2012 - A Year of Big Changes

Well friends, it has been a long time since we've updated you all on what's happening in our lives. As you can probably guess, there's been some big changes. While some of have been harder than others, but they have all been drawing us closer to our Father. He is always good.

The first, and hardest, change came on April 3rd at around midnight. We were awakened from our sleep by a phone call from Rachel's parents telling us that her brother, David, had been hit head on by an SUV while riding his motorcycle and was in a coma in the hospital. The next morning he was pronounced dead. He was only 28 years old, and left behind three children, TJ (7), Stacey (6), and Katey (3).

For those of you who have lost a loved one, you know that words really can't express the feeling of loss and heartache. But, praise Jesus, David knew our Savior and had trusted his life to Him. His memorial service was a beautiful picture of how God can love through His children, as the building was filled to overflowing with friends and coworkers who's lives David had touched with God's love.

Please keep Rachel, her parents, Bruce and Cathie, and David's children and wife, Ashley, in your prayers as they learn to balance grieving his passing, rejoicing in his new life, and living without him.

(A huge thank you to all of you who prayed, sent cards, and helped our family travel down to Florida in April for David's service - what a blessing it was to be with Rachel's family for that time.)

On July 13th, our lives changed again as Rachel gave birth to a beautiful baby girl: Bethany Joy. After two months of bed rest, and a few false starts, a little 7 pound, 12 ounce Bethany entered our home letting everyone know she was here! Since then, what a joy she has been! Her smile and giggle have blessed our family and she is very (over)loved by her sisters and brother. : ) It's hard to believe that she's already 6 months old and has her first little tooth poking through! Time sure does fly by!

In September, a big change in schedule came about as Rachel began homeschooling Havah (5) and Mercy (4). Our focus for them this year has been scripture memorization, learning how to read, and learning simple math. Both the girls love it and are doing great! They have over a dozen verses down (more or less... haha), are reading short books, and are in love with math of any kind. Judah (2) thinks he is in kindergarten as well, and enjoys copying everything his big sisters do. : )

Starting in December, Jason began his own web/graphic design business: three17design. It was a change we had been praying about for a while, and wanting to do for even longer. There have been quite a few lessons learned as we've transitioned from an 8-5 manual labor work day to a more relaxed schedule, but the main thing is: God is still providing all we need! : ) Jason was able to get a huge client - a local print shop - and has been contracted out as their main web designer. God is good, and it has been a huge blessing to Jason that he no longer has to work outside in the negative and single digits of Montana winter! (By the way, if any of you need a web site, brochure, etc. made up, keep him in mind!)

As this year begins, we anticipate more big changes. Namely, we have been praying about making a move to South Carolina. Some friends of ours are beginning a work of church planting in the Charleston area, and we are seeing an open door to join them. Please keep us in prayer as we wait on the Lord's will in this area. It is exciting and frightening at the same time!

We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season and that our Father will continue to bless you as this year unfolds. He is faithful!

Jason, Rachel, Havilah, Mercy, Judah, and Bethany