Merry Christmas!
What a tangled weave we weave when a championship we can’t receive…
Writing a Christmas letter in December and looking back to January is quite a challenge, but the first thing that stands out is the Razorbacks’ horrific loss to LSU last month which knocked them out of contention for the National Championship game. It was just yesterday (last January) that Sam and Jeff flew to New Orleans to see the Hogs drop another clutch game in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State. They were blessed with tickets by members of our church who also sent our worship leader, Cody, with them since he was an OSU fan. He didn’t rub it in too much. That was the big event for the first week of January 2011.
The first few months of 2011 were tough ones as well. Carolyn had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery as a result of breast cancer coming back. Boobs became a household topic and provided Jeff with an endless source of humor that helped keep things light. Sam and Adelyn were incredibly gracious and a source of encouragement during this time. We are so grateful for the continuous love and support we received from our church family here and friends and family from all over!
The early months of 2011 were spent bundled up. It’s COLD in Blacksburg during the winter, but that didn’t stop us from catching several VT basketball games! With the Hokies getting left out of the NCAA tourney for March madness, we got to see them in the first few rounds of the NIT which were hosted at VT’s Cassell Collosseum.
Sam tried out and made the JV baseball team for Blacksburg High School as an 8th grader in March. It was great experience for him. Carolyn’s brother Jeffrey came to see us in Blacksburg, but we were unsuccessful in hooking him up with any VT gals.
In April-May, we spent many a chilly afternoon at ball parks, with Adelyn engaged in softball (on top of her continued dancing and guitar lessons). Our church’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was western-themed, which provoked Jeff and the staff to make some insane videos. Our worship leader got bucked off a horse, and then he and Jeff performed the “My Little Buttercup” dance from The Three Amigos movie dressed in full costume. Scary. Sam took an overnight trip to DC on a field trip, and he and Carolyn planted a garden on the side of the house.
Adelyn’s dance recital was at Radford University in June, and Carolyn’s folks (Pa & Memaw) were able to join us for that extravaganza. Sam got to ump some of the younger kids’ baseball games in June-July, and we were blessed to be able to travel with a team from our church to San Sebastian, Spain. It was our first mission trip together as a family, and the Lord provided every dime we needed! The Nobles came to visit in July, and we took them all over SW Virginia where they experienced Jefferson’s Monticello, UVA campus and Abingdon’s Barter Theater. On the way to Abingdon, they learned their house had been burglarized and their TV stolen. They were good sports, and Gayle began to scheme about how to get a 3D HDTV.
We spent a week in San Angelo, TX in August at Carolyn’s family’s lakehouse. It was HOT! Even Jeff’s iPad was sweating. Temps ranged around 105-110 each day, but we drank plenty of iced tea and had a blast watching all our kids on the jet skis, fishing and card games. Carolyn’s folks were incredible hosts – there were 18 of us, including kids all together for a week. School started that month, and Adelyn began 7th grade, while Sam moved to Blacksburg High to enter 9th.
Our church exploded in August, and in the span of four weeks, we grew from one service to three services. We were so excited about God’s work in our midst. By the end of the year, Jeff had baptized almost 40 people – only one under the age of 12. Adelyn began helping lead worship for the younger kids at church, and Sam began volunteering to run the media for the worship songs for the evening service.
September-October were truly blurs. Even now, we wonder where they went. Carolyn and the kids traveled to Arkansas for a week for a doctor checkup for Carolyn (all clear), and they all got to spend time with dear friends in Monticello. Adelyn turned 12, and she got interviewed by a Roanoke TV station at school about an iPad app that VT had developed for use in schools and was featured on the news. Carolyn and Jeff went to see Bill Cosby at VT for an early birthday present for Carolyn, and they laughed their heads off. (Of course, Jeff still claims that he’s funnier.)
In November, VT quarterback Logan Thomas agreed to come share his faith story at a college outreach event our church hosted. Sam got to meet him and now really looks up to him. (Of course. Logan is 6’7″.) Carolyn continued subbing at schools. She has really enjoyed serving special needs children as an aid. Jeff did several weddings this year, and Carolyn went with him to all them. She took pictures for one of our church couples at a beautiful outdoor wedding in Pennsylvania the 2nd weekend of November. Our church partnered with a new church start in Radford, and since they needed help with worship leadership, Adelyn began helping with some other musicians from our church. We all went to Little Rock to see Jeff’s parents for Thanksgiving and enjoyed the down time. Sam and Jeff slipped down to Monticello for a day. Sam went deer hunting with our long-time friend, Jeremy Woodall. Jeff’s too-short morning was spent reminiscing with a few friends.
Snow flurries began to tease us in November, but so far, December has been relatively mild. Sam has gone hunting here with one of the Cru staffers that goes to church with us, but he hasn’t killed a deer yet. We walked in the Blacksburg Christmas parade alongside our church’s float (which won 1st place!), and we celebrated all that the year has given us – both good and challenging. Just this week, we worshipped with Shane & Shane and Phil Wickham that Northstar brought back to town for a community Christmas concert. Jeff’s sister Amy came to visit and was able to watch Adelyn perform in the Nutcracker at Burruss Hall.
It’s been a wild, wonderful, worshipful year for the Nobles. It’s been so full of experiences, and we’re amazed. This letter can’t contain our gratitude for the blessings and yes, even, the trials we’ve encountered. From cancer to Christmas, from New Orleans to Spain, from Hogs to Hokies, from pictures to baptisms and from quarterbacks to coffee shops, we have seen and testify to the vivid reality of Jesus Christ’s presence in our lives. We yearn for you and your family to experience His deepest blessings and favor this Christmas.
He is the baby given. He is the King reigning. Merry Christmas, one and all!
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Christmas basketball shot
By now most of you probably know that Sam and I enjoy setting up unusual basketball shots. When we were putting the wreaths on the house earlier this week, we couldn’t resist.
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Very thankful
We are tripping back toward Blacksburg on the day after Thanksgiving. It’s called Black Friday. An otherwise benign day transforms soccer moms to hockey players and CEOs into campers. In their rush to get the latest TV or $3 off a spool of yarn, ordinary people become Twilightish vampires, willing to stake out Best Buy or Hobby Lobby three days ahead of time. (And it’s not really the time you can get the best deals… Source).
We had a great Thanksgiving with my family this year. It was just the right blend of laziness, technology, food, entertainment, cheating and football.
Laziness: We left after our evening worship service last Sunday night and finally drove into Little Rock on Monday. We enjoyed sleeping late and laying on the couch watching mom and dad’s new big screen 3D TV.
Technology: I sold mom my old Macbook Pro (she’s had an iBook G4 for years), and I upgraded to last year’s model (mine was a 2009). I came out even on the sale and used purchase off of Ebay. Helping mom get up to speed with all of her Mac gadgets was fun, and Carolyn even helped “reload” her digital picture frames with newer pictures. Dad is still happy with his Motorola Razr, but Mom is geeking out with an iPad, and iPhone 4 and now a Macbook Pro.
Food: Nuff said. My sister voted her contributions of sweet potato casserole and dressing as best in show on Thanksgiving. We really couldn’t disagree with her. But she was rather smug about it.
Entertainment: Football and more football. Sam, Dad and I saw In Time on Tuesday. Great scifi flick. The premise of time being used as currency is sobering. I loved how they portrayed most people in the movie as having less than a day of time left. When you time out, you die. It was a disconcerting reminder of the danger of living from paycheck to paycheck.
Cheating. We like to play chickenfoot with dominos. I’ve observed that it’s ridiculously easy to cheat at that game – not that I would do so with my aging parents, silly kids, or distracted wife. That would be terrible. However, we did overhear someone around the table say, “I was doing a lot better when I was cheating.”
Football. The only thing that made the end of the week melancholy was the Razorback’s blowout loss to LSU in the Battle for the Golden Boot. It was more significant this year since they were undefeated and ranked #1, and the Hogs were ranked #3. We left Little Rock early Friday and drove hard to make it about halfway to Blacksburg by game time.
We checked into our favorite chain – Country Inn & Suites – just in time to watch the game. Since we did no shopping that morning, the Hog loss became known as our own Black Friday.
We moped around for a while tonight and fielded a few tacky Twitter comments, such as the one from @rebman10 who said:
“@journeyguy are you still riding shotgun or are you off the wagon?”
It was a reference to his wife’s tweet earlier this week that asked me:
“Where were u in the lean years? #bandwagon”
My response to her had been a simple hashtag: “#icalledshotgunonthewagon”
Ok, so maybe I had tweeted excessively and exuberantly about the Razorbacks this season. To my defense, I have always loved the Hogs but not been a big fan of Nutty coaches. Ole Miss fans now know how right I was.
What about you? What characterized your Thanksgiving?
You can see more Noble family Thanksgiving photos here.
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Football throwdown
After the basketball showdown, Sam and I also went head to head throwing footballs at a deer target (nice touch of Blacksburg and Arkansas in one game). Here’s the results…
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Basketball showdown
Sam and I went out and played basketball for a while Saturday afternoon, and after several games of 21 and horse, we finally resorted to trick shots. We gave each other 5 attempts each. Here are the results…
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I’m an earthquake survivor
So I was sitting in the Lancaster House on Tuesday knocking out tasks left and right on the computer when the Great Quake of 2011 struck. I’m not proud of what happened next. But I’ve never thought through my earthquake preparedness or response. While I am a volcano survivor, I was simply not prepared for the 5.8 earthquake that hit 3 1/2 hours east of us. I was pretty shaken up…
As I sat at my desk, I was suddenly aware of the the floor shaking. My first thought was Brandon Sexton was in the room. Brandon is a former youth minister for our church, and he has a massive nervous leg. It’s always shaking, and there were several staff meetings when he was present that one of us would say, “Brandon! Be still!”
It wasn’t Brandon. As I looked around confusedly, I saw my bookshelves swaying just a little. It was one church movement I didn’t want. About the time I said out loud, “Uhhhhhh..,” Â Cody, whose office is next to mine, said, “Hey! Is your…?” That was almost simultaneous with Intern Jacob saying something like “Hey! The house is shaking!” These are not exact quotes because the whole quake was 20-30 seconds, and it all happened in a blur.
I do remember saying, “I think it’s an earthquake,” almost a second before something fell in the house. At that point, it was time to evacuate, in my mind. It’s an almost 90 year old house, and I didn’t want my 43 year old body taking a short cut to the basement from the second floor.
Jacob and I hit the stairs at a run and were outside in a flash. Cody stayed in the house, huddled in his doorway – I think in the fetal position. Poor little tyke. He said later that he stayed because he remembered an episode of Saved by the Bell which instructed Zach and the Gang to get in a doorway in case of earthquake. My new earthquake philosophy is “Doorway? No way. Get outta the way.”
Jacob and I were caught off guard by what we found outside the house. Joggers blissfully trotting by. Students on bikes heading to class. Traffic. Normality. No one cared that we had barely escaped with our lives. No news crews to interview us and comment on our remarkable escape. Nor were search and rescue prepared to extract Cody’s body from within the church office.
What we learned later was that many folks in our area missed the earthquake. Oh sure, the earth quaked underneath them, but it depended upon where you were, what type of building, etc. as to whether you knew it or not.
As we returned sheepishly to our now non-shaking house, Cody helpfully reported that Facebook had blown up with the fact that it was, indeed, an earthquake.
By the way, on Wednesday morning, I discovered a little damage in my office from the quake. It was what fell. Here’s a pic:
What’s your story about the Great East Coast Quake of 2011?
(By the way, I didn’t take the picture of the lawn furniture above. It’s gone viral since Tuesday. If you know who took it, or where it originated – with the text added – I’d love to hear about it.)
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Making the radio
The family gathered around the laptop tonight to listen to Carolyn’s cousin, Mike Graham, sing. Mike is a Texas Country musician and songwriter. He’s incredibly talented. He was featured with 2-3 other musicians on The Ranch 99.5. Here’s a selection of his music from the broadcast below.
Also, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear the DJ tell him that his cousins are listening in from Blacksburg, VA. We sent a message to Mike via the radio show’s online chat, and it was cool getting to hear him say hi back to us on the radio.
Listen to a portion of the broadcast
Listen to the DJ telling Mike…
You can also get Mike’s music here or on iTunes.
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Doing it West Texas
 |
| “Our Texas chauffeur” From Summer 2011 |
We’ve had a blast in San Angelo the past few days. Yes, it’s been over 100 each day. But with no humidity to speak of, you can sit in the shade with iced tea and actually be comfortable. Caro and the kids make this annual trek to their family’s lakehouse, but I only make every 3 years or so.
With eight grandkids (4 are 5 and under) in one lakehouse along with eight adults, it’s quite an unruly crowd. Yet, the days pass quickly with fishing, jet skis, more fishing, card games, a little TV and, of course, major meals.
I brought 5-6 books with me, thinking I’d devour them while away. With water-logged days and heat that saps your energy, I find that I can’t stay up late. When I slow down or lie down, my eyes quickly rebel against my desire to read, and zzzzzzz…..
We drove further south today – to Junction, Texas – to meet Carolyn and Cortney’s grandfather for lunch. We rendez-voused at Cooper’s BBQ (simply amazing) where the kids found and chased kittens around the exterior of the restaurant (amid warnings of “watch for snakes”) while the adults swapped stories and enjoyed the simplicity of a no-schedule, nowhere-to-be day.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch… (I’m sooooo Texan), our church family back home participated in Blacksburg’s annual town festival called “Steppin Out.” Essentially, it’s a massive outdoor restaurant combined with craft booths and live music. Toss in a few hula hoops, cops on bikes, and things made out of grass and granola, and you’ve got Steppin Out.
Since being away this summer, I’ve had a few observations about life. Here are five for your musing:
- There’s no distinguishable difference between 100 and 110 degrees, with humidity being constant. Hot is hot.
- Coffee shops are a great
escapeopportunity for reflection during family vacations. - While noodling (fishing for catfish with your hands while fully immersed in water) looks fun on TV, 10 year-olds claim that accidental noodling for snakes is decidedly not as adventurous nor fun.
- Installing two ceiling fans to cool down a back porch in west Texas is where they got the expression “blowing hot air.”
- Ski ropes can instantly foul up the prop on a jet ski.
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Crashing Windows
Windows. As an operating system, I’ve enjoyed jokes at users’ expense since 1988 – the year I became a computer user, and a Mac Plus was the happy recipient of my digital affection.
However, the crashing windows I’m dealing with now are not on a PC. In the past three months, 75% of my door windows on my 97 VW Jetta have broken.
I was dismayed last year when my AC compressor gave up he ghost, but I figured that I could get by since the climate is so mild in Blacksburg. I’ve apparently gloated too much about our wonderful weather, because my power window motors have broken in this order: passenger side front.. passenger side back.. driver side back.
When the first window broke, I had the shop block the window up so that it would just stay up. It wasn’t a big deal. When the next window slid into the door and refused to rise again, I had to make a decision. With no AC, anytime it’s wet outside, I have major fogging problems. With just two windows working on one side of the car, it was like a rain forest inside whenever it rained outside.
So, after much thought, I elected two weeks ago to have the front passenger window motor repaired. I now had three working windows again.
Last night, when I pulled in to the driveway, I rolled all three windows back up. Right after I turned off the car, I heard a “thunk.” In dismay, I whirled around to see my back driver side window slowly sliding into the door. Sigh.
It’s like Volkwagon had a shelf-life for window motors or something. I wonder what it is that made three of my window motors go kaput within 6 months. And of course, I don’t trust the life span of the remaining driver window now. Looks like other folks have had a similar problem with this model of VW.
I wish Apple made Windows… They would just work.
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Things Mattie said
Our five year-old niece is visiting us for a few days. She’s from El Paso, and she is quite loquacious (i.e, my ears are losing weight because of the workout they’re getting). However, she’s pretty entertaining and fun, and I thought I’d record some things she’s said to us during her stay. Keep coming back for more “Things Mattie Said” (TMS):
- Upon arriving in Raleigh-Durham where it had been raining: “Look at those ponds!” (speaking about water puddles – they don’t see much of those in El Paso…)
- To Sam on the way to McDonalds: “Your voice used to be different.”
- Since she’s been here, she’s been texting all the time.. on a toy calculator.
- “I think God made me do that because I didn’t do that.”
- I love that show. Spongebob. He’s a good actor.
- Nanny, (what she calls Carolyn) why did you wear your hair like that? Did you not have time to fix it?
- Everything looks good on me. (she’s not a big believer in humility)
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Lie to fly
I’m so exceptionally proud of my wife this morning. She took our son to Roanoke early (5:45a) for a flight out to visit grandparents. The trip has been planned for some time. US Airways refused him boarding due to age.
They told her, “Say he’s 15.” in refusing, she may have lost a flight, but she has strengthened her faith. She’s waiting now to talk to a supervisor to see about an exception, but she is the exception.
We all need clearly defined moments when we make tough decisions solely on the basis of our belief. When we choose to lose rather than lie to fly, it may be painful for a moment. Yet it solidifies for us and those around usthe authenticity of our godly ambitions.
I’m proud of her, and I hope that the super grants her favor. But even if he doesn’t, the favor of her Father is greater. Because of her integrity, she’s flying higher than US Airways could ever take our son.
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Spain Mission trip
On June 23, all of us – Jeff, Carolyn, Sam and Adelyn – will board a plane in Roanoke with a team from our church. Our destination is San Sebastian, Spain, where we will be working there to minister to the Basque people.
The Basque are one of our world’s “unreached people groups.” Less than 2% of the 2.5 million people in this group have a relationship with Jesus Christ by faith. The region is predominantly Catholic, but mainly in name and ancient history. (Source: The Joshua Project)
We’re in process of raising the money for our trip (estimated to be about $1600/person, so $6400 for the family). If you’re open to giving to help us, please click the button below, and the money will be given directly to Northstar Church with a memo for the Noble’s Spain trip.
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Happy birthday, Darrell Cook!
What a fun friendship story.
Cliff Notes: guy from Little Rock meets guy from Roanoke at a BCM building in Monticello, Arkansas. Little Rock guy follows Roanoke guy as the campus minister there. Roanoke guy eventually becomes BCM director at his alma mater, Virginia Tech and his family joins Northstar Church soon after it starts in 2003. When founding pastor retires, Roanoke guy submits Little Rock guy’s name to the search team. Little Rock guy and family move to Blacksburg where the friendship adventure continues.
I first met Darrell in 1995 when Carolyn and I traveled to Monticello to interview for the position he was preparing to vacate as he had been called to serve as the BCM Associate Director at Arkansas State University. His students at the time related to me how fun he’d been and proceeded to tell me “NAB” stories galore. We were able to connect on many occasions as campus ministers in Arkansas together and though our ministry styles were different, I quickly grew to respect him and love his growing family.
When he moved back to Virginia, it was a loss for Arkansas campus ministry, but it was Darrell’s dream to serve as the BCM Director at VT when his own campus minister, Roland Byrd, retired. He’s served creatively and faithfully there for the past 11 years.
Today is Darrell’s 44th birthday. He’s much older than I, and I guess that’s why I respect him so much. His mobility is relatively unaffected by his age, and he is much as I remember him in Arkansas. It is inspirational.
I wrote on his Facebook wall early today to wish him happy birthday since his birthday falls on Sunday, and with pastoral stuff happening tomorrow, I didn’t want to forget. If my birthday wish isn’t on Facebook, then any verbal wish would be insincere. Facebook makes it real.
I found myself stalking perusing the photos that he’d been tagged in, and the chuckling just didn’t stop. If you want to know what I’m talking about, check some of them out yourself.
What those pictures reveal is what anyone close to Darrell already loves and enjoys. Darrell seizes life and drains it of every possible, wonderful morsel of love, laughter and enjoyment. He is the kind of guy you want beside you in life’s highest and darkest moments.
Recently, Darrell sat with me and a few others from our church in the surgery waiting room at Roanoke Memorial Hospital as Carolyn was having cancer-related surgery. His company and presence is dependably affirming and assuring.
The thing about being Darrell’s friend is that you’re certain of three things:
- Honesty. He will never pull punches with you. He tries, but he’s too transparent and easily readable. His sincerity is guided by his love for you and for truth. And he has a wonderful manner of “speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4.15)
- Humility. You will never hear Darrell brag about anything. Even as the leader of a large campus ministry, Darrell remains completely grounded and focused on what really counts. He is refreshingly easy to hang out with.
- Humor. Early in 2010, Darrell showed me this video, and I went around singing it to myself and others for weeks. I couldn’t get the tune out of my head. Even though his sense of humor is much cornier and less refined than mine, it’s fun laughing
atwith him because he simply enjoys life so much.
I know Darrell occasionally reads my blog (I think he’s searching for the latest great jokes to steal.), and so I wanted to wish him a happy birthday here. He and his amazing bride and their family have been friends for a long time, but since being here in Blacksburg with them, they’ve become even more appreciated.
Happy birthday, DC!
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Final surgery – Round 6: gratitude in busyness
I love that Roanoke Memorial Hospial has free WIFI. We’re here today for Carolyn’s final surgery related to her breast cancer. It’s the last reconstruction surgery, and we’re both excited about it, but for different reasons…
I related to Caro that I’ve not been in the hospital for myself since I was a kid. I had had some kind of stomach virus and threw up all night to the point that my parents stayed up with me, feeding me ice chips to try to keep my hydrated. When my hands began drawing up, they took me to the ER in Little Rock where the docs hydrated me with IVs. She rolled her eyes as I tried to convince her that the experience compared to hers. “I could have died,” I assured her.
This round of cancer has been different from other rounds. It’s been different because we’ve had a different church family to walk us through it in Northstar. They’ve been amazing. We are experiencing different doctors, different hospitals and new routines in a different state. Virginia has been just as kind to us as Arkansas was as we’ve weathered this process.
As many differences as there have been, we’ve also experienced some of the same that we’re grateful for. We’ve had the same loving families to call, visit and and encourage us. We’ve had some of the same friends to usher us through it with letters, cards and e-thoughts (whether Facebook, Twitter, email or blogs). Some of the same churches have prayed for us including Journey Church, First Baptist Monticello, Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church Monticello, Second Baptist Monticello, Immanuel Baptist Little Rock, and at least a dozen others.
In the difference and the same, we’re grateful to everyone who has prayed, cooked, laughed and cried us through this episode. Your helpfulness in carrying another cancer burden has made another experience lighter. It’s made especially so because we trust in the One who is the Light of the world. Our sincerest wishes have been that our response to cancer reflects His care. We did not choose cancer; it was chosen for us. Because Christ also chose us to reflect His character in this time, we have earnestly prayed that our lives have honored His Sovereignty.
It was a beautiful morning as we drove over to Roanoke, and as we drove, we prayed for today and all that it holds. We also prayed for the next several days of gloriously full activity. A two-hour surgery is in process even now. When it’s complete, and we’re back home, we’ll be blessed with busyness. We’ll have a houseful of friends over the next several days, visiting from Arkansas. On Saturday night, I’ll be speaking to college students at an event at Virginia Tech. Sunday brings a special day with Michael Kelley of Lifeway speaking at our church. The kids’ social and sports calendars plunge inexorably forward…
We’re blessed. And we’re grateful.
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The Pen
I have this thing with pens. I use them. A lot. Since I’m a journaller, I typically have 1-2 favorite pens that I only use for that. It’s not unusual for me to actually run out of ink with one of these pens, and I consider it a triumph akin to running a marathon when I do.
For Valentine’s Day, Carolyn gave me a 2-pack of this Sharpie pen that I’m now using happily with my journal. The story of how that happened is worth telling – but only in person. I’ve been successful this week in retelling it a couple of times, and it gets longer and funnier with the retelling (at least I laugh as I tell it).
A pen is really a gift that is able by its bearer to keep on giving. In this day of digital triviality, our words are typed or pecked out with such thoughtlnessness that they’re little more than alphabetic noise.
Using a pen, however, forces me to slow down, to think, and to enjoy the process of communicating. In fact, I find myself crafting not just my words but even working on how I write – my pensmanship – simultaneously with the message I’m crafting. In the Middle Ages, scribes would laboriously create stunning works of art with illuminated texts. Their careful intricacy leant weight to the message they copied or wrote.
Not so with copyists of 2011. We peck out things on a keyboard, make sure that our software gives it a spell-check “all clear” and print, click “submit,” or “update” and we’re done.
That’s why the pen is a gift that coaxes its recipient to go deeper in life. A pen in the hand draws more than lines on paper. It draws out real thoughts, forces us to crock-pot rather than microwave our musings for more enjoyable fare.
Part of the longer story is that Carolyn bought me a “Le Pen” the day before, but its slimmish skinniness made me uncomfortable. She thought that was ridiculous, but I like a little more bulk in my Bic. I’ve got one pen that also has a little flashlight on the other other end. Novelty never hurts. So the Sharpie became a great gift.
My first assignment with it? A Valentine’s Day love letter to its giver.
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Ala Carte: Power-napping, The Rock-Scarred Hand, Sugar Bowl bound,
Power-napping
After church Sunday, Carolyn and I gratefully shifted back into our Sunday afternoon routine of power-napping. Some define a power nap as “a short sleep which terminates before the occurrence of deep sleep or slow-wave sleep (SWS), intended to quickly revitalize the subject.” [Source] They’re completely wrong.
A true power nap is one that must involve drool, and if sleeping on a corduroy couch (such as we have), it must leave linear, parallel imprints on one’s skin which linger for at least 20 minutes after being woken. I took the couch Sunday (and thus received the imprints), while Carolyn took the loveseat. I honestly don’t know if drool was involved since both couches are so absorbent. However, we’re such pros at power napping, I’m confident that a wring of the cushions would fill a small glass.
The Rock-Scarred Hand
After waking, we went over to some friends’ house for coffee and fellowship. We had a great visit. It’s fun to just be you with friends. It was post-coffee that rocks and hands had an unfortunate encounter.
We made it to the street, after walking down their steep driveway, when I heard a short yell and then the distinctive sound of feet slipping on loose snow gravel. It’s distinctive, because the excessive gravel that Blacksburg spreads over every hard surface after a snow accumulates in the streets, and last winter, I got out of the car, slipped, screamed like a girl and disappeared under the car.
So I recognize the sound.
I looked to see Carolyn falling and catching herself with her hands. That’s pretty scary for someone who’s just had a double mastectomy. Adelyn and friends came running. Carolyn said, “I think I’m OK, but there’s something in my hand.” (She thought it was a piece of ice.)
When we got her back into the house and ran water over the bleeding gash in her hand, it was clear that a piece of gravel had lodged in her hand. We did everything we could to get it out, but with the pain increasing, the blood flowing, and husband paling, we opted for the ER.
Our friends took Adelyn home and stayed with the kids while we took the Prius to the ER, enjoying wonderful gas mileage all the way.
Check-in, a short wait, and then she went back.
Thank goodness ESPN was on in the lobby. And for Twitter.
We passed the time by texting one another, and then she informed me via text that it was out. I found out later that the doc had to cut a bigger incision just to get the rock out. Our texts back and forth went like this:
- Caro: Sharp. Size of a pinto bean.
- Me: Whoa. Keep it for a trophy.
- Me: Instagram it. (a new photo-posting blog service)
- Caro: I am.
- Caro: It’s out. Have to have x-rays to make sure no fragments.
- Me: Thank goodness your iPhone ok. ;)
I was called back at this point, after updating Facebook and Twitter (which is how my mom discovered the news). Here’s the shot of the rock.
Sugar Bowl bound
Sam and I fly out to N’awlins tomorrow for the Sugar Bowl! Friends at the church surprised me and Cody with tickets during the holidays since he’s a Luckeye fan, and I’m a Hog fan. Family chipped in to make airplane tickets possible, and the wives threw in a hotel room.
If you missed the video we shot after we learned of the BCS matchup, here tis:
As we drove home from the church gathering that night, Sam was pretty bummed. His silence revealed his extreme jealousy. That was assuaged Christmas morning when he unwrapped a Hog hoodie with his ticket in the pocket.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip possible! Wooooo Pig!
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Christmas
Christmas entered with a sleepy-eyed, parental state of disbelief in how early our kids still get up for the day. I blearily threw on some house pants and a ball cap and followed my bright-eyed spouse into the living room. Though our kids are 13 and 11, they still treat Christmas with as much eagerness as they always have.
Whether it was unwrapping or confetti-throwing, I’m still not sure, but the loving chaos, discovery and gratitude that followed over the next hour were more than enough to substitute for my normal caffeine fix. There was Sam downplaying his gift of a Sugar Bowl ticket. (13 year-olds have to have some semblance of dignity.) Adelyn loved her Flip Video camera and promptly began starring in her own movies. I wonder where she got that from?
I was successful in fooling Carolyn, and it was fun watching her unwrap her iPhone 4. I was extra thankful the AT&T folks let us upgrade a few weeks early. I had a hard time explaining to her yesterday (on her birthday) why her old phone suddenly lost reception. (It was when I’d called the AT&T folks and told them to go ahead and activate the new iPhone.)
My big present this year was the travel to the Sugar Bowl, in combination with the ticket that Northstar Church gave me and Cody to go. Since Cody’s team is the Ohio State Luckeyes, it’s been fun milking that matchup around town. I also received a wireless keyboard to go with iPad and some other goodies.
The best gift this year, however, has been my family. I was able to drink in the moments this morning with joy. Carolyn’s surgery is past, and it’s just recovery time ahead. We’ve had wonderful visits from my mom and dad over Thanksgiving and Carolyn’s mom this past week to be present during surgery and to help out.
Our church family has been gracious and kind to us by providing all kinds of meals and goodies. We’re truly overwhelmed and humbled by their joyful service to us. One family went above and beyond – the Minnicks – by cooking us Christmas Eve meal AND a full-blown Christmas day dinner that was just amazing. We were so grateful. Another family made Carolyn a birthday cake since she’s a Christmas Eve baby.
We’re thankful. It’s so humbling to be on the receiving end of so much ministry, love and care. Yet, all the ministry we’ve received keeps us consistently praying and praising. For every good gift we receive has its origin in the Original Giver.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1.17)
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Christmas notes 2010
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Blacksburg, VA. The leaves that once were vibrant fall colors are now under three inches of snow. The temperatures have dropped and are much colder than we were use to in Arkansas. The beauty that comes with the bright, white snow makes the season’s change worth it. There has been changes in the Noble family as well.
Jeff is basking in all the changes that have happened this year at Northstar Church. The church moved its office location to a beautiful, historical house on the edge of the VT campus. Being on campus and having a house conducive to ministry has brought a new dynamic for Northstar. The house is full most days and nights with meetings, discipleship time and fellowship from both college students and families. We have been honored to have seen many lives changed this year through salvation and baptism. There isn’t much more you can ask for when you get witness people give their life to Christ and decide to follow Him wholeheartedly. If Jeff isn’t in some type of discipleship meeting you can find him at home relaxing, reading or trying to beat Sam in Fantasy Football.
Carolyn has enjoyed subbing for the schools this year. She mainly works with Special Ed children and likes that she can pick and choose when she works. She is a part of a Ladies Morning Bible Study where she has made some good friends. She is still taking photos on the side but enjoys not having to make an income from it and just enjoy it for a hobby. As a continue saga of her health, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer this October. Fortunately, the cancer is non-invasive and does not require treatment. She will, however, have a double mastectomy and reconstruction on December 13th. Not exactly what we want for the Christmas holidays but God’s timing is always best. We have learned that time and time again.
Sam has grown like wildfire and has had the biggest change. We recently bought him size 11 shoes and he is about to be as tall as Jeff. He now helps with the Technical Team at church. He assists in setting up the lights each week and is in charge of the slides for the worship songs. It’s a great way to keep a teenager focused during the worship service! He played baseball this summer and is now playing basketball. He was able to go to Young Life camp this summer in Maryland and is already planning for next summer. This past summer we were able to go camping on the New River and take the kids to Virginia Beach. This was a first for both kids. Sam still loves the outdoors. His practice deer target is in the backyard where he practices shooting his bow. Not sure how the neighbors feel about it here but it is a yard ornament for now.
Adelyn has had her fair share of change as well. She started middle school this year. She is in the band and of all the instruments, she chose TUBA! If it is not the deer in the backyard, it is the tuba practice that
can be heard by all! She still takes guitar lessons and loves writing music. Our families all pitched in to buy her a beautiful blue Fender guitar for her birthday. She loves it and plays it often. She still takes ballet and tap. She is in prepoint this year and will probably get her long awaited toe ballet shoes in January. She loved playing softball this year and is now playing basketball. She still sports her converse shoes almost every day. She even wears them to basketball practice. The other day she was complaining of her feet hurting. It might be time to purchase real basketball shoes. Not sure how she will handle practicality over style. We will see.
This Christmas we pray that you have had some good changes in your life this year as well. We pray that Christmas will be a time that we will all remember James 1.17:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.â€
Merry Christmas from the Nobles!
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Round 6 update
Although we don’t know much more than we did since our last health update, we’ve had a lot of requests and questions about where things are in relation to Carolyn’s breast cancer. You can read here for the beginning of the Round 6 Saga.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve had six “It’s cancer…” phone calls over these past 20 years of being a couple (Carolyn and I started dating “officially” in July 1990). I’ve said before that the Lord knew what He was doing in all our health episodes. Carolyn is my hero and the strong one. She’s taken each announcement with the grace God has provided. Sure, there have been tears and emotional roller coasters, but it’s been humbling to watch her coast on the wings of God’s provision and steady love for her. I, on the other hand, go into the fetal position when I get a sinus infection and milk it for all it’s worth. Carolyn dreams about ways to serve with a chemotherapy IV drop attached to her arm.
The latest in round 6 is that Carolyn’s breast oncologist in Little Rock has recommended a simple total mastectomy. He’s encouraged her to consider a double mastectomy, all things considered, with reconstructive surgery. Carolyn has been following up with some doctors’ appointments here in Virginia to process her options. We’ve had amazing, Christ-honoring doctors in Arkansas. We’ve always been grateful for that. That’s one way that you can pray for us at this point – that we’ll be directed and guided to the right physicians for the surgeries ahead.
Our church family has been exceptionally gracious and supportive during this time. They’ve asked and have offered their help for the days to come. Many have already offered meals. We’ve put them off so far, since at this point, we are thriving on the prayer support we’re receiving. Of course, there will be a day in the near future where practical ministry and help will be coveted. It’s just humbling to see this army of friends and our faith family preparing to mobilize for us in these days.
In the middle of the decision-making, our family is doing great. Carolyn recently organized the Noble Fall Family Photo which will be on Christmas cards. It was an adventure, and we’re grateful to Cody for putting up with us. This was his second year to take it for us, and now he’s now longer trying to impress “the new pastor and his family” – he’s laughing with us and at us.
The kids are busy with school, sports and hobbies. Sam is not so busy with the latter as he’s being forced to focus on the former. Yup. Grade time was not pretty this last time. He’s living a completely unplugged existence right now. Adelyn, on the other hand, is doing a relatively good job of not gloating about it.
We’ll keep you updated as we know more…
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Nerds and villains
It’s a new day at the Nobles’. Our kids are heading their separate ways for Halloween.
Sam dressed like a villain and filled his camouflage hunting bags with Silly String as he departed to join friends intent on stringing unsuspecting kids. Adelyn was dressed like a nerd (not much costume needed), and she and girl friends from neighborhood united to conquer.
Carolyn and I porched it and enjoyed seeing the princesses, witches, heroes and other unknowns traipse from house to house. Halloween draws the American neighborhood out of it’s cocoon, and it offers an opportunity to meet, laugh and ooo and aah over elaborate costumes.
In between ghosts, Carolyn and I also talked Twitter. It was a pretty interesting conversation. She shared with me her favorite people to follow which includes local, OBU, and Arkansas friends, John Piper’s family, @bartmillard, @modernmom, and @funnyoneliners (they steal all my material, I told her). It was a pretty surreal conversation for the front porch on Halloween.
Nuff said.
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About
Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.
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