JBPotters ...since 2003

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2011-08-15T21:06:00.001-05:00

Semester number sixteen (seven for Joel)

2011-08-13T07:14:00.003-05:00

We're a week away from the beginning of another semester. The beginning of two years that will foerever change the lives of 70 new students who are coming to study God's Word. The beginning of a new semester in the process of becoming ministers of the Word for the other 100 who have already begun their journey.

For Joel and I it's a new opportunity to grow as we pour our lives into those God will bring our way. I am keenly aware at this moment of the dangers for me specifically that come at this time if year. The danger of pride, feeling more important than I am and slipping into the mindset of thinking I have something of my own to offer the girls God brings my way. There is tha danger of becoming too busy, of not saying no to the things that I want to do but know I shouldn't. Balancing my duty as a wife and mother with the privilege I have to mentor girls in my home, which sometimes feels more glamourous. Then their is the most important aspect of all. And that is my choice to Abide as a daughter, as a needy child, remembering that I have to stay plugged in to the source of my life or it all becomes wood, hay and stubble.

At the beginning of this semester, I long to know what God has in store for me. First from his Word then for my family and last from my ministry. Keeping that in order and balance... God, beThou my Vision.

Changes...Migrations...More To Come!

2011-07-01T14:45:00.003-05:00

Over the coming weeks and likely months (we are parents, spouses and full time missionaries afterall...) we'll be making some big changes to how we communicate with you. We'll be trying several new mediums of communication including:

A new ministry-centric website which is live now. Please click your way to it and check it out! We'll be using this to post stories and pictures that will give you a better idea of what we do as missionaries with New Tribes Mission.

The New Ministry Blog

Some of you may already be familiar with and receive our email updates. Those will continue to be a primary way that we communicate with you. If you're not already receiving these, you'll enjoy the perspective they offer. The link below will let you subscribe to these. Just enter your name and email address in the boxes on the page. We'd love to have you follow us!

Subscribe to "the Potter'5"

This Blog will likely be under a bit of construction and be used for features on our family as well as for albums of pictures. Watch for the new look to come!

Some of you may remember my (Joel) old personal Blog, 'Auraltecture.' I hope to relaunch this Blog in the coming months either at it's present location on Blogspot or possibly via Wordpress. I'll make sure to let you know what I do. My intent with that Blog is to talk about music and culture, as well as some 'unique' discoveries that I find about the places we live... If you're interested in looking at some of my previous posts, click your way to Auraltecture below.

Auraltecture

That's all for now. Watch for news of our upcoming trip to California. We're very involved in a wedding of a dear friend and disciple (Grace Baldwin) of ours as well as catching up with family and partners on the west coast. Thanks for following!

Welcome Back...

2011-06-10T22:33:00.001-05:00

Thanks for popping by! It's been quite some time since we regularly updated this blog, but with some big summer trips planned (see the previous post), we plan on updating this site as well as introducing a new blog (via Wordpress) to keep you better up to date. Again, Thanks for your interest in the Potter'5.

2011-06-10T22:26:00.006-05:00

7881 Miles, 3 Kids, 2 Adults...
We're hitting the road...and the friendly skies this summer. It's been 6 years since we last traveled and caught up in person with our support team and it's time again. We're ecstatic to visit many long-time friends/supporters and family and bring them up to speed with this incredible ministry that we're a part of. And we're asking God to bring us into contact with new ministry partners. We're willing to go to the 'ends of the earth,' or at least the earth of North America, to do this!
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
We're flying to CA in early July and will be anywhere from Los Angeles to San Francisco to San Diego and back to Michigan. The train bit, hopefully will be fulfilled by a trolley ride in San Francisco. Then only a week after returning to Michigan, we hit the road on an epic road trip that ends in St. Petersburg FL and then will make our way up the eastern seaboard before heading back to Michigan...
CA, OH, KY, NC, GA, FL, SC, WV, VA
They're not just stops on a fun summer jaunt, but places where people and churches are, who value what God values and are behind us because of that! And if you are in one of these places and want to connect with us, please call us! 517.795.9053
Why Should You Care?AND WE HOPE YOU DO!
We're so excited to be a part of a team that invests in the lives of people who want to make God's Word clear to those who don't have ANY understanding of IT. We're confident that YOU value this as well. So we're counting on YOU! We have some specific financial needs on these trips and are asking God to provide through perhaps YOU! Also with this many miles, little kids, long hours, potential vehicle problems...there's no way we can stay sane and clearly communicate without YOU behind us in prayer! Would you consider investing in this special summer endeavor?

Easter 2011

2011-05-15T20:03:00.000-05:00

Kate Turns 1!

2011-01-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated Kate's first birthday! It was a fun afternoon with good friends and family. We sure miss our family that isn't with us but we got to skype with several of thme in the morning. Kate is such a joy to our family and we thank God for giving her to us!

Christmas 2010 Picture

2010-12-30T13:44:00.005-06:00

What a Christmas! We have had the stomach flu hit 3 of the 5 of us in the past 2 weeks. It's not been the most relaxing Christmas break but it will be a memorable one. ;)

It reminded me though that the first Christmas was less than what we would consider ideal. I'm sure Mary's ideal of childbirth, her first born, the Son of God coming to earth was not that it would take place away from her home, in a borrowed stable with smelly animals, no family nearby and the only visitors to come and see her new baby being low class shepherds, whom she didn't know. Yet that is the exact situation God chose to come into. He had a bigger perspective than the here and now, he had eternity in view. He was humble and came as a human, setting aside His glory to become one of us, in less than "ideal" circumstances" so that he could live among us, without sin and become our Salvation and Life. He had eternity in view and so a stinky old stable was a perfect location.

So as much as I'd love to rewind 3 weeks and avoid the hassle of all that 3 people with the stomach flu means, I'll choose to keep eternity in view and be thankful I have LIFE and my family.

Merry Christmas!

From the Potters

November 12, 2009

2010-11-12T07:34:00.001-06:00

Today marks a year since my dad went to be with his savior and left this earth of struggle and sin. It’s been a journey for my family. With my dad’s death, came many changes for all of us; the biggest of which came for my mom. Among those changes, she moved here to be nearer to us and to start afresh. She is a strong woman because of her faith in The Loving God who gives her purpose and life and I am so proud of her. Dad, we miss you but we are so thankful to know you are whole in mind and body and that you are enjoying being in the presence of your Savior. Mom, we love you and are so thankful to have you close by. God, thank you for the hope we have because of You!

Joel and Bethany Potter

Missionaries with New Tribes Mission

1211 Homewild Ave.

Jackson, MI 49201

517-795-9053

Click for Our Blog

All By Myself

2010-09-27T15:46:00.001-05:00

Jack calls to me from the entry way a little while ago..., "Mom, Kate's standing up!". I'm thinking, not possible, she's barely crawling. So, I go running to the entry way and sure enough, she's gotten herself to standing at her swing, and is playing with the buckle.

Fall

2010-09-27T15:44:00.001-05:00

My two favorite times of the year are spring, when the tulips bloom and fall when the harvest vegetables are ripe. The fall to me is a time for soups, snuggling under blankets and walks in the rustling leaves. Thankfully, in the midst of a crazy time of life, we have been able to enjoy all three.

Oh and...

2010-09-07T12:29:00.001-05:00

Oh and the pictures of the cake and the adorable little girl… We had a little party for Jack and his friend Josie since they were both going to kindergarten together this year! Josie is our neighbor, friend and sits across from Jack in class! Way to go Josie!!!

Jack goes to Kindergarten

2010-09-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

So today was Jack's first day of Kindergarten. Just a half day today but tomorrow is the real deal! 7:30 am - leave the house, 3:40 pm arrive back home! He has a great teacher and so far today was a success. For all those out there wondering, there were no tears for any of us and just to prove how Joel and I felt after dropping him off, see the bottom left picture. That pretty much sums it up; grin on my face, Joel just a tad melancholy! So it begins...

A new semester, about to begin!

2010-08-05T08:45:00.003-05:00

As summer comes to a close, much is before us.
We will enjoy our last few weeks with Jack at home all day before Kindergarten begins in September. He has no idea what "all day" means and so we play hard, Mom and Dad the only ones knowing that he won't have time like this for a while!
Students start returning this weekend and will slowly trickle in over the next few weeks. We are so excited to see them all again and to meet the new freshmen who will join them.
Questions like, who will God bring our way this year, loom in our minds. We are excited yet understand that as God entrusts them to us to disciple and mentor, we have a great need to abide in Christ ourselves so that what we pass on to them is Christ and not a shabby imitation.
I, Bethany, have one more meeting this summer with the Academic Team I work for before we jump back in to the semester. It's my day to be an adult most of the day and honestly, I am longing for that just about now.
We have enjoyed the summer but are honestly eager to get back to our routine. It will be slightly changed because Jack has to be at school pretty early but I think it's a manageable routine. For those of you who know me well, know that of course, I have a schedule ready. Our family loves order and well, I love schedules!
Having Mom up here with us has been amazing and we can't wait to see how God provides for her by way of a job. If you think of it, would you pray that one comes along soon? She's putting out her resume and applying online but it's just taking a bit longer than expected. God is faithful and will continue to be as we wait.
So come, Fall come! We're ready for you!

A Day at the Lake,,, again!

2010-08-05T08:44:00.000-05:00

The boys just love going to this lake nearby! We had such a fun day!
Jack found the biggest stick of all time, Owen and I played under the big willow tree and on the slide and Jack and Joel skipped rocks it the water. Does it get any better?

Mom enjoyed some quiet time in the sun!

2010-08-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

Kate enjoyed the day at the lake!

2010-08-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

Super Owen, Super Jon!

2010-08-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

Al Capone, look out!

2010-08-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

While McGwire and Kael were visiting, Mom got them each a special gift. McGwire chose this cool hat! It looks great on him and so we decided to try it on Kate. I think she looks smashing and ready for a bit of Jazz with Frank Sinatra.

Such a big girl!

2010-08-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

Kate is growing way too fast for our liking. She is now sitting in her big girl swing and yesterday tried out the highchair while eating cheerios for the first time! Knowing this is Lord Willing our last child makes me want the whole process of growing up to slow down.

Song in my head

2010-08-05T08:13:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning with this song in my head after reading a chapter in a really good book I've been working through. The book is The True Vine by Andrew Murray the song goes like this...

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

by Stuart Townend

Noni and Kate

2010-07-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

Mom waited through 4 boys to finally get her girl! I'd say she's in love! And we are loving having her nearby to enjoy every moment with Kate!

McGwire and Kael's 2010 visit

2010-07-30T07:36:00.001-05:00

We had the awesome pleasure AGAIN to have our nephews here for a visit this summer. It was a great time and so fun for all of us adults to see the cousins reconnecting with each other. Kate, being the only girl was certainly getting more than her share of attention!! They leave today and we will miss them, but we look forward with great anticipation to next summer! Thanks boys for a great visit!

Being the Feet: What It Would be Like

2010-07-14T14:22:00.002-05:00

The sun was hot that afternoon and yet as you stepped under the thatch roofed hut, the sun wasn’t so bright. You had to squint your eyes to make out what was right in front of you and you gradually realized that what you were squinting at was a man. But this man was unlike any you had seen before. And as you attempted to communicate with him, you realized any attempt you made would be futile at best.

The hot temperature, the strange sights and smells, this man speaking in a language so radically different than your own, all had you wondering how you were going to begin to share God’s love with this man and others like him. You were struggling to learn even the most basic of phrases in this tribal dialect and yet you knew that if you were going to make God’s story clear to him, you were going to have to do far better than ‘What is that?’

How is this seemingly impossible task going to be accomplished? How is this unreached man going to be reached?

I had the chance to coordinate this experience along with an incredibly gifted team of 8 others, to create this scenario for almost 1000 festival goers at Michigan’s Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord MI in late June. From current NTBI staff and students to former students and missionaries on their way to the field, all of us worked together to create a tribal village setting in the middle of this festival attended by over 25000 people in two and a half days.

After creating that tension that each person who went through our experience felt, we presented them with options, opportunities to gain the Biblical worldview and training needed to accomplish this ‘impossible’ task.

We pray that the list of approximately 2500 un-reached people groups that we posted on the walls of our tent eventually becomes a shorter because of people heeding God’s call and taking Him seriously.

That’s how the impossible will be made possible.

Being The Feet: What It Would Be Like

2010-07-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

Photo: Ric Bruce 2010

Summer Fun!

2010-07-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Auntie Rebecca, Anna and Noah for a great day at their pool today! The kids had so much fun and that was because of you all!

our little rock band!

2010-07-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

So we watched the Mathew girls the other day and the kids all came upstairs telling us they wanted to put on a concert for us. Watch for yourself but I think we might be on to something here! ;)

Watch out, here she comes! She's a man eater!

2010-07-10T21:15:00.001-05:00

Watch out boys. She means business! Dont' mess with this little girl, she'll tear you up! She's got teeth and she knows how to use them.

2010-07-10T21:13:00.001-05:00

Today, even though Kate didn't get in the water, since we were going to the lake, I decided it was high time she sported her cute little bathing suit, given to us by my best friend Jolene (and Kallie too). I must say she resembles a sharpei puppy but, oh my word, she was cute! I also wanted to document her third tooth that came through the other day. The fourth is due any day now as are all the eye teeth! We don't do things slowly in our house! :O She is such a happy baby post months one and two and we are so thankful to have her in our family. This collage really captures her sweet personality but in the next two pictures, I'm posting you get to see what she's been working on should her two big brothers decide to turn on her and pick on her...

A perfect Saturday

2010-07-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

So today was the first Saturday in, I don't know, forever that we, as a family had a totally relaxing day. We took off with Mom and her friend (our freind too) Andrea (from Missouri) at about 9:30am and headed South to Clark Lake. We've been there before but today was just perfect. The weather was warm but not too hot. The water was warm, shallow enough for the boys to go out in and not be scared, and there were tons of shells in the water and boy did we collect shells! It was amazing! So we hung out there for the morning, just really chillin'! Then we had lunch at one of our favorite local joints called The Beach Bar. Great sandwiches, wraps, salads and their creamy tomato soup is to die for! After lunch, we headed home for naps, which didn't go so well, but we'll forget that part and skip on to the amazing dinner my hunny and I made: Grilled pork chops, corn off the cob and cous cous. A-MAZING! So tasty. Mom and Andrea hung out with us again for dinner and then our good friends, the Hobbs came over for dessert. The temp was perfect, great music playing, kids sleeping after a long fun day and great conversation. RELAXED. That's what I'll call it and long overdue, I must say!

All Moved In

2010-05-21T05:47:00.001-05:00

Mom’s house is now full of boxes and new carpet!! The old carpet and thus the old homeowners cats and dogs are gone, the house was cleaned from top to bottom on the inside, a tub surround was removed, new carpet was laid and a truck full of Mom’s earthly belongings was moved in and partially unpacked- all in the span of 29 hours. We got in the house Wednesday at 11am and this morning her kitchen is all but unpacked , the major furniture has been set up and her bedroom has begun to be set up. There’s still much to do yet but little by little, Mom will settle in to her new house.

Now for those of you who were skeptical that she was buying a house she had yet to see and trusting her daughter and son in law to find her a house she would love, I say to you “Pllllththth”. That would be me sticking out my tongue and blowing raspberries at you!! J She LOVES the house and has no regrets. We are all in awe of how God arranged everything, working out details we could never have done on our own, giving us stamina to not only find her the perfect house but finishing off the end of a semester here at the school. And keeping Mom going as she packed 24 years of life in Springfield all by herself (and with her friend Andrea’s amazing help) And kudos to her that it was all done when Joel got there so all they had to do was load the truck.

And now for a small reward, we get to escape for the weekend, just Joel and I. Last fall, we did a wedding for some friends and much to our surprise, the bride’s parents gave us two nights at a bed and breakfast and a dinner out as a thank you. Mind you we asked them not to do anything but those Crittendens are stubborn people and didn’t listen!! J Well I must say that today we are so thankful we made those reservations months ago, not knowing what was coming in our lives and we are more than ready to go away and celebrate 7 wonderful years together! Joel’s brother and his wife, Jon and Christine are coming up to care for the kids while we are gone and of course Mom and Grace will be here too so I think they’ll all survive the weekend without us!

I’ve told Joel all I want to really do is sleep! Sleep and sleep and sleep! Needless to say, we are ready to go!

Prayer request

2010-05-17T08:09:00.000-05:00

Today is a monumental morning for our family, especially my Mom. Today my mom signs off on her home in Missouri and closes the door on a magnificent chapter in her life. The closing is schedule for 3:00pm this afternoon in Springfield and if you think of it, would you pray that all goes according to God's plan? We have seen his hand in all of this with miracle after miracle. As soon as the final signature is signed, she and Joel will head up the road on their way to Michigan, Mom's new home! They will overnight in Vandalia, Illinois tonight and head the rest of the way tomorrow. Mom has trusted Joel adn I more that I can even understand and allowed us to find a house for her to buy sight unseen! I hope we have done a good job for her! We will be doing a lot of cleaning and some minor repairs at the house on Wednesday, after she closes on the house here at 10:00 am and then Thursday and part of Friday! We would love your prayers for safety as Joel and Mom travel and then as we all try to make progress on her house here.. We are so excited that she is coming here and Kate is celebrating her arrival by cutting her first tooth!

She's talkin'

2010-05-07T19:59:00.000-05:00

This post is really for our family who live far away and are missing the early days of the first granddaughter/neice in either family - Stroud's or Potters. Enjoy!

the (soon to be) new mrs. chubb

2010-05-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

Monday night our house transformed from a 3 year old's birthday party to a place of sofistication for Chrissy Bruce's bridal shower.
Over 20 girls came out to celebrate with Chrissy as she looks forward to becoming Mrs. Donald Chubb this coming June. I had the honor of hosting the shower in my home and of making a cake especially for Chrissy! Joel and I have also had the honor of meeting with Don and Chrissy this semester as we have done their pre-marital counseling.
Don and Chrissy, we love you guys and can't wait to see all God has in store for your lives as you serve Him together!

...not impressed

2010-05-07T19:24:00.000-05:00

Baby Caleb

2010-05-07T18:51:00.000-05:00

I love this shot!

2010-05-07T18:50:00.001-05:00

My Girls!

2010-05-07T18:50:00.000-05:00

Oh the Temptation!

2010-05-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

"Mom, we're just looking!"

Guilty! - Ellie and Owen - partners in crime!

CupKate

2010-05-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

Joel's nickname for Kate is CupKate and I think it's so cute. I also think this outfit her Auntie and Uncle got her is super cute! It's fun having a girl!

And Yes, Kate was there too!

2010-05-07T18:45:00.000-05:00

Kate was not forgotten this day, don't worry. She was happy playing with her mobile and baby Caleb, Robbie and Ellie's little brother. She is now able to reach up and get her wiggle bug, pull it down and watch it wiggle it's way back up. She's getting so big!

The Birthday Boy

2010-05-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Our kids love their Aunti Christine

2010-05-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

The kids don't realize it yet but these days of having 'Mon Oncle' and Auntie Christine nearby are coming to an end.
It will be a sad day when they move to Conneticut and we will miss them dearly!

Oh no, King!

2010-05-07T18:35:00.000-05:00

Somehow during the party, King took a bite out of the cake. I guess it was just too tempting for him!

All of our kiddos!

2010-05-07T18:34:00.000-05:00

This totally captures it. Grace and the kids. All she has to do is sit down and she has four in her lap.
Admit it Gracie, you are a kid magnet!

4 kids and a cake

2010-05-07T18:32:00.000-05:00

For Owen's party, our friends, the Mundens came over as well as Grace and Jon and Christine.
We had a grand time and the kids enjoyed getting lots of chocolate cake.
Robbie and Ellie - thanks for spending Owen's special day with us!
We love you!

brotherly love

2010-05-07T18:25:00.000-05:00

Birthday # 3 for Child #2

2010-05-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

Owen celebrated his 3rd birthday last weekend - the whole weekend long! Friday was the big day then Saturday he got presents and Sunday was his party. I was really happy with how the cake came out and Owen thought it was SO COOL MOM!

2010-05-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

So our big 5 year old is ahead of the game and lost 2 teeth in 1 week! I am not ready for this - he's growing up before our eyes and soon he'll be off to Kindergarten. Where did the time go?

funny thing

2010-05-06T17:40:00.001-05:00

This morning, Joel and I were in the kitchen disagreeing about something that turned out to be nothing really and suddenly from the dining room we hear Owen say, “Don’t get mad, get glad”. Hmm does he watch too much tv? Needless to say, we both stopped, smiled, began laughing and forgot what we were disagreeing about!

Mom's move

2010-04-27T16:44:00.001-05:00

Well it’s official! My mom is moving from Missouri to Michigan just 3 weeks from now!!! Her house sold and she bought a house just blocks from us in a matter of weeks. All I can say is God is faithful to provide!

It is going to be a hectic few weeks for her and us as we face this move. We have just three weeks left in the semester before all the students head home for the summer and she has just three weeks to complete her packing. I know it is a daunting task for her to do all alone but she is plugging away day by day while still working full time at her job. She will work her last day after 16+ years at OSS on May 14. It is certainly bitter sweet for her.

Joel will fly down to Missouri on Saturday, May 15 and help her finish up the last bits and then she closes on that house on the 17^th at 4pm and they will hit the road in a big ol’ truck and head north, arriving here in Jackson on Tuesday and then will close on the house here on Wednesday, May 19^th at 9am. Talk about a whirlwind!!!

I’ll be holding down the fort here with three kids and 6 house guests. Who says we aren’t doing guest house ministry after all!!?? We’re just on this side of the ocean doing it!! Our adopted daughter Grace is graduating and 5 family members from various states will be staying with us!

We covet any prayers you would pray on our behalf!

please pray

2010-04-16T08:43:00.000-05:00

Well, we have some news, a bit old and a bit new. This past week, my mom put her house on the market in Missouri in hopes of selling it and moving up here to Michigan to be near to us. We were hopeful it would sell but cautiously optimistic really. Well, within 3 days, there were 3 offers at full price and one for cash!! In today’s market, we were shocked and in awe of God! Apparently He wanted the house to sell and was gracious to bring it about quickly. So mom accepted an offer and we are now waiting to close on it. Prayer request #1 then is that the closing would happen without a hitch.

This then put us into a spin of sorts, realizing that we now needed to get Mom a house up here in Michigan. So for the last 4 or 5 days, we’ve been hunting. We have a great real estate agent working with us and he is a believer too which sweetens the deal! Last night Joel looked at a house with our agent and it seems to be perfect for Mom. Not a perfect house mind you but suitable to what she needs without lots of major repairs. We are putting in an offer this morning! So prayer request #2 is that God would work out the details if this is His house for Mom and that we can rest in Him and His timing in it all.

It’s been interesting doing this from 2 different states and Mom has been very trusting of us!!

Thanks for praying!

Spring 2010 Update

2010-04-15T10:32:00.001-05:00

thank you great grandma stroud

2010-04-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

My grandma, Kate's great grandma, sent her the most precious outfit. It says,
"He formed me in my mohter's womb."
Psalm 139:13
Grandma, I love this and am so proud to have Kate wear such a special gift from you!
We love and miss you!
Two of your three girls!

does it get any cuter than this?

2010-04-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

our three gifts

2010-04-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

you know, being a mom is tougher than i ever dreamed it would be. each child is so different and so training them requires much patience and creativity. it is sometimes draining but also rewarding... like just now, I was doing the laundry while holding kate over one shoulder and jack was helping put the clothes in the washer. as he walked over into the playroom,
he says, "hey mom!"
i said, "yes, jack?"
he said "mom, i just love you!"
it's just what i needed. i mean, loook at these three! God has blessed us in so many ways and our three kids rank high on the list of blessings!

happy easter from the potters

2010-04-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

my first easter

2010-04-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

In the kitchen with grace

2010-04-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Our two girls

2010-04-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

Could she be any cuter?

2010-03-26T20:02:00.000-05:00

Kate, our 'baby girl'

2010-03-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

So, Kate is smiling these days. They are rare still but when you get the privilege of seeing one, it'll light up your day!!

Our Baby's going to kindergarten!!!

2010-03-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

Owen and his spaghetti!

2010-03-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

If Owen could be spaghetti itself, I think he'd be in heaven!

Which one would you choose?

2010-03-26T19:48:00.001-05:00

So we took these photos to use in our church's directory really quick after church on Sunday. Well, as you can see, they didn't turn out as well as i had hoped for. If these were your family pics, which one would you choose to go in the church directory?
#1 - Child number and three two having meltdowns and child number one looking at something other than the camera
#2 - Child number one distracted again, child number two recovering and child number three still having a meltdown
#3 - Child number one doing great, child number two improving, and child number three maintaining the meltdown

Send us your vote!!

One more

2010-03-26T19:45:00.000-05:00

Thank you Christine, we did get one of her in her gown, I just didn't realize it - and yes, I was holding while the photo was taken but likely was addressing one of her two big brothers to sit still while we tried to get a family photo. Stay tuned for that one. It's hilarious!

The many faces of Jack!

2010-03-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, he can go from sweet to scary in just seconds!!

Kate's Dedication Day

2010-03-26T19:42:00.000-05:00

I'm embarrassed to say that these are the only photos we have of Kate's Dedication Day. I really meant to get one of her in her gown but well, with three kids, I don't seem to remember to do everything I want to!! She was beautiful and we are thankful for her in our lives and stand before God humbly aware of our responsibility as her parents to teach her about the God who created her and hopefully lead her to the understanding of her need for a savior, thus introducing her to Christ. We covet your prayers as we do this!

Owen - our little comedian

2010-03-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

Kate having a bit of playtime

2010-03-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

Update (Kate's Home!)

2010-02-18T15:46:00.001-06:00

Though many of you may know what has been going on with our little daughter Kate, I know many of you weren’t aware that she needed to be hospitalized with a moderate case of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) on Monday night. She was on oxygen for the last 2 and a half days and then grew stronger and for the a 12 hour period starting last night, she was able to get enough oxygen, breathing on her own without the supplemental oxygen.

Just wanted to let you all know that Kate was released from the hospital earlier this afternoon. Her ability to breathe and get enough oxygen on her own was back to a healthy level and she had gone without supplemental oxygen for 12 hours prior to that. We’re so thankful that she and Bethany are home and grateful to our God for so many things that he orchestrated and for his watch care over us!

Thanks for so many moments of prayer! And for those of you who only heard about this in this email, we apologize! Due to both email server issues as well as lack of time, I wasn’t able to get this news out to everybody sooner. I don know though that many of you followed us on facebook and on our blog and we so appreciate that.

It’s been quite a period of time since October of last year (that’s actually when we sent out our last real update) and yet, we know that God never promises ‘Stability’ and ‘Constantcy,’ but He does prove stable Himself and His strength has been sufficient in a time with so many of our own ‘weaknesses.’

Who knows, maybe things will settle down and we’ll be able to get out a real normal monthly update. Praise God with us though for how He’s carried us through this time!

Joel for the Potter 5!

Update on Kate

2010-02-16T13:55:00.000-06:00

As there are many who may not be aware, our family has been dealing with another bout of sickness, this one, much tougher than any yet.

The boys both came down with pretty severe coughs/fevers/sinusy issues within a few days of each other, starting a week ago yesterday. While it was rough, they both eventually fought it off (though they still have ear infections) and are doing much better. But starting last Thursday, Kate began to show signs of the same symptoms, but no fever. It’s hard to see her with it, but we thought she’d get over it too and we did all we knew to do to make her comfortable here.

Sunday evening though, it was apparent that she was really struggling more than she should be without advanced help. After getting counsel to especially watch out for RSV (Respiratory Synctial Virus), a particularly nasty virus for an infant under 6 months to get, we took her in to the ER and confirmed that it was RSV. Though that evening, after a relatively short and helpful ER visit, we took her home with instructions to see her Pediatrician the next day, which we did. He prepared us that it was likely that the worst had not been passed yet and that she very likely might need to be hospitalized. Sure enough, she did. Bethany took her back to the ER after her mommy instincts told her that Kate was struggling to breathe more than she (Bethany or Kate ) could handle. And soon after triage, the Dr. deemed it necessary to admit Kate.

She’s on oxygen constantly and though her O2 levels are ok with oxygen, she’s still nowhere near able to breathe easily enough on her own to naturally get the oxygen that she needs. Beyond oxygen, there’s no medication that can really help her. So it’s a very difficult journey to watch her and only be able to PRAY and wait.

But God.

He’s more than sufficient for our weakness and we’re all doing well, emotionally. Bethany is staying with her and I’m staying with the boys. The hospital is literally less than 100 yards from our house and an easy walk for either of us. Our co-workers here at NTBI have been so gracious and helpful as well. Thanks guys!

So, please be praying for Kate to be able to soon breathe sufficiently on her own, to not develop any other complications (like Pneumonia), and for Bethany and I as we look to HIM in this time. Bethany and I are both feeling some cold symptoms (though not severe at all) as well.

Thanks for standing with us in this time. We hope to someday be able to stand with you as faithfully as we know you do with us!

Joel for the Potter 5

After the Dr.'s office

2010-02-15T15:03:00.001-06:00

We’re home and are glad we went in. All three have RSV and all three have ear infections too! All three are on antibiotics and Kate will be on a breathing treatment as needed. The Dr. says she’s not out of the woods yet and there’s still a good chance she’ll need hospitalization before this is all done. He told us what to look for and so we’ll monitor her here till we think she needs to go in again. They are all still contagious so we’ll be home till at least Wed and if I go back to work after that, Kate will stay with me in my office. My mom comes on Thursday so the reinforcements are coming!! Yeah! I guess God really thought we needed some family time! J

Thanks for all your prayers! I am at peace in the midst of the storm because my God is able!

Bethany

2010-02-15T09:05:00.000-06:00

Joel and Bethany Potter

Missionaries with New Tribes Mission

1211 Homewild Ave.

Jackson, MI. 29201

517-795-9053

Click for Our Blog

Update on Kate

2010-02-15T09:04:00.001-06:00

Please keep praying for our little one. We ended up taking her in to the ER after much deliberation. I’m glad we did as she tested positive for RSV, which I suppose then is what the boys actually had. Her chest xray came back clear so as of last night there was no pneumonia and she was also negative for the flu. She is breathing ok when she is relaxed but is no longer able to get a deep enough breath to cough or sneeze and makes the most sad sound as she tries. The doctors at the hospital didn’t feel like she needed to stay overnight as we are right next door to the hospital and we were doing all the right things for her. They said we were already doing what they would do for her. It felt good to hear that . When they are this little, you just feel helpless and wonder if you could do more.

We are taking Kate and Owen in to their pediatrician today at 12:15. Owen is still not all better and I just want to get him checked out to make sure there are no other infections we are missing. Please pray that Kate especially will improve today. It’s so hard to see her like this.

Abiding in the VINE!

What a week

2010-02-12T20:36:00.001-06:00

So we’re on week 3 as “The Jackson 5” as someone recently labeled us. It wasn’t at all what I thought week 3 would be like. It started well… Joel’s sister, Bekah was here till Monday and we totally enjoyed her visit until sickness hit our home on Monday and well, Bekah can vouch for me on this, the boys and Kate all turned on me!! It was a tough day. Jack started getting sick, Kate decided that she would forget how to nurse, and Owen, well, he’s two. I should have taken heed and planted my feet firmly that day in anticipation of the week to come but little did I know what lay ahead.

Jack continued to get worse and ended up with what I think is the H1N1 virus. Fever, aches, severe congestion, cough, sore throat, etc. We quarantined him in the guest room with movies, water, tea, and snacks. He hated it but complied partly because he didn’t have the energy to fight us. It’s Friday and he’s a bit better but I’m blowing his nose every 10 minutes, he’s coughing like crazy and he’s enjoying taking ever liberty he can under the guise of “but Mommy I’m really sick”.

Owen came down with the same symptoms on Wednesday, and despite our efforts to separate he and Jack, he is now battling even higher temps and all the same yuckies. Poor guy sounds like an old man and looks as bad as he sounds.

Kate is boycotting nursing and is teaching me another lesson that I should have seen coming. Just because something goes well with the first two kids doesn’t mean it will go well with the third. There are just no guarantees! I hate learning these lessons! She’s also getting a bit of a cough and no matter what number kid she is, seeing your tiny baby not feeling well is one of the hardest things to see and worry about.

So I thought we’d be back into a routine by this time. The boys would be in school again and feeling secure because their lives continued as normal, Kate would be settling in to life outside my belly, eating well, sleeping well, and feeling secure because it’s all working like clockwork, and that I’d be back to work, enjoying the 2 hours of adultness I get in my office each day, and feeling secure because my family is healthy and happy. Instead we spent each day at home, spraying Lysol obsessively, washing every piece of bedding in the house, wiping noses, covering coughs, disciplining kids who are a bit more naughty than usual and fighting occasional tears when I felt completely overwhelmed with three kids!

BUT, and well for any of you who know what the last few years of my life have been about, I had a moment of truth happen yesterday. I was at a point where I was ready to ask God, WHY? Why isn’t Kate nursing well, why would he let the boys get sick now just weeks after Kate was born, the week I hoped to go back to work, why did Owen get sick after I tried so hard to keep him separate from Jack, why, why, why??? Then it hit me, quickly I might add, that those three letters make up a word that I learned about 2 years ago, is not mine to ask of my Creator, Savior and Heavenly Father. He alone knows the answer and my role is simply to trust Him and let whatever circumstances He has allowed me to face to draw me closer to Him and to conform me into His image. It was a great relief to realize this before I chose to walk down that road. God is gracious and I admit it was He who brought this to mind. It is a testimony of His grace that God taught me all He did these past two years that I could even recognize His “voice” and trust Him.

So at the end of a very difficult week, I write this to admit, it was hard but we survived and I’m hopeful… next week could be just as bad BUT GOD! And by His Grace!

Joel and Bethany Potter

Missionaries with New Tribes Mission

1211 Homewild Ave.

Jackson, MI. 29201

517-795-9053

Click for Our Blog

Kate's Room

2010-01-31T16:39:00.000-06:00

Wrapped around her little finger

2010-01-31T16:04:00.000-06:00

As the saying goes, I'd say Joel is sunk!

Sunbathing

2010-01-31T16:02:00.000-06:00

Kate's jaundice hasn't gone away completely so we've been doing a bit of sunbathing. She didn't mind it at all until the sun got in her eyes. As you can see in one of the pics, the instinct to cover her eyes comes naturally!

Kate's First Bath

2010-01-31T15:53:00.000-06:00

Kate got her first bath yesterday. I know, I know, I'm a bad mom. I mean it's been over a week since we brought her home. Well, to my defense, I was on bed rest for a few days after returning home and just now am feeling human enough to get up and about. She is clean now and looks as cute as ever. We are loving her more every day and it's still sinking in that we have a girl!!!

Smitten!

2010-01-22T12:59:00.000-06:00

Katedate #7

2010-01-21T15:30:00.003-06:00

Thank you for praying with us, and now rejoicing with us!
For more images, check out the Picasa stream down on the lower right side of this page or check out our Facebook

Update or 'Katedate' #1

2010-01-21T05:51:00.002-06:00

Bethany and her best friend, Jolene (who safely arrived from Springfield MO yesterday), just left the house (6:40 am) for the hospital for Bethany's scheduled induction. They'll get her checked in and then likely into a labor and delivery room, all conveniently located literally next door, 100 yards away at Allegience Hospital.

Bethany is happy that the day has come and we had some time to pray together last night. It's such a surreal thought that today, we'll hopefully, become a family of 5. From a kids perspective, we're 3 boys and 2 girls...

Would you be praying during these next hours? Bethany didn't sleep well; between Jack's coughing (be praying as he's got a mild cold made worse by his seasonal asthma) and Kate's kicking. I think the biggest thing on her mind, is her decision to try and avoid an epidural anesthesia and she's wondering how her body will handle it. Be praying for real and felt peace.

After getting the boys checked into child care at NTBI and picking up Jack's asthma meds, I'll head over the hospital myself and occupy the waiting room for the next few hours. Be praying for me, I'm wondering who the Lord might bring in my path while I wait.

I may update facebook a bit more than this blog, so if you're looking for more up to date 'Katedates', check that.

What a word, what a life, I'm in love...(with one, and hopefully two girls by days end!)

FAQ

2010-01-17T19:07:00.000-06:00

So, many of you have been asking how I'm doing these last days of my pregnancy with Kate. I have decided to answer them in a FAQ format to cover all the bases...

Q #1 - How are you feeling?
A#1 - As you can see from the picture, I feel HUGE!!! But really I'm doing well other than just being generally uncomfortable. I have been able to nap the last few days while the boys are sleeping in the afternoon and I'm back to work in the mornings which is actually nice as i can just sit at my desk and not need to be moving all around, chasing the boys.

Q #2 - When is your due date?
A #2 - Technically, the Dr. says Jan. 28, but I say Jan. 25 and together we picked Jan. 21 as the induction date. My best friend Jolene is flying up from Missouri to be my labor coach so we got to schedule Kat'es arrival a week early to make it a little more likely Jolene can get here for it. So this Thursday it is and honestly that day can't come too soon!!! Oh to sleep again!

Q #3 - How are the boys going to handle a new sister?
A #3 - Jack's typical reply is "I can't wait for Kate to get here, I miss her but I'm not doing the diaper part!!!" Owen just lifts his shirt and says here's my baby Kate, she's kicking! I don't think he quite gets it and I think if anyone struggles with her arrival it may be him. Oh to be 2 1/2 and cease to get all the attention!

Q #4 - Will you keep working at your ministry at NTBI after Kate comes?
A #4 - Yes, I will continue my ministry there in the mornings, working for the Dean of Education as well as discipliship with student girls in the afternoons a few days a week. Kate will go to the nursery across the hall from the boys in preschool and just upstairs from my office!!

Q #5 - Well i can't think of one so I'll just say here that we would love your prayers this Thursday. I have had an epidural with both the deliveries with the boys but because anesthesia and I don't like each other so well (I get very sick from it), I am opting to go without one this time. I'm a bit nervous about that so please pray for my strength as pain and i don't like each other either :)!!! The induction will begin around 6 or 7 am on Thursday so we'll keep you posted as to when she arrives!!

4 days and counting...

Pianists in the making!

2009-12-19T11:15:00.000-06:00

Jack and Owen love to play our piano and I captured a sweet duet in progress the other day. I think with Joel as their Daddy, they are destined to be musicians. Oh and a little known fact is that I too play several less useful instruments. Anyone know how leading worship with a basoon, baritone or flute works? :)

Our little artist

2009-12-19T11:13:00.000-06:00

Jack came upstairs the other day with his etchasketch in hand and proclaimed, "Mommy look, I drew a surfer"! I was amazed because this is the child who hates craft time, coloring or anything artistic. I didn't know he had it in him. But yet, he drew it all by himself without my even knowing he was doing it! Way to go Jack!

Making a Snow Man 101

2009-12-19T11:10:00.001-06:00

Today we woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the ground. The boys were itching to go out and play and Daddy needed to do some shoveling and well, you didn't have to twist their arms to make a snow man while they were at it! Funny enough, this morning on Playhouse Disney Agent OSO built a snow man and had the step by step process as his mission. Jack paid close attention and walked Daddy through exactly what to do. What fun!!

In Memory of My Dad

2009-12-10T20:12:00.001-06:00

Toys!

2009-12-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

The boys are growing up so fast and with that process is the fun of new, bigger toys. Jack got a skateboard and skater-guy clothes, including converse high tops! He looks so big now! Owen got a wiggle bike and is in heaven. Unfortunately, there's too much snow on the ground to ride but winter will come to and end soon or well, in May!

A British Tradition

2009-12-10T19:56:00.001-06:00

Bekah's Fiance, Steve is from Scotland and brought Chrismas Crackers with him for us all this year. What a fun tradition!

Baby Kate

2009-12-10T19:52:00.000-06:00

Well although none of us got to see her face, Kate was with us! She is an active little girl, more so than the boys ever were! Bekah's roommate Kim, John and Christine, Bekah and Mom and Dad all included her in the gift giving and blessed us with gifts for Kate.

1st Christmas for the boys

2009-12-10T19:46:00.000-06:00

No, not their first Christmas but the first one this year. We ended up doing half of it Thursday night and the rest on Friday morning. And then we'll have our family Christmas on Christmas. I think we're gonna hear a month from now, "Mommy can we have Christmas again this week?" What a shock when they realize that Christmas only comes once a year in a normal year!

Food, Food, Food!

2009-12-10T19:38:00.000-06:00

There wasn't a lack of food that weekend, even though i didn't cook everything i had planned.

Relaxing with Family

2009-12-10T19:13:00.001-06:00

The Potter Family all came together this year for Thanksgiving at our house here in Michigan. We celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday and had Christmas together on Friday. It even snowed on "Christmas" for us! We actually prayed for it!

We had a great time together cooking, eating, hanging out, eating, cooking, sleeping, hanging out, eating, eating, and eating!

Thanks M & D, J & C, and S & B - We love you! JBjok

6 1/2 years and still in love!

2009-12-10T19:00:00.000-06:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas

2009-12-10T18:59:00.000-06:00

Brothers and Best Friends

2009-12-10T18:58:00.000-06:00

The many faces of Jack

2009-12-10T18:56:00.000-06:00

I remember when my nephew, McGwire went through this phase of not being able to produce a regular old smile. Everytime he tried, you got this crazy face instead. Well, our own Jack has hit the same age and as you can see from the pictures, getting a good smile is nigh unto impossible. Still it was fun trying and he certainly loved being in front of the camera. What a ham bone!!

Is He Cute or What?!

2009-12-10T18:48:00.000-06:00

We took our Christmas pictures today and I was once again reminded why we don't do them very often. Just to get a really good family shot, we had to reset the camera like a dozen times! The boys are just so full of energy and Owen is the leader of the crazy pack! He is adorable, if I do say so myself, but oh so ornery!! There is never a dull moment with this little guy around!

NTBI Staff Christmas Party

2009-12-10T18:40:00.001-06:00

I, Bethany, had the pleasure of co-planning this years Staff Christmas Party. We had a beautiful venue, yummy desserts and a great time just hanging out together for the evening. It was also the last hoorah for two staff families.

JP and Sue Marr are transitioning into fulltime ministry at their local church here in Jackson. I have known them since I arrived here at NTBI in 1995. We went through bootcamp together, and I must admit, they saved my life there! We ended up back here at NTBI, ministering together for 5 years and now have met up once again here in Jackson for the past year and a half. I will miss seeing them here but I am thankful they will be nearby. Thanks guys for your faithful service for so many years.

The other couple moving on to other ministries is Mike and Jenny Sullivan. The Sullivans have been here at NTBI for 27 years. Mike has been teaching all that time and is a student favorite! Jenny has done many ministries and they will sorely be missed. Mike has the amazing opportunity to serve on the US Executive Board at our NTM Headquarters in Florida. I know they will be a blessing there and to all the US missionaries serving with NTM. On a personal note, Mike gave me the kick in the pants I needed to make the tough decision to leave college and pursue my training with NTM back in 1995. I am so thankful he stepped out of his comfort zone and followed God's leading when he told me to stop putting it off with excuses and just take the jump. He has also been my boss for 5 1/2 of the 6 1/2 years I have served here at NTBI. I am honored to have ministered along side him and will miss them!