Our Joy His Glory: November 2016

11.28.2016

11.25.2016

Voices of Hope

AG loves to sing. She has the honor of singing with Voices of Faith and Hope in Tyler. Last weekend was their Christmas concert and her first concert ever. Y'all, it was nothing short of amazing! The choir sounded great and this momma's heart was so full!

my pretty singer

Na came to hear the choir.

Joy and Edy enjoyed suckers during practice.

AG with her choir director

Proud momma!

Check out a few videos from the concert:

Oh Come All Ye Faithful from Leslie Hale on Vimeo.

Jubilate Alleluia from Leslie Hale on Vimeo.

Carol of the Bells from Leslie Hale on Vimeo.

11.23.2016

Trials

This life is riddled with trials. They are inevitable. They are hard. They are painful. They are uncertain. But Scripture is clear that they can be used to grow us and glorify His name. With God's help, His grace, and abundant love, they move us into a deeper communion with Him. They strengthen our faith. They make us more like Him.

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For us, this season has been tough and trial-filled.

This summer, I wrote about my parents desire to serve as missionaries to the Philippines. (Click HERE to read more) They were set to leave in October; however, with several recent health issues, they still haven't departed. It has been discouraging, but not hopeless. These trials have kept us totally dependent on Him. And that's how it should be, right?

my parents

For starters...

Back in August, doctors discovered that Dad had three blocked arteries in his heart. Fortunately, he had triple bypass surgery right away. For several months now, he has been recovering. I am happy to report that he is doing really good. We are so thankful that these blockages were caught and treated immediately.

And...

About a month ago, just as my parents were about to head out, my mom was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in her toe. Sound strange? Yep! It's so rare that doctors told her she is literally one in a million. We can all agree about that! Long story short, she underwent surgery to remove her toe. PRAISE GOD the cancer was contained and all scans are clear.

About two weeks ago, Mom's foot got severely infected. Bad. Like real bad. She was hospitalized for four days. Presently, the infection is on the mend, but the healing process could be quite lengthy.

The future is not clear, but it looks like my parents won't be able to leave for the Philippines until after the first of the year. Hopefully.

Through these storms, we continue to read His Word. We pray. We trust. We obey. Repeat.

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Recently, I've been through a trial or two of my own...

This summer, on our family vacation to Galveston, Graham and I got the very unexpected news that we were pregnant! MIND BLOWN! We were so shocked, but so elated. What a very happy surprise!

This pic was taken right after we found out the big news!

Several weeks passed and things were going great...or so we thought. However, at one of my doctor's appointments it was discovered that our little one wasn't growing properly. Devastation and uncertainty filled our lives in a moment. Words really don't express the magnitude of grief and even frustration that ensued. After about two weeks of living life "up in the air", I began to spot. And, after about two weeks of spotting, we lost the baby.

Now what? Heartbroken, I obey. I trust. I pray. Repeat.

I can tell you that this doesn't look perfect in my life. I am broken. I am flawed. I am angry. Even still, I desire to be more like Him. I want to be a student of His Word and molded into His likeness. I rest in the fact that He is good and nothing can separate us from His love--even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Romans 8

I have been thankful for the body of Christ who has covered me in love and prayers. People have ministered to me in so many ways and, in turn, that has challenged me to minister better. To serve better. To love better. To be more like Him!

I will continue to praise the Great Physician. Not only is He capable of healing our bodies of illness, but He, who is infinitely greater than us in every way, has the power to transform and heal our hearts! My lips will praise Him even in the storms of life for He is my ultimate joy! He is my portion--my everything. He has made me glad!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" Psalm 115:1

I pray that through these trial I will be able to "count it all joy" and rest in the fact that the testing of my faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-4

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As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of all that He has done and will continue to do. He holds the future and I am so, so thankful.

11.03.2016

25 years

After 40 years of local church ministry, my parents are now moving to the Philippines as full-time missionaries. In honor of 25 years of ministry at FBC, the church "sent them off" with a beautiful anniversary and commissioning service. It was special.