Heat and a friend-filled week

Praise God we have heat - not that we didn't have heat before, but now we have new efficient-gas boiler-reliable heat. Yes, I'm not even the least bit sad to say that our 1940 coal-converted-to-oil, monster-sized boil now sits in pieces in the driveway waiting to go to scrap metal recycling. Thanks to a lot of hard work by Todd and Tom (where we would be without Tom), it is finished. I laugh when I think about the "adventure." It began on e-bay (yes e-bay), where we found a smokin' deal on a top of the line boiler, and now we have every-room-of-the-house heat.

Enough about the heat... Todd and I attended a small group leader Christmas party Friday night at the Rock office, and that was a lot of fun. We had a white elephant gift exchange, which is always exciting. I eventually ended up with a mini toy motorcycle which Daniel is thrilled to have, and Todd came home with a remote-controlled electronic whoope cushion. If I only had video of him playing with it (by himself) and cracking himself up, I'd post it. I'll see what I can do... He's going to take it to work tomorrow and have some fun with it, and then he's returning it to (Pastor) Jeff. I laugh more at him playing with it than the toy itself.

Last night we had the opportunity to go out to dinner with (Pastor) Jeff and Linda. It was so nice to have them all to ourselves! It made us realize how much we miss hanging out with them on a regular basis. Instead of sharing them with 30-40 other people from the church launch team, now we have to share with about 400, which is a wonderful problem to have, but we miss it just the same.

Daniel spent Friday night and all day Saturday with Josiah, some at their house and some at our house. Josiah turned 10 on Saturday and they celebrated with a group of boys. A good time was had by all!

Adam and I went to Huntington University on Wednesday and talked to Coach Russ. It's official (pretty much, unless God changes the course), Adam is headed off to Huntington to play soccer next year with a possible major in Recreation and Sports Ministry. Hard to believe - where has the time gone? He's ready - I'm not quite, but I still have a little time.

Todd had the opportunity to meet Ashley's parents and grandmother on Friday night and it apparently went well. They ate at Logan's (We ate there last night with Jeff and Linda) and had some time to talk. Todd said that I would get along well with Ashley's mom (Joy also) - we can't wait to meet them!

Weather-wise, this week we've had snow, rain, freezing rain, sleet, ice, lightning and thunder. Is it time for spring yet? By the way, with all of the rain, snow, melting snow, etc., we discovered that when we had our sewage drain replaced this summer, it disrupted, uncovered, created some cracks in our basement wall, so that was Project #1 for Todd today. He has almost everything patched but a small area. He went to the hardware store in town which is usually open from 2-4 on Sunday, and it was dark (you've got to love small towns!), so that will wait until tomorrow...

Famous Dave's and a Christmas Concert

Saturday Todd, Adam, Daniel, Rachel and I traveled up to Mishawaka to visit with Todd Jr and had the privilege of meeting Ashley. Todd and Ashley have recently started dating, and it was wonderful to see the two of them together. Ashley has a sweet, gentle spirit and a beautiful smile. As we pray for them and their relationship, we, in agreement with them, pray for God's best in their lives.

We met at Famous Dave's which is about the best BBQ you'll ever find. In fact, we've already talked Mark and Midge Hinshaw into attending the Christmas concert with us next year after a stop at Famous Dave's.

The Christmas concert put on by the Bethel Music Dept was beautiful. The acoustics were amazing, and the whole concert was outstanding, at least all that I remember. Picture this - A big meal at Famous Dave's, an afternoon concert in a warm, dimly lit concert hall, angelic music - I think Rachel was the only one who made it through without even a snooze. She's my hero! Daniel was asleep before the concert even started and we woke him at intermission. He takes after his mom. The lady in front of me dozed and must have had one of those "falling" dreams and nearly threw her program across the auditorium.

After the concert we said our goodbyes and headed out. There was a winter weather advisory and we wanted to try to get most of the way home before dark. The roads were a beautiful solid sheet of ice from Mishawaka all the way to Fort Wayne. We spent much of the way going about 30 mph. I was so thankful Todd was driving. People were crazy. I guess there were over 50 accidents reported in Fort Wayne alone Saturday afternoon/evening.

Anyway, praise God we made it home safely and with a wonderful day tucked safely in our memories. God is good!

Pie with the Pastor

Sunday night was pie with the pastor. Once a month there is a signup, and for the 14 people who get their name on the clipboard first comes the privilege of going to Jeff and Linda's house for pie and fellowship.

Jeff and Linda - we've known them for three years, but it feels like a lifetime. When God tugged at our hearts three or four years ago to get involved with the church plant in Portland, we jumped in with both feet, not really knowing what we were getting into, but knowing it was going to be good because God was in the lead. We figured it would be hard, and it has been much harder than we imagined. We figured it would be good, and, like only God does, He has blown our socks off. We knew we would meet new people and make new friends, but we had no idea how treasured our new friends would be and how God would weave us altogether.

Back in the planning stages, as God revealed His plan for the Rock, the "theme" started out as being "out of the box church" and eventually we just said "what box?" Church is the people - wonderfully imperfect and quirky, yet created in God's own image. Think of all the facets of God that we are all created in His image. I'm so thankful that He has allowed us to be a part of the Rock!

So back to pie with the pastor - We introduced ourselves and shared what we would like to find under the Christmas tree this year. Todd said tools - go figure. I was thinking maybe a new mattress for our bed - Jeff said if you cut away enough branches on the bottom that anything would fit, so who knows... but truthfully, I am blessed beyond measure and need absolutely nothing. Thank you, Jesus!

Adam - Senior picture

Adam - Senior picture
Originally uploaded by Joy McLaughlin

More to follow...

Catching up

It's time to play catch-up... Adam's soccer season finished up in the first round of regionals. They played exceptionally well and far surpassed expectations for the season.

Adam is ranked sixth in the state of Indiana among high school soccer players for overall "points" which consists of goals scored and assists. He has four colleges interested in having him join their soccer programs and will be making a final decision within the next month or so. We're so proud of him. He is an overall terrific young man who loves the Lord and loves others. He will be going to Kenya, Africa next July for a two week mission trip. Preparations have already started with paperwork and fundraising. Shots begin soon - and there are several!

Todd Jr. was home for Thanksgiving and just left a little while ago. It was wonderful to have him home. I've missed hearing him on the piano and chats with a cup of coffee. I know he enjoys coming home, but at the same time he feels a little out of place here because his life is up at Bethel. He also has a deep passion for knowing God and spending time in his presence. I wait eagerly but patiently to see God shape his future.

Daniel is almost as tall as I am. For starting out so small, he's made up for it and then some. On the way to church this morning, he informed us that he was having "spa day" in his room today. Todd and I went to the spa, and we were pleasantly surprised to be treated to a heated massage chair, foot rubs and back rubs, and background music. He is a 10-year-old, but also an old soul. His teacher Mrs. King commented that he is a "deep thinker" and she is amused by the way that he looks a life and contemplates issues. He has a tender heart and is a problem solver.

After about eight years of being over the road, Todd is now working fulltime for CR Designs here in Berne. He has a normal schedule, no nights and no weekends, and it's wonderful. We are so thankful that we can actually schedule family and friend time, and he's looking forward to co-leading a men's small group again.

I am so blessed to work at home and be able to be involved in family, church and friend activities. Although scheduling can be crazy at times, I am so very thankful for my life and my God who loves me in spite of all my imperfections. God is so very, very good!

The Rest of the Weekend

To finish up what I didn't tell you in the post below... Todd Jr came home for the weekend. He was home briefly over Labor Day, but this was the first full weekend he's been home since school started. Great to see his smiling face and catch up on what's going on with him. He brought me a present - laundry - lots of laundry. If you get a chance, ask him what "mix and match" means... I'm sure you'll be enlightened.

I didn't mention much about the celebration after the soccer game. I thought I'd give you a visual instead.

Can you say "dehydration and heat exhaustion?" Adam and Marcus Hoover succumbed to the heat and opted for the ambulance ride to the hospital instead of the celebratory fire truck ride that their teammates were taking.

Adam literally left it all on the field. After giving him two bags of IV and glucose (his sugar was 58), and cooling him down, he was free to leave feeling somewhat like a pin cushion. He was so dehydrated that they had a hard time getting his veins to cooperate with them. Oh well, it makes for an interesting story... He's feeling much better today with orders to drink, drink, and drink some more. At least Wednesday's game is in the evening. Right now the forecast says it should be about 60 degrees with 40% chance of rain. I think we'll pass on the rain, but the 60 degrees will be great.

So Todd is heading back to college, and I'm a little lonely once again, but I'd much rather have him where God wants him than home with us.

Soccer sectionals

Wednesday (10/3) was the first round of soccer sectionals. We played Union City and won 9-0. Adam had 4 goals and 2 assists. South Adams has only had a high school soccer program for six years, and this marked our first victory in round one of sectionals.

We went on to play in the sectional finals yesterday at 11:00 a.m. at Blackford High School. Now, this is October in Indiana, when the leaves are changing, and fall is in the air ... NOT! The temperature was near 90, and the humidity was high. We all worked up a sweat cheering on the sidelines. The guys on the field ran for 80 minutes of regular play, and then being tied 3-3 at the end of that, ran for another 14 minutes of overtime play. Adam scored two goals during regular play, and then the winning goal in overtime. We beat Jay County 4-3. It was so exciting - Another first for the South Adams Soccer program. We go on to play in the first round of regional playoffs next Wednesday at 7:30, again at Blackford High School.

Excitement is in the air... I'll keep you posted.

Time Flies...

It's been a while since I've had time to post. So much has happened, so I'll try to get all caught up.

Daniel turned 10. We had celebrated with his friends before school started so on his actual birthday we spent some time together at home. He hit double digits this year...time goes by so quickly!

Last week Todd Sr and I and Adam and Daniel went to Fort Wayne for the day. We ate at Flat Top Grill, which was wonderful, saw the movie Game Plan which was actually worth seeing and totally appropriate for all ages, and then we went and drove some go-carts. We weren't sure if Daniel would be able to drive his own car or not. Last time we went, he didn't meet the height requirement so he rode with me. This time, he was just over the 58" requirement, so he got to drive his own. Of course, Todd and Adam, being extremely competitive, lapped Daniel and I twice. I decided to stay in the back and look out for Daniel, which I then took a lot of flack for from the guys. Once a mother, always a mother.

As we were leaving, Daniel was walking a little taller, quite proud of his newly found freedom. He shook his head a little, and remarked, "I suddenly feel older." Older...it's all relative. I feel "older" too, just in a different way.

Todd Sr. also had a birthday. He may be 41, but he's a kid at heart. It's a lot fun watching him interact with Todd, Adam and Daniel. Under all of the joking and teasing is a father's love that wants to teach, train, protect and inspire. He does all of those things in a wonderful way.

Soccer season

Soccer's in full swing at South Adams. Adam is a senior and was elected by his team members to be one of the two captains. So far, the team is 2-2-2 (wins-losses-ties). This past week Adam scored six goals and had two assists. Thursday's game was against Leo High School. They won 2-1, the first time in the history of South Adams Boys Soccer that they defeated Leo. Adam's freshman year, Adam left the Leo field in an ambulance after taking a cheap shot from one of Leo's players. Thursday was a sweet victory indeed. Adam scored the two goals on penalty shots after being fouled both times on the way to the goal. By the way, it was also Adam's 18th birthday - nice birthday present!

Watching Adam play soccer is much like watching a car race. Sit down and hold on because it's going to be good. When Adam leaves the field at the end of the game, he has nothing left to give - he leaves it all on the field.

We're so proud of Adam. He is a wonderful athlete, but more importantly, he is a young man with such a deep love for his Heavenly Father which translates into love for those around him. He teaches us much about walking in faith and standing strong in a world full of compromise.

More to follow...

Daniel's early birthday party

The Crew

Josiah, Daniel, Xavier, Dexter

Jesse and Sam

Well it seems that every year when Daniel's birthday rolls around on September 21, we are full speed ahead with school and soccer season and have a hard time fitting in a proper birthday celebration, so this year we decided to be proactive and celebrate early. Daniel decided to take five of his friends to BearCreek Farms to the Swimmin' Hole for a cool and refreshing kind of celebration.

It was hot and humid outside as it is in Indiana in August, but it nice and cool in the water. After swimming for a couple of hours, we headed outside onto the patio for cupcakes and ice cream. Daniel agreed it was one of his best birthdays ever!

College prep

Todd Jr and I went shopping recently for dorm room/college stuff. Shopping, yes, but more importantly time spent together. It seems as though summer arrived and departed this year without even so much as a nod in my direction. We managed to squeeze in all of our errands and a quick lunch. Mission accomplished, and then on to play catch up at home with work. I've had twinges of sadness thinking about Todd heading back to college, but I'm so thankful that he is so excited about going back. He has wonderful friends and a bright future ahead of him.

Jake (roommate) and Todd

At Swiss Days the last Saturday of July, Todd put on a half-hour concert on the main stage which showcases local talent. He sang and played some original songs as well as some praise and worship music and my all-time favorite song "Changed." It was so much fun. Many friends were there, and it was a good day!



God, thank you for the gift of this young man. Continue to train, teach, guide and bless him. Thank you for your faithfulness and your hand of protection. Guard his heart and his mind, for he belongs to you.

More to follow...