A Few Amazing Days in SE OK

Brian and I spent a few days away in Southeast OK this past week. Brian had a speaking engagement Wednesday night in Hugo, and our friends at Trinity in Idabel gathered with us for another Ignite the Mission on Thursday night. We were planning to stay in a little (I will use the word "humble" to be nice) apartment type room on Wednesday night. But when the person who set that up for us found out I came with Brian, he said "Why don't you guys go spend the night at my cabin in Broken Bow?" We were very surprised by this kind offer, and we were even more surprised when we got to the cabin and it was PERFECTION. It was like a little gift from the Lord...complete with a hot tub, fireplace, and hammock on the back porch. We got there pretty late, and just stayed for one night, but it was a much-needed getaway for us. Life has been pretty heavy the past several months...we are good, but there hasn't been a whole lot of time for just the two of us. I saw this picture the other day, and it really resonated with me...this is a very accurate depiction of what life has been like for us since September. No matter what though...we are in this together!

On Thursday evening, we had dinner and shared about GoodNews Journey with another group of people that we love at Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel. Once again, we left very encouraged and thankful for more GNJ partnerships. Andrew put us up in the Choctaw Landing resort on Thursday night, and it was equally as wonderful as the cabin. Thankful!

This was my FB post to go along with these pictures...

"Thankful for a few days away with @brianbaldwin82 doing ministry, gathering with friends, and just being together. These songs lyrics are everything right now...thank you, Jesus!

There's mercy in the waiting

Mana for today

And when it's gone, I know You're not

You are my hope and stay

When the sea is raging

Your spirit is my help

He'll fix my eyes on Jesus Christ

And I'll say that it is well

Oh I know that it is well

I'm fighting a battle

You've already won

No matter what comes my way

I will overcome

I don't know what You're doing

But I know what You've done

I'm fighting a battle

You've already won

Here are some pictures from Brian's speaking events at a school and church on Wednesday.

Our late night arrival at the surprise cabin in the woods...I took all of these pictures, because I was amazed at how beautiful it was, and couldn't believe we were actually getting to stay there.

The best part...

We slept in, went to lunch, then came back and laid in the hammock and got back in the hot tub, before it was time to head into Idabel. I could have stayed there forever!

TBC was our first "real" ministry position, back in 2006 when we were 24 years old! Just like with our STBC friends, we are so humbled and grateful to be able to partner with friends from TBC to launch GNJ! 

LOVE these friends!! 

SNU College Visit

February is here, and reality is sinking in that graduation is coming fast. A college decision is looming overhead. This week I went with Mackenzie to Southern Nazarene University for another college visit. From the minute we got there, it just felt right. Our friend, Billy, works in the recruiting office for SNU, so he set up our visit and took us on the tour. I was so sad that Brian wasn't able to join us...he was working and couldn't be there. Mackenzie has been to SNU's musical productions the past few years and she has loved them. They have a great Musical/Theater program. We got to meet Professor Ambrosini, who is (I think) the Dean of the music program at SNU, and she was wonderful. We found out that Mackenzie could audition for a music scholarship, so we signed her up to do it the following weekend. Why wait?! Billy showed us around campus, and then a few students took us over to see the girls dorms. After that, we ate lunch in the student union. Unlike our visit to UCO, it was easy to see Mackenzie's future at SNU...I think she would thrive there and absolutely love it! A bonus is that her friend Kenzie, is going to SNU, so they could be roommates. By the time we left, I think her mind was pretty well made up. I think we have a future SNU Vocal Music major with Theater emphasis, in the house!

** She did receive a music scholarship & an academic scholarship...added to what we qualify for through FASFA, it almost covers her entire tuition. Praise!!

This verse has been our family anthem this year...so seeing it on the wall like this at SNU was special! 

My baby is about to go to college...how can it be?!

Future Broadway Stars

Can't make this stuff up! Our house is full of laughter and entertainment most of the time, and I love it! I'm pretty sure Jack is going to follow in Mackenzie's footsteps and be in Theater one of these days! =0) I think they are both future Broadway stars! 

That face paint though! Bahaha!