Unpleasant News

Due to the continuing bad news in the economy, and specifically in housing, Randy’s job is being eliminated.  The question we are pondering is, “What is God’s will regarding the adoption?”  That question stems from the fact that we have continually asked God to close the door if He does not want us to adopt.  So… is He closing a door?  Or is He merely offering us an opportunity to trust Him in a new way?  Our goal is obedience and we will seek to determine which path He wants us on.  It’s not about us; it never has been.  But we admit to some confusion right now and seek prayer that we will discern what His will is for us. 

We certainly have other concerns regarding the job loss (date unknown right now), but it all really comes back to that same question – “What does obedience look like in this circumstance?”

Birthday Fun & Food

On Sunday, we got together with family and friends for food and fun at The Old Spaghetti Factory.  We got some really good pictures (and a few that are marginal, but they’re all here).  Click on the picture to see more.

Sary-Jo’s Birthday Reflections

What’s your perspective?

I don’t know about you, but I am constantly being bombarded with society’s preoccupation with youth and beauty.  I find the amount of grumbling over aging out of balance with honoring God.  Sure, I struggle with the same issues as others my age:  wrinkles, flab, sagging skin, weight gain, fatigue, sore muscles, gray and thinning hair, loss of memory, failing eye sight, desiring comfortable shoes, and so on…  but birthdays don’t bother me!  In fact, I look forward to my birthday every year!  Today is no exception!  It’s a day to thank God for knitting me in my mother’s womb, to reflect on where I’ve been and pray about how He is yet to use me and to admit nothing counts without God.  Dwelling on youth doesn’t change the fact that death is inevitable.  Whether I die today, tomorrow, in a few years or in many, my future is secure in Christ and in Christ alone.  Ultimately, the condition of my heart is what really matters to God.   Am I reflecting His character?  Am I doing things His way?  …for His glory?  While I am still here, He has work for me to do.  With the adoption of our two boys, there will indeed be work!   I believe with all my heart that if God called us to it, He will equip us – even at our age!  I am sometimes overwhelmed with emotion over the tedious process, the thought of having kids again, and the new challenges we will be facing, but I have enough life experience to know God is in control and He will guide us like He has before.  He is faithful.  His promises are trustworthy.  Today I pray that my perspective always be God-centered.  May I set my heart on the things that count for eternity and in all humility glory in the Lord as he continues to renew me day by day in wisdom and understanding!  Praise you, Lord, on this, my 51st birthday!!

Christmas Eve

Much of the Averill clan was at Grammy & Grampa’s on Christmas Eve.  We had a great time and took a bunch of pictures.  Click on Jaidyn’s picture to see a bunch more.

Nutcracker

We took Sarah, Kyle, Janel and Ryan to the Nutcracker in Seattle.  We also had a great Moroccan dinner.  There is still quite a bit of snow on the ground.  We tried to go to the Pacific Science Center, but they were closed.  Click the picture to see more.

On the first day of Christmas…

Kyle, Sarah, Janel, Ryan, Randy & Sary-Jo

Kyle, Sarah, Janel, Ryan, Randy & Sary-Jo

Our FIRST Christmas gathering was with the “Tacoma” wing of the family.  We had a great time at Steve and Carrie Swafford’s home.  Click on the family picture to see a bunch more.

Snow

Snow – Just a few pictures to give you an idea what a Puyallup definition of “cold” looks like.  Click the picture of my poor truck to see a few more pictures.

Thanksgiving 2008

Randy & Sary-Jo

Randy & Sary-Jo

Thanksgiving brought out mixed emotions this year.  Obviously we have much to be thankful for – I won’t bother starting a list because it would never reach its end.  We are especially thankful for Jackie, and that she knew the Lord.  But she passed away just a few days before Thanksgiving.  We had a small gathering at our home to give thanks to the Lord of creation and to comfort each other.  Click on the picture to see more.

 

Venetian Gala

Who was that masked couple?

On Nov. 8, we attended the Venetian Gala fundraiser for Northwest Leadership Foundation. We got dressed up and had a great time.  We also won a trip to Las Vegas, including airfare and two nights at the Venetian!