As we wrap up 2023, we wanted to share a few highlights and give thanks for all God has done. This was a historic year, since all three kids are now in middle and high school. Dylan is a senior, Heidi is a sophomore, and Abby is in 7th grade.
My associate pastor role at Immanuel Baptist Church allows me to lead ministerial staff, mentor interns, do pastoral counseling, train Bible Study Community directors, and teach Sunday School. In July, I had the privilege of joining a missions team to Athens and taught several theology lessons to refugee pastors from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Congo. Here’s an update from the rest of the family…
Natalie: This year we saw the Lord answer many of our prayers. He allowed each of us to enjoy deepening friendships. We saw our children grow in their faith. I was able to be productive in the home and mentor several ladies in the summer while the rest of the family traveled far and wide. Stephen started a Bible Study Community for median adults in August, and we have seen relationships grow in that class. They bring such joy to me because they are deep thinkers, asking such good (and hard!) questions and spurring one another to love and good deeds. We praise God for these and many other answers to prayer.
Dylan: Hello, this year was a fantastic year of friends and fun. This was an extra special year for me, because I turned eighteen years old. I am still practicing martial arts; this year, I focused a little more on kickboxing. I continue to learn about computers. I decided that I am going to pursue a career in cybersecurity. This summer, Heidi and I traveled to northern California for camp and a missions trip. One of the big things we learned at camp was how important it is to encourage one another, because we are made in the image of God. During our missions trip, we were able to practice servant leadership as we helped a church put on VBS. I also started one-on-one discipleship with a mentor this year, and I have been reading Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. This has been a very special year.
Heidi: I turned 15 this year and have been continuing my training in ballet and in my walk with God. I was able to perform in a spring show in May, and also in Inland Dance Theater’s production of the Nutcracker earlier this month. My roles were the Snow dance and Waltz of the Flowers. This year, I was able to go to two Christian camps with our youth group (one in winter and one in summer). Directly after summer camp, I went with a smaller group of the youth on a missions trip to help a small church in Northern California with their VBS. It was one of the highlights of the year because I grew my social skills, my relationships with the youth, and my relationship with God.
Abby: This past year has been a good one. In May, our family took a five-day cruise to Cabo San Lucas, followed closely by a day trip to Knotts Berry Farm. In July, the children from our church went to summer camp for one week. I grew my friendship with my friends, and grew my relationship with the LORD. This past Thanksgiving, we went on a trip to Oklahoma to visit our grandparents. I hope you all are having a great year too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pinch Of Clay 