A New Beginning ...

"When God calls you, He doesn't call you for who you are now, but for who you're going to be in Him and for what you'll do for Him ... When God calls you, He will equip you." --David Sharpton

I love that God calls us to join Him in His work ... that He gives us things to accomplish, a purpose and calling in life. And I'm so glad that it's not about me and who I am, but it's about Him and what He will accomplish through me, if only I will allow Him. There is so much peace in serving a sovereign God who loves me and guides me.

Jeff and I are at an amazing time in our lives. Not only are we blessed with a fantastic marriage, two beautiful children, and a rewarding ministry, God has given us a fresh purpose. Jeff and I have always been great friends, enjoying being around each other. As far back as I can remember in our relationship, we've wanted to work together -- to own a business of some kind that would allow us to work as a team. Well, it appears that God is opening that door for us! Over posts in the future, I'll be chronicling our journey to open our own business. It's been in the works for a few months, and I want to start recording the events that God has orchestrated in leading us to this point and beyond.

There's plenty more to come in the future, but here are a few details. We are opening a coffeehouse! The picture at the beginning of this post is the building we believe will be its home in downtown Commerce. The name?

The Copper Pot Coffeehouse

True Love

True Love
by Phil Wickham

"Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave his only son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Father's broken heart
Tears were filling heaven's eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, the day that true love died

Search your heart, you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the father's broken heart
Tears were filling heaven's eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, the day that true love died

Now Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
oh He is alive
He rose again!

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, the day that true love died"

College/Singles Winter Retreat 2009

Over the holiday weekend, the college/singles ministry in our church went on a retreat in Tennessee. It was incredible! We had an amazing time of praise and worship, several different speakers (including Jeff!) and lots of fun. As tradition wonderfully requires, we made a visit to The Old Mill for lunch one day.

Riding go-karts in Pigeon Forge.


Getting ready for Praise and Worship in one of the cabins.


Tara singing while Adam and Eli accompanied on guitar. She blew us away!


This is a view from the tram while ascending the mountain. The little town down there is Gatlinburg. We were on our way up to go ice skating.


Yay! We got snow! Naturally, only on our way home. But it was beautiful anyway.

New Spectacles

The Eye Doctor

Kaity is way overdue for an eye exam, so we walked up to the eye doctor's office today. That's one of the joys of living near downtown -- everything is so close! It's an easy walk, too, maybe 1/4 of a mile. The dentist is just over a mile away, and I don't think I would have attempted that today, it was so windy and chilly. Joe, the child who can't sit still for longer than five seconds and who runs everywhere he goes, says, "But I can't WALK so FAR!" Then he proceeds to run half the way. *Sigh*

Anyway, Kaity's nearsightedness has gotten worse, no surprise! During her exam, the doctor asked her to identify the letters (you know the drill) and Joe started calling them out! I quickly stopped him, but I had no idea he knew his alphabet well enough to do that.

I'll be sure to post pictures next week after Kaity gets her new glasses -- she's so cute!

The Twelfth Day of Christmas -- Ha!

Really, this is the last Christmas post! But I had to put up the pictures from our visit to Mom and Berk's house. (Seriously, I HAD to. Mom used some distinctly threatening language.)

Here's a great example of family togetherness, 21st century style! Mom was on Facebook playing WordTwist against Aunt Cindy, Uncle Donnie, Uncle Michael and Stuart. Jeff was on Facebook, too ... sending instant messages to Mom in order to mess up her game!


Here's Jeff helping Mom get dinner on the table.


Berk had to work on Christmas Day, so we waited until he got home to eat. Mom baked a ham and made lots of yummy sides.




I wish I had a better picture of Kaity! She's due for new glasses -- these keep sliding down her nose, making her look like a little old lady. She had just gotten out of the tub and I hadn't combed her hair yet. But she's still adorable, and Mom and Joe are too cute!

Christmas at Nannie and Papa's

I love being able to celebrate Christmas more than once! There's always a family gathering to look forward to the next week, the next day, whenever. Christmas Eve, we spent the day over at Ken and Cheryl's house. Jason, Paige, and their kids, and Joe's wife Jennifer were all there. We really had a good time eating too much and laughing and catching up on the goings on in everyone's lives. (To Joe: We missed you and we pray for you often!)

A fairly recent picture of Jeff's twin brother Joe, currently serving our country in Iraq.


Little Joe bonding with his cousin, Joel, and his sister. Yes, Kaity's under there somewhere!


Cheryl, Jennifer, and Jeff looking at pictures on Jenn's laptop.


Kaity, Joe, and Joel in the playroom.


Sarah Elizabeth -- look at all that cuteness!


Jacob, playing footsies with Aunt Jeni!


Jeff's older brother, Jason, terrorizing Joseph.

Ralston Get-Together

I'm woefully behind in my posting -- as my mother is quick to remind me! You'd think she's anxious to see pictures of her grandchildren. Well, for her and for you, I have a special bonus -- not just Kaity and Joe, but several adorable children! Last week, we had a rare get-together with the Ralston side of my family. My cousin Marc, his wife Shelley, and their children, Quinn and Alexis along with Mom, Berk, me and my kids, and Stuart with his youngest son, McKinney all met at Grandma Ralston's house in Thomson. (Rali was sick and stayed with his other grandmother for the day.) So, without further ado, here are some pictures of one good-lookin' family!