I am doing the Joy Dare this year. I thought I would share some of the joys so far.
9- "If you need more rice, ask me."
12- The moose in the blue dawn.
13- Luke 11:1-4 Knowing Jesus wants me to ask.
15- Northern lights at -1 degrees.
19- Jason grocery shopping for me.
25- Willa
29- Getting to be part of the Wishing on Willows launch team.
32- Sabbath celebration candles
57- Standing upfront singing with my students. I love my students so much. It amazes me.
63- Reading Frankie's Orange with Caitlin.
70- My Bible
74- Real friendships, good friendship in Ckvl.
75- The love of Jesus from Tai Tai
78- Contra-dancing for two hours! So much fun!
88- My guest bathroom as a shelter from tornado.
92- Seeing Mama.
103- The hugs of my little students
113- Cheryle to help grade papers.
138- Handprint tree from Caitlin (Dominic's sister).
140- Hope in giving to Ganshert adoption.
148- Ckvl
Friday, February 22, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
We shall be called...
In December Matthew and I went to an Andrew Peterson concert. Before intermission he shared that he had recently been on tour with Steven Curtis Chapman. During the Steven Curtis Chapman concerts they would play a video about Show Hope.
Here is a similar video:
And as Andrew Peterson watched it night after night on tour he began to feel the need to do something. To be a part of the adoption miracle. So he went home (from being away on tour for weeks while his wife was at home alone with their three children), put down his bags, and said, "We need to adopt." At the concert he laughed and said, "I'm not going to share what happened next." His point was that, while he was moved about adoption, he and his family are not the ones called to adopt. However. And this is a HUGE however. He believes that everyone is called to do something to help.
James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
We may not be able to take an orphan or widow into our homes, but we can look after them.
I review books and in part of that I have come to know an author, Katie Ganshert. Through her blog and facebook updates I have read about her and her family as they move toward adopting a beautiful child from the DR Congo in Africa.
They, like many families who adopt, fund-raise apply for grants, and do what they can to raise the money so they can fund the adoption process. Adoption isn't cheap, but that's where the rest of us come in. We can help.
One of the Gansherts' fundraisers involves a 500 piece puzzle. Each puzzle piece can be sponsored for $10 and your name, or whoever's name you want written, will be written on the back. Here is what they Gansherts wrote:
"When the puzzle is all put together, we will frame it in a double-sided glass frame and hang it in our little one's bedroom.
And someday....someday.....when our child's old enough to understand, we'll take that frame off the wall and we'll snuggle up in a chair and we'll turn that picture around and we'll point at all the names. I'll read each one out loud and with this precious child wrapped in my arms, I'll whisper, "Look how much you were loved. Look at how much you were wanted. Look at all these people who helped bring you home."
Maybe you aren't called to adopt. But you are called to help. To show love to the orphans.
I encourage you to be a piece of the puzzle, a piece of the miracle of adoption.
You can go through Show Hope to help sponsor grants for families who are adopting, or you can find families to support individually.
But do something. Be Christ's hands and feet.
ps. This is day one of the Ganshert puzzle
And this is day ten:
There are still 315 puzzle pieces to go. Doesn't it thrill your soul to see those puzzle pieces? To know that each one is someone saying, "I love you, I care for you little child even though I don't know you."
Matthew and I sponsored on the first day. We knew it was something we had to be a part of. I want that little child to know, when he or she sees our names that they were loved by strangers and prayed for by strangers--that are all a part of the body of Christ.
Won't you consider being a part of the miracle of adoption?
Here is a similar video:
And as Andrew Peterson watched it night after night on tour he began to feel the need to do something. To be a part of the adoption miracle. So he went home (from being away on tour for weeks while his wife was at home alone with their three children), put down his bags, and said, "We need to adopt." At the concert he laughed and said, "I'm not going to share what happened next." His point was that, while he was moved about adoption, he and his family are not the ones called to adopt. However. And this is a HUGE however. He believes that everyone is called to do something to help.
James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
We may not be able to take an orphan or widow into our homes, but we can look after them.
“One of Show Hope’s biggest needs is sponsors and they need people willing to step up and give so that these children can find homes,” he shares. “For me to get to work with Show Hope and to be a small part in building the kingdom in this way, to show these children the love of Jesus, is profoundly moving,” Peterson continues. “It’s a small price to pay for a blessing that big.”
They, like many families who adopt, fund-raise apply for grants, and do what they can to raise the money so they can fund the adoption process. Adoption isn't cheap, but that's where the rest of us come in. We can help.
One of the Gansherts' fundraisers involves a 500 piece puzzle. Each puzzle piece can be sponsored for $10 and your name, or whoever's name you want written, will be written on the back. Here is what they Gansherts wrote:
"When the puzzle is all put together, we will frame it in a double-sided glass frame and hang it in our little one's bedroom.
And someday....someday.....when our child's old enough to understand, we'll take that frame off the wall and we'll snuggle up in a chair and we'll turn that picture around and we'll point at all the names. I'll read each one out loud and with this precious child wrapped in my arms, I'll whisper, "Look how much you were loved. Look at how much you were wanted. Look at all these people who helped bring you home."
Maybe you aren't called to adopt. But you are called to help. To show love to the orphans.
I encourage you to be a piece of the puzzle, a piece of the miracle of adoption.
You can go through Show Hope to help sponsor grants for families who are adopting, or you can find families to support individually.
But do something. Be Christ's hands and feet.
ps. This is day one of the Ganshert puzzle
And this is day ten:
There are still 315 puzzle pieces to go. Doesn't it thrill your soul to see those puzzle pieces? To know that each one is someone saying, "I love you, I care for you little child even though I don't know you."
Matthew and I sponsored on the first day. We knew it was something we had to be a part of. I want that little child to know, when he or she sees our names that they were loved by strangers and prayed for by strangers--that are all a part of the body of Christ.
Won't you consider being a part of the miracle of adoption?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Focus
When I was fifteen I went on a summer trip with the summer-school workers. During that time I was uncertain about how to handle a certain friendship. I wasn't sure if I could trust them, or even should. I was praying about it. On that trip we visited a little white church. I picked up the Bible in the front pew pocket and flipped open to Psalm 146 and read verse 3, "Do not put your trust in princes, in moral men who cannot save."
Sitting in that pew, holding a Bible that was not my own, I felt a little shocked to have such a clear answer that I did not want to hear. I wanted to hear that I could trust this person and that the future was clear. When I got to my own Bible, I underlined that verse.
Recently I have been laying open my heart to God, asking Him why people can be so cruel--whether intentionally or not. I prayed for peace. I wrote in my prayer journal, "Jesus, I need Your peace. I really, really do....Help me to focus on You, You, You. Let me love You and listen with all that I am. I need to mediate more on You and Your Word. More on You." And then I sat there. Feeling the anxiety and restlessness rise up in my heart.
So I opened the Bible. And I was given Psalm 146.
I am not to trust in princes, in people, who cannot save.
I am blessed if God is my help and my hope is in the Lord.
God alone is faithful forever.
He will provide for me, and set me free. (Free, free. Oh, God, could it be possible to be free of the heartache?)
Eyes to see, lifted up--loved by the Lord.
The defenseless provided for. My weakness will be protected by His strength and love.
The wicked frustrated.
Focus my eyes on Him who reigns.
That was five days ago.
Yesterday I was reading Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and God spoke again.
This time it was from Jeremiah 17:5-8
"Thus says the Lord, 'Cursed is the man who trust in mankind and makes flesh his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant.'
'Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, and who trust is in he Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.'"
I have been more worried about what others say, think of me, say behind my back, etc. than trusting in God. Where has my focus been? My focus has been on if man is pleased with me then I feel satisfied and fulfilled. And because of that I have been a dry bush.
This morning He spoke again.
In Luke 12:4-7
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear; Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your heard are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
I have been more worried about others than about how God feels about my actions, in-actions etc. I have been basing my emotions on people instead of God. I am fearing the wrong thing. God controls my destiny, not man.
And then the part that made my heart constrict with joy and painful longing, "Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
God has not forgotten me. No, instead He loves me so very much. I need to focus my eyes on Him. Human love may come and go, but His love remains. I am not forgotten. I am loved.
Part of this morning's journal entry: "Why/how is it on certain day, certain passages overwhelm me with Your love? Thank You."
From fifteen to twenty-six apparently I am learning the same lesson. Where is my focus going to be? On men or on God? Do I want to be a dried up bush? Or a tree planted by a water, that never fears?
Sitting in that pew, holding a Bible that was not my own, I felt a little shocked to have such a clear answer that I did not want to hear. I wanted to hear that I could trust this person and that the future was clear. When I got to my own Bible, I underlined that verse.
Recently I have been laying open my heart to God, asking Him why people can be so cruel--whether intentionally or not. I prayed for peace. I wrote in my prayer journal, "Jesus, I need Your peace. I really, really do....Help me to focus on You, You, You. Let me love You and listen with all that I am. I need to mediate more on You and Your Word. More on You." And then I sat there. Feeling the anxiety and restlessness rise up in my heart.
So I opened the Bible. And I was given Psalm 146.
I am not to trust in princes, in people, who cannot save.
I am blessed if God is my help and my hope is in the Lord.
God alone is faithful forever.
He will provide for me, and set me free. (Free, free. Oh, God, could it be possible to be free of the heartache?)
Eyes to see, lifted up--loved by the Lord.
The defenseless provided for. My weakness will be protected by His strength and love.
The wicked frustrated.
Focus my eyes on Him who reigns.
That was five days ago.
Yesterday I was reading Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and God spoke again.
This time it was from Jeremiah 17:5-8
"Thus says the Lord, 'Cursed is the man who trust in mankind and makes flesh his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant.'
'Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, and who trust is in he Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.'"
I have been more worried about what others say, think of me, say behind my back, etc. than trusting in God. Where has my focus been? My focus has been on if man is pleased with me then I feel satisfied and fulfilled. And because of that I have been a dry bush.
This morning He spoke again.
In Luke 12:4-7
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear; Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your heard are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
I have been more worried about others than about how God feels about my actions, in-actions etc. I have been basing my emotions on people instead of God. I am fearing the wrong thing. God controls my destiny, not man.
And then the part that made my heart constrict with joy and painful longing, "Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
God has not forgotten me. No, instead He loves me so very much. I need to focus my eyes on Him. Human love may come and go, but His love remains. I am not forgotten. I am loved.
Part of this morning's journal entry: "Why/how is it on certain day, certain passages overwhelm me with Your love? Thank You."
From fifteen to twenty-six apparently I am learning the same lesson. Where is my focus going to be? On men or on God? Do I want to be a dried up bush? Or a tree planted by a water, that never fears?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
2012 Christmas Letter
December 2012
Dear Family & Friends,
We are so thankful for another year! We’ve been blessed with good health and plenty to keep us busy. We’ve continued to grow through challenges and blessings.
As we mentioned in last year’s letter, we were planning to hike theGrand Canyon in March. It was a very memorable
backpacking experience. We got to do it with family (Beth-Anne’s dad,
Ted, brother, Jason-- as well as her grandmother, Vera, and her husband, Ed,
for part of the trip) and friends (Kristin and Lucio) which made it even
better. Something that really made the trip special were the daily
worships we had. Each person led out in a worship thought on different
days and we were able to enjoy not only the splendor of the Grand
Canyon , but the depth of growing closer spiritually as a group.
We both feel that it was one of the most spiritually uplifting trips we
have been on.
Beth-Anne is continuing to work on her Master’s degree. She spent all summer down at Southern, staying with her friend Kristin, to work on four classes. If everything stays on track she will finish this summer! Beth-Anne loves her degree in literacy and has been tremendously blessed throughout the experience. However, it will be great to be done too!
Matthew has recently applied and been accepted toMontana State
University Montana .
He will begin classes in January and is excited to begin!
We were both privileged to be able to do two presentations at the North American Division Convention of Seventh-day Adventist Teachers inNashville , Tennessee
As many of you know, this last April was a heartbreaking time for us. Beth-Anne’s second grade student, Marissa, died. Shortly afterwards, her great-grandmother, whom she called Tai Tai, also died. Though Marissa was young and Tai Tai had lived a long life--it was hard to say good-bye. We are never ready to say good-bye. Marissa was so funny, and full of love and life that everyone who remembers her talks of those things. She loved Jesus with commitment, and lived that out. Tai Tai is the spiritual pillar in the Shiroma side of Beth-Anne’s family. She is the love that binds them together. Jesus’ love flowed through her tho touch everyone who knew her--and continues to flow from family member to family member. We eagerly await the day when we will all be reunited together.
We were asked in ourSabbath
School
Love & prayers,
We are so thankful for another year! We’ve been blessed with good health and plenty to keep us busy. We’ve continued to grow through challenges and blessings.
As we mentioned in last year’s letter, we were planning to hike the
Beth-Anne is continuing to work on her Master’s degree. She spent all summer down at Southern, staying with her friend Kristin, to work on four classes. If everything stays on track she will finish this summer! Beth-Anne loves her degree in literacy and has been tremendously blessed throughout the experience. However, it will be great to be done too!
Matthew has recently applied and been accepted to
We were both privileged to be able to do two presentations at the North American Division Convention of Seventh-day Adventist Teachers in
As many of you know, this last April was a heartbreaking time for us. Beth-Anne’s second grade student, Marissa, died. Shortly afterwards, her great-grandmother, whom she called Tai Tai, also died. Though Marissa was young and Tai Tai had lived a long life--it was hard to say good-bye. We are never ready to say good-bye. Marissa was so funny, and full of love and life that everyone who remembers her talks of those things. She loved Jesus with commitment, and lived that out. Tai Tai is the spiritual pillar in the Shiroma side of Beth-Anne’s family. She is the love that binds them together. Jesus’ love flowed through her tho touch everyone who knew her--and continues to flow from family member to family member. We eagerly await the day when we will all be reunited together.
We were asked in our
Love & prayers,
Matthew & Beth-Anne
(and Hana, Mei Mei, and Nani too!)
“Taste
and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man
who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
Saturday, December 15, 2012
First Advent -- Second Advent
Today at church Matthew and I sang Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice.
Last night when we were practicing there was a verse that, in light of the shootings and deaths yesterday, seemed especially hard to sing.
"Bring Your peace into our violence
Last night when we were practicing there was a verse that, in light of the shootings and deaths yesterday, seemed especially hard to sing.
"Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world."
Welcome to our world."
Losing Marissa last April was....and is....undefinable. And as I think of the teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary school, and the students--I cannot put into words exactly how I feel. I think of my own classroom. I think of my nine heart-strings that walk around in my room. There were teachers who died shielding their students yesterday. There were teachers who survived and must live through the trauma. Emotionally, mentally--I cannot imagine the scene. I choose not to.
We sang Welcome to Our World last year for church and as part of the school Christmas program. Marissa was with us and now she's not. And there are many families who were looking forward to having Christmas vacation with their families that are now missing parts of their hearts.
Jesus coming to earth was the most amazing gift and blessing. But somehow, it makes me ache for the second coming all the more. For all things to be put to right. For every tear to be wiped away.
I want the "All is well" to be final. For it be all well...for all eternity.
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