Fam Kids Nov 2012 2On March 31, 2012 my daughter Amy got married. Then on February 16, 2013 my youngest son Britton got married. Now… God willing… on September 21, 2013 my last child Trey will be married. Three kids… three weddings… 18 months. Inexpressible joy has thus flowed in the Ethridge household! In the picture, from left to right: Trey & Hailey, Amy & Austin, Pam & I, Britton & Missy.

Amy, Trey, and Britton have brought great joy to Pam and me. There are so many stories of them growing up they are too numerous to name. Tears have been mingled in, but now we see God’s sovereign providential hand in them all. It was God who moved us so Amy could meet Austin. He took us to Costa Rica for Britton to meet Missy. And Trey was sent to Louisville, KY to meet Hailey. We didn’t understand all God was doing, but He was working the entire time. Romans 8:28 really is true!

Now a word to Amy & Austin, Britton & Missy, Trey & Hailey: God has each of you in His hands every day. There will be many things you will think are hardships. That is just God’s way of moving you to be where He will bless you. TRUST HIM. Nothing bad will ever happen to you because we know and have experienced Romans 8:28 too many times already! Rejoice in the Lord… always! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding! Just because you don’t see how something can be good doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Remember what God has done in our lives up to now and have those things inform your understanding of YOUR life events. Last, the only person who loves you more than your mom and me is God. We’ll always say and do what we believe is good for you all to the best of our ability. However, keep in mind what God does as found in Hebrews 12:6…

The Lord disciplines the one he loves… 9 We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.