So Much going on.  We have been SO BUSY. 

Since Frankie’s Birthday the TRAIN has been moving.  Started out with Dave in Charleston with the first ever Quad Community for 3DM.  It was a HUGE success.  I was able to escape for a day and join in.  It’s been an amazing thing to be part of a team that is helping to train churches in creating missional communities and discipleship cultures.  So much more to share soon on that journey for us, but you’ll have to wait a bit longer….

Then Dave was in Macon, GA for a day before heading to Sheffield, England where he got to spend the week there with friends seeing all that the community in Sheffield is has and continues to do.  It was a great learning opportunity.  And of course it’s always fun meeting new people. 

Then, we had friends in town for a visit and then off to Pawleys to see more friends and for Dave to speak at a church there that is coming to Wayfarer Camp.  It was a fun time connecting with everyone and the kids loved seeing all their friends.

The Two Izzie’s (Little Izzie and Izzy)

Then Dave and I headed with the littles to Tuscaloosa, AL to be with Chris and Audrey at the “Well” and then on to Destin for their college retreat.  It was great seeing all that God is doing in them and through them.  And who can’t help but want to give Maggie Brooks all the chocolate she wants.. Me!

And we’ll enjoy this moment till we get to meet up again…

Then we headed back to Pawleys for a Big Picture Day.  Sally and Libby who recently went to Haiti with Compassion brought me back the best Haitian Nativity.  Looks a little something like this… Oh my word I love it so very much. And I love to see Haiti birth passions in others.  Can’t wait to see the future on some of the things birthed in Sally and Libby’s hearts… Great stuff. 

Then we headed to the Great Wolf Lodge this weekend for some amazing family time.  MUCH NEEDED and WOW!  What a place that was.  We will go back for sure.  The kids LOVED every minute of it. I was optimistic since it seemed a bit pricy for one night But I’m glad I was surprised and felt the family time and experience was well worth it. Dave’s tweet from our arrival there was… “Wow! All I can say is Wow!”–daughter Emma 5 minutes into Great Wolf Lodge Exp. Reminds me again that imagination is a spiritual exercise.  I had to rewire myself not to tell the kids to be quiet in the halls or don’t run.  It’s a place created for just that.

And that leads us into this week.  SO MUCH to do.  Not enough time to do it.  May is basically here which means June and July  (Summer Camp Time) will be here before you know it as well. Tennis League is going on. School is winding down.  Wayfarer Golf Tourney coming up and the Bill Norris tourney next weekend for Dave.  I’ve got a few books I’m dying to finish reading and not to mention we have had our house listed for almost a year with LOTS of showings which means I’ve been living in a show house for a year with three children.  Can someone say, A LOT OF WORK!  Now I’m rambling but I must record this stuff so when I look back at it one day I’ll be amazed at how all these current details played a huge role in the journey we are on.  It’s always inspiring looking back on things you never understood only to be dumfounded by the Goodness of God in the midst of what where part of your darkest moments… busiest moments…questional moments…timing moments.  Glad it’s not my time, but HIS timing that the rhythm of my life ticks to…. Happy Monday.  I’ve missed you sweet blog world!

I have been recently blown away by life experiences.  That sometimes our most broken moments can journey into one of our most amazing joys.  It’s odd how that can happen.  And sometimes you are aware of this happening in months following and other times in years.  But WHEN it happens, when you walk through the redemption of what was lost to what was made new it’s completely mind blowing.  I have a few tokens of these types of life changing moments that have played out in my life.  It’s just been a good day to reflect on the goodness of redemption.  

Of course Frankie is one of those moments for me. I”m still not sure if the earthquake had not happened if we would have been celebrating his 4th birthday with him here.  Out of such massive tragedy and heartbreak our sons arrival to us because of an earthquake will always be a very broken but bitter sweet memory for me.  This weekend we celebrated Frankie’s 4th birthday.  My sweet little boy is 4.  It was really his first “real” birthday where he was able to understand what a birthday actually was and be present and celebrate in it.   Last year when he turned three he was just a few months into being home with us and had no clue of what his birthday meant.  He was still figuring out how to process living in a family here with us.

I asked Frankie what his favorite part of his party was.  “His cake” he said.  I’ll be honest, my heart was so full and blessed watching him enjoy others give him gifts and take the time to celebrate him.  He was so proud opening his gifts.  It took him FOREVER too. 

To think back on how far Frankie has come in the past year is mind blowing.  I LOVE watching him learn his rhythm in our family and be able to communicate now and give and be part of who we are.  I will love to have the front seat into watching how his life  story unfolds as his family and community surround him.

Time is flying!

What a great week.  Dave is currently still in England.  I’ve heard from him a few times via email.  Silly guy, technology is not his friend.   I really can’t wait to hear all about his trip.  I’m such an introvert but am finding the need for a bit more conversation.  Today I found myself talking out loud in the car just to have a conversation.  I miss the evening chats Dave and I always have and chatting with the kids just does not cut it.  For example on the way to school this morning Izzie says,  “mom we need to adopt a baby to join our family”. I said, “Are you CRAZY?” She said, “No mom, I want us to adopt a crazy, funny baby.” LOL Izzie – not happening. This girl makes me laugh ALL THE TIME. Must be her name! 🙂  

It is kind of odd Dave is in England. And not just that he is there but WHY he is there.  More to come on that a bit later.  But this past year we have met some amazing people who have become friends and family to us.  And some of them just happen to be British.  In some ways I’m a bit jealous that Dave gets to see their history and homeland before I get to.  And I must say life is so much richer with some British flare in it.  I mean who doesn’t LOVE the words, Fantastic, Lovely, Brilliant.  Emma even the other day was joking around calling me “mum” and “mummy” So I have this urge…  to one day be able to turn on a legit British accent on the spot and make people wonder.  I do believe it can happen.  After all I am a true northerner who went to live in the south and now I sound like some country southern bumpkin.  Oh brother!  But anyway, I’m digressing.  Moving on….

Lots happening this weekend. Friends coming in town, Frankie’s Birthday Celebration, Greenville Zoo, and even rumors of an adult night on the town?  Oh my!

I love to blog.  I’ve been busy and so I don’t get time to blog as much as I like.  But I feel so much better since catching up with Jaimie Ivey on her blog and she feels the same way.  At least I’m not the only one.

Where to start?  It’s early on a Saturday morning. I’m up and moving.  Probably because I feel so rested.  I’ve learned a lot lately about working out of rest.  After school gets out in the afternoons, that is when I mentally begin my day and it starts with family fun and rest.  I head to bed to rest some more and then when I wake up I finish my day with work.  It’s been a fun little routine.  Has your day ever started when the kids get home? Do you work from rest?

I’m full on into our spring tennis league.  Been playing some singles.  I was pretty worried playing singles at the level I am playing.  This time 2 years ago when I went to play, I would get demolished on the court.  It was not a pretty thing.  This year?  We’ll I’m happy to say I’m 2 and 0 for a personal record.  I’m a bit shocked.  It feels good to win sometimes.  I hope I get to win in a lot of areas of my life.  Winning is good.  Even ask Charlie Sheen!  I admit I’m one of his many followers on twitter.  It’s very fascinating.

I had a quick trip to Charleston this week to hang out with our 3DM family.  I was thinking to the first time I met some of them.  I can’t remember how I  ever walked life without them.  It’s all very crazy to me.  When friends become family. Lots of them blog, lots of them don’t. But for those that do, they have some amazing thoughts on life.  Go see for yourself – Mike Breen, Sally Breen, Doug Paul, Jo Saxton, Eric Pfeiffer….and there are others.  Dave is actually heading to England today to meet up with Mike.  I can’t wait to one day get to go as well.  Sally and Libby are heading tomorrow to Haiti to spend time with compassion and to see things happening in the womans prisons.  I’m really excited for them to get to see the country where our son is from.  So many amazing things are going on.  I feel very blessed and thankful.

During my time away my family was able to help out with the kids.  I don’t want to get smacked by my friend Courtney who tweeted yesterday, “Just an FYI – those of you who live near your parents, if you EVER take that for granted, I might smack you. Feeling the distance…sucks” Oh my heart breaks for her.  I don’t ever want to take that for granted that for now my family is near. 

I do not get the best mother award this week.  I sent Izzie and Frankie to Dave’s parents and FORGOT that Tuesday, the day I was gone was picture day.  The pictures did come back and looked great, (besides their hair and what they were wearing)  Izzie and Frankie – Growing up way too fast.  They really are best friends.  They do everything together. What is happening to my little children?  They are not little anymore!

I also have another problem.  Remember the Message in the Bottle we found?  Well when we got home I put it in a safe place so we display it later.  I just happen to forget where that safe place is?  Emma is not too happy with me since her plan was to take it to show and tell yesterday and her mother could not find it for her to take.

As many of you know our house is for sale.  It’s been for sale since August of last year.  Of course the fall was really slow and with the spring we’ve had lots of showings.  And of course when I left Tuesday I thought, I should leave it in “show” condition but it was so crazy getting everyone ready for me to leave that I just ran out of time.  But what are the chances we would have a Tuesday showing?  Slim to none.  The moment I arrived at Seacoast my phone rings.  Yup, someone wanted to see the house that afternoon.  I had to tell them no.  We are just praying for the perfect family who see’s our house and wants to make it their home.  It’s a terrible time to sell and there are so many foreclosures on the market.  I know it’s said that a heart makes a home, but for me our home is where the heart is.  It will be very hard to leave the walls that have held so many memories for us these past 7 years. But I’m really excited about the next place that will be our home. So we continue to pray that our home will sell in HIS perfect timing.  I tell people ALL the time, where we see Time, God see’s Timing.  I’ve been telling myself that a lot lately!

So that’s a little bit of what you have been missing. I have a lot more to share in posts coming soon, family soup nights, adoption circles, Brad and Emily, Frankie’s Candle.   Really fun things that are happening.  We are all working really hard with what we have been given.  We’ve been trying to rest really well so that our work is coming out of rest and not the other way around that we are resting out of our work.  Big difference.

Now off to get Dave packed for his trip!

Dave has the kids out on a date night while I am behind getting the house in a peaceful state for a restful evening tonight before the madness hits.  As the washer and dryer are humming, and I’m listening to “beautiful things” by Gungor, I can’t help reflect on all that is going on in Japan and the massive loss.  ” You make beautiful things out of the dust, out of us…. Just a sweet reminder to live in the  moment.  Give all that you can.  Love well. Live out your dreams. Take nothing for granted.  You really just never know when you will take your last breath.  And so in the busyness of life, I’m thankful to evaluate and know we are being busy for the right reasons, hopefully reasons that will continue to have life long after mine is gone.

We are in a really busy season of spring right now.  Lots going on.  Which means as normal  the demand of life always seems to exceed our supply.  I think that best describes where our family is at right now.  It’s a good, sweet place to be at.  It’s often in these times that we are pressed down and stirred together and running over.  But I have come to the understanding that the demand will always be there and we won’t be able to do everything.  So I always run back to abiding in these moments.  It is there that I find the strength to overcome the obstacles of time that face me.  And crossing my fingers that the capacity I think is there is enough to get me through.

Dave is on a long stretch right now.  He was in GA this weekend, leaves for Charleston in the morning for the week, back to GA for another day and then he’s catching a Flight to England and spending a week there.  Although it seems daunting when I look at the calendar and the time he is physically in our home this next travel stent, I am so encouraged with the demand that our family has been called to.  I’m actually a bit giddy about all that is happening these next few weeks.  Beyond giddy.  I will have to remind myself that in moments  when I have lost patience or am frustrated with the increased responsibility, to really work through those times of being overwhelmedwith grace. 

Dave had a great time this weekend in GA with the FAYMA group. Over 1500 students from across the area came together for a Disciple Now weekend. They used one of the Wayfarer Smoke themes.  And always a joy, Dave was able to hang out with Chris Brooks  a fellow Wayfarer who is now leading the College Ministry on the Campus of the University of Alabama, through Calvary Baptist. And in the morning Dave is off to Charleston to the Campus of Seacoast to be part of the first “Quad Community” for 3DM.  We get partner with an amazing team of people through 3DM.  I really often sit in awe as I watch all the people and personalities and giftings collide together.  Churches from across the country will begin a 2 year journey with the 3DM team to start training for implementing a culture of discipleship and missional communities in their churches.  It’s beyond impactful and amazing. I’ve even wiggled a way to get there for a day myself! I can’t wait.

But in the meantime, today is filled with lots of snuggle time with daddy!  Rumors of Frankie’s Fun Park turned out to be true. Dad knows how to bring surprise and joy.  See I’m really out of luck with no amo when I’m here to fend for myself. How can I compete with that?

And our kids.  What else can I say but that they get it.  We all are on mission together.  We are an extension to what Dave does even when he is gone.  We play a huge roll in praying for him and the team and the people that our family gets to come in contact with.  Of course it’s hard having long stents away (It’s hard, they miss him) but at the same time, some of the adventures our family gets to be part of is simply priceless.  Ask Emma Rhodes who’s favorite thing about her Dad is that he takes her on trips (especially to Student Life for Kids Camp!) And you know, you don’t have to have someone in your family in a paid place of ministry to live on mission as family.  Whatever your occupation, that is your mission field.  So invite your family into it to journey together to bring peace and joy and blessing and good to the area’s God has given to you.  Invite your children into that process with you!

Happy Sunday everyone.  Peace and Blessings to you as you take on Monday morning.  Now off to iron some shirts.  (I hate ironing!)

I think it’s important in life to celebrate wins.  And if you can’t really stop to celebrate at least reflect on them.  I love to celebrate wins.  Team wins are the best because you get to gather around a group of people and celebrate together.  I’m glad I have the chance to do that a lot.  But individual wins are just as important.  I had a moment today that I was able to celebrate a personal win for me in a battle I’m really trying to work on. 

I am so far from perfect.  I actually am more aware of my imperfections each day than I like to be.  And I totally stink at a thing called conflict.  I’m not just bad at it, I BOMB at it.   I’m the type of person that just wants everyone and everything to be free and peaceful.  I strive to make the playing field happy, easy and enjoyable for everyone involved.  To the point where in situations or relationships when there is potential conflict I’m the first to ignore it, shy away from it, underestimate it, and even under emphasize it just to keep moving on. I know I do this for many reasons but mainly because for me it has been easier to ignore things at times than have to actually work through them.  I know I”m not alone in that because people share with me all the time they do the same thing.  I”m not saying this is a good thing to do.  Actually I’m saying it’s not a good thing to do. 

I want to handle conflict well.  I do think it is possible and I have learned so much as I have continued to walk life’s journey and learn from past mistakes and continue to walk in grace and hope that I don’t have to be bad at conflict.   That is one thing out of many that I have chosen will not define me.  I’ve learned that lesson a very hard way and have had to live in the consequences of not working through things at times when I should have been brave enough to.  I’m sure we all have those area’s of our lives where we have done that. It’s good to learn lessons but it sure is humbling to have to learn them the hard way.

So back to a personal win for me today.  I’ve had this area of unrest in my life where in the past I would really chose to bury it or walk away and act like it’s not a big deal.  But instead I chose to walk into my fears and be brave enough to work through it.  It was a simple moment for me.  I don’t think anyone else would have even noticed or thought anything of it.  But for me, it was huge and a testament to growth in my life.  As I was picking up the house today after snack time I had this amazing peace and joy settle on me. I realized what a good thing it can be to work through conflict when it is done in a  healthy way.  I sure am blessed to enjoy the fruits of growth from it.  I’m thankful for those who have been teaching me and encouraging me in my walk.

Regardless of what your area’s of weakness are or your imperfections… change can happen and growth can occur if you are brave enough to not have those things define you.  I am beyond thankful for the people who daily speak into my life.  Who invite me in with all door open and then not only love me in those moments but offer this incredibly high challenge to go for it with all that I am.  Beyond blessed.  It really does take a village.

Isn’t he just growing?  I am so in love with this little man.  And he is in love with a tie.  He even wears them on t-shirts because he tells me they make him look “handsome”.  And don’t you love his Dave Rhodes smile.  Like father, like son.

I think back to this time last year and really felt I had a toddler running around.  The toddler is gone and these days are filled with keeping up with the happenings of one smart, energetic and very pleasing little boy. 

I am from a few generations of all girls.  My mother had just a sister.  I just had a sister.  And so prior to Frankie coming I’ve never really been exposed to a world where little boys live in except for encounters with my friends children.  And having raised 2 girls of my own, many days I sit with this random look on my face and know it’s a boy thing.  It still takes me off guard sometimes but I love having Frankie’s presence inside our four walls.

You know there is a boy around when he keeps running into walls.  Knowing at any moment what part of the house he is in because I can “hear” him.  Jeans.  They last about a week and then holes in the knees.  I really dont’ understand it.  I’ve know this about boys but it’s a whole new thing to experience it. Right now he’s sitting in the tub due to the fact that he was just outside for 10 minutes.  He was covered head to toe in mud from 10 minutes outdoors.  Shocking, but true.

BUT, oh how I love him.  He has added such a sweet dynamic to our family.  He is doing SO WELL.  Even better than that.  He’s finding his rhythm and identity as a Rhodes and I just love watching him learn and grow and understand more about life.  I am so thankful for the heart of adoption.  For daring to walk that journey with all the unknowns.  The journey that lead our family to Haiti and to Frankie.  And to have him in the here and now and to be the one that gets to see his joy play out at moments during our day.  Nothing feels more natural to me. Thankful today for my family.

A few thoughts as today winds down. It’s been a great day.  A great few days.  Oh man, It’s been a great month, a great few months.  While I’m at it, it’s just been a great season.  Don’t you love great seasons?   It’s like the camellia bush outside our front door.  It just won’t stop blooming.  You think it’s done and then a few weeks later it blooms again. Even through some crazy wind storm last night (because life is not struggle free)  there are still blooms there.  Beautiful huh?

I love being plugged in and feeling connected.  I love being challenged and inspired. I love doing life and mission with people in community. I’ll take anything I can get and it is possible and worth everything to live life this way.  And we are not the only ones that live this way, there are so many other people doing the same in their communities and area’s of life and location. They can testify to it too. For me it’s so encouraging to work and play with a Rock Star Group of people who are shaking and moving and when you collide there is so much momentum and capacity that is growing.  LOVE IT!   Good times, good times.  There are always seasons to our life journey and I’m thankful for the growth in mine right now and will embrace it and learn from it for when the harder seasons come.  Because they are guaranteed to come.

I was reminded this week that,  “Relationship is a fundamental component of any Movement.  Trust and Covenant creates Family. For Movement to happen you must have Relationship.” 

It’s about Being and Doing.  We are doing a whole lot of being and a whole lot of doing.  Much fun!

As you look around you and the people who are part of your life, do you have some being and doing in your relationships?  Are you surrounded by people who challenge  you but also invite you in? Is there a mission and passions  you are being called to? Is there trust and commitment in the relationships you have and are establishing?  Just some good questions we all need to honestly ask ourselves on a regular basis. If you are then you are well aware of the blessing that comes from moments shared with others.  And if you find yourself alone, don’t give up. Be encouraged and keep looking for it.  We we were created for relationship and there is always hope!

First, thank you all of you who took time to encourage me and challenge me to continue to do what all of us do… tell our story.  Needed a little air and lift under the kite as it was getting really close to touchdown.  I think Corey said it best when she commented to me..”blogging can expose people to the lives of people that they might not ever meet “naturally”, and that this can be beautiful, truly expanding horizons and perspectives.” I have known this to be SO TRUE over the past three years.  I have so cherished relationships found through sharing of life.

Dave has been gone this weekend at  DNOW event in GA.  I was a bit jealous since he was with Carlton Hicks and Concord Baptist and Staying with Ron and Joy who I have heard so much about but have yet to meet.  One of the most rewarding things for me as a wife and our family is to be able to be part of what Dave is doing on the road even when we are not physically there. And it’s a real joy when a relationship is formed with those like Carlton where it’s not just a one time event but a partnership that has been ongoing for the past 5 years.  So rewarding and so fulfilling for this ministry wife.  Dave actually is about to hit a crazy spot in his schedule.  March is insane.  He’s gone at least 20 days in March.  Some of that is a trip to England so I’m not sure if that counts.  But I’m mentally prepping for a busy 4 weeks.  Bring it!

It was sad that Dave missed the party today.  Or maybe he was the lucky one since he would have been required to dress up.  We celebrated my “nana’s” 86th birthday.  She looks so good and is doing so well. I would love to have a strong 86 years of life here.  I hope one day also to celebrate 86.

My mother planned a “Kentucky Derby” party for her.  We all wore hats.  Lovely huh?

It’s also the first time that Frankie has ever worn a tie.  I think he’ll be wearing more of them.  After I put it on he was so proud, and said, “Mommy, I’m handsome!”  He even changed at one part of the day today into a t-shirt and made me clip his tie on his shirt. 

And how can you celebrate a derby without horse races.  Yes, my creative mother made horse hats for the kids and we had them run a lap outside around the house.  And as a good and intentional mom that I am, once the race was over I kept it going for at least 20 more laps.  They loved and I’ll love it later as I’m sure they will pass out tonight.

 I had my bets on the black Stallion but he ran out of steam.  I think it was his frog boots or the fact that his tail kept falling off.   The cute one in the middle above swept the field.

It was a great way to end our beautiful weekend.  Happy 86th Nana.  Can’t wait to celebrate 87.

For all of you who thought something happened to me, I’m still here, I promise!  I’ve had people contacting me this past week checking in making sure all was ok since I’ve not been posting much.  It’s been a crazy month here of schedules and sickness.  Oh my word… we have never had sickness pass through this house in years like it has this Flu season.  And of course say what you want, but I normally get the kids Flu shots at my mothers begging.  This year with being in Pawleys for three months and coming back I just decided it was not worth the effort.  I don’t think I’ll ever do that again.  After the fevers and body aches happening more often than they should we really should have built up our defences.

I told Dave this morning that I may be done with blogging.  He looked at me like I was crazy.  I know, I know.  But some days I feel that way.  I just find myself at a crossroads.  I don’t know what to share.  One because there is possibly so much to share that I don’t even know where to start and then two, I sometimes wonder if the details of my life simply may be boring people to all ends.  And then there is that constant wonder of “I blog”, but I’m really not” a blogger.”  After all, the blogging world has become so hard to figure out.  I really have not clue as to those that blog to get traffic and how they do and why.  I know awareness of something plays a huge role.  But it’s funny because if you are in serious blog mode, you will notice people are not quick to share their secrets with you as to how to better connect with your followers.  And it’s almost a full-time job that if you are blogging that much hopefully you are getting paid to do so.  If you are not you should try to figure out how.

And then there is people like me.  I love to process things and love to be able to share parts of my life with so many people who don’t live in my city.  It’s a great way for me to stay connected with others when time and distance otherwise would make it seem impossible. This is why I LOVE to BLOG!  I LOVE following a handful of people’s blogs because I’m a knower.  I just like to know what is going on in the worlds of people I know.  It helps me connect others and just gives so much more opportunity for outlets of many kinds. And so often I am challenged and inspired and blessed and encouraged because I get to follow along with the journey they are on and be part of their cheering community.  I think that is the number 1 reason I love blogs the most.

For the longest time my blog really was an access point to our adoption journey and I’ve been able to connect with so many people through it.  And in some ways it continues to be that and the daily life of a family who now lives as a blended family.  Maybe I should start sharing about more about that.

My blog has been about being a Ministry Wife and the ups and downs and challenges of being part of a non-profit ministry trying to help local churches and individuals.  I don’t assume that everyone who reads my posts believes what I do but still I like to share about the God story in my life. We each have one.  Maybe I should start sharing more about that.

So, I’m a little discouraged to where I need to take this journey.  I’m wondering how tired people are of seeing the latest pictures of my children or be tuned into the fact that right now, the girls and I have made a pact to always have our nails painted the same color (purple is the color of the week this week, see picture above)

Let’s be honest,  I”m in a mode of being stuck, wondering when I’ll be able to get my foot loose.  The reality is that in the next 6 months I think some of you may find the next parts of my journey that are starting to unfold rather interesting.  At least it’s rather interesting to me.  Life always is in the process of taking twists and turns.  Some of the turns and changes coming for me, leave me speechless in a good way. They also offer much challenge and a good chunk of sacrifice.  And no, I’m not pregnant and no, we are not adopting again (right now our plate is full).  But it’s a huge shift in my life and I’m in the process of getting myself ready.

I hate asking anyone who reads my blog to comment.  It’s not how I roll.  BUT if you have followed any part of my life since I’ve been blogging, I could really use some breakthrough and would love to know the things about my life that you have enjoyed hearing about.  And I’m not assuming everyone enjoys reading! 🙂  Maybe that will help me get going again.  So yes, I’m still here, I promise.  I’m just trying to figure out what to say!