Sculley Family 2014
“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT)
Dear loved ones,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We share our annual letter with you in the hope that our lives will brightly reflect the love and glory of God – may He receive all the praise, honor, and glory! We have so much to be thankful for – each day is a gift from God to be received with gratitude. What we do with each day is our gift back to Him. Each year I try to think of a creative way to tell you about our year and what we’re each up to. This year, the Myers-Briggs type indicators came to mind 😉 Instead of boring you with our four-letter combinations, I thought I’d make it a little more fun by giving a snapshot of what each of us would be like if we were cuts of beef (for the men, thanks to Hoven Farms) or desserts (for the ladies, thanks to the Sugar Box Lady). Here we go . . .
• Paul, if he were a cut of beef, would be a rib-eye steak. He “takes flavor seriously and likes to work on his own, but is not against great side dishes.” Paul finished his long stint with Georgia Pacific earlier this year, and is now on a study sabbatical, ramping up his skills in all kinds of computer programming acronyms. He is a pillar of wisdom and can often be found giving counsel to loved ones of all ages, especially on significant life decisions. He serves in a thousand and one ways at home, at Liberty Vineyard (our church), in person and online. If anyone needs anything, tech gadget or otherwise, Paul either already has one stashed away or finds the best price online within minutes. He loves surprising us with treasures and special trips. He helps each of us to think about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Paul can often be found in his home office, where he likes to study, have long conversations, fix things, watch movies, and work out. Favorite music includes whatever his kids put on the radio or Pandora.
• Karen, if she were a dessert, would be a chocolate-chip cookie. She “is warm, enthusiastic, appreciative, and supportive, and helps everyone feel good.” Karen has an all-girl student body for the first time in 19 years of teaching Sculley Academy. She is thankful for the opportunities she’s had to teach in church, conferences, camps, retreats, seminary, schools, and other groups throughout the year. She enjoys finding inspiring books & other resources for each person and situation, including our monthly movie nights. She loves providing opportunities for people to connect with God, connect with others, and thrive. She finished her 2 years of training in spiritual direction, and enjoys helping others to recognize God’s voice in their lives. She loves every chance she has to make beautiful music, especially as accompanist for worship teams, choirs, musicals, and open mic nights. Alone-time for Karen means just the eight of us, and she is especially thankful for Paul and each of the children, each of whom is the joy of her heart! She does in fact love chocolate, too, and has to admit that secret stashes of it have helped her through times of bumpy adolescent waters. Karen can be found here, there, and everywhere. Favorite music includes worship music, Celtic, classical, Russian Orthodox chants, and bands that blend old and new instruments (especially Le Vent du Nord and Trans-Siberian Orchestra).
• Peter (23), if he were a cut of beef, would be a tenderloin. He “is always thinking, and solves your problems by wrapping them in bacon.” Peter has just one remaining elective to do before receiving his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He has a unique way of seeing things and sheds light on all kinds of topics with his strategic questions and insights. He and Karen taught adult ESL together one night a week for four months, and he discovered he has a wonderful gift for teaching and relating to those who are finding their way in a foreign land. Peter enjoys connecting with friends online on a regular basis. He is an amazing kid magnet – whenever little people are in the vicinity, they can be found clustering around Peter. He is a source of great humor and stability, especially when others are experiencing emotional turbulence. Peter can usually be found in the man cave or the kitchen! Favorite music includes Mily Balikirev, Modest Mussorgsky, and techno dance music.
• Cascade (17), if she were a dessert, would be a carrot cake. She “is empathetic, kind, responsible, social, loyal, and makes others feel at ease.” Cascade is a senior at Sculley Academy, and has been accepted to begin her college studies next autumn at Liberty University in Virginia, where she plans to study pre-med with a minor in vocal performance. She loves reading, cooking, planning, creating, writing, music, drama, and dreaming. Cascade is in her 5th year dancing with “Praise in Motion,” choreographed her dance solo, was stage manager for 3 one-act plays, and competed in music, dance, and drama as a soloist and in duo and ensemble groups (reaching the finals at a regional competition singing “O Mio Babbino Caro”). Cascade is one of our worship leaders at Liberty Vineyard, leading the singing once a month with Esther on guitar, Karis on djembe, and Mummy on keyboard. When not practicing, performing, or doing AP Calculus homework, Cascade can often be found on the love seat swing enjoying a small stack of her most recent book discoveries, knitting while watching “Call the Midwife” with her sisters, going on driving adventures to the library and beyond, cooking up delicious and nutritious cuisine, or playing “Phantom of the Opera” or “Les Mis” songs on the piano. Favorite music includes Irish / Celtic, 50s / 60s / 70s, Jesus Culture, Mendelssohn, and certain musicals.
• Jonathan (20), if he were a cut of beef, would be a t-bone steak. He “is a natural leader, a self-confident steak that strives for perfection on the grill.” Jonathan graduated in May from LeTourneau University with his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and 3 minors. He received an award for achieving the highest score on the Ph.D. entrance exam at Georgia Tech, where he is now studying and researching. Jonathan is the tech guru of our home and is great at asking strategic questions of those who are struggling to find the best direction. Jonathan can be found in the man cave or playing his favorite game (trivia) or other family games. Favorite music includes Irish music and classic rock.
• Esther (14), if she were a dessert, would be a brownie. She “is quiet, friendly, peaceful, and brings great comfort to others without being pushy or opinionated.” Esther is a high schooler at Sculley Academy, and especially enjoys guitar, science, animals, dancing, drawing, singing, babysitting, and anything creative, including salon-worthy nail painting. This year she joined the choir that her sisters have been a part of, so all four Sculley ladies have shared this experience together! Esther enjoys sharing her gift of music whenever the opportunity arises, including concerts and special church services. She continues to grow in ability and grace in dance in ballet (en pointe) and modern. Esther can often be found reading on the swing, taking Runner for a walk, picking out a song on her guitar, or drawing with fine-line markers. Favorite music includes Christian radio (especially Unspoken and Colton Dixon) and Irish music.
• Michael (19), if he were a cut of beef, would be a rump roast. He “is quiet and friendly, striving to create an orderly meal that you can eat at home or at work.” Michael is a freshman studying philosophy at Toccoa Falls College. He enjoys exploring and discussing the deepest questions of life and was delighted to discover a philosophy club on campus that closely resembles the monthly “Movie Nights for Thinkers and Seekers” which our family has hosted for over three years! Michael earned his black belt in karate the week before he left for college – with his kind smile and quiet manner, he would be a great undercover bodyguard! When Michael is home from college, he can be found in the man cave with his brothers listening to music or watching a movie, reading ancient or modern philosophers on his kindle, or listening to a Ravi Zacharias lecture with mom. Favorite music includes contemporary Christian music (especially Casting Crowns and Third Day), and classical music (especially Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Brahms).
• Karis (14), if she were a dessert, would be a chocolate-lava cake. She “is outgoing, exciting, and one who lives life fully.” Karis is a high schooler at Sculley Academy, and especially enjoys writing, drama, singing, babysitting, dancing, and anything with people. She enjoyed playing the part of a 60-year-old grey-haired spinster in “Any Body for Tea?” and is looking forward to performing in the musical “Cinderella” in the spring. She enjoys the great outdoors, doodling, and spending time with people. Karis can often be found throwing her softball in the cul-de-sac, jamming and singing at the piano, reading Peanuts comics, walking on the treadmill, or snuggling on the couch. Favorite music includes Christian radio (especially Anthem Lights and For King & Country), film scores, Irish music, and Christmas music.
We’d love to see you this year, and sincerely enjoy unexpected visitors, so come visit!
God bless you each,
Paul, Karen, Peter, Jonathan, Michael, Cascade, Esther, Karis
(& our critters – Tubby, Dex, Sveta, Misty, Samwyse, Pippin, Max, Jack, & Runner)
“Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!” (Romans 15:13, The Message)
