November and December is always a time of reflection for us. Every year we intentionally dedicate a special time to the Lord. This year we decided to fast from media, in our home, during the entire month of November.
If you have ever done a fast from anything, you will learn quickly how much those things have control over your life.
During the A.M., instead of turning on CNN during our morning coffee, we spent that time reading the Psalms and Proverbs. In the evenings we did our normal routine of eating dinner as a family, giving Gracelynn a bath, and reading to her before putting her to bed. After Gracelynn is a sleep we spent the rest of the evening reading the word to each other, praying, worshiping, reflecting, and giving space for God to speak to us. We always ended and started our day with reading and praying Deuteronomy 6:1-11.
Deuteronomy 6:1-11 has become the center piece, a life verse that our family lives by. I would encourage you to read and a pray that over your life each morning and evening. Let it center you and focus you on Jesus.
During that time God gave us clarity and confirmation of the ministry ahead.
A Few Highlights of November
- A month of prayer and fasting :: dedicating our dreams, hopes, and lives to the Lord
- We had our first Thanksgiving as a family
- Nicholas spoke at Sarang Community Church International Service for Thanksgiving
- Jessica found a mother group and has started play dates with other mothers and kids
Not only do we continue to serve and build relationship at our local church. God has opened opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel with student, families, and others outside the church. Recently, through facebook, Jessica has found other mothers and they started a mothers group. The group is made up of mothers from Korea, America, Canada, and Italy. They have met a few times so far and we have invited them and their spouse over for Christmas Eve Party along with some international from church.
Its always a sprint to the end of year starting after Thanksgiving. Our weekends filled up quick with my 32nd birthday and numerous skype dates every week with family until Christmas. Last weekend I had another oppritunity to preach. I spoke about “Emmanuel and How God’s promise to be with us no matter the circumstance.
Christmas weekend will be full of parties, church services, and family time. On top of all that Kim Jung Il, the North Korean leader just recently died and there is tension in this region of the world.
A Few December Highlights
- Nicholas Celebrated his 32nd Birthday
- The school year is ending and we a preparing for our first winter family mission trip to Southeast Asia
- Preparing a Huge Christmas Party for some of our international and local friends and family
- Celebrating our First Christmas as a family! Gracelynn presents are wrapped
- Tensions have arise as the North Korean Leader, Kim Jung il died this past Saturday
Merry Christmas to you, too! Your daughter is gorgeous. We’ll definitely be praying for the situation in Korea.