Dear Friends,
On your mark, get set, GO!!! No, I’m not talking about the race to get decorated for Christmas or finish your shopping, but how quickly it feels like each year races by. It doesn’t seek like that long ago I was sitting down to reflect on 2013. But here is this year’s update…
Lawson is in fourth grade and fallen in love with football. He played his first season of tackle football and we were incredibly proud of how had he worked. His work ethic for football, which includes daily workouts to get ready for next season, has even carried into how he engages his school work, which has shown marked improvement this semester. It’s very exciting to see him find something he’s passionate about and the influence it has on his overall character.
Marshall is in second grade and his personality is starting to emerge more and more. He has a dry, no-nonsense sense of humor that sometimes makes him sound like a “little old man” trapped in an 7 year old’s body. As Marshall watched Lawson play football he decided the contact-light game of baseball was more his speed. I was kinda glad to see one of my boys stick with my first love.
This summer the boys and I took our #ManTrip5 to Dallas. It was a great time of roller coasters, water parks, and a tour of Cowboys Stadium.
Sallie is now the #1 sub at the boy’s school. It’s sweet that the boys are still young enough that they want Mama to be the sub for their class. Not sure how much longer that will last. Trying to keep up with the laundry of two little boys who are as active (i.e., sweaty-dirty) as ours is about to exhaust both Sallie and our washing machine, but I’ve been told such appliances are not to be put on her “Christmas list.”
Brad has accepted a role on the Mental Health Advisory Group (MHAG) of the Southern Baptist Convention. This fit well with his Fall seminar series on depression and anxiety and is an area he’s excited to partner with leading Christian counselors to help the church become more effective in this area. Brad spent 10 days in South Asia equipping church leaders there in counseling which has led to a 3 year partnership with East Asia that will expand the certificate program in biblical counseling at SEBTS into something that is more accessible for international church planters.
Over the next year we would appreciate your prayers that we will (1) fully enjoy this sweet season when our boys are young and lay a good foundation for their future, (2) prioritize marriage and family during a very busy season of life and ministry, and (3) grow in our trust in God’s character and effectiveness at sharing His hope with others.
We want to thank you for your friendship and the unique role you have played in the life of our family. Our prayer is that this Christmas you will experience the power, peace, and joy of Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23) – and have the opportunity to multiply that hope by sharing it with others.
Merry Christmas!
The Hambrick Family