Proud Wife

This past Sunday through Wednesday Will preached his first revival in Lauderdale County, TN. The church was Mt. Vernon Baptist Church just near Halls, TN (where Will's grandparents and family live). I was able to go up on Sunday night and hear him preach Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. Of course I think he's great, but the Lord really did use Will to teach me so much this week about our mission as followers of Christ, my role in the Body of Christ, making much of Christ, and discipling the next generation. I'm so thankful that God gave him this opportunity, and the congregation was such a precious group of people.

Since it was close to Will's Nanny and Papa's house, we were able to spend time with them and stay at their house at night. I've found that I really love certain things about the country...such as knowing everyone that lives near you, growing yummy veggies and fruits just out your back door, laying in the hammock and hearing the birds sing and the wind blowing through the trees (instead of speeding cars and police sirens), hanging the laundry out on the line, and beautiful scenery. All of this made me grateful in a new way for God's creation and praise Him for who He is and all He has made!

Hearing the Heartbeat for the 1st Time

Update on Baby McKay:

Progress: 10 weeks

Size: Prune (1.5 inches long)

Development: Bones and cartilage are forming, small indentations on the legs are developing into knees and ankles. The arms (and elbows) can flex already; stomach is producing digestive juices; tooth buds are forming under the gums.

Symptoms: Still no sickness or nausea! Praise the Lord!

Highlight of the Week: Tuesday was our appointment to see if we could hear the heartbeat. The doctor prepared me that for some it is still too early, so expectations weren't too high. Honestly, I get a little nervous before the appointments, so I turned in my Bible to Matthew 6:25-34 about not being anxious for anything but to instead seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness. I also read Psalm 139 - which is truly amazing reading it now that I am pregnant! I kept reading along in Psalms and highlighted Psalm 143:8 "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I trust." I'm trusting that each day (moment) and this baby is in God's hands. So on to the doctor - after bloodwork and vitals checked it was time to search for a heartbeat. Will was standing right beside me, and after a few minutes we heard a faint beat...then it was so clear, loud, and fast! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! It was astonishing!! Will and I couldn't stop grinning at each other, and we can't wait to hear it again!

How we shared our news with the students...

After we shared with family and close friends, we thought of how we could share with the students. Dnow weekend was coming up, and I thought it would be fun to go to a few of the homes of the girls I have known the longest (about 5-6 years). These girls are so special to me! Here's how we told at one of the homes...

We're having a baby!!!

I can't believe it's true! The first question people ask me as soon as they find out is: "How are you feeling?" My answer, "A little tired at the end of the day, but no sickness yet." Praise the Lord for no sickness! But my truthful answer should be, "Excited, nervous, cautious...is this real?!"

Will and I have been praying for years for God's perfect timing in starting our family, and He has answered our prayer. I know that life is a miracle, and that "children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward" (Psalm 127:3). I'm so thankful that the Lord is growing this tiny one inside of me, and I pray that he continues to do so.

I guess this blog's purpose will begin changing too. Before it was just my random musings (who wants to read that?! ha!), and now I would like to use it to chronicle our journey as parents and the growth of baby McKay. :)

So far...

• Progress: 9 weeks
• Size: Green olive (we've been calling him/her olive this week)
• Development: Head is straightening out; ears are more prominent (hope the baby has my tiny ears); the liver, spleen, and gallbladder are forming.
• Symptoms: tiredness, but no sickness at all yet! Yea!
• Highlight of the week: We went to our 1st doctor's visit last week, so it made everything feel more "official." :) She also told us our estimated due date (EDD): September 30th

(I'm about a week late in posting this. We wanted to tell all family and friends before posting anything.)

Signs of Spring

These little lovelies began blooming in my yard this weekend. Which means...

Spring is almost here!!!

It's been a year...

Last February I started a blog for our girls ministry to encourage, share God's Word, talk about girl culture, post music, highlight students and how they are impacting the world, share prayer requests, and so much more. (It is the main reason this blog does not get updated more often!)

I have so many ideas that run through my head of what to feature/post, but many times I wonder, "Will everyone else enjoy reading this? Are teenage girls interested in this?" I would love for you to take a look and if you have suggestions of what to feature in this coming year, I welcome any comments! So, here's a "Happy 1 Year Birthday" to the Bellevue Girls Ministry Blog!

The One Year Bible & Blogging

I'm reading again this year through the NIV One Year Chronological Bible, only this year we are reading together as entire church and student ministry. It has been really neat to all be on the same page and have the opportunity to learn, discuss, and grow together. To help the students hear what we are learning and also hear from them, the Student Ministry started a Student Blog here. Last week they asked me to say a little something on my thoughts from my reading that week. Below is my entry, and to see more from other staff members go to http://www.bellevuestudentsblog.org/.


So we are six weeks into reading the Bible chronologicall in a year. How are you doing so far? I'll be honest - I was a couple of days behind last week, and I started to become discouraged. Instead of throwing myself a "pity-party," I decided to pick my Bible back up and read the next entry. I'm so glad I did, because that day's reding was on God sending manna and quail in Exodus 16...

Remember that the Israelites just witnessed God send the plagues, divide the Red Sea, and deliver them from the harsh hand of Pharoah. They are a mere six weeks into their journey now (about as far as we are too), but they forget what they were saved from, and the entire community begins complaining...a lot. They want water and food, and despite their grumbling and complaining, God is gracious and merciful.

God says to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God." (Exodus 16:11-12)

What do we see about God from these verses?

• God hears us. He hears our every word and thought (Psalm 139:1-4). This truth can at times be comforting or convicting.
• God is our Provider, Jehovah-Jireh. When the Israelites left Egypt, they were in a situation where God had to intervene. They could not survive without God. In each situation, God proved to be faithful.
• God wants us to know Him and rely on Him. Why did the Israelites have to gather manna every day? Couldn't they gather enough in one day for the entire week? (Exodus 16:19-20) Just as the Israelites had to daily gather bread to feed their physical body, we must gather "bread" to feed our spiritual body (Matt. 4:4; Matt. 6:11).

Although I missed a couple of day's readings in my Bible, God reminded me that it is a privilege to sit at His feet each day, praying and reading His Word. I cannot survive without Him, and I need His guidance and provision each day. Be encouraged! God is faithful, true, Provider, gracious, merciful, and longs to meet with you each day.

Have you gathered your "bread" today?

~Jennie