Everyday Life

Today I am trying to acclimate myself to this new season of life... trying to figure out how I am going to remain an honorable wife to my husband and raise these precious boys and at the same time not fade into a world of matchbox cars and Clifford the Big Red Dog. I was just speaking to a dear friend this morning about how our minds as moms dull due to sleep deprivation and the constant decision making staying at home with children demands (ex. PB & J or cheese toast, re-clean the kitchen or pick up the living room~again, changing diapers or clothes, on someone- which one... or both!). I thought throughout the day about our conversation and about something I had examined before but am especially thankful for on a day like today. Amid life's changing seasons, God is never having to adapt to anything. He is as He has always been. The fact that I don't even have the mind to acknowledge Christ's sacrifice on my behalf doesn't lessen it's power to sustain and continually change my life. I am so thankful it doesn't depend on me. That in and of itself is holding me up today and giving me hope for tomorrow and the remaining seasons of my life.

Enough about me! The boys are doing great. I am so thankful Elijah is doing so well. He is already over 7 pounds! His official due date was yesterday (July 21) and he made sure I knew he is ready to enter the world. He has been more aware of his surroundings and eager for his voice to be heard! Andrew loves him so much. Micah and I are amazed at how easy a transition adding a new member of our family has been for Andrew.

Andrew starts his first week of VBS tomorrow!

Elijah Haddon Childs

On July 2, our sweet baby Elijah Haddon Childs was born. He made his way into the world at 9:22 a.m. weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces and was 19 inches long. We are all so thankful to God for giving him to us. His big brother, Andrew, is especially thankful for him and loves to touch his "little fingers" and "kiss his head". He cannot wait until Elijah is able to "play train table" with him.

Andrew With His Cast

It is amazing that for Andrew, something like a shoulder to arm cast can become a part of normal life so very quickly. He is doing so well adapting to having the only the use of his left hand. He doesn't complain about not being able to use it as well as his right, he just does the best he can. When we pray, we have always encouraged him to fold his hands. The first time we prayed after his accident, I (Tiffany) commented that he didn't have to fold his hands as he usually does thinking that it would be too difficult for him. Little did I know, my son was going to do what he found familiar and what was right and so he reached down and grabbed his fingers as best he could. Andrew's Orthopedist says children are the best to deal with when it comes to injuries. They seem to bounce back quickly and spend their energy adapting to their circumstances instead of complaining. Once again, God has taught me such a profound lesson through Andrew.

Even though it has been heart-wrenching to watch Andrew, especially in the beginning, in pain and having to struggle, I know he has been given a precious gift. God is teaching him perserverence, building his character, and ultmately giving him hope (Romans 5:3). We are so thankful, though, this accident wasn't worse than it was and that he is healing so quickly!

Request for Prayer

On May 15, we moved into a new home. We have been so blessed to have a place of our own with a backyard for Andrew and soon Elijah to play in.

Last night, on our stairs, Andrew fell and broke his arm. He was taken to Kosair Children's Hospital and had surgery at 1:15 a.m. The Orthopedic Surgeon placed two rods in his arm to repair the break and he is now in a cast that covers his entire right extremity. It is difficult to explain to a two-year-old why he can no longer use his arm or hand. It is also very difficult to see him in such pain. Please pray for him, and for us as we deal with this trial together.

Hopefully, I will be able to post pictures of our new home soon as well as Andrew sporting his new cast when he is feeling better.

Graduation!!!

Micah graduated cum laude on May 12, 2006 from Boyce College with a B.A in Biblical and Theological studies. He has worked so diligently for the last 5 years and we are so thankful he has completed his degree, especially while balancing jobs and family. Now, he can fully commit to his Masters Degree in his schoolwork. He will continue at Southern Seminary pursuing a Masters of Divinity in Pastor Counseling.

At the same time, Tiffany graduated from the Seminary Wives Institute with an Advanced Certificate in Ministry Studies.















It was a God-glorifying ceremony that brought to mind all the ways God has sustained us these past five years here in Louisville. The graduating class and guests concluded the time together singing a hymn written for the first commencement of the Seminary in 1860 by Basil Manly, Jr., Soldiers of Christ, in Truth Arrayed. It's poignant verses point toward our work here on earth sharing the gospel. The charge is humbling and profoundly appropriate as we move from this chapter of our lives to the next.

We were thankful to have Micah's family with us for the celebration. Andrew enjoyed having so much attention!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Reflections on Parenting

One of my (Tiffany) favorite books is Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas. I am not a very good reader, but I was able to read this book slowly and contemplatively and was driven to remember much of what it said so I could recall it every day. So much of it has changed the way I consider the task of parenting. I have been amazed at how God gave me, not just any child, but the child I need to raise in Andrew. I see so many glimpses of myself in him, especially when it comes to his frustrations. I wonder how many times I have argued, kicked, and screamed, sure that my way was the best way while God in His perfect patience stood close and urged me toward self-control, sumbission, and repentance. At the end of tantrums, I pray I can show patience toward Andrew and he can find peace in obedience and am thankful that God is always patient with me.

Andrew loves to sit in the rocking chair. He and I sit and read a lot- and talk about the new addition to our family. His baby brother Elijah will be born in the next couple of months! He is so excited about baby "I-jah"~ as are Micah and I. I can't help but wonder what God has in store for me in giving us another precious little boy.

Around our neighborhood...

Andrew has been riding his tricycle around our home. He is headed for the Tour de France for sure~ if he can just master the pedals.

In our neighborhood, there are more dandelions than we have ever seen. There are some areas where there is no grass at all- just dandelions. They spread so quickly and vigoriously. We pray we can be as diligent in planting seeds around us as these little plants.

Now to give credit where credit is due-

Joy in the Journey - Michael Card (1994)

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born in the Spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in time
And weary of struggling with sin

Forget not the hope that's before you
And never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

Easter 2006

On our first blog, it is so appropriate that Easter was just yesterday and it was our first opportunity to wear new clothes for new pictures.

Micah has been preaching from the book of Colossians at the church he pastors in Bagdad, KY. A few Sundays ago, he preached from Colossians 3:10 and encouraged us to put on our new clothes; as we now are made completely new in Christ. Yesterday was the day all of that was put into prespective and the weight of the opportunity to shed our "old"clothes and be risen with Christ was made evident as we worshiped God for sending Jesus.

As for where we are at this point in life- There are so many new things happening. I hope this blog gives you a glimpse into the life of our family as it unfolds even to us ~ As we find joy in our journey.