Merry Christmas - From the Wallace Clan

2013 has been such an exciting year for our family. The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity as we get settled in to push towards our departure this coming August.

Michelle, hard at work and focused!

At the end of October, Ted began working part-time at our home church, Emmaus, in Rockwall. Michelle dusted off the old art supplies and created some amazing new art.

Michelle's piece about Deception for Spark 20

Emily is nearing the end of her time at Brandenburg Middle School in the final semester there, and also got an opportunity to lead worship at Jacksonville First Assembly (where Michelle's dad is pastor). Daniel got his braces off (reminding him to put in his retainer is fairly constant - haha!), and continues to create some amazing stop-motion animation Lego Star Wars videos. Timothy has lost one of his two front teeth and turned 7 last Saturday. All the while, Judah continues to rule the roost from his high-chair at the dinner table. He keeps us all in line.

One front tooth down, one to go.

This year, I've been challenged to grow in my own intimacy with Christ, and although at times, this can be painful, overall it is amazing to see His grace and power evident in every aspect of our lives. This Christmas, I'm reminded again that He is Immanuel, God with us, and that He has promised to be with us always - to the end of the age. I urge you to take some time over this week to think about this amazing promise - that Jesus left His throne to become like us so that we could be like Him. Allow Him to work in your heart in a way that reflects Him.

I am so humbled to be part of His Kingdom. I am so awe-struck to see the way He provides in our lives. And I am so thankful for all of the ways He is using our family and friends and teammates in this journey of life.

We want to wish you a Merry Christmas. Our prayer is that your affections for Christ are deeper this coming year than they ever have been. We look forward to celebrating and interceding with all of you in the ways He is working in your lives. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of that mysterious and exciting process. May the love and grace of Jesus grow in your hearts and lives more and more each day.

-Ted
The Wallace Clan

Daily Randomness

It is so weird to think about moving to France on a daily basis, and then still do the "normal" stuff of family life. Tonight was Emily's pre-UIL concert at South Garland High School (as a Lakeview alumni, I had to hold my breath the entire time...).

Of course, we had to reward her astounding performance with some Dairy Queen, and then finished up the night with schoolwork for Timothy and giving Judah a bath.

We also sent out our very first email newsletter that explains part of our story in getting back to France. There is this really cool link on our page here where you can sign up if you want.

Anyway, as we move closer and closer to our goal, I am thinking more and more about how our life will change. Because there is so much unknown for us, I'm not sure how much will change, and what we'll be able to keep the same. It is EXCITING though, and we're all looking forward to it.

-ted