The McClouds 2.0 | SovHope Spotlight Blog
Adam Vinson
Alex tells me that when we first met, I was sarcastic and uninterested in having a conversation with him. He would probably say that not a lot has changed, and yet our lives have become so intertwined. From mannerisms and quirks to phrases and facial expressions, I don't know how much of me is actually me and how much of it is Alex. Thankfully, that's a good thing for me (not so much for Alex) because Alex's character is the kind that as a friend and Christian, I want to emulate. Now, believe you me (whatever that phrase means) I know personally that behind every great man is an even greater woman. Alex's better half and life partner displays the same characteristics and then some. Both have an incredible servant heart and genuine love for others. It just seems like they were meant to be. And that is why when Alex told me he was interested in someone at our church, I guessed it was Jessica. I was so excited that I told some people. Okay a lot of people. So much so, that by the time Jessica found out, she may have been the only one who didn't know. Thankfully, I didn't ruin anything because I think we can all agree that we are better off with them in our lives than without them.
HOUSE HUNTING
God's timing is the best timing. That seems to be the message of the story of Alex and Jessica searching for a house. Their hunt started a year ago, and at that time they had found a house on Wagon Wheel Trail they really liked, but they felt that it just wasn't time. They just recently started the process again, and at times felt discouraged. It seemed like there was nothing on the market that fit what they were looking for. Then, Alex used his gift of prophesy and said "I've got a feeling about February." I was skeptical because didn't we already go through the gifts of the spirit and how prophecy wasn't necessary anymore? Well, guess again because February came along and where did Alex and Jessica find themselves? Back on Wagon Wheel Trail, looking at their future home, and the swimming pool that we are all going to use. Their search has come full circle and they are praising God for his provision and perfect timing. Currently, they've done the inspections and gotten the appraisal back. All they are are waiting for now is to sign the papers on March 13th!
TITUS
When I'm around this kid I always have to put my guard up. I mean look at him. He's got the cutest smile, one that belongs on the front of Gerber, and the greatest laugh. That's why I have to be on guard. That face says "Come on. You know having a baby isn't that bad. I mean look at me. I'm great!" And then I say "Yeah, you're right!" Next thing I know, I've got the worst temperamental baby who won't sleep at night or smile at me and I'll resent Titus for the rest of his life. Now, I see perfection in Titus, but that's because he leaves after 2 hours and I don't have to deal with him. For Alex and Jessica, they have been learning a lot of lessons in selflessness and have been growing in teamwork together as they are in that parenting stage where everything they see has turned into a potential danger. Titus has started army crawling, which allows him the mobility into non-babyproofed territory. Everything is now a choking hazard, electrical hazard, or shoved up the nose hazard. Along with that challenge they are also expanding his ability to eat regular food, which when I hear regular food I'm thinking like, steak. Okay maybe not steak but something good at least. Imagine my surprise when Jessica pulls out green ice cubes. She told me that it's mashed up peas that have been frozen. She then microwaved and spoon whipped them into mush. I guess there are varying opinions on what regular food is. My mistake. However, Titus' food options are about to broaden as Alex and Jessica are expecting him to start teething soon, which I hear is a really fun process. All in all they are really enjoying being parents and taking care of baby Titus.
I am extremely thankful for the influence that Alex and Jessica have been in not only my life, but others as well. They are truly a blessing to all they interact with and to our church. Pray for them as they continue to grow in parenthood and raise baby Titus, as well as take on new financial responsibility with the house and create a new home together.