Life Here and There

I just wanted to take a minute to pass along my own personal blessings gleaned from yesterday and from the whole Easter week. Here are some things that have touched my heart…

• Jesus was glorified all over the world as people presented the truth of the death, burial and resurrection.
• Our church was packed with people, some of whom brought friends and family to hear the message.
• My parents came into town and spent the weekend with us, so we hung out, talked, and ate a lot.
• I mentioned on Palm Sunday that anybody donating plastic eggs should probably stuff them with little Milky Ways (I’m a caramel nut). Yesterday morning, I discovered a whole package on my desk!
• Justin and I received an enormous gift last week. A church member was burdened to make a donation to purchase for each of us a copy of the Logos Bible Software: Scholar’s Library, which is loaded with material!
• We had great sunrise service in spite of the rain, and a wonderful breakfast together as a church family.

I could name more, but wanted to take just a minute and praise God for His goodness today! Easter, for me, is not the culmination of our preparation for it so much as it is the fresh beginning of a renewed sensitivity to the work of the living Christ all around us. I’m awake and ready for whatever He has next for us at Bethel. Bring it on, God, I’ll try to be ready!

Dear Family and Friends,

It seems impossible that three years have passed since we moved our family to northwest Arkansas. . We feel so overwhelmed when we think about all with which God has blessed us since coming home to Bethel.

Ella started the first grade and seems to be coming out of her shell a “little” bit-(she gets that from her daddy). One of our greatest gifts this year was Ella making the decision to place her trust in Christ and accept Him as Savor. We look forward to her baptism in January. Angie continues her work as a therapist with children and families. She faces unique challenges everyday with children and families that have been wounded by this world and it’s a constant reminder that there are hurting people all around us-in need of redemption. In addition to loving ministry as Bethel’s Pastor, Brandon has also taken up the hobby of graphic and web design. In Angie’s words, he “plays on his computer.”

Many of you are aware that we are continually praying and seeking God’s plan for our family- in particular “growing” our family. This year has not been without its difficulties; however a cute little furry dog name Beau was added to the Cox household and he has been sweet comfort for a little girl’s heart who has prayed daily for a brother or sister. Please keep us in your prayers that we will know and embrace the Father’s will for us as a family.

This year we will travel to St. Louis to be with Angie’s family for the Holiday. We look forward to her mom’s great cooking, singing Christmas carols around the piano (yes they really do that) and reading the Christmas story on Christmas morning! We won’t get to travel to Kentucky this year, and we will dearly miss our family and friends there.

This is a season to rejoice-to celebrate God’s great gift to us-Emmanuel! We pray for God’s blessing to be upon each of you this Christmas and throughout the coming new year.

We love you all-

Brandon, Angie, & Ella Grace Cox