Getting to a New Normal

We've been here a month. WHOA! Where did that time go? I know we're really getting settled because during the middle of the night wake-ups I don't try to walk the floorplan of our Florida home. Haha! My toes are very thankful to not be stubbed constantly :)

Thank you all for your prayers, we have needed them and God has most definitely been at work!

This month's notable events:

These Floridians survived the snow! Weather here truly is crazy, one day we went hiking at a local park (the desert, E1 calls it), and three days later we were buried in snow. E2 proved to be far braver with the snow on her home-turf. E1 fearlessly leaped from the stairs into the smooth powder. I think she was a bit surprised how far she sank down :) Even Simba, the manly 10 pound miniature poodle, could be seen gallivanting through the snow for a while. I was incredibly thankful we didn't have to go anywhere that day, just spent it together outside till we couldn't feel our fingers (a whimpy 20 minutes) then warming up with hot chocolate. The whole process was repeated many times.

E1 *offically* turned 4! Poor kiddo, she spent the day sick in the reclining chair. Our celebration plans were not to be thwarted though. A few days later we ventured to the south side of town and tried out a place called Paradise Cove. The kids had so much fun! It has many bounce houses, obstacle courses, and a laser maze. E1 ran from one side of the building to the other and couldn't wait to do them all! E2 was brave and learned to climb up the giant inflatable slide all by herself and flew down a bit faster than I think she intended. Both girls have started Awana at our church and are in Cubbies - they love it! I'm blessed to get to help lead their class and man, there's not much more convicting and encouraging than listening to a 4 year old recite Scripture!

Jarrod had his first opportunity to preach as associate pastor for GHBC. The Lord used him and there was quite the chuckle as he passionately discussed the "BIG but" in the Scripture passage :) He had no idea he said it. Pray for him. He has had many opportunities to counsel and share the Gospel both in the church and in our apartment complex. I look forward to him having a moment to share a few of the experiences with you.

It still feels a bit like we're "shooting from the hip" so to speak in regards to scheduling and getting into a routine. In some respects, I know this is just how ministry is, but in others I look forward to providing our kids (and ourselves) with a more stable schedule.

We had our first holiday away from family; the Lord was so kind to love on us through others. We had a delicious Easter meal, beautiful flowers and were able to talk with all the fam. I wouldn't pretend that it was an easy day, but the Lord is abundantly generous in His care for us.

Please pray for us as the"newness" of being in Reno is starting to be replaced by a realization that this is home. Pray for our kids, E1 especially. Pray for more opportunities to talk with people we meet about the mighty God we serve. Pray that we would be faithful to share.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! We feel  them and the Lord honors them. I have been reading through Titus and these verses in chapter 3 really help me engage in the work here:
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit

We know that it is nothing of ourselves, but only through His Holy Spirit working, that we are blessed to see lives changed. I am praying God moves mightily in GHBC and Reno, would you join me?

Love you all,
the Reeds

One Week In

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing - Zephaniah 3:17

Hooray! We made it through our first week. To say our days have been full is an extreme understatement. The Lord was kind and brought our stuff here safely and we had many, many kind hands from the church to help unload. Downsizing from the Florida house to an apartment here meant every room was piled waaayyy high with boxes. Jarrod and I looked anxiously at each other wondering how it would all fit. 5 days of unpacking later, we have a living room! Most things are finding their places and the stress levels are greatly decreasing.

It hasn't all been work.... We took some time to satisfy E1's desire to see snow! Mt Rose is just a short drive away. The verdict was split among the kiddos... E1 thought it was great and literally dove right in, E2 seemed pretty convinced the snow would eat her. E3 slept through it all, so the tie-breaker will be decided next time :) We are excited to go on more adventures as a family.

 This is moments before E2 sunk hip-deep into the snow.... she didn't like it so much after that!

The girls kept shouting "look momma! There's snow everywhere!"

We were blessed to participate in the Lord's Supper with GHBC this past Sunday. Jarrod's big fear was dropping the lid and clanging the plates..... He made it through! We have been warmly welcomed and "pounded" (people bring a pound of something to help stock our pantry) by the people here. We've heard countless stories of God moving mightily in the lives of believers here- redeeming them out of some tough stuff. We can't wait to be used by Him to draw others to Himself, and for Him to make us more like Jesus.


Thank you for faithfully carrying us in prayer. Here are some new requests:
- Jarrod will be leading the youth on Wednesday  nights, pray for wisdom and compassion as he engages these young adults from a variety of backgrounds
- For E1&2 to make friends. They'll be in awana Wednesday nights, pray they enjoy it.
- For E3, he seems to hate sleep. We were trying to remedy some health issues before we left FL, pray for wisdom in dealing with those here.
- Pray for the marriages at GHBC, for their protection and growth as we all learn how to mirror the relationship between Christ and the church.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue moving through Reno. This beautiful city is far from the Lord and most people we've encountered outside of church clam up as soon as "church" is mentioned. We know that our God is mighty to save, and that He is pursuing the hearts of those far from Him (Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 5:8)

Thank you all and we love you!!

The view from Mt. Rose overlooking our city.
Join us in praying for God to be glorified here.