Celebrating the birth of Jesus is the beginning point to really appreciate His eventual sacrifice made for all. So, it is with a grateful heart that we offer you some of the joy God has blessed us with this year by giving you a snapshot of all the craziness that is "Rumbold" for the year 2008.January began Jess and my fourth year of marriage. Since we promised to have four to five years of childless bliss maritally one need not study the picture above too hard to know that my Rumbold DNA betrayed our confession. Be that as it may, Jess and I are extremely happy to report that while we made our plans God determined our steps.
As Spring came and went Jess grew more round and uncomfortable every day forcing sleepless nights and much anticipation. Strangely, Jess still remained committed to her third love (God first, me second) Body Pump. This is Jessica's workout class at the gym where she continues to gain new friendships and impact those outside our family with the love of Jesus. July 9th arrived and with it so did our not-so-little bundle of joy Oliver Benjamin Rumbold: 9lbs 8oz. He arrived at a full 2lbs heavier than his sister - who could not have been more delighted...and remains so till this day. As the pictures CLEARLY indicate Ollie is not missing any feedings and with two mommies, he is quite well cared for. He already enjoys saying, "mum...mum..." and smiling incessantly whenever Jess is in eye shot - total Momma's boy.
Jada is growing, sometimes a little too fast for my comfort. She is completely immersed in dress-ups, being a surrogate mommy to anything or anyone who will have her, talking, make-up, nails, talking, signing her songs about God, talking, and pretty much talking. Her passion for communicating the love of God is amazing. Jess and I are stunned daily at her comprehension. A story will suffice here: As we ate lunch the other day she asks me if she can use her toy cell phone to call God and pray for our meal. I told her to go ahead. She presses two digits and I say, "honey, I think you need to dial a few more numbers." She responds, "silly dad, God is on speed dial." "Really?" I said. When finished I asked if she told Him goodbye. She quips, "dad, it is SOOOO silly for us to say goodbye to God, He is always here." We are in love with how God is shaping her.
In September we went on vacation to Oklahoma where Jada and Ollie got to experience the Zoo and other wonders of ranch life as we visited some friends. In October I (Doug) was able to go to Seattle for 8 days for an intense church planting seminar/training called Soma School. I learned a great deal about God's word that impacts me even now and will likely be a huge blessing to my ministry at Northfield Christian Fellowship (where I pastor). The picture here is Todd Morr and myself.
Jess and I continue to dream up ways of loving each other and growing in our appreciation for the gift of marriage. She really is a dynamic and amazing woman who runs the ins and outs of our home with incredible excellence. Our prayer is to grow together as a couple on mission for Jesus Christ.
One final note: I arrived home from church tonight and Jess recounted to me how she was explaining the plan of Salvation to Jada and the relationship God wants to have with us through Jesus. Jada asked Jess to say it slowly so she could pray each phrase and invite the Lord into her heart personally. Jess told me that as she finished praying Jada squealed with excitement...what a Christmas present - a daughter reconciled to the Lord because of Jesus. AMAZING!!!
