While Courtney is in New York

Hey guys, it's Matt. Good to have mom's challenge to write again, so I had a few minutes, I thought I'd share what's on my mind.

First of all, I feel like exciting things are happening all over our family right now. I pray that God continues to lead and guide us. I like to think that mom and dad prepared us for an exciting year with our Christmas service and challenging us to think about Bible characters and Bible stories. I know that trying to let myself be led like Joseph was led has been challenging to me.

But I also think we'll have to pray for the stress levels of the family. Knowing that Kristine and Andrew are both looking for changes, especially with jobs, and Kristi and Ryan are looking at job changes too, and Courtney and I are expecting family changes (yeah Judah!) All of these things are good, I think, but I know they cause stress. After talking with Kristi on the phone Tuesday night, I thought about the difficult time it might be just changing jobs, getting out of the routine. It could be really good, but it is still hard. So I'm praying for all of us in our stress, that God will give us clarity and peace.

As for me, I'm without my wife for a couple of days. Gideon thinks that Mommy is in New York to get him a present and didn't understand why she wasn't home for dinner last night. We had a good night, but I know why single parenting is so hard. This is actually the first time I've had to parent Gideon alone for more than a day. So I could use prayer in that. And then I'll be seeing some of you this weekend, which will be great.

While your at reading blogs, you might want to check out my other blog, forgehosannahs.blogspot.com. It's just about how I see God in the everyday things of my life... picking a middle name for Judah, singing with Gideon, the shower... I won't feel offended if you don't though.

I love you all, and I am praying for you even as I type! Thanks for getting us started again Mom!

Matt.