Graduation Extravaganza

This Friday Anthony graduated with his Master's of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary. This has been a tough 3 year journey. Anthony worked his tail off working an almost full-time job and getting school stuff finished in three years. I am very proud of his hard work. Praises to God, who graciously brought us through it together and provided for us in so many ways. God has taught both of us a lot in this time and I know we have so much more room to grow. I am so thankful that we are finished with this stage in our lives...at least until Anthony decides to go back for more school (hopefully not in the near future).

Doesn't he look so happy?

We had family in town to celebrate with us: Anthony's mom, dad, memaw, Leigh-Ann (his sister), and Nichole (my sister).
Friday evening we had a graduation and 30th birthday (his birthday isn't until June, but we celebrated early) celebration for Anthony. Our generous dear friends, Kelly and Ryan, opened up their home so that we could have a cook-out. It was almost bittersweet thinking that this party was probably the last time some of our friends would be together again in one place before we head off to the Boro. It was great for our families to meet some of the people that have been so influential in our lives these three years. Here are some pictures of the fun:

His birthday/graduation present from me: a cornhole game (handmade by Ryan Blinson)

Some of the Ladies

Anthony blowing out the candles on his cake

Wake Forest Shower

Some of our lovely friends in Wake Forest threw us a shower this weekend. This was our last shower. The food and company was wonderful. We are blessed to have such loving and generous friends. The shower included food, games, presents, a short devotion about being a godly parent, and some time of prayer. I thank God for putting people in my life who encourage and hold me accountable in my relationship with God. I will miss these friendships terribly once we leave Wake Forest. Here are a few shots from the shower:

The Yummy Food

The Lovely Ladies (Michele is not pictured)

Nashville Shower

While we were in Murfreesboro so Anthony could job hunt, the Nashville folks threw me a baby shower. Anthony's mom and Memaw even got to come. It was wonderful to be able to catch up and see everyone. I can't wait until we are all living close by again...only a matter of time. Here are a few pictures from the shower (I wish I had gotten some photos of the cute decorations and all the ladies present):

Union Girls

The Adorable Diaper Cake

Anthony's Mom and Memaw

My Mom and Sister

The Hostesses

Boro Update

As some of you may know last week, April 28th-May 1, Stephanie and I were in Murfreesboro, TN looking for places to live, and for me a job. It was a rather eventful trip. I had four job interviews and we looked at houses and apartments. Stephanie also had a baby shower (post to come). My job interviews all went well I suppose. We are just waiting to see what opportunity God gives us.

From what I could see the best thing for our family/church plant would be if I could get the job that I applied for to the Bank of Nashville. That is how I see it, but I know God's plans are better than what I can think of on my own. But that is what we are praying for on that front.

We found some promising places to live. There is one particular neighborhood we would love to buy a house in when we get the opportunity. We also found some apartments to rent when we move until we figure out where we will be permanently.

Here is a link to our church plant. You can pray for our team as most of them are going through the same transition pains that we are.
City Church-Murfreesboro, TN Website