Update from North Carolina

We have been here in North Carolina for 3 months now and the time has flown by. Sabrina is continuing her photography business but it's taking some time to build a new cliental. Graydon loves to climb anything he can and recently discovered how to climb in his crib...enjoy the video of that below:) I have applied for a part-time unpaid chaplaincy internship at Wayne Memorial Hospital from January to May. I believe this experience will enable me to develop skills and use my giftedness. If accepted I look forward to interacting with patients, nurses and doctors regularly. It also gives me the future possibility to do a year residency at one of the hospitals in Raleigh or perhaps work with Hospice.

The Church plant we are part-time staff with is going well. We have an average attendance of 30 people coming and some of our core families have been wanting to serve more. We hope to be closer to where Excel Church is located, since right now we are only able to commute on the weekends with such a far drive. Since Excel is a new church plant and are limited with their funds, our family is trying to raise financial support. Sabrina and I are looking for financial and prayer partners. The tax deductible funds that are donated will help our family to better serve at Excel Church. If you would like to partner with us, we can email you more info or send a letter. Sorry we were not able to send Christmas cards out to everyone this year as finances are tight, but hope you enjoy the E Christmas card above. We love you all and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. We have so much to be thankful for no matter what circumstances we may be facing. Joy and Blessings. -The Whites

"But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works." Psalm 77:11-12

Is that Jim Tressel or Graydon White

The last 5 years have been sweet for Buckeye fans, not so much for Michigan fans:)

Graydon's stunt video

This was about the fourth time he had done this...he has no fear!

Cousin Jordan turns 5




Jordan and Graydon with his signature cup of cereal


Graydon riding the elephant at the HollyFest in Holly Springs

Walking through a corn maze with the Didways. I think Graydon did a better job of leading us through than the rest of us did.




Graydon in the kids hay maze


Graydon riding on his first merry-go-round with Grandma Rousay who loves them!


Sabrina's cousin Blake became an Eagle Scout, congrats bro!

"God's Waiting Room" by Jer

What are you waiting on right now? Is it a job, a Dr’s report, money to pay the bills, confirmation on a decision you’ve made, a loved one to come back from war? The other important question is what is God teaching you during this time? If you’re missing what God’s trying to teach us, then you’re missing one of the most important things.

Isaiah 40:11, 28-31 says, “God tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope (wait) in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

God is compassionate and extends grace to us more than we deserve. He provides while we wait on Him. Even though we may get tired, God does not and if we wait upon the Lord our strength will be renewed. What I have learned so far about waiting during this season. 1. Waiting is just important as the destination, and God has a bigger purpose in the wait then I can imagine. 2. Waiting is not always passive, but active and we need to constantly be seeking God as He honors persistent prayer. 3. Waiting has allowed me to see where my trust lies and God wants me to realize that I am not in control, which should bring freedom. 4. Waiting is allowing me to remember where my identity lies and that no matter what my job title is, nothing changes that I am a child of God. 5. Waiting can provide some of the sweetest moments with the Father and we need to find contentment with where we are at and enjoy our relationship with God. “Your greatest need is not for all your problems to go away. Your greatest need is for your heart to become calm before God so you can experience the peaceful presence of Christ in the midst of fearful situations.”-Unknown

My best friends in Ohio celebrating Brad's Birthday, Happy 30th Bro!


The leaves were starting to change colors when we were out there last month


Playing in my parent's back field

"Fear" by Jer

I want to be like my son Graydon when I grow up! That may sound weird, but let me explain. I watch Graydon play and interact all day long and am amazed at how he throws himself into everything. Just last week I was with my family in Hilton Head, SC and watching Graydon run into the ocean full throttle amazed me. Here he is 32 inches short and 23 pounds and takes on this vast powerful ocean like it’s a puddle. Now I know he doesn’t understand exactly how powerful that ocean is and that it has been responsible for causing a lot of devastation since the beginning of time. However, my son enjoys life and isn’t afraid to live it. Graydon also knew that I was right by his side in that ocean and that I wasn’t going to let anything happen to him.

Are we really enjoying life or have we let fear prevent us from really living? As we get older we let disappointments, past pain, trials, circumstances and people dictate more about how we go about the day than we should. We lose the sense of being like little children in the hands of a powerful God who wants us to enjoy life with no fear. Exodus 14:13-14 says, “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still”. How incredible that our part is to remain still while God fights for His people! Ask God today what fears are holding you back from enjoying playing in the ocean of life.

(Enjoy the pics and videos of my son living life and how he allows us to enjoy it with him.) If grace were an ocean, we’re all sinking-John Mark McMillan

Toddler roller coaster, if they made this for adults I think I would get one:)

Bikin on the beach

Hilton Head, SC

We went to Hilton Head, SC for a family vacation and stayed at a great House that was just a couple of blocks away from the beach. Thanks family for a fun and relaxing week.




Graydon making Grandpa laugh


Graydon with his cousins


Ready to hit some waves


Momma making G laugh

Graydon playing on the beach the 1st day. He didn't get to really play in it until the next day.








Ahoy, my little niece London Grace, my sister's little girl

I had the honor to marry my friend John from High School and his new bride Kara




A beautiful reception, to check out more pics of the wedding go to my wife's blog at defininggracephoto.com or her facebook


The family keeps growing

Crusin


Sabrina, my parents and I had the opportunity to go to an Amish wedding when we were home. A unique experience and great food!



Graydon loves his playground slides


Graydon helping to take Cousin Summer to school


Graydon and Georgie

Excel Church Plant in Holly Springs, NC

We are really excited to be on staff with all of the families that are a part of Excel Church Ministries. We had over 50 visitors come on our first Sunday launch on September 13th and have enjoyed getting to know everyone.

Us after service


The daycare we rent out to have services before set up


After set up...a lot of work but all worth it!


Our Lead Pastor Tony Didway bringing the message


Pastor Tony's wife Angela does our greeting and also provides Family Counseling

Hilarie and Pastor Aaron leading worship, he also provides financial planning and coaching.


Aaron's wife Cheri with the kids during Creation Station


Pastor Jacob working the audio and video also leads our young adults group.


Jacob's wife Ashley and Yvonne serving up some great Java Divine coffee. Ashley is a trainer and keeps us all motivated with her fitness group.