Last Sunday our Senior High students had a competition on best/most creative and well-done gingerbread (or graham cracker) structure. This is what they came up with...from the top: Oklahoma Bombing (5th place), Abe Lincoln's Cabin (4th place), Church (3rd place), Jedi Temple (2nd place), and winning 1st place was the Lemonade Stand!!!
Sorry for the lack of posting from the Gurney's. With 3 jobs between us life just doesn't allow much more than texting and facebook. We are starting to sound like the students we serve. Anyway, life continues to move at a frightening pace. Not the typical kind of scary but the unusual awe inspiring kind. Christmas is upon us or at least beside us. Jen has continued to have growing interest in her as a piano teacher. She is now up to 10 and will probably have a few more this spring. That along with teaching has made for some pretty long days. Noah and Tucker are full of energy and testosterone (in seed form). They love all things rough and tumble and love to be up early on sleep in days while hating to get up when they have to. We had a great time in MS over Thanksgiving with Jen's family. We ate, slept and played. Just what we needed. Somewhere right before Thanksgiving, someone stole my guitar and case out of the church. So I am now in the process of trying to purchase a guitar. We will be heading back down to MS next Tuesday to spend 4 days there with my family. Jen's mom and dad will be here in KY from tomorrow night until Friday. So we are trying to take it easy while still being very busy. We do know that the difficulty that we were placed in by God has refined us and continues to draw us to deeper dependence and passion on and for Jesus. So, again we would never have asked for what we have but we have such a good and wise Father who knows what we need even before we ask for it. Sadly we will not be attending Elevate your Refuge as we have stuff sandwiched all around those dates. So here's to all of you: may the joy of knowing Christ and God's precious gift of Himself consume your hearts and minds this Christmas that you may truly cherish the good news of great joy that brought us all into His family. Merry Christmas from the Gurney's.
So our life has continued to be crazy and we feel like maniacs running around most of the time. But we're striving to stay focused on the Lord and the joy that He gives us in abundance and look for ALL the things we have to be thankful for.
Update:
During Fall Break we went to the Cincinnati Zoo and had a blast. I think we could have done anything together and had a blast, because we were all four together...a rare occurence these days. Noah was very fond of the gorilla and got a stuffed one and named him Kickess!!! Tucker picked a polar bear and named him Roar!!! haha
We had a great Fall Retreat with our youth last weekend. Noah and Tucker went (a college girl went with us to keep them) and they loved being at CAMP!!!
We can't believe how big our boys are getting. Noah is getting taller and taller and actually thinning out (those of you that saw him at birth..almost 11 pounds...probably have a hard time imagining him as thin)!!! He's still doing well in school. He's learning so much about letters and numbers...how exciting!! Our new bible verse this week has been Col. 3:9 "Do not lie!!" So you can guess what our temptations has been lately.
Tucker is saying new words and sentences everyday. He loves the MooMoos and Neighs on the way to his friend's house everyday with dad. He's started singing along with Crowder and Shane and Shane in the car. He is now the one doing most of the tackling to his older brother (which really shocks Noah)!!! When this happens, Noah's expression is priceless!!
Matt and I are constantly fighting for time with each other amongst the busyness, but God is so gracious to give us the time we need.
All for now.....
So I did complete the 5k and no walking!!! That was my goal. I beat my time from summer of '06 by 5 seconds!!! Any improvement is good, I guess. I ran it in 32 minutes 25 seconds. I can't wait to train now for a better time. I think there's another race in Frankfort the end of October. Hope everyone had a great Monday...ponder God's grace and goodness today and enjoy His presence in your life!!!
Sorry it's been so long since a Gurney post. Unfortunately there's not a lot of time for the internet these days. Well a brief update on us....teaching is going well (just taking it a day at a time). Tucker loves going to Kristy's house Monday-Thursday. He's talking so much and doing so many new things. He mocks everything that we are doing, it's hilarious. He loves to read books, sing songs, and play with the "ba ball." (That stands for football, baseball, basketball, big ball, etc.). Noah is still loving school. He's learning his letters, learning how to write them, and learning words that start with certain letters. It's so fun to see him interact with his friends at school. He had another stomach bug thing this week. I'm beginning to wonder if it's allergies b/c this is what he did last fall. I'm just glad his "bugs" only last about 6-8 hours. Matt is really doing great things at Central. The youth group is growing in quantity and quality. The junior high ministry has gone from 6 to 25!! The senior high ministry went from 1 small group to 6!!! There are definite challenges, but that comes with anything. He continues to have a strong desire to preach the Word to these students even if others seem to want him to entertain them and babysit. Matt's suffering from a knee injury this week, so pray for that. I'm doing great. Actually running in a 5k tomorrow morning!! I have a friend that I've been running with for a few months and we're doing it together in downtown Lexington. I'm loving the small group of girls that I'm leading (9th & 10th graders). I'm really seeking to foster such huge accountability for them and a love and wonder for God's Word. I do feel quite chaotic most of the time with everything we're juggling, but, again, we take it one day and step at a time by His grace!!! Love you guys!!
Life doesn't always turn out like you thought it would, does it. We all face struggles and pain a lot. We seem to keep hearing of so much that is happening in the lives of our friends. And for one friend in particular, it would seem that 19 years of life is the season that God appointed for him. Our friend and former student at Christ Covenant in Raleigh dove into Falls lake Saturday and hit (they think) a submerged rock. He was floating in the water for at least a minute face down, without oxygen. Without replaying all of this story, I am reminded again that death puts life into perspective. I have seen and believe I will continue to see God work in the midst of all this pain and suffering. He has definitely used it in my life. He has used this in so many others for His glory and to secure our joy in Him more deeply. We have friends that are struggling with kids, relatives that struggle with sexual sin, family members who have chronic pain and suffering. I bet most of you do too. This has been probably the most painful 2 months of my life and yet I am begging God for mercy each and every day. I am studying the Scriptures not for facts but for God Himself. I have seen my life is a vapor and I have been to led to a quiet place of dependence on my Father. This is not our home and I will not love this world more than the true one that God will bring about. May I suffer well for the glory of my King.
Thanks for all your prayers!! I survived my first week of full time preschooling!! Noah survived his first two days!! He struggled a little on the first day b/c he was so overwelmed. That was very hard for me to see the small fear in his eyes, but he adjusted and he actually cried on Friday afternoon b/c we had to leave school!!! Good grief....I can't win!!! :)
So after getting to spend two days at the most between meeting and such getting my room together I felt somewhat prepared when Thursday came. The first day with my precious class of 12 4 year olds was challenging and choatic, but all went well!! I would say dismissal was the most hectic part and then they were gone!!! Friday felt much better to me. I've got my daily schedule worked out and let me tell you, when you fit in two snacks, lunch, and a hour and a half naptime everyday, there's really not that much time to instruct them. And lesson plans for 4 year olds is much easier than 3rd graders!!! My kids are cute - 6 boys and 6 girls. Definitely lots of energy in the room that I will spend a lot of time focusing, but I think once we get in a routine I'm going to love it.
Tucker's care is still being worked out, but we have a couple of options. Pray that those details will fall into place and I would trust the Lord with them.
We do feel a little crazy taking all this on, but we think that things will settle and we'll get into a routine. Between Matt being in MS, 3 teacher workdays, 5 piano lessons, meet the teacher night, 3 different baby sitters, and matt preaching 3 times, this week has had a little going on. Not every week will be like that (right?), so while we adjusting keep lifting us up!! Love you guys!!
So school starts tomorrow for Noah and I. He will be in a 3 year old room. Ms. Wendy is his teacher and he's very excited. Going 5 days a week will be hard I'm sure, but I know he'll adjust!!! I have 12 4 year olds so far (can have up to 14). We had a "Meet the Teacher" night last night. It went well and my kiddies are adorable!! I can't wait to get to know them! I, also, can't wait for my routine with this job to really get going. It still feels alittle crazy, but God is most glorified in our weakness!!!!
So as of this morning I have a full-time job!!! I am excited, but definitely don't know what everything's going to look like. I guess that's faith, right?? So I'll be teaching 4 year old preschool. The room I have is gigantic and almost brand new!! I'm really going to try to not let all the details overwhelm me. I just want to enjoy things and not get frazzled so easily!! This is what you can keep praying for me about. Matt and I have a peace about this season of sacrifice and are excited about how the Lord will bless and use this time. We still need some specifics for Tucker's care and schedule to be worked out, but we know that God will work it out.
Matt is on his way right now down to MS until Sunday. He's helping his mom move into assisted living in Tupelo. Please pray for his safety and just all the details and challenges of moving. He needs God's peace and rest very specifically during this weekend.
Thanks for lifting us up sweet friends. God really uses you guys to encourage us and spur us on on a daily basis!!! Praising Him for you!!!!!
We would appreciate all of our close buddies/family to be praying for us on a couple of things going on these days. Most of you know about Matt's mom and her health struggles lately. She's getting out of the hospital today and this is beginning a series of challenges and changes for her. Matt is definitely taking on a more active role of making decisions and managing things for her. He's very glad and willing to do this, but obviously it is a sacrifice for him in a number of ways. Just pray that his strength will come from the Only One with strength when having to communicate difficult things, etc. Matt needs our Father's energy and clear thoughts when making multiple trips to MS and coming back to everything waiting on him here in KY!! What a task!!! Thanks for lifting him up!!
Matt and I are in the process of praying through the possibility of me getting a full time job for this year at a Christian school or daycare. We are so sick of the "seminary hole" in our finances and we wonder if this would be a great way to fill it up!!! It would be such a sacrifice on all of us and I just want to make the right decision. It would also take great discipline to use the $ for what we know God wants us to. We need His direction and peace to know that this is His plan and not ours!!
Thank you, sweet friends, for your prayers and support/advice!!! We love you guys so much!!!!!!!
Seems crazy that it's 10:40 p.m. and I'm finally sitting down!! It has been nonstop all day for all the Gurneys. Here's a snapshot into our Thursday:
7:00 a.m. Rise and Shine
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Get ready for day, Mickey Mouse, chasing Tucker away from the toilets, etc. , Matt off to work
9:45 - 12:00 p.m. Jen doing her magic at teaching piano, boys playing with Emma (one of our youth) in the nursery
12:30 - 3:15 Naptime (thank goodness for long ones today), Matt and Jen actually eating lunch together (1st date in awhile), Matt still working and heating up the tennis court with a friend, Jen searching the internet for recipes (shout out to Katie for You'veGotSupper.com!!), finishing grocery list, laundry, paying bills online, going through mail, making phone calls, and on and on and on
3:15 - 4:30 p.m. Snack time for boys, "Alvin and the Chipmunks" (not big on Noah watching full length movies, but I needed it today), chasing Tucker away from bothering Noah (haven't I done this already), laundry
4:30 - 5:40 p.m. Grocery Trip for the Gurneys (I'll have to say that it's becoming quite the art....2 carts, 2 boys, 2 parents, 2 lists (organized by aisles at Wal-Mart), and 1 very large bill!!!)
5:40 p.m. Unload groceries and atleast put cold stuff away
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Pizza dinner at the church, Youth praise band practice for Matt until 9:30
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Go pick up home grown veggies from a friend (this included crashing a Mary Kay party...had no idea!!)
7:15 - 7:40 p.m. Finish "Alvin and the Chipmunks" (again, so good for mommy), put rest of groceries away (were you worried about those), chase Tucker away from emptying all kitchen drawers and cabinets, etc. (he's going to be so smart when he grows up from all his curiosity as a child...that's what they say anyway)
7:40 - 8:00 p.m. Bathe boys (I'm sure I set a record for the time limit tonight..Noah was into the "fastest bath ever", too..you do what you have to, right??), PJ boys, read to boys, bed for boys!!!
8:15 p.m. - ? laundry, worked out for 45 minutes (go me!!), showered, cleaned kitchen, picked up toys, talked with Matt when the poor thing finally got home...............
Okay, so maybe this is everyday for you and probably for me, but it just seemed like I was doing good to catch my breath!!! WHEW!!!!!!
Can't wait for my weekend with mom, sister, and Beth Moore!!
So you should all be wishing you were at the Gurneys last night. Not just because we're the best and you miss us so much, but because we had an amazing dinner last night! I just have to brag alittle. So maybe I got the recipes off foodnetwork.com but we had to cook them right...and they were delicious!! Don't worry if your mouth starts watering, it's normal...grilled eggplant, grilled corn on the cob, zucchini gratin and cornbread muffins. well, maybe it's not a big deal to you, but I was so excited to do some "out of the ordinary" for us!!!
So here's a couple of videos showing off our 2nd son's intelligence and both of our boys' favorite past time these days.
Noah and Tucker fell in love with my parents dogs while in MS for two weeks. So now they are on all fours constantly barking like dogs, wanting to play fetch, and asking us to say "NO!" when they come to lick!!! We draw the line when they want to eat and drink off the floor!!!!! I hope we're not heading them toward counseling when they get older...they do have a blast pretending!!
It's way too late for me to be updating our blog and so you can see that minimal has changed!!! Love us anyway!!!
We had a great time in North Carolina last weekend! Sorry I'm a week late posting; but with traveling, seeing parents in Louisville, and a state tennis tournament, here it is Saturday already!!
The first big surprise was that it only took 7 hours instead of 9 to get there. And our boys traveled great. Noah was just disappointed there were only TWO big tunnels in West Virginia! We stayed with our good friends, the Currys, all weekend which was a blast! Noah and their son, Ethan, had so much fun together, and it only took them 3 days to really start fighting over the ONE prized toy (Lightning McQueen). Tucker spent most of his time trying to tackle their dogs, and they avoided him at all cost!! So after being up with Tucker for half the night Thursday with some wheezing thing going on and him wanting to play with a ball at 2 a.m., we started our time pretty tired, but we fought through.
My nephew from MS played in the south regional soccer tournament in Raleigh while we were there so we got to see him play in a couple of games. What a treat!!! The Martins(as already posted on their blog) came down to see us Friday morning which was such a treat for us! It was amazing to see our kids running around together at the park and playing at the table at Red Robin. Crazy what can happen in four years!! Then Matt left with a friend from Christ Covenant and went to Charleston, SC for some guy time with seafood, BBQ, and lots of laughter. I stayed with the boys in Raleigh and was able to see some youth from Christ Covenant and hang out with the Perdue Clan, small group friends for CCC, on Saturday. Church was amazing on Sunday, not just seeing people but hearing the Word broken well and clear. We still feel like that body is our church family. We had coffee with the pastor and his wife; good time just dialoguing about ministry and life. One of our youth offered to keep our boys for Matt and I to go out Sunday night. What a thought--on vacation with kids and going on a date!! We went to our favortie Raleigh restaurant-Porter's-downtown by NCState. Monday we went to a pool and enjoyed the day just hanging out before traveling back on Tuesday.
It's hard to describe vacations these days as relaxing with the four of us, but it was an adventurous breath of fresh air which was much needed and a super duper BLAST!!!
So I just had to post about the amazing day we're having in Winchester, KY today. Not a cloud in the sky and there's actually a breeze blowing!!! I just want to be outside all day, but here I am at the computer listening to my youngest make some "tucker noises" instead of sleeping. We're going to friends later today to swim. Noah has had 2 swim lessons at our Y and he blows bubbles and kind of puts his head under. Last summer he was all about the water, but he seems to have "learned too much" and is somewhat hesitant. Hopefully going today and seeing four other big boys swimming he'll get into it. Tucker is on the road to running. We've noticed over the last couple of days that he is literally making laps around our kitchen/den trying to get faster and faster. He desperately wants to keep up with his big bro...or maybe run to safety with his toys before you know who gets them!!! what a sight to see them together. they do struggle to share, but honestly they have a blast together and love each other so much. maybe they just have a unique way of expressing it!!!
As I talked with someone who is in the middle of a divorce, I was struck anew by God's grace to me. He has given me a gorgeous wife that is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. There is always such gentle encouragement and beauty and kindness to be found in our home because "mommy" is so amazing. Jen does such a great job with managing our home in humility but with such strength and beauty. It is my favorite place to be. We have now reached the average length of marriage. Weird how close our anniversary is falling in proximity to our anniversary. God has really reminded me of what He has drawn me out of from 2 dads that left and never looked back and the first 18 years of self centered church attendance. For me to speak of Jesus to anyone is such a gift and I am so thankful that for 7 years I have been able to love and grow in my ability to serve and "wash" my wife with the word. Unbelieveable.
Happy Father's Day to a daddy that never pretends to be perfect, but loves his boys with so much selfless and sacrificial love that it blows his wife away!! I'm amazed to watch a daddy that has no earthly examples before him seek to live a legacy worth leaving. To watch a daddy look to his DADDY for wisdom and direction in every situation; small or big, simple or challenging, old or new; continually encourages his wife to greater obedience. It is such a joy to be a mommy with such an incredible daddy by my side!!! I love you!!
Happy 7 years!!!! Tomorrow we celebrate 7 years of committing our lives to each other. I thought 7 years ago around 4:00 in the afternoon I would absolutely burst with so much love for you. Little did I know that that love would continue to grow and deepen as each day passed; so much that it makes me more "giddy" inside than even imaginable. You are such a gift to me and a treasure that I never forget is from the Lord. I'm amazed that He gave me you and how much of Him I see in you. You do truly promote my joy in Christ as you "cleanse me by washing me with water through the word!" Eph. 5:26
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THAT I AM!!!
What exciting news that we made it through the week. I absolutely loved hanging out with the 1st graders, but I'm glad it was only for 5 days!! Matt got to lead 2 of his guys to Christ today!! How amazing for the Lord to allow him to be a part of His work. Along with the challenges of ministry right now, God has really kept our eyes on Him because of how He's using us. It's unbelieveable how a Perfect Savior would use very imperfect people to do His Perfect work. What a grace to His children!!
So now we shift our focus to "vacating" to the great state of NC that we all love and miss! We're going next Thursday for a long weekend. An added bonus is that my nephew is playing in the South Regional Soccer tournament in Raleigh the very days we're there!!! How cool to get to see him play!! We're probably not going to see the beach, which stinks, but we'll see so many precious friends and be able to go to Christ Covenant on Sunday...what a blessing!
Want to know what I've been thinking about for the last week...."A-ya wiki, B-ya wiki, C-ya wiki...." I've spent the last several days in the Hawaiian part of Winchester at our VBS. I'm doing 1st grade music and, as it is fun, I can't wait until Friday!!!! Matt has been leading worship and teaching the 5th and 6th graders to get them excited about coming to youth group in the fall. It has been a great week so far, but we're exhausted!!!
I am so blown away with God's goodness and grace in my life and how quickly I can turn to complaining or pouting. My amazing husband continually spurs me on in my relationship with Jesus. He challenges and encourages me with the Word and I love to be with him!!!! My precious boys definitely keep me moving and on my toes, but, man, do we have fun!! Just today I had them both piled on me practicing their tackling skills. All I have to say is...Tucker may not be 3 yet, but Noah better watch out!!! Those smiling faces are such a joy and such gifts from the Lord! He does give in abundance!!! And what incredible riches I've been given through God's Word. I crave it more and more and just can't get enough!!! I've started really trying to read through entire books in one sitting and the truth just comes alive and penetrates through the filth in my heart!! What a mighty God we serve!!!
Well some fun things are going on at the Gurney house. We are getting hair cuts like they are going in style and baby bear Tucker is starting to walk. He took 5 or 6 steps at a time last night. Jen said that this morning he took 10. Pretty cool to see how fast that little guy is changing. They are both hilarious and still challenging. Just thought we would share that and a couple of new pictures of the boys.
Well folks it has been a long time since any Gurney has blogged. Life has not been easy but we are trusting God that He has us here in Kentucky with a purpose. I got to go to Together for the Gospel last week and God used it in huge ways to remind me of core truths that are invaluable and have a lasting impact. I got to see guys from Union where I went to college. There were plenty of Southeastern guys as well as some guys from Southern that I know. And the crew from North Wake and my favorites-the Christ Covenant guys were there as well. It was amazing to see that the connection I share with all of those people is Jesus. We all love Him and are seeking to glorify Him by declaring His greatness to anyone who will listen. I was reminded that I will be judged not only on my faithfulness in ministry but also my joy in ministry. I was also reminded that to the degree that the doctrine of depravity is taught, understood and embraced is directly proportional to the true, deep and lasting joy of a people. Guys, if you can, go there in 2010. Incredible teaching. They gave each attendee 21 books. I think they are worth around $350. We all have different ideas about ministry, but we all love and were purchased by and through one gospel. What an encouragement for me to see and hear all that I haven't been hearing or seeing for almost a year. We are excited about just growing in our understandings and God graciously deepening them.
We hope that everyone had a great Christmas with family and friends. It was our first time to do Christmas morning at our house. How cool to see Noah's expressions and excitedness. We are truly discovering how blessed it is to give. The four of us headed down to Mississippi for the week after Christmas with Jen's side of the family. We had a great time and played a lot of frisbee golf and a little ping-pong. We asked Jen's parents if they could just support us and we could move in with them. Then we actually thought about and realized that we would drive each other crazy in about a month. So we are back in Winchester. Still hoping for piano students and other opportunities to come through. We are both praying that God will do awesome things in and through us as well as the student ministry here at Central. We will be ramping up some new changes that aren't crazy but definitely different for here. They have been doing essentially the same student ministry for 20 years. There have been some minor changes here and there, but no depth charges dropped that might just cause some explosions. We may have some soon. Well, we will post some pictures from Christmas soon. Grace and peace
