My crazy brother Nick

So my brother called me today and told me his latest plan...

If you know my brother, you know that he has many random ideas and does not fit in any box. Take a guess at his latest of brilliant thoughts!

Once I get 10 brilliant (I get to be the judge of brilliance on this one) ideas I will share what he is going to be doing.

What could have happened to him?

There is a friend of mine whom I tutor her daughter once in a while when she needs a break and it works with my schedule... so about a month ago I was introduced to a nice guy that she wanted me to meet.
He came to my church and we had a good long chat and seemed to enjoy each others company. We talked for about a half an hour after church and then he gave me his number and told me to call him sometime. So I did. Only when I called him I forgot to leave him my phone number. Oops.
So a little less than a week later he manages to contact our mutual friend and she calls me to say I didn't leave my number and make sure everything went well and that I wasn't avoiding the guy. So I called him the next day for the second time and left a message on his voice mail. This time ever so careful to leave my number. Might have left it twice to be thorough, can't remember. Anyway. So it has been two weeks since the message was left and still no reply.
I have decided that something tragic must have happened in his life. My favorite thought... he has amnesia because he was in a terrible accident.
Any other ideas as to what his "problem" could be?
Cause it sure doesn't take two weeks to return a phone call to a girl YOU GAVE your number to!
Please share your thoughts on his "problem"

15 minutes of fame!

More like 15 words.

I was quoted in the Tacoma News Tribune. Thankfully (for Patty's sake), they didn't put every word I had to say in the article. Ask and I will tell you. HA!

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/379117.html

Poverty in Africa

Today we are going to end poverty.
What is poverty?
Wikipedia defines it saying: “Poverty is the deprivation of those things that determine the quality of life, including food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water…”
In the survey I conducted in class I asked if you could have one or the other which would it be.
Clean drinking water OR new clothes?
The majority of the class chose clean drinking water.
The face of poverty often does not allow that question to have choice.
When I lived in Africa for three months back in the summer of 2001 I saw children wearing the same clothes for weeks at a time. These clothes were obviously donated a decade after they were first made and worn.
A small village I stayed in on the coast of Ghana collected rain water for the community. It was the water they used to drink, bathe, and wash their clothes with. Was this water safe?
Poverty in Africa is sounding alarms, crying for help, and reaching for change.
What does the face of poverty in Africa look like?
What can you do to help stop poverty?

Lets take a look at the face of poverty in Africa…
Today in Africa the statistics are shocking. These facts were found on cozay.com
"Every day 30,000 children die from a combination of disease- infested water and malnutrition,"
"Water-borne diseases are claiming one child every three seconds.
These diseases are the major killers of small children in Africa."
Every year six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday.
More than 800 million people go to bed hungry every day, 300 million are children.
More than 90 percent of these children are suffering long-term malnourishment and micronutrient deficiency.
More than one billion people do not have access to clean water.
Like I said. These statistics are shocking.

Oprah.com shared a recent conversation between Oprah and Bono proclaiming many Africans suffer from lack of clean water and wells.
"You can't talk about water enough. It's the thing that we in this country take the most for granted," says Oprah. Bono added that making clean water available to Africans is a relatively simple action that will produce great change. "Women [in Africa] are walking sometimes 10 miles a day to bring water," he explained. "If everyone gets together, this idea of bringing water to Africa is not far-fetched. It's possible, and we can do it right now. I tell you, it will revolutionize that continent."

Last year I witnessed a group of local teens from a band called “Supersonia” make an effort to impact poverty. Five teenagers had a goal to raise $20000 to fund a well for a village in Africa. They held a concert, had bake sales, and volunteered their time for donations toward their goal. In less than a year they had met their goal. Because of these young men there is now a village in Africa with a well of clean drinking water.

A friend of mine has sponsored a child in Africa for the past 5 years giving monthly donations through an organization called World Vision. Last Christmas she and her husband decided to give an extra gift of $70 to her sponsor child. Shortly after her gift was received a letter and a photo was sent to her. In the photo her sponsor child wore his very first pair of shoes and a brand new suit for himself and also his brother wearing a new suit and his first pair of shoes. On the floor in the photo were large bags of beans and sugar and oil. The letter expressed tremendous thanks and brought tears to the eyes of anyone who read it.
BBC.com states that the average wage of most Africans is less than a dollar a day. Making the average annual income around 300 dollars.
No wonder the gift she sent that Christmas made such a difference in the life of that child and his family.

We know there is a need to end poverty. We know that we can impact this world like my friend and the boys in the band “Supersonia” did. We can make a difference in the lives of impoverished Africa.
I ask you to think of the need for clean water the next time you turn on your faucet.
I ask you to think of the millions of children that are still hungry when you go to sleep at night.
I ask you to think about the children without clean or new clothing the next time you look into your closet and proclaim you have nothing to wear.
An end to poverty may not be found today, however, we can make a dent one sponsor child at a time, one well at a time, one small act at a time.

As Nelson Mandela said:
"overcoming poverty is not a gesture
of charity. It is an act of justice. It is
the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life."
(http://cozay.com/)

Laundry Day

It never ceases to amaze me how long I can go without having to do laundry. Guess what! Its laundry day! Having run out of my favorite items to wear I MUST do laundry today. So that is what I am doing. It makes me slightly disgusted at myself. Having lived in Africa for a few months... I saw the same children day after day running through the streets eager to play and spend time with us. They were dirty and wore the same clothes often day after day. Some of them had a couple outfits. Were they of the latest fashion? nope. The clothes they wore were probably shipped over there about a decade after they were first made and worn. Some of there clothes had holes in it and yet they still wore them. One precious little girl loved her dress even though the ribbon was missing and there was a tear in the front.
So I sit here on my floor folding my clothes and thinking I don't need to buy anything else. How often do I find myself wanting the latest of fashions? Why? Why must we all dress to the standard of what someone in the fashion world says is the "now" item? I like to think I have some classic tastes so I think I will be ok not spending money on clothes for awhile. (Sorry Stacy and Clinton!) Maybe until I finish college. I wonder if I can do it? I have so many clothes I could make it. Even if I fluctuate in size I have about four different sizes in my closet. I think I can do it. Friends. Please encourage me NOT to spend money. I have so many things in my closet already. Unless you want to buy me something I am not going to buy myself anything. I am going to say it is ok for me to use my birthday or Christmas money to buy clothes... with the condition that I have to get rid of as many items as I purchase.
So I am back to folding my mounds of now clean laundry and organizing piles into like items. Not quite ready to say goodbye to the comfort of having so many options. I think I'm not quite ready to be a missionary. Thats ok. I have a couple years before my education will be complete. And maybe a couple years of experience in the medical field before I will be jumping in to that adventure. Phew.
Lord please help me not to be so captivated by the every changing things that the world finds so important. I know in my heart that what I am wearing on a day to day basis is of no eternal value... however, I am vain and want to look hot every day! Sigh. Change me Lord. Give me a new perspective. As often as I look at my closet help me to be thankful for the blessings of a full closet. Help me to be disciplined as I strive to not spend money. (yikes!) I need an awakening in that spirit of discipline you have given me... I think it has been sleeping. Ha! You have blessed me greatly Lord! Thanks for your reminders of those blessings. I know even if I don't buy clothes for a year I will not look like a bum. You cloth the lilies of the field and you care so much more for your children. I know you will continue to provide for me.

precious moments

Yesterday my sis came to town and brought her three younger girls and was able to get Kara from her dad so all four of the girls were united for the weekend. We met up at my moms house and had a grand ol time. I was blessed with hugs and tickles. Enjoyed teaching one of my nieces some karate moves (no I don't really know any moves except for the ones I mimic from "Karate Kid") and played Go Fish. It is such a joy to see these girls growing up and see their smiles as they enjoyed being together with each other and their mom. I still pray for them all to be united again permanently in the future. God is good. He can do more than I can ever hope or imagine. Here's to hoping and imagining!!

Going to the movies

So. There is a new theatre in Gig Harbor with seats that recline. It is delightful! I have been to this theatre twice in the past week to experience its goodness. Ok. So I might have enjoyed the movies too... but the movie going experience was all that more enjoyable because of the awesome seats! The company wasn't too bad either. Love ya friends! Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase going to the movies when you actually have to drive more than a couple miles and over a bridge and pay a toll. It was well worth it in my opinion. Something I hope to make a habit of. Maybe about once a month or every other month. Good times! I just wanted to share the fun. The only people that read my blog may be the ones I have already shared this news and the experience with... but on the off chance that there are others out there needing a new movie going experience, I am glad to share my news with you.
PS. They also show old classics at this theatre I think once a month on Tuesday mornings or something cool like that.
And! And there is a theatre that you have to be 21 or older to go to because they serve you alcohol. It is a couple dollars more to go in that theatre but it is all a part of the same complex.
See ya at the movies!

hope... it's part of love

So at the beginning of February I went to a womens conference with my church. I had the joy of being a part of worship and ushering in the women of the conference to the presence of the Lord. It was more like God took us each by the hand and gently pursued each us to the throne room. God was very "alive" in the conference. The ladies of our church had not experienced a conference like this before. There were people speaking in tongues, people were being prophecyed over. It was a spiritual awakening for so many. I was so excited to see the great majority of the women taking hold of God's hand and being changed, renewed, transformed, surrendered. It was a powerful weekend to say the least.
The conference was important in my life too. I went to the conference after being offered a free ride with the condition of being a part of the worship team. In no way did I feel like I was in a place to be helping lead a group of women into worship. My walk with the Lord was in the slumps. I had become discouraged about many things in my life. Unsure of the call on my life, practically thrown in the towel about the state of my family, and fretting about the desires in my heart.
On one of the nights God spoke to me loud and clear about Hope. He reminded me that Hope is part of Love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
There it was. Love always hopes. I was not hoping. I had thrown in the towel on my family. Given up on the power of the Lord. I felt like there were too many things that needed restoration and there was no way all or any of those things could change. I was hopeless. A sad state. How can God use a hopeless person? What good is a hopeless person? Can a hopeless person pray for others?
God called me to HOPE in that weekend. Reminding me to love my family like that, to love my friends like that, to love myself like that, because that is the way He loves and I am called to love like that.
So I asked Him to restore a spirit of hope in my life. I began praying for my family again. The state of each of my family members overwhelmed my heart but it was not too big for the heart of God. I began proclaiming hope over the lives of my friends. God showed me that His call of hoping for my friends was ever so important. God renewed my hope in the future He has for me. Refreshing my spirit. Bringing peace to my heart.
Two weeks after the conference had passed a week of jaw dropping happenings occurred.
My family has been going through major struggles for the great majority of my life. As a child and into my teen years my dad was abusive physically, verbally, and emotionally. My dad never recognized his disciplinary actions as abuse. He was sure that a strong hand, or fist, or foot, or word, was an acceptable means of discipline. I had forgiven him many times as a kid and when I did YWAM (youth with a mission) in 2001 God opened my eyes to true forgiveness and gave me the ability to see my dad in the the same way that He sees my dad. Now I can look at my dad and not see the pain of the past and have bitterness in my heart, now I can truly love him.
So first thing to happen that week. My dad called me (which doesn't happen all that often) and he told me he is taking a class at his church. He told me that he needed to call and ask for my forgiveness. He listed one by one the things that he wanted forgiveness for. I told him that I had forgiven him years ago. He was quick to say that he knew that, however, he HAD to ask me for forgiveness himself.
Wow! God of hope indeed! I don't think I had been more shocked out of my mind then on that day. And ecstatic! God was renewing my spirit of hope.
Another great thing to happen that week... my sister was living in Montana, having left her four daughters and husband to a man she met on the Internet. She had given up everything for this relationship. Lost all rights as a parent. Her oldest daughter whose father was different than the three other girls was taken away from the dad and sisters she had grown up with for the past 10 years because of her choice to leave her family. The week of hope renewed I got another call. My sister was moving back to the city where her girls and ex-husband lived. She had found a job and would be moving within two blocks of the girls in less than a months time. Hope renewed yet again!
I don't know why I found all this so surprising. It was blowing my mind what the Lord was doing!
That week I also learned of great things in the lives of one of my brothers and my mom. My brother flat out told me that he recognized the mistake of the relationship that he was in. My mom confessed that she was taking a codependency class. Victory! She has been struggling with that for the great majority of her life and has let many people walk all over her and take advantage of her(myself included). Wow! God of hope is transforming my family!
I was reminded this morning that even though my family may still be struggling and making poor choices again... I am still called to love them with that spirit of hope. Love transforms. Hope transforms. God transforms.
Don't give of hope. Keep hoping for your loved ones and yourself.

so stinkin blessed!

Today was a fun day at work as most days are. I had some thrilling conversations with co-workers, meaningful moments with customers (going a bit deeper than you might normally go at an ordinary restaurant... but I am not an ordinary waitress), just an all around good day. Not too busy, not too stressful.
I was greeted with smiles and hello's and hugs when I arrived. How many places of business are as wonderful to work at?
One of my co-workers gushed her good news and squeals of delight were heard throughout the place. Joy so often echoes off the walls it is not surprising when heard.
I am just feeling really blessed. God has provided me with a wonderful place to work. I find myself being challenged there, built up, opportunities to share my faith, opportunities to love on many people, opportunities to mentor. It is truly a blessing! And they are flexible with my ever changing college schedule. And their hearts are the best thing about the place. I am just blessed and felt I needed to write it down. So there. I am ever so astonished at the orchestration of the life that I am living... God truly is at work. I am blessed. sigh.

Random Dreams

The other day I had a dream that I was dating a professional cheese taster. I found this really funny in my dream and playfully mocked the cheese taster. He was quick to inform me that cheese tasting is serious business... which just made me laugh more! I also found it funny that I was dating a cheese guy because I am lactose intolerant! Ha! Oh the irony. I do like cheesy guys though. Being comfortable as a goof ball is something I think is very attractive in a guy. Maybe that is what the dream was really trying to tell me... I am going to have a really cheesy guy! Maybe he will like be a comedian or something! That would be rad!
Another dream I keep having... that I win the lottery! I am hoping this one doesn't have any other meaning except that I win the lottery! That would be rad too!
The end.

Do I know Hunger?

Breaking News:
Every seven seconds a child dies at the hands of a silent killer: Hunger. It has been announced in Ethiopia this week that millions of Ethiopians are at risk for hunger. According to the BBC news and UNICEF more than 60,000 children in two Ethiopian regions require immediate specialist feeding just to survive. The situation is expected to worsen in the next few months as crops fail. Aid agencies in Ethiopia say they are short of funds as donors concentrate on the emergencies in China and Burma.
Paulette Jones, of the World Food Program, said a combination of events have led to the situation. "We have drought - a really poor rainy season - and, of course, we have high food prices worldwide."
Food for the Hungry Relief Director Matt Ellingson says the drought has caused enormous loss of livestock and crops, leading to loss of livelihoods and increases in malnutrition rates in many areas. Ellingson also says a number of schools had to close their feeding programs because even though they received food from the international community, they did not have enough water to prepare the food, forcing a number of children to drop out of school.
As predicted in May of 2005 UNICEF’s Eric Durpaire said that in addition to the immediate response, longer-term support is also necessary for Ethiopia. “Otherwise, if we don’t improve the general situation, this problem of chronic acute emergency will come back. Each time the rain delays, we will face the same problem.”
The World Food Program estimates it needs to raise $147million to tackle Ethiopia's needs. "We are hopeful that donors will be forthcoming," said Paulette Jones. Other aid workers are not so confident. They say the money just is not arriving, with donors concentrating on the disasters in Burma and China. The UN estimates it currently has a shortfall of 180,000 tons of food - and presently has no promises to meet this target.
There are several options if you would like to make a donation to the relief efforts in Ethiopia. World Vision has set up a fund that can be found on their website www.worldvision.org. You can also make a donation on the website www.wfp.org (world food program) or www.fh.org (food for the hungry).
"I’m just one man – how can I help so many dying people?"
This was the question Food for the Hungry founder. Dr. Larry Ward, asked himself more than 35 years ago. His response set the cornerstone for Food for the Hungry ministries ever since: "They die one at a time; we can help them one at a time."

If you want my sources I will be glad to share them with you.

Love

I have been reading a book called "Blue Like Jazz"... no it is not about music... rather it is an eye opening book about Christianity and Spirituality from the perspective of a man from the Northwest. I have found myself bursting into laughter, sobered by conviction, and shaken to a new reality of how Christians can be perceived.
In one of the more recent chapters I have been reading, the man joined a church that was in the beginning stages of a church plant. There were about 10-15 people attending at that point and they met each week for worship and prayer, expecting the new members to just show up in droves. This was not the reality that they experienced. During one of the worship and prayer nights a challenge was put out there. Everyone was asked to love on someone that week just for the sake of showing them love, not to preach to them or to bring them to church, but just to love on them. They were challenged to love on someone that was different than them. Someone not in their regular circle or sphere of influence. It was a challenge that everyone committed to. As they loved... they saw people coming to church, they saw people being transformed because they had not seen love from a church like they experienced through them.
It is powerful when God calls us to love. I have felt challenged to love more too. It is our responsibility as "the church" to show people what love is. The world is truly polluting and contorting the definition of love. Lets stand up for love and bring it back to the standard that it was given when God first created love. How can you share the love this week? Today? I challenge you, and me, to love someone this week for the sake of loving. Love on!

Happy Mothers Day!

Me and my mom... it only took us 20 tries to get our smiles right :)



To all my moms out there...

I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you! Thank you for investing in my life and sharing your pearls of wisdom, and kicking my butt when I needed it, and loving me in the way that only moms know how. I love you all!

who am I in Christ?

Who I Am In Christ
I am accepted...
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant...
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"
(From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)

The Lost Boys and Girls

Some of you have been asking me why I haven't written on here of late... I am currently in school and have not made blogging a priority. Shocker. To satisfy your literary desires I will leave with you one of my speeches for the quarter about something near and dear to my heart, Africa. The atrocities continue to boggle my mind the more I know about what is happening around the world. I hope that you can not read and forget what is going on... but that you too will find it eating at your heart until you find a way to make a difference in any way no matter how small. We are so blessed to not know war like these children. We are so blessed to not know hunger like these children. We are so blessed to not have to want for food, water, shelter, education... I could go on and on and on and... Know how blessed you are. Thank God. Ask Him how He might want you to bless the children around the world. Whether it be with your time, prayers, education, finances, or sweat. We can make a difference even just one prayer at a time.
So here are some words I shared with my Speech 110 class:

Lost Boys

When you hear the words “lost boys” what comes to mind? In the survey I conducted in class some of you said it made you think of a need for salvation, others thought of an 80s movie with vampires, still some of your thoughts paralleled mine going to a Disney movie with children romping through the woods avoiding the likes of a cranky crocodile and visions of Peter Pan and Tinkerbelle flying through the air. For the “lost boys” of Sudan their story is NOT a fairytale. I would like to share with you what this journey has been like for these lost boys and girls. Explain what brought on this journey. Introduce you to one of the lost boys and the obstacles he came across on his journey to freedom. And show you where the lost boys and girls are today.

According to the website dedicated to the Arizona Lost Boys and Girls. It all began in the mid 1980’s in East Africa. Since the mid-1980's, Sudan has experienced brutal civil war fueled by religious, ethnic and regional strife. Fleeing the violence and bloodshed of Sudan's internal conflict, thousands of innocent children have experienced mind-numbing horrors and intense hardship. Orphaned as young as four years old, they fled into the jungle and began walking to Ethiopia. They stayed in refugee camps in Ethiopia until the government overthrew the Communists in 1991 and forced the young boys to leave at gunpoint. When they returned to Sudan, they were again met with hostility. Thus began another long walk—this time to a United Nations refugee camp in Kenya. Where they have lived since 1992.

I want to introduce you to one of the young boys who made this journey.

Go ahead and close your eyes. Imagine that you are a five year old boy. It is the middle of the night and you are asleep in your hut with your parents.

Suddenly you are startled awake by gun shots and in the darkness you feel your way to your mum and dad. You find pools of hot blood surrounding them.

More gun shots fire… you run for your life out of your hut and into the nearby jungle to escape the men shooting at you.

That was a story depicted by a Red Cross reporter, (Stephanie Kriner.)

The boy in the story is named James.

That was just the beginning of his journey.

James traveled over a thousand miles on foot. Remember that he was only five years old… That’s almost as far as walking from here to North Dakota.

One of the dangers he faced was dehydration.

James sucked the water out of mud to stay hydrated. If he had pains in his legs or became too weak to walk the older boys he journeyed with would carry him.

Another danger he faced along his journey was wild animals.

The children crossed rivers filled with crocodiles. Some made it across and others were not as lucky. If any of the children lagged behind they would become prey to lions.

James walked across Sudan like hundreds of thousands of other children searching for a place of refuge. Thankfully James found a refugee camp. He made it. He was one of the lucky ones.

The lost boys and girls are still facing trials today. Many remain in refugee camps unable to return to their homes where wars continue. Others have no hopes of ever being reunited with their families or relatives because entire villages were decimated.

However, some of the children in Sudan have found hope. . Intolerable living conditions in the camp gave the United States government reason to resettle some of these, now, young men and women in America. In 2001, 3600 of the lost boys and girls were given the gift of a new journey. The children once despairing in the desert are now bright with hope, full of smiles, and ready to become contributing members of their new communities. These young men and women have found security in America. Their fears of being shot at while they sleep are gone. They have been given a chance at the American dream. This gift of a life in the US did not come without hard work. Many of the lost boys and girls have gone on to become US citizens. Many more have graduated high school and gone on to graduate college.

I’d like to introduce you to Samuel. He is one of the boys who was given the opportunity to come to America. According to Leslie Goffe of BBC news…

Samuel Garang, 23, lives in California, somehow managed to work in the day and attend school at night.

"America wasn't paradise and it wasn't as easy as they told you in the camps," says Samuel, who has done the rounds of menial jobs: he's been a security guard and is now a bagger, someone who puts shoppers' groceries in their bags at supermarkets.

He won't be a bagger much longer. Samuel completed his high school diploma, went on to junior college and did well enough to be accepted at one of America's most prestigious universities, Stanford, in California in September.

"It was easier for me," says Samuel. "I didn't have a wife in the camp or people wanting money. I could study.”

Despite the adversities they faced in their past these lost boys and girls are rising above their once destitute circumstances. Their hard work and dedication to building their futures are opening doors to a life of opportunity. Their lives once seemingly doomed now sing a much different song. As one of the lost boys (Joseph Majak Tuok) so rightly proclaims…What we have is hope. Hope that there shall be a better life ahead of us…

These boys and girls are the lucky ones. Lucky to have made it through one of the most brutal journeys a child has ever endured and lucky to have been given the opportunity to start a new journey in the safety of America.

We as Americans can be oblivious to the atrocities facing the rest of the world. I challenge you today to listen… Don’t turn a deaf ear to the noises coming from Africa. Because America opened its doors in 2001 these Sudanese refugees have a hope for their futures. Their lives are in no way fairy tales… but well on their way to happy endings.

Florida with Jo

I had the joy of taking a holiday with one of my dearest friends. I met my friend Jo in Florida and we stayed in a beautiful time share thanks to her mum and dad. It was a brilliant time filled with laughter, sunshine, and Disney. The trip was so relaxing. I spent many hours relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sunshine. The best part about my trip was spending time with dear Josephine. She lives in Edinburgh so I don't get to see her very often. It was perfect timing for both of us to have some time together. I did get to see Disney as well. It was joyous! I wish I could relive parts of this holiday again and again. I will just have to count it as an amazing blessing and get on with my life again. I hope you enjoying looking at some of the fun we had. It was glorious!


so much laughter

driving along in an automobile

so silly

our balcony

by the pool

attitude. strike a pose.

palm trees

Jo loves her Heinz


silly Jo at Coco Beach


Glorious Florida sunshine!


crazy friends united once again! I love you Josephine!


Jo and I and our sexy black car! I rode in the car with Jo for all eight days. She is from the UK. I lived! Just teasing you Jo!

one of the best times of my life at Typhoon Lagoon!

waiting for the fireworks at Epcot. so much fun!

us and the shinny ball! I love shinny things!

wrestling a crocodile. pay no attention to it being made of shrubbery and fluff

me and Cinderella's Castle!


floating around the water park

Me and Mickey and Minnie :)

Jo and Mickey and Minnie


photo booth at Disney World. Too much fun was had that day!


trying on hats at Walmart... we left them in Florida for all of the retirees


Our huge bed at the condo



Jo and I by the pond at our timeshare

Surrender and Seek

Hi God

I am coming before you tonight surrendering this "relationship" to your will... I don't even know if I should call it that. Ha! But still... I want to be in total surrender. I know that nothing I can conjure up or create is going to be satisfying. If this is not your will then I know you have something better. If you have brought us together for such a time as this I pray that you will use us to sharpen each other and not to idly get through the days just being pals. Lord I want to be used by you as a tool even in my husbands life... whoever that may be. Use me Lord. If this man is not my future husband... you can still use me... please just help me to guard my heart and not give too much of it away. I think it is amazing how you made man and woman so different and yet with a plan for them to be united. I have learned so much from this man already. Thank you for his friendship. I have truly enjoyed the laughter and joy he has brought to my life. I pray that we will continue to grow in our faith through this time. That we would challenge each other in new ways and uphold the truths and promises you have called us to. Help me to be humble Lord and learn to submit to my authorities. Forgive me for the many times I have walked on the toes of my authorities. Please heal the things from my past that are getting in the way of submission. I am a new creature, created in Christ to do good works which He prepared in advance for me. Thanks for that reminder Lord.
I don't have a scripture that I was reading. Just spending time with the Lord in worship and prayer tonight. He is faithful to meet me... "when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:something?
I love finding you Lord! I pray that will be a desire of my heart everyday. Love you!

Your Child
Jami

Adventure?

I am going through the read the bible in a year guideline that is in a SOAP journal I picked up a few years ago. Though I have already missed the first week... I am still starting with the scripture outlined for today. Todays reading is Genesis 20,21,22 (morning) and Matthew 7 (night). Though I don't do them at separate times. Ha! Thats like only eating once a day. hmm... but eating ALOT non the less. :)

The S-Scripture that really stood out to me today is Genesis 22: 7&8
Issac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here,"Isaac said,"but where is the Lamb for the burnt offering?"
Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

I read this passage again and am struck by the thoughts that could have been going through the son's head. He obviously knows something is up with the situation if he is asking his dad questions. Is he getting nervous? Is he thinking his dad would sacrifice him? And then when he asks his dad where the lamb is... his dad assures him that God will provide. Is Isaac no longer worried? Does he trust this news as hope for continued life? Was he really ever worried in the first place?

It takes me back to the relationships between some fathers and their young sons. If Isaac were just a kid, about ten years old... I can see him wanting to help his dad carry the firewood and being so proud that he was on this adventure with his dad. I imagine him asking innocently about the offering and then trusting his dads word without further explanation. If dad says God will provide then God will provide.

In my life I see myself asking questions of my Heavenly Father. Where will I go to school? When will I get to be a medical missionary? Will I get to meet the man you have for my life any time soon? I wish I could be like Isaac and just be proud to be on this adventure with my Father. To be satisfied with the journey rather than knowing the answers to everything that lies ahead. One of God's names is Jehovah Jireh - meaning - God our Provider. He will provide! It is His name!

Lord. Thanks for walking with me through life. I can't imagine life without your guidance. It blows my mind thinking about where I would be without you. Lord, I just pray that you would help me to treasure the journey with you more than longing for all the answers to my life questions. Help me to see each day with you as a treasure. And to trust you like Isaac with his father. Trusting your provision, because it is who you are, without further explanation. I have seen you provide in many ways in my life. You have brought finances when needed, you have brought physical healing, you have provided places for me to live... there are so many ways you have provided all my life. I don't need to know all the answers. Help me to find joy in trusting you more. Help me to trust you more with my family and my future. I am excited for this adventure! I want to have a child like faith with you my perfect Father.

This verse just popped into my head:
Proverb 3:5&6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."

Lord, remind me to acknowledge you in all my ways, in every area of my life. You are my provider, you have gone before me. I breathe a sigh of relief knowing I have the best guide, the best companion, on this journey through life. I am a little girl trusting her Daddy to show her the way.

Above All Else

Tonight as I was trying to learn a few songs for a womens retreat I have the joy of helping lead worship at this coming weekend... I was struck by the words of this song. It is a song that I want to reflect my life and how I live each day. I want to remember each day that nothing this world could ever offer can come close to the greatest treasure that is our sweet Jesus. My prayer is that "my goals will bow down" and surrender to the will of the Lord continually. I want to say "above all else give me yourself" Lord! More than anything! Help me to see what your perfect will for my life is. Thank you for showering your goodness on me and giving your gifts so freely. May I live my life as a testimony to your goodness and walk in accordance to your will. You do hear my hearts cry Lord. Thank you for giving me Yourself.

Above All Else by Vicky Beeching

Jesus, my passion in life is to know You
May all other goals bow down to
This journey of loving You more
Jesus, You’ve showered Your goodness on me
Given Your gifts so freely
But there’s one thing I’m longing for
Hear my heart’s cry
And my prayer for this life

Above all else
Above all else
Above all else
Give me Yourself

Savior, the more that I see Your beauty
The more that I glimpse Your glory
My heart is captured by You
Jesus, You are my greatest treasure
Nothing this world can offer
Could ever compare to You
So, hear my heart’s cry
And my prayer for this life

New Year New...

A new year is always so exciting. Its like having a fresh canvas to paint a picture on. I am hoping that this years picture will be full of life with outlines of humor, shades of dear friendships, and refined with many opportunities for growth.
New things are fun! Getting a new outfit can make you feel snazzy, wearing new shoes can comfort your step or take some time getting used to, meeting new friends can bring sweet blessings and many unforgettable memories. I am hoping for more of the relational memories. As much as I love a new pair of shoes or an outfit... they are only going to last so long before I will be required to replace them.
As for relationships... they can blossom and grow and give back. A shoe or outfit isn't going to give anything back to me. But a relationship can be reasons for character building and sharpening of each others faith while bringing great joy. Yes. That is what I am hoping for. Many more moments in all of my relationships with friends that will be opportunities for us to impact each others lives. Sure I am not going to get through those times without heaps of laughter and silliness... I just am hopeful of a great year of growth.
One of my friends wrote that she is going to conscientiously live in the present (so beautifully named: a gift). I love that! How many times in my life do I take for granted that I am going to have many years to do all of these things that are on my heart or feel called to do in the future?... I am living in today not in the future. I need to be mindful of today and live it to the fullest not thinking about all of the times ahead that I will have. Its not like I know how many days the Lord has planned for me. What am I doing with those days that He has so graciously gifted to me?
This next year is full of mystery and wonder. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for my life. I am working a new job as an assistant manager at a cafe, while going to college to attain a nursing degree, and trying to squeeze in as many opportunities to spend time with friends as possible. In a few weeks my best friend will be coming home from a few scattered years away in Russia. I am so excited to get to spend time with her again! And even more excited to get to know her husband.
This past year God has done much work in my life... I am excited to see what He has in store for 2008. My prayer is that I yield myself to the things that He has for me and not walk in my own way but in the footsteps He has prepared for me. Thank you Lord for your grace that is new every morning. You make all things new. This new year will be an adventure. Thank you Lord for making things seem less intimidating. With you a new year is exciting, full of blessings, and endless opportunities. Bring em on God. Cheers to a new year! Cheers to walking each day conscientiously in the steps the Lord has all ready gone before us and prepared the way! May each day be full of blessings!
Its gonna be great in 2008! (cheesy I know... but its a phrase we have up at the cafe that I wanted to document in my blog :P)