low resolts

Hey. Its grace. I dident win. :{ well merry cristmas.



Grace

Vote for Grace

Yesterday Grace announced to me that she will be running for student council. Three people will be chosen from her class. So, last night we made a poster that she can hang in her room. Her slogan...

A Vote 4 Grace will put a Smile on your Face!!!

She's so excited and asked me if I would take her to get ice cream if she won. I told her yes and that I would take her even if she doesn't win. She'll be working on her speech tonight and giving it to the class tomorrow. Can I just tell you how proud I am of my precious no-so-little-anymore girl? If I haven't told you about Grace before, let me take a moment to do so now.

• Grace has amazing creativity and a wonderful imagination.
• She has written several books in her 9 years and I must say I have no doubt that writing will be her career.
• Because she's an only child she LOVES to be with other kids.
• Loves being outdoors and loves adventure of any kind.
• She's not quite as gregarious as me, but once she gets to know you, she can talk your leg off.
• I can't count the number of times I've heard, "Mama, let's pretent..."
• She is smart and beautiful...if I do say so myself.
• Most of all at the tender age of three she gave her heart to Jesus on a trip home from my parents.
• My mom reminded me of an incident that happened when she was about 4. After getting in trouble, I made her go to her room and sit on her bed. After a few minutes I peaked through the door to find her sitting there singing, "I cast all my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet. And anytime, I don't know, whaaat to do, I will cast all my cares upon you." Warmed my heart and gave me quite a laugh.
• This past spring we got to take Grace on her first missions trip to Orlando. We had to get up at 3:30 am to go to a church in downtown Orlando to feed the homeless. I will never ever forget the picture of Grace serving these wonderful people a plate of food. Nate Porter...thank you!
• Once we returned from the trip, I heard her in the bath tub one night singing a song she had made up about the homeless. I can't remember the words exactly but I remember her using words like "hero" and "brave". I knew at that moment she had got it.

That's my Grace. God's most precious gift to me.

Good luck Grace!

Ya'll...I don't even know if anyone visits my blog these days. I just don't have the time to post very often, so there's not much to read. However, it gives me a place to keep my thoughts when something does happen to pop into my brain and I find time to get it out. God is doing so much in my life right now. He's so good and trustworthy. I so love being His child. However, there are those moments where I just need to be reminded that His purpose for me far exceeds anything I could think of myself. I just found the following that someone posted as a response on the Beth Moore blog. It couldn't be more appropriate for me today.

Trust in HIS timing...
Rely on HIS promises...
Wait for HIS answers...
Believe in HIS miracles...
Rejoice in HIS goodness...
Relax in HIS presence.

Amen!

My memory verse for Aug. 15 was from Isaiah 43:1b.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

For Aug. 1 it was Psalm 57:2.

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me.

July 15... 2 Corinthians 1:10

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.

So, He will deliver me because He has a purpose for me because I am His! Love it!!


Blessings,
Kimberly

Profanity in Christians

The behavior of Christians using profanity is something that I've been struggling to understand ever since reading about the "cussing pastor" in Blue Like Jass by Donald Miller. It has resurfaced in my mind in the last few months. The struggle for me is understanding how Christians can think that this is ok. Now, I know there are people who struggle with this and I understand that they are a work in progress just like me. However, what I don't understand is the acceptance and casualness that some Christians have about using profanity.

I was on Plugged In Online this past week and found the following. I thought is was pretty insightful and just thought I'd share. http://www.pluggedinonline.com/aboutUs/"The Bible has much to say about “taming the tongue,” starting with James 3. But let's start with the fact that obscene language is inherently symptomatic of a bigger problem. It’s a heart issue (Matt. 12:33-37). God cares about what comes out of our mouths because He created us in His image. He is holy and our love for our Creator shines brightest when we honor Him with every aspect of our lives. That includes our thoughts, actions, attitudes and speech. After explaining how we are His “sons and daughters,” God tells us in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to purify ourselves “from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” In other words we abstain from using obscenities and profanities not just because it “contaminates,” but because it grieves God. Colossians 3:8 specifically addresses vulgar speech (“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips”). Also, we grieve the Holy Spirit when we violate Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4 which plainly teach, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths“ and “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity.” The Apostle Paul proceeds to list a few things that qualify, including “obscenity, foolish talk [and] coarse joking.” The application to entertainment should be obvious. If we’re listening to music slapped with a parental advisory sticker or watching movies that gush profanity, those words become part of our mental vocabulary."

Ramblings

My husband and I have found ourselves in somewhat a of a funk lately. My funk is much greater than his. Frankly, I'm fighting a bit of depression, trying to work it out and continuing to pray for God's peace. Some days can seem overwhelming. Some things just frustrating. That's life.

Tim was off on a trip yesterday and got to hear a wonderful sermon by one of the General Superintendents in the Church of the Nazarene. He sent me the text that he used, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. It states:

8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our[a] behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

As I read the text, the end of verse 9 and verse 10 struck me hard. Sometimes, although I really do believe it, I need to be reminded that He is my hope and that He will deliver me. As a follower of Christ, I can trust that He's got my best interest at heart. I know that in the end, He is working all things out for my good. He is so trustworthy...yet there are those moments where I forget to rely on Him and try to figure it out on my own. You think I would know better. I guess the "recovering" control freak in me just needs some more work...just needs to be reminded.

The other thing I began thinking about was the fact that sometimes, whether we like it or not, life is just going to be hard. Shedding those extra pounds can't be done without sacrifice and hard work. And so it is with our spiritual life as we are reminded by James. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I want to be a mature Christian. I want to be known as a Godly woman. So, maybe it's no surprise that God keeps giving me some hard places. And maybe when I can see those places as places to learn and grow they won't seem so hard.

I said to Tim the other day, "I don't like that I'm so frustrated that these things make me so angry. I'm not acting very Godly and I want to be Godly." But then it hit me that's my choice, right? And so I realized, it is up to me to choose joy. It's up to me to hold tightly to the fact that He will continue to deliver me. I know that and believe it with all my heart. Now I just have to live it. Choose it! He has never failed me and when all is said and done I will be on the other side of this right where He wants me to be.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Blessings,

Kimberly

Our Disney Vacation

OK...so we just returned from Walt Disney World on Sunday (Mother's Day) after a week there and we had a great time. Grace turned 9 while we were there, and it was an incredible birthday! We arrived on Sunday and stayed at Disney's All-Star Movie hotel. It was lots of fun.

We were in the Dalmation hotel with a huge Pongo and Purdy at the entrance. This is Grace starring in her own TV show.

After checking in we went to Hollywood Studios to get dinner. Grace wanted to eat at Pizza Planet (from Toy Story) so that's where we went.

After dinner we decided to go to see Fantasmic. It was spectacular! I tried to get some good pictures but could not do it justice. Grace had moments of being scared. It was kind of loud too which she didn't seem to like.

Here she is all excited at first.

Then...

And here are some shots of the show...








That didn't even end our day. After this we went on to the Magic Kingdom which was open until 2 am. We stayed until 1. There's lots more to see, but I'll have to wait until later.

The one thing I do want to say is that we realized that after the next 9 years our baby will go off to college. That made this vacation and every other one we take between now and then even more special.

Blessings,

Kimberly

A Time to Rest

OK...have I mentioned to anyone that my husband is working on his doctoral degree? Why is that important, you may ask. Because it makes for a very busy lifestyle right now. We've had some crazy, completely full, over-the-top busy months since the beginning of this year. Tim travels to Chicago once a month for class, in February and March I was running our annual Phonathon at work, in March I spoke in chapel and we took a group of 40 college students to Orlando to serve in a variety of ministry opportunities there. With all that going on (and I didn't even get into Grace's schedule of activities) Tim completed and is getting ready to defend the first chapter of his dissertation. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it.

But...it's time to rest. In just a few short days, Tim, Grace and I are heading to Disney World! Can I just tell you how excited I am? First of all, Grace and I have never been to Disney. We are totally pumped at this opportunity. Second, we haven't had an extended vacation time with just the three of us in two years. We're due some down time and I can't wait! Third, we'll be there over Grace's birthday. How exciting is that!! I still have to order her a cake, but we're so ready to go! Just the three of us...spending totally fun time together. Did I mention I can't wait?

Once we get back things get crazy all over again and won't slow down until August. My sweet little girl is about to turn 9. My husband's on his way to being Dr. Tim, and life just keeps moving along swiftly. So, I really want to enjoy this time with my family. Florida...here we come!

Blessings!

Craziness

OK ya'll...my life has truly been crazy the last two months and it's only going to get worse then better then worse. In September, I started a new position at work as a fundraiser. Learning curve...however, I really am enjoying it. For the past several weeks (Feb. 5 until last night) I have been working with an awesome group of students on our annual Phonathon. We have exceeded our goal, but I am frankly worn out! I could barely get myself out of bed this morning. It's been an exhausting time, however, a fun one at the same time. I've learned a lot and look forward to my job even more now.

So that was one thing...another thing is my husband and I are leading a group of 42 college students to Orlando for a spring break missions trip. We'll be working with several different organizations feeding the homeless, working with women recently released from prison, men who are addicts, as well as construction and clean-up around Orlando. Center Pointe Community Church in Orlando has graciously opened their doors for our group to stay there for the week. We leave next Friday and we get to take Grace with us. Her first missions trip! YEAH!!!!

The next thing is I'm speaking in chapel here at our university next Monday. I'll be sharing my personal testimony specifically talking about reconciling with one's self. I've been so busy that I haven't had a whole lot of time to prepare, but God's been speaking to me (dreamed about it last night) and so I have a good idea of what I want to say. For those of you who love Beth Moore, I'm going to incorporate her children's book into my talk. Please pray for me that God will speak clearly through me and touch some lives through it. Pray that students would be loosed from the chains that satan is binding them with and that they will come to know the freedom that only comes from our gracious Heavenly Father.

There is so much more going on in our life but I'll save that for another post. One thing that I have found in this craziness of life....God is so good, never failing, blessing us and leading us each and every day. I so love Him!

Blessings,
Kimberly

Happy 2009!

Every year I get letters from friends wrapping up the year and detailing all that has happened to them over the course of the year. I never have time, although I think it's a marvelous idea. I love reading about friends near and far and keeping updated on their lives. So, as I was just walking on my treadmill for the first time in 2009, I thought that maybe I could do on this blog what others do through their letters. So here goes...

The Eades Family in 2008

Our year started out with great excitment as we welcomed Jada, our first grandbaby to the Eades family. Jada was born on January 15. Tim and I were not there for the birth but traveled the next day to see our beautiful granddaughter, along with Grace of course. Grace was super excited about being an aunt at the age of 8. Devin did a great job and has one of the cutest babies ever to love on. They are living in Dayton, so we don't get to see them often but try to get over as much as possible. We all just spent a few days together at Christmas and had a blast watching Jada open her first Christmas presents. She is definitely a cutie!

February came with some concern for us. Grace began having some bowel issues and our doctor quickly sent us to a GI doctor at Children's Hospital. We went in for a consultation and was told that Grace would need an endoscopy/colonoscopy. They scheduled it for March 6. Grace was an amazing trooper that day. She was so pleasant no doctor or nurse could believe it knowing what she had gone through the day before with no food and some pretty gross medicine for the "clean out." She wanted to prove to me that she could do it and she did! When the antistesiologist asked her if she wanted Tim or I to go back with her, she replied, "If they both can't go then I'll go by myself." And she did. They found inflammation and put her on medication. She finished it up in June and has done wonderful! No problems since.

Grace finished second grade in May. It was a difficult year health wise. From colds to bronchitis to pneumonia to pink eye (in both eyes) to the colonoscopy/endoscopy, it was a tough year. She missed 20 days of school, but yet still pulled off a great report card. We are incredibly proud of her. She started 3rd grade in the fall and has an amazing teacher. She's doing really well, continues to write stories and is just all around creative and fun. This fall she also started karate, so watch out...she's become quite the fighter. ;o)

Devin had Jada in January and is doing rather well at being a mommy. She lives and works in Dayton and I believe will be adding a roommate soon...Alison. Alison went to OSU Newark this fall. Although she enjoyed it (I believe) she has decided to move back to Dayton and enroll in an RN program there. She works at Chic-fil-A in Beavercreek...and I'm terribly jealous. No Chic-fil-A in Mount Vernon. :o( Alison has been dating a young man for about 4 months. Dan lives in Beavercreek and is going to Sinclair Community College for firefighting. They seem to be doing well.

Tim and I have had a pretty good year. Last December he finished his master's degree in ministry and began his doctoral program at Olivet in May. He's working on an Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership. He's already done with a rough draft of the first chapter of his dissertation. His advisor seems very pleased with his progress. He continues his role as Associate Vice President for Marketing and Adult and Graduate Studies Enrollment. The last part of the year has been more difficult for him as lots of changes were made in his area, but we're trusting that God is in control and ever faithful in leading us in the direction he wants us to go.

This was a year of change for me as well. I changed positions at the university. I am now the Director of the University Fund. This is a new area for me (fundraising) but one I think I will enjoy. Right now I'm still just trying to figure it all out. However, it's all about meeing people and talking about MVNU so how could I not like it. ;o) One nice benefit of our jobs is that Tim and I get to travel to San Diego next week. We both are attending different conferences that just happen to be at the same time in San Diego. My mom has agreed to come up and watch Grace. So, it should be fun for everyone!

I continue to teach as an adjunct and had a wonderful Expository writing class this fall. Probably one of the best groups of students I've ever had. Tim and I also lead a small group of college students. We read and discussed The Shack by William Young. If you haven't read it I would encourage you to. It is a great and challenging read (easy as well). I thoroughly enjoyed it!

As with every year there were certainly ups and downs. However, God has proven Himself faithful once again. What would we do without Him? Grace asked us all to tell our new year's resolution the other night. When asked what her's is, she replied, "to be closer to God." That is what it's all about my friend! What more could a mother ask for. He is so good!

Take care friends and may 2009 be blessed beyond anything you could ever ask for!

Love,
Kimberly