a beautiful offering.

three years ago i moved to NWA after i graduated from college to begin grad school at JBU.

during college i baby-sat for the bakers, who became like a second family to me. when i told karen that i had decided to move to fayetteville she told me i would have to meet her brother and sister-in-law and their children. she told me i would love them.

she was right.

and i am forever grateful for her and for her people- john & stacy.

john is my doctor and simply the best. he is the gentle giant type. he cares deeply about people and i value his wisdom. he is slow to speak and quick to listen. i have never once questioned his care and concern. he loves his family.

stacy is his wife and one of my dearest friends. i could never adequately explain how thankful i am for her. we talk through theological battles and hash out the difficult questions this life brings. we laugh together often. her heart is beautiful and i am so thankful for her willingness to invest in my life. lunches with her have become a precious time; sometimes it feels like church to me.

john & stacy have four of the cutest, most fun kids. they are just a GREAT family. i am continuously inspired by the way they live out the gospel with their lives. they'll be the first to tell you they don't always get it right, but that's often why it is so beautiful.

they are genuine.

humble.

and willing to meet people in the mess that life can bring.

recently they have given part of their hearts to haiti and it has been one of the most amazing stories to hear and see. God is using them and He is doing big things.

i say all of this to say...go read stacy's blog

she is telling her story.

their story.

His story and you need to hear about it.

it's changing me.

it's challenging me.

it's reminding me of the power of the gospel...

and it is a beautiful offering.