Every once in a while it is just good to post an update on our lives. I guess that is kind of the purpose of a blog anyway. So, here is what has been going on as of late.

Rick has been in school all week at Jack Hayford's School of Pastoral Nurture (trust me, pastor's need some occasional nurturing). It is basically about 40 pastors spending a week with Jack Hayford while receiving teaching, encouragement, having dinner at his home, meeting other pastors, etc. This is Rick's second one to attend, and he really enjoys it.

The kids just keeping growing up. Abigail lost her second tooth (she will be 6 in a few weeks), and she is becoming a more mature artist as she regularly attends an art class.  Brennan is taking soccer, and has been learning to be a goalie more than anything. It has been pretty cool having a child in sports. Caleb is still very energetic and loves to explore everything and anything.  He loves to talk too...and talk...and talk...and talk.  Which for me, who likes to be relatively quiet most of the time, is a challenge to keep up with.  He likes to ask lots of questions over and over again, which is really good for his learning, I know.

My brother had another court trial, and he has been sentenced back to SAFP, but this time in their Special Needs facility.  Please pray that this time things change...and he changes.

Rick and I are both taking a running class at the EDGE Fitness Club. This is so out of our element, because neither one of us has ever enjoyed running.  But our church is having a 5K in May, so we felt we needed to build up some cardiorespiratory endurance.  I am still studying to be a trainer as well, and will hopefully be certified by the end of April. We'll see.

I'm heading to Dallas at the beginning of April, because one of my best friends, Liz, just had her first baby, Samuel David Weaver.  I am so excited to hold this new little life and spend some time with some of my favorite people.

Church is doing really well.  We are finally seeing some growth...kingdom growth. That is awesome!  I just continue to pray that God continues to give all of us opportunities to make eternal differences in the lives of others, and that He helps us not miss them either. On Easter Sunday, we set up experiential Stations of the Cross.  It was quite impactful to visibly remember the eternal difference Jesus Christ made when He overcame the power of death and darkness on the Cross and through His resurrection.

So, that is quick lowdown on the Wood Family.  Please drop up us a line and let us know, "What is going on with you?"

Much love,
Melissa