Malkemes
September 30, 2008
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1
There is continual activity in the Malkemes' home. We are doing our best to stay in step with God as the seasons change - both within our family, and with the beginning of school year. Paul says, "we feel the freedom to push the reset button during times like these to help us realign with God's purposes," and in turn we are experiencing the peace of God in the midst of many joys and a few challenges.
Grace (3) is a full-fledged preschooler at the Lee Academy (sniff, sniff from Mommy), and she is loving it! She says her biggest challenge lately is learning how to hold on to the class line-rope without bumping into other kids. Grace is really proud that she can draw a straight line on paper and color in the lines.
Cady (5) entered kindergarten this fall. She says that it was also challenging for her to begin gymnastics class. She has been placed in an advanced class with a new teacher, and was pretty scared at first. Now Cady is extremely proud she made it through her first class, and is "really into it." She is one of the most flexible kids we know.
Over the summer Megan (almost 8) was anxious about returning to school, and says that a challenge for her has been "getting used to second grade homework." She transitioned back to school fairly well, and is thankful for Ms. R, a counselor she meets with weekly who helps her "work through her worries." Megan is our primo boogey-boarder, and is very proud of her growing swimming abilities.
For Paul and I, having all the girls in school is providing more opportunities to enjoy and support each other. Many of you will be pleased to know we are even scheduling some daytime dates. Paul has stepped into some new roles including financial management at our church and helping with communications for the Family Council at the girl's Lee Academy. I (Glenna) am getting ready to open Homework Center and start writing our 2009 curriculum.
Please pray for Godly wisdom as we raise our girls. We see in them the influence of the culture we live in, struggles with anxiety or self-confidence, and seeming to grow up too fast. But along with these challenges we are pleased with the full life our girls are getting. We love the fact that Megan talks almost daily about her faith with a Muslim friend - without wavering in her own belief and abandoning her friend, or that Cady has a heart to bring understanding between people. Your prayers carry us and it is such a blessing to know that whether we are laughing or crying, there are people like you laughing and crying with us. When you have a minute, send an email, note, or call. We would love to hear from you.
You can pray these scriptures for our family; Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 21:23.
June 11, 2008
Cady completed another year of gymnastics last night with a great performance at her final show. Gymnastics has continued to connect with Cady's heart and she is extremely flexible often Wow-ing people with how easy she can do splits, kart wheels, and other feats. When asked this morning about why she loves it; Cady responded "because it's fun and I got a medal yesterday and I love the tumbling track (a 50' long trampoline)." We hope to continue her in classes next school year Lord-willing.
May 11, 2008
Our daughters have adopted a fun tradition this year of receiving a Build-a-Bear on their birthdays. With the help of grandparents and auntie, we pool our money together to purchase one of these unique bears you create yourself. When Mother's Day rolled around and I asked the girls what they wanted to give mom as a gift and their idea was unanimous; a build-a-bear! The bear has a voice recording of Megan, Cady, and Grace each saying "I love you" which plays with the squeeze of the bear's paw.
May 4, 2008
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
I made some big mistakes already this year (no surprise huh?). They were the type of blunders that start small, but then grow. By late March, our marriage was strained. At one moment of intensity, Glenna blurted out "Paul, I'm done with this ministry!"
The slippery slope started in January when I asked Glenna if I could work one night in the office. Soon I requested another night and then I told her that I needed to go to another neighborhood meeting. Spiraling, I quickly crossed our personal boundary of being away only 3 nights per week to being home only 2 nights a week. Something was wrong. Communication broke down. Thankfully God opened my eyes to this destructive behavior. Together we are now working toward change and the quality of our family life and marriage is gradually improving. (Glenna really does love The Boston Project!)
We are thankful for the example of both our parents who have dedicated decades to serving the Lord together. They are known for their hospitality and servant-leadership, often characterized by small acts of service, their love for people and particularly youth, and teaching others. Glenna and I are two apples that didn't fall far from the tree.
Recently, we have had the opportunity to share our journey with others, especially in church settings. The number of nods and side conversations afterwards with married couples with children made us keenly aware of how often we hide our struggles and stress related to marriage and parenting. It's an uncomfortable position to be in having to decline church activities or helping with pressing community issues; but for the sake of our marriage, we need to more often say "yes" to our spouse than to the requests of others. We need to pace and strengthen ourselves as for a marathon, and not speed as if in a sprint.
Please pray for us and let us know how to pray for you. Encourage us to elevate the place of our marriage. Those seasoned in marriage - take us under your wings and nurture us all.
April 26, 2008
In late April, Glenna and I along with my sister Amy hosted an intimate gathering of family and old friends to celebrate the loving and lasting presence of Paul's parents, Pastor Jim and Karen. In a short two month period, they each celebrate 60 years of life, their 40th wedding anniversary, and to top it all off - 35 years in Christian ministry! We give God thanks for them, their support of us, and the many ways God uses them in the life of The Boston Project. To learn more about their current ministry in Newton Junction, New Hampshire, visit the church website.
March 29, 2008
One of Megan's pieces of artwork, developed at the Lee Academy Pilot School, was chosen to be on display in an art gallery at Wheelock College this spring. The piece, entitled "Rainy Girl", is "about a girl that likes the rain and likes to get her hair wet so when she goes inside she can have hot cocoa," describes Megan. Here, Megan (who is in 1st grade) looks on as the gentleman who funds the art gallery admires her work. "I felt nervous answering his questions," but was surprised when she and her friends got a "shout out" at school last Friday for their good work.
March 3, 2008
Last Thursday at 8:30 AM I received a call from a one-time acquantenance living in North Carolina. "I just had to call to find out what's been happening. God specifically put your name on my heart about a week and a half ago to pray intensely for you."
We had met this woman and her husband when Glenna and I had been speaking at a small New Hampshire church in the spring of 2006. After the Sunday service, the couple approached us, touched by God, and generously offered to replace my tattered high school preaching Bible with a new study Bible. What a generous gift!
The last two weeks have been intense for our family, yet not due to any one event or activity. We believe at times you know when to pray for us before we even know to ask. God has been doing some renewing work in our marriage, has us fighting for the well-being of our neighbors and neighborhood, and is opening up more doors to share about His work in Boston with church families. I believe God's nudging to pray is because big things are happening - first in the spiritual realm - then here on earth.
What an encouragement it is for us to know that there are people lead by God to pray for us before we even ask. Thank you!
January 29, 2008
We celebrate the life of Cady Joy Malkemes who just turned 5 this past Saturday. We had a rousing Little Mermaid party with 14 little friends from school, church, and our neighborhood.
January 17, 2008
Thank you for continuing to pray with our family as pursue the Christian community development and outreach work God has called us to in Boston. - Paul as he prepares to preach at Agape Chapel on Sunday, January 20
- Glenna as she writes our summer scripture curriculum based on Luke 4:14-30
- Megan (7) as she tries to figure out what talents God has given her
- Cady (5) is beginning to wrap her heart and mind around what it means to choose to love Jesus and follow Him all the days of her life
- Grace (2.5) is learning what it means to be caring towards others.
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