The Secret to Joy

Lately I’ve been intrigued, inspired, by one dear old woman who comes tri-weekly into our fitness facility.  Parkinson’s is crippling her and consuming her very life breath.  There are days when her feet don’t work, when her trembling hands can’t grasp her bags, when her throat is restricting as if someone’s choking her.  There are days when her landlord refuses to take care of her constantly flooding apartment, when her taxi service forgets about her and leaves her stranded for hours.  And yet, each time you ask her, she smiles and says she’s good.  “It’s always a great day!” she says, and her face a bright sunbeam, shows it.  She has learned the secret to joy.  Thanks.

No matter how tough life is, no matter how much it seems she has nothing left to lose, she continues to smile, continues to give thanks. 

She giggles as a handsome 45-year-old man in his work out clothes notices her.  And she comments on some teenage boy’s great butt.  But in everything, she gives thanks.  She enjoys the simple things.  She notices the small things.  And she always give thanks.  This is such beauty.  Such challenge.  The secret to joy, is thanks.

Tribute to 13040 Alder Street

In the next couples weeks my parents move out of our childhood home.  When I think of this place, there are so many incredible memories.  It is with sadness and wonderful, fond memories we move on.  This is the end of life as we know it.  I couldn't help but post some of our years with this place...

Disclaimer: Please excuse the lack of photos which truly portray what was our home.  My sisters really have all the good pictures... maybe they can help me out? ;-)

* baking for annual church and staff Christmas parties * baking for fundraisers * baking for youth group * baking for friends * baking disasters * just baking in general *

* decorating the house with Christmas lights (doesn't everyone remember this, we were a legend in SE Portland) * playing dentist or house * having HUGE Thanksgiving and Easter meals where any and all were invited * matching homemade dresses hanging on our doors every Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day * 

* nighttime Bible stories with Mom and Dad * hiding in Manda's stuffed animals at night so I could stay and laugh with my sisters longer * eating veggies straight from the garden * picking dead rhodedendrons off the bushes (to this day I still hate those flowers) * countless bonfires and hangouts * being TP'd, though usually we were the TPers * high school Bible studies * Amazing Race parties *

* wedding chaos * wedding dreaming * HOURS of playing music with my sisters * squeaky clarinets * several litters of kittens * watching Martha Stewart every summer morning with my sisters * days without electricity * cold house remodels * making up dances to Brent Lamb and Mary Rice Hopkins * performing made-up plays for mom and dad * oh and so many more! *

In short: baking, music, God, family, and blessing others.  I wouldn't trade our time there for anything.

Good bye, Alder Street.  You have been an incredible place of fun, memories, blessing people, parties, morning runs, learning, and hours of baking.  We will seriously, surely miss you.

Fall in the Okanagan

This is fall here... :-)

Oh right... 

And don't forget the crisp air,

the hand warming tea lattes,

the scarves,

and the pumpkin scones we just mowed through :-)

Isn't it lovely and gorgeous?

Sunday Highlights

Aren't kids in church just the best? :-)

This morning Mark and I taught the 1st through 4th graders, and boy are they ever cute!  First off, aaaall the little kiddies are together to sing and do worship together.  At the end of the singing the leader goes to pray.  Automatically, four year old sweatered handsome gets on his knees and bows his face to the ground. :-)  Man, don't you wish we were that quickly drawn to bow before our incredible God, our Creator?  :-)  Not only so cute, but so challenging.

Then, Mark and I go on to teach our kiddies about courage and standing up for what's right.  We're going through several different Bible stories where people did the hard thing and stood up for what's right.  In the first two stories God did incredible things and saved the people when they did was right.  In the third story, Mark starts off and says, "Now this one's kind of a sad one..."  He goes on to tell how Stephen in Acts was preaching about Jesus and the leaders accused him of saying things he didn't actually say.  When he stood up for what was right, he actually died.  The awesome part about it is that the word about Jesus spread to Asia, Europe and Africa because of Stephen's death.  Automatically adorable, blond haired, toothless smile starts clapping and says, "YAY!!  That's a happy story!!  People heard about Jesus!"  Oh, that we would have that mindset too.

Aren't kids just the best? :-)

HE is our refuge

"God is our refuge and strength,  always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come, and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam!

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!...

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!

God's voice thunders, and the earth melts!

The Lord of heaven's armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress....

Be still, and know that I am God!"

Psalm 46:1-10

Trek

Trek: to travel or migrate, especially slowly or with difficulty

How fitting it is that this is the name of the youth group we are now working with.

We are on a journey, and it is slowly, and with great difficulty, but a journey to a great destination, so we cling to hope.

"So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

2 Corinthians 4:18  

This we cling to...

Go ahead.  Listen to this.  Just basque. . . 

Basque in these promises.  Basque in the truth, the comfort, the joy in this song.

This song has become for me, truths to cling to and rest in.

May this bless you as well.

Jenny and Tyler, Psalm 46.  (Start the movie around 40 seconds)

Jealousy for Ministry

I think I've found the problem.  I think I need a bigger age to be considered for ministry not as a volunteer.

Right now at our church we're doing a 'series' on discovering and implementing your spiritual gifts.  This was perfect timing for me, because boy have I ever been questioning everything!  I love spiritual gifts tests, and the like, and was thus so excited for this.  In taking the tests it was bold in my face how ministry passionate I am.  I struggle because I think maybe I'm supposed to be getting a 'real' job and then just do ministry on the side, or allow my job to be ministry.  But I want ministry TO BE my job!  The test was off the charts confirming my gifts and passions, which was good, because I was starting to doubt it all.

Shepherd.  Leader.  Administrator.  Giver.  Teacher.

Wow.  And yet, why does it seem all so hopeless here?  As I glance through the statuses, the updates, the pictures posted of people whose job IS ministry, or who are so clearly being led into impactful ministry, I get jealous.  My heart is so ministry.  Is that bad of me?  I so want to be content where the Lord has me, and yet I'm SO not.  I want to get my hands dirty and I want to be using my gifts!  I want to feel ALIVE again!  Pray for us, would you?  It seems we've been praying long for jobs, for better schedules, for full time (or even part time) ministry, for unified dreams (and dreams at all) and yet no answer.  And for our very health, something has to change.  Pray with us?  Tell me I'm not crazy for so desiring to be a part of His work?  Love you all.  Thanks for journeying with us, though so very far away.  We love you.

Hungering for God

The last months have largely been full of rough patches, concerning my relationship with God.  Prayer has been full of “HELP!” and upset, “Why?!” or “I don’t get it!”  Scripture reading and reflecting has been minimal, for the sole reason that I couldn’t focus and felt incredibly discouraged.  I could read the words, but I just couldn’t connect.  It seemed God wasn’t speaking to me as He before. 

Recently Mark and I stepped into the Youth Ministry at our church.  I have been challenged and blessed.  It was the major kick in the butt I needed.  In our last weeks we have been challenged to have daily Scripture reading and prayer, which seems like a “Duh!!”  But nonetheless, it was totally what I needed.  Since I couldn’t focus, didn’t know where to read and felt I couldn’t hear God, I knew something needed to change.  So I grabbed a gift from the internship Mark and I had done in Bend, Oregon.  The Solo Bible.  It gives a brief passage to read (with expanded passages if you so desire), then reflection questions, prayer ideas, and reflections on how to live it out.  THAT WAS WHAT I NEEDED!  I have been in the Word and cannot stop reading!  I have been reflecting and listening, and you should see how my desires are starting to change and how my passions are starting to re-ignite!  The mornings where I was bored, or had a tv show on the schedule, have now changed to be mornings where I can’t get enough of the Word, where I can’t get enough studying and want to spend my day singing at the piano, preparing lessons, and listening to the Father.  These days are glorious. 

The more I faithfully continued to seek God, the more He showed up.  The more I faithfully seek Him, the more I desire Him.  The more I desire Him, the more my heart is changed, my soul is content.  I am so thankful.  And I encourage you, keep seeking!  Keep pursuing despite the “HELP!” prayers, and the seemingly pointless times of Scripture reading.  KEEP PURSUING!  There is more to come!

Praying with you…

What are you aiming for?

The last several days I've been thinking a lot about what I'm aiming for.  What my dreams are, what my goals are, and what I'm doing to get there...

You see, it started last week when I asked Mark to teach me how to throw a frisbee properly.  This was probably the 101st time I've been shown, but somehow I can never get enough power, and I have random throws where it's as if the frisbee hooks on my fingers and flies forcefully behind me instead of the direction I thought I was aiming.  As Mark led me he would say, "Amy, you're not looking at me!  Before you throw you glance into the woods or wherever and that's where the frisbee ends up going."  I fought him a bit and tried so hard to focus on him, but lo and behold, I had a tendency to take my eyes off Mark at the last second and the frisbee would go flying, unaimed.  As I focused my attention solely on Mark, the frisbee would go right there!

A couple days later we were out mountain biking.  I noticed toward the middle of our trip that I would glance at the uneven, often rocky ground we were travelling on, and when a larger rock appeared in the path I would be so focused on NOT hitting it, that I would actually end up hitting it!  I kept doing it, staring at the rock I was trying so hard not to hit, but "hit!" every time.  I started noticing the obstacles and instead of focusing on them, focusing on the path where I wanted to go instead.  There in solved the problem.  I needed to focus on the exact point I was going for.  If I focused on the wrong point, then I would hit it.  Whatever I focus on, is what I hit.

I haven't been able to help but think about this concept in my life.  Is my life aiming for worldly success, though with everything within my I want to aim for Kingdom 'success'?  Am I aiming for a 'normal' or 'practical' job though I so desperately desire to aim for full time ministry?  Am I aiming for recognition or credentials, or am I aiming for the Father to say 'Well done'?  Whatever I aim for, is what I will get.  If I aim at nothing, that's just what I get.  I am inspired this week to go for the passions and dreams God has put in my heart.  I am inspired to AIM for them, instead of just HOPE for them.  I am inspired to put practical steps to the things I have long desired.  And though it may not come right away, I will aim for the dreams He has put inside of me.  If I aim at nothing, that is surely what I'll get.

"I will live to love You"

For some reason the chorus of this song came to mind the other evening as Mark and I came home from our Youth Leaders meeting, a meeting filled with passion and dreams, desires and earnest prayers.  I don't know where I ever heard or learned this song, but I'm glad it came.  "I will live to love You, I will live to bring You praise, I will live a child in awe of You."  And how perfect are the rest of the words as well.  Truly my prayer, and my hearts desire.

Some of you know we have been praying and crying out for ministry, for God to stir in us and open doors.  Some of you know we have been horribly unsatisfied in living life simply to go to work every day, although that certainly has it's purpose as well.  This was the second Youth Leaders meeting we've been to, and I think I can say for both of us, we finally feel ALIVE again.  Our enthusiasm, our gifts, and our hearts are being stirred once more.  And can I say we are ever stoked?!  The first meeting was much confirmation for what Mark and I both believed, that we needed to be in full time ministry.  The first meeting was much confirmation for what Mark and I both believed, that we were in Kelowna for a reason.  It's been a long time coming and waiting, and still waiting, but I can say after that first meeting, I truly believe one of the primary reasons we are here is for the purpose of being more trained, mentored, and equipped in regards to ministry, and specifically ministry.  We are excited to have our God-given passions, dreams, and gifts once again stirred in us.  Thank you for your prayers already, thank you for your prayers for now, and for the future.  We look forward to what He has in store.  In the meantime, watch this video, or at least read the lyrics, and let it speak.  This is where we're at...

"Till I See You"


The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And till I see you face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in you

With all I am I'll live to see your Kingdom come
And in my heart I pray you'd let your will be done
And till I see you face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in you

I will live to love you
I will live to bring you praise
I will live a child in awe of you

You are the voice that called the universe to be
You are the whisper my heart that speaks to me
And till I see you face to face
And grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in you

You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless your name 

Things Mark learns and hears at work... :)

"Did you know stinky farts are rarely a sign you are sick?"  :-) (Out of the game Scabs and Guts)

A little girl from the daycare as the kids are talking about how everyone's mammals... "Nuh uh!  I'm a female!!  Mr. Mark's a mammal and I'M a female!!"

(4 year-old girl -who looks like a cabbage patch kid- says to another teacher) "My sister has underwear that go up her butt!!  And we’re not very happy about that!"

Little girl: "Mr. Mark, Mr. Mark!  So-and-so just threw the football at me and he hit me right in the nuts!!"

The last day of music week i had the kids do a "Music Talent Show". I asked the kids to sign up the day before the talent show so i could get an idea of what they would be doing. One girl announced that she was going to be playing her castanets (the two wood block things that you click together). I asked her if she would be playing a specific song and she responded without hesitation "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. " I really didn't want to crush her spirits so i let her try it. The next day she shows up with her castanets and when its her turn i announce that she will be playing twinkle twinkle on the castanets. She is excited to share her instrument and song with the kids and is grinning from ear to ear. clink clink clink clink clink clink clink... her grin quickly recedes to look of deep inner realization. "I think it would be better if i had a piano instead." :)

"Mr. Mark I can see your underwear!!" 

Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

"Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
After all, everyone dies - so the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
for sadness has a refining influence on us.
A wise person thinks a lot about death,
while a fool thinks only about having a good time."

Reflecting a lot on this recently.  I never completely understood this passage, but as of recently, I get it.  I remember our Psalms and Wisdom Literature professor talking about this passage and agreeing wholeheartedly with it, while I sat back and questioned, "How truly are funerals and thinking about death wiser than going out and living our life to the best we can."  In the past weeks death has been creeping up in the places one would least expect.  The death of a young man we grew up with in a freak car accident.  The death of a baby so close to full term.  The death of my brother-in-law's good high school friend.  In it all, I can't help but think of the shortness, the futility of life.  I can't help but think "If life is so short, how do I want to be spending my every moment?"  Two things consistently come up: 1) If life is so short, I want to and need to be spending it in all out, full time ministry, and 2) If life is so short, I want to be close to family and true community.  So I'm reflecting and praying, praying for opportunities for ministry, praying for the Lord's guidance and vision for our lives.  And I'm consistently reminded of the words that come up frequently in the rest of Ecclesiastes, "There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.  And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of the their labor, for these are gifts from God" (3:12,13).  So in the midst of work and the busyness of life, I seek to make every effort to live with purpose, and to enjoy life.  (Which, as a sidenote, I'm thinking that means a vacation, because who know if we'll make it to next Summer!)  In all of this I pray that we will take this to heart, and that the Lord will teach us how to live every minute of our lives for His purposes.  Afterall, life is short and we don't know the timing of His ways.

Chipotle Grilled Chicken Salad

This is what we had for dinner last night (minus the tomatoes and onions)... SOOO delicious ad easy!!!

Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad (from Our Best Bites)

SALAD:

4 c. chopped Romaine Lettuce

2 c. chopped grilled chicken

1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, washed

1/3 c. vertically-sliced red onions

1 avocado, cubed

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 8 3/4 oz. can corn, rinsed and drained

DRESSING:
1/3 c. chopped fresh cilantro
2/3 c. light sour cream
1 1/2 + tsp. adobo sauce from canned chipotle chilies (we used sriracha chili sauce and it was delicious!!)
1 tsp. chili powder
4 tsp. fresh lime juice
¼ tsp. salt
OPTIONAL:

Tortilla Strips

~Combine lettuce, chicken, beans, corn, onion, and tomatoes in a large bowl and gently mix with your hands (which you have obviously and thoroughly washed, of course! :) ). Set aside.

~Mix dressing ingredients. I say to start with 1 1/2 tsp. of adobo sauce and then go from there, probably 1/4-1/2 tsp. at a time.

~When you’re ready to serve, add avocado, tortilla strips, and dressing. Gently combine and serve.

Voila!!  Delicious, fresh, quick to make salad dinner! :-)

July 4, 2011

"Wishing today that Mark wasn't working all summer... or that we had different work schedules... or jobs... Just something so we can live to the hilt every situation.  Planning a Vancouver Island trip and realizing with work and such I'll either have to go by myself or wait until next Summer.  Praying for God to stir in our hearts and open up opportunities that we could have never dreamed possible.  And praying for God's voice to be clear and His presence to be near to us as we wait and pray and hope."

"Wherever you are, be all there.  Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."
And so we are praying we live this...

Random and Sporadic Thoughts After Camping for 4 Days

*After no shower for 4 days my hair still looked almost completely fine.  Conclusion? I am meant to live outside.

*Mark slept WAAAY better tenting outside than he ever does at home.  Conclusion? He was meant to live outside.

*After 4 days of camping I feel more alive than I have in probably 8 or 9 or 10 months.  Realization?  I am a nature girl ((all you in Portland are saying “Duh, Amy!  Could have told you that! (After you ooed and awed about every sunset ever!))”  J It’s pretty darn clear that the last 8 months I’ve been depressed (to which at least my family is saying, “Duh, Amy!”). 

*I love being in community with incredible people, good conversation and lots of good laughter. 

*I don’t want to raise my kids right in the city… I think being outside a smaller city, a place where we can a good size back yard and place for kids to play and enjoy being outdoors.  A place that is a resting place and reminder to relax and enjoy God and His creation.  A place where I can rest and be reminded to slow down and enjoy life.

*I’m so thankful that I have twice been given the gift of true community so I know what community can look like and so I will not settle for anything less than awesome.

*I’m praying for jobs where Mark and I can truly use our gifts and make an impact for the Kingdom and in people’s lives… and where we can be more sure of our goals and calling… and someday be more ‘settled.’

Our Last Few Weeks...

Have been filled with HOURSSSS of driving, family, and fun adventures interspersed (would you expect anything less?)  :-)  We (as in 'I') are trying to live life abundantly, considering the shortness of life, and the (hopefully) shortness of our time here in the Okanagan. :-)

An evening hike with our wonderful (now married) adventure-loving, Christ-loving friends :)

 

Mark went bear hunting with some guys from our Life Group.  No bears, but he caught three fish!

Isn't he handsome and rugged? ;-)

The first little bear we saw on our road trip adventures.  The next one we saw coming in to Banff... along with a couple moose, some elk, a coyote, and deer up the wazoo.  We've now seen nearly all the Canadian animals there are to see.  When we see a beaver, we're officially out of here!  ;-)

  

 

Strawberry picking... fun experience, SUPER pricey, not as tasty as Oregon's

...but still fun

 Bliss Bakery in Peachland... some of THE best chai lattes, incredibly yummy apple struudel, and a landscaped view right on Lake Okanagan.  Definitely our new favorite place :-)

Reflecting on this...

I've been reflecting on this picture for the last few weeks.  Seven years ago Kelowna had horrible wildfires, and just behind our house is the aftermath.  Charred, blackened, dead trees.  And yet, amidst all the death and black arose these glorious, sun-ray yellow, vibrant flowers.  I am astonished at how such death and destruction, can bring such life and beauty.  The contrast of black death makes the fresh life seem that much sweeter.  If you talk to the locals they'll tell you they're hoping for and awaiting other large wildfires for the purpose of bringing new growth and life.   

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)

"Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature... since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator..." (Col. 3)

What beauty when you think of putting self to death, for the purpose of becoming alive to Christ.  

What beauty when you think of Christ's death bringing sinful humans life.

Such death and destruction, brings ultimate life and beauty.

Check These Out!

Look at these coasters!!  Aren't they great?!  

In trying to decorate and furnish our little place we're trying to be thrifty and creative.  :)  In recognizing we needed coasters, and remembering the loads of leftover wedding things... I came up with this idea.  Our leftover ball of twine, my hot glue gun, and some felt snagged from my mom's sewing room... voila!  Coasters that are perfect and adorable for our place!

Crazy for Yoga!!

I have been convicted much about this recently...

Have you ever heard of hot yoga?  Because this incredible young woman I work with is TOTALLY in to it (which I hear it's quite addicting... so it makes sense).  :-)  She lives and eats and breathes this stuff.  She has taken 'extreme' measures to eat healthy, she can't help but talk about it, and the one that really blew me away, she switched work shifts just so she could attend another yoga class!  Wow!  Dedication, perseverence, incredible!  At the beginning of the year she took on a new challenge... the 365 day challenge... where you attend 365 hot yoga classes in one year!  Wowzers.

You can probably guess where I'm going with this :-)  I can't help but think, what if we as followers of Christ were that dedicated, that committed, that wholly consumed with being His follower?  So consumed that we would switch a work shift so we could spend time with Him, or serve Him.  So consumed that we would set a challenge to spend 365 days spending time with Him, reading Scripture...  Should we not be so engrossed?  So captivated by His love and grace and glory?  I can't help but think that we as individuals would be transformed.  And thus, the world see transformation.

So this question remains... what are you ABSOLUTELY CRAZY FOR???

Fresh Lemons

Yesterday I was looking at lemons.  Particularly the one on our counter which had turned hard and crusty, and got some weird looking dots and bumps.  It drew my attention however, out of disappointment that I would no longer be able to make the originally planned lemon poppyseed bread or lemon bars.  I knew clearly that God was trying to speak to me about something.

As I went to chuck the lemon away, it was plain to me this lesson I was supposed to hear.  The longer you are not using your gifts, the longer you sit and let yourself not be used in ministry, the more crusty, hard, and dried out you become, until you reach a point of sheer grossness.

In this, the Father gave me Romans 12 which speaks clearly about each person using their gifts and being a part of the Body.  In all this transition and not knowing where I belong, I have become that lemon.  Hard and unusable.  But in soaking in the living water, I trust that He will renew my strength and open the doors for the ministry I so desire.

So in trust and excitement... may we be crusty lemons no longer!  May our gifts be used for Him! :-)

Thanks...

This is long overdue.  In a time when it's so easy to be unthankful we need to remember truths like these...

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks."  

We have seen countless prayers answered, and His grace shown over and over again.  We are thankful.

One day back in late February I wrote in my journal... "God? A full time job?"  That same day I had a phone call and a supervisor approach me both about taking on full time positions.

Also in February we prayed for inexpensive furniture for our new place.  Mark overheard at a dinner with friends that someone was getting rid of their couch.  Needless to say, two weeks later, we ended up with a free large corner couch, and a friend to deliver it as well!

We prayed for community, and we were placed in a small group of great people where relationships are able to grow.

There was a package we desperately needed from home by a certain date... it wasn't coming and wasn't coming and we prayed fervently.  At the very last moment before it was too late, we received a brown paper package... yet another answer to prayer.

He has been our provider.  He has heard our cries and answered.  And we are thankful...

Sunny on Sunday

Let this place speak for itself...

Sunday was such a beautiful day for us.  Six months after being married, five months after moving to Kelowna, and finally starting to feel connected to people here.  Post-church included warm, sweet coffees, and a homemade cheesy lunch to take on a Sunday afternoon drive.  We ended at a green-filled, snow-absent park where benches faced the mountains and lake of glass.  It was gorgeous.  We ate in mostly silence, watching the ducks in front of us, hearing the chirps of birds ready for spring.  We finished with a climb up this little cliff, and watching some red-nosed prairie dogs.  All that to say, it was lovely.  We are so thankful for (and so ready to see and hear) the plans and the place God has prepared for us in this season...

Morning Ponderings...

"And we know that He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them... Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger or threatened with death?  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us... I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love."  Rom. 8:28-38


What a good reminder in a place where life is confusing, messy, discouraging and lonely.  NOTHING can ever separate us from His love, though it sometimes feels God's left us in a place alone, we KNOW this is not the truth.  And He causes ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him, so we can take hope knowing these hard times, these times in general, WILL work out for good and that HE HAS A PURPOSE IN IT ALL.




"And He came that (we) may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 ESV


And so, we will seek to live life abundant.  To ENJOY this life He has given us, to make the most of every situation, and of this season, as tough as it may be.  To HIM be all the glory and honor.

Current Bucket List... or at least part of it :-)

1. Go to the Redwood Forest
2. Visit Grand Canyon - hike to the bottom
3. Go on a missions trip with Mark
4. Go XC Skiing - a backyard doesn't count... though still fun :-)
5. Take Mark to Alpine Slides
6. Hike around Mt. Bachelor with the Fam
7. Climb the 3rd Sister Mt. in OR
8. Sew clothes or fun pillow ideas with sewing machine!
9. Run a 10k race
10. Create a "Cooking and Health as Worship" class

:-)  Just to name a few... I suppose this working full-time, and Mark and I having totally opposite schedules makes me want to leave and do these fun things EVEN MORE!! =)  Praying for change of schedules and opportunities!!!

Furnishing A Home...

We have a new (and more longterm) place - and we are stoked about it!  So mom's coming up from Portland with all our wedding gifts (woohoo!!!) and we're on the mad hunt for furniture and things to make it homey.  Thing is, Kelowna's not the place to buy anything, let alone already expensive furniture.  So, I think we should make our own coffee table and end tables... Mark's not so keen on the idea... we'll see :-)

Check out this fab bookshelf from Pottery Barn!  Doesn't it look great?!  

And easy to make?! (Maybe???)

And picture this as a coffee table... looks good, right?  Thing is, wood's expensive.

But we can't find any inexpensive furniture or stuff we like! Yikes!  

So here's to getting creative I suppose :-)

(Pictures of the new place to follow...)

February 24 Last Year :-)

Isn't this fabulous? :-)  Four dozen roses, who knows how many candles, a fabulous dinner, a wooden bridge, a gorgeous frozen river setting where we started dating, a ring, a question... and we were engaged. =)

Can't believe it's already been one year since he asked me.  It's been delightful.  I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the wedding planning and excitement... I loved (mostly) every minute of it!  Ah.  :)  What a crazy and wonderful year it's been since we started planning our life together...  Thanks, Mark for a perfect and gorgeous proposal... 

and a grand adventure so far :-)

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy"

Fear vs. Wandering..

Today I remember a reverent fear of God. My eyes look out my window over the stretch of lake and onto the mountain placed here before me by the very hands of God and my heart quivers in a mix of joy, awe and fear. God was here. God is here now. 

Today I also remember how quickly I forget the fear of God. Even though I’ve had (what I would consider) extreme reminders of his power, I look into my life and see that my fear of God is quickly fleeting. God has been with me in the literal heights and depths. I have both hung off the face of a rock bare handed on the top of a mountain with no ropes and no footholds, and I’ve been caught in the powerful undertow of the Pacific as my limbs were being wrestled and torn from side to side. And while I learned to trust when I had no other choice… I have not learned to fully trust in God when the ‘extreme’ fades away. 

I want to gain wisdom, but wisdom can simply not build itself on a missing foundation. The Fear of the Lord. 

Lord continue to be patient with me. Lord I depend on you, forgive me when I do not stop to recognize it. Help me to be a man who puts your word in my heart. Teach me Holy Spirit. 

“Prone to wander” Lord, today I feel it! But “Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it…” 

~Mark

Leaving the Desert (not the dessert!)

Dear Friends and Family,


Wanted to give you a little bit of an update of where we're at...

~Mark started his job this week - he is officially TLC for Kids newest After School Educator (sounds official, doesn't it?) :) ...he's planning games, crafts, themes, everything!  so proud of him!

~I (Amy) was offered a full-time job at a great bakery in town - I said we'd have to wait until next week to respond because two days ago I got the option of Full Time Supervisor at my current job! :)

~We found a church - PRAISE JESUS!!!  Seriously, what a long and gruelling process, but we have found a home and we are absolutely stoked!!!  We met with the Pastor yesterday and it. was. PHENOMENAL!  We are very excited about the current and upcoming possibilities with this church ;-)

~We have a small group!  And the leaders are a fairly newly married 24 year old couple who are running Young Life here in Kelowna, what a group to be a part of!  We are excited to dive in.

~Mark will get to join the men of our church in once a week hockey/basketball/soccer - for which he is absolutely stoked :)

~And look at this, isn't this a beautiful image of peace... this is what I came home to the other day.  A clean house (thanks, Love!), peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, and the sun lightly shining on our happy, orange begonia.  :)  Peace... :)

We love you guys.  And we are SO very thankful for your prayers during this time!