Thoughts from the Blur...

Already 4 months old!!!!!

2010-01-24T15:14:00.004-05:00

Our sweet Tay-bug turned four months on the 17th!!! Hard to believe. She is so fabulous and such a great baby! Our family of rowdy, noisy boys has nothing but thrived since the arrival of this precious girl. Matt and I obviously knew (practically, not in reality) what the difference of a girl would bring to our home, but it's been fun to hear and see Noah and Tucker's reactions. Noah has such a love and affection for Taylor (and her for him) that is incredible to see. I know he loves Tucker and would do anything for him, but unfortunately at this stage it usually is in the context of doing anything TO him!!! The boys do play well together, but sometimes the moments seem few and far between....anyway back on topic....Noah can be doing the most "boyish", rough, loudest thing and notice that Taylor is near and his whole demeanor, voice pitch/volume, and speed changes. He curls up with her and loves on her and she just smiles and coos!! Those are definitely adorable, "need to soak in" moments!!! Don't get me wrong, Tucker adores her, too. But in a 2 yr. old world it looks a little different. There have been times that I've left the kiddos (for brief moments I assure you) in one room while I attempt to do something in another room. When I come back Tucker will inform me that "Taylor didn't want me to hold her!!" My thoughts and questions to him are the obvious...."Did she tell you this? Did you try? Why is she now in a different place????? I assure you that this doesn't happen very often (Please don't report!!! haha). Tucker notices more of the obvious differences with having a little girl around (What are those mommy? Those are tights, Tucker. Why does she have THOSE on? To keep her warm and they're cute!! Take them OFF. - another-What is that in her hair? That's a bow, Tucker. Why is it there? To look cute and help tame the hair a litte! Do you like it, Tucker? NO, take it out!!!)

Anyway....at 4 months Taylor is keeping up with the Gurney rate of baby growth!! At the doc on Friday she weighed 15 lbs. and 13ozs. and she's a little over 26 inches tall!!!!!! Slightly more tall than chubby, woohoo!!!!! Her hair continues to stand straight up (even though it is getting longer), so you'll notice that a bow now stays in. That helps it look like it's done on purpose!!! She eats and sleeps fabulous!! Four feedings a day and sleeping 12-13 hours at night. She chews on everything and is already practicing her singing (at 3 a.m.) the other night!!!! Seriously, Matt and I woke up to her just singing away and then about 10 minutes later she was quiet again!! I would have to say that her favorite past-time is watching her brothers play. That's when we get the most grins and giggles out of her!! She's already not a fan of the nursery at church, but she'll have to get over that or just deal, right??!!! OK, so enough words, right, you want to see pictures of this precious "bug" I've been describing. Here she is with "Doodles" the dog:

OUR NEW HOUSE (take 2)

2010-01-21T22:02:00.005-05:00

Trying this again....computer just erased whole post....Welcome to our new home FINALLY!!! We love owning our own home...what a fantastic feeling! We have projects that we want to do (the biggest being fencing the backyard), but we're just waiting on time (yea right) and money!
Downstairs-Master bed/bath, open floor plan for den and kitchen, half bath, back door to deck
Upstairs-Play/Music/Office room, Boys' room, Tay's room, and kid bath
Here it is:

Taylor Giles Gurney

2009-10-22T14:54:00.003-04:00

Here are the long awaited pictures of our little "Tay bug"...thanks for your patience. It's interesting that the last post from us was Taylor's ultrasound pictures and here she is at ONE MONTH OLD!!! Life is crazy, but we are having a blast with three precious, high-energy kids. The boys can't get enough of their little sister (and I guess each other too as far as that goes...it's just expressed differently). We are really noticing that Taylor turns towards her brothers' voices when they're in the room. Why wouldn't she, that's all she heard for nine months, right?? Noah calls her "Tay Tay" and Tucker finally moved from "That Baby" to "Taywor!!!" She is precious and sleeping like a champ for a one month old. I only get up with her one time during the night, and few nights she has let me sleep eight hours!!!! Well, anyway, I could keep giving you updates, but really haven't got the time. Maybe just comment with questions that you have for the Gurneys and our life as a a five person family!!! Love you guys!!!!

Taylor Giles at 31 weeks!!

2009-07-18T14:59:00.003-04:00

Oh my word, we are so pumped about Taylor being here in 8 weeks!!! I won an all-inclusive package for 3D ultrasound session and pictures at this place in Lexington. We all went yesterday and had a blast looking at our precious girl. Noah and Tucker were so into it (well, into the toys that were in the room too). Noah could recognize things on the screen faster than I could tell what they were. She kept her arm by her face the whole time. Here are just a few of the better shots. Taylor definitely has the cheeks and lips that seem to run in our family. We really think she looks like Noah. I compared these with ultrasound pics of Noah and they are very similar!!! We can't wait to meet her and hold her!!

Houses and more houses!!

2009-07-04T15:37:00.002-04:00

So with the boys gone to MS, Matt and I took advantage of the time and went to see a couple of houses this morning before leaving on our mission trip to Chicago tomorrow. We saw two extremes of houses. One being the low end of our affordable range, definitely liveable but would have things to be done to it (a little at first: painting, fence in the backyard; a lot of projects along the way...when we're up for it and have the time with three little ones, two full time jobs, and youth ministry activities). The other house was on our higher end (budgeting more for our house payment than what we're used to) but an amazing house, great floor plan, no work needed unless we wanted to change color schemes. So many pros and cons to both. A very interesting and exciting place for our minds and hearts to be right now. Just wanted to share with our friends/family.
We leave for Chicago tomorrow for 7 days. Pray for us!!

Soccer Camp

2009-06-29T16:03:00.006-04:00

Noah had a blast at soccer camp last week! His coach, Coach John, was from Scotland and a great encouragment to these kids. There were 5 kids at the camp ranging from 3-4 yrs. old. Pretty sure Noah was the oldest and he did fantastic following directions and listening to the coach (as best he could with his NC/KY ears to the Scottish accent...quite hilarious at times). Here are some videos too:

Long Awaited Pictures from the Summer so far!!!

2009-06-21T21:21:00.023-04:00

We stayed in MS for a few days before heading to the beach to spend time with family. Matt's aunt and uncle have great trees in their yard. This may be Noah and Tucker's first real experience with climbing trees. They had scratches on their legs to prove it...can you say, "ALL BOY!!!"

Aunt Jen, Matt's sister, got Noah and Tucker fishing poles for the birthdays. This was Noah, Tucker, and my first time fishing!!! Thanks Jen, the boys had a blast!!!

Here are the pictures from Gulf Shores, AL. We had an amazing time and were richly blessed by family and the breath-taking scenery.

"CHEESE!!! I love this sandbox, mom." Tucker called the beach the sandbox and it actually made him more fond of going. I guess he needs to see things on his terms!!!

The dads digging with the kiddos. Glenn is quite the artist and made an elephant carving when it was all said and done. It was the place for walkers to stop and take family pictures!!! Quite impressive...

The parentals enjoying the waves. Thanks mom and dad for an amazing week at the beach! You guys are awesome!!!!

One of many amazing sunsets on the beach. We actually saw dolphins one night while watching. What a gift from our Creator to remind us of His power and grace to us!!

Matt, Noah, Jen, Taylor, and Tucker Gurney

Bailey, Glenn, Amy, Girl #3, and Jenny LaRue

brothers snuggled up after a long day on the beach

The whole gang outside of King Neptunes Seafood...my favorite meal of the week!!

The only way to get these kiddos to smile for atleast some of the pictures was to promis them a goofy picture...here it is!!!

The Dads of the group!!

The moms of the group!!

Katie Martin and her precious boys came to Winchester for a few days while our husbands were on youth trips. Ed is gone for 10 days and Matt is gone to Student Life Camp for only 5, but it was a great way for us to keep busy and have fun catching up and seeing our FOUR BOYS play together. Here are some pics that somewhat capture the excitement and non-stop energy that went on over the last 4 days!!!

Micah using his muscles to push Tucker up the hill. What a life, Tucker!!

Here the gang is at the famous Winchester Mexican Restaurant. Noah looks alittle drugged from either the chips and salsa or the Spanish TV show he could not keep his eyes off of!!

Micah and Noah enjoying the "make-shift" pool. What hilarious boys!!!

The older and younger...it was interesting and cool to see Noah's natural instinct to take care of Caleb...maybe a sign for the fall, right?!

Intense stares on the Diego episodes!!! I think this was the only time that Micah, Tucker, and Noah sat still! Good breaks for pregnant moms!!!

Oh my word!!! Can't get enough of these handsome grins! Need I remind you that you are looking at 4 boys ages 4,3,2, and 1!!!!

Look at the goofyness coming from these Youth Minister boys!!! Do expect any difference??! They definitely take after their dads!!!

Taylor G!!!

2009-06-15T16:32:00.003-04:00

Good doctor's appointment this morning!!! I had to do the glucose testing thing so that's never fun, but other than that just a routine checkup. My doctor did tell me today that SURPRISE Taylor's measuring on the "big side." OK, so who's really surprised...she may be a girl, but she's still a Gurney and that just seems to be the way babies come around here!!! I haven't gained as much weight so far (although I'm still getting those lovely, encouraging comments from people like "Wow, are you sure you're not having twins!" or "Man, I guess she's going to be a big girl") so we're just hoping for dropping a few ounces from big bro Tucker would be nice (please no where near Noah's weight!!!). He was 9 lb. 11 oz....our small baby!! I'm scheduled for an ultrasound with my next visit on July 20th to check Taylor's measurements. Seriously, this all sounds too familiar, but atleast I'm not freaking out, right!!

Beach Trip...#2

2009-06-12T08:53:00.003-04:00

Well, it's Friday and our last full day at the beach. We've had a blast!!!! What a relaxful (in its own special way with 6 adults and 4 kids) week here in Gulf Shores with perfect weather and fabulous company! The kiddos have loved the sand, warmed up to the idea of the ocean and actually rode some waves yesterday, learned to go under water and do a little swimming in the pool, rode the tram, and played a little Wii. It's been so fun to watch them!!! The adults have sunned (a lot for some and a little for others), eaten seafood, played games til the early morning, admired dolphins and stingrays, and just loved being away from work and "real life." Pictures will be posted soon.

From the beach...#1

2009-06-09T22:57:00.004-04:00

Here we are in Gulf Shores, AL and having a blast!!! This will be a short post...fam is about to play a game...but a post none the less. We had a great time in MS fishing, playing in the fountain, and just enjoying family. We've been on the beach 3 days now and everyone's monitored their sun intake well except for Jen. I was sad to take the day off today, but you better believe that tomorrow I'll be out again!!! The boys are loving it in their own special way. Noah loves digging (sometimes throwing) in the sand, but will play in the ocean some. Tucker has to be convinced to go out everyday, but likes it okay once he's there...not fond of the "big water." How fun to just watch them! The place my parents got for us is fabulous and has withstood the confusion and chaos so far. Seafood dinner was memorable last night at Lulu's (Jimmy Buffet's sister's restaurant). We've seen two beauiful sunsets and saw dolphins swimming tonight!!! I can't post pictures from here, but will put some up when we get home. There's your update for now...

Pictures of the Boys!

2009-06-01T20:31:00.006-04:00

The Gurney boys enjoying Summer Days in Winchester!!! We just got their haircut for the summer. Don't they look so big and grown up!!

Noah LOVES the slip-n-slide!!! It's so fun to watch him master the Superman dive! Dad had to show him how first, which was hilarious b/c Matt's pretty much the length of the slide meant for 5 year olds!!!

And then here's Tucker enjoying the water in our sandbox. I refuse to have sand in our yard (I really don't think it'll stay outside!!!). What a great pool for a boy that really isn't fond of the splashing idea just yet.

This is Noah at his Preschool Luau on the last day of school. He absolutely loved this year at school which made it much easier on us to endure such a hard schedule and responsibility.

Summer is Here!!!

2009-05-30T20:45:00.002-04:00

So here I am back on the blog again. I officially survived and completed my year as a full-time preschool teacher last Thursday!!! Now it's time to do and be ALL those things I said I would do and be once I wasn't teaching anymore. Blogging being on the list. Man, am I excited that this year is over. It was an incredible experience and I did love teaching those precious 4 year olds, but it was so stretching and trying for our whole family. Matt and I are so glad it's behind us and overwelmed to look back and see what God had in mind putting that on my/our plate...finances is just one reason.
With the summer upon us, I've scheduled 9 piano students (some new and some from the Spring) for summer lessons that I'll teach on Thursdays. I already have 11 new students signed up for the Fall to teach at the school where I taught last year! Again, overwelmed by God's provision beyond imagination...should I be, really? The Gurney Gang is headed to the beach in Gulf Shores, AL this Thursday for 10 days (MS for 3 and beach for 7) with my parents and sister's family!! We're so excited. We'll come back to a week of VBS, Matt will go to Student Life Camp with the youth, and then a week for Noah's SOCCER CAMP!!! Oh my word, we're so pumped. Noah is so excited! He says soccer is his favorite sport right now, but the boy has incredible natural ability for all sports. Anyway, with this camp he got a free official soccer jersey in the mail. Can't believe we didn't take a picture, but when he got it the expression on his face was unbelieveable!!! We'll have a few days of down time (whatever that means) and then the boys will go to MS for a week while Matt and I go on a youth mission trip to Chicago. So the back drop of it all is obviously that I'm pregnant (never said I'd be during the summer) and 16 weeks away from Taylor Giles making her appearance. That's our summer in a nutshell and we can't wait!!!

We are still here

2009-02-19T11:34:00.004-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since we have posted. I did include some new pictures of the boys. Life is crazy in student ministry as so many of you know. Jen is really feeling the pregnancy tireds and nausea here in week 10/11. Hopefully only a couple more weeks of this. But she is still running and doing aerobics once a week. She is still teaching 4 year olds 5 days a week and does piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday. We are rolling into tennis season where I am the assistant coach for the high school here in Winchester. That will add more to an already overcrowded plate. Student ministry is going well. Doesn't seem like anywhere else in the church is though. We had a great weekend with students this past one. Mike Shelton came and spoke and we had a great band lead our music all weekend. Students responded very positively about what they learned and how much fun they had. We pray that God will use this in their lives to help them make an impact in the church and to their friends that don't know Jesus. Noah and Tucker continue to just keep growing and learning. Noah can't stop asking "why?" Tucker is lovingly called Destructo for his always curious and sometimes destructive interest level in everything that is not a toy. Baby G3 is tentatively scheduled to arrive on September 19. We go back to the doctor on the 26th of this month. We will also be at a youth ministry conference in Columbus, OH right after that for 5 days. So that's what's been going on with us. We will put up stuff more regularly as it happens. We miss all you guys so much and hope things are going well with you.

Happy 2009!!!!

2009-01-03T21:16:00.003-05:00

So Matt's comment over the past few days about another year ending and a new one beginning has been that this year would not be a year of "I don't knows." As most of you know and have been praying for us, this past year has been very challenging in a variety of ways and levels. There have definitely been a list of uncertainties in the past twelve months: from jobs to houses to life/death, etc. We are so thankful for all the obstacles because we can see how the Lord has shown us more of Himself and increased our desire and desparation for His word. We truly know that HE IS ALL WE NEED!! With it being the most difficult year that we think we've faced there is so much to be thankful for. In the valley we see Him bigger and better!!! Love you guys and Happy New Year!!!!

Youth Group Gingerbread Structure Competition

2008-12-31T23:10:00.002-05:00

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!!!

KY/MS Christmas!!

2008-12-31T22:45:00.003-05:00

We had two great Christmases last week. Good thing our boys don't really understand dates and calendar skills yet b/c we told them that we would and Santa would be visiting us on Tuesday AND Thursday...once in KY and once in MS!!! Noah thought that was the coolest thing!!! Anyway, we had a great week...kinda fun to spread it out over a few days. As always, Matt and I are very giddy about what we're giving the boys (probably more excited than they are). Noah was so overwhelmed when he came up stairs and saw what was laid out. It took him a few seconds to say anything. Tucker came up and ran straight for his Elmo restaurant!! So here are a few pics that semi-capture the excitement and surprise...

A little update...

2008-12-16T11:55:00.003-05:00

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.

Hi!!

2008-10-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

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.....

Bathtime

2008-10-04T21:35:00.003-04:00

We want everyone to enjoy the craziness that occurs at the Gurney house!!

Call me "Slow Poke"

2008-09-29T15:45:00.001-04:00

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!!!

I'm Back!!

2008-09-26T20:10:00.003-04:00

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!!

Pain is relative

2008-08-19T08:12:00.002-04:00

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.

ONE WEEK DOWN!!

2008-08-16T10:12:00.002-04:00

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!!

Tomorrow!!!

2008-08-13T21:42:00.002-04:00

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!!!!

Keep Praying!!

2008-08-08T14:52:00.002-04:00

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!!!!!

You've Got to Pray Just to Make it Today!!!

2008-08-06T15:51:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!!!

What a Day!!!

2008-07-31T22:38:00.002-04:00

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!!

Watch out Emeril and Rachael!!!

2008-07-30T16:42:00.003-04:00

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!!!

Yea, I Know it's Strange...

2008-07-25T13:53:00.004-04:00

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!!

Too Late...

2008-07-22T22:51:00.001-04:00

It's way too late for me to be updating our blog and so you can see that minimal has changed!!! Love us anyway!!!

Our Weekend

2008-06-28T15:17:00.003-04:00

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!!!

Feel the Breeze!!!!

2008-06-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

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!!!

Space Alien Captured on Tape

2008-06-16T09:40:00.001-04:00

that settles it, they're real!

Unbelieveable

2008-06-15T22:23:00.000-04:00

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.

To the Love of My Life!!

2008-06-15T21:03:00.000-04:00

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!!!

IT'S FRIDAY!!

2008-06-13T14:53:00.001-04:00

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!

2 MORE DAYS!!!

2008-06-11T13:41:00.001-04:00

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!!!

Mommy's Heart

2008-06-09T21:39:00.000-04:00

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!!!

Some New Stuff

2008-04-30T15:27:00.000-04:00

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.

Long time coming

2008-04-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

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.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

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

What would Christmas be like without Jesus?

2007-12-06T13:07:00.000-05:00

I asked this question to our students last night. Would we do anything very differently? I think many people would still give presents at the St. Nick's Day/Festival. I read a statement the other day that I think is very telling, especially in evangelical churches. Many people think that Jesus is important for what he did in the past. Most of these are also hopeful for that day of His return in the future. Where the disconnect comes is how we value or don't value the gospel and all that Jesus is to and for us right now. Students have made statements with their mouths and with their lives that they don't need the Scriptures, or the church as long as they have Jesus. I am very concerned for all whose way of thinking is dominated by a Jesus and me mentality. I want to enjoy worshipping our God and Savior and want to encourage and help others do that as well. What broken people we are in need of our Savior every moment. May I press on to know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings and all that He is so my joy may be full in Him. May your Christmas be filled with Christ. This is not an anti-gift giving blog. I am hoping that my family will experience Christmas a little differently as we consider the great condescension of our Holy One. Grace and peace

OUR HAPPY BOYS!!

2007-11-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

So after a very long month with 3 stomach bugs, 4 new teeth, getting used to KY air (2nd worst allergy place to live), and 8 days of rest and relaxation in MS for Thanksgiving; I think the happy, energetic, and always full of life Gurney boys are back!!!!

VERY SOON!!!

2007-11-26T19:13:00.000-05:00

So here I am at Matt's office (with the internet) and reading up on everyone's blogs. I love hearing from everyone and seeing all the pictures!! I have to say that it does make me very homesick to have a SEBTS reunion!! I know it would take some planning and creativity, but we just have to make it happen. What about sometime in the spring/summer months. I know schedules are crazy and maybe it's too much, but what do you guys think?

From Jen's Heart

2007-11-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

Just some thoughts about what the Lord's been teaching me and showing me about Himself. I just can't get enough of His Word. Praise Him that I'm finally seeing it as my very life and breath!! I have a new hunger for seeing scripture as a whole and not so much as chapters and sections. Realizing and understanding the specific flow and order and how it builds on each verse is huge!! I know this isn't that mind boggling, but it's been refreshing for me lately. I was excitedly floored (like my adj.??) last night when I saw the connections of scripture while reading through Hebrews. Heb. 4: 13 - 16...you'll have to read it, but here's the basic idea...we are laid bare before our Savior which can seem shameful, but we have a high Priest that has been tempted in every way we are and therefore, we approach His throne of Grace with confidence in our time of need!!! As we see ourselves laid bare we realize our great need, but there's no reason to shrink back...approach Him with confidence!!!
Anyway, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and loves the holiday season for all that it means......we have reason to celebrate....we've been given LIFE!!!!

Going Home

2007-10-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

I did go home last week to visit my mom who just had her second hip replacement surgery. It was a good visit that I hoped encouraged and helped her. I hope that for my kids that no matter how old they get or how old I get, it would always be a joy to come home. What a picture of the gospel we can give to our children and to the world by our families as we make homes that are most often described as joyous. Not just at Christmas or other holidays, but in the everyday stuff that is life. As our friends and neighbors see us receive our children as blessings not as nuisances we show them the very heart of God towards His children. Despite the difficulties and discipline (or more rightly, including both of those) there is an ongoing offering of ourselves for the sake of our children to care for, protect and celebrate with them. I love to know that God feels and acts in similar ways, though much, much greater in scope and depth, towards me and all His children. When we first had Noah and I was walking through the hospital I was elated over the new possibility that I could sing to him and over him and that one day he could recognize and love me, and maybe even join in the song. In that instant, God's Spirit illuminated this truth to a greater degree than ever before that He had lavished such love on us that we are now His kids. And it is as beloved children that we seek to be imitators of God. So I am encouraged this day that our homes, our children, our spouses, our very breath is all a gift from God and this minstry to our families is by His mercy. I posted some newer pictures of the boys and Jen. Noah was a little sick yesterday but seems to be over the whole thing. Tucker is cutting at least 2 teeth, maybe 3 right now. We are just cranking along with life and seeking to do all of life for the glory of God.

The Gift of Worship

2007-10-14T16:00:00.001-04:00

If our lives could be so sweet in passionate pursuit of our great God.

Who is it that I really want to be?

2007-09-19T14:56:00.001-04:00

So I was talking to some students the other night, and the topic of hot dogs came up. I think it originated from me talking about my delicious Hebrew National beauties that were waiting to be consumed by me-they answer to a higher authority after all. Well, we got to talking about Oscar Mayer and singing the songs. I realized that the well known tune and lyric-"I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener, that is what I truly wish to be,..." is maybe the most ridiculous line ever. I mean, I love hot dogs, but why would you want to be processed meat squeezed into a wierd form, slathered in who knows what and then devoured by hungry, nondiscriminate people. Doesn't sound like much to shoot for. I don't want to be chewed up and digested for the brief entertainment or enjoyment or at the very low end, satiation of random people. That being said, the rest of the jingle is very telling. It says that if I was an Oscar Mayer wiener, people would be in love with me. It just made me think of how unhappy we can be with ourselves. This is pretty amazing, that you would prefer being a hot dog and feel confident that you would get more love if you were not what you are now. I know that there are still times in my heart where I wish I had more money, better abs, nicer cars and all sorts of other upgrades. I still pray fairly often that God would just help me to be who He has made me to be and to be excited about that. I guess as long as I don't sink to hot dog aspiration, I will be alright. On a completely unrelated note, Jen and I have taken many pictures and will put them up soon, maybe even tomorrow. We are going to North Carolina tomorrow until Monday for me to attend a conference on the emerging church at Southeastern. It will be great to get away and to see friends since we don't have any here yet.

Reality really

2007-09-13T09:17:00.000-04:00

I wonder if the detachment that I often myself living with, contributes to my misunderstandings and frustrations. I think if I was more organically connected with students and the hurts of this world, I wouldn't be so surprised by so many things. I see a major learning curve for Jen and I here. Really getting to know kids and serve them well is high on our list. But I also see that God has moved us to a place where we have no hope apart from Him moving. The truth is that that is where we live all day everyday. And not just in certain areas-in all things. But when things seem to be going alright there is a certain lack of dependence on God for grace for each moment. For my marriage. For my kids. For the students we serve. For my new pastor and the rest of the staff. There are so many needs and challenges that I think it can begin to shut me down a bit. But by the mercies of God, He has shown me that my heart is still to be His and in ever increasing fashion. I was made to enjoy God. I was made to find my greatest happiness and pleasure in Him. I wasn't made to manage my sin and hope I would turn out better. I was made to follow Jesus with all that I am because I genuinely love Him. If this experience and ministry draws my family to a more real place in our hearts where we all have greater affections for Him, that truly is the mysterious mercy of God in my reality.

We love you Jesus!

2007-09-01T14:51:00.000-04:00

Sometimes my soul is full of more sorrow than joy. Even though I have been brought into divine intimacy with my sovreign king, I still experience great hurt and disappointment. What is beautiful is that God supplies such sweet balms to and for my soul. In the midst of discovering such ungodliness and soul sickness in the people that God has called us to minister to, Jesus reminds me that He gave us this ministry by His mercy. I have been hurt and scared by the immensity of need that this church and community have to be all that God commands and desires. I have also seen in the face of this difficulty a desire to fix or soothe myself with a myriad of distractions. What God has shown me in the last several weeks has been the emptiness of sin in a fresh way and He has torn away another layer of scales that I might see more fully His glory. Beholding him is transforming me. I am so thankful that my salvation is really God's salvation. He is the author and perfector of it. He is the creator and sustainer of this gracious relationship that we have. I have nothing. Never have. Never will. He has everything and in Christ God has supplied and is supplying all I need for life and godliness. What a joy to know when everything else changes, God is a rock, a fortress that cannot be shaken. We so want to see peoples' eyes twinkle when they hear of Jesus and His grace towards us. We long for the happiness of God to permeate our lives and everyone that we come into contact with. And knowing that we can rest in God who alone has secured us for Himself, we are free to pursue and enjoy Him even in the face of great opposition and pain. To whom who is the beginning and the end, may there be great glory. For us who are His may there be great joy.
Grace and peace

Life is Full

2007-08-15T21:45:00.001-04:00

As I sit here listening to the Glory of if All, I cannot help but savor the wonder of God's grace to me in my family. They are shaping me, encouraging me, making me laugh and cry, and showing me so much about what it means to be a child of God. Tucker is almost 5 months-in 5 days-and he went to his 4 month well-baby doctor's visit today. He is doing great. He weighs 16 lbs. 7 ozs. and is 27.5 inches long. He looks like he will be tall and skinny. We will just wait and see. It is awesome to see his personality coming out. He absolutely loves people and smiling at complete strangers. Noah still needs to get to know you first but then he loves you with all his heart. So amazing to see already how differently God has wired these two boys. Noah is done potty training although there is still an occasional accident. Jen is gearing up to start work at the twice a week preschool here at Central Baptist. This will provide a little extra income for our family but also an outlet for her and the kids. She is finishing up Beth Moore's Bible Study on Daniel that the women at our church have been doing. It has been a huge encouragement and challenge for her. We are both still trying to figure out what life is really going to look like here in Winchester. Students started school on Monday and we are just now starting to have a lot of our students come back. We are having fun having students come over and play cards and games. But we have spent some good time talking theology and laughing too, so that's cool. So that is pretty much the update on us here. My next post may be a little more reflective as God is teaching me many things that I am attempting to assimilate. We'll see.
Grace and peace

The glory of it all...

2007-07-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

Well, this post will be just an update on our lives. No major theological reflections but always in the background, supporting all of our lives and in an overarching umbrella is the goodness and faithfullness of our King. Today is the potty training blitz for Noah. Jen and Noah are doing an intensive potty training day that involves a peeing doll, m & m's, juice boxes and lots of patience and underwear. Tucker is almost 4 months and just getting bigger by the day. We thought he was going to be small. I can't wait to hear how big he is at his next check-up. He is smiley and loves to interact. Noah is just loving being a boy. He loves tractors and motorcycles and trucks and balls and tackling daddy and dirt and all of it. His dad also loves these things and loves that Noah has come to love them without any pushing. Jen is running 3-4 times a week and working towards her first triathlon. She is going to a Beth Moore Bible study on Daniel that she really enjoys. She is an incredible wife and mommy that is pursuing God more and more each day. Matt is evaluating Sunday School teachers, getting to know students, dealing with tremendous hurts in their lives, getting ready for the biggest outreach/event that our church does all year. Last year there were over 2000 unchurched people who came to it. There seem to be a lot of things like that. Exciting but challenging after only being here for 1 month. We are all adjusting to being in a new community, missing friends but making new ones. We are hurting and excited. We are satisfied and desperate for more. We are hopefully going to post updates and photos here on a regular basis so you can all know what is going on with us. Please post and let us know you were here.
Grace and peace,
The Gurneys

I am seduced by the speed of it all

2007-06-21T16:42:00.001-04:00

I was driving again the other day-tis a nasty habit that should really be expunged-when I realized that I had not noticed whether the last few lights were of a particular color designation. This is not the first time this has happened nor will it presumably be my last, but I was curious this time as to what the real cause of my misplaced attention was. Could it be that I have adult ADHD? Could I have some debilitating mental illness? Did I eat a 2nd bowl of Cocoa Krispies that morning? What I came to realize was that I am easily seduced by speed. I am drawn to fast things. Fast people. Fast service. Fast fastness. Watching fast things allows me to get lost in their generated blur. I no longer have to focus on what is plaguing me at that moment. It is a sweet seduction and one that gives life to greater resonance in me with the rest of humanity. It would seem upon my humle estimation that most of life is a drive to live within this blurred effect. There are many means all achieving a similar end. Detachment. Rather than deal with the often painful issues that surround or even fill our lives, we attach ourselves so completely to something that we detach from everything else. There is no death, genocide, homelessness, grounding, job loss or any variety of horrors. There is only the warm sunbeam and the whirr of life speeding by. I wonder how we of this generation can attain to the mental acuity to be very aware in each moment. To know that life and breath in this very moment is a gift. To know deep within us in a way that affects everything we do that this life is not the end. To know and experience beauty and grace in both things created and service rendered. Ultimated to know that we are made by and for an all glorious God who loves us so tenderly as we are and yet so passionately to change us.

Grace and peace