christmas letter 2007...

This year has brought us a lot of change and transition to our family. We have experienced a great sense of loss this year in a few different ways. But we have also received a wonderful abundance of blessings!

Jamil and I each lost a grandmother, just a few months apart. That was pretty hard for both of us. And during this time God also led us away from our church home of over six years. Most of you know that Jamil was on staff at church and God called us away. He made it evidently clear that we were to step down from paid and volunteer positions and find a new church home. It was hard to say the least. We spent a lot of time in shock and disbelief at the turn of events.

God did not leave us during this time. He provided us with a church home immediately. We are now excited and sold out members of Elevation Church. Elevation has been our church family. During our time of pain Elevation provided healing and restoration. During our time of feeling new and out of place, Elevation brought us in with open arms and lots of hugs! During our first few visits there we met some wonderful people and God showed us very quickly that this was to be our new church home! We have both grown leaps and bounds under the leadership of our Pastor, Steven Furtick and the staff of Elevation. We have also seen a tremendous amount of growth in our children as a result of their wonderful children’s ministry, E-Kidz!! I have had the opportunity to serve in E-Kidz and I love it. Jamil and I attend a couple’s small group and also lead a high school small group together.

Jamil is also serving in a wonderful capacity that uses his gifts to the extreme!! He is serving as one of our Pastor’s armor bearers. Jamil is able to serve Pastor Furtick by encouraging, praying and protecting him on Sunday mornings. Jamil is by his side and assisting him in whatever way he needs. I can say Jamil is greatly appreciated! As you can imagine leaving the Youth Group from our old church was especially heartbreaking for Jamil. But God has really healed those wounds. We have been able to keep in touch with a majority of our kids on a regular basis. Jamil made such an impact on their lives, that it just wasn’t possible for him to just walk away. Jamil continues to work at his full time job at AXA/Equitable as the Asst. Facilities Manager. God has been faithful in providing for our family, even with the loss of the income from his staff position. Jamil works a lot of side jobs here and there to help make ends meet! He stays busy!! He is coaching Josh’s basketball team this season for Upward.

Joshua turned seven in October. He started first grade this year at a charter school, Union Academy. He loves his new school. His teachers are wonderful. Josh is doing fabulous. He is excelling in all of his subject areas. Josh loves sports, video games, writing and drawing. He has taken on the hobby of Speed Stacking and loves it! Joshua still loves to make other people laugh!!

Jordyn turned four in July. She is still taking ballet and tap at a new studio and LOVES it. She started preschool this year and is doing great. Although some days she would rather be with mommy – still a mommy’s girl. Jordyn continues to be our princess! She has grown up so much over the past few months. Not only is she gorgeous she is very smart too. She loves to dance, sing and play dress up!!!

Jesiah turned two in March. He is still our sweet boy. He makes us laugh and smile. He talks all of the time. Jesiah loves to do whatever the other two are doing. He loves anything Disney Cars or Buzz Lightyear. Jesiah is very bright and extremely active. He is always on the go.

As for me, taking care of our three little blessings keeps me on the go. I also take care of our friend’s three year old little boy, three days a week. So, being a mommy is still my full time job right now.

I was accepted into the Presbyterian School of Nursing for this past fall but my class schedule just did not work with our family’s schedule. So, as much as I loved being in school last spring, I have put that on hold. I am not sure what God has in store for me as far as a future career, but I am certain that He will show me the way. I have been able to meet a lot of great women and new friends at Elevation! That has helped the transition for me tremendously. I have been involved in starting a book study for mothers which meets twice a month. And as you can tell, I have taken up “blogging” as a hobby! I love to post on this blog and read other’s blogs too. I hope you will continue to check back here and read about what is going on in our lives. We look forward to hearing from each of you!

We received this phrase in a beautiful card this week that I am going to use to close out our annual letter:

“May you experience Jesus Christ, who fills every void and can heal any heart. He is our miracle worker. To Him be all glory, honor and praise! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

The Massey Family