O Lord of the Oceans,

My little bark sails on a restless sea,

Grant that Jesus may sit at the helm and steer me safely;

Suffer no adverse currents to divert my heavenward course;

Let not my faith be wrecked amid storms and shoals;

Bring me to harbour with flying pennants,

hull unbreached, cargo unspoiled.

I ask great things,

expect great things,

shall receive great things.

I venture on thee wholly, fully,

my wind, sunshine, anchor, defence.

The voyage is long, the waves high, the storms pitiless,

but my helm is held steady,

thy Word secures safe passage,

thy grace wafts me onward,

my haven is guaranteed.

This day will bring me nearer home,

Grant me holy consistency in every transaction,

my peace flowing as a running tide,

my righteousness as every chasing wave.

Help me to live circumspectly,

with skill to convert every care into prayer.

Halo my path with gentleness and love,

smooth every asperity of temper;

let me not forget how easy it is to occasion grief;

may I strive to bind up every wound,

and pour oil on all troubled waters.

May the world this day be happier and better because I live.

Let my mast before me be the savior’s cross,

and every oncoming wave the fountain in his side.

Help me, protect me in the moving sea

until I reach the shore of unceasing praise.

99 Balloons from Igniter Media on Vimeo.

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Naomi, 6, had a busy year. She is in the first grade, taking piano lessons, and played soccer on a team that B.J. coached.  In November (on B.J.’s birthday) she fell after her last soccer game on top of her trophy and broke her collar bone. She is not wearing her sling anymore and is doing great.  We are so proud of her efforts and her positive attitude.

Ethan, 4, kept us entertained this year. Ethan is learning along side Naomi. He loves to play games, play catch, fish, or just do anything that involves moving. Ethan also played soccer this year and loved it. I think I am getting a glimpse of what B.J. was like when he was a little boy.

Levi, 1, has also kept us entertained this year. He is such a lively little boy.  He could be described as silly, stubborn, tough, active, noisy, and fun.  He is learning words, kicking a soccer ball, loves music, and laughs all the time.

I (Christin) am  staying busy schooling Naomi and Ethan, playing with Levi and Ethan, keeping Levi and Ethan out of trouble, keeping Naomi on task, and keeping Ethan busy.  A friend told me a saying that I think fits my home perfectly: “Cleaning the house is like brushing your teeth and eating an Oreo cookie at the same time!” So true!! With three kids and a dog, this saying describes it perfectly.   The duties in the home are never done.  I know I will miss it one day.

BJ just finished his second full semester at Southern Seminary. He loves the godly professors and the rich, challenging content of his classes. He recently changed jobs and works as a sales rep. for Verizon Wireless (anybody need a cell phone?). Although he’s very busy with school and work we’ve grown in our relationship this year and are grateful for God’s grace to us during this hectic time.

As Christmas is upon us we pray that your hearts are directed to the child who came to the earth to redeem us from the curse. May you bask in His goodness and find your satisfaction in Him this Christmas season.

Enjoy a few pictures from 2009.

via Message from Matt.

BJ: “Ethan, did you look at the present inside the gift bag?”

Ethan: “No” (with a face that basically says, “uh-oh”)

BJ: “What color is the box?”

Ethan: “Pink”

Busted.

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via Video from Matt.

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