Coram Deo Pres...

is her name.  The church plant's name that is.

My husband has an impeccable memory...sometimes. Once in a while he affectionately reminds me of something I said like 7 million years ago and in perfect detail.  Most times its stuff I forgot for good reason. I said some pretty lame things at the ripe old age of 20 and forgetfulness helps me maintain some level of self respect. Ha!  So we were talking the other day about the church plant and how he is beginning to realize his dream of being a pastor.  And by dream I mean calling and by calling I mean that when we were kids he asked that God make him anything but a pastor and send him anywhere but Africa.

Turns out God called Chad to the pastorate after all, just not in Africa. 

It IS, however, in Fair Oaks and we are really happy with that. 

Anyway, his memory recalled a conversation from our early years that went something like, "Hey Min, I'd really love to serve God by being a pastor" to which I replied, "I did NOT sign up to be a pastor's wife!"  

That's right.  I was hugely encouraging and supportive of the notion.

By God's grace we've both grown up a bit since then. Chad remembers less (in the best ways) and I am happy to be a pastor's wife. Truly. I realize its not the same as well equipped, but I am happy.  In fact, I can't imagine being anywhere but by his side no matter his calling or where it takes him.

This is a hugely exciting time in the Hertzell House though not without its challenges.  What does uprooting for church planting look like for a family with teenagers who are very cozy in the community they grew up in?  What about their friends, their routine, their fabulous school? What about my friends and my coffee shop (the one that is a lot like Cheers in that they greet me by name when I walk in)?? All these questions whiz around in my head at dizzying speed until I stop and recall the promises of the One who gave his life that I might have life abundantly.  Jesus, my savior, my redeemer.  Sometimes its a verse we've all heard reminding me His yoke is easy and His burden is light - Matthew 11:28-30.  Other times its the one where I say with Jehoshaphat "I do not know what to do but my eyes are on You" - II Chronicles 20:12.  But always the peace of God's is round and about me as he daily demonstrates His care over all of us with his tender ways, whether a text message from someone who is praying or a clear pointer in a new direction. 


Chad and I were overjoyed to launch the church plant last night with a great group of people who came out to begin the book study about marriage, "What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage" by Paul Tripp.  It was a great beginning and we look forward to building on what we pray will be many years serving God at Coram Deo Presbyterian Church.

College Bound

We made it to Chattanooga.  The boys by way of Persephone and 2500+ miles. Me? Southwest.

Tomorrow we move our boy into the dorms and Saturday at noon we have to say our farewells. 

Chad and I will be travelling immediately to Savannah, Georgia. This will supposedly take my mind off the fact that I am going home empty handed.  

How must Hannah have felt that day she walked her Samuel to the tabernacle where Eli was priest?  She submitted to the vow she made to give him back to the Lord but oh how her heart must have ached.  

I wish I understood Autism better...

So far, my practical experience tells me its not unlike raising a small child except that its an adult that I am learning this from.  The same types of limits have to be set, just over and over again.  Reassurances and constant affirmation are necessary.

It seems that the kitchen is an excellent place to help my friend feel accomplished and proud of himself.  He LOVES to bake and is thrilled to stir whatever is in the pot.  He has been mostly an 8 year old boy this week; shy, unsure and self conscious. However, the weekend was a bright spot for him as he spent his first mini vacation in Tahoe. The snow sent him through the roof!  His excitement was contagious and we all laughed over and over at his exclamations of  "SNOW! I SNOW"!! He'd never been before.

Today, he asked me if it's true that if you are suffering then thats how you know you are doing the right thing and a blessing is about to come (a theory of some folks who weren't very nice to him). For someone who's whole life has been one never ending trial, the kind of trial that makes Job's look easy, he should have received many mansions and the greatest of riches by now.  At any rate he doesn't think that theory is logical.  He said, "It no make sense to me.  I not in trial when God brought Foo and Fooette to me and that my blessing."

Funny...I was the one feeling blessed.

Nursing School Applicant

Yep. Thats me.  After 5 years of working and waiting, today I was able to apply. It reminded me of all those early mornings standing at the edge of the pool , shivering, trying to build up the courage to dive in.  Today is the part when you just do it...stretch your arms around into the closed "v" above your head and dive.  Anticipation, then splash!  I'm in and the water is warm.  Phew!

She's the wife of a preacher man...

*I wrote this right after Chad received liscensure in the PCA to preach.  Not sure why I didn't post it then.  I was, and am, so very proud of him.*

I know the song says something about being the son of a preacher man but I am claiming artistic license or whatever you call it. Probably, I should pay royalties. Still its true.  Today,  Im the wife of a preacher man. Sort of.  Though, its really no different than two days ago when he was still preaching, just not licensed  in our denomination.  Either way I am so proud of him.  He studied hard, tested well and answered boldly to all the questions he was asked.  I keep waiting for someone to say, "um, 'scuse me...Chad, your license is revoked until you get a handle on your wife!" Ha!

There's a measure of exposure that makes me feel... well, exposed.  There's no such thing as autonomy and forget sharing deep dark secrets with anyone. If that's how I feel how must Chad feel?!?  Reflecting on how God has prepared us for this time I can't help but acknowledge his perfect ingenuity.  Every circumstance has prepared my heart a little better and given me a broader perspective. He's always good that way.  I look forward to what God has in store for us and am confident he will equip me to do what seems utterly out of my skill set.

Milestones...

When I brought Sam home from the hospital, at approximately 18 hours old, I never even thought about 18 years later.  Then he turned like...11 and its all I could think about!  The regular refrain was  "Holy cow! When is this madness going to be over???" Now, he's mostly charming and mostly 18.  Well, 17 and a couple months anyway.  I like to pretend I'm stoic and impervious to the hormonal tidal wave of the average mom but I'm just not.  Every attempt at processing his departure triggers whatever brain part that pushes the tears to the surface.  When did he get here? Where was I while he inched his way to manhood? Here, I guess.  Anxious for the next milestone instead of savoring the one he was just in.

Tomorrow he meets with the Captain of the ROTC program for his scholarship interview.  This is the game changer.  This makes it real.  Oh please God, don't let me cry.

Whining...

is a little like vomiting in that you get the gross out but the after taste...blech!


So how about a little "wow" by way of God's thoughtfulness instead:


1.  He made apples.  And they are delicious.  He could have made one variety with just one color but instead he made: Golden Delicious and Fuji, Red Delicious and Jona-gold.  How about Honeycrisp and Macintosh,  Braeburn, Granny Smith and even Gravenstein?!?  Those are all great, but to kick it up a notch he made APPLE CIDER DONUTS!! That was really nice of him.  


2.  Today I was able to purchase Emily's first homecoming dress for the outstanding price of...FREE!  Yes, free.  She found a PERFECT dress on clearance (she could have picked the $60 one) and a matching bracelet-also on clearance-AND I had a store credit! After the purchase I still have $8! Very generous of God to orchestrate that one. 


3. Did you know that he created us to have cells in our bodies that already recognize an intruder before its actually been exposed to it? A cellular army at the ready to protect our bodies as soon as a "bad bug" finds its way in.  And the best part is, once its in and our cells recognize it, they MEMORIZE it and the next time it tries to attack, our cellular army annihilates it---before we even feel sick!  Incredible. 


4. He gave us laughter.  Last night I laughed so hard I woke up hoarse.  I love when that happens.  Its good to be joyful.  


So now that I have listed just a couple of the things that have blessed my life today I feel a little less stressed and my bronchioles can chill from all the hyperventilating.   Look it up.  :)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  

James 1:17

Oh how thankful I am for that.  He just never changes, no matter how much I do.

Gotta run.  I have an exam Monday...to the study cave Batman!