Unbelieveable

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!!

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!!

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!!!

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

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

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

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.