If you know us at all, you know how frequently I say, "Nothing normal ever happens in our family."
Today's 24-week check-up was good, very good. Everything went smoothly until Natasha's blood pressure was low. That would seem bad, except that our doctor prescribed her to have caffeine! She recommended coffee, especially. I was elated; Natasha just looked at me as if to say, "Don't gloat." Who knew that after six years of attempting to make Natasha a coffee drinker that one day her doctor would prescribe it? While our prenatal coach says to limit caffeine, the doctor says, "Not now." This is indeed a good, good day. Maybe I'll eventually find a Keurig coffee maker in my home after all some day?
LE
22 October 2007
09 October 2007
Fall Update #3
Personal Stuff:
1) Most obvious of our personal updates this Fall is Baby Erskine growing in my womb :) Baby is now weighing a whole pound and is putting some fat on his/her little body. Baby moves around, sucks his/her thumb, and is slowly but surely taking over my body :) I couldn't believe it when I noticed my non-existent belly-button the other morning. Things are starting to get tight in there!
2) Also about Baby, Lynn and I have finished our first set of three prenatal sessions. There are 10 young couples in our class, all of whom are due right around the same time as us. The busy schedule has been a little tiring, but we've loved getting to know and share stories with other couples in the same or similar boat.
3) Other wonderful news is that the Lord is also providing the things we need for Baby when he/she arrives. It has been my personal favorite thing to write down very specific needs that we have and then leave them in the Lords hands, knowing that He will guide me in the purchasing, or provide some other way. I keep crossing things off my list because they just fell across my lap. Thank you Lord!
4) In general, we are growing and being stretched to be sure; but we are also in a safe place with loving friends and family nearby, and a supportive and caring church body. I've never known a church to be so in tune to our needs and ready to help. We are truly blessed, and so enjoying our new friendships here.
Well, be blessed!!!
Natasha
1) Most obvious of our personal updates this Fall is Baby Erskine growing in my womb :) Baby is now weighing a whole pound and is putting some fat on his/her little body. Baby moves around, sucks his/her thumb, and is slowly but surely taking over my body :) I couldn't believe it when I noticed my non-existent belly-button the other morning. Things are starting to get tight in there!
2) Also about Baby, Lynn and I have finished our first set of three prenatal sessions. There are 10 young couples in our class, all of whom are due right around the same time as us. The busy schedule has been a little tiring, but we've loved getting to know and share stories with other couples in the same or similar boat.
3) Other wonderful news is that the Lord is also providing the things we need for Baby when he/she arrives. It has been my personal favorite thing to write down very specific needs that we have and then leave them in the Lords hands, knowing that He will guide me in the purchasing, or provide some other way. I keep crossing things off my list because they just fell across my lap. Thank you Lord!
4) In general, we are growing and being stretched to be sure; but we are also in a safe place with loving friends and family nearby, and a supportive and caring church body. I've never known a church to be so in tune to our needs and ready to help. We are truly blessed, and so enjoying our new friendships here.
Well, be blessed!!!
Natasha
05 October 2007
Fall Update #2
Church Stuff:
1) Lynn and Pastor Kaj (Pastor of seniors and visitation) were officially "sworn in" to the Immanuel body at their Induction Service mid-Sept. It was a beautiful ceremony that has been a tradition here and we had many friends and family celebrate our fellowship here. A picture of the two pastors and wives found its way into the Truro Daily News and we continue to receive congratulations throughout the town! (Even though we've been here since January!)
2) The day following the service, we hosted an Open House for the church body (and whoever) to come and see our new home and visit with us. My Mom and Dad, brother Robbie, and maternal grandparents graced us with their help. I'm not sure we could have pulled it off otherwise! We had quite a party and it was a blast. Thanks to everyone who was able to come and who brought unnecessary but appreciated gifts!
3) Our church has combined efforts this Fall to push the ALPHA program here at our church. God continues to draw new believers to himself and stir up a passion for evangelism in and outside this effective program. There are over 50 signed up this Fall, plus many leaders and helpers from our church. This is a powerful ministry we stand behind as prayer warriors! We also help out in one of the small groups when available.
4) I am especially excited for our Christmas Cantata this Fall. Our choir has such a beautiful sound and we are joining with the Presbyterian Church in Town to present a cantata arranged by David Hamilton and based on Micheal W. Smith's song Agnus Dei. It is soooo beautiful with powerful Scriptures dramatically narrated throughout... Can't wait!
5) Several people from our worship department here attended Willow Creek's An Hour on Sunday worship arts conference with Lynn and I. It was fabulous and refreshing! We were challenged, encouraged, and inspired. The following week, we had a debrief meeting that was just the beginning as many of our passions for worship arts were stirred. May God give us wisdom to proceed according to His will giving honor and glory to His Name!
There is much more to say about our church regarding small groups developing, and all kinds of ministries where God is stirring. However, suffice to say, the Lord is in control, leading and guiding us as a congregation, building us up in His Word and bringing us to our knees in His presence! We are thrilled to be a part of God's kingdom plans for Immanuel and this community.
End of Part 2 :)
(Natasha)
1) Lynn and Pastor Kaj (Pastor of seniors and visitation) were officially "sworn in" to the Immanuel body at their Induction Service mid-Sept. It was a beautiful ceremony that has been a tradition here and we had many friends and family celebrate our fellowship here. A picture of the two pastors and wives found its way into the Truro Daily News and we continue to receive congratulations throughout the town! (Even though we've been here since January!)
2) The day following the service, we hosted an Open House for the church body (and whoever) to come and see our new home and visit with us. My Mom and Dad, brother Robbie, and maternal grandparents graced us with their help. I'm not sure we could have pulled it off otherwise! We had quite a party and it was a blast. Thanks to everyone who was able to come and who brought unnecessary but appreciated gifts!
3) Our church has combined efforts this Fall to push the ALPHA program here at our church. God continues to draw new believers to himself and stir up a passion for evangelism in and outside this effective program. There are over 50 signed up this Fall, plus many leaders and helpers from our church. This is a powerful ministry we stand behind as prayer warriors! We also help out in one of the small groups when available.
4) I am especially excited for our Christmas Cantata this Fall. Our choir has such a beautiful sound and we are joining with the Presbyterian Church in Town to present a cantata arranged by David Hamilton and based on Micheal W. Smith's song Agnus Dei. It is soooo beautiful with powerful Scriptures dramatically narrated throughout... Can't wait!
5) Several people from our worship department here attended Willow Creek's An Hour on Sunday worship arts conference with Lynn and I. It was fabulous and refreshing! We were challenged, encouraged, and inspired. The following week, we had a debrief meeting that was just the beginning as many of our passions for worship arts were stirred. May God give us wisdom to proceed according to His will giving honor and glory to His Name!
There is much more to say about our church regarding small groups developing, and all kinds of ministries where God is stirring. However, suffice to say, the Lord is in control, leading and guiding us as a congregation, building us up in His Word and bringing us to our knees in His presence! We are thrilled to be a part of God's kingdom plans for Immanuel and this community.
End of Part 2 :)
(Natasha)
Fall Update #1
Well a busy September has flown by and October has brought a fresh, warm breeze our way. It's just fabulous going about October in flip flops and a T-shirt!
Well here goes:
Community Stuff:
1) The Camerata Singers of Halifax lost a baritone and asked Lynn if he would join them this Fall. He started singing with them early September and has "found himself" all over again amidst the early music tonalities and live symphony instruments :). I soaked in one of their concerts this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the rich tones, fugues, and overall Baroque sound. Yay for Lynn!
2) Lynn has also been recommended for a "dream" accompanying opportunity. The Lord seems to continually open doors for Lynn in the musical community around us. It is so wonderful! Neither the offer nor his acceptance have been confirmed; but we covet your prayers regarding this opportunity for Him.
3) The Camerata Singers are a part of the larger Nova Scotia Symphony Choir in Halifax. I hesitantly joined [SNS] for one of their concerts this Fall, Brahm's Requiem. It's quite a commitment to travel and rehears, etc, but I decided I was finished watching Lynn enjoy all of the fun :). I am absolutely loving it as I refresh and develop my German, and continue challenging my voice.
4) We are also busy learning music for the Cantabile Choir we are a part of here in Truro. We have a concert this October and then a Fezziwig Christmas performance this December. We are beginning to make stronger relationships with those in the community and enjoy these opportunities to explore our talents together.
5) Lynn has been building strong relationships with the other music directors (under varying titles) in several other churches in Town. Our church choir is so pleased to join with the Presbyterian Church for our Christmas cantata this December, to be presented at both locations. We are also building strong connections with Jeff Jodrey at the First Baptist Church who directs two of the choirs mentioned above. Chris and Laura Bowman from the First United Church are becoming some of our closest friends! We are excited to celebrate Chris' CD release this next weekend, on October 13th (another little plug!)
There's is much to tell and little question as to whether or not God has brought us to this place. His favor seems to follow us wherever we go as we carry His Spirit into all of these things. (The craziest thing is that almost all the music we do in these "secular" choirs are either Scripture or sacred music! We just keep worshiping!)
End of Part 1 :)
(Natasha)
Well here goes:
Community Stuff:
1) The Camerata Singers of Halifax lost a baritone and asked Lynn if he would join them this Fall. He started singing with them early September and has "found himself" all over again amidst the early music tonalities and live symphony instruments :). I soaked in one of their concerts this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the rich tones, fugues, and overall Baroque sound. Yay for Lynn!
2) Lynn has also been recommended for a "dream" accompanying opportunity. The Lord seems to continually open doors for Lynn in the musical community around us. It is so wonderful! Neither the offer nor his acceptance have been confirmed; but we covet your prayers regarding this opportunity for Him.
3) The Camerata Singers are a part of the larger Nova Scotia Symphony Choir in Halifax. I hesitantly joined [SNS] for one of their concerts this Fall, Brahm's Requiem. It's quite a commitment to travel and rehears, etc, but I decided I was finished watching Lynn enjoy all of the fun :). I am absolutely loving it as I refresh and develop my German, and continue challenging my voice.
4) We are also busy learning music for the Cantabile Choir we are a part of here in Truro. We have a concert this October and then a Fezziwig Christmas performance this December. We are beginning to make stronger relationships with those in the community and enjoy these opportunities to explore our talents together.
5) Lynn has been building strong relationships with the other music directors (under varying titles) in several other churches in Town. Our church choir is so pleased to join with the Presbyterian Church for our Christmas cantata this December, to be presented at both locations. We are also building strong connections with Jeff Jodrey at the First Baptist Church who directs two of the choirs mentioned above. Chris and Laura Bowman from the First United Church are becoming some of our closest friends! We are excited to celebrate Chris' CD release this next weekend, on October 13th (another little plug!)
There's is much to tell and little question as to whether or not God has brought us to this place. His favor seems to follow us wherever we go as we carry His Spirit into all of these things. (The craziest thing is that almost all the music we do in these "secular" choirs are either Scripture or sacred music! We just keep worshiping!)
End of Part 1 :)
(Natasha)
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