We just returned home from the doctor today (the Lord blessed us in locating a homeschooling physician). The doctor’s recommendation is that we have the lump removed right away.

At first we thought it was a ganglion cyst (after doing some research on the Internet). However, the doctor said it isn't in the normal place for a ganglion cyst and she isn't in the usual age group. He also said it doesn't seem to be attached to the tendons.

He did seem very concerned about it and said he wasn't sure what it was. He said it was in a very unusual spot and recommended we have it surgically removed so it could be tested. He called in a colleague who was equally puzzled and he agreed. He said because of her age she would have to be completely sedated for the surgery. Our doctor is contacting a pediatric surgeon here in Peoria to schedule the next step.

Please pray that God will heal her before the surgery so that we don't have to put her through this. And please pray for a good report, either way.

We are resting in His sovereignty, knowing that His ways are not our ways. Please pray for us to continue to look to Him for guidance, strength, peace, and wisdom as well as for complete healing for Emma. To God be the glory! Thank you.

I will post updates as this progresses.

So, why is it we never achieve this simple goal? Something always seems to come up. Maybe it’s a lost coat or bread baking ever so slowly in the oven. Perhaps it’s a misplaced Bible, a diaper to change, or at least a dozen other obstacles. We have the hardest time making sure the van is out of the driveway by 9:15.

A few weeks ago, I preached out of the Book of Philippians. The text, Philippians 2:14-16, says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

God showed me that we, as children of God, need to be aware that our Father has laid out the lines of our life. He has orchestrated each moment. Thus, if we grumble about our estate or our situation, we are actually complaining about God. And, if we do this, we live a life inconsistent with our Christian testimony – we are dull lights indeed.

I am sure this section of Scripture resonates with parents everywhere. God gives us children to love and to lead and it becomes our responsibility to set their boundaries and their barriers, as well as to set goals for them. These goals may be educational, they could be spiritual, or they might be familial or household objectives. What happens in our hearts when, after setting such goals, our children complain and murmur? We are understandably hurt and troubled. In essence, our children are rebelling against our rule and are bringing disdain on the family name. Where might our children learn such behavior?

Could it be from us? Our days do not always go as we hoped or planned. We are known by the rest of the world as the most spoiled society to ever exist on the face of the earth. Interestingly enough, we are also the most discontent. We have more and want more—lots more. And when we can’t have it, we complain, moan, and whine.

What do we complain about? Everything! Have you ever complained about traffic jams? What about slow lines at a check out? Did you ever try taking an airplane trip with a tired baby? Here’s one for the dads – how do you respond when you can’t find your keys? Are you as sure as I am when this happens to me that your children must have lost them (that is, before you find them in your own pockets)? The list can go on and on - cold food, noisy neighbors, an unreasonable boss, slow employees, taxes, a poor call by a referee, mother-in-laws!

As we kick against our own situations, there are our children watching – and learning. They are learning that it is acceptable to claim Christ and live however you want. They are seeing first hand that we can be part of a family and complain about the rules.

This lesson was very real to me the morning I preached it. You see, we didn’t leave at 9:15 a.m. My 22-month-old son was sick and plans were altered. My Father was teaching me. He calls the plays, He makes the rules – and I should trust Him to work out the details.

Aside from Christa’s wedding which I’ll describe later, I suppose the most significant news of the year would be our move to Illinois. It was very exciting, (and somewhat traumatic) but, we made it! Dad accepted a pastorate in the midst of corn fields, Cardinal fans, and Lincoln license plates. The church is called Providence Church in Peoria. The name is appropriate because we have seen the leading of the Lord and His providence throughout 2006.

We have fallen in love with all the new families here and we’re having a blast getting used to country living! Yes, we actually have a well! Jessica was relieved to find out we didn’t actually have to go outside and draw water out of it to wash the dishes!

Early in November, our dear friends, Jim Bob and Amy Howard, came along side us to bear the blessed burden of Homeschooling Today® magazine. As an answer to prayer, they are now handling all management and operations of the publication. Praise the Lord!

Back home in Texas, the tea room is in the capable hands of our precious friends and part owners, Joey and Faydra Jones and Brenda and Ford Taylor. Please pray for them as they labor to be a blessing in the Katy area.

In addition, we sold Books on the Path to a Christian family in Idaho, the Osborns. Please pray the Lord continues to bless this new family and the work He allowed us to start. We have many precious memories running our bookstore and traveling to conferences, so, the children, as well as Mom and Dad, found the transition bittersweet.

Mom and Dad are setting new schedules for us all. Since Mom and Dad’s business management responsibilities have diminished, they are pleased to be able to focus more on our family, homeschooling, and the ministry of the church. They are also hoping to have time to work on their new book projects, which include more resources for families. And you know Mom – she is developing new schedules and checklists for our lives in the country! Oh, how thankful we are to be getting back to some semblance of normalcy!

As many of you already know, on November 24, 2006 the oldest McDonald daughter, our sweet Christa Marie, was joined in marriage to Daniel Blanchard. As Christa walked down the isle toward her eager groom, we were reminded of our own future Wedding Day—the day Christ, our beloved Groom, will be united forever to His spotless Bride, the Church.

It was a simple, yet beautiful wedding and there were many tears shed as she set out to join her new husband, back in Texas. You can see photos at Tiffany’s blog or at Jessica’s blog.

Although we would have loved to have had all of you join us, we understand that the distance was great and the notice was short. Thank you for your prayers and notes of celebration and encouragement. We love you all! For those who trekked the miles to join us, thank you for your efforts and we were so blessed to have you with us. A wedding is such a beautiful reminder of the covenantal way we as Christians should live our lives.

We also experienced our first heavy snow just one week after Christa’s 65 degree, sunshiny wedding! We boasted over 7 inches of snow and watched the thermometer dip below 0! Dad felt his age after shoveling snow with “the boys” and we’re all getting used to scraping our windshields, wearing socks, and actually zipping our coats! (Mom even has her own personal heater with a carrying handle!)

James (23) is still living in Texas but is staying with us for the Christmas season, which we’ve all enjoyed very much. He hopes to move up here sometime in January or February. He continues to do design work for our publications, and is also helping with some legislation efforts at Samaritan Ministries.

Tiffany (20) is now taking on the responsibility of being the oldest daughter in the house. She has enjoyed driving a LOT since we’ve moved, and has acted as Mom’s personal chaperone because of her wonderful sense of direction. She is known as our “walking, talking, GPS system.”

Melissa (18) has especially enjoyed being around birds since we’ve moved to the country. She has the duty of filling the bird feeder every morning and for some reason the birds have taken a liking to her! She is able to distinguish which birds are which and has many of their names and habits memorized. Melissa is looking forward to painting some of the beautiful scenery we have right in our backyard!

Jessica (16) still enjoys acting and drama very much. She is helping put together a movie with some other young people at church and hopes to one day have something ready for Vision Forum’s film festival. She is still a book worm and reads every chance she gets! Sparked by her recent reading of the Scarlet Pimpernel, Jessica is looking forward to studying the French Revolution this year. Tiffany, Melissa, and Jessica are also arranging their own music and are having a lot of fun singing together!

Caleb (10) is growing up so fast! He’s becoming a man right before our eyes! He is all “boy” and loves swords, guns, dirt, bugs, and animals. We recently had a secret and uninvited “visitor” to our garage. Caleb read all about shrews and helped us catch him!

When Mimi and Papa came to visit us in November, Caleb had a great time fishing with Papa in our lake. He even ate the fish he caught! Mimi and Papa surprised Caleb with a BB gun—and no, he didn’t shoot his eye out!

Abigail (8) is also growing up quickly. She has become quite the “young lady” and tries very hard to be like her big sisters. She loves to help in the kitchen, whether it’s baking, cooking, or cleaning and enjoys helping with the younger children. She is wonder of creativity, working on yet another novel already!

Virginia Grace (5) is our family chatter box. She loves meeting new people and likes to do whatever Abigail does. She is the newest reader in the family, which will earn her a brand new Bible this year. She is especially excited about having her name engraved on the front! She loves school and is looking forward to a busy school year. All the children are looking forward to learning Latin this year!

Emma Katherine (4) is our youngest and busiest maiden. Competing with William for Mom’s lap each morning, she still likes to pretend she’s the baby of the family. Emma is learning her letters and likes to “do school” with the big girls. Emma also enjoys helping around the house and follows Abigail and Grace wherever they go (they’re our three little peas in a pod). She loves to play “mommy” and tote her “baby” about the house. Sometimes (much to his chagrin) William gets to be her baby!

William (19 months) is growing way too fast! He’s the family hunk-a-chunk and loves to cuddle. He is learning many new words, both real and made up. His favorite song to sing during family worship time is one he made up himself. It is called “God” and apparently no other words are necessary and the tune is irrelevant. However, he intently stares at his hymnal and belts out his sweet song to the Lord!

Many times these types of newsletters ooze with all the good and exciting things a family has experienced and ignore the real stuff of life. Yes, God has been amazingly good to us and yes, He has poured out His mercy on our undeserving family, allowing us to see many exciting days, traveling to new places, meeting new friends and rejoicing with old. However, 2006 has not been a year filled with waltzing through gardens or mornings of dew covered roses.

As we lived life in 2006, we found more valleys than mountaintops. Yet, even in the darkness of the valley, God was with us, making it clear that He was the one orchestrating our lives and guiding our steps. Our much too hectic schedule, coupled with unforeseen opposition, left us broken and empty at times—thirsting for His strength. We became keenly aware of how weak and unworthy we are and how awesome and powerful God is.

Busyness sapped our strength and strained relationships. We learned that doing more isn’t equal to accomplishing more. God has humbled us and purged a little more dross from our rebellious flesh this year. Our motto for 2007 is “Promise less and do more.”

We are learning to thank Him for showing us our sin – as excruciating as it is. We are also learning that it isn’t wise (or godly) to polish our magnifying glass for the purpose of looking at the sins of others. Rectifying our own sin should keep us plenty busy.

As Christians, we should put others interests before our own, love our neighbor as ourselves, and let our speech be gracious and our answers soft. If we could purpose to spur one another on to good works; to serve one another sacrificially; to live in humility and peace; to focus on correcting our own sin first, rather than jumping to shine a spotlight on the sins of others; to pray for one another; to encourage one another; to lift up those who have fallen; to visit one another; to practice hospitality one to another—what a year 2007 could be!

We wrote the following prayer for our family. Should the Lord grant this for us, it would be a precious gift of grace. You may want to pray with us for His blessing on your own household:

Lord, give us all that is truly good for us and withhold all that is evil. May Your will be our only desire and may we trust You in everything. In 2007, help us to love one another as You require, not as we desire. Magnify our own sin before our eyes so that the sins of our brothers will seem as specks—then help us to repent and welcome your cleansing blood and the painful purging that molds us and shapes us more into the image of your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Grant this to us and to our dear friends and family this year and in the years to come. In Jesus Name, Amen

May God bless you and your children for generations to come.

In His Service and His Love,

James and Stacy McDonald
Tiffany, Melissa, Jessica, Caleb, Abigail, Virginia Grace, Emma, and William Alexander

Prayers for 2007

Lord, help me to love in these areas…

1. Rather than speak to others of my brother’s sin, help me to pray for him and when speaking to others about him, help me to speak only of his strengths.

2. Rather than seeing to my own desires or comforts, let me see to the needs of others.

3. When verbally attacked, instead of retaliating with defensive words or retribution, let me learn that a soft answer turns away wrath.

4. Instead of tearing down my brother or ignoring his lack of spiritual growth, help me to spur him on to good works.

5. Help me to serve others where there is real need, not just in those areas where I enjoy serving.

6. Help me to not be puffed up. Help me live in humility with my brethren, being keenly aware of my own sin and my propensity to fail even in the areas where I’m tempted to judge others.

7. Examine me, Lord, and help me to recognize and repent of the sins you reveal to me.

Daniel, the sixth child of Greg and Crystal Blanchard (parents of eleven), is a homeschool graduate and now project engineer for a large construction company. Daniel’s current assignment is based in College Station, Texas. He first met Christa when he visited our Houston church. Later, Daniel approached me to ask if he could court my daughter. I am not sure he knew what he was getting himself into! After successfully completing my 127 question courtship form (designed to protect my daughters from interlopers) our first official courtship commenced. The courtship itself was a learning experience for the McDonald home, as we balanced protecting our daughter’s heart while at the same time allowing Daniel and Christa time to get to know one another in a natural family setting!

Later, Daniel requested permission from me to ask Christa to marry him. I knew he would. God had allowed Christa to grow into not just a beautiful young lady, but also an industrious woman with a loving heart and many giftings and talents.

Wedding plans were complicated after our move to Illinois. Yet, God allowed all things to work together for good. The wedding preparations consumed our home for weeks as the McDonald ladies shopped, planned, coordinated, designed, and spent time together. Stacy and the girls hand made the decorations and cooked all of the food (except for the cake). Each passing day brought Christa’s departure nearer – our family wanted to make the most of the precious time that remained.

Initially, I had planed the ceremony to be officiated by a close friend. Later, Christa came up to me with tears in her eyes, confessing that she wanted me to give the wedding vows. I was honored by her request and agreed. The complication of giving her away was solved when my co-elders (Bryan Evans and Scott Price) agreed to help officiate the wedding.

Just before the wedding, Stacy and I met with Christa in the dressing room to pray with her. I let her know I was proud of her and that I was sure she would be a godly wife for Daniel and, should the Lord allow, a wonderful mother. Tears started to fall like rain. Christa’s mother comforted her and then joked about her smearing mascara. This brought smiles again and the processional began.

The wedding was a joyous and bittersweet occasion. All of our children (except for William, who slept through the event) participated in the wedding. Our oldest daughter, Tiffany, was the maid of honor and Melissa and Jessica, were the bridesmaids. Our youngest daughters, Abigail, Virginia Grace, and Emma, were the flower girls. They all looked angelic, the symbols of purity we pray for them to be. Our oldest son James stood as one of the groomsmen. Caleb had the distinguished position of ring-bearer.

Our church family rallied to help as well! Many thanks go to the Bandy, Candler, Evans, Price, Peiffer, and Tosh families! Without God’s blessing of friends, this wedding could not have happened! Our prayers that God would birth a true Christian community here at Providence Church are being answered!

The ceremony itself was performed with a sense of solemnity and rejoicing. We view the wedding ceremony as an act of worship. Thus, we had many elements one would see on the Lord’s Day: the singing of Psalms, the corporate confession of sin, the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, and a message from the Word (I spoke on the necessity for love and respect in the Christian marriage).

After this, Elder Bryan Evans asked the question, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The transfer of authority had come. It was time to give up my little girl. Christa would no longer be protected under my roof, but would be joining her new protector, her husband, in her new home. Memories of her childhood rushed through my mind. After a moment of reflection, I responded, “I do.”

I then took Elder Evan’s place in the center of the platform and turned to address Daniel and Christa. I exhorted them to remember and consider that the vows they were about to give were holy, not simply promises to one another, but, covenant vows to God Himself. These were sacred vows that must be faithfully kept. After this, Daniel and Christa recited vows they had written. Then came the kiss. I won’t mention which flower girl wrinkled her nose.

After Daniel and Christa were united, the bridesmaids, Christa’s dear sisters, sang to them the following:

May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever. Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see God’s Face, and God’s Grace forever. May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

The congregation then sang the Gloria Patri and I gave the closing benediction.

And it was done. Christa became a Blanchard. The two became one.

The reception was a blur of pictures, feasting, and fellowship. Friends and family as far away as Texas and Virginia had come to rejoice in our celebration.

When the time of departure came, something remarkable happened – something I had never seen at a secular wedding. The send off was possibly the most touching testimony of the power of the Christian family seen that day. Christa, although full of hope and joy, broke into tears as she hugged each member of her family, repeatedly. And the family cried as well. The tears were a mixture of joy for the future and sorrow for the loss—the close of a chapter. Christa’s role as a daughter at home had passed. Now she was a keeper at home and helpmeet to her new husband. Although she will always be a daughter and sister, she is now a wife and will, by God’s grace, one day be a mother as well.

God blessed us with Christa. From the foundation of the world, He ordained that she would be born into our home. God also planned her marriage to Daniel—she was created for him. We serve an awesome God! As we watched God grow and transform Christa for His own glory and purpose, we witnessed the truth of God’s blessing of children. Psalm 127 has come to life in our midst.

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

What is the work of creation?

The work of creation is, God’ s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. (Gen. 1, Heb. 11:3)

Just a quick reflection on this week’s catechism question. Christa, Caleb and I just completed putting the floor down in what will be the “girl’s dorm” in our home. We are now ready for painting, the floorboards, a bit of carpeting, and lighting. Finally, we will be done!

This project has taken days (or should I say weeks) – and help from many of you! Thanks to help from families Bandy, Candler, Evans, Niesen, our girls will soon be able to sleep in beds rather than the basement floor! How I appreciate all of you! I pray I am a better pastor than I am a carpenter. We would be nowhere if it were not for your advice, assistance, and patience!

On top of all your help, this project also took materials. Wood, drywall, mud, flooring, insulation, nails, screws, and soon paint, light fixtures, carpet – oh my! I don’t even want to consider my budget.

Such an amount of work for mortal creatures like us – and yet God, our Heavenly Father, gave us infinitely more in His glorious Creation. And He did it all Himself! In the space of just six literal days, out of nothing – nothing, except the Word of His power!

After putting the tools away this evening, I went out to take in the glories of the stars and just soak in the wonder of Creation. He did it all! The vast expanse of the constellations was created by His Word alone! And so much more than this – He created us as well, gave us life, and then gave us new hearts, hearts that would be able to recognize the Creator’s Hand.

And why did He do all this? For us! So that we could stand in awe before Him and thank Him for His great love for us!

I am overwhelmed this evening by so many things – the love of our church, the Hand of Providence in leading us here, the protection we have been given over the years of our lives, the blessings of children and wonderful friends. And all of this leads me to say, in the midst of sawdust and hammers, I can only praise our Father for His great love for His elect.

The work of creation is God’s revelation of His power – and His lavish love for sinners like us.

During our travels to speak at churches and conferences around the nation, the thought of home was always before us. As we rose with sore backs from unfamiliar beds, we longingly remembered home. In “grit-deprived” restaurants across the country, Stacy would whet my appetite by describing for me the meals to come—the family meals I most missed that came straight from her kitchen.

We longed for that final turn off the freeway, the familiar landmarks, and the site of the lane leading to our home. Now, I watched as Stacy wandered through the empty shell of what had been our home. This would be the last time. God had called, and we must obey.

As I waited for Stacy to finish reminiscing, my thoughts wandered to another family scene – one set in a distant land called Ur. This ancient city may have been the only home this family had known. How could Abraham consider leaving now? All their friends and family were in Ur! And now, it was time for Sarah to leave her home, to follow her husband…somewhere.

Similar to Abraham and Sarah of old, we did not really know exactly where we were going. We did not have a home waiting for us. We had a destination, a new church call, a new general area, but details were far from settled. All we knew was that God was calling us away – to “somewhere” in Central Illinois.

What words of comfort could Abraham offer Sarah? He was taking his wife away from everything she knew and going to a place neither of them had been. Abraham wasn’t sure where they would make their new home, but, he had been given a vision.

God had called him—God had called them, to a new beginning in a new place. He had called them to faithfully serve a new people. He was confident that God’s blessings were going ahead of them, smoothing the way. They might feel alone, but, he knew they were not. But, how could he convince her?

Abraham may have reassured her that this was the plan of God. The paths they were taking, the destination ahead, may be unrevealed to them, but it certainly was not unknown to God. If they knew that He loved them and was directing their path, they could certainly trust that all would be worked out according to His glory and purpose and for their ultimate good.

Abraham knew that God would be their strength and guide and I’m sure his confidence in this was clear to his family. And as for Sarah, she faithfully followed her husband in obedience to God.

In similar fashion, I knew the call to serve a new church, away from our home, family, and precious friends, was the call of God. It was painful leaving my flock in Katy, however, even that was worked out in God’s providence.

Husbands, you may not be called to leave your home, but you may be called to lead your family in some other journey to the unknown—something outside your comfort zone. It may be a new theological journey, a career adjustment or home business venture, or perhaps it’s to follow the call of God in educating your children at home.

But, speaking from experience, when change comes, you must be confident that God is indeed leading – and then demonstrate this confidence, with gentleness and understanding, before your wife.

As I pen this, our trek to Illinois is complete. After living in temporary housing for a month, we have finally found our new home. As always, God was and is faithful to us. Challenges lay ahead, but, we are confident that this is His will, and that our home is wherever He calls us – together.

Such revelations as this strike a father with a sense of pride, and also a sense of loss. Yes, my Caleb is growing up. At nine years old, he is gaining the confidence and the understanding of a young man. He has certainly learned from me – more by accident than design – how to honor God, how to respect and protect women, how to work with his hands. My son, growing to be a man. And yet, he is still the son that I rocked, making up songs to calm his infant cries. My son, the one I let beat me to the top of the stairs at bed time when he was just a toddler. My son, the one who played with the “guys,” little men made of wooden shapes. We would play that they would pray for one another and help each other. My son, my own little bear, the one I would read the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – can now read. Oh, the pride, and the sadness, we fathers face as our sons grow.

But this young man is sick this week. A fever rages in his body. He was limp and incoherent. As his fever paced above 104 degrees, he became delusional. He reached for an invisible basket, he said “I have seven sisters and two brothers,” to an unseen guest. At least he got the numbers right. And this father worried.

This young man wanted one thing, for his father to sit with him. My little man is still my little boy, and I love him dearly. I stayed out in the living room through the night with him. I prayed with him and anointed him with oil. I checked his temperature on the hour, putting a cool washcloth to his forehead, giving him sips of water to help reduce the fever. And I held my little bear.

I am a father with three sons – in three very different age groups. My namesake, James, is now 22 years old. A real man on his own and carving out his own destiny. I sat with him today and discussed his life and his goals. And yet, as we sat there talking, I remembered holding him as a newborn. I recalled his pirate birthday party, how I constructed a pirate ship out of large cable spools and the joy in his eyes when he found the hidden treasure. I considered with shame the time I let him down by missing his track meet due to an extended business meeting. My son, my little boy, now a man.

This afternoon, I watched little William, just 14 months old, toddle across the living room from his mother’s grasp to my waiting arms. As he staggered and floundered across the floor, his gaze was on me, his little tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth betraying his intense concentration. And without falling, he made it! He reached out for his father. And his father was there.

Three sons at three different stages in life. A young man seeking God’s plan for his future, an infant lad needing his father’s provision, and a sick little pooh bear, still a little boy, but soon to be a man. Such blessings are too much for this melancholy heart to bear. God has certainly given me so much more than I deserve – and yet He has also directed me to love them and guide them, to teach them and admonish them, and still to hold them and care for them, regardless of age.

And now, Caleb is asking me if I will sleep in the living room with him again tonight to care for his needs. I pick up a book to read him a story. And yes, I say, I will.

As the husband to a wonderful wife and mother, I stand humbly before God praising Him for His unmerited favor in allowing me to share my life and ministry with Stacy.

Smaller Hands
by Stacy McDonald

God fashioned her with smaller hands,
So she would know His strength.
He made for her a weaker frame,
When measured by her length.

Her skin is soft compared to man’s,
So her baby’s face should feel
Her velvet touch and gentle kiss
When looking for his meal.