I have avoided as much of the Dec. 14, 2012, Connecticut school shooting as possible. My wife first brought it to my attention at lunch on that Friday and the thoughts of the shooting and its youngest victims have been on her mind constantly. Facebook updates, news reports, theories of what happened, etc.
I have avoided it.
Why? I'm not sure that I want to see it. I know I don't want to see it. I can't imagine what those poor children and faculty went through on that awful day. I don't want to think about what kind of monster could do such a thing.
I've heard the discussions about where was God, this wouldn't have happened if..., etc. I always find it ironic that the very ones who don't want God mentioned in society are the very ones that ask where He is during times of distress.
Dr. Bob Rogers, pastor of First Baptist Church of Rincon, Ga., posted on 12/14 on his blog: http://bobrogers.me/category/bible-teaching/. He has some very wise things to say regarding times of distress. Go read it now.
As for me, my hope and faith and trust is in my God. I love Him. I know He will work all things to my good and for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And I'm also reminded of Romans 8:39 that says nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy. I can't bear the thought of something happening to my Audrey or Zachary or Missy. But I know that God is in control. He knows what is ahead and He is already there.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Beginnings upon beginnings
The past month has been a blur.
Zachary decided that Sept. 14 was not his birthday. Missy was at the doctor for a nonstress test and check-up. It was the only doctor appointment that I missed. Mom went with her. Turns out, they sent her straight to the hospital. I was in a meeting in Sylvester, but I quickly hopped in the car and drove to Albany. I called my sister Nancy and told her that Zachary was on his way. Her speechless reaction was priceless!
We went through all the check-in procedures and Zachary was born at 3:10 p.m. on 9/11/12. He was 8lbs 8oz and 20.5" long. He spent several days in the NICU because of grunting/breathing issues. Otherwise, he was ok. We were discharged on Saturday, Sept. 15. Mommy and Baby have been doing great! Audrey is enjoying Zachary, but keeps calling him her baby. :)
The Statesboro house closed on 9/12. The lawyers FedEx-ed the papers to me and I spread them out on the nurse's station at the nursery in the hospital to sign/notarize them. I FedEx-ed them back and the house closed on Sept. 12. :-)
I began my new job as song leader at First Baptist Church of Doerun on Sunday, Oct. 7. I'm nervous about it, but excited. Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly.
Missy and I had talked about my vacant English position and whether or not she should apply. I told her to go for it if she was interested. She applied, but didn't hear anything for a while. The principal's secretary called her on Oct. 5 to come in for an interview on Oct. 8. Missy was incredibly nervous, but I tried to prep her as much as possible, so that she'd know what to expect. The principal called the next day and offered her the job and she accepted! She'll start as soon as the doctor clears her to go back to work after the c-section.
God is SO good. I continue to be overwhelmed by His goodness and mercy. He has been SO amazing to us during these last few months. Everything has just fallen into place, in His perfect will, in His perfect timing.
Zachary decided that Sept. 14 was not his birthday. Missy was at the doctor for a nonstress test and check-up. It was the only doctor appointment that I missed. Mom went with her. Turns out, they sent her straight to the hospital. I was in a meeting in Sylvester, but I quickly hopped in the car and drove to Albany. I called my sister Nancy and told her that Zachary was on his way. Her speechless reaction was priceless!
We went through all the check-in procedures and Zachary was born at 3:10 p.m. on 9/11/12. He was 8lbs 8oz and 20.5" long. He spent several days in the NICU because of grunting/breathing issues. Otherwise, he was ok. We were discharged on Saturday, Sept. 15. Mommy and Baby have been doing great! Audrey is enjoying Zachary, but keeps calling him her baby. :)
The Statesboro house closed on 9/12. The lawyers FedEx-ed the papers to me and I spread them out on the nurse's station at the nursery in the hospital to sign/notarize them. I FedEx-ed them back and the house closed on Sept. 12. :-)
I began my new job as song leader at First Baptist Church of Doerun on Sunday, Oct. 7. I'm nervous about it, but excited. Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly.
Missy and I had talked about my vacant English position and whether or not she should apply. I told her to go for it if she was interested. She applied, but didn't hear anything for a while. The principal's secretary called her on Oct. 5 to come in for an interview on Oct. 8. Missy was incredibly nervous, but I tried to prep her as much as possible, so that she'd know what to expect. The principal called the next day and offered her the job and she accepted! She'll start as soon as the doctor clears her to go back to work after the c-section.
God is SO good. I continue to be overwhelmed by His goodness and mercy. He has been SO amazing to us during these last few months. Everything has just fallen into place, in His perfect will, in His perfect timing.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Zachary's on his way
Sept. 14 is the scheduled c-section date for Zachary. That's the name we're using for our second child, a boy, who is growing very fast in his Mommy's belly. As of Sept. 4, 2012, Zachary was already measuring 8lbs 9oz. The Albany OB/GYN folks had scheduled his c-section on Sept. 17, but for our concerns, we moved it back a few days...actually, Sept. 14 is the date that Statesboro OB/GYN had said.
So, we're in hurry-up-and-get-ready mode. The house still has many boxes sitting around. We want to get it in good shape so that when the in-laws arrive on Sept. 12-13, things will be semi-normal. By the way, the Statesboro house is under contract and will close on Sept. 12.
God continues to bless and lead in many ways. We're trying to be sensitive to His calling.
Look for pictures of Zachary soon!
So, we're in hurry-up-and-get-ready mode. The house still has many boxes sitting around. We want to get it in good shape so that when the in-laws arrive on Sept. 12-13, things will be semi-normal. By the way, the Statesboro house is under contract and will close on Sept. 12.
God continues to bless and lead in many ways. We're trying to be sensitive to His calling.
Look for pictures of Zachary soon!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Moving again
So I moved classrooms again. Last Monday, actually. (Aug. 13)
I find it incredibly interesting to think that I moved into the trailer (ECHS rooms 815-816) and stayed from 2000 to 2011 when I moved in the building to room 604. Then, I moved out again in Dec. 2011 so that they could renovate the room for the broadcast studio/graphics lab. Then, I moved back in the room in Jan. 2012 only to move back out in June 2012 when I got the Worth County job. I moved in to WCHS room 111 in July 2012 only to move out on Aug. 13 to move into room 149 because I became the broadcast teacher.
God continues to move and bless in our lives. I had hoped to one day move into the broadcast position, but after teaching English for only 2 weeks, He granted the desire of my heart. Not only did He do that, He provided another opportunity for renovations (they're adding a new studio and control room) and I have to spend a $90,000 federal grant to buy new equipment. :-)
He has truly amazed me with how many blessings He has given. Good health, great family, awesome opportunities. He has blessed with good preaching to listen to on the radio (still looking for a good Southern Gospel station) on the way to work. So many other things to list; too numerous for here.
Missy is continuing along well. Baby Boy Holt is due by c-section on Sept. 17. She is enjoying staying at home and resting as much as possible. She hopes to head back to technical college in the spring to finish her cosmetology degree.
We've been trying to find a church, too. We've been looking for a place that God obviously wants us to be, but has the youth and childrens programs we want for Audrey and The Boy. We've had some very interesting experiences so far, but we're still looking. All part of the process, right?
Prayers for the days ahead are welcome. Lots going on, lots of upcoming stress. BUT, God's already there and has lots of wonderful things planned!
I find it incredibly interesting to think that I moved into the trailer (ECHS rooms 815-816) and stayed from 2000 to 2011 when I moved in the building to room 604. Then, I moved out again in Dec. 2011 so that they could renovate the room for the broadcast studio/graphics lab. Then, I moved back in the room in Jan. 2012 only to move back out in June 2012 when I got the Worth County job. I moved in to WCHS room 111 in July 2012 only to move out on Aug. 13 to move into room 149 because I became the broadcast teacher.
God continues to move and bless in our lives. I had hoped to one day move into the broadcast position, but after teaching English for only 2 weeks, He granted the desire of my heart. Not only did He do that, He provided another opportunity for renovations (they're adding a new studio and control room) and I have to spend a $90,000 federal grant to buy new equipment. :-)
He has truly amazed me with how many blessings He has given. Good health, great family, awesome opportunities. He has blessed with good preaching to listen to on the radio (still looking for a good Southern Gospel station) on the way to work. So many other things to list; too numerous for here.
Missy is continuing along well. Baby Boy Holt is due by c-section on Sept. 17. She is enjoying staying at home and resting as much as possible. She hopes to head back to technical college in the spring to finish her cosmetology degree.
We've been trying to find a church, too. We've been looking for a place that God obviously wants us to be, but has the youth and childrens programs we want for Audrey and The Boy. We've had some very interesting experiences so far, but we're still looking. All part of the process, right?
Prayers for the days ahead are welcome. Lots going on, lots of upcoming stress. BUT, God's already there and has lots of wonderful things planned!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Making changes
http://savannahnow.com/effingham-now/2012-07-12/voice-rebels-signing
My yearbook editor for 2012-13 (Hannah Boyd) wrote that article for EffinghamNOW back at the beginning of July 2012. I tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted. I've never been one for the lime light...I prefer the term modest...but I went along with what Hannah wanted. If you've read the article, you know she hit a home run...not about the topic, but about how well written it was.
It's been a whirlwind of activity since May 30, the day I got the call about an interview at Worth County High. Honestly, as I said in the article, Missy and I hoped we could one day--some day--move closer to family, but we never imagined it would be now. June 6 was the interview date with the job offer coming on June 7. We prayed that if it was God's will for this to happen, He'd give us the faith and strength to step through that open door.
My biggest concern: making sure we weren't forcing doors open. I never wanted to push open a door and force my will instead of His will. So far, we're being amazed day by day at God's blessings on our family. He has provided so much for us and made the way clear. We have no doubt about this.
It has been a bittersweet time for me. I love Effingham County High School and fully expected to work many more years--even finish out my career--there. Such wonderful people, such wonderful students, so many wonderful opportunities provided to me while I worked there a dozen years. I was truly blessed to be there from 2000 to 2012.
At the same time, it is exciting to be close to Mom and Dad for my two children (the boy is due to be born Sept. 17, 2012) to enjoy. I'm also looking forward to being able to go visit Missy's family in West Virginia more often. It will be quite interesting to be walking the halls of my alma mater, Worth County High. It's been almost 20 years since I graduated (1993), so while many of the teacher names have changed, some are still there from my days as a student.
So many things to do, so many more things to pack/organize. I joked with Mom and Dad the other day about the things in life that cause the most stress: new job, new place to live, new baby due, etc. I laughed and said it seemed as though Missy and I were just checking them all off the list. lol
Most coveted thing right now? Your prayers. Prayer for endurance. Prayer for clarity of mind and calmness. Prayers for Audrey to adapt to all this change. She knows something's going on, but she doesn't know what. Pray for Missy not to be overwhelmed. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of Baby Boy Holt. Pray that I'd be the family leader I need to be.
As one chapter closes, and another chapter opens, I'm excited. New opportunity for Missy and me to find a church together, find/build a house together, etc. It'll be fun! :-) We'll keep you posted as it happens.
AND AS ALWAYS,
Holt
My yearbook editor for 2012-13 (Hannah Boyd) wrote that article for EffinghamNOW back at the beginning of July 2012. I tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted. I've never been one for the lime light...I prefer the term modest...but I went along with what Hannah wanted. If you've read the article, you know she hit a home run...not about the topic, but about how well written it was.
It's been a whirlwind of activity since May 30, the day I got the call about an interview at Worth County High. Honestly, as I said in the article, Missy and I hoped we could one day--some day--move closer to family, but we never imagined it would be now. June 6 was the interview date with the job offer coming on June 7. We prayed that if it was God's will for this to happen, He'd give us the faith and strength to step through that open door.
My biggest concern: making sure we weren't forcing doors open. I never wanted to push open a door and force my will instead of His will. So far, we're being amazed day by day at God's blessings on our family. He has provided so much for us and made the way clear. We have no doubt about this.
It has been a bittersweet time for me. I love Effingham County High School and fully expected to work many more years--even finish out my career--there. Such wonderful people, such wonderful students, so many wonderful opportunities provided to me while I worked there a dozen years. I was truly blessed to be there from 2000 to 2012.
At the same time, it is exciting to be close to Mom and Dad for my two children (the boy is due to be born Sept. 17, 2012) to enjoy. I'm also looking forward to being able to go visit Missy's family in West Virginia more often. It will be quite interesting to be walking the halls of my alma mater, Worth County High. It's been almost 20 years since I graduated (1993), so while many of the teacher names have changed, some are still there from my days as a student.
So many things to do, so many more things to pack/organize. I joked with Mom and Dad the other day about the things in life that cause the most stress: new job, new place to live, new baby due, etc. I laughed and said it seemed as though Missy and I were just checking them all off the list. lol
Most coveted thing right now? Your prayers. Prayer for endurance. Prayer for clarity of mind and calmness. Prayers for Audrey to adapt to all this change. She knows something's going on, but she doesn't know what. Pray for Missy not to be overwhelmed. Pray for the safety and wellbeing of Baby Boy Holt. Pray that I'd be the family leader I need to be.
As one chapter closes, and another chapter opens, I'm excited. New opportunity for Missy and me to find a church together, find/build a house together, etc. It'll be fun! :-) We'll keep you posted as it happens.
AND AS ALWAYS,
Holt
Friday, January 27, 2012
Finally checking in
I am quite amazed that I haven't blogged in more than a year...nearly two. But, I guess I can catch you up.
Audrey was born on 7/28/10; she's now 18 months old as of Jan. 28, 2012. She is amazing and active and into everything!
Missy has decided to pursue a different career and is now into full time cosmetology school. She is working part time at Chick-fil-a and is enjoying every minute of it.
I'm inside the building now, teaching graphics, broadcast, and journalism. It has been busy, but really good. I'm getting the hang of it. :-)
We're in Columbus this weekend for the TIEGA winter conference (Trade & Industrial Educators of Georgia) and it has been really good so far. I probably should go to bed shortly because it will be time to get up soon.
I'm looking forward to the broadcast sessions tomorrow so I can see what others in the state are doing and I can borrow lots of ideas.
I'm enjoying the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer design/layout and it was nice to watch other newscasts on TV tonight. I'm getting ready to launch The Rebel newspaper online...I'm going to use Word Press or blogspot to do it...hoping to have a more up-to-date, technologically advanced news source for ECHS. We'll still print a paper several times a year, but we'll try to devote more time and energy to the online product.
Ok. Enough for now. Maybe I'll post again soon? lol. We'll see.
Audrey was born on 7/28/10; she's now 18 months old as of Jan. 28, 2012. She is amazing and active and into everything!
Missy has decided to pursue a different career and is now into full time cosmetology school. She is working part time at Chick-fil-a and is enjoying every minute of it.
I'm inside the building now, teaching graphics, broadcast, and journalism. It has been busy, but really good. I'm getting the hang of it. :-)
We're in Columbus this weekend for the TIEGA winter conference (Trade & Industrial Educators of Georgia) and it has been really good so far. I probably should go to bed shortly because it will be time to get up soon.
I'm looking forward to the broadcast sessions tomorrow so I can see what others in the state are doing and I can borrow lots of ideas.
I'm enjoying the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer design/layout and it was nice to watch other newscasts on TV tonight. I'm getting ready to launch The Rebel newspaper online...I'm going to use Word Press or blogspot to do it...hoping to have a more up-to-date, technologically advanced news source for ECHS. We'll still print a paper several times a year, but we'll try to devote more time and energy to the online product.
Ok. Enough for now. Maybe I'll post again soon? lol. We'll see.
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