He Goes Before

"Listen, O Israel!  Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations MUCH greater and more powerful than you.  They live in cities with walls that reach to the sky!  The people are strong and tall - descendants of the famous Anakite giants.  You've heard the saying, 'Who can stand up to the Anakites?'  But recognize today that the Lord YOUR God is the one who will cross over AHEAD of you like a devouring fire to destroy them.  HE will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised."  Deuteronomy 9:1-3

Sorry my friends.  It is late, but my mind is racing.  My heart is beating fast.  I am overflowing with joy, and this passage, it is speaking powerfully to me.  Who shares from Deuteronomy, seriously?  :)

Long and many stories recently, but it boils down to this.  The Lord is stirring in us a deep desire for the things of Him and a deep passion to dive into Kingdom work that may be far beyond what we ever asked or imagined.  As we dream and pray and seek the places to put our feet, the places to get involved in locally and globally, of course in the back of your mind there are road blocks.  Finances or logistics, questions... you know, the norm.

But isn't this an encouragement!  Here is Israel, and the Lord is telling them they are going to conquer a nation that is HUGE compared to them.  People that are giants, people that others speak of as the "unconquerable".  Frightening stuff.  Yet, the Lord tells them HE is going to go before them.  He has already decided the outcome, and He is going to go before.  He's going to clear the road blocks and pave the way for that which He has promised them.  In human eyes, SO impossible.  SO scary.  In God's eyes, nothing.  :)  It is nothing to Him.

I am (once again) amazed that HE goes before us.  That what He has and is and will call us to, HE will be the one to pave the way.  We shall fret no more.  If He calls us, He will equip us and He will pave the way.  Oh how sweet to lean into and trust His going before us!  Tis so sweet to trust Him, to follow Him to wherever He wants to use us.

Here we are, Lord, send and use us.

Loving This Song!

The Lord is stirring.  The last weeks, days, have been powerful.  He is stirring something in us.  In our community.  In our families.  In believers around the world.  Something about this song... oh how my heart resonates with and loves this song.

Could It Get Any Clearer?

This sermon...
Blessed to be a Blessing from John Mark Comer this past week at Solid Rock

And this sermon...
Answering an Uncomfortable Call from our pastor Mike Penninga a couple of weeks ago

And this book...
Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels which I finished a few weeks ago

...Are rocking my world!
It started with the book and a leadership conference.  I have praying about and exploring what the discontent or discontents the Lord has placed in me for Kingdom purposes.  I have been seeking out what it could be He's calling me to.

Then I hear the sermon from Mike asking the big question.  What happens when God places an uncomfortable call on your life?  What happens when saying yes to God is costly?  Are you willing to take on the greatest joy, and the deepest heartache to follow God's call on your life?

Then as I sit comfortable in my little office chair, fluffy snow falling to the ground, I listen to John Mark's sermon.  You are blessed to be a blessing.  What blessings has He given you and WHY?  What could He be calling you to?

Instance after instance build on these same questions that stir more in my heart and have me asking "What in the world is God stirring me for and what is He calling me to?"

Seriously.  If you get the chance.  Listen to at least one, no, both, of these sermons.  Get your hands on Bill Hybels book.  Trust me.  If you allow Him, you are not going to be the same.

To What Shall I Cling?

I spent the morning watching the squirrels.  I sat at the table, looking out at the dark, grey sky.  Out the window, trees are many and bare.  Winter has taken over.  I watch four squirrels prance from branch to branch, tree to tree.  They jump and the tree bends crazy down and springs back and forth a diving board released.  And they cling hard with those small claws.  They never fall.  They cling hard and they know it will hold them.

This morning as I sat, I thought the lesson was about jumping, risk-taking.  It still may be.  But after this afternoon of heartbreak story after heartbreak story, it seems the lesson is more about the branch these little guys cling to.  Few are the branches that are firm, sturdy and unmovable.  Many are the branches that are small, thin and swaying.  Yet no branch has failed them.  Their little life hangs upside down clinging hard to the branch that they know will hold them.  It springs hard, up, down.  They cling hard.  It holds them.

He who is greater will hold us and not fail if we cling desperate to Him.

The earth quakes, the mountains crumble.  Pieces of our lives, they crumble, they break, they hurt.

As I sit now, the squirrels are gone and sad news, it seems it's invaded so many beloved's lives.  I play piano because somehow there my heart can fully express.  I play and after minutes an old hymn comes out.  His gift and reminder to me.  "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand.  When darkness seems to veil His face I rest on His unchanging grace.  In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.  His oath, His covenant and blood support me in the 'whelming flood.  When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.  On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand."

He then pours this song in my heart.  A reminder of His deep, His unfailing love.  "He is jealous for me.  Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.  When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.  I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me.  Oh, how He loves us, oh.  Oh, how He loves us, how He loves us all."

Not confident declarations now.  More humble realizations of where my hope rests, where my small claws shall cling to.  Soft revelations of His deep, undying love for me that will catch me and hold me every single time I cling to Him and the world rocks around me.

True Nourishment

8:57am, November 8th

8:57 am, November 7th

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."  Jeremiah 17:7, 8

Where are your roots reaching for nourishment?

"Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water... Anyone who drinks this (well) water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'"

He turned to me and heard my cry...

A couple days ago I had a random urge to read Psalm 40.  You all know what that means...  Not random at all.  :)  So as I'm about to fall asleep Mark reads this to me:

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who
worship idols.
O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come the end of them."

Yes, yes and yes.  Talk about my heart cry.  How long it seemed we waited.  Not really so patiently, but we tried, and we waited.  And not as long as say, the Israelites.  But still, tough trials, they seem endless, and we waited.  My journal entries, my prayers from the last two years... they so reflect that "pit of despair," that "mud and mire."  They were rarely pleasant and sweet, to say the least.  Oh and how He has surely set our feet on solid ground!  He has steadied us and grounded us in Truth.  He has indeed given us a new song to sing (as you can see from the last post)!  We rejoice not because of the things He has given, but because of who He has (again and again) shown Himself to be.  These "things" they are second, but we are grateful for them.

We are so thankful that HIS plans for us are too numerous to list.  And that HIS plans are far higher than we could ever imagine.  And that He shows us such grace in responding to our true hearts cry, and not the irrational, wouldn't-be-good-for-us-in-the-long-run prayers.  Absolutely a song wells within us.  What a gorgeous psalm-gift for such a time as this.

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!!!

We've been in Kelowna 2 years and 4 days now (can't believe it!).  We are ecstatic about the things we have learned and the opportunities presented.

We are excited to say I have accepted a (temporary) position at our church as the Admin. Assistant working with some accounting/finance stuff, the Children's Pastor, our Senior Pastor and whoever else comes along!  We are stoked about this position and opportunity!

Mark has accepted a position with a renovation business where he will learn more about the business and such.  He is stoked.
This weekend he heads off with his buddy for their first official song recording.... 2 years in the making... but they are stoked!
Come the new year Mark will be co-leading a group for high school students at our church.  We are busy dreaming and praying!  We are stoked about this!

Needless to say, we are stoked. :)  We love where He's brought us and where He has us now.  We have seen prayer and concern answered over and over again.  And it is so clear that for this season, this is where we are to be, and we are absolutely ecstatic.

We are so grateful for your prayers and support and your investing in us over the years.  We are convinced there is no way we would be where we are today, telling you what we are, if it were not for you and not for the Lord's crazy grace leading us, equipping us along the way.

"For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever!  Amen."

Adoption on the Brain

It was a family of seven.  Five children under the age of nine.  Three white skinned brunettes, identical to mom and dad.  Two chocolate skinned curly haired brunettes, called brother and son.  They were a family.  All seven of them.  As I watched them in the pool lobby, it spoke deep into my heart.  Something about it was beautiful.  Glorious.  I couldn't stop thinking on the beauty, the family.

Two days later, a facebook post from our pastor.  "There's an adoption seminar at such and such church this Saturday at 10.  For anyone who might be interested or wants to learn more."  I had to go.  There was no getting around this being coincidence.  I talked with Mark, we had spoken of adoption before.  Not extensively, but we were certainly open to the idea.  We walked ourselves into the church room.  Probably 20 other people there.  We sat, we listened, we watched, we were moved.  This seminar was specifically about adopting from the foster care system.  This idea never occurred to me.  We listened to stories of children in their childhood being awfully or horribly abused.  After years the police would come to take them away and place them, apart from their siblings, in foster homes.  Then they were told there was a family.  A family who wanted to adopt all of the siblings together.  They met the parents, the played with them, they talked with them.  They felt safe.  They felt loved.  They were secure in the arms and the home of their new home, their adopted parents.

Absolutely beautiful.  Not without challenges and difficulties, to be sure.  But to wrap the arms of Christ around these children who otherwise would have never known, beautiful.  Children who are now in their mid-twenties, following and serving the Lord, and so deeply grateful for the things they were saved from.

When we heard of the statistics it was overwhelming.  30,000 children in Canada alone, waiting to be adopted.  When we heard the financial cost anywhere from $50 to $350, how could we not be open to being the physical arms of Jesus?  To influence and love and raise even ONE child.  To think of one family in each church did that.  How many children would be left family-less come age 18?

Our hearts are stirred.  Not that it will be anytime soon.  Not that we have it all figured out.  Not saying it will be domestic or international.  We have no idea when or how or if... but we are excited about what the Lord is stirring in us.  These are exciting times and we want to be open to the things He has called us to.

I'll end with this verse that keeps percolating in my mind, "Learn to do good.  Seek justice.  Help the oppressed.  Defend the cause of orphans.  Fight for the rights of widows."  Just think, taking even just one child in, raising them and loving them like Jesus.  What a difference it could make.

Our God is Able

Last Thursday and Friday I spent at a Leadership Conference.  I was challenged, I was encouraged, I was inspired, I am reignited.  Spending two days listening to the God-stories, God-dreams that have been birthed because His people were faithful to listen and to act... I cannot help but be challenged.

One woman, a lawyer in her East Indian home.  She grew up claiming she would never follow the God her parents were devoted to.  But after years of rebellion, the Lord spoke to her and gave her Isaiah 42 as her mission.  She now risks her life working with government officials to lead trafficking raids.  Because of God's work in and through her, she has helped lead 4000 men, women and children to freedom.  Amazing.  Only by God's incredible grace and power.

One young man, a Harvard and Oxford graduate, can't be more than early 30's.  He has started two huge organizations (which were originally began when he was 15 and his brother was 12) to free trafficked children overseas, and to equip Canadian, American and English youth to be a part in bringing freedom worldwide.  Amazing.

I challenged to listen to the Father's voice, to realize the God-dreams that stir within me... some from years ago and some more recent.  I am challenged to ask, "God, what do you want me to do?"  And I am challenged to respond.

I was once told, "Amy, do something so big (for God) that there is NO way you could do it unless God shows up."  So true.  And yet how often do I actually live like that?  This song is so fitting, and such an awesome reminder that our God is able, He is strong, He is for us and He has called us.  What a joy to cling to truth that He uses weak vessels like us, to do big things for His Kingdom.  Amazing.

The Duckling

We went on a bike ride this evening.  Wove our way to the lake.  It was stormy.  All storm.  Waves growing, crashing hard.  Skies grey and growing darker.  Wind swept fast against our face.  I looked to my left.  Ducks.  A whole bunch of them.  Feathers tostling in the wind.  Faces shivering from storm chill.  I look.  Hiding under the mama's wing, a duckling.  Safe.  Protected.  The storm still furies, it even grows.  But baby has found refuge from it all.  Hidden beneath the Mama's wing.
I think.  Isn't that the Father's way with me?  The storms they fury, they grow.  Alone it is too much.  I am a duckling trampled by the wind.  The waves, they scare me.  Yet my Father's wing, it protects me. I am safe.  I am warm.  I am kept from harm and sheltered from any storm.
This comforts me.  I have a Father, He shelters me under His wing.  I am safe from any storm.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

...

Wow, it's been awhile.

I'm ready to burst though, so I needed some outlet.  And well, today it's here.  

I am so ready for my job and my passion for ministry to collide!  There.  Said it.  Done.  

Father, teach me patience, contentment, and proper seeking in this.  I am eager. 

I resonate with and ponder on these lyrics...

"This world is not my home

This life will pass

Only what is done for God will last.

Lord, take my life and use it up

Spread it thin like a blanket of love

Over the world that You gave Your blood for

Take my life, take it all, Lord"

Content in all things

I am having a breakthrough with God.  More so, He is having a breakthrough with me.  I have been praying and yearning for His voice for months it seems.  But all seems silent and distant.  Yesterday I hit an absolute head, like a nasty pimple ready to blow.  I blew.  Thankfully my dad had sensed just in the right moment that he needed to text me.  And later, so did my mom.  I went on a drive, cause I didn't know what else to do.  Anger, frustration, tears.  How I want to do God's will, but no voice!

As I sat in a mostly empty parking lot, dad and mom, they counselled me through text, and more so, they prayed.  I cried out to God, once again, HUNGRY and ACHING for His voice.  I heard him.  "Be content where you are."  "But God!" I said, "How can I be content when I'm not using my gifts and can't find a place to use them?!  When I can't hear your voice, don't sense your presence in my life?!  When I'm working a job that I feel is stealing my soul?!  When I'm not living out the dreams I believe you placed in me?!  Surely you aren't asking me to be content when I'm not living out the person you've made me!"  Be content.  No other jobs have come up, no peace has been given to move somewhere else, the doors seem unopened, but content.  If He has me here, then I must be here.  I have tried to pry open other doors, to find other opportunities, but they have not come.  So I must surrender to His plan.  They were my ideas of "God's will."  Using my gifts, I'm sure He desires, but nothing certain has come up yet.  I must be content where He has me, despite the not understanding.  Even when it doesn't make sense, I want to be content.  I want to be content, for it shows trust.  I want to trust, for it is surrender.  May this verse be my proclamation, "...For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

"Satisfy me, Lord of all,
Satisfy me, Lord of all,
I'm begging You, to help me see
You're all I want, You're what I need
Oh satisfy me Lord"
(Tenth Avenue North, Satisfy)

"God is Able" by Hillsong

In a time where we are seeking the Lord in direction, call, and next steps, we proclaim and cling to the promises that He knows the plans for us, that He has paved the way before us, and that He is capable of seemingly impossibilities.  Thus, how fitting to have found this song :-)

[Verse 1]
God is able
He will never fail
He is almighty God
Greater than all we seek
Greater than all we ask
He has done great things

[Chorus]
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able

[Verse 2]
God is with us
God is on our side
He will make a way
Far above all we know
Far above all we hope
He has done great things

[Chorus]
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able

[Bridge]
God is with us
He will go before
He will never leave us
He will never leave us
God is for us
He has open arms
He will never fail us
He will never fail us

[Chorus (x2)]
Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able

For the Lord
Our God is able
For the Lord
Our God is able

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!