You Are Not A God Created

John 8:46-47 "Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."

Acts 17:24-25 "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."

What do these two verses mean to you? To me personally, they are ones that I have overlooked more times than not. But, to the Indian lady I had the privilege to meet last night, they mean everything!

Last night the married women going to South Asia went to a friends' house to prepare an Indian meal and got to meet an Indian lady who has only been a Christian for about 3 years! When we asked her testimony, she said that these two verses opened her eyes to the truth.

It was such an encouragement to hear a true "success story" of someone who practiced idol worshipping for so long and now has a relationship with the One who was not made by hands, who never sinned, and who created everything.

I hope we will not take for granted the truth that we are immersed in and the truths that are in God's word. And, of course, the realization that there are those who are waiting to hear about the true God of this world! What a surprise blessing to get to meet this woman and hear her story before even traveling to the other side of the world! What a motivation!

The Countdown is On!

WRITTEN ON AUGUST 22:

We are exactly one month from flying over the big pond! Surprisingly, I am not feeling nearly as nervous as I thought I would be at this point. I would attribute that to the faithfulness of those of you who are lifting us up daily!

We have very quickly passed the halfway point here in Richmond, VA and can hardly verbalize how much God has worked in our hearts. We find ourselves calling out to Him more than ever before and learning to trust Him for so much more. We are seeing His hand in our lives (even with the numerous Visa issues we've experienced) ;) Jason can quote verbatim the visa application form as many times as he's had to redo ours!

Just wanted to share a few of the highlights of our time here:

-We are loving the cultural worship on Sunday nights. The services have been filled with awesome worship in other languages. Our favorite so far has been the African service! They even make it a little more realistic by turning off the air which made it rather sweaty!

-The girls' schooling brings joy daily for all of us! We can not say enough how thankful we are for these eight weeks of their lives.

-We are enjoying all the activities we've found to get involved in. We are playing in a volleyball tournament tonight (and, no, I don't plan on cheating, but if it comes to that...) I also had the chance to sew my own bag last night at the "quilting quad"! Thanks to Jason being willing to hang with the girls the whole evening and even take them to a meeting with him.

-The people here are just amazing. We've made some good friends, found our laughs that we so enjoy, had smiles meet us at every turn. The children are even incredibly friendly. We can't walk through campus without one of the girls hearing their name called from across the way. It is such a community and an amazing example of the body of Christ.

This was just a few highlights that have come to mind to share. We are enjoying our time here and will keep updating as we can!

More Alive Than Ever

Some of you are probably wondering if we are still alive and kicking! Well, I'm happy to announce that we are indeed! And that as we grow leaps and bounds daily, we can say that we are as alive as ever.

Each of us feel we are learning so much while we are here. For a while it felt like information overload, but the Holy Spirit in us doesn't experience overload and so we finally settled in to the realization that alone it would be too much but with God all things are possible.

I personally had one rough day last week that led to yet another spiritual revelation. That just when I think I'm doing great, that's when Satan feels he has a way in. And so I was able to stop, spend some time in prayer, and remember that His mercies are new every morning. The next day was better than ever.

As for the girls. Wow! They are thriving! Kiley came home from school yesterday and shared the entire Creation story in Taiwanese! I couldn't believe my ears! Her teacher is just incredible and I believe God is using her to prepare Kiley for the calling He has placed on her life as well.

Jason & I celebrated our 9th anniversary last week. The community here stepped up to the plate and watched the girlies so we could have the evening together. It was pretty awesome. Watching Jason in this atmosphere brought me to tears as I was reminded what an amazing picture of Christ he's been in my life. I am so incredibly blessed by him and so in love with him.

Today's sessions reminded me how special we're not ;) in a good way. I was reminded today that we are ALL commanded to GO! And so my challenge to you is to truly seek the Lord's face and ask him, "What role do you desire me to play in the Great Commission?". I can guarantee you that He has a specific task for you. Don't waste your life! Live it out to multiply His Kingdom! There's nothing more important than that!

Pics: Kiley gets henna.
Kamden enjoys "red day" at school.
Jason & Angel celebrate 9 years.

Let the Games Begin

Sunday we said goodbye to our amazing Roanoke family. The service couldn't have been better. It was a priceless day forever etched in my memory. We are so incredibly blessed!

We arrived at our temporary home today. The trip here was graced by the girls singing "Jesus, in your name we can change the world!" What profound words from a 4 & 6 year old.

Kamden hasn't stopped talking about "school"! Being a mom, I was saddened that we may never have "first day of school" pics of her but God cares about every minor detail and that sweet girl will be starting "school" on Wednesday for 8 weeks. You better believe we will be taking lots of pics!

We've been blessed with suite mates with children that are just that... Sweet! They hit it off immediately and have become fast friends. Pray, if you will, for the girls shyness. They typically open up after a bit and have done outstanding but with so many changes, prayers are appreciated.

For those of you without Facebook, we enjoyed our first trip to a squatty potty! We laughed so loud when it flushed! The water pressure is so strong here that it started coming out onto the floor! We had to jump out of the way of the water! Of course, there was a woman outside enjoying the sounds of our experience!

Amidst all the fun comes the reality that this is going to be hard work. I'm on information overload and we haven't even begun. I feel inadequate, but remember that He IS adequate! So, pray specifically for us to set a good routine, for my brain cells to work, and for my heart to be changed, grown, encouraged, & strengthened.

So thankful for the chance to GO!

FIVE YEARS

A lot happens in five years. In five years a child goes through elementary school. In five years the Olympics can come and go twice. In five years, children can be born, weddings attended, funerals mourned, vacations spent, homes moved in and out of, rooms painted and furniture bought and sold. Friends can be made and relationships can grow into deep, loving family. Five years can seem like a long time, but when five years come to an end, it seems like no time at all.

Five years, when looking back, flew by before we had the chance to realize what was happening. As tears well up in my eyes, I realize that the pain I'm experiencing is because in five years, one major thing has happened. I have fallen in love with a place I call home. A group of people I call family. A church I love more dearly than I could have ever imagined.

I remember clearly the day I was driving down a windy West Virginia road, knowing change was coming but uncertain of the future. On that day, I determined that even if the grass wasn't greener wherever we ended up, that I was willing because I knew God was in it. At that point, I had no idea God was preparing for me a place to call home. A place that I never once have found myself saying I didn't love. I can honestly say that Roanoke, VA and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church was "love at first sight".

The pain I'm feeling isn't easily described as a fear of the unknown or an anxiety about the trials to come. This pain stems from a deep love for the people we leave behind. The people we call family. The lifelong friendships we've made that we don't want to say goodbye to.

I can joke all I want to about starting another Sunday School class on the other side of the world, but the truth is that five years has come and gone and I never imagined I would have to say goodbye so soon. I can't say we were just starting to get comfy, because truthfully we've been at home here since day one. That's what hurts so badly.

I'm confident that the future is bright because I'm confident that God is calling. That confidence has never wavered. I can even rest assured that the five years here was not wasted time. I'm thankful for that. In these five years, we've invested and been invested into, we've made more life long friends than one person deserves to have, we've seen God change lives including our own, we've seen trials be resolved, prayers be answered, kids grow into teens and teens grow into young adults.

Often, I wish I had one more year to soak in the memories, but I know that that would only leave me wishing for one more and then one more...

I don't have any clue what the future holds, all I know is that as we follow God's calling, we simply can't go wrong, no matter how badly it hurts at times.

Oh How He Loves Us

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith -that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints WHAT IS THE BREADTH AND LENGTH AND HEIGHT AND DEPTH, AND TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" Ephesians 3:14-20

So many things go through my mind on a daily basis to share through my blog. So many that I end up failing to share anything at all.

Last night, though, it occurred to me that if I had only one message I wanted my readers to know, it would be the LOVE OF GOD! My prayer for you is that of Paul's: that you would KNOW the love of God! Because in knowing it, truly knowing it personally, you would be forever changed.

Maybe you've grown up in church, maybe you haven't, maybe you've had a good homelife, maybe you haven't, maybe you have an addiction, a depression, an illness, or a priority complex, whatever your story, God's love exceeds that!

So, if you're still reading, I pray that you recognize that EVERYTHING falls under the scope of God's love. We've got it made in the shade if we rest in His love, His unconditional, unwavering, everlasting love!

Of course, it doesn't stop there! Because that very LOVE and the knowledge of it compels us to action. If we sit back and "bask lazily" in His love then I wonder if we ever really got it in the first place.

Know His Love. And then go do likewise. Loving others into a right relationship with Him. No one said it would be easy. As a matter of fact, Christ himself said quite the opposite. But, what wouldn't you do for someone you truthfully LOVE!

Shine for Him

Some days go by so fast and like most people I breeze right through some days and move on to the next without much time to stop and smell the roses.

But, I try to take time each day just to build relationships and love on the people God has put in my path to love.

Today, being that it was one of my final babysitting days, I found myself stopping to smell the roses, er, should I say, chasing kids through the hall and tickling them while they all screamed in anticipation.

The point is, today I was reminded what a privilege it is to be surrounded by little people who are so full of joy, adventure, excitement... CHILDREN!

I have only one prayer for the 7 kids in my care: That they would love God, love people, and follow Him faithfully till the end!

Rider, you are a kind, considerate, joy of a child. Your unfailing love for your brothers and for others is inspiring to me. I pray that you will always think of others the way you so freely do now. Your kind heart defines you!

Brianna, your personality outshines the sun! Your smile and laughter lights up a room! You are such a kind friend and always so generous! May you always overlook the faults in others the way that you do now and may you never wander from the sensitivity that you possess! It is by God's design that you came to us 5 years ago and you changed my life! I LOVE YOU!!!

Kiley, you are my mini me! I love you with my whole heart! May you take the gifts God has given you and use them to His glory all the days of your life!

Jack, your love for life and your mischievous little grin puts a smile on my face! God has big plans for you, Jack-O, and I'm glad I got to watch you grow this year!

Ky, you were my shadow those first few months. Followed me everywhere and wanted nothing to do with the other kids. Now, when you're here, I hardly even know it! Your sweet spirit and super cute personality lights up our home. It's hard to imagine such a big heart fitting inside your tiny little body! Oh, and to hear you pray often brings tears to my eyes! I pray that huge heart of yours loves Jesus all the days of your life!

Kamden, just thinking of you puts a smile on my face and laughter in my soul! God wants to use your unique, hysterical, imaginative, one of a kind personality and super cuteness to His glory! I pray that one day you will love Him with your whole heart and use all of that energy to spread His name!

Jude, your puppy dog eyes and adorable little voice would melt any heart. You make me giggle often with your silly little antics. Having the privilege to watch you toddle around this house has been such a joy. You have been blessed with amazing parents and two older brothers who adore you! No wonder you are such a joy!

I could say so much more and I've watched so many precious children walk through this home. I've sometimes taken the blessings for granted, but I've never for a minute underestimated the impact it has had on my heart. They've each taught me so much and I want to be so much more like them each day, after all, doesn't the Bible tell us to become a child again! I have had the awesome opportunity to see first hand just how amazing children can be!

Don't Let Me Go

Today we had rehearsal for a big event in our lives. One of the largest groups to date, and by God's design we managed to finish early. Because we did, the pastor of the church had a brief moment to speak to us as a group. What he said impacted me and I wanted to share it with all of you.

He told a story of when he was young and he and his brothers and a few friends would play in their back yard together where a drain ran along the back of the yard. The drain was deep and wide and in it one day they spotted a shiny object.

None of them were able to reach it alone so they decided to form a human chain. Their strongest friend held onto a tree while the others linked arms and the smallest brother went in for the prize.

All the while, he was yelling "Don't let me go! Don't let me go!"

You see, we will be out with the prize in our sight and we need our strongest supporters forming that human chain holding us up to the Father.

And so, we plead with you, "Don't let us go!"

The Perfect Storm

Maybe it was the realization that I would be missing my final cell group with the amazing group of teens I've fallen in love with.

Maybe it was the fact that my house is full of junk and it can't disappear fast enough.

Maybe it was the one day I got to spend with my parents rather than the one month I wish it was.

Maybe it was the girls' crocodile tears when they dropped us off at the airport.

Maybe it was taking off in an airplane and playing out the scenario in my mind that will be taking place in only a few short months.

Maybe it was the excitement that I felt that was weaved so strongly throughout all of those emotions.

Maybe it was the realization that (even though I've never been able to predict my children's future) I now have no idea what that looks like for them.

But, the final straw was when the one part of my life that I felt was certain...The Past... was abruptly interrupted.

I've grown quite familiar with the unknown, even, dare I say, fond of it. Excited about it. And just when I thought I had a short section of my life, specifically my children's lives, intact, it vanishes.

Last night I discovered that the "baby books" I'd been keeping track of on the computer and in my notes on my phone had somehow been erased. The motherly guilt kicked in as my mind took me to their adult lives and even the days now when they frequently ask "tell me a story about when I was a baby!" and I would pull out that list and we would all laugh at the memories.

As I type it out or say it outloud, it becomes quite trivial and I realize that in the broad scheme of things, it's nothing. But, to this mom, it's a huge request. That those files would somehow be recovered. Because God cares about every detail of our lives, I know He cares about this.

Record Speed

Things are happening here at record speed! I can't believe it's already the middle of May! I'm actually really mad at my kindergarten teacher for never telling me that June came after May! ;) That means that Kiley only has a few weeks left in her very first year of school! Just like every parent says, it really has flown by! But on top of that we are leaving in just over two months!

When I look around my house at all this stuff I have that I need to clean out and get rid of, I start to get a little overwhelmed but then I remember that it's just stuff and it's time now to pack it up and move on! Finding the time to do it might be a little easier said than done!

At this point, our biggest prayer is that we will make good decisions and good choices as God is opening up doors for us in a whole other world!

Many of you have asked how you can be a helping hand. We'll be having our first yard sale May 26 and although we aren't really sure what to do ourselves, if you would like to help us out that weekend just let us know! We'd love to have your company and your helping hands! We will probably get started on preparation for that yard sale Thursday evening when we return from Tennessee and we will hopefully be open Friday evening and Saturday during the day.

As for right now, I'm off to work on a special project and hopefully get some of my everyday stuff done around the house! Blessings to all of you, hope you have a wonderful day!

An Abnormal Normal Kind of Day

I almost feel the need to reintroduce myself since it's been so long since I've actually written! ;) It's rather overwhelming trying to gather all my thoughts and feelings and produce them for others to read.  I'll admit that I'm not the best at this blogging thing but for those of you that really want to know what's going on with the4cokes, I keep writing.  I'm positive I'll have numerous hysterical moments in South Asia as I learn a new culture and I plan to share those as the time comes.

For now, I'll share some of the every day life that is going on here.

This is a picture of Gina "GiGi"
with 2 of her loves: Avery & Kam
taken last week!

Thanks to my amazing friend & pastor's wife, Gina, demanding that I be in worship as much as possible, I was so incredibly blessed, challenged, & convicted this past Sunday as I was reminded of walls that I once built that kept me from sacrificing everything for God.  I took notes like crazy since I'm well aware that the dynamic preaching I sit under now will be dearly missed when I leave.  I believe Gina said I have 11 weeks of worship left! What??? That doesn't seem possible.  But, I was also reminded to be obedient with JOY! And joy is what I want to exhibit.  I'm ecstatic about the next stage of our life, while I'm also devastated to be leaving the people and home I love.  It's a wild mix of emotions but it's a sense of peace of contentment that I can't explain.

Today was abnormal in that it was normal.  Normal is a word that has far left our vocabulary.  Our lifestyle has always been wild and we love it, but it's been wilder than ever these past few months.  Again, filled with fun stuff, but filled nonetheless.  We truly wouldn't have it any other way because we want nothing more than to spend these last few months with the people who want to spend it with us.  But, today, we had no plans and so we stayed HOME! (We even overslept and took Kiley to school an hour and a half late!) It was fabulous!

Kamden took me on a hike today
 to the library.  She led the way!

I spent the day with Kamden, and for a change, didn't do a drop of anything except spend time doing what she wanted to do!!! We acted out the children's play twice, played Ships 'n' Sails, and played kitchen among other things.  She kept me in stitches! We had a blast!!!  It was much needed one on one time with my baby girl.






And this evening we got to hang out as a fam in the yard while Kiley learned some new stunts with Daddy.  The most surprising part of the day is that the girls will actually get into bed only an hour past bedtime! Now, that's impressive around here!

For those of you who are looking for ways that you can continue praying specifically for us, a friend sent me a link of how to pray for moms who are overseas.  I'll be the first to say that I'll be in need of major prayer warriors for me and my children, so check it out if you want!

• http://southasianpeoples.imb.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Praying-for-Mothers-Prayer-Guide.pdf?utm

-The 4 Cokes

Growth Spurts

Ever notice that your kids' growth spurts happen when you least expect them, and sometimes you don't even notice them until they're long over and your child's pants are two inches too short and won't snap to save your life.  We laughed this week as we tried a pair of 6 month shorts on our petite little Kamden! Surprisingly, they fit her everywhere except around the waist.  It was quite the funny sight.  Anyway, growth spurts are a fact of life as are growing pains.  Speaking of, my mom was infamous for blaming all my aches and pains on "growing pains".  And, now I catch myself making the same excuse to my girls! ;)

Well, the best way to describe the past few months to a year of my life is as one big spiritual growth spurt.  It's literally as if around every corner is another life lesson, another challenge for me to choose between overcoming or giving into, another test, trial, or task.  It's overwhelming to say the least, yet surprisingly enjoyable in a strange sort of way.  My head is filled with thoughts constantly and my heart is bursting at the seams.

Let me take a side note and say that this is the exact reason I haven't blogged in so long.  Because just when I think I have a topic I want to expound on, that becomes old news and the new lesson is already in the works, not to mention my head is such a jumbled mess of stuff that when it comes out it looks more like a throw-up of words than an actual legible blog post.

So, tonight, I'm not quite sure what my purpose of writing really is, other than to share that I've not fallen off the face of the earth, and things are happening here at record breaking speed.  So, keep us in your prayers like never before.  We welcome your prayers and feel them constantly.  Thanks for caring enough about us and loving our Lord enough to lift us up and join us on this journey.

Sorry I couldn't expound, truly there's too much happening in this tiny little brain of mine to put into words.

Have a good night everyone!

-The 4 Cokes

He Gives Greater Grace

Wow! I feel like I say that a lot these days.  It just seems that life is one big WOW after another right now.  And something tells me it's going to be that way for a while.  Which, I'm totally cool with.  Life would be rather boring without plenty of WOW moments.  


We just got back home after a short trip to Florida to celebrate the life of Jason's "nana" who passed away this past week.  It truly was a bittersweet trip, but thanks to so many prayers being offered up for all of us, it was one of the best trips we've had.  The time was well spent, the memories were sweet, and I believe his grandmother was well honored for the life that she lived.  


Today was full of emotion as we drove the 11 hour trek back home from Daytona where she was buried.  We awaited a call that would determine the course of the rest of our lives.  We waited... and waited... and waited patiently not so patiently to hear whether or not we would be given the green light to continue on with the process of moving overseas.  To be quite honest, we should not have been nervous because we are fully aware that it is out of our hands and that God had this one! And, quite honestly, we weren't nervous until the bitter end.  Jason, well, I don't think he worries about much of anything, but I, on the other hand, started a few heart palpitations as the clock ticked closer and closer to 6 pm.  My brain started thinking "They're saving us for last because they don't want to break it to us that we didn't get through..." and all kinds of crazy ideas.  


But, the call came just as we were stopping for gas and we I jumped for joy.  Jason was far too exhausted to do much jumping! ;)


As I breathed out a huge sigh of relief, I breathed in a huge breath of grief.  This is it.  This is for sure.  I hadn't doubted that we'd go, nor had I really even doubted we'd get through this time around (until it got down to the nitty gritty of the day of) but this phone call was another step closer to goodbyes, another step closer to leaving home.  But another step closer to meeting the lives we hope to impact and the ones we know will impact ours.  I wish I could put into words the mixed emotions going on inside of me.  I never want to downplay my sadness for leaving here nor do I want to downplay my overwhelming excitement to be in the center of God's will... I wish I could paint a picture of the battle going on inside of me, but for now, you'll just have to take my word for it.


Anyway, as we were awaiting that phone call, I was catching up on my Beth Moore study "Mercy Triumphs".  It was incredible how the lessons I was completing went hand in hand with exactly what I was experiencing at the time.  One verse in particular that stood out to me was James 4:6a "But He gives greater grace".  I let it swirl around in my mind a bit and I was ecstatic to be reminded that as I approach possibly the biggest challenge I may ever face, I can rest assured that He gives greater grace...

• When I am selfish... His grace is greater!
• When I am prideful... His grace is greater!
• When I am judgmental... His grace is greater!
• When I forget to pray... His grace is greater!
• When I miss out on opportunities... His grace is greater!
• When I put myself before others... His grace is greater!
• When I doubt... His grace is greater!
• When I feel overwhelmed... His grace is greater!
• When I am incapable... His grace is greater!

Let the book of James remind you that whatever you face, His grace is greater! And, don't stop there, read on to see what steps to take to walk fully in His grace... submit to God, resist the Devil, draw near to God, cleanse your hands, and purify your hearts! 

There's no way in this world that I would be dumb enough to think that I could ever attempt this upcoming task on my own without His great grace, but what about the day to day challenges? Those, I sometimes find myself taking into my own hands.  Why, when He offers me grace that is far greater than anything I can offer? What about you? For the big deals and the small ones, will you let His grace be greater?

-The 4 Cokes

The Whirlwind That Was February

Wow! What a whirlwind!  February in the Cockayne household was full JAM-PACKED! I feel like I blinked and it was March.  That's a bittersweet feeling, for sure! One month closer to the biggest move of our lives.  I'm just going to take the time to fill everyone in on what February looked like here.  Enjoy!

• Feb 4-6: My parents & sister took the girls - with me tagging along as 'chaperone' - to Washington DC for the weekend by way of train.  The highlight of the trip was the American Girl doll store! My word! That place was spectacular out of this world but the memories that were made with my family were a million times more special!

• Feb 12: Kamden's actual  birthday.  We kept it pretty low key but she woke up to a few sweet surprises!

• Feb 14: We enjoyed a quiet Valentine's Day at home with heartshaped everything! 

• Feb 17: The girls celebrated with a bunch of girl friends at their first official sleepover! Everyone had a blast.  It really was a ton of fun planning and then watching as the girls giggled and smiled well past midnight.  The thought that this would be their last birthday party here only slipped into my mind one time which I immediately shoved out and got back to celebrating.  No time for sadness at a sleepover! ;)

• Feb 18: Tacky Valentine! One of the biggest events of the year for our youth group, Generation 246.  We had a blast dressed as tacky as possible and sitting down to a delicious meal at beautifully decorated tables.  The theme this year was "Vintage" and everyone involved did an incredible job making it a night to remember!

• Feb 19: True Love Waits Service.  A major event in the life of the teens who commit themselves to a lifetime of purity.  It was a special service and God spoke through our pastor as he preached on what it means to be pure. 

• Feb 25: Birthday party number... I don't know, I've lost count! We definitely celebrated ALL month long! We were in WV for the weekend of Kiley's birthday so we took advantage of celebrating again by going ice skating and then having a delicious cake and small party for the girls at my parents' house.  

• Feb 26: We had the awesome privilege of sharing with our new friends at Heritage Baptist Church.  We enjoyed meeting the people who will be lifting us up while we are on the field.  They were a generous church indeed and we look forward to getting to know them more. 

• Feb 27: Of course, we had to celebrate Kiley's birthday at school so Jason & I took some cupcakes and a craft for the kids.  We had a blast with the kiddos in her kindergarten class! 

• Feb 29: We had a great time sharing at East End Baptist here in Vinton where our good friend, Troy Mueller pastors.  Their interest in our family and our calling was encouraging and we really enjoyed our time of fellowship with them.  

Looking back at February, I'm blown away at the amount of activities we've been able to be involved in.  God has richly blessed our family and we couldn't be happier! 

March hasn't slowed down much at all but we're loving every minute of the craziness!  We've already spent a few days with our CCA family where Jason had the opportunity to bring the message and, as always, we enjoyed a weekend of cheerleading, praise & worship, and fellowship with people very dear to our hearts.


And, this past weekend brought so much laughter, tears, smiles, pranks, and just plain FUN! The ladies of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church blessed me beyond words with their love for me (in spite of my wacky, prankster ways) and their support for our family.  The Spirit of God showed up as we studied His holiness and gave our futures to the Lord and the time around the campfire is a moment I will remember forever! Thank you, ladies, for your amazing love!



Life here is always full of adventure so we couldn't imagine it any other way.  Ask me again how I'm feeling when I'm trying to conquer this house full of possessions that we have to get rid of.  Positive I couldn't handle that stress on my own, so I'm trusting in God to get us through that bump in the road just like He has every other one! Good thing I don't have to do any of this in my own strength because I wouldn't have made it past day one! 


God Bless and enjoy what's left of March! :)

-The 4 Cokes

Best Friends Forever

If you know Kiley, you know Brianna.  Kiley & Brianna.  BFF's.  Best Friends Forever.  Those two girls have had the privilege of being side by side since they were less than 18 months old.

I couldn't have planned it better myself.  Which is usually the way it works when God directs your steps.  When we moved to Roanoke in the spring of '07, I began looking for work.  I soon found out I was pregnant again with our sweet little Kamden.  But, this presented a problem.  I didn't want to work with an infant at home and we had no clue what we were going to do. 

That's when my pastor's wife asked if I was interested in keeping kids in my home.  Our piano player was looking for someone to keep her granddaughter a couple days a week.  Perfect.  I took the job and our home was graced with the presence of an amazing little girl, Brianna. 

Not to mention the mentor/friend/shoulder to cry on/prayer warrior I soon found in Cindy.  I don't know how many times I've poured my heart out to her when she came to drop off or pick up Brianna.  She can almost always tell immediately if it has been "one of those days" and is faithful to pray for me!

Back to those precious best friends.  They've grown up as "sisters" in the truest form of the word.  The jealousy as babies, the arguments over toys, the time outs after time outs over unkind voices.  I've grown a ton of worry warts over how those two girls were doing.  But, amazingly enough, in spite of me, they have continued to be the truest of friends.  And have taught me SO much about life.

When Cindy called the other day to fill me in on a precious conversation she had just finished with Brianna, my heart melted.  With all of the coming changes, Brianna had a lot of unanswered questions. The phrase that repeats over and over in my head, "Mimi, can Kileystill be my best friend forever?"

Brianna, no matter where life takes each of us, you can rest assured that Kiley will always be your very FIRST best friend.  Forever. 

-The 4 Cokes