord has brought us in that time.

Our wedding was sweet~ We were surrounded by many family and friends, some of which are no longer on this earth with us, but enjoying being with Jesus. Do you know that when we were married, I was only 18 years old and Micah only 19? We were so young~ and I know others our age were wondering what we were thinking, but the Lord guided us to that place and time and we were sure we were to marry.

Our first apartment was in small downtown Statesville in a house that was divided in to four apartments. I think we paid $300 a month!!! It was small, and the heater was in the far end opposite of the bath so morning showers were really cold! Micah and I were students at Mitchell Community College. The thing I remember most about the school was the class Micah and I had together during the semester we married. It was strange leaving class the week before our wedding and returning after spring break as husband and wife!

From that point on, I think Micah has had 7 different jobs and I have had 5. We have moved 8 times. Micah's library has grown from about 15 books, to roughly 1300?!? We have taken hundreds of hours of college classes- Micah with the most of course. The Lord has given us pets to love on for a time and then two precious boys to fill our lives with more humility and joy. We have had one precious child go straight to the Father's arms. We have watched as the Lord drew us closer together as He drew us closer to Him. We have felt the Lord taking a hold of all we hold dear and teach us how to let go and trust Him. We have so much to be thankful for. We hope that in the coming years, we will grow all the more. We think we may make it at least to 60 years together- maybe even 70!

Now for an update on our moving. We officially sold our house on February 22, and in an ice storm, moved from Shelbyville back to Louisville. The Lord gave us much needed grace as we packed and unpacked. There was a moment when Micah and I both wanted a respite from adulthood, but we persevered! We had some incredible help from some guys from Chick-fil-a. They worked so diligently without any complaining. They were such an encouragement to me. We also were so thankful to have friends from our old church who came and rescued the boys and me in Shelbyville on our last day in our old house. We were truly blessed with kindness during the whole move.

The boys have really had to adjust to apartment living. We are so close to Micah's job and, well, everything! We have settled in, making sure to call this home as we wait on the Lord and His will for us from here. In the meantime, we are going to take advantage on our current situation and enjoy the pool and park nearby this summer. I am quick to call where ever we are for how ever long home, remembering the stuff is just stuff, but being together is what matters. Thank you all for your prayers!

Fun Packing

I was packing this morning, the boys helping, going through and putting away stuff. This quote has been hanging in Andrew's room since before he was born. He was named after Andrew Fuller, one of Micah's favorite pastors in history, and he and I wanted to share a bit of his life and ministry with him. We found this quote from one of his sermons and thought it such a sweet summation of the kind of life we desire for our little boy- and for Elijah as well. Little did I know that today, Rev. Fuller's words would bring me much encouragement. I thought I would share them with you as well as share a few pics of the boys playing, not with their toys, but with a box!

In your journey to the heavenly world,

you will have much to do,

much to oppose, and it may be,

much to suffer; but by a life of faith

on him in whom you first believed,

you will find strength equal to your day.

Duties will be pleasant,

temptations will be overcome, and the

sufferings of this present life will

work a far more exceeding and eternal

weight of glory.

The Great Question Answered

by Rev. Andrew Fuller

Birthday and Updates

First, a late HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!! (I write in caps so he can read it... he seems to recognize upper case letters better than lower case at this point:)). We had a wonderful trip to NC to visit family and have a party for his 4th birthday. He enjoyed getting to celebrate with family- something we out-of-towners don't get to do often. Here are a few highlights from the trip...

Here he is with his soccer cake!

And at the party with his cousin, Preston.

I also had to include this picture of the Christmas plate girls. We had a great time exchanging plates this year, adding Bethany and Amy to the tradition.

The boys had fun playing video games. Elijah is still content without change in the machine, but Andrew is catching on...

Here is everyone!

If you have even been in the middle of a time of transition, with questions about the future, what to do, when to do it, and how in the world it is all going to work out, this may be of some encouragement to you. Honestly, I really stink at being in these situations. I have come to the realization over and over again that I am a planner. I am okay with any outcome, I just want to know ahead of time so I know what I am dealing with.

This is why the last few months have been so difficult for me. God has once again reminded me that even though I am so arrogant think I could control all things and pave the way for myself, that job is better left in His hands. He must be trusted~ and as our youth minister recently reminded me, paints on a canvas much larger than I could ever see. The waiting has been sanctifying. He doesn't own me any more encouragement than to simply say, trust me. In our case right now though, His ways are so evident, my soul is increasingly, abundantly encouraged.

This past Saturday, we got an offer on our house in Shelbyville. It is an enormous answer to prayer given the housing market. The Lord has once again shown that He has ordered all things for our good. We also have a place to move from here near Micah's job in Louisville. There is much anticipation on our part as well as some of your parts as well when it comes to where we will go, if anywhere, from there. Thank you all for walking with us as we wait on the Lord for all those answers.