new year....heavy heart...

Happy New Year everyone!!  One of my resolutions for 2011 is to become a better blogger!!  Seriously though, I want to become better at documenting, and archiving the events of my sweet family, and our precious children.  That being said, there are a few things that 2011 brings for the Helm Family:

First, we are pleased to announce that WE ARE EXPECTING!!!!  I'll wait for the shock to wear off.....but seriously, we are due August 7th 2011 with our third little gift from God.  Complete and utter "bonus baby,"  but fabulous non the less.  It was a little shocking at first, but now that tthe shock has worn off, and we have seen the  precious sono pictures of our little bean, we are thrilled. 

This pregnancy has been harder than the previous two - I have actually been sick with this one.  Maybe that means it's a girl?!?  Here's hoping to that!!  

Friends, our family seriously needs your prayers.  Long story short, my brother-in-law is going to an Oncologist next week for a work up to rule out lymphoma.  Scary to say the least.  He and my sister are an amazing little family with 4 small children.  The LAST thing they or any of us need is a scary cancer coming in.  But I know that our God is bigger than this. He is absolutely and magnificantly in charge of this situation, and has M & A in HIS hands.  He is the Great Physician, and already knows the outcome, we just have to be patient as to hearing what that is.  Never the less, they are standing in faith, praying like crazy, and braced for whatever the outcome may be.  I have a peace that this will turn out to be nothing but a silly little infection of some sort, and can & will be treated swiftly.  Won't you join me in praying for M & A, the doctors, nurses, and all the medical staff that they will come in contact with, that God will hand pick the people working with them and diagnosing M? 

Lastly, (but not least)  B has officially resigned from the church we have been at for the past 18 months.  We have prayed and talked, and prayed some more, and feel that God is leading us in a different direction of ministry.  Still ministry, sill pulpit minister....but just different.  He had an invitation to interview for a pulpit job for a small church in our area.  We prayed, and sought God's direction on what to do...so he interviewed.   Today, he got the call that next week, they would like him to come speak for two weeks, see how he fits with the congregation and vice versa.  I think he is going to be a GREAT fit, but I might be a little biased!!  Seriously, he is great, and I KNOW he will do fabulous and the church will LOVE him.

As far as everything else, I will try to get some pictures posted on here of the boys soon.  Jack is already 15 months (I can't believe how the past year has FLOWN by!!) and Samuel is almost 3 1/2.  My super cute monkeys, oh how I simply adore them!!

I pray that this new year has started off with great promises and blessings from our Father.  Rest well my sweet friends!

In Him,

Life in the Fish-Bowl...

Do you like the name?? "Life in the Fish-Bowl." That is the one little phrase that I would use to describe my life right now.  Life in the Fish-Bowl.  Big.  Round.  Transparent.  You see, ever since we decided that B would quit the $$ to pastor full time, this is what I feel we have become.  Little goldfish that swim and swim in circles for everyone to see.  Every once in a while, someone will remember to feed us, and change our water when it gets yucky.  Sometimes, we even get the annoying tap on the glass.  But everytime that tap on the glass comes - I have to remember....God is bigger than this!!  God has been and is tremendously faithful to my faimly.  He has blessed us beyond measure, and continues to do so on a daily basis.  Where to even start....let's see....Here's a few...

1.  After my last post (which was eons ago)  we have had so many updates on my little Jack.  Long story short - after not pooping for what seemed like an eternity, we saw the GI doc.  A rectal biopsy, 2 day stay in the hospital, EGD, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy - along with testing for Cystic Fibrosis and numerous things...we discovered the culprit to be an allergy to Dairy and Soy protiens!!  AHHH!!!  But, God was faithful, and blessed us to have found a doctor that was patient, and kind, and took the time to listen to me to help diagnose and figure out what was wrong with my buggy. 

Needless to say, he is a pooping maching now, and is a healthy, happy 8 month old.  PRAISE GOD!!

2.  With B quitting his job, things have been a little tight, to say the least.  I am still working my 2 weekend shifts a week, but have been blessed with the ability to pick up an extra shift during the week to help with the $$ situation.  All in all, God is amazing, and is continuing to bless my family, and continues to be faithful with what He provides for us.  He never ceases to amaze me with what He can do.  I just have to remember that nothing is too big for God.  Nothing.

On a different note, back to the  MY Life in the Fish-Bowl - I have determined that is going to be the name of the book I am going to write - or bible study - or who knows....not sure just yet.  Now go ahead, laugh.....I'll give you a minute to get it out of your system..........................

................ok.  Seriously....I have been praying about what my "purpose in ministry" is.  And right now, I feel God tugging on my heart with the whole Life in the Fish-Bowl thing.  That has been my phrase since this whole church thing began, and I truly believe that I am supposed to do something with it.  (Thanks, B, for helping me see that.  You are truly an amazing man, husband, and father.  And sometimes, you have insight that I overlook.  So, thank you.  Big time!!)

I will marinade over it for a while, and pray to hear how God wants me to use my Fish Bowl.  I am certain that He will show me exactly what and how He wants me to use it.  And for whom it is directed.  I am positive, however, it will be directed at me in soooooooooo many ways.  He and I have already been chatting on that one. :)

so here's to "Life in the Fish-Bowl!" 

Praying for poop!!

So, it's official, B has given his notice at his "paying job."  Officially.  For good.  Like we're talking in about 4 weeks he will no longer be getting a paycheck.  I know that for the past year and a half I've already been the preacher's wife.  But now it really feels official!   I've been hearing God so clear and loud this past week since we decided to take this step, that it's almost frightening!  I think that God has always been speaking the same thing to me, I've just decided to put my pride down and listen. God is so AMAZING!!  He has given B and I an eerie sense of calmness in this adventure.  We are stepping out, and are standing firm in the belief that God is going to step in front of the battles we have to fight.   Whatever those may be.  I think that B has a sense of relief that he has a light at the end of the tunnel for working two jobs.  I know he is just exhausted, and is looking forward to that as well.  Also just excited to see what God has in store for us - and for our church.  I know He has amazing things planned - I just can't wait to see what they are.  We have an awsome group of church members, who are very supportive. 

This week we received the sweetest note from one of the ladies in our church.  She is an awe-inspiring woman of faith, who I'd be honored at any time to follow into the Kingdom of God with.  Her words were very inspiring and uplifting to both B and I - especially as we have started our journey.

On another note, out littlest one, Jack has not been "feeling" so good lately.  I know this may be way too much information, but he's not pooping.  I'm not talking like going a couple of days.  I'm talking like it's been 10 days, and almost a full month before that!!  Ouch!!  My stomach just hurts thinking about it.  We've been to the pediatrician, and we've had x-rays.  Essentially all negative as of now.  The next step:  he sees the Gastroenterologist (GI) doc on Monday.  I'm anxiously awaiting that appointment to see what they have to say the problem is.

People, let's just say that I'm prayin' for poop!!  I know it's such an odd little prayer....but hey, it's my prayer.  I just can't stand seeing my little 4 1/2 month old hurting and struggling.  As a mom, I just wish I could fix it - but essentially right now I can't.  So I am praying.  Praying for poop.  Praying for our mighty God to step in and heal whatever is going on in his little tummy.  Won't you join me in this prayer?  I'll keep you posted on what the doctors say this coming week.  I need my mighty prayer warriors to step in on Jack's behalf!!

Have a blessed weekend!!   

The river is a ragin'......

This one is a little wordy, and for that, I apologize in advance.  But you see, there needs to be a bit of background information in order to understand why the river is a ragin'.

For those of you that don't know, Brandon and I started a church plant here in Mansfield about a year and a half ago.  During that time, needless to say, we have faced our fair share of challenges of pastoring a small church.  Don't get me wrong, we have enjoyed the challenge, and thoroughly LOVE what we do.  Not to mention that God had truly blessed our family over this time.  We have grown closer to Him as a family in search for what He truly wants us to do, as well as learning to listen to God in our daily lives on HOW to do the things He wants us to do. 

I have truly been amazed at what I have learned from God in just being still, and listening to what He has to say.  I have been leading a bible study the last 9 weeks or so using Beth Moore's Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman.  Man, oh man, is this one DEAD ON, girls! I have been absolutely blown away by the correlation in biblical times, to today on how relevant the issues are!!  But I tell you what, I am impressed with the dedication of the women who have embarked on this journey of Esther with me.  They have all been so patient with me in letting me mess up along the path of leaderhsip, and for that, I am grateful.  While I have been embarking on Esther's journey, I have also started to keep a prayer journal.  And girls, let me tell you - man, God he is a talkin'!!!  Or at least I'm finally sitting still and keeping quiet long enough to hear what he has to say. 

I know it must seem as if I am rambling, but stay with me girls, I'm going somewhere, I promise!  I have started to change the way that I pray for things.  Instead of praying for that "thing" and waiting for it, I have started praying for God to give me that "thing" in His timing, and waiting on God.  Man, oh man, how that little prayer has changed my life.  Changed OUR lives.  Forever.  Starting now.

You see, for the last few months, B and I have been looking at houses, but we haven't been able to find one we liked, or have never really given the lending our "full attention."   Untill now, it never made sense to me.  I was always praying for that perfect house to come along.  But I was saying the WRONG prayer.  I didn't need to wait on the house.  I needed to wait upon God.  Once I changed my prayer and decided to wait upon the Lord.....things started to come into focus.  We were praying and asking for the wrong things.  We needed to wait up on the Lord to reveal His timing for moving, and houses, and mortgages.  As soon as I started praying that....then B pop's up with the question of the day.  Let me share that conversation with you.  I'll color code who said what.  (Reader's Digest version, this thing is long enough already.)

"What do you think of me resigning from my current job to pastor full time?"

"Uh, hmm, well, I don't know."

"I just feel that God is telling me that it is time we stepped out and took a leap of faith in the church."

"Well, babe, if that is what you feel God is leading you towards, then I think we pack up, move back into the old house, and we become a one-income family."

So folks, that's what we are doing.  B is officially resigning from his "paying" job to pastor our church full time.  And we are officially a one-income family.  Talk about scary!!  We've done the numbers, and are making some sacrifices to allow that to happen.  We've been blessed throughout the past year to have paid off some debt, and above all else, I know that if this is what God is calling us to do, then He will not let us fail.  We are nervous, excited, calm, scared, and peaceful all in one. 

How does this relate to Esther, you ask?  I am reminded of how God takes care of us when we are faithful to follow what He has planned for us.  To truly follow our destiny.  Remember, this:  "And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14.  I mean, this is is.  My husband was made by God, for just this time.  A time such as this.  To be able to have the honor to lead a church for the Lord.  And that I get the honor of standing by him, and embarking along that journey with him.

My father-in-law laid it out best in a sermon he preached last week.  When God had promised Joshua the promise land, he had to cross a raging river.  God told his people that across the river was what He had promised them.  As soon as they stepped into the river, it calmed down.

Sometimes, instead of calming the river before we step into it....He just wants us to have the faith to put one foot in before He calms it.   Well, God, here we go......we're jumping in....both feet first!!

 

Sweet Sadness...

Today I found out that a sweet friend of mine has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Now instantly, my nurse brain kicks in overdrive thinking of scenarios, treatments, outcomes....blah blah blah.  But after mentally smacking myself in the head....I came to this conclusion.  We serve a MIGHTY God.  A God so mighty that he can cure anything!  We serve a God that knows exactly what He is going to do with us.   I know that Charlene and her family find peace and comfort in knowing that God has His hand all over this situation, but none the less, the situation sucks.  I know He has hand picked the doctors and physicians that she will come in contact with over the next few days, weeks, months, etc.  I beg my sweet blog friends, please pray for her in her journey along this road.  That she can remain comfortable, pain free, and ultimately...strong in her faith. 

Remembering to be thankful...

What a Thanksgiving!!  We had great food, the company of family....I am truly blessed!!  We had all the usually suspects for dinner:  turkey, corn cassarole (my FAVORITE!!), mashed potatos, sweet potatos, stuffing, gravy (NOT my favorite), the memory of cranberry salad (thanks, Dad, for dropping it in your car), and about a kazillion homemade pies!!  Needless to say, our bounty was full, full, full.  Not to mention delicious.  It took an entire day to recover from dinner!!  So needless to say, we didn't do all of the Black Friday shopping.  As much of a sucker I am for a great deal, I just can't get out and muster up the energy to push through the crowds of people.  So...I think it is worth paying the little bit extra just to save my sanity!!

Yesterday, we put up the Christmas tree.  It was such a joy to watch Samuel get so excited about the tree, and all the decorations.  I loved hearing him..."Mama, it's beeeaaauuutiful!"  Wait a minute.....click.....I just had to take a memory photo.  His little face was lit up with a smile from ear to ear.  It's just AMAZING when I think of what all God has blessed Brandon and I with.  I mean, we have been given the opportunity to raise and love on two amazing little boys.  Samuel and his little two-year old mind, and Jack, our 7 week old who is just precious.  What an amazing responsibility God has charged us with....to raise these boys in a way that Christ is their foundation.  WOW!!  But I am loving every minute of it.  I know that He will provide me with the knowledge and strength that I need to muster through it, and the sense to sit back, relax, and take it in when I need to.

On another note, I just came across a jewelry designer that I absolutely ADORE.  I think that her pieces are just beautiful.  I'm thinking I may have to wish real hard for one of these for Christmas this year...and may even have to pass a few hints along to B.

Her name is Natha and her stuff is great!!

Ya'll have a great weekend!!!  And remember everything that you have to be thankful for!!

Ok, ok, ok...I'm going to try this blogging thing - AGAIN. I've been following a few blog's of other women, and le me just say that I am a pretty pitiful blogger thus far. So, that being said - here we go....


As most of you who read this know...my husband and I started a church a little over a year ago - and what a journey it has been. Wonderful, interesting, and might I add a HUGE learning experience along the way. God has taught me so many lessons already, and I just know that he has many, many more to come. So, while reading posts of other ministry wives, I came along the blog of Lisa, a pastor's wife who lives in the south. She posted a "Scavenger Hunt" of sorts on her site, and I thought I'd kick off my new found commitment to blogging with it.

1. First Name.
Courtney

2. State and Country of Residence.
Texas, the Lone Star State, baby!!

3. Husband’s Ministry Title.
Senior Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. {IMPORTANT: There are several of you who may not be in a current ‘official’ pastorate/ministry, etc. That makes you no less a minister’s wife! You play along, girlfriends, and let us pray for you!}
Almost two years

5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages.
Two boys....2 and 6 weeks. Two of the biggest blessings God has given me!!

6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage.
None really unique. We did live with my sister in a two bedroom apartment right after we got married. We have been blessed with our own home relatively shortly after that.

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out?
Are you kidding?!? Sundays are stressful eventful enough without trying to figure out and cook lunch.  We are for sure the eat out Sunday lunch type!!

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not?
We don't have Sunday School right now. We are a church plant, that is still relatively new. But I am on time for church. Too much to do on Sunday mornings to be late. :)

9.  Favorite TV Show.
I must admit that I love Desperate Housewives. I know, I know...not a show I should probably be watching as the pastor's wife, but I find it wonderully entertaining!!

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol)
Probably my viewing selection from above!!

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve.
When people complain about how things are done, or that they aren't done they way they would want it to, yet they don't offer up any suggestions on how to change things.

12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it.
Goodness, probably a ton of things....but I can't pinpoint just one!

13. The one food you can not live without.
Sweet tea and peanut butter.

14. Parsonage or have your own home?
We've been blessed to have our own home. Besides, as a church plant, you don't really have the resorces for big item expenses.

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor?
Most of the time, I'm always ready for a visitor. And if my house is a bit messy.....I just hope people understand that I have a 2 year old, and a newborn.

I hope this gives a little insight to me, and where I come from. Ya'll have a blessed week!!