The Hillman's

The Ocean, Sea Word, USS Alabama...

2011-07-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

Worship & Vacation Memories

2011-07-12T15:48:00.001-05:00

I know it's a strange title, but really, it should be nothing less. I'll seek to explain it with our story:
     We were blessed to be able to take a break from the business of this world, lock ourselves in our suburban for 13 hours, and be a family focusing on one another and the granduer of God's beautiful creation! Just being in a car together for that many hours is bound to build some character....in all of us, but to see God's mighty hand at work in our plans draws our hearts to worship. And, isn't that what this life is all about!!!!
    We began our trip on June 26th, and as I was just relaxing in the hummm of the air conditioner it came to me that it was my birthday. Not just any birthday, but the day my soul had life breathed into to. It was 20 years before at Bogg Springs Youth Camp that I sat in a service, and through the gracious hand of the Holy Spirit realized my need of a Saviour. I took one of my best friends back to the cabin with me, climbed under a bunk bed, and cried my heart out to God. I repented of my sins, asked Him to cleanse me and make me white as snow, and to take control of my life. Now, 20 years later, sitting with my husband who loves the Lord, with 3 beautiful chidren, and soaking up the glorious thought that I am a redeemed child of the King...I must say I was overcome with worship! Jonathan and I began to talk about different ways that we had seen God's mighty hand at work. As I look at all the things of this world that I was exposed to at an early age, things that include ungodly anger, pornograpy, alcoholism, pride, deceitfulness, and the list goes on, it is amazing that God protected my heart and sought me for himself. I could have so been drawn into so many different lifestyles of sin, not to mention the fact that my own sinful heart was wicked enough without the opportunity of new sins! Even with all the things I was exposed to, it doesn't make my salvation any more significant than Jonathan's salvation who at the age of 5 after being raised in a God focused home was convicted of his sin and need of a saviour.  It's just a wonderful and unimaginable thought to realize that we've done nothing to deserve or earn the new heart and life that has so freely been handed to us.
With these thoughts heavy on my heart we headed to Florida. On day two we reaced Tampa, where we headed to Turtle Beach to give the kids a dose of some of God's handiwork. On our way there we talked about how God made the ocean and all the waters of the Earth and how He told them to stay in place. On the different beaches of our vacation, we talked about the sand and how God knows how many grains there are. It doesn't bring much excitment to a 4, 3, & 2 year old, but with 20 years of worshiping the God of creation behind me...well, it brought tears to my eyes to think that God would care about me. Jada saw the tears and quickly hugged me, smiled and ran off into the waves.   She knew they were happy tears b/c she sees them often, but I don't appologize. I want her to know that my heart overflows with thankfulness.
   On days 3-5 we stayed in Orando where we prepared to do a timeshare tour (this was part of our hotel/seaworld ticket vochure). It ended up that there was a misunederstanding, of which I tried to fix for 2 hours but did not succeed. The experience left me in tears over frustration, but Jonathan immediately helped me to focus. In the end it really didn't matter, we were all together, having a wonderful time and we would continue to enjoy God's blessing....just differently than planned. He prayed with me and immediately my heart was calm. Later on that day we meet with Aunt Ne Ne and Clint for supper, and by then I had been able to completely rest in God's plans for our time...and not mine!
    On Thursday we left our hotel at 8:30 headed for Sea World where we spent the day blessed again by the many thoughts of the marvelous mind of our Lord. The kids were dazzeled as well. Ian and Eli loved the dolphins, sharks, and fish while Jada celebrated the roller coasters and stingrays. Clint was an expert tour guide and Aunt Ne Ne was well, the wonderful Aunt Ne Ne that she is! We are thankful for our family!  It was a wonderful day! We left the park late that evening and decided to head towards Arkansas. It was such a peaceful trip home because we were able to take our time, play on new beaches, and even tour the USS Alabama in Mobile. When we arrived at home late on Saturday we went to bed thankful for all the many blessings that God had allowed us to enjoy.
    With all the many blessings and joys that this world has to offer, I pray that Jonathan and I spend more time dazzeling our children with God's greatness and less time with the things of this world. In 20 years I don't want them to have a great appreciation for sports, nature, music, history, and to want to spend their time seeking the next thing that will dazzel them. After our vacation, and thoughts of my own walk with Christ, I am convicted that Jonathan and I dedicate even more time to showing our children what it means to worship the Lord and not this world. "Where your treaure is, there your heart will be also". Matthew 6:23 rings constantly in my heart. We are always worshiping something! Is it the world or the Lord? I know that how I worship affects how I treat other Christians (Rom.14:18): winning the lost is a result of worship (Rom. 15:16), Philippians 4:18 says my holiness is an act of worship, prayer for others is worship (1 Tim. 2:3), gratitude is worship (1 Tim. 5:4), and righteous suffering is worship (1 Pet. 2:20).
Worship is the most defining element of our lives! My prayer is that Jonathan and I will have hearts that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit as He teaches how to worship. Please God, give us "clean hands and pure hearts" that we may spend less time thinking about this world and more thinking on eternity! I'll close our vacation with a favorite Psalm of Kind David,

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation;

For You I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion

and your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Your lovingkindess remember me, for Your goodness' sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;

Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in justice,

And He teaches the humble His way.

All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the LORD?

He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I amy dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple.

Psalm 25:1-14; 27:4

May You be what Dazzels our Hearts!

Mother's Day Thoughts

2011-05-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

I can remember a very difficult couple of years when I dreaded sitting in church and listening to awards being given to the oldest mother, the mother with the most children present, the youngest mother, etc. I prayed earnestly that God would bless Jonathan and I with children. Children to raise in a godly home, children to nurture and love with the love of God, and hopefully children that would one day live for His glory as well. Today, I sit with little Eli in my lap, Ian to my right and Jada Kathryn leaning on his shoulder as we read the Bible together. Jonathan is fixing his supper, as he has just come in from work, and he interjects comments about the stories we are reading. Afterwards, he questions the kids about what we've read and they eagerly answer each time. I take a deep breath remembering the prayers I cried out to God and the answer I see before me. I know that God wants us to bring our greatest pains to Him, and that sometimes we see answers to those prayers and sometimes it seems that He doesn't hear....but we know in our hearts that everything is for His glory. So, as I recently celebrated a day that use to be painful, I am fully aware of those who are still praying. I ask God to give them a peace, and a joy about this life that only He can provide when we don't understand His plans for us.
This year I especially enjoyed Mother's Day as my pastor, Bro. Doug, read from 2 Timothy where we find that Timothy's faith comes as a result of his mother and grandmother's faithful life. I couldn't help but think how this was an example to those who have children and to those who do not. Every believing woman has the opportunity to be a spiritual mom to someone. If we are a child of the King, we should be sharing our faith with those around us, and specifically to those individuals that we come into contact with on a regular basis. We are pouring our lives into something, and the question is, what? Is it our hobbies (which are not bad in and of themselves), the t.v., yardwork, work outside of our homes, etc. I guess Karlyn, my sister-in-law, stated these truthes from Timothy very clearly in her song yesterday..."Generations will reap what I sow". What are we leaving behind for the generations that follow? It doesn't matter if they are our biological children or our spiritual children....what harvest will they reap from our lives?
Needless to say, it was a very powerful Mother's Day for me. From the joy and blessings of children, to the convicting message in church, to the sadness of a mother not here to hug, to a blessed afternoon with a loving and faithful mother-in-law, to laying down my head last night with the weight of responsibility that I awe to generations to come. I think I'll close these thoughts with a handwritten letter from Jonathan's grandmother, who though now in Heaven, she led the way for Jonathan to become a child of the King as she faithfully took her children to church.....and now generations later follow her lead. Her great-grandchildren are hearing the great truthes of Scripture because she was a faithful mother( with the help of her faithful husband).I was cleaing out an upper cabinet in her old house when I found this poem:
I prayed, "Oh, Lord, bless all the world.
And help me do my part".
And Straightway He commanded me to find a broken heart.
I prayed, "Oh, bless each hungry child.
May they be amply fed".
He said, "Go find a straying soul and share with him thy bread".
"Oh stir the hearts of men", I prayed
And make them good and true".
He answered, "There is just one way-
They must be stirred through you".
Dear friend, unless you really mean exactly what you say,
until you mean to work with God;
It's dangerous to pray!

May we be faithful to work for Him,and may our eyes see clearly where He's leading!

The Wind!

2011-04-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

I decided that since it was such a beautiful day and the kids were all asleep that I would take a long run. Most days I average 3 miles, but I like to get in long runs or endurance runs when I can. So, I set out for a light hearted six mile run. I begin my run facing East, and I hear the hummmmm of the wind blowing past me. I preatty much ignore the sound until 2 miles into my run I take a right turn and begin running South. With this one turn my body almost completely stops. I am now running into the craziest wind my Grant County mind can fathom. In Grant County we have trees, lots of them! As Jonathan would say, "This ain't Grant County, it's the Prairie Sweet Heart!". Determined as I was to finish my run, I pressed on. About 1/2 mile running South and I was ready to turn around. I knew that if I turned around that the wind would give life back to my tired legs. I could hear my high school coach saying, "Tuck your chin, drop your arms, relax and just run Rachel!".
As I continued on my way I couldn't help but think about running in relation to my walk with Christ. How often am I tempted to give up when situations get difficult. How often do I just want to turn around and feel the wind at my back. Sometimes God allows the wind to blow fiercley at us, sometimes He causes it to blow and then at other times He calms the winds of our life.
Several verses came to mind during this struggle to endure. I thought of James 1:2 where we are told to "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, b/c you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Then in verse 12 James tells me "Blessed is the man who perseveres under tial, b/c when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." And of course Phil 4:13 kept coming to mind, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
So often when I'm in a trial I just hear the constant hummm of the grass beside me, the electrical lines above me popping in the wind, and I feel pain in my very bones. It is during those times that I am the closest to my Lord, and it is during those times that I remember it is through His strength that I can do all things, not mine! So I prayed today, "God please help me to accept difficult relationships, challenges at work, emotional battles, and just struggles in general as tools that you use to make me more mature in my faith. Help me to live out what I know in my heart, and that is, this world is not my home."
Thankfully, God allows me to turn around and run with the wind more often than I run against it. But, my run today helped me to focus on my eternal purpose. I was reminded to tuck my chin (stay in God's Word), drop my arms (accept God's will and purpose for this day, without turning from it-embrace it), and just run (live one day at a time, focused on His glory).
When I got home I asked Jonathan if the winds were blowing around 18 miles per hour. He checked his ipone and laughed....they were 28 miles per hour with gusts of 32 miles per hour! Who needs Grant County hills when ya have Grand Prairie winds!!!!

Grumbling or Disputing!

2011-02-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

As I read and re-read Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" I am convicted of how many times a day I have to ask God to forgive me of this very sin! I have found myself this morning telling the kids to stop arguing, play sweetly, be loving, stop complaining, share, share, share, and share! I wonder if God feels the frustration with me that I feel with the kids. Does He ever want to throw His arms up in surrender? Thankfully, I know the answer. His mercies are new every morning, and his grace is enough for all my failures.
I guess today God is working on the part of me that grumbles and the part of me that does not embrace the humble and quiet spirit that I am called to in 1 Peter 3:4. I know that God is good and that I am blessed, it's just that I don't always act like it. My words and my thoughts show that I am not focused on the eternal and that's when I become the grumbler who has a loud spirit.
This past week we said good-bye to my sweet Grandma, and just thinking about her legacy has really convicted me of the previous struggles I guess. It was such a blessing to be able to let her go knowing that she was going home! My memories of her include those of her taking me to church, reading the Bible to me, teaching me to cook, letting me go with her to visit and take care of the elderly or widowed, and watching her love her children and grandchildren by word and deed. She loved the Lord and her words proved her faith. Her spirit was always humble and quiet and that's what made her so comforting to all she came in contact with. She left a legacy that will be handed down for many generations to come! I pray that someday my grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren can say the same of me, and that God's great love is thought of just at the mention of my name.

2011-01-02T16:30:00.003-06:00

2010 has come and GONE!

2011-01-02T07:23:00.002-06:00

This season of our lives has brought many sweet memories, and we give thanks to our Lord for His unfailing goodness. Jonathan & Ryan had a difficult year farming with a combine that kept breaking, too much heat, too many bugs, poor rice prices, etc. BUT God has provided for our every need and probably too many our wants. Farming is a way of living that constantly keeps us reminded of God's sovereignty and providence!
We have spent another year living on the farm and in the home that Jonathan's Grandfather gave us. There are so many wonderful things that we get to experience as we live in the wide open beauty of God's creation. Ian, who is now 3 1/2, loves the fact that his daddy works on a tractor (sometimes in the front yard), that we have barn owls, that horses roam near by, that on clear nights the heaven's come alive, and above all he absolutely loves to play in the fresh plowed dirt! Ian is quickly developing the fine art of being able to sit on tractors for hours at a time. I must say I am pleased at this not only because it allows me some free time with only two children, but because I think it helps him see that there is a time to "be still and know that I am God". Jonathan uses their time together to teach him about farming but also to plant seeds in his little heart that will hopefully someday produce fruit! Ian enjoys watching Deigo and many other cartoons that we have to limit him to. He has a sweetness about him that I pray God protects, but I must say he is quite firery when his sister becomes too opinionated.
Jada Kathryn loves the farm as well but for many other reasons. She loves the fact that her Uncle David lives right down the road, and he comes to visit fairly often with ice cream bars, rides on the four wheeler, horse rides, and lots of hugs and kisses. And he is only allowed to call her "honey" which she adores! Jada really enjoys summer time when she can run half-clothed through a sprinkler in the front yard...OK, well no clothes if she thinks she can get away with it! Jada is very aware of her adoption, and she is often full of deep questions. A few months ago, while we were saying her bedtime prayers, she asked me if Mirna carried her in her tommie. I explained to her that Mirna only took care of her until we were allowed to bring her home, and that we were never told the name of the lady that carried her in her tommie. Her reply was one of great depth. She simply said, "Mom, Can we call her Grace". So for some time now we have been praying for a lady that we call "Grace". Jada spends a lot of her time coloring, looking at books, and talking! For a four year old she has a pretty impressive vocabulary, and I pray God uses this gift of gab for His glory some day.
Then there's sweet little 19 month old Eli. As the baby child he takes his role seriously. He spends his time following Jada and Ian around watching their every move, and he has just recently begun to mock Ian with every step. Words are coming more easily now, a few weeks ago he repeated back to me "I love you", and of course he melted my heart. I will have to say that he melts his daddy's art as well though. When Jonathan goes to leave for work Eli will try to put on his shoes and all the time saying "Me too" "Me too"! While Ian has a sweetness, Eli has a gentle, loving spirit that draws you to him. Eli likes to play with cars and tractors and he has already spent several hours on the tractor with his daddy. As spring time draws closer I think he will follow in Ian's footsteps and begin longing for long days at work with his daddy.
Jonathan has been busy this past year working on renovations to our home, and I must say I have been very impressed! He and his brother Ryan must have gotten their Papa's carpenter abilities. The have taken walls down past the studs and rebuilt rooms, laid tile, sheet rocked walls and ceilings, put in recessed lighting, and the list goes on! It has been such a blessing not only financially but also relationally as I have watched my husband of now 10 years make a home for his family! Jonathan spent the past few weeks entertaining friends and family with duck hunts on the farm, and he took Ian on his first deer hunt (they've killed ducks, but no deer).
I still work three days a week as a "pharmacy tech/accounts person" at Coker Hampton. I love my bosses, and they have blessed me in so many ways. God has provided this job so that our health insurance is taken care of and I am still allowed to be at home the other four days. I treasure my days at home with my children, and I try to invest every moment that I can into training them in the ways of the Lord. I pray God helps me do it better in the months and years ahead. I have always ran as a hobby, but this past year I decided to use my hobby to raise money for causes that I thought were important (like Easter Seals). I ran my first of what I hope to be many more 1/2 marathons. Jonathan has joyfully taken care of all three of the kids when I leave early on Saturday mornings to go run my 5k/10k's. Running in races has also opened up the opportunity for new relationships with other ladies that run. Some are Believers and some aren't, but having something in common to talk about helps build bridges that normally I wouldn't have. My prayer is that God uses my hobby for His glory, and when it's time to move on to something else- that I will without hesitation.
Now that we can access our blog I hope to do better in posting things that are going on in our family, and in posting the many ways that God is teaching our family and me personally as a wife, mom, and child of the King. I look forward to 2011 and I'll begin this year with a prayer from Scripture, "Two things I ask of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God (Proverbs 30: 7-9)."

Up & Going Again!

2010-12-06T22:48:00.002-06:00

After 1 1/2 years we have finally gotten enough time to stop and change passwords and sign in again to our account! Hopefully we'll be up and bloggin soon!

A Season for Everything!

2009-03-10T09:26:00.007-05:00

Wow, it's already March...the buffalo nates are out, flowers are blooming, the smell of fresh plowed soil is in the air, and Easter (Resurrection Day) is on its way. So much has happened in the past few months. We celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jada became an official citizen of the state, we celebrated Great Grandma Winston turning 90, and we said goodbye to a sweet and loving mom and Grandma of 59 years. There is a season for everything! "He has made everything appropriate in its time....I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor- it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him." (Ecclesiastes 3:11-14). There is such hope in the fact that the God of creation is in control, and this same God-the God of my Salvation, is involved in every aspect of my life. Praise God!!!!

On a much lighter note the kids are into everything...they get into dresser drawers (top ones) and sit while playing with clothes, they get into the bathtub (with their clothes on), they pull anything and everything off of kitchen cabinets, and the list goes on. Ian is now talking (despite his sisters constant "noise")and he loves ice cream with dad. Jada is in "big girl panies" and she likes to play dress up. They are such a joy!

We are in the process of remodeling and moving into Grandpa Web's house. We should be in sometime in the next month...hopefully before the new Hillman makes his entrance. Eli's due date is May 3, but most likely I'll be induced at the end of April since Ian came so quickly. I really don't want to go into labor 1 1/2 hours away from my doctor. We'll see what happens.

We look forward to God's plans for us in the future -future "seasons", and we pray our simple lives will bring Him glory.We thank God for His goodness, His comfort, and His promise to never leave us or forsake us!

2008-11-06T20:23:00.005-06:00

Over the past 2 months Jada has turned two, and we can officially say that she has entered the terrible two's- although she's been there for a few months already:) Ian has learned to find those things that bring Jada joy, present them to her, and then run in the opposite direction laughing has hard as he can. It's really quite fun to watch.

We had an opportunity to go to the Memphis Zoo and both kids loved the animals. Ian referred to the lions and tigers as "cats"- they're his favorite! Jada liked the pandas and the giraffes.

We had our annual Fall Festival on the 31st of October. Jada was a ballerina and Ian wore a Arkansas Razorback jersey. Their favorite thing was jumping on the air-up toys. They did this with their cousin Sawyer for 2 hours straight!

We look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas! It's so fun teaching them about the holidays and why we celebrate. We pray God's joy and peace are real to you as we approach these special days. Even though some have sad memories during these days, there is such comfort in being reminded that our God is still in control!

Simple Joys!

2008-09-09T14:37:00.005-05:00

While it's been a very busy month, it was one filled with many joys! Ian got his first hair cut, Jada started dance (ballet & tap), Jada is potty-training, Brian & Janet have been able to spend time with their neice and nephew (and us!), a new cousin -Gentry Madison, fresh corn, okra, & tomatoes, and many more simple joys- Thanks God! Hope you enjoy these pics!

Pictures

2008-07-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

Memories

2008-07-17T15:16:00.004-05:00

We've had an eventful summer, as I'm sure most people with toddlers do. In June we found out that Jada (our little Lebanese beauty) is allergic to mosquito's!!!!! And as you know, we live in mosquito land. Due to an infection on her calf we were admitted into Children's Hospital for 24 hours of antibiotics by i.v. That was crazy to say the least. Jada survived her cage of a bed, and now we just make sure to spray her with bug spray any time we leave the house.
Ian has changed so much over the past 6 weeks. About 3 or 4 weeks ago he decided to walk, and then 2 weeks ago he decided "no more baby food"(Yippee), and then this past week he turned 1! Needless to say he and Jada are everywhere. They are such a blessing!

God has also returned to us Brian & Janet! After 12 years in California God has called them to serve Him in Arkansas of all places. I was prepared for Africa or China or any place other than Arkansas! They are looking for jobs and a place to live as they prepare to seek God's guidance for beginning a church plant in the Cabot area. We are so grateful to have them here with us, and we look forward to making lots of memories with them while they are so close!

Summer!

2008-06-10T15:55:00.004-05:00

Summer is my favorite time of year, and I think the kids are going to agree with me. This is their first year to experience being able to play outside in the dirt, truly enjoying a swimming pool, Bible School, the simple joy of a shovel & bucket, wagons, and the list goes on. On the days that I'm off work we cover most of the previous list. Bible School was a lot of fun this year. I was responsible for the crafts (which was a first), and I really enjoyed it! Ian played in the nursery and Jada participated in music, crafts, missions, snack, and of course recreation. Jada spent a lot of time with our friend Joy who was one of her teachers, and we still her say "Joy-ee", "Joy-ee" with a huge smile on her face. Jonathan & Ryan were able to go to work earlier every morning so that they could be there to help out each evening from 6-8:30, and it was such a joy to serve with them.

This past month we were also able to go to Springfield to visit Cory, Jen, Will & Sam. Oh, & the soon to be born Gentry Madison! It was good to get to see their new home and to attend church with them. Now we can visualize their lives a little better.

Jonathan is busy finishing up the wheat harvest, and that means it's time to get busy planting the rice and soybeans that need to be in the ground behind it. Farmers are having a really hard time making a living these days ( as are many vocations), but we trust God for our future and pray for His guidance to make wise decisions. It's such a blessing to be in the farming environment where we as Christians get to experience daily the process of sowing and reaping. It's a wonderful reminder that "the harvest is ready", and are we working!

We look forward to the summer days ahead!

Slow down Ian!

2008-04-03T10:05:00.006-05:00

Since we went to Uncle Brian & Aunt Janet's in February little Ian has entered that stage where he is changing almost daily. Since we just went through this with Jada it is fresh on our minds to remember to enjoy each new day. While we were in California he started pulling up, but now he is moving from one piece of furniture to another. He climbs on anything he can, and the other day I watched him step up on a container in the bathroom and leverage himself into the tub! His words are still very limited. "Da Da" comes out often, "Ma Ma" only when he's crying and "Ba Ba" when he's acting silly. But when you hear Jada Kathryn talk it's no wonder why he has nothing to say....she says it all ( ABC's, B.I.B.I (L).E, EIEIO, Lebanon, please, thank you,love ewe (you), no ma'am, mower (more), and it goes on). It's been fun to actually hear Ian's sweet little voice and I look forward to hearing it more.

Ian & Jada now play together. Jada will hide behind the couch, and when Ian goes to find her she'll get tickled and say "Pee-pie". She'll then run to hide behind something else and this scene continues over and over again. It's precious.

Yesterday on the way home from Stuttgart (20 minutes) Ian had cried for most of the trip, which usually Jada does but not this day. All of the sudden the noise stops and I look in my rear view mirror to see a smile on Jada's face, so I quickly look over my shoulder and she has her little fingers holding Ian's little fingers ( they are on opposite sides of the car and facing opposite directions). Jada then proceeds to sweetly say "E N" (Ian), and I hear him laugh. I thanked God for the sweet joy that comes from those moments.

My work at Coker-Hampton has been busy with a new computer system, but I enjoy it. Jonathan will be in the field more now that the weather is warmer and the days are longer...he's ready! I've already been enjoying the smell of fresh dirt for a few weeks now. We look forward to what God has for us this Spring.

1st Snow in March Since the 1890's!!!

2008-03-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

It started snowing around 10:00am on Friday morning, and it continued until 11:00pm! I've never seen snow blowing sideways so hard that I could barely see the car in front of me that was only going 10 miles per hour. It was absoulutley the best snow I've ever seen in my 29 years. We were able to play some on Friday, and then Saturday morning we made it out for some sledding. There was a grand total of atleast 9 inches of snow to play in, and needless to say Jada was not too excited about it. She and cousin Saw (Sawyer Jo) kept falling and that didn't make for much fun. Jonathan did go out and get some snow for Jada and Sawyer to eat...we ended up pouring snowcone syrup on it! Lucia loved being in the snow, and we had fun watching her run through it as fast as she could. It ended up that Grammy kept the kids while the "adults" played. We had a great time on the four-wheelers! Now I'm ready for spring!

Beautiful California!

2008-03-06T10:44:00.005-06:00

We wanted to make an effort to get out and see Brian & Janet before they make their move to Arkansas sometime this summer. I had been praying that God could help us to afford to go see them before their move. Around the last week of January I got an email that there were some really cheap tickets....the only condition was that it was for 9 days! Brian & Janet eagerly said "sure" without knowing what they were getting into :) So I asked off for work and we packed our bags for California. Jada loved the airports...I think she loved being the center of attention, and Ian just went with the flow (his typical easy-going personality). The flights were an adventure. In order to save money we didn't get Jada a seat so she was considered a lap-baby. Thankfully, through much prayer I know, the seat between Jonathan had to be vacated because there were not enough oxygen masks for 5 people- praise the Lord! Needless to say Jada didn't use it much for sleeping, because it was for jumping, hanging over the seat in front, and wollering (I don't think that's a word).

On Saturday Janet picked us up at the LAX airport and took us home for some Aunt Janet and Uncle Brian love! We were able to worship with Brian & Janet at Grace Community Church on Sunday. We were fed God's Word and greatly encouraged in our walk with Christ! Both Sundays were wonderful. On Monday we took a trip to the San Diego Zoo and enjoyed a day in the sun!

When we arrived they were both recovering from the flu, and while we were there Janet developed bronchitis! After a doctors visit Janet and some antibiotics she was ready for a trip to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. It was absolutely beautiful! At the resort we had access to a spa, and we were able to go outside in the hot tub with snow all around. We had a great time enjoying God's amazing creation.

Uncle Brian took us to the Santa Monica Beach to let the kids get their feet in the sand. If you've never experienced the Pacific Ocean then you don't know that it's cold all year long. So, needless to say we did not swim! Jada loved the water and the sand. She cried when we had to leave, and Ian just looked stunned at the idea of taking off his pants to put his feet in the cold water.

We had a great time, and we can't wait to take a day-trip to see Uncle Brian & Aunt Janet! Enjoy the pics.

7 years, 32 years, 29 years, 15 months, & 6 months

2008-02-03T18:37:00.000-06:00

A lot has happened in one month. Jonathan and I celebrated 7 years of marriage! We were able to go and spend a few days in Memphis while Grammy watched Ian and MiMi Martha watched Jada-thank you again! We ate some really good food and had a great time just hanging out together!

Jonathan celebrated his 32nd birthday and I celebrated my 29th. Time flys by so fast! I'm almost finished with my Marriage and Family class, Jonathan was able to spend some time duck hunting with Ryan and some friends from Illinois- they had a great time.

At 15 months Jada is running around speaking all kinds of jibberish. Some of which we can understand and the rest we just act like we do. She loves to act silly- Jacque thinks she's a commedian. Ian is 6 months now and we're reminded how fast babies grow that first year...he's army crawling, sitting up on his own, reaching for everything in sight, and munchin' down on some baby food- yuck!

Enjoy the pics!

Christmas Cousins!

2007-12-15T11:59:00.000-06:00

We attempted to take Christmas Jammie and Christmas Dressup pictures....as you can see 5 little ones will not look at a camera all at the same time, but we decided that makes the pics all the more real! The adults were all worn out after singing rounds of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" for Sawyer, "The B-I-B-L-E" for Jada, saying looking at the camera big boys (Will & Sam), and changing clothes way to many times! We had a blast!

A Thankful November

2007-12-06T22:14:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed a wonderful month....there were warm days to spend playing outside, there was more time with Jonathan (due to harvest winding up), a weekend with our Rickett family, there was "Thanksgiving" with Grandma & Papaw Winston, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and we finished the month with our wellness check-ups (Jada weighs 20.4lbs & Ian 16.12). With all these things to be greatful for, it's the hope and peace we have through our relationship with our Lord that is truely the source of all our joy! We are blessed.

Jada Kathryn is #1!

2007-10-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

We can't believe that around this time last year we received a call telling us that there had been a baby girl born and asking us if we wanted her! Our response was an immediate yes, and now we have a precious little girl to hug and kiss every day- what a blessing.

Jada had a great time celebrating her birthday with some of her favorite people. MiMi Martha made a yummy cake, and Jada enjoyed unwrapping all the sweet gifts that were given by everyone- thank you! Enjoy the pictures.

Growing, Growing, Growing!

2007-10-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

Ian is growing so fast. He can now roll over on his side if he works really hard. This past week he grabbed a toy that was hanging above him and then he proceeded to suck on it. He likes to hold his little hands together in front of his face....this is really sweet b/c it looks like he's praying. And within the past few weeks he has begun to smile and laugh. We know Ian is just getting started, and that makes each day so special.

Ready for some Football!!!

2007-09-06T16:31:00.001-05:00

Thanks Aunt Nee Nee for the Fins gear!

Go Dolphins!

Ewww! Yuck!!!

2007-09-04T16:08:00.001-05:00

Here's a picture of Jonathan's right knee. He unknowingly got a brown recluse spider bite which developed staph. A big thanks to the Drs. Nelson. Thanks Kristen and David for your help! He is doing better everyday and is ready to get back to work- it's harvest time and they're extremely busy on the farm. Thanks to all you who have called or asked about him!

Special Days!

2007-08-29T15:11:00.000-05:00

Jada & Ian are growing sooo fast! Jada is eating things like chicken & rice, peaches, and refried beans. She stands up and attempts to walk, but she's got some practice to do. She now has 2 top teeth to go with her 2 bottom teeth, and she likes to use them. Ian can hold his little head up rather well, he has out-grown his newborn clothes, and this past week he has smiled several times. Oh, and he's sleeping at night much better(3 to 4 hours at a time)- praise the Lord! Cousin Sawyer is now able to defend himself from Jada. Just give Ian a few more months and he'll really make things exciting! Cousins Will & Sam are coming this weekend, and we can't wait to watch them all play...these are special days!

Psalm 127:3

2007-08-08T00:18:00.000-05:00

"Children are a gift of the Lord"....It was a day we never could have imagined! We were able to publicly give our children back to the Lord. We pray that God gives us the grace to led them to His side as He draws them with His Spirit! "Oh God, please open the eyes of our babies someday so that they may truely know how great You are!" Thank you to all those whose prayers helped make these two miracles possible!

Uncle Brian & Aunt Janet Visit

2007-07-31T13:41:00.000-05:00

Brian & Janet made it in from California to see their newest nephew- Ian Jordan...and of course their little Jada! Janet spent a couple of days helping Rachel recover and trying to get a schedule going for Ian. All of our family has been soooo helpful, and we feel extra blessed as we consider all that God has given us!

Ian Jordan Hillman

2007-07-14T21:02:00.000-05:00

Ian was born at 1:21 pm today. He weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs and is 19.75 inches long. We arrived at the hospital around 5:30 this morning and by 6 am were in the process of induction. About 10:15 Rachel got the epidural and it wasn't long til she was feeling good! She has had a little nausea but that is expected for her. Hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day!
Thank you so much to those who prayed for us during our whole process which started many years ago! We can all see that they were answered in His time! I don't even want to think about not having Jada in our lives. She is truly a blessing and it will be quite an adventure growing up with "brother" around!

Almost an Ian

2007-07-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

This morning was suppose to be the day we would meet Ian. We were scheduled for induction @ 7am. One last picture of Rachel and we were out of the hotel and on our way!

When we got to the hospital we noticed all the babies in the nursery (we later learned 22) and thought nothing of it except for the fact that the nursery was full! After trying to check-in, we were told someone would be out to talk to us. After a while, we were told it would be around noon before the hospital would have some room. After noon, we were told to come back Saturday morning @ 6am!

So before leaving LR, we met up with Nancy and Deborah to eat lunch, since Rachel was starving after only being able to eat jello all morning!

Just a few more days for Jada to be an only child!

Sam and Will Visit Jada!

2007-06-11T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sam and Will came over to Jada's house to play while Grammy mowed her yard. They found enough to keep them entertained for a while, including snooping around the house. Sam wanted to watch a movie but they settled on listening to music to keep them busy.

Jada's First Swim!

2007-06-11T19:57:00.000-05:00

Being born on the Med Sea must have made Jada LOVE the water! She loved her first swim in a pool and likes to be in the water whenever she can! We think she is going to be a fish!

Growing Up Way Too Fast!

2007-06-03T10:03:00.000-05:00

Jada has mastered the art of crawling and sitting up and is getting ever-quicker at pulling herself up on whatever is close. She is now becoming disinterested in her toys and more interested in power cords and other stuff she shouldn't get into. She acts like she knows what "no" means, so we're sure it won't be long until she tries to convince us she doesn't know the meaning of the word!

Ever Have A Hair-Day Like This?

2007-05-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Anywhere we go, people always comment on how much hair Jada has! The picture is a good example. She has already had one hair cut and it might be time for another- although those curls are so cute!
Here she is talking with her Aunt Janet in California. Hopefully you can see all the hair even though the background is dark.

Do I Love My Bath or What!

2007-05-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

Jada has just recently been able to sit up while taking her bath. I called her dad in tonight so that he could capture this sweet little face. We can't wait to see what she thinks about a swimming pool.

Jada's New Trick

2007-05-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, maybe we're back to updating our blog. We will try to do better in the future! As we try to redeem ourselves we'll start with Jada's new trick. This morning Jada managed to raise her entire body off the ground while only resting on her hands and her big toes!!! She's continued to amuse us all day with this akward postition.

Home In A Flash!

2007-02-03T23:12:00.000-06:00

Rachel, Jada, and I have made it home safe and sound! The plane ride home was very good until the last leg (Cincinnati to LR). Jada finally got tired and let her lungs do the talking. It only lasted about thirty minutes but seemed like an eternity to us.
Jada is getting some Grammy time. She actually didn't even get out of her car seat to come in the house. Rachel and I are going to catch up on some much needed rest. When we arrived in Lebanon on Sunday (1/28), we went immediately to get Jada. Rachel and I never got to catch up on our rest and recouperate from the flight, so now that we are home we are finally going to get some rest. We have the best bed in the world!
We will post memories and events of our short stay in Jounieh, Lebanon, and the days that were filled to capacity to bring us all home quickly!
Thank everyone for your prayers while we were away. If only you all could have been there to actually see them working and God moving the people there to help us- even if they didn't actually know it was Him!
We will post the pictures that we have (some have to be developed) and want to share with you the first moments we laid eyes on her, captured on video. Unfortunately we weren't able to take a lot of pictures of her while we were there b/c we were busy trying to get her home, but we still have lots of film!
Once again thank you all and we will see you in a couple of days after we have rested up. Rachel and I feel Jada is a "precious gift" from God and we want to share her with all of you who have shared a part of yourself with us! We want to give all the glory to God, who worked it out in His time!
Oh, and she really really does love her daddy!!!!! Wait til you see those big blues eyes and her smile!

Coming Home!!!

2007-02-02T14:58:00.000-06:00

Everyone is so excited with anticipation of coming home! The visa and paperwork have all been acquired. They are on their way to the airport and are scheduled to leave Beirut at 2 am Saturday (6pm Friday in AR) and arrive in LR at 5:20 pm Saturday.

Jada is much better and back on her formula.
We continue to pray for their safety and ease of travel with Jada in flight (approx. 24 hrs.).

Plans for Departure

2007-02-01T11:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, here is the latest plan for departure - Friday at 8am Jonathan will pick up Jada's visa, their tickets are booked for 2am Saturday morning, and they should arrive in Little Rock at 5:30pm Saturday. Rachel is concerned that Jada may not be ready to fly, since she was sick yesterday and is still sick today. So please pray specifically for her quick recovery and for Rachel & Jonathan not to be sick. Thanks for all your prayers! We, the family, are truly grateful to everyone.

The Latest Update

2007-01-31T22:47:00.000-06:00

Walter & Karen Here
For everyone's information:
We just talked with Jonathan and he told us that every Lebanonese signature has been obtained. Jada's passport is in their hands. Next is the doctors appointment. It is tomorrow at 9:00. After that, is the the trip to our embassy for the visa. If they can get it tomorrow, they will head to the airport to try to come home. If not, Friday. So far all is good. Thanks for all your prayers.

Greetings from Lebanon... via California?

2007-01-30T12:23:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! This is Janet (Rachel’s sister). I just got off the phone with Rachel, Jonathan and Jada! Their computer has not been working so they have been unable to get online so far. However, I was able to read your comments to them today. They wanted me to say hi to everyone and to thank you for the sweet messages you have posted on their site.

Brief update: Jonathan has been taking lots of pictures of Jada and says, “she really loves her daddy.” He was able to capture Rachel seeing Jada for the 1st time on video, which was a very special moment. I know we all look forward to watching this video!!! Rachel says Jada has the biggest smile and loves to fall asleep in the Baby Bjorn carrier. Jonathan shared that “Jada is hot natured unlike her momma.” Rachel says that Jada weighs 12 lbs, has blue eyes and a “cute little, pointed chin.”

They ventured out this morning and had Jada’s picture taken for her passport. It sounds like tomorrow will be a busy day for the 3 of them. They have paperwork in the morning, are picking up Jada’s passport in the afternoon, and have a quick trip to the Dr.’s office for Jada’s check up in the evening.

Josianne has been very helpful and still plans to get them out of Lebanon very soon. Jonathan says we will have to wait and see.
Blessings to all!

And We're........Off?

2007-01-26T19:04:00.000-06:00

Our journey to bring Jada home begins in the morning! Our plane leaves Little Rock @ noon. We will be traveling to Atlanta and then to Paris before arriving in Beirut around 4pm Sunday (Beirut is 8 hrs ahead of AR). Our actual flight time is approx 20 hrs. Josianne is to meet us @ the airport to pick us up.
Our hotel is Century Park Hotel in Kaslik, NE of Beirut-about 20kms. If you want to look it up it's www.centuryparkhotel.com.lb/hotel.htm .
Our plan is to return home Feb 8th. With the riots going on in the city, Josianne said she would try to get us out of Lebanon earlier than expected. If she works hard enough, a lot earlier!! But we will see how the process goes so not to get too excited!

Finally!!!!!!

2007-01-24T18:29:00.000-06:00

We got an email from Jada telling us she is ready to come home!!! Josianne emailed us and said the signatures were complete and we could come over any time, although she recommend we wait to see if the riotting continues. We are going to leave ASAP so that we will be assured of getting into the country. If we get in, we can get out with Jada. If Hezbollah takes control of the govt, all our paperwork could be voided and we might never see Jada.
We will try and keep everyone up-to-date as we travel on our journey. Hopefully we can post new pics of Jada and us while in country!
Please keep us in your prayers! We are confident of God's protection!

12.20.2006

2007-01-05T14:45:00.001-06:00

The Wait to Depart

2007-01-05T14:16:00.000-06:00

We have waited patiently-and impatiently-on the call that tells us we can go over and hold our precious little girl and begin the journey home. We are in almost constant contact with our lawyer in Lebanon, Josianne. She is the one who represents us in the Lebanese judicial system and gives us updates on Jada and the ever-anticipated pictures.
Jada is being cared for by a widowed woman and her two grown children. They care for about eight children a year who are given up for adoption.

Jada's First Check-up!

2007-01-05T11:03:00.000-06:00

Jada went for her first check-up on the 17th of October. She weighed 3.2 kgs. We were glad to see a clean office in the background since we have no idea of her environment. The pictures show she took it all in stride!

Check-up Pics!

2007-01-05T10:54:00.001-06:00

Jada's First Pictures

2007-01-05T10:41:00.000-06:00

Born of an Email

2007-01-04T16:55:00.000-06:00

Jada came into our world via an email October 12, 2006. There in the Coker-Hampton birthing ward (otherwise known as the front office) Rachel and I laid eyes on our new baby girl, weighing 2.7 kgs and being 51 cm long, born a day earlier! It wasn't long before every female in the entire pharmacy/gift shop was craming into the small office to see her picture!
Rachel and I finally had a face to all our work the past 3+ years. We were excited to share our joy with our family and friends!