2010 Alphabet

Anna-Joy. Our eighteen month old sweet, smart girl is truly a joy.

Boulder,Colorado. We traveled there in August to meet a wonderful community of folks the Lord connected us with over 1. 5 years ago. The people at Pathway Fellowship have impacted us very deeply and we are extremely grateful for them.

Cut. John cut off his dreads after 5 (or 6?) years of friends and strangers saying "Hey, you know who you remind me of? Bob Marley!" they proudly exclaim. Geez! You know - we never thought of that!

Debt & Dave Ramsey. By the Lord's grace we have payed off some debt this year and are working on the rest. Some of these financial lessons have been difficult, but we are believing it will be worth it.

Eastwood. "Our" dog comes over to the cabin for occasional visits, but he mostly resides with Grandma now. He prefers her warm house and cookies and the company of her two dogs Max and Maude.

Folley Beach, Charleston. Anna-Joy really enjoyed our visit to Uncle Roy and Aunt Jenna and had a blast in the waves.

Grace. Our Father has been so gracious to us and has brought/ is bringing us up out of a very miry pit.

Home. We moved back in to the cabin in July after our second round of repairs. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful place as our home.

Insomnia. Thankfully this has lessened quite a bit as Anna-Joy has gotten older, but we still have our sleepless bouts here and there. Pray that we would have a well rested 2011.

Jam & Jelly. Nicole attempted her first jams and jellies this year with fruit from a friends small orchard. It was a labor intensive but rewarding process.

Know. We know a lot more in 2010 than we did in 2009. We know certain truths about ourselves, our lives, and our Father which are radically changing us. Often, we have to fight to know them. Pray for us that we would continue in the fight to believe and know the Truth.

Leaf. John made an incredible rhododendron leaf bench that placed at his college's art competition.

Milkin' Molly. We purchased a dairy goat back in the spring and have been diligently milking ever since. We have learned a lot from the farmer who sold her to us and it has been a fun, sometimes frustrating, definitely demanding, and unique experience that ultimately we are thankful for.

Nowhere. Now here? We are learning to reject the idea that we are headed no where, or that we are now here. Our desire is to rest in the peace that comes from simply obeying our Father

One. Anna-Joy had a pretty cool first birthday party. We have watched the miracle of a helpless baby become a walking, talking little girl.

Patience and Perseverance. These have been our only options quite often this year. But how great is that?!? Because perseverance produces character and character produces hope. And best of all?!? "Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Rom. 5:5

Quilt. Nicole started working on her first quilt project with Mamma Mahshie.

Root vegetables. John planted an amazing garden this year and we enjoyed some beautiful beets and carrots along with lots of other tasty veggies. Anna-Joy had a lot of fun picking food, tasting it, and playing in the dirt.

Sunrise. We got up really early on a cold morning to attend the sunrise service at Chimney Rock State Park. It was awesome. It really was. And it was free!


Thai Bistro. Nicole got a job as a waitress at a Thai restaurant and is thankful for all the free 7* spiciness, the great staff, and the extra income for our family. Pray that the business picks up so that they have more hours available.

Unity. We are seeking the Father to help us become a more unified couple and family. Pray that we will work together as a unit, and put our selfish desires aside for what's best for our family.

Vacation. We were able to go to Colorado, Charleston, and Florida this year. All three were really exciting, fun times with many great memories made for each of us.

Water. John worked really hard digging a ditch and crawling under our house to get our water back up and running and connected to the city line.

X. It's been a long, eXacting year. Can we just skip trying to figure this one out?

You bless us tremendously. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Zoo and Zucchini. Two goals for 2011.

Merry Christmas. We love you!