Our Newest Joy

Just thought I'd share our newest joy with you...we have a baby on the way, and we couldn't be more thrilled! We're overwhelmed by the goodness of God and His perfect timing. Our little one is due to arrive around the 8th of May, and we can't wait to meet him or her!

It's been a challenging few weeks for us as pregnancy has brought with it severe all-day nausea & vomiting for me. Nathan's been putting in 13 hour days on base lately, which leaves me home alone without much sympathy every time I run to the bathroom in tears. He is such a wonderful servant to me in the evenings, though, and we're reminding ourselves that it will all be so worth it! I praise God every day for the gift of a truly amazing husband. This sweet baby has no idea yet what an incredible Daddy it's going to have!

Funny pregnancy experiences so far:

• The other night I was eating dinner thinking, "Mmm...this tastes really good!" The next second I was thinking, "This is the most disgusting thing in the world." And the next second it was in the toilet. How does that happen? I'm so confused!

• For the first time in my life, I have no desire to eat chocolate. This scares me. 

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 19:14

This Life of Little Moments

Sunday Afternoon: Nathan and I are watching a segment of Paul David Tripp's video series entitled What Did You Expect? - "Redeeming the Realities of Marriage." In that segment, Tripp explains that the vast majority of our lives takes place in little moments. Waking up. Brushing teeth. Eating meals. Daily conversations. Interacting with children. Driving to work. Exercising. Cooking. Cleaning. Reading. So, why is it then, that we tend to measure our lives by the very few big moments in life? Anyone can look great on graduation day, be happy on their wedding day, and speak eloquently at that retirement ceremony. But, it takes a different kind of person to wake up joyfully in the middle of the night with a crying baby, or remain patient while waiting in hours of traffic, or speak respectfully to their spouse after a painful disagreement. "It is how we handle the little situations, not the big ones, that reflect our true character," Tripp so accurately states.

Monday Afternoon: I'm baking bread in the kitchen while listening to the book, Practicing the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Through his conversations and letters, Lawrence describes the beauty of a life which practices the presence of God in every waking moment. When we not only know that God is with us throughout the day, but also think on Him and converse with Him, we are so much more likely to act in a way that would please Him. If we've just been thinking on and thanking God for his abundant patience with us, it will be natural for us to turn around and be patient with our child who just spilled his milk all over the kitchen floor.

Tuesday Morning: I'm sitting in the living room doing my daily homework for a Bible study by Beth Moore entitled, Breaking Free. The focus of the day is on reflecting the glory of God in everything we do. She takes me to Colossians 10:31, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God." She states, "God desires to be recognizable in us in all that we do! A life the glorifies God is a life that reveals God."

Tuesday Evening: I'm in a circle of ladies from Grace Fellowship Church and, I kid you not, we are studying the last half of Colossians chapter three, meditating on phrases like, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus," and "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men...you are serving the Lord Christ." We discuss what it looks like to do everything in the name of Jesus, to bring glory to God in the little moments of life.

Wednesday Morning: I sit down to write, and I can think of nothing else. God is teaching me how to serve the Lord Jesus, how to glorify Him, how to practice His presence in this life of little moments. Perhaps He wants you to know, too, dear reader, that the depth of your character is revealed in how you eat and drink. Do you know that you serve the Lord Jesus in how you talk and drive and brush your teeth? Do you know that you reflect the glory and the presence of almighty God through the way you clean the house?

This life is one of little moments. Your days are fleeting. Redeem each moment for the growth of your soul and for the glory of God.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

A Unified Blessing

There's a blessing we've found here at Keesler that I have yet to think on without shaking my head in wonder.

My husband, Nathan, is in a competitive training program with a class of roughly fifteen other Lt.'s. Many in this class are fellow Christians, which is a wonder in and of itself. But what amazes me more than that is the friendship, encouragement, and unity found within this group of young officers. While other classes are going head-to-head in fierce competition against each other, this class has study sessions on the weekends to help one another learn material. They encourage each other, speak confidence into one another, and desperately want to succeed together as a class. And even after spending hours together in a classroom every day, they still want to go out for lunch together and hang out on the weekends!

I love seeing Nathan leave each morning, bright and early, knowing that, although he'll spend his day in a classroom learning hours upon hours of difficult material, he spends it with friends who encourage him and desire his success.

Nathan's UCT class, after a farewell lunch for a beloved class member, Major Yun. 

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

Psalm 133:1

A Hurricane and a Trip to Texas

Many of you know there was a hurricane last week, and it just so happened to hit our town!

As Isaac made his way up the Gulf, Nathan and I had decisions to make. Isaac was headed straight for us, which could bring potential flooding to our first floor apartment that sits just one mile off the coast. Nathan would most likely have to shelter on base, leaving me here by myself to brave the storm. If the city of Biloxi ordered an evacuation the day before the storm, it would likely be too late for me to get anywhere without sitting in hours of north-bound traffic.

So after some consideration, we decided it would be best for me to go ahead and leave the area on Monday morning, two days before Isaac was to make his appearance. We packed the car with a few of our valuable things, and I headed west toward the Lone Star state, landing at my sister and brother-in-law's home in San Antonio ten hours later. Nathan had to stay in Biloxi.

As Isaac drew near, Keesler AFB ordered the students to stay in their homes rather than sheltering on base. So, Nathan had the house to himself for a few days and took on Isaac with strength and bravery! The storm turned out to be not quite as fierce as was anticipated, bringing high winds, LOTS of rain, and minimal water damage to our home. We're thanking God for that!

Meanwhile, deep in the heart of Texas, Sarah and I were having grand time! We had such a fun week together enjoying quality sister time after far too many months apart. Of course, the trip included lots of talking, shopping, and a trip or two to the local donut shop... a signature Pyles' women get-together! We even let Paul in on the fun every once in a while. : ) The visit was such a blessing!

Paul and I in front of the Alamo

Sarah and I on the Riverwalk

Sarah & Paul

"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

Psalm 107:29