Care Net

Last Thursday night I had the privilege of attending the Care Net banquet.  Care Net is a Christ centered pregnancy crisis center.  Our small town is very blessed to have such a wonderful ministry like Care Net.  I honestly just learned about Care Net about a year ago.  A few weeks ago I stopped by to talk with them about volunteering my (very amateur) photography skills.  I was thinking baby pictures, but they called and asked me to take pictures at the banquet.  The pictures turned out okay.  Fluorescent lights in large rooms are difficult...for me anyway.  I also broke a cardinal rule when taking a picture of the Care Net board members.  I allowed a man to stand in front of a microphone and it kind of looks like he has a mic coming out of his head....oops!  It actually crossed my mind to move it, but I was a little insecure in this photographer role.  I was afraid that I would somehow cause a problem with the mic or that it would take too much time to move it.  Next time (if there is one) I will definitely follow my instincts! 
All of the Care Net workers/volunteers were so kind.  It is obvious that they truly care about all of the women they meet.  The entire banquet was wonderful, but one part really stood out to me.  The director spoke of a woman that came to their office several times trying to decide whether or not to have an abortion.  Sadly, she did end up having the abortion.  The counselor that had been meeting with her called her after the abortion to check on her and tell her that she still cared about her and would be there for her if she needed to talk.  That's grace.  The Care Net ladies are loving these women and showing them God's grace by being there for them regardless of the decision they make.  Don't get me wrong, they don't want any of the women to have abortions and they do everything they can encourage them to keep their baby or pursue adoption, but the fact is that some of the women choose abortion.  I wonder how many Christians would extend the same amount of grace?  I'll be honest and say that a few years ago, I would have judged that lady and grace would have been the last thing on my mind.  Praise God, for His grace in my life...for changing my judgemental, legalistic heart.  Even though I've never been in the position of this woman, without Christ, I am a sinner in DESPERATE need of  a saviour.  My flesh is prideful, selfish, impatient, quick to anger, and the list could go on and on.  Praise God for a changed heart!  This doesn't mean that I have it all together.  That's the beauty grace, it's not about me, it's not about having it all together.  It's all about Christ.   If you have not experienced this grace, I would love to talk to you more about it.  You can email me at darrenandjulie@centurytel.net.
Care Net is a great ministry and I hope you will join me and pray for everyone involved.  Let's pray for the people working/volunteering there as well as the women they meet.  Right now Care Net is only open two days a week.  Let's also pray that they receive the funding they need to become a full time ministry.

Halloween

Halloween evening we went to a local church's "trunk or treat."  Halloween weekend was Nate's turn to bring Porky home from preschool.  We dressed Porky up like an Auburn football player.  War Eagle! 

Stick 'em  up!

Nate's favorite part of the trunk or treat was the playground. 

 

Town Trick or Treat

Nate had another fun preschool activity this morning.  A lot of the businesses in town participate in a town trick or treat.  Nate had so much fun seeing all of the different costumes and (of course) collecting LOTS of candy...and we still have candy left from a parade back in June!  I think his favorite stop was the bank because his Granna works there.   
I will admit that I was a little skeptical about starting preschool this year, but Nate loves it.  He enjoys playing with the other kids and getting a "treasure" from the treasure box on Thursdays.  Right now they are preparing for a Christmas program and Nate is learning several fun new songs.    



Nate Nate and his choir teacher, Ms. Melinda.  Ms. Melinda has called Nate "Nate Nate" since school started.  I noticed several of the kids in his class calling him Nate Nate also. 


Ashton and Nate


After trick or treating we returned to Nate's classroom for a party. 

Rainy Day Fun

(Cover)ed

A few months ago I began to sell hooded towels to raise money for the Global Orphan Project.  The Lord blessed that beyond my imagination.  In the midst of that, the Lord was also growing my friendship with Casey Tatum.  Casey and I actually went to high school together and even went on a mission trip together during college, but were just acquaintances.  God allowed our paths to cross again a little over three years ago and since then we have become great friends.  Casey also has a heart for orphans and adoption and we began to talk and pray about beginning a ministry/non-profit organization that would aid in orphan care and help adoptive families.  After many meetings, phone calls and emails, (Cover)ed was born.  I hope you will check it out (click on the (Cover)ed icon on the right of the page) and share it with others.  I also ask that you pray that God will give us wisdom as we seek to glorify Him.

Preschool Field Trip - Pumpkin Patch

Monday was Nate's first preschool field trip.  We went to a local pumpkin patch.  We got to see some farm animals, go on a covered wagon ride and pick out a couple of pumpkins. 

If there are sticks around, Nate will find them and play with them.  He asked to take them home...because we don't have enough sticks at our house.




Nate and his sweet teacher, Ms. Rachel.

Photo Shoot

I took almost 400 pictures of Nate yesterday hoping to get the perfect picture that captures his sweet smile and personality.  If you have a three year old, you know that this is not an easy task.  Here are a few of my favorites.  We love this boy to pieces!!! And, during our photo shoot I heard Nate say "y'all" for the first time. That's considered a milestone for kids raised in the South, right?