A New Chapter

It seems like I've been waiting for the next thing my whole life... always wanting what I couldn't have or thought I needed at different stages of my life.  Quique was ordained last Sunday in a very powerful service that pointed to the faithfulness and provision of our great God!  As I reflect on our last 7 years of marriage, I am tempted to think that all those years were not "real life," or that life is just now beginning.  I don't want to relive those years ever again, but I also would not trade them.  Those years were the years and experiences that God used to make me more like him.  Jesus wanted me to experience those difficulties and joys to show me my utter dependency and reliance on Him alone, nothing else!!!
Thank you, LORD, for being the God who provided financially.  Thank you, LORD, for sustaining our marriage and growing us to love you and each other more.  Thank you, LORD, for our children and the joy they bring.  Thank you, LORD, for our church family and friends that were so faithful and kind to us.

Just a few parting stats for the last seven years:

* 7 years of marriage
* 6 jobs (between the two of us)
* 5 homes
* 2 church plants with no buildings
* 2 dogs... no longer our dogs now:)
* 2 wonderful children
* 1 bachelor's degree finished
* 1 seminary education & ordination
* 1 tired and thankful Autrey family = PRICELESS

May I never forget these last seven years that taught me to trust the LORD for each day.  Praise be to our God and King!  

"... for apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:5  
Trusting God for the next chapter in our life!

Christmas 2012 was one of my favorite because James had so much wonder and excitement!  He really didn't remember last year, so all our traditions became so much more powerful because we were experiencing them with James for the first time!  The Advent candles became Jesus' birthday candles.  The small electric candle at the Christmas Eve church service was a fabulous sword.  He could not contain his excitement over presents or decorating the tree with hot chocolate.  He wants to go the yearly Christmas celebration in our neighborhood every day.  He loves singing Christmas hymns.  "Away in a Manger" was his all time favorite this year! Sara Kate is such an observer.  Nothing gets past her.  She watches her brother with amazement and takes it all in.  She is starting to crawl and get into all his new toys.  Lessons on sharing and patience are already in full swing.  We are thankful to be celebrating so much this year- Jesus' birth, Quique finishing seminary and our little Sara Kate.  Thank you, Jesus!