5 Minute Monthly: November 2023

November is a month that often represents thankfulness, reflection, and intentional family time. It should be a time when we stop and ponder all the blessings we have. November also marks the beginning of the holiday season, with Christmas right around the corner. Though it is easy to overlook as another cold month to get through, it is the perfect time to just be thankful. I don’t think I would have stopped to make this observation if it wasn’t for writing this update, but I can truly say that November was a month of great thankfulness and much-needed family time. However, this doesn’t mean that November was an easy month; In many ways, it was challenging and difficult. But looking back, now through the end of it, I say “Thank you God,” and that is what matters.

Life happenings

Tyler and I started off the month with a little family vacation. It was such a wonderful time! We had no agenda except to be together and this meant hours of conversation, multiple movie nights, games filled with laughter and pure old fashioned quality time. It was a much needed rest and something we thank God for.

On the 19th of November Tyler and I celebrated one year of marriage! It was amazing to look back over one year of togetherness and see how far the Lord has brought us in just a year: highs and lows, big moves, new jobs, missions, and a baby on the way! What an adventure we are on together! Our marriage is another thing we thank the Lord for.

Thanksgiving this year involved more quality time, and of course, eating yummy food with those we loved. It felt very classic and traditional to be with everyone on Thanksgiving, and it’s just what I needed.

Besides working, the rest of the month of November was spent getting our home and lives ready for the birth of our baby boy. December is birth-month, and we want to be prepared to welcome this wonderful gift from the Lord into our lives, so we set up the baby room, installed the carseat, organized our home, and made it all cozy and ready. Tyler and I had many conversations about what it will be like to become a family of three, and we feel as prepared as we can be for this new adventure! We are thankful that all the pieces are falling into place and we are ready (and very excited) to meet our son!

Our Ministry Journey

Our ministry and support raising looked different than we hoped it would be this past month, but we are still thankful for the Lord’s provision. Our support slowed down in November as we focused time on the baby’s arrival, time with family, and preparing our house and lives in Wisconsin. Tyler had to spend several afternoons and lunch breaks talking on the phone with insurance, because I was left without healthcare after our move. But we are praising the Lord that He worked it out in His sovereignty and I am thankfully now fully covered!

So although we may not totally be where we would like to be with support-raising, this month has not been fruitless. I have been learning that ministry is a journey and a process, and it is not just about reaching a goal. This month we spent a lot of time with family. We were positively building into each other’s lives, and that is ministry. This month really was a special time, and again I thank the Lord earnestly for all that it was.

Pray with us

We are thankful for all those who are supporting us and walking alongside us in our journey. If you or someone you know is thinking about year-end giving, consider us! You will receive a tax-deductible receipt in addition to investing in our lives and future ministry!

We look forward to sharing with you all soon about when our baby is born and what life looks like as a new family of three!