The Altic's

Technology

2012-01-27T16:29:00.000-06:00

I put a tweet out a few days ago "Shut off the technology pipelines pouring into your house & let your kids read a book. You read one as well."

As Christian parents we must continually fight for the heart of our children, spouse, marriage, and church. We want better things to happen in so many arenas we find ourselves serving yet we can't figure out why they aren't moving towards the better. One of the areas you must fight is the consumption of technology absorbing the heart of your family.

Let not the technology that is being poured into your home be the parent or better yet be the glue that holds your marriage together. I am confused at the couples I know who sit for hours watching movies and television shows but never spend lengthy time discussing their faith, their children, the Bible, their dreams...or better yet praying together...serving together...writing notes of encouragement to each others as well as friends, family, coworkers, etc...

I am not the anti guy...I am very much pro technology and media but remind your computer, smart phone, tv, children, spouse and your own heart who drives who...and what has priority in your home. Your kids will multiply in the generations to come what you model for them.

For those of you who know my boys...they are all boys...they are full of life, adventure, noise, running, loudness, and laughter. But to see how they can at the same time...all on their own grab a pile of books and go sit in their bed without prompting or "as punishment" and read is absolutely amazing. To see my 3 year old even this afternoon go into his bed all by himself and read was amazing. And my boys do this not just for 5 minutes but for 30-45 all by themselves. It's a beautiful thing.

Here is an article I would recommend for you to read here.

Jerrell

Value...Offerings...

2012-01-27T15:41:00.000-06:00

This week I have been thinking alot about value...That my value must be found in the divine new nature that God gives us when we surrender our lives to Jesus...it is so tempting to find value in my marriage, my kids, family, friendships, status, etc...but God has given us a new nature...seated in the heavenlies...united with him...new nature...and it is for me to walk in that truth daily and continually...As I walk in that the Lord showed me that everything else is an offering...loving my man, my kids, my friends, the world...all is an offering...I am full stepping into the situations he places me in...instead of walking into them with an expectation needing the person to fulfill me...

Another way I have been looking at is that my value in God is the cake and every other compliment, acknowledgment, encouragement or love I receive is icing on the cake but not the cake itself...

So this week has been about catching myself desiring value in other places and asking God to make them an offering...he has done it on several occasions this week and I am feeling free...free to love, free to offer myself and free to follow the Holy Spirit instead of trying to meet my own needs...He is so much better and I long for more of Him and less of me...

Lord may your grace lead us as we find our value in you, and then we are open to freely offer ourselves to you and to others...

God-serving or Self-serving....

2012-01-18T13:12:00.000-06:00

Well this is Kay writing...Jerrell has been doing awesome sharing all that God has done and is doing in the Altic household...but I wanted to share something that I have personally been walking through this side of SE Asia and just in life....

Something the Lord has been talking to me about is "my Agenda"...not like a time agenda or list of things that need to get done on a certain day...but "my Agenda" within my relationships from Jerrell to the kids, to friends, to just random interactions the Lord might bring along the way...and it has been so convicting...because as long as I have my Agenda...my wants...my needs...that I am trying to get met in ways illegitimate ways, it is going to hinder me following God's agenda for the day and for my role as a wife, mom, friend and follower of Christ...

So I felt the Lord put before the question "God-seving or Self-serving?"...to help me check my reason for doing what I am doing...and it has been freeing and convicting at the same time...I desire so much not to self-serve through life...it is so easy to do because the self can be so strong inside me at times...but when I step back and walk in a God-serving mindset I don't struggle to need more from others than what is appropriate to need...For God is the provider and I want to walk with Him and be amazed at the ways He provides...Self-serving can leave a heavy burden on others when you walk away...but God-serving always leaves the fresh fragrance of Freedom...

So I ask you the question I am constantly asking myself right now...Do you find yourself living a more self-serving or God-serving life?

Something to chew on...baptism outside of America

2012-01-17T17:33:00.000-06:00

I started following Jesus at 15 years of age in a small church in Southwest Missouri. There wasn't anything flashy what so ever about my home church. Those men and women worked long blue collar jobs and sacrificed every week to teach Sunday school, open the church, set up chairs, move rooms, and much more to see Jesus become King in so many lives. The longer I am away from those people the more appreciative I am of those who loved me, prayed for me, and encouraged me. Deacons who served not only in title but in practice.

I learned to pray by setting in on adult prayer meetings throughout high school and college. This I feel has been lost in so many churches. You want to see faith... then watch a farmer get on his knees and beg God for rain and it starts pouring before someone else can pray. You want to see faith modeled start watching groups of men and women pray and lives are changed right before your eyes.

So from the time of 15 to now I have witnessed a large amount of baptisms (the public declaration of being a Christ follower). Being here for 11 years I have also had the great opportunity to baptize men and women from all kinds of backgrounds, journeys, and stories.

What I witnessed in Asia was over the top in regards to baptism. To see these women who stepped into the baptism waters with full hearts yet anxious, steadfast courage yet tentative..the questions that were asked of them caused me to ponder hard and think through how I view baptism.

First Question: Have you trusted upon the Lord Jesus Christ has your Lord and Savior? This seems to be an obvious question and a great place to start. This is where baptism starts...a public loyalty to Jesus.

Second Question: Are you willing to endure persecution, isolation, abandonment, and loss of family for the Gospel? What!!! Yes that question gets asked. Not just one time either. Every time. Every person. That this following of Jesus will lead to persecution. Not that it "might" but that it will. See here! And these ladies with courage and counted the cost and responded with full hearts a hearty "yes!" Are you kidding me?! What if your baptism was proceeded with these questions? What would your answer be? The same? Would answer a yes to this question cause you to think harder how you would now live? How you would now love? care? give?

Then to see this ladies go under the water and come out of the water with huge smiles on their faces left me speechless. Truly. I walked away thanking God, renewing my own heart, and asking God to give me the greater courage to walk in His Spirit.

Church in America I say again we must sit at the feet of the global church. When you go on your next international journey ask those you are visiting to speak into your life. Let them speak about how they live life, do ministry, serve others, and sacrifice. Truly let's learn. With all of the church planting movements around the globe... they have left the gimmicks, pomp, and glitter on the sidelines and invested in people, prayed, and are seeing the Spirit move. Let's learn & then implement.

A couple of pics:

Jerrell

Jayk's First Basketball Game

2012-01-13T07:49:00.000-06:00

I think the entire sports scene today for the youth of America is jacked up! The cut throat stress, expectations, and pressure placed on children is beyond acceptable. We have been witnessing a generation of parents who think their kid is "the best" and surely if they have "more practice", "more instruction", and "more opportunity" that they would be the next professional gem to be snatched up in 9th grade and sign a Division I scholarship to play at the collegiate level even before they have played one in minute of high school competition. The amount of cash spent for personal coaches, trainers, instructions, select teams, and the like is stupid. We are seeing those in the church spend 3x's the money on sports, travel, gear, and games and haven't even come close to spending that type of cash for their kids to experience an international mission trip or feed the homeless or actively engage in the 100's of opportunities around them for their children to be awakened to the greater issues of faith.

So today (January 7, 2012) our family stepped our feet into the arena of youth basketball with Jayk. He is on a fun team with 9 other boys. This definitely is not the cut throat league but an opportunity for the boys to learn the game and burn some energy. (Men need to do both--put their minds to action and their bodies to work). We had missed the first two practices while being in SE Asia but went to the 3rd just two days before his first game ever. Needless to say we had shot, rebounded, and talked about basketball a few times but this was now go time.

So on this morning I had the perfect morning planned out in my head but very little went as planned. I had a time in my mind we needed to leave but that didn't happen. When we were leaving Jayk busted his head on the door (nothing major). Judah was wanting to whine and the adult emotions in the home were running a bit higher than normal. I grew up in a family that if you weren't early to anything then you might has well not even go while Kay grew up in a family that was fashionably late. So I had this moment that I had to surrender my plans to God's greater plans.

I was so excited for my son to go play a short basketball game that I could hardly contain myself. For the first time as a father I felt like my dad had to feel so many hundred times over with my brothers and I (I have two older brothers) before all the games we played in. Some of my best memories was going to a basketball or baseball game with my dad. It was tremendous. He coached every game every sport until Jr. high for all three of us. What a sacrifice my dad made for us. Amazing. I got worked up a few short times and I wasn't even coaching today. Well I coached a bit from the sidelines.

Jayk loved it. Played hard and had tons of fun. Shot the ball a few times and loves playing defense. Many dads say they are proud of their children because of what they do or how they perform on a court or a field of competition but I am proud of my son because of who he is. He is my son. So father's and mother's as kids basketball is in full swing remember to tell your children you are proud of them and love them for who they are not for what they do. That what they do is exciting and fun to experience together but let not their value, worth or position be driven by a performance.

The goal of sports has to be reconfigured. Many parents have their kids in church just like they have them in sports and many times sports gets trumped by church. But I submit a new line of thinking to you. Don't raise your kid in church but raise your kid in Christ (which will include church). There is a difference. What you value most they will value. What you own they will own. If you value faith they will. If you value sports, stats, and games more than Christ your kids will.

Who is with me? Let's reconfigure how we own and model Christianity. Sure play sports but you own your kids time not the sport. Because when the sport ends will their faith last? The fatality of college students faith is extremely high because of the things their parents made priority over Christ. Let not this be.

Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Testimony "God loved me so much"

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday was our first time to be back in our Life Bible Study class (Sunday School) since our return from being out of the country. We were so full of story upon story so we did our best to articulate some of the stories but not all. Kay stood up and told the story of Jayk and Judah getting sick. One of the things that Kay loathes probably the most is sickness. She has a huge heart for people who are sick and battling illness but she hates it when it is present. She would be the first to tell you it arises all kinds of emotions in her. And in her telling the story to our class on Sunday she stated this phrase "...and because God loves me so much he let me both of my kids get sick." Out of that story alone on Sunday we have received a few testimonies back of situations this week in our friends lives that in the midst of struggle and frustrations this week they remember "because God loves me so much..." and their response and attitude began to see the bigger picture of God's glory in their lives. Here is an email (names edited for blessing sake)

Hi Kay,
I wanted to share something with you. I don't know if you have had a chance to go through the items we all wrote down on Sunday, but one of the things we wrote was prayer about our home. We were considering buying another less updated and therefore less expensive house in our neighborhood. Everything about it seemed "right." Lower our mortgage debt, lower our monthly payments AND put some money in the bank. We were both praying about it, but even though it seemed so practical, the answer just didn't seem clear. And we would both start to feel sad every time we thought about moving.

Sunday night we pretty much decided to do it. My husband was going to call the real estate agent the next day. And then God sent a flood. Yes, our house flooded Monday morning in the storm. This has happened twice before, and usually every time we get water, so does our next door neighbor. But she didn't get any. We were the only ones on our street as far as we know. Of course a flooded house can't be put on the market. God loves us SO MUCH that He sent a flood, a totally clear sign, to tell us "not now." I don't know why, but I know He clearly told us no.

There are so many other intricacies to the story that were so clearly God, but I'll just share this one. A friend was over Sunday night watching Tebow Time with my husband and left his glasses. So he had to come back to get them Monday morning and was able to help us move some furniture. He also called a friend of his who is a contractor who came over today and helped us rip up all the carpet free of charge.

Kay, without hearing yours and Jerrell's stories from SE Asia on Sunday, I really think I would have been thinking "Why God? Why now?" But instead I'm saying "Thank you, God for loving us so much!"

Isn't that absolutely amazing! So awesome to live life with people who get it and desire to walk in the ways of the Lord. Be inspired and let not your heart be troubled.

SE Asia (Part 6)

2012-01-11T07:37:00.001-06:00

Before we left on December 9th our youngest (Judah) had turned three a few weeks before. Kay had learned from our first born that potty training Altic boys needed to wait till 3. We had a few conversation about the need to potty train him before we left or not with no clear direction. Kay then one morning after her devotional time spoke to me and said "we are not suppose to potty train him before we go." I quickly and confidently agreed (men when your wife speaks after her morning devotional you should listen.) I quickly did the math on how many diapers to pack and then added about twenty more. Because the Lord loves us so much not only did Jayk get sick on the trip Judah did so as well. He was lovingly stretching our hearts of faith and surrender. However Judah's sickness came on the day before departure. Not the exact time you want to deal with a sick child that just turned 3. This type of sickness resulted in multiple diaper changes people! He said his tummy didn't hurt and he also kept eating. We thought well maybe he picked up a parasite. So he continued to eat and drink and his diapers continued to be filled on an hourly basis almost. He did sleep fine however. So we made a call to home and had a doctors appointment ready when we landed. So after our first of three flights he went a few more times. Kay and I were praying and asking for healing. He went again right before loading for our flight to America (he loaded up on Burger King as well as mommy and daddy). As God would have it...he didn't go again at all! When he got home he had some Lupe Tortilla (the meal of choice) and his tummy never bothered him again. So we cancelled the appointment. This was the exact reason God told Kay to not potty train him. My wife has an unbelievable ear of hearing the Holy Spirit speak. This was another example of asking and believing Him for all wisdom and favor. Let's don't just live our lives in accordance with what others are doing. Let's live in accordance with the Holy Spirit. His power and his provision. God is in the speaking business. Cry out to him and he will speak. Trust us. We do and He moves. Don't grow weary...keep seeking and He will keep speaking. Jerrell

PS. Pray for us this weekend because will potty train Judah this weekend. Now it is time for diapers to cease in our house.

When we headed home

Judah seemed fine

Boys are hungry

Burger King!

SE Asia (Part 5)

2012-01-10T07:06:00.000-06:00

Now where do I begin. It's been a month since we departed. After the miracle of flying, orphans, Buddhist temple and sick child what else is there to discuss? So many things--house gatherings, worker meetings, baptisms, and a few other side stories. However before I tear into those stories and pictures I want to take a moment and talk about our host family. I submit to all my American friends, especially those involved ministry, that the time came awhile ago to start listening to the Global church voice. Let me explain. For decades there has been this mindset that American/western thinking controlled all arenas of life especially Biblical insight and the "how to's of ministry" but those days are long over. What is happening in the Global church must be heard, thought through, and responded too by the American church. We no longer (as if we ever did) have the market on spiritual movements, church planting movements, courage, and the like. It's time for us to sit at the feet of the nations and learn, listen, and live differently. So for Kay and I to sit with an American family that took their entire family (7 in all) to the other side and transplant themselves into the culture was eye opening. Their home is no longer America. It's the place of their residency now. Their children are immersed in the local public school in the morning and home school in the afternoon. These kids are sharp. Incredibly sharp. Not just educationally sharp they are culturally savvy and incredible social. To see a family that has soaked themselves in the local life of their community was beautiful. Our kids and their kids were amazing together. It was quite the zoo at times.

The adult conversations were always lengthy and stout in nature. To sit with this couple and hear their stories, their struggles, their victories, their hopes and dreams, and their walk with the father was tremendous. Kay and I could not be more proud of their journey, sacrifice, courage, and passion. I am not sure there was one quite moment in the house the entire time (except when I needed a nap--almost daily). I wish I could list the books spoken up and the topics hashed through but this post would be too long if I did. I wish you could have heard the hard questions we discussed and the vision required of all men and women who want to walk with the father.

So today. Think about your friends who live and work on the other side. Those that not only work their with oil and gas companies but those who work for the highest calling of telling the story of King Jesus. Pray for them. Write them an email. Write them a hand written note and mail it (when they receive it--it will be just the perfect time.) Send them a FB post or for crying out loud give them a call on the phone. If you aren't praying for a worker on the other side with your kids start now. Get their picture. Get a map. Any time something happens in the news in their country tell your kids and use it as a reminder to pray for them. Honor your friends on the other side some way some how. Remember parents what you own and model your kids will own and model. So if it's faith then it shall be faith. If it's consumerism, greed, and self pleasure then that's what your kids will model (sooner or later). So don't grow weary in doing good my friends but stay focused stay in the fight stay strong stay humble!

Love our friends on the other side. May all of our friends be honored today who are taking the story of King Jesus forward.

Sorry no pictures of our friends.

JA

SE Asia (Part 4)

2012-01-09T14:17:00.000-06:00

One of the afternoons we took off for a Buddhist temple. In America you might see a Buddhist temple that is somewhat small or hidden away; however not in the city we were in. This temple was absolutely huge in every way (acreage, idols 3-4-5 stories tall, etc..). Before we stepped foot inside we stopped outside and prayed that nothing formed against us would stand. I spoke with Jayk and Judah ahead of time that all we were going to experience was not true and demonic. That Jesus was the truth and nothing else would stand against Him and what He has done.

It was so sad to see these people giving money and then bowing rapidly begging for this concrete goddess idol to hear their prayers let alone do something about their need. I wish you all could have seen my boys face to see these men and women bowing to statues all over the property. We walked into one area and their was a huge idol of Buddha. To hear Jayk tell the story now he says "he has a huge belly" and "he isn't God...only Jesus is God." This entire day was quite educational and eye opening for our boys let alone us as adults even though we had seen it before.

All of a sudden while we were walking through the temple courts Jayk broke into song:

Lord I lift Your name on high
Lord I love to sing Your praises
I'm so glad You're in my life
I'm so glad You came to save us
You came from heaven to earth
to show the way
from the earth to the cross
my debt to pay
from the cross to the grave
from the grave to the sky
Lord I lift Your name on high

Then he went right in to Father Abraham. It truly was powerful to see these songs rise up in his little heart right in the midst of darkness.

Then there was a turn of events the next day. We believe it was in direct response to an attack on our family. Jayk's throat started hurting and then he got a high fever. We looked in his throat and saw some spots and redness (our host is a community health major) so we believed it to be strep throat. So we walked down to the pharmacy (no doctor needed) and bought him a round of Amoxicillin. It cost us a whopping fifty cents. We started the doses and in 24 hours by prayer and Amoxicillin he was good as new.

As Kay would testify this was truly a "surrendered" moment. When you have no where to turn you must trust the Father's provision. It was a moment we will look back on as well and realize He is in control of all things even when the enemy wants to attack he is still on the throne and in control.

On the way home we swung by an outdoor food and meat market (think farmer's market but no ice, deep freezers, or cooling option for items that should require some refrigeration). We also saw some cages of animals that would soon be dinner for people in a few hours (rabbits, ducks, chickens, & pigeons).

"Judah & I outside the temple

Incense in the temple

Buddha

Idols

Outdoor Meat Market

Lady skinning a rabbit

SE Asia (Part 3)

2012-01-08T07:53:00.000-06:00

As I sit here & think about what this journey has done for our family the words "faith" and "surrender" ring louder and louder in our hearts. So upon our return we have been faced with a greater passion to live by faith. A faith that requires a public response of loyalty. It's about cutting strings to the crutches of life that require no faith and pressing into the power of the Holy Spirit to hear His voice and walk in His power. What are those areas that you have ceased walking in faith? What are those areas that require little trusting of the father's intervention? If you don't have areas that require faith then your faith is futile and things must change. Once you have lived at a level of faith in a situation or area you can't keep living at that level you must continue to live by faith at a greater level.

So back to to how this has changed our family. The amount of unity, purpose, teamwork, and love that has risen up is unfathomable. As a tight family already we couldn't even imagine what we are experiencing now.

One of the greatest days of my life with Jayk happened on the journey. We walked a few miles with our host family and one of their children through the city, the college campus, and to an orphanage. We were simply going to pass by the orphanage to drop off some cookies and see a friend but what we experienced was unbelievable. Upon our arrival to the orphanage we found the workers inside moving the orphan babies from one building into a newly constructed building. So we walked up a couple of flights of stairs into a room full of cribs one after the other. This orphanage has a large amount of children born with disabilities that had been abandoned. I was squatting down outside the room next to Jayk as we looked into the room of these little babies lined up row after row. I will never forget the look on Jayk's face when I was explaining to him what an "orphan" was and that we needed to pray for these babies to have a mom and dad. It was in that moment that he looked at me and said "they don't have a mom and dad?" I told him that Jesus was watching over them with special favor and as soon as I got those words out of my mouth he prayed for all of them real fast and then he said "this is what we do...we follow Jesus." It was powerful beyond words. So as we stood in the hallway while lots of conversation was happening that we didn't understand we also noticed that the children leg's were tied to the crib so they wouldn't stand up or roll over. Yes as you are reading this it should turn your stomach and cause something to rise up with in but the workers are so under staffed there isn't the time for them to see these kids develop at the rate any other child would. Judah during this time was holding tight to Kay and mesmerized by what he was seeing.

Then the most amazing thing happened. Our host began to interpret for us that they were going to allow us to carry the children from the old building to the new building. This never happens people! But it did today because the Father wanted to allow us to be apart of loving on these kids and allow our sons eyes to be made wide open. So we started carrying this kids down a few flights of stairs up the street and around the corner. When we got to the new room we placed the kids on a long mat sitting in the new room until the beds were moved. Then we started carrying the beds with kids in them (not our plan but theirs) to the new building as well. On one of the trips up the stairs there were two police officers with a day old baby and some paper work. We got to witness first hand a baby be dropped off by the authorities then in just a few minutes we got to carry the new (no more than a day old little baby) to the new building. Our hearts broke! Jayk and Judah were amazing. Jayk was running back to the old building as fast as possible so we could get another child while Judah held tightly on to Kay's leg but loved taking care of those kids.

It truly was an remarkable day. To see the doors open up wide and the favor poured out on us. It was a truly a powerful moment for our entire family.

Walking through City (took a rural short cut)

A garden on the way

Jayks first picture of a homemade broom in a foreign land

Man Fishing (Don't drink this water)

The orphanage

The babies

The moment Jayk's eyes were opened to orphans

Carrying to new building

Jayk helping me out

How marvelous!! I am so thankful for this opportunity. More stories coming!

JA

SE Asia (Part 2)

2012-01-07T07:28:00.000-06:00

I just got back from #Passion2012 in Atlanta, GA with 45000 people in attendance. A truly amazing week of serving (doorholding) for the next generation. On the first night we were in the dome (standing room only for volunteers) and I slid behind a huge concrete pillar and scribbled down this note:

"Standing in the dome here at Passion singing "our God is greater" this song makes all the more sense even now after just arriving back in country from SE Asia. God you truly are greater, stronger, & higher than any other. Yes you are awesome in power. I have seen it and walked in it. I want it even more. Use me, use my wife, use my boys. Anything you want Jesus, anywhere! Lord please fill your servant with your power! Your power is greater. I'm walking in your ways. Let your glory Fall! Anointing come! Whatever it maybe you are awesome in power! Greater and higher! Oh and you are healer! I have seen it and watched it! You can do anything. You are healer! Jan. 2, 2012"

The following stories will be testimonies of our God being greater!

God's power: Flight story.

As we checked in our family we had 6 bags and 4 carry on bags. Two of the bags were for us the other 4 were full of goodies for our friends. Yes we packed our families needs for 10 days in 2 bags. That is one benefit of having an extensive travel history under your belt and the desire to live simply. Flying to San Fran, CA was simple and smooth. The boys say next to each other and watched a movie while Kay and I prayed and prepared for the 13 hour flight over the Pacific Ocean. After landing in SF and making our way to the international terminal we were hungry for some American food before we left the country. Who would have thought that the food choices in the San Fran international terminal were few in number and weak in choices. So we settled in for some good old Burger King (we got a basket of chicken tenders and fries). As we sat on the floor waiting for departure Kay realized at that moment we had left the children's ibuprofen, Mucinex D (Judah can fight some tough allergies), Olbas Oil (a very powerful oil that trumps Vicks 100x over), and our anointing oil (a constant companion of ours in all situations) all of this was left on the counter at our house. Luckily we had the liquid melatonin on hand to relax all parties as needed. This was the first of many times we had to simply "surrender" & allow the Father to be glorified. His provision on the long flight then the 3rd flight of the trip (it was only an 1:30 long) was overwhelming. Not once on the entire flight or the entire trip did our boys whine, cry, or have a meltdown.

At one point during the long flight I made a pallet on the airplane floor (thanks to airline blankets & this amazing blanket Nena (my mom) got the boys for Christmas. Jayk without hesitation crawled into the floor and racked out for 5 hours. He was so tired Judah rolled off the seats right on top of him and he didn't even move.

As we landed after 3 flights, 30 hours of travel, an hour taxi van ride, a .5 mile walk with luggage and exhausted family we made it to our place of lodging & racked out.

To summarize the beautiful travel to SE Asia we must say God's power was evident. I think too many times we "lean" or "trust" so many safe guards in our American culture that we trust the gifts of the Creator more than we trust the Creator. When you have to surrender it causes your faith to supersede your understanding of what you considered to be faith. This is where the power of the Holy Spirit comes in and you see God's amazing hand.

Picture right before check in

Picture after 30 hours on 3 planes before our 1 hour drive to lodging

Judah asleep

Jayk asleep on the floor (this pic was on the way home)

Thanks for journeying
JA

SE Asia (Part 1)

2012-01-06T19:04:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure where to begin. A life on mission takes continual turns and often looks for a moment of courage. So taking our boys to SE Asia seemed fitting to the life of God in us. To sum of the decision--we could not be more pleased. The grace the Father showed us is beyond explainable. His power, provision, and protection were evident from beyond our departure and past our return.

Our family departed on December 9, 2011 on what had been a dream of ours from when Kay & I were dating (we celebrate our 10 year anniversary this coming June). We have some friends that work in SE Asia that graciously accepted our desire to come visit them and the work for 10 days. I'm not sure it was the greatest decision they made (just kidding) but it was one of the absolute best decisions we have made to date. Jayk (5) and Judah (3) were absolute men of courage the entire trip. With 30 hours of travel each way one should think that would be enough to reconsider such a decision; however if one thing is for sure the Altic's are going to usually take the adventurous route.

We got to experience so many things. Each with have a specific story that highlights God's power, provision, & protection.

Flights
Lodging
Food/Tea
Our host family
Boys in a different culture
Taxi/Buses
Long talks
Baptisms
Orphanage
Sickness
Letters/Devotionals
English clubs/ corners
The Culture (Saving Face & Honor/Shame)
Buddhist temple

So before I can talk about all of the things we sense we have learned from the journey I must start with a few stories to give you some context.

JA

My Wife! Thanks Mom!

2011-05-04T14:08:00.000-06:00

My honest opinion? Really you want my honest opinion? No you don’t. You do? Really? Ok if you want my honest opinion then here it is.

I am madly in love with my wife. She continues to astound me at every level. Seriously! The greatest single gift I think a wife can give her husband is an intimate personal walking relationship with Jesus. As those who ask for relationship advice, marital counseling, or personal refinement in their world they have heard me say this before. You must spend time with Jesus to know his heart, hear his plans, and walk in the Spirit. My wife gets up every morning at 5:00 a.m. when I go to work out and spends two hours in the word and prayer. She writes notes, may send a few encouraging texts or notes (I receive them often). She storms the gates of heaven and cries out for God to lead us, guide us, and help us as we live for Him. I know that my wife walks with Christ. She doesn’t just wing it, fake it, talk about it, or hope it happens. No she makes it happen. She has found the balance between legalism and laziness. The reason I know this is because I see it and experience it. Her faith is growing more and more. Her heart for people, neighbors, family, and others keeps swelling and swelling. How she confesses sin, embraces life, and hopes in Christ is amazing. For a wife to be strong enough to fight for the kingdom and humble enough to confess her sin is to be admired. She continually tells me where God is working on her and changing her. To which I say, “How?” “How can he keep working in that area you have grown so much.” But to her the measuring stick isn’t other ladies, moms, culture or the flesh but Christ and Christ alone. This I say Thanks Wife!

Oh many of men may wish to write these things about their spouses but I get to with great confidence and purity. Prin, thank you for being a living example of righteous living and Godly woman.

This walk with Christ then pours her life out for our boys (Jayk and Judah). The prayer, guidance, training, and love is steady, strong, consistent, and full. My wife is carrying a huge role in training my boys in righteousness, faith, and courage. How she prays for them, over them, corrects them, and is patient with them only comes by clinging to Jesus. We believe God has something great for our boys. You want to know what it is---here it is…to know Jesus. That’s it…That’s is what our greatest desire is for our boys. I am so thrilled that my wife isn’t trying to live her dreams through our boys. She is living her dream. Our boys may not know what they have in a mom but I know what they have. I heart full of blessing, love, and the Holy Spirit. Any mom can sacrifice and love occasionally. But my wife does it regularly early and often. Our boys will surely one day rise up and call her blessed, faithful, and true. To see their love for her now may it only grow more and more and more. On our boys walls we have one scripture and one saying. The scripture is 1 Cor. 16:13 “Be men of courage; be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be strong and do everything in love.” And we have “Loved, Cherished Wanted” on the other wall. Prin, I say today that you are loved, cherished and wanted. This is how we love our boys. You are a living example and we say today all over again you are loved cherished and wanted. To this I say ThanksMom! On behald of two little boys that think their mom is the most amazing.

I love you Prin! Happy Mothers Day 2011
Hubs

Here’s a special way to say, “Thanks, Mom!”

STEP 1 :: Give to our Thanks, Mom! campaign to honor your mom on Mother’s Day, May 8.
(https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/AsOurOwn/OnlineDonation.html?page=tribute)

STEP 2 :: In the donation comments box, tell us what you appreciate most about your mom.

STEP 3 :: Download a certificate for your mom that explains the gift you’ve made in her name.
(http://www.asourown.org/take-action/donate)

My Mom! Thanks Mom!

2011-05-03T20:46:00.000-06:00

It's 9:05 pm and I am exhausted. I know I am getting old. The days of Southwest Baptist University & Wheaton are over. No more "making memories" by playing spades late into the night only hoping that my Greek book near by would someone enter my mind to pass a test the next day. My days are now filled with early morning workouts, devotions, prayer, book reading, paper reading, breakfast with the boys, making lunches, loving my wife and boys to the max, being apart of an amazing missions staff, living life with a great group of interns, leading a home owners association, dinners with family and friends, etc. I look at my life and I think often about my parents.

The sacrifice, courage, honor, hard work, and love that rolls from my folks is amazing. My mom has owned and modeled all of these and so much more. Just to name a few:

1. No one has ever come to my parents house and did not eat. Regardless of the time of day, night, morning, or midnight hour. And if there wasn't something made then just wait about 7 minutes and a 7 course meal would be on the table. If I didn't play sports I would have weighed 1200 pounds. My mom has the gift of food service!

2. My mom had a beauty shop in our house and she worked hard! And I promise she employed each of those ladies to watch out for her boys. We couldn't get away with a darn thing. But mom would work all day for us to have gas money, food at a ball game, or dessert at Heritage cafeteria.

3. My mom was tough. She never had a sick day or hardly a vacation day in her life. And if she did she worked double the day before or day after. She knew how to fight and push through regardless of what others thought or cared.

4. My mom was present. She never missed a game, assembly, party, carnival, pep rally, speech, tournament, contest, activity and every night I came home from anything regardless how late she was awake. She even walked in to school one day when I had just gotten busted for throwing spit wads in 6th grade. Needless to say I still remember that like yesterday. She made it a point to move me to college and meet all my friends. My mom was present! I would say everyday before I went to school i will call if I get sick will you be home? She always was present. Wow in so many ways.

5. My mom loves by dad. The way my mom respects, honors, and blesses my dad is tremendous. In all my years (32 so far) there has never been a moment mom has not modeled a true love for my dad and her boys. Her love has been pure, true and tough.

I say these 5 things yet 500 more come to mind. Mom you are tremendous, amazing, and loving. You have embraced my crazy calling and endured my family living 10 hours away.

Today girls and boys in India don't have this same story. As you know I love India... 6 trips so far and more to come. So this mothers day I give to a favorite ministry ours (Kay and I) AsOurOwn (www.asourown.org) in your honor so those children may have what I have through this great ministry.

So......THANKS MOM!!!

I LOVE YOU.

Here’s a special way to say, “Thanks, Mom!”

STEP 1 :: Give to our Thanks, Mom! campaign to honor your mom on Mother’s Day, May 8.
(https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/AsOurOwn/OnlineDonation.html?page=tribute)

STEP 2 :: In the donation comments box, tell us what you appreciate most about your mom.

STEP 3 :: Download a certificate for your mom that explains the gift you’ve made in her name.
(http://www.asourown.org/take-action/donate)

Granada, Spain January 2011 (What Jerrell Learned)

2011-03-04T22:04:00.002-06:00

I have been needing to write this for a few weeks now...but hey better late than never. The last week of January 2011 I spent a week in Granada, Spain with 8 other men and our executive assistant from our office. It was a men's trip that Pastor Gregg was on...

Granada is a college town. So many young people...yet very few followers of the Lord. As any leader who knows where the world is especially in the east...if you are going to take the gospel forward you must connect with the youth of the city...we had such amazing opportunities doing this...I am so proud of the people who have are working there and have worked there before us...it truly is a labor of love in so many ways...there is only one way to build relational equity and it is time...time...time...

Here are some of the things that I took away from the week.

One piece of information I won't give you though is all that Pastor Gregg spoke into our lives. It was amazing and very much explanation of it would diminish the power of the moment. So I will leave those greater lessons and thoughts in my heart and mind to play out over the next several months...

1. Life is about the small things. I personally need to continue to do the smallest of things well. Communicating with friends and family. Responding to needs around me. Embracing the smallest things in life...

2. Courage. Everywhere I turn courage is usually shown to me in a new way. One of my life words is courage. So I ask the Lord to continue to make me more courageous. To be unmoved by popular opinion and the world's conformity.

3. Men's Trips. I am committed to taking more men on the other side of the world. So who is with me. Please inquire. As so many have said before: as men go so goes their marriage, their family, the church and the kingdom of God.

4. Pray for Missionaries. Yes reminded again to live out Phil 1:19 (Paul says that through your prayers and the work of the Holy Spirit...) I want my prayers to count.

5. Get Out of Debt. This is always a reminder when you travel and share the love of Christ. As American Christians we have to live even more Simple lives...seriously...cut back...move into a smaller place...seriously...it is time...change the world...live for yourself less and give your life away...

6. Be a man! I am continually reminded that the culture and life wants to challenge any man's manhood. Life requires us to go forward and be adventurous and take risks...

7. Write more letters. Yes isn't that novel. It is true...writing more hand written notes...try it...you will see...

8. Read the bible more with no bible study tools, pen, highlighters, or note pad...but just read it to absorb it and let it minister to you without preparing a study or writing any thoughts. Pastor Miguel in Spain reads 10 chapters a day to stay focused and to love the Word. What a great challenge.

9. Get my boys on international trips as fast as possible. Kay and I talk about this all the time...this is a priority and will happen as soon as Judah is potty trained and will quit putting things in his mouth.

If anyone is looking for a place that has amazing ministry and the love of food and relationships this is a place to serve. The prayer that is needed and the encouragement is a game changer for the country of Spain.

I could write more but I won't. Jesus thank you for the trip to Spain. It was challenging, encouraging, and I was blessed.

David Crowder Concert

2010-02-21T20:02:00.002-06:00

My mom and dad got tickets to the DC concert...Jayk LOVES DC and was so excited...On the way to the concert he said "David is my best friend"...He is so sweet and was captured by the music...My parents are awesome because they took Jayk up to the front where is was so loud and held Jayk up there so he could be close to the stage...As I stood back at our seats and watch my parents with Jayk, knowing the sacrifice they were making to be up there and watching Jayk...praying that those words would come true in his heart, my heart was overwhelmed...Thank you Jesus for using DC to draw my son to your heart...

Happy 3rd Birthday Jayk

2009-12-18T13:33:00.003-06:00

Son...

I rarely grab the wheel of writing anything on this blog anymore because Mom now handles these updates. However today I feel compelled to pen a few thoughts on your 3rd birthday (and yes we will have a cake you have been asking for a month now)....Jayk my son you have changed my life...I am so proud of you and how much you continue to grasp the realities of what it means to live like a man of courage! Oh granted we have our bad days when you and I may not see eye to eye but I will take those a few days because how you live full of passion, strength, virtue, courage and honor. From the day you were born and we brought you home till now I remember praying those words over you...The journey of life is going to be ever so full....adventures, faith stories, battles, and romance. I am thrilled every day to have you open our bedroom door and want to come lay in our bed right before we are going to get out of bed in the morning...with your pillow and two blankets...you have caused me more than once to sacrifice a morning workout to cuddle and watch some cartoons...I know those days will pass soon and I will be dragging you out of your bed so I am capturing them as much as possible. Your heart I can tell is full of love and care. I can see it, sense it, and I am praying it into your life. Son I have said it once to you if I have said it a few hundred times mommy and daddy love you more than anything in the world...and Jesus loves you even beyond that...you are loved...and secondly...I want you to know that you have what it takes...you are a warrior, a man of courage and you have what it takes to do whatever you desire in the world...let nothing hold you back. Oh you may fail, you my take a wrong turn every once in awhile...but that is part of the adventure...we will always fight going forward...if we fail may it be failing forward. I love you gifts and passions...and I am praying that the Lord Jesus would continue to gift you and bless you....but not for mom and I to spend thousands of dollars to make you better for yourself (we don't have money any way)...but that out of God blessing you...then you would understand that you are now to be a blessing to others....we get to give life away. This is how we measure life...not by what we get but how we give life away...more on that later as you grow...I am so proud of you and love you deeply....you are an amazing big brother to Judah...You just woke up from your nap so I will cut this short...Happy 3rd Bday...I love you...I am for you....I know tomorrow I will be writing about you leaving the house...but between now and then....live alive!

My Pop's Loves Me...

2009-12-14T06:32:00.003-06:00

My Pop's loves me....he is willing to do anything for us to have fun and for me to know that I am loved...Even if it means putting on my cowboy costume and going on an "adbenture" with me...Thank you dad for loving Jayk and Judah...for playing with them and wanting them to experience all the joys being a kid can bring...Thank you for leading them to Jesus and loving them well...They are blessed to have you...Love you so much...and appreciate you...

It snowed in H-town!!!!

2009-12-05T11:53:00.001-06:00

What a fun Friday...It started out like every other normal friday in the Altic's lives...We wake up and go eat at Barnaby's...But today was a little different because we drove through snow to get there!!!!! So fun...When we got back from running some errands Jayk and Jerrell played in the snow...Judah was too pooped out from the mornings activities so he was taking a nap...Jayk loved it...What a fun memory we got to make yesterday....

Sweet Moment...

2009-11-18T12:19:00.004-06:00

Today was going to be a long day because Jerrell had to leave early and then will be home late...so I was asking the Lord what we should do today, because long days are usually hard days because I am ready to see Jerrell...but I felt lead for us to go get a present today for the Christmas Store for our mission Church and for us to take it by there...I tried to explain to Jayk about getting a toy for a little boy that his mommy and daddy could get a gift for him, and this what Jesus wants us to do, and that we are a Christian family and this is what we do...so he did so great at toys r us...he wanted to get the little boy some tools...this is Jayks favorite thing to get for himself...so we took it to the mission and it was a little hard leaving it...but he didn't cry he just wanted to play with it...When we were walking from the car to the mission he wanted to carry it all by himself...I was so proud of him...It brought back huge memories for me and made me thankful for a dream I have had as a mom, to teach him to love people...That is my hearts desire for my sons that they would love God and out of that love people...I went as a little girl to the mission on Saturday mornings to pass bread out to apartment complexes and invite them to church the next day...my parents started us real young and I wanted this to be in Jayk and one day Judah's blood...for lack of a better term...I just want this to be apart of there DNA...it shaped my world as a little girl...it is what we did...we loved people...and my desperate pray is that my sons would live that out as well...

Judah's 1st Bday....Gigi came to town

2009-11-16T12:03:00.005-06:00

We had an amazing time celebrating Judah!!!! We had a little party for him at our clubhouse room in our complex...Jerrell was the human jungle gym and the kids loved it...Judah was so tired that the last 30 minutes after we did the cake he slept on my shoulder...I have a journal that I write in to the boys, so that is where I put all the sentimental feelings I was feeling...because trust me I was this time, I did with Jayk but it hit me greater this time...just the fact that the boys are growing up and we are officially out of the baby stages with them...I love my sweet boys and am so blessed!!!...Love you Judah Happy Birthday Son...

Also Gigi came to town and WE HAVE MISSED US SOME GIGI...her and Wes moved to NY three months ago and it has been hard not having them around...But it meant more than words could express that she came in for Judah's bday...I couldn't imagine having a party and her not be here...We love us some GIGI!!!!!

updated pics...

2009-11-14T20:35:00.002-06:00

Sweet Day...

2009-11-12T08:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a real sweet day...we went to the Arboretum and ran around outside with some great friends...then we went to Becks Prime and ate outside for lunch is was so fun...

Recently Judah was a little fussy so I told Jayk that we were going to pray that Judah have Joy...and he said "What is Joy?" and I said happiness...but not just regular happiness...Joy is from Jesus...he looked at me and said "Oh, Joy is from Jesus"...

Then we were on a wagon ride and we were talking about being Christians and I asked him if he new what that meant...Obviously knowing he didn't...but I said it is being a Christ follower...We follow Jesus Christ...and he was like "Oh"...Like he was taking it in...

Later on in the evening when I was telling Jerrell about those two conversations...I was overwhelmed with joy and the kindness of God that I got to share those two things with my son...It really blew me away...Thank you Jesus for Jayk...may you continue to stir his heart towards You....

What we have been up to....

2009-11-09T12:38:00.002-06:00

We had a great weekend together as a family...we moved around furniture and are continuing to "simplfy"...getting rid of things and making room in our condo for two walking boys...yes I did say 2 walking boys...judah took his first steps about a month ago but it is now getting better and better with each day...Yesterday was a very full day for us...Jerrell preached at a local church in the city and then he had to rush back to HFBC to a luncheon..I wanted to post some pictures that a dear friend of mine took of us...She is so awesome and loves our family so the boys responded so great to her...I have some fun pictures and a story I will post later...I just have to get the pictures downloaded..

Praying for wisdom today....

2009-11-04T06:14:00.002-06:00

We have been going through a new season with Jayk lately...he has not been listening as well as he had been...I know this could just be that he is about to be 3...but I have really been praying about it for him and for me and Jerrell to have wisdom how to engage him in all of this...I don't want to be an overbearing parent dicipling constantly but that is what it has been lately...diciplining...not sure if I have been overbearing? I know I have had my moments :) ...we have been trying to put our finger on it with why he is struggling with this so much, is it rebellion? is it attention?...the answer to all of it is probably yes...but this morning I was just praying for his little heart that he would not look for negative attention...and that God would meet the deep needs of his heart...I feel like I am giving him attention, but I prayed this morning that God would show me if I am missing something...what does he need?...But ultimately I know that I can't meet all his needs...he needs Jesus to meet those...so my prayer for my little guy has been Lord please meet his deep needs...as I was praying this for him...I so thought of myself...Lord please meet my deep needs so I don't run to other things or other ways to get my needs met...You oh Lord know the deep needs of our heart...may we listen to you today and recieve what you are offereing...Yourself....

So I am thinking about coming back....

2009-11-02T14:05:00.003-06:00

So I am thinking about coming back into blog world...I have to admit I have kinda missed this outlet of sharing about the family...alot has happened since I last wrote...Judah is about to be one...Jayk and Judah actually are playing together...I am feeling more and more comfortable with being a mom of two little boys...so alot has happened...I think I will jump back into the game and try to be a bit more faithful...I hope I have friends that will still be interested in reading or at least seeing the pics... :)

I am the most blessed of all women...

2009-05-10T19:33:00.003-06:00

I am the most blessed among women...I have an amazing husband that goes out of his way to make me feel loved and wanted...appreciated...and accepted... he forgives me often...I am so blessed..then God gave us two amazing little boys that I love so much...that I laugh at everyday and am amazed everyday that God gave them to us...Thank you Jesus for my sweet family...

Mustache anyone????

2009-04-20T12:30:00.002-06:00

Here are some fun Easter pics and a fun one that we took the other day of the boys having blue Mustaches...for some reason Jayk loves playing with the blue tape...I love my sweet boys...Judah is growing so much...we just started him eating squash, sweet potatoes, pears and apples...he loves to eat!!!!!

My favorite little Cowboy!!!!

2009-03-18T12:19:00.004-06:00

You can't live in Houston and not go to the Rodeo...so this year we took Jayk all by himself to the Rodeo to have some time with just me and Jerrell...We had the greatest time...he wanted to get a hat like mommy and daddy have...we went the night before we took Jayk, so he saw us dressed up...we rode the big slide, drove tractors and ate Rodeo food...we had a blast...I love my little Cowboy and can't wait till we can all go next year!!!

Oh How I love them....

2009-03-09T11:58:00.003-06:00

The pictures explain the words...I love both these little bits so much...they keep my days full and moving, and bring a huge smile to my face and sometimes/often I laugh out loud at what they do...Thank you Jesus for two special boys in my life...

Nina (Jayk's version of Nana) and Papa Came to Visit...

2009-02-23T13:57:00.002-06:00

We had a great time with Nina and Papa coming to visit...they got to hang with Jayk and see little Judah...Jayk got Nina's homemade cookies at 6:30 in the morning and had a blast playing with Papa on the floor...We love them and it was so good to watch our boys love on them so much...We were switching Judah over to a bottle that week and so it was a blessing to have Nina here to help with that...she bottle fed all her boys so she was an expert at helping me...thank you Jan...It was a blessing to see them and we are going up to see them in June...

What have ya'll been up to?

2009-02-08T14:23:00.002-06:00

Here are some updated pics of what we have been up to lately...Jayk LOVES music...which for those of you who know Jerrell and I we have a deep appreciation for music but are NOT musical at all...But Jaykers has a huge love for it so we foster that and this is what we do alot around our house...I also started Judah on a little cereal because the boy is so big he needs it to make it through the nite...he likes it now but these pics are from his first night...he wasn't to sure what was going on...We are doing good with the boys, just busy around here...Jayk has been struggling to stay in his bed, so that has brought hard nights for us...but I felt the Lord say to my heart the other day..."Walk with him in this season"...and so we are trying...he isn't mad or upset when he gets out of bed it is usually just him wanting to say "hi"...but for us as parents hi isn't something we want 3 times a night at random hours...but the Lord is teaching me to walk in this season with him...don't get mad...just walk with him...this thought has poured over into other areas of my life with marriage, family and friends...may we just walk through the seasons of life together...hard ones, inconvenient ones, and the amazing ones...mine is a combo of a little hard and amazing...amazing that I get to be a mom to Jayk and hard just because of sleep...but hey what is a little sleep anyway? :)

Sorry for the long delay in updating....

2009-01-12T14:42:00.003-06:00

Hey friends...sorry for the long delay in updating the blog...It has been a new season for the Altic's...an awesome time but just a new time of learning to do life as four instead of three...I wanted to just update you from my perspective how things have been and where my heart is now...I think todays devotional out of Hebrews sums up where I am at....Hebrews 11:8,10 says " By FAITH Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance obeyed and went even though he did not know where he was going....for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder was God." What this said to me today was that by faith I am learning to be a mom of 2 boys and a wife to my wonderful husband...Jerrell and I have never been here before but by faith we want to live in this new season...that even though we don't know what we are doing we are going to walk by faith in it...knowing that the goal for us is that the foundations of our home would be built by God...that is our heart with all that has been going on...through late nights and poopie diapers...lots of nursing and lots of washing...that God would somehow in the midst of all of it build our home to be the home he wants for Jerrell and I and for the boys...this scripture brought me hope today and I wanted to share it...I want to live by faith not by fear and control...

On a lighter note...these are some fun pictures that we took this weekend...Jerrell's 81 year old grandma came to visit...she is amazing...

New Pics

2009-01-01T15:08:00.001-06:00

We are officially the worst people to update on the blog these days...with the whirlwind of a new born it just hasn't been on mom's radar. Check out the altics.smugmug.com for pics.

Judah Gene Altic

2008-11-17T23:13:00.002-06:00

Judah was born on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. He weighs 7lb. 14 ozs and is 21 1/2 inches tall. More to come later on him walking, talking, etc...Big brother is taking it all in strides...which is all an answer to prayer. For pictures go to www.altics.smugmug.com.

Curious George and the Yellow Man...

2008-11-03T16:33:00.003-06:00

We had a great time at the Fall Festival...Jayk was Curious George and Jerrell was the Man in the Yellow Hat...which is George's owner....

Fun at the Altic's...

2008-10-29T19:57:00.002-06:00

We wanted to share a few updates of what we have been doing...Jan, Jerrell's mom sent us a few fun fall gifts in a huge box filled with peanuts...Jayk loved the box and the peanuts...he played in that box several times each day and would point to the box and say "in"...We also went last weekend to the park to cook hotdogs and play outside...Jayk loved it and loves his blue hat...it is a hat that my dad and mom gave him that used to have a vote for Bridgwater sticker on it but Jayk removed the sticker and so we wear the hat lots...it is his new pleasure in life...and I love it, he looks so cute...Jay did a great job on the dogs and it was just fun being outside on such a beautiful day...It doesn't get any better than this, hanging out with my sweet boys and on a beautiful day...

PS...For those you that don't know my dad is running for a judgeship in this election...please vote for him...even if you vote straigtht democratic you can go and change one vote to Roger Bridgwater 178th...He is an amazing man and an amazing judge...please vote

We are still here...

2008-10-14T16:14:00.003-06:00

Sorry to my friends who read our blog every once and a while...we have had an interesting september and it just now slowed down enough for me to post some updates...Since i have last blogged we have been through ike the hurricane, ike the stomach virus, a staff infection, Jerrell going to India, celebrating Jerrell's 30th bday...which leads us up to today...In all of that we went to the zoo and Jayk loved touching the goats...and then I put a picture on here of Jerrell and his older brother because I did a little video for Jerrell at his Bday party of old pictures...so I had to put one on here...I will be back to blogging now so please stay tune to what is going on in our worlds...we are fixin to have a baby in 5 weeks...wow and oh my gosh in one breath :)

India Via London (Bless my Wife)

2008-09-25T09:25:00.004-06:00

Since I am waiting in London at the airport on my way to India and we (Kay and I) don't have cable or internet at the house yet due to Ike...I thought I would take a minute to post a blog on behalf of how amazing my wife is...she has no idea I am posting this and I might not have a chance to tell her before I get on the plane...or maybe I will just "forget" so she can find it on her own...Kay you are an amazing woman! A woman of faith! The greatest thing I love about you (there are several but this one comes to mind now and often) is that you have a pure, passionate, love for Jesus Christ...I never have to worry are you growing, spending time with him, praying, or listening to the Father...You are a woman of faith! Bless you my sweet wife! Thank God for your passion to know him...to love him...and to be in line with God's will...out of this flows all other things I love...I love your beauty (inside and out)...I love your personality (who you are)...I love listening and watching you be a mama (Jayk style)...you are amazing and praise God I got to marry my best friend...thanks for knowing and embodying so many things....Missions! You are a missional lady...thanks for blessing me and letting me go! Second...you understanding Simple...thanks for living simply...not living for what others have but living for what Jesus has for us...Third...sacrificial...you sacrifice like no other...bless you my sweet Prinny...Fourth...you know how to be a friend to so many people! I love you tremendously and believe that God is doing amazing things in us and through us...

Thanks you phantom readers for letting me bless my wife...I know many of you would agree!

Hubs

Missouri Vacation...

2008-08-29T11:57:00.003-06:00

We just got back from a week visiting Jerrell's parents...it was great...Jayk was in boy heaven...he got to be outside pretty much from sun up to sun down...he barley wanted to stop to eat...he rode tractors (riding lawn mower) with Papa and Nana...he picked tomatoes with Jerrell and played the piano with me...it was so fun...we played in the water hose that is connected to the coldest well water I have ever experienced but Jayk loved it, and when I say col I mean so cold, like take your breath away cold...We went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO and Jayk experienced his first carnival ride...he wasn't to sure of it at first but towards the end he kinda liked it...Jerrell was so sweet and rode with him, just a little side note about Jerrell he hates rides...always has and and always will...this is one way I new we were made for each other...because I do too...so it was a sacrifice for him to ride them...but I told him that I would gut it up and ride with the boys when they got older or send them with Pops (My Dad) and Gigi (Jane)...or Nana (Jerrell's Mom)...but it was a great trip of home cooked meals and just joy getting to watch Jayk run until he dropped....

Xan and Jayk

2008-08-12T17:31:00.004-06:00

Here are some fun pics from this weekend...we had one of Jayk's friends over to play Saturday morning...they had a blast...it was the first of many times that we will have friends come over...it was so fun...Jayk and Xan have been playing together since they were about 8 months old, so it is so neat to see how excited they get to be with one another...

My husband is AMAZING...

2008-07-31T12:47:00.004-06:00

Let me just say that my husband is amazing...He just finished building Jayk his first bed with a trundle under it...Yes I did say build...we bought the wood from a lumber yard, he cut, sanded, and stained all the wood...He measured holes, put nails in, and bolts...my man is a man's man...he wanted Jayk to help him and be apart so every chance we had Jayk was down helping dada with the wood...that is what Jayk called it "dadas wood"...I just had to brag because I married the most incrediable man and I am beyond thankful for his love for his son and his family...He wants Jayk to know in everyway possible that he is loved and thought about...I am just blessed...Thank you Jesus for your sweet gift of Jerrell to me, Jayk and then sweet Judah...

I attached some pictures for everyone to see that I am serious that he did all of it...

Big Brother and Celebrating Birthday's....

2008-07-20T12:43:00.004-06:00

I wanted to share some pictures that we recently took...Before we went to see if we were having a boy or girl we stopped by moms and she had a few gifts for us...she had Jayk a "Big Brother" t-shirt and then she had two t-shirts for me...one pink the other blue and what she wanted was for me to come home in pink if a girl and blue if a boy...she is so fun and makes things so special - thanks mom for going out of your way...

We also have a tradition that when we find out what we are having that we go and buy there first night outfit for when we get home...and we buy them a stuffed animal...We got Jayk a dog and we got Judah a monkey...yes I did say Judah...that will be his name...Judah Gene Altic...Gene is after Jerrell and his dad both have Gene as there middle name...We are so excited and can't wait to meet our little guy...

Saturday we celebrated my birthday which is in a day and my dad's birthday which was Friday and my Grandma's birthday which is next friday...We had the greatest time...we had burgers...Jerrell made homemade fries, Jane made her famous Queso and it was just great...Jane and Wes gave me a sweet card and Jayk loved it so much that he danced to it...it had a funny song that played when you opened it...Jayk loves to dance!!!!

It is a BOY!!!!!!!

2008-07-10T13:40:00.004-06:00

We are so excited!!! Jayk is going to have a little brother due Novemeber 25th...they moved my due date up 2 weeks...so I am actually 5 months prego...Thank you for all who prayed and are praying for our little guy...

Jaykers, Pops and Yia Yia...

2008-07-05T13:32:00.004-06:00

We have had a fun last couple of days....on Thursday Jayk and I went to my dads office with him so that dads employees could see Jayk...My dad is a Criminal District Court Judge and so Jayk has his own little robe when we go up there...He felt so big with his robe on just like pops...he loved running from dads court room to dads chambers...it was so great watching the little guy...He loves his pops so much...Then on Friday the fourth...mom and dad took Jayk on a parade ride...Dad had been asked to ride in a parade to campaign for his upcoming election in November and he took the little guy with him...Jayk had a shirt on that said Vote for Pops and then a hat to match my dads...and as they rode in the parade Jayk, dad and mom threw out Tootsie roll Pops...so fun and so clever...so yes this is my unshameful plea for those of you that vote to vote in the upcoming election...it will be held the same time that the Presidential election is held...I will send out a reminder as time approaches...my dads name is Roger Bridgwater and he is running for the 178th Criminal District bench as a Republican...Thanks so much....

My Boys...

2008-06-23T14:30:00.003-06:00

I had to share with you this new pic of Jerrell and Jayk...We took this a couple of days ago when Jayk turned 18months old...We had his check up and he is in the 95% for his height...He is totally getting that from the Bridgwater side...Maybe he will be taller than Dad and Mom?...I love this pic...they both are so handsome, sweet and cute!!!!

Granny's

2008-06-02T13:42:00.003-06:00

First I want to say Thank you for all your comments about excitement about us being Pregnant...it meant alot and we are so excited...I also wanted to share a story from my childhood...

I grew up as a kid going to my Granny's in Bryan TX...Granny was my Great Grandma and lived a long amazing life...She was a strong worker who worked her land and loved it...My grandma now has the house and we went up there for Memorial Day to cook out and have some much needed country time...Jerrell loved it...and Jayk was in pool heaven...Jerrell and my dad grilled out on a real bbq pit and mom and enjoyed bananna pudding that was customary to have in Bryan with Granny...it was just an amazing time...My mom's Cousins live next door and growing up I would love to go to Granny's to play with there daughter Chandra...now Chandra has 2 girls and is married to a wonderful man named Stoney...They were over at her parents so the girls came over for a swim with Jayk...Taylor the oldest loved playing with Jayk and would look at him and say "Talk to me Jayk"...just as a little girl would and Jayk would just stare with a look of "what do you want to talk about"...he did get out a few "Hi's" which I was proud of because he does speak but at that moment he became mute...Taylor managed to get a pink hat on him but Jayk wasn't so sure he was down with the hat...but sooner than later the little guy loosened up...sharing is going to be a new concept in the Altic household and Jayk may be a little rudely awaken sooner than he expected :) ...

Exciting News....

2008-05-19T18:27:00.004-06:00

We have some exciting news in the Altic's life...WE are PREGNANT!!!!! We are so excited about it...we are through our first trimester and it has been an adventure thus far :) ...My husband is amazing all that he has dealt with and helped out with...he has sacrificed so much as I have not felt well so far through this pregnancy...Jayk is going to have a "sprinkler buddy" to play with - we are excited to find out in a bit if it will be a boy or girl...but we are beyond thankful for this gift from above...Thank you Jesus...

More pics....

2008-05-14T19:14:00.004-06:00

Two fun events have happened since I last blogged...

2008-05-14T18:46:00.002-06:00

Two fun events have been experienced by the Altic's since I last blogged...It has been way to long since I have written but alot has been going on...First....Jerrell and I spent last week in Cancun all by ourselves...Let me just say it was amazing to be with my man and to just chill with each other...I loved it and honestly all we did was eat, sleep and lay out...it was so great...we were so happy to get home and see the little guy...My mom and dad watched him and did an amazing job...when I saw the little guy for the first time I cried I was just so overwhelmed with emotion...I had missed hugging him...The second even that has transpired is Mother's Day...we had a great time celebrating with my mom and grandma...we got my grandma some gold earrings...my thoughts were she is 80 years old and needed the real thing...so we all chipped in and got her some beautiful earrings that made her feel so special...I have attached some fun pics from our trip ad from our MD...sorry I will not be so long in writing next time...

Our little Swimmer...

2008-04-24T09:45:00.003-06:00

My sweet boys went swimming yesterday...the water was a little chilly but you would have never know the way they were acting...it was so fun...I watched from the side...I will get in next time but wanted then to have a ball just being boys...

Easter Pics...

2008-03-31T11:40:00.004-06:00

Here are our 2008 Easter pics...Jane and Wes were not back from there honeymoon so we missed them this year...

DaDa on Salt Grass Trailride

2008-03-01T07:57:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we went to see Daddy on the Salt Grass Trailride...Jerrell has been riding 3 years and this was his second year to go and see him...Needless to say Jayk was much more awake and excited about this year...He got on Jerrell's horse like he had been riding it with him for miles...it was so fun...I attached a picture from last year so that you can see the totally difference...from 3 months old to 14 months old :)

Jaykers, Daddy, and Gigi

2008-02-24T20:00:00.003-06:00

Here are so fun pics of Jayk and Jay playing golf in Jayk's bedroom and then Jane(Gigi) and I took Jayk to the park on Saturday...It was so fun...Jane is getting married in 3 weeks... WOW...we are all so excited...

Fun Pics and We are an Uncle and Aunt

2008-02-02T13:50:00.000-06:00

Here are so fun updated pics of Jayk...We went to the park on Friday afternoon and Jayk loves it...and he loves his little "car"...we have it in the house and he gets in and out of it constantly...it is so fun!!!

Jerrell and I officially became and Aunt and Uncle yesterday...Brooke Addison Altic was born...she is the daughter of John and Kelly Altic...Jerrell's older brother that lives here in Humble...I do have to say myself that little Brooke is beautiful...she is in the ICU unit right now because Kelly had a temp while having her so they are watching her but all seems to be going so well...we are so excited and today in the NICU I whispered to her that her aunt loves her...it is going to be so fun to be an Aunt...

My sweet friend...

2008-01-16T17:11:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend from College came in this past week...let me just tell you it was so awesome to be with a friend that has been a huge agent of change in your life...God has used her tons in my life to shape me and mold me in some significant ways...she new me before Jerrell and the whole time I dated him...it was so fun laughing and catching up on each others worlds...she is/was such a blessing and Jerrell and I loved getting to hang with her...We went to the park on Saturday and my little man walked around everywhere...he is growing up so much and is so fun...I love his little personality and his little smile...My sweet man is the greatest dad...he went all over the playground with Jayk so Callie and I could talk...thank you Jay for being such a huge help...

12Month Check Up

2008-01-07T13:09:00.000-06:00

Who knew that the 12 month check up could be so crazy...I know for all you moms that have been through it you totally understand what I am saying...He got three shots today and then had to have blood drawn...the shots were as expected but the drawing of the blood was a new adventure...they drew it out of his little arm like a big person...and he hated just as much as we hate it as adults...but let me just brag on the little guy and say he did awesome...was very upset for a while but bounced back to his sweet fun loving self...I am still recovering but he is doing really good...

here are some updated pics of us playing outside on new year's day...

Updates on the Altic's...

2007-12-27T13:09:00.000-06:00

Sorry it has been so long since we have posted a blog...lots has happened so I wanted to catch you up...Jayk has turned one on December 18th...and it was awesome...we had a party for him on the 8th and were in MO seeing Jay's parents on the 18th...he got his first haircut and looks so cute and like a big boy...his grandma in MO gave it to him and he did mighty well sitting there...he did have a water bottle to distract him a bit...we have had special moments this Christmas that have made me laugh so hard and also moments that have made me want to ball my eyes out with Joy...I love my sweet family and have been blessed beyond words...thank you Jesus...Jayk said a few words like "touch" because we are teaching him to touch not grab things...but a huge milestone has happened in the last few days he has started walking...he is taking more and more steps each day and it is so fun!!! He is full of life and full of energy...Jay and I are having so much fun watching him grow and develop...Here are so recent pics of the little guy...

PS - at his b-day we gave him cake and he didn't like it - he is such a heath nut :) ...

PSS - I attached a pic of Jerrell and my grandma with the Christmas turkey because this year she had us make it because she was just recovering from cancer treatment

God is faithful

2007-11-11T19:12:00.001-06:00

Today my sweet husband had the honor of getting to preach at our church...our Pastor was out and asked that Jay would fill in...and let me just tell you that my man was awesome!!! He preached on John 3:16 and it was powerful how God brought such life and freshness through a "familiar" passage of scripture...He is such a wonderful, humble, loving and gracious man...who loves God and loves his family...I am a living testimony of those qualities in his life because I get to benefit from them, they are never so sweet to me as when I have not been the sweetest or kinda rough around the edges...and then those qualities about him minister to me, especially when I totally deserve something else...

On another side note I added a pictue of one of his/our hero's of the faith...our devotional this morning was on hero's and one of Jay and my hero's is Pastor Nazir Massih...he is a man of God who started a church in his home in Northern India of 3 and now it has grown to over 300 churches and over 70,000 members...just amazing all that God has done through this man...he is a humble man who Jay and I pray we would have faith like on this earth...He loves God and desires that all would come to know Jesus...that is what Jay preached on today and it was powerful...that all may come to know Jesus...that Jesus is for the world...as I listened to Jay preach today, what I thought in my heart is Lord please teach us to teach Jayk about Jesus being for everyone, teach us to teach him to love his elders is another thought that ran through my mind as I sat between my two sweet grandma's...Lord teach us to love and nurture our little guy...I pray that whoever reads this blog would be encouraged that God's love is amazing and for you...may we have faith in Christ...and if we have kids may we teach them about faith in Christ...but I heard a quote one time that we can't really give what we haven't truly recieved...may we recieve the love of Christ and give the love of Christ, may we take hold of faith in Christ and walk in that faith...our greatest example to our husband, kids and a hurting world is us walking and loving God...I pray this may be so in our lives...blessings....

Nanny Merlene

2007-11-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

My fun and sweet Nanny came over the other day...She is my Nanny that when I was growing up would play basketball with me and play softball with me...She is pretty much where I got my athletic ability...She coached the first girls city championship team...she gave me the team picture and a charm of a softball glove that was hers that I will never forget...She has always been someone that I have loved and respected so much...I have learned so much from her...one of her sayings that I treasure and share with others is what her friend told her when my grandpa passed away, her friend told her "don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened"...When I think about that saying it makes me think of how blessed I am...may I always "smile because it happened"...Jesus happened in my life, Jerrell happened in my life, Jayk happened in my life, My parents, sister, friends, all happened in my life...May that bring a smile to my face...So thank you Nanny for your love and support all these years...loving on me and Jaybird and now on little Jaykers...I love you dearly....

Super-Jayk....

2007-11-01T09:04:00.000-06:00

We went to our first fall festival...Jayk was Super-Jayk...we even slicked his hair back. It was the first of many fun times.

My little BEDHEAD boy...

2007-10-26T13:35:00.000-06:00

This is my lil son when he wakes up from his nappies...hair going everywhere...

Jay my Sweet MAN

2007-10-13T19:43:00.001-06:00

Sorry it has taken a bit to respond to the tag from my friend Amanda Moon...but here it is...

1. Who is your man? Jerrell "Jay"
2. How long have you been together? We have been together for 8 years (married for 5) we met in the summer of 1999 when I was 18 and he was 20
3. How long did you date? We had a 3 year long distant relationship...we would go months sometimes not seeing each other...WOW was that hard!!! We tried to see each other about once a month but sometimes that didn't happen...I graduated and 2 weeks later we were married...
4. How old is your man? 29 as of October 11
5. Who eats more? Jerrell....but I am known as the "picker" I "pick" alot, like tops of muffins, bites of ice cream...I like the best bites... :)
6. Who said "I love you" first? Jerrell...I had a rule that I lived by that I would not say it first...man was that hard, because I felt it but waited months till he said it first...It would be on the tip of my lips everytime we talked and it was so nice to have the freedom to say it to him after he said it to me...
7. Who is taller? Jerrell...he is 6 ft. and I am 5.6 ft...I am the shortest in my imediate fam...my sister is 6.1 ft. my dad 6.4 and my mom 5.9...but I tell Jerrell that God made me just for him :)
8. Who sings better? Neither. We struggle....Jerrell one time was asked by someone in church to not sing because he was a distratction...and don't worry they were dead serious!!!! It is pretty bad....
9. Who is smarter? Jerrell...which I love, but we both bring things to the table...
10. Whose temper is worse? Jerrell....he struggles with bad drivers and WOMEN on cell phones that drive bad, not MEN but WOMEN....We often joke that if someone is driving badly I say it is a MAN and he says it is a WOMAN...we are both sexiest!
11. Who does the laundry? We both do...He helps me out a ton!!!!!!
12. Who takes out the garbage? We both do...to the door...we have trash pick up at our condo's MWF
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do...Closest to Jayk's room...so I can hear him first...
14. Who pays the bills? Jerrell...I did at the beginning of our marriage but it so just easier for him to...we have only had to pay late payment on our morgage twice...so that is good...he is usually timely...
15. Who is better with the computer? Jerrell...is a NERD...a hidden NERD...he doesn't want anyone to know but he is...and I LOVE MY NERD
16. Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn..but I do have to say that when Jay and I were first married we had a lawn business for extra money...we were poor...I ran the push mower, and it was not self propelled...and he ran the weed eater...reason being that when I did the weed eater it looked like someone had just killled the grass!!!! I struggled...
17. Who cooks dinner? I do...but Jerrell can cook a mean beef strogonoff
18. Who drives when you are together? Jerrell does...he likes to be in control :)
19. Who pays when you go out? Doesn't really matter to us...I don't carry a purse so Jay usually has his wallet...I have been anti-purse for several years and will be sticking with it for the next several...I believe there will always be a good gym bag when I need to carry something...
20. Who is most stubborn?We like to call it strong-willed and I would have to say that we tie on this one!!!!
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? We both are pretty good at asking for forgiveness...we weren't early on in the marriage but it has been a blessing to just appologize and move on...as our pre marriage couselor said you can either be mad at each other or you can use that time to make love... :)
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine...they live in our same Condo's it is awesome...a pool separates us...
23. Who kissed who first? We kissed each other...I will never forget it...it was like fireworks...and has only gotten better with time!
24. Who asked who out? My man asked me out...He is very in control and takes charge...He is the kinda man that knows what he wants and goes after it...I am just glad I am the one he wanted!
25. Who proposed? Jerrell on my 21st b-day on July 21st 2001
26. Who is more sensitive? I am more sensitive but Jay is a very sensitive man...not over the top but he does have a sensitive side
27. Who has more friends? Jay - he has NEVER met a stranger that is one thing that attracted me to him...
28. Who has more siblings? Jerrell...he has 2 older brothers...I have one younger sister
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Jerrell...he is the man of this house!!! I love it and don't want the pants...

Mommy and Jaykers Pictures....

2007-10-13T19:23:00.000-06:00

Jayk and I had some pictures taken for Jerrell's Birthday...It was one of Jayk's gifts to his dad...It is amazing to me how much the little guy is growing...so fun and I am so blessed to be his mom...

I could't be more in love...

2007-10-07T18:35:00.000-06:00

The pictues say it all...My two most favorite people in the world...They bring me such joy...

Childish....

2007-09-24T08:40:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been thinking alot about the word childish...I have been praying for myself alot out of 1 Cor. 13, the love chapter...asking God that I would have authentic, genuine love for Him, my family and others...the bottom part of that chapter in vs. 11 it says "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."...and I often pass that part over focusing on love...but this last week the Lord has really shown me areas in my life that I walk in childishness...be it in my relationship with my husband, Jayk, family or even friends...and honestly it has left me embarassed and just desperate that God would teach me and deliver me from childish ways...childish thoughts that are unture, childish comments that are not encouraging at all, childish responses...etc..just childishness in general...I want to walk in maturity with God and with others...Maturity with God believing who he says I am and maturity to trust him in all my ways...I want this maturity...not just to be a better person but to honor him...that my attitude would be the same as Christ...Maturity in my attitude and in my ways will bring honor to him because apart from him and his spirit I am childish...

Growing up 9months old...

2007-09-19T14:00:00.001-06:00

Our little man is growing up...crawling everywhere in our condo...we are definately learning the art of redirection...steering him clear of wires, plugs, and anything else that would cause him harm...the funny thing is that he has been pulling up on everything and anything and everything that is reachable...some things have proven not to be able to carry his weight and he has fallen on his little rear...watching him has been one of the greatest joys of my life...to watch his litte mind work and little body try to pull himself up, but at the same time the Lord has been using his new adventures to speak to my heart...when Jayk was pulling up on something the other day that wouldn't carry his weight it was like the Lord spoke to my heart "Kay you grasp thing that don't hold you"...and I have been thinking about this alot...the only firm foudation for me, for anyone is Christ all the other things I try to hold onto won't "carry my weight"...so for the past few days I have been meditating on this...asking God to help me not hold onto things that won't hold me...He is the rock...

Memories...

2007-09-15T19:58:00.001-06:00

One of my sweetest memories growing up was going with my grandma on Friday's to the beauty shop...I loved it and it was just part of the routine...I would go with her in her big blue cadi and sit with her while she got her hair cut and then put up in rollers...then she would go sit under the big blow dryer and let the rollers dry and her hair set...then I would go and grab this green bucket and take down her hair before Douglas "the hairdresser" combed out her hair...they were sweet memories because it was just time with my grandma...time to be apart of her world and time to just do life with her...I loved it, I loved watching her interact with the other lady's and I loved just being with her...I will never forget those days...

Well the other day we took Jayk to the hairdresser to see Nanny and I was flooded with those memories...flooded with the smells, rollers and my sweet grandma under the blow dryer...I could of cried but new that is wasnt' the time or the place...Jayk seemed to appreciate the big fish aquarium more than the salon but I sure was captivated by a sweet thoughts and thanked Jesus for a woman that means more to me than words can describe...she is my sweet "Nanny T", my namesake "Marjorie" and a woman who has loved me and served me unconditionally for years...Oh how I love my sweet Nanny...

Updates on the Altic's...

2007-09-04T19:31:00.000-06:00

I wanted to update you on what has been going on with the Altics...so here are some snapshots of the last couple of weeks...

*Jayk wearing a suit that we got for my dads swearing in as a judge...

*Jayk riding his horse and loving it...

*His frist time swinging in the park...loving it...mom and dad loved it just as much!!!!

*Him standing for the first time in his bed when we came to wake him up from his nap...CRAZY

Our sweet little boy is growing up!!!!

On the Rise

2007-08-27T18:43:00.000-06:00

I write this to tell you the sickness Kay Kay had has come and gone...gone on to her mother who was over here helping out while Kay was sick! So now pray for Mary Ann...

Jayk is doing better...his ear is bothering him some but the doctor says things are fine for now...just pray that the ear infection stays away.

Me (dad) just got back from a two day retreat at Carolina Creek where I spoke to Fort Bend Baptist Academy's senior class. It was a great time (not long enough) but pray for those seniors because I believe there are several of them that walk with Jesus and want see things happen there at their high school. Pray for David Hook & Todd Prince, Principal & Vice Principal as they try to lead that school towards Jesus!

A Prayer From Daddy for Mom & Jayk

2007-08-23T19:10:00.000-06:00

To those of you out there that would feel sorry for a brother...Our little guy Jayk started getting sick a week ago tonight (Thursday)...following him getting a bit sick with a cold we had a full day at Roger's swearing in service to become a Harris County Criminal Court Judge...so we were gone all day long on Friday...Jayk had been doing the usual thing in regards to the cold (runny nose, cranky, tired but can't sleep)...we on Sunday evening Kay heard him crying so we went to check him out and he and thrown up all over himself and his bed...so we got him out of bed and cleaned up...and Kay began to rock him and love him back to sleep...only for him to want me...so I grabbed and was holding on to him when he was coughing...then his cough turned into throwing up right down my v-neck white t shirt...yes I did say "in" my shirt...right over the collar against my chest! Yes I really feel like a great dad! So we got him down and he slept the rest of the night...so we thought he was doing better to which last night (Wednesday)...we were awakened with vomit everywhere...in hair, all over arms, blankets and even between his eyes. So we jumped in the tub at 11:50 at night...after getting him cleaned up and I rocking him...he prefered his mother instead...to which about 15 seconds after he went to her he throw up in...yes I said "in" her shirt...to which she passed him back to me and he threw up about 3 more times on his pottery barn rug in his room...it is the worst holding your little guy and his whole body is convulging as he throws up back logged mucus. So we cleaned him up and he was out...as this took place Kay crawled into the bed that we have in Jayk's room to be close and listen for any other explosions...so about 2 a.m. this morning Kay came in and woke me up so I could trade her spots because she wasn't feeling good...well to my surprise since I was in Jayk's room sleeping...Kay Kay, my sweet super wife, was sick with something (virus or food poisioning) that was not being nice to her...so as the morning arrived (she had been a while)...I became Mr. Mom today...I usually share most duties in the morning with getting Jayk, changing his diaper, holding him while Kay Kay gets his food together, feeds him, etc...well today it was all me! Wow am I thankful for my wife. I was way thankful before this but even more now. So she was quarantened (sp??) to the bedroom all day while I took care of Jayk...so I got him ready because he had a doctors appointment today...so I took him to the doctor (had an intern roll with me but conversation.) while Mary Ann (Kay's mom) came over to help with her. So after I arrived home with Jayk (way later than we should have but you all know how doctor's office go..especially before school starts next week.) So I dropped Jayk off and headed to the store to get a few things (Sprite for mom, saline for Jayk, etc...)...well when I went to get in the car I noticed a screw was coming out of my rear drivers side tire...so I called Kay and Mary Ann and told them I was heading to Costco to get it fixed...well when I got there they couldn't fix the tire because the tire was worn out (because of the dealer that I get it serviced with...long story I won't share)...so I just couldn't get one tire replaced I had to get them all replaced since we own a 4 wheel drive...so after 3 hours there and $750 dollars later...I finally got home...played with Jayk...loved on Jayk...loved on Mom and let Mary Ann go home...so know Jayk is down, Kay is down, and I am asking all of you who pray to ask Jesus to heal this infirmery I am running.

Kay & one of her friends made these shirts that say "surrender" on the front of them several summers ago...and on the back "EVERYTHING...Rom. 13:12)...so I purposelly put this shirt on tonight (because you aren't supposed to wear it unless you believe and trust these things to happen. So I dug through the drawer to find it and told Jesus "I SURRENDER..." So pray with me or at least hurt with a brother! Jerrell

8 Months ago today...

2007-08-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

Amazing...my sweet little guy is 8 months old today...he is now waving bye bye, trying to say mama and daddy, clapping, almost crawling and going on his first bike ride...He is wonderful...Thank you Jesus for our sweet little guy...thank you for his smile, his sweet noises, his giggles, his tough days, good days...just him Lord thank your for him...His mom and dad love him more than words can express...

Recently we went on our first bike ride...it was so fun...it was a dream come true to be bike riding with our little guy on the back...so fun making memories...his helmet was a little big, and boy was he thirsty after we got back...

First Day at Gymboree...

2007-08-08T13:36:00.001-06:00

It was so fun today...we went to Gymboree for the first time...I went last week and checked out all the specifics and registered for a free class that we did today...Jayk LOVED it...he jumped around forever and wouldn't sit still, I loved seeing his little personality...he kept wanting to touch every other child there and give them a hug...he would talk when the teacher was talking and just smile from ear to ear...I loved it...the one thing that was hard is little guy is teething with 4 teeth coming in at the same time and he just kept spitting up and drooling everywhere...so that was a little awkward, but I was ok with it because he was so happy...So before we left we signed up for 5 more times...I am sure I will have more stories to tell...

Make that one more...

2007-08-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

Oh wow...today I see the start of yet another front tooth!!!!

All at once..

2007-08-06T09:41:00.001-06:00

My little guy is all at once getting THREE teeth...Maybe this is a common thing, but wow...The poor guy has been in pain and chewing everything in site...from toys to blankets and even an occasional cell phone...he is gettig the two bottom ones and then one of his top ones...did I mention all at once...Crazy...Here is a little picture if you look close at the bottom of his mouth you will see his little teeth...

Congradulations DAD!!!!

2007-07-26T14:21:00.000-06:00

My sweet dad recieved a dream come true this week...ever since he started his law career over 25 years ago he has dreamed of being a judge...my grandfather (my mom's dad) was a judge...and was an amazing man...my grandfather encouraged and inspired my dad alot in his career and encouraged him that one day he would be a great judge...my grandfather would be so proud of my dad if he were still living...So my father will end his career as a criminal defense attorney and move to the next step in his career and in life...Dad, you have been so faithful as a lawyer...you have been first and foremost faithful to God in the way you have served your clients...sharing Jesus with them and letting them know that any victory that came in any case was because of the grace of God in their life...you have been faithful to your family to love us more than your job...as a little girl you loved us and would leave your job to get us lunch if we happen to forget it at the house and then to bring it to us at school...I am not sure that I know to many men that would leave the courthouse just to get there elementry daughter a lunch... thank you dad for loving Jane and I so much, for fritos and icee's after school, for staying up late to do science fair projects and for loving our mom most...you have also been faithful to your clients to give them the best chance at freedom and care about there lives...Know that I love you more than words can express...I am so proud of you and proud to be your daughter...Love you my Judge DAD

My two favorite boys...

2007-07-26T14:13:00.000-06:00

I love these three pictures because when I look at them I am so in love...in love with my sweet husband, my best friend on this planet and so in love with our little boy who God graciously gave us 7 months ago...Thank you sweet Jesus for my sweet family...

And the journey continues...

2007-07-08T19:30:00.001-06:00

Several years ago a project was birthed called the Houston project...this project was the idea of 2 great men who designed a way for college student and highschool students to come to Houston, TX and minster for a week in the city... Well, 8 Years ago in the summer of 1999 I met the most wonderful man in the entire world...I was 18 at the time and he was 20...he was full of ambitions and dreams and I was blown away by his passion for God and his passion for life...We were interns at a church together and worked everyday together 10 hours a day...our job for that summer was to love on people in the city and share Jesus...that was the start of 3 summers of interning together and falling in love...One thing I remember about the project was that all the staff kids got shirts and I remember saying to myself how fun it will be one day when our little boo and he/she gets to have a shirt...and so this was the summer...8 years later and we have a sweet little boy that got his first Houston Project t-shirt...it made me smile with joy yesterday and sweet memories of life coming full circle...God is so sweet....

Big Boy Jaykers

2007-07-08T19:03:00.001-06:00

We had a big new day in the life of little Jaykers...We went to a favorite eatery of ours and the little guy sat in his own highchair...this is the first time he has ever sat for 45 minutes at a place and just laughed and we have gotten to eat...it began a new phase in the life of the Altic's...we are excited...he is so fun and we are so blessed

Pondering....

2007-06-21T08:50:00.000-06:00

The last couple of days I have been pondering and thinking about Ps.119:9...It says "How can a young man (woman) keep his way pure? By living according to your word." The word that just has been impacting me has been "living"...living according to the word...which to me incompasses everything...reading, talking, thinking...all of it for me is wrapped up in "living"...So my prayer has been God in your mercy let me live according to your word...let it be in every breath, in every situation, just in my heart...living his word...living the fruit of Spirit...living Pr. 3:5-6, living being anxious about nothing...really living it...that is my desire...so that purity will be the overflow of my life...because the pure in heart will see God...(Matt. 5:8) ad I so desire to see Him in the daily things of life...

Jayk's Favorite Toy...

2007-06-19T14:54:00.001-06:00

I promise you it is true...Jaykers favorite toy is a basketball...for those of you that know me you would think I planned it like that...but that is not true, he just has a love for the game already...he comes by it honestly with a dad who almost went to college on a basketball/baseball scholarship but choose to preach instead...and a mom who has loved the sport every since she was 5 years of age...so Jaykers is just carrying on the passion...and the love of the game...I don't have to tell you that I do find it fun...i can't wait to teach him to dribble and shoot...although I do believe his daddy and I might wrestle over that priveldge...but whose to say this isn't a faze he is going through...but let me just tell you that if that is all this is, I am going to enjoy it while it last :)...but the truth be known our little guy can be whatever he wants to be and have a desire to play or draw or invent whatever his little hearts desire may be...it was just fun for a mom to see her little man be interested in something that shaped her life so much...

The Big Day

2007-06-19T08:34:00.000-06:00

Today is a big day in the life of Jayk and Mommy Altic...Today is Jayks first day to go to Mother's Day Out...I am excited for both of us...he will get social interaction, I will get to run some errands...yet in the same breath I am a little sad...which is weird because it is only a few hours...I think we wil both end up enjoying our time apart today...

Jayk's First Astros Game & Happy Father's Day

2007-06-16T13:22:00.000-06:00

On Thursday afternoon, June 14, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. Kay and I had a memory that we won’t forget anytime soon. Actually Kay is the one to put it together for me. She ordered club level Houston Astro baseball tickets for her, myself, and Jayk to go to the game on Thursday. Earlier in the week Kay had given me an earlier Father’s Day gift. When I opened it up there were the two tickets, a new Astors hat and shirt for me along with a note from Jaykers. As I read the note I cried. It really struck home with me. Getting to go to my first baseball game with my son and my wife. It was a most pleasant day. The temperature in the car said it was 101 outside but my heart was well over that in warmth and love. Jayk did amazing. He did get a little scared when everyone would scream or cheer (hadn’t had that loud of a sound in his ears yet). During the game it was supposed to be a regularly schedule nap time. So I told Kay and I would take him (inside) club level has an air conditioned section to it before you go to your seats. So I got to stand watching several innings with my 6 month old my shoulder snoozing away. It couldn’t have been sweater. Kay was 3 rows in front of me watching the game. It was an amazing time and a truly great 1st Father’s Day gift. Kay, I love you and thank you so much for the mother you are and the wife that you are. You have made this day special and it isn’t even here yet. I love you! Check out some of these pics (more on our smugmug page.)

Jayk with his own personal strikeout K

5 Years

2007-06-01T12:06:00.000-06:00

Wow! Can you believe it...Kay and I are blown away at how fast 5 years has flown by. Today we are celebrating our 5th year anniversary. We are going to be spending the night at a local hotel while Yia Yia & Granddaddy (Mary Ann & Roger) take care of the Jaykster...actually we are going to stay two nights but will be with little guy during the day.

This morning Kay and I spent some time before the Lord thanking him in prayer for how he has allowed us to be transformed right in front of each other...as we have always said and will continue to say "marriage is the greatest discipleship tool." God has a unique way of changing you by simply being married and following Christ as a couple.

We re read over our vows this morning (which we do each year) and asked God to continue to let us grow in them...live them out...share them with others...Our prayer time was so sweet...life is so hard to even remember or imagine without each other these days.

Many thanks to all of you who pray for us, care for us, think of us, support us, and challenge us. As we were talking today and thanking Jesus for so many of our friends who continue to spur us along...even though we may not see them daily or speak with them often. Thank you...thank you for loving Jesus...thank you for following him daily...please don't quite...

The attack that the enemy has upon marriages is staggering...please know if you are married we are praying for you...please know if you are single...we are praying for you....

So I now wrap up this post since Jayk is getting up soon...he will eat and we are out the door. Jesus thanks for 5 years please give us several several more...I can only imagine how wonderful heaven will be...since marriage is so sweeeeet...oh how we await that marriage supper of the Lamb...

Thoughts for the Day

2007-05-15T08:33:00.000-06:00

I have personally be praying a verse for me out of Is. it talks about that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast in him, because that means we trust him...as a mom I find this to be so challenging...my mind steadfast...my mind seems to wander at times to randomness and then ridiculous...and I find myself at times believing and listening to lies that are so far fetched...all because my mind is not steadfast...I have been asking God to please do this in my heart and in my mind...I want his peace...because I find my random thoughts often lead me to anxiousness, discontentment and distraction...can anyone relate?...

I have been thinking about ps. 139 the past couple of days...the verse that talks about him being familiar with our ways has really been sticking in my heart...I don't know why except to think he is familiar with ALL my ways, what a wild thought...so I have throughout the last couple of days been saying "Lord, you are familiar with my ways"...all of them...and just being blown away by that...

Today, what is hitting home with me alot is the part of ps. 139 that talks about where can we go from his Spirit or his presence?...and the answer is no where...then it talks about him guiding us and holding us fast...so today I am thankful, thankful for "his always with us"....never alone, even when my flesh feels so alone, I am not...

Finally Long Awaited Pic's

2007-05-15T08:31:00.000-06:00

Sorry all of ya'll in blogger world for the long awaited updated pictures of Dedication, First Swimming, and Mother's Day...

Go to our smugmug and you will see the updated pic's...

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T11:53:00.000-06:00

What a great day it was!!!!! So fun getting to be Jayk's mom...I couldn't help but be so excited and overwhelmed by his sweet smiles yesterday...I loved holding him, laughing with him, and just looking at him when he didn't know I was...it was so fun...I told Jerrell that today is better than a birthday...just sweet to get to be Jayk's mom...I was so blessed...

My husband was so awesome...I think he told me 15 times that day "Happy Mother's Day" and I loved every moment of it...he gave me a gift from Jayk of the sweetest Precious Moments, it was a mom holding a little boy after he gets out of a bath and that is what I do with Jayk...so it was so fun of Jerrell...He also gave me a card from Jayk that had scibble in it from Jayk...Jerrell put a pen in Jayks little hand and had him go at it...Jerrell's gift was a day of shopping and spa...he said he would keep Jayk and I just had to pick the saturday...Wow a whole day...My man is the greatest...What a wonderful day....Thank you Lord...

Big Days in Jaykers Life

2007-05-07T08:42:00.000-06:00

I wanted to update ya'll on some big days in the life of Jayk...you may first be wondering why does it say "Jaykers"...That is because that is what I lovingly call him...he is my little Jaykers, Jayk bit...all other kinds of pet names but for now I will only share a few...but will slowly unveil them as the blog goes on...but back to the big days in Jayk's life...the first one was 2 weeks ago we put him in the nursery at the church for the first time...and he did great...I had someone yesterday tell me he calls it the "germ pool" at Jayk's age...but I chose to not listen and to smile as I took him to his class...rm. 121...that is his room...his big boy room...I am so proud of him...his first Sunday he didn't sleep...he checked everything out...making sure this was going to be ok...but yesterday glory to God he slept..I was so proud of him...the second big day for little Jaykers was yesterday we had parent commitment...He did so good no crying or anything...I do have to say that something I have noticed about my little guy is that he gets overwhelmed in big groups...he just becomes silent with very few smiles...which is SO unlike him...we are thinking he has a little of his mom's personality...which is fun to watch...but he is totally a crazy fun loving baby when he is with those he feels comfortable with and in his jumperoo...So those are the two big days in our little guys life that needed to be shared

*Pictures will be up soon of these events so check our smugmug out soon...

Beginning New Schedules

2007-05-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

I am sure that ever mother can relate...that once you get comfortable in a schedule it is time to change to a new one...well, that is where I find myself today...stepping out on faith, starting a new schedule...Jayk recently has started having some solids so that has changed his desire for wanting milk more frequently...so we are in a change today...and I just needed to let everyone know, one to have other mothers relate and two to have some prayers sent up for my little guy and for mommy :) ...I will definately keep you updated on how it is going...

Golf Retreat

2007-04-26T20:18:00.000-06:00

I know many people may laugh at such an opportunity I have this weekend but I am requesting prayer for such an event. I am leading the devotionals at HFBC's Golf Retreat. I am pretty fired up about what the Lord has given me to share...it will be at Rayburn Golf Club about 2.5 hours away from Houston...Jerrell

Missouri...Jayk's First Trip Continued

2007-04-22T07:06:00.000-06:00

So our time in Misssouri was filled with great relaxation and reunion. On Saturday evening we saw the pastor of Springhill Baptist Church (my home church) in the mall with his family...we had some small talk with them and then went about our shopping...BUT...when we got home Pastor Kevin had called and wanted to see if Jerrell wanted to preach the two services in the morning...to which he couldn't have been more honored. One thing Jayk has been doing is going to church with us and sleeping through the services...that is perfect nap time for him so he is ready to sleep...however when dad started preaching Jayk didn't want to sleep...he started looking around for that voice (that made dad's heart proud)...however he snuggled up next to mommy and fell fast asleep...what a privlege for my son's first time to hear my preach was at the place God saved me, I was baptized, licensed, and ordained into the ministry. What a privlege!

Jayk got to experience his first snow in MO...how crazy...we got to see all 4 seasons in one weekend...well at least 3 of them...fall really didn't exists while we were there...but on Saturday morning he started snowing like crazy...so we bundled him up and capture a photo of him outside in the snow...once again how fun to get his first snow in MO...however he can't wait to get a real snow in Wyoming!

Dad needs to head to work...more later...

Missouri...Jayk's First Trip

2007-04-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

Where can we begin...we left Houston at 1:08 p.m. from Rice University after Jerrell spoke for the Rice BSM for their weekly luncheon on campus...the Sequoia was loaded down with little room left for one more thing...(those of you with kiddos know that it is like moving everything you go somewhere for more than a evening)...we made it to Centerville (the jerky capital of th world) before we had to stop...it was a little rough but we made it...then we made it just north of Dallas to the Plano Home Depot before the next stop....made one stop for gas and headed on to Missouri...our next stop was Durant, OK...we tried to get a room at Holiday Inn and they were booked....needless to say we had to settle for Days Inn...pretty rough hotel...but it worked for Jayk to get dinner, a bath, a change of clothes and a bed for a very short nap...we then checked out after an hour and a half (that was the plan all along for those of you who think I am a mean driver)...for 30 minutes it was great...we thought we had mastered this road trip and it was our first time out...then Jayk woke up...severly confused that he wasn't in his bed or any bed at this time of night...so our sweet boy began to cry and we didn't know if he was going to to stop...so we thought maybe we should get a hotel room for the night...so we pulled into McAlester, OK to the Holiday Inn...I ran in and checked for a room and guess what...they were sold out as well as every other room in the town...so we had two choices...spend the night in the car at Holiday Inn (not happening) or drive...so we turned the music up a little bit and let our son praise the Lord (cry out)...soon he went to sleep and slept for 5 hours...thank you Jesus...we made it to MO right at 2:00 a.m...

Let me pick back up on this story...Jayk is needing daddy..

We Repent!

2007-04-20T10:34:00.000-06:00

Yes Yes Yes...we repent...we realize it has been almost a month since we have given an update...needless to say you know that most of you are kind forgiving indivduals...thanks for being so kind

As way of pentenance we have put on our pic page all kinds of new pics...pics of Easter, Jane's Birthday Party, and a wonderful trip to Missouri (more on that trip later).

Stay tuned more coming later...out the door to lunch.

Home

2007-03-23T19:36:00.000-06:00

As you can tell...you have heard from us in about a week...there is nothing like coming home from a missionary journey especially with your family not on the road with you...So when I (Jerrell) got home there was little contact with the outside world...I did manage to work this past week but every moment that I could I was with my family. Make sure and check out the pic page for some updated picks of Jayk and several picks from Belize...there will be more pics added to the Belize folder in the next few days. Many of you have recieved our newsletter and we are thankful for the response of support. May God continue to see us plow forward in multiplying ourselves to reach the nations with Jesus.

Belize Day 5 (Thursday)

2007-03-16T00:03:00.000-06:00

A Homerun! That is what I called today...we allowed the team to sleep in a bit and have our morning devotional at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Gregg & William Taylor arrived on Wednesday from being in Costa Rica so the devotion this morning was a great time together. We went to the orphanage today and completed all of our undone tasks. The team did an amazing job of spreading Jesus all over that facility. We took a late lunch to Subway (it's amazing it even smelled like Subway) then headed to another elderly home. I hear this was an amazing time. I was out getting more team water and supplies. Then we came home after a long day of work only to find their was no water in the hotel and we needed to leave soon for another ministry engagement tonight. Everyone needs to experience that feeling one time...working hard all day...sweating, nasty, etc...only to find no water...not even cold water. One of the guys put shampoo in his hair and went and jumped in the pool...

Tonight we ended by doing an evangelistic outdoor meeting...we walked this area of Belize City for about 35 minutes and drummed up several of the locals just chilling their night away...we had my man Excelsuis (Malcolm Marshall) throw down some holly hip and I had the opportunity to invite people to being their relationship with Jesus. We could have stayed their all night: playing, praying, small talk, basketball, and more...

The trip has come to a nice close. The team did an amazing job. Take a look at the picture page in a few days when I am able to get some pics online. We are headed to San Pedro Island for a day of relaxation then headed home on Saturday. Pray for safe fun and safe travel. I am ready to see my family!!!!

Belize Day 3 & 4 (Tuesday & Wednesday)

2007-03-14T23:19:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the delay in writing...yesterday we left for the capital of Belize (Belmopan)...however before we left to head that direction we went back to Crooke Tree School and did their opening assembly and visited some classrooms...this was such a wonderful time...those kids truly are the hope of Belize (they said that in their morning pledge)...Jesus raise up some godly men and women! After we left their we drove for about an 1.5 to the Belmopan Baptist High School...we got to visit several classrooms and had lots of one on one conversations...the students their know the gospel in their head but many haven't moved the message 18 inches south to their heart...there were lots of lost students who were yet to truly being their relationship with Jesus...Lord I pray that you would let hypocrisy decrease in this land...after we left the school we went to the University of Belize to do some campus evangelism...wow...what an amazing time...we could have stayed their all week...

There is a high concentration in teen pregnancy...girls lives are being hurt by this on a daily basis...and many of the young men are lost in this cycle as well...

Last night we spent the night at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel...a beutiful resort in the San Ignacio...I got blessed this morning by seeing two Toucans (very beutiful bird with the big beek and colorful chest)...

This morning we drove back to Belize City to work at an orphanage all day...as you know if you have ever been to an orphanage...it ripped our hearts out...it is a state run facilitiy...we spent all day and into the evening cleaning, repairing, redoing, you name it we did it...with kids hanging all over us...tomorrow we are headed back to the facility to finish the task and love on kids...we are also doing to an elderly care home and a prison in the afternoon and will finish up tomorrow night at an evangelistic meeting in the city...

Prayer Requests: Finalize Orphanage Projects, Favor in the Prison at Hatteville, Love for the the elderly home and outdoor evangelistic event...this will be our last day of official ministry on Thursday...

Friday we are headed to San Pedro Island for a day of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

Belize Day 3 (Monday)

2007-03-12T21:05:00.000-06:00

We left the hotel this morning at 9:15 and arrived at Crooked Tree an hour later...so from 10:15 till 4:00 p.m. we were outside in the hot sun all day long...playing volleyball, basketball, ballon animals, softball, kickball, football, you name it we did it... we also go to eat a meal of bbq chicken (some of the best I have had) right off the grill. The church was having a field day/fundraiser for their church maintenance fund. We had numerous conversations and sharing opportunities today! The team is doing amazing! God is allowing people to use their stories in so many ways...I am so proud of them...true champions! Speaking of champions...I miss my little champ Jayk...

I have had the greatest time hearing the stories of our team members...to hear how God has chased some of them all over America with his love and compassion...I was reminded today that it truly is the kindness of the Lord that leads people to repentance...

Prayers for Tuesday: We are going back to Crooked Tree to do their school assembly devotion and speak to each class for the first hour and half of the day...the principal of the school has invited us to share the Gospel with the entire school...it should be a great opportunity for our team. Also pray as we travel tomorrow for we are checking out this hotel and heading to Belmopan to the Baptist High School and University of Belize. We are working at the high school tomorrow afternoon...this is going to be a sweet time to encourage this young future leaders of Belize with the Gospel!

Belize Day 2 (Sunday)

2007-03-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

Wow! What an incredible day...the preaching went amazing...there was a little over a 115 at our worship service in Port Loyola...The other churches had good crowds and lots of ministry...some of the team got to visit a prison, old folks home, and even a small excursion to a Bamboon Sanctuary...The ministry it Hatteville is blowing up...the student leader (Mark) is really anointed by the Lord and has a heart for the the next generation of leaders...The team seems to be really connected and growing together...The Lord has blessed us with a great group of people fired up to serve these people in Belize.

Prayers Request for Monday: An all day field day at Crooked Tree. It is an island that is inland Belize...there is about 900 people that live on the island...the island is in the middle of a large lagoon (lake)...we will be outside most of the day so pray for strength, stamina, and good health for all team members.

Daddy (me) is missing my wife and son...so pray for me to stay focused and persevere in the ministry here...Also pray for Jayk's sleep to be good...he has been fussing the last couple of nights...

Belize Day 1

2007-03-10T20:46:00.000-06:00

This is Jerrell from Belize...Russell Calvert & I flew in yesterday to get things squared away in regards to room arrangements, ministry sites, van rentals, water purchases, etc...The team arrived this afternoon (only 1 hour late). It was good to see their faces...fired up ready to charge Belize with Jesus! Our mode of transportation here in Belize are two 15 passenger vans...it is so wild to drive in another country (many of you can agree)...the sounds that come from a bunch of rookies riding in a 15 passenger van during rush hour is something to be desired...We had a pastors gathering tonight before our team devotions...there were several key leaders that the team got to eat with, share stories with and talk about the Kingdom of God with! Tomorrow will be a full day of activity...preaching in 4 spots (not me but the team). I will be speaking at Port Loyola...a congregation of a 125 in an established community. The other teams are speaking at Calvary Baptist, Hatteville Baptist, and Farbers Road Baptist...In the afternoon will be visiting an old folks home...and other ministry with the local pastors as they deem necessary.

Pray for: The team to not have fear for they will be in situations they have never been in before. Pray for confidence in sharing testimonies. Pray for open doors to share with locals and tourists. Pray for travel saftey...

P.S. If anyone has some extra coolers you can make fortune selling them in Belize...we paid 60 USD for one cooler that is a regular size cooler...that took a bite out of the expense budget...

Belize Bound

2007-03-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Jerrell leaves for Belize today (March 9th) and will be gone till next Saturday...Please be in prayer for how God may use the team of 25...it is going to be an amazing journey..

Stay tuned for more information.