Jordan & Vanesa Minnick

My sweet friend Vanesa was wed last week. Beautiful bride and groom. The day went 100% not according to plan, but what a beautiful, peaceful wedding it turned out to be. I sadly did not get any pictures of the actual wedding day, so I have added the photographers link. I am so thankful for this marriage. Vanesa and Jordan, I love you both. To God be the Glory. =)
A few professional photos


Vanesa & her father rehearsing the walk.


The hand off to the hubby


Ash made me laugh out loud with this face... "typical, this would totally happen to Vanesa..." the headlines read..."Massive snowstorm hits east coast."


Danielle and her sweet husband Jeff


My favorite, Rachel Davis and her little one Bri


Favorite Groomsman. =)


Yvonne & Vanesa (V's last female roommate.)


Bri & I.

Mans best friend, my best friend?

Oh really...

A Little Trip Down South

I think I should start each blog post I write with the same doxology.
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.
This past week was a true blessing that came in an unexpected way.

It all started on Friday morning as I sat in Reagan National Airport waiting to board my flight to Miami.
I was pleased to be seated at my gate with time to spare. If you know me, this is not always the case.
After my last disaster flying out of Reagan you would have thought I had never been through an airport.
That is another story for another time.

Anyways as I sat reading, a gentleman across the way asked me what I was studying. He was definitely in his mid 60's and had a grin like a jolly old man. I smiled back at him with an almost bigger grin due to the fact that this is a typical encounter, men over the age of fifty, children under the age of 5 and mothers who have their hands full. Long story short, I was reading through the Proverb of the day. To my surprise this man disclosed that he was a Christian and had come to trust Christ only a few years previous. He is a lawyer, who now defends the unborn. Who would have ever thought? I was so blessed to hear his stories and gain some wisdom on how to approach sanctity of life in the status quo. What really struck me is that all his arguments, though conservative in approach, and definitely taken from a Biblical worldview were not new. It's the age old story. Nothing is new under the sun. I was so blessed to see a man quietly but boldly fighting for justice of little ones.

I arrived to La Paz, Bolivia the next morning. I was there to transport back the first little kiddo for Samaritan's Purse Children's Heart Project. SP has been in Bolivia for some time, but this was CHP's first trip.
Jose's Profile
Jose is posted below, a little gem. He will be having his surgery in the upcoming week. Keep him in your prayers. He is such a little stinker, full of life.
After a five hour delay and cancelled flight, a re-routing through Lima, Peru and horrible food poisoning from Lima to Miami we finally made it to the states. Once again, praise God.

During my short stay in La Paz I toured a small portion of the city, had my hair cut by Claudio Inglesia (the best male hair stylist in all of Bolivia), met an interesting man who loves the Lord from Chile, fell in love with the people, faced my deep conviction of not speaking fluent Spanish, and of course was attacked by the Saltenas. (food poisoning) =) Aye aye aye.

I had to grab a photo of this little guy as we toured the city. He was so pleased to be eating an ice cream cone without a care in the world. There is something very precious about the innocence and naivety of children.


I'll write more later- just wanted to give you a quick update about the trip. Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words.
Words to live by, "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." Acts 17:24-25
So thankful to serve the Sovereign God of the nations. May he find me faithful- here in DC or wherever my little body ends up in the world. To God be the Glory- living to know Him and make Him known.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

I just returned home from Mongolia & Judson completed his first marathon under 4 hours. =)
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
We have much to be thankful for in our family. It is almost two in the morning and I'm wide awake. The time change has been a little more difficult on this end of the trip. =) I can't seem to find sufficient rest at the appropriate times. For instance, I slept all day today. Woke up to join Judson for a little coffee run and then returned to my lovely bed for another 5 hours of slumber. Now if I could only crawl back into bed until the morning I think I may be straightened out.

I am so thankful for these past days. The Lord has shown not only his mighty hands but his gracious heart to our family & my Mongolian team. I am so proud of my brother for completing those 26 miles! I am also amazed at how we just finished a week of open heart surgery in a 3rd world country with minimal to no complications.
Looking forward to spending the next few days at home in Minnesota: 1. visiting Grandpa & Grandma
2. SKOL Vikings & 3. Waiting to see the Twins take Detroit at the Dome.

Thank you for your prayers these past weeks and the weeks to come.
Mighty is the God we serve. Great are his ways. Higher are his thoughts, and His plans... truly unsearchable.
Resting always & forever in the knowledge and Grace of our Heavenly Father.

1 Timothy 6

Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.
Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you

Ulaanbaatar 2009

Pray for us as we head overseas for another year of cardiovascular surgery. Pray also that God would be glorified. (GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED ULTIMATELY) But pray specifically for our obedience and steadfastness. That we would have success with our kiddos, that their little hearts would be corrected, and that the Lord would make himself known to each of them individually and to their families as well! Pray for teachable spirits as we will be working with the native nurses and doctors. Pray for understanding in all areas. COMMUNICATION...
SUPPLIES! That we would have what we need when we get there. Pray that we would not be limited because of resources, but that the Lord would provide exactly what we need for the day.
Pray also for our team traveling from all over the place (mainly San Antonio, TX).
For our witness as a team, that we would show what true love is by the way we love one another. (Type A personalities have been known to bump heads) =).

OH GLORY!
Most importantly, pray for nerves of the mothers and fathers whose babes we will be working with. Pray for a calming peace that comes only from the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

My new favorite babe

Every small detail of this precious babe is beautiful.
Each little roll on his thighs...his little rounded belly, his big brown eyes.
His hands, his feet...his growing mind.
True beauty...

Who is this little beauty from!?

Psalm 29
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

I've lived 26 years...

This past week I turned 26 years old. It is kind of mind boggling to think about twenty six years from today. That would land me at 52. When I was little I remember thinking how old the twenty's were. Now that I am in my twenty's fifty doesn't seem old at all. =)

And life goes on...

My parents, Judson and I celebrated my birthday in Seattle, Washington this year.
We stayed in a beautiful hotel right on Lake Union, watching the sailboats, and water aircraft come and go. Seattle is well known for its showers, but we didn't have one drop of rain during our stay. Only beautiful weather and a breeze. We were able to do some water activitys, hiking and the best part was meeting up with my dad's siblings.
I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people the Lord has placed in my life.

my aunt/uncle picked up this little cake for the birthday celebration.

Musical Notes, talented musicians

This is one of the greatest compositions of modern day music.

I enjoyed it- hope you do too! =)

Jon Schmidt

Beautiful Life.

Today has been wonderful. Just a sweet day filled with much needed reading and biking. I was nervous as I headed out this morning that I would encounter showers and perhaps even storms as I biked but not one rain drop fell.
However, I did want to die due to the DC heat. I cannot believe the heat + humidity combination. UNBELIEVABLE. When I am here, I miss Minnesota and the perfect summers we have.
I am making a mental list of a few of my favorite things in life. I don't know why I feel the urgency to inhale as much oxygen as possible. Our days are so limited and we must be intentional on how we live them, and who we live them for.
Last night I attended my church's Bible study where we read through Matthew 5. Specifically focusing on vs.43-47. The discussion ran along the lines of loving our enemies and the true understanding of the scribal teaching found in Leviticus19:18
Basically, was a convicting one hour study of how we so easily love those who love us. The pastor perfectly stated why we love being around certain people..."We love being around people like us, because, these people are like the one we love the most...our self." Wow, conviction to the core.
How easily it is to love ourselves.
Open my heart Lord to love those who are not easy to love.
More than that, open my heart that I may love you the most.
Only by his grace am I capable of this love.

Proverbs 20:6 "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?"

On a lighter note...

I took some photos- working on my new hobby. I'm quickly realizing that I do not enjoy photographing still objects. An example would be- the White House, or the Jefferson Memorial (my favorite monument). There is no life to these photos. I would rather take a picture of a worm than the Washington Monument. There is so much more detail in a worm...it is amazing.

I have loved capturing people in their ever day life. Human interest photo's are surely the best. I believe it is one of my favorite things.
This is a photo of a dear friends baby girl. Such a stinker, but so sweet.



beautiful.

This blog is all over the place, but I thought I better start writing again. =)
Welcome back to my disorganized thinking.

PGA all the way!

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

I have never thought much about professional golf. In fact I don't think I have ever really felt any emotion towards golf at all- personally or professionally.

This all changed last Saturday when I attended the PGA championship tourney at the Hazeltine Golf Course in Chaska, Minnesota.

Why did it change is the question to be asked...?

Answer: No cell phones allowed.

Seriously, absolutely no cellular phones were allowed at this event. Perhaps this is the case at Wimbledon? Maybe someday I will have the opportunity to find out. Until then- professional golf is my new favorite sport to watch. It was nice to see people actually talking to one-another instead of answering a call, texting a friend or for pete's sake sending an e-mail.

PGA, All the WAY! =)

Reform our ...

thinking.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/07/22/the_list_the_world_s_worst_healthcare_reforms

Just a little FYI...
All things considered.

I still want my passport.

You never know when you might need to leave the country...or simply show a second form of identification.

I'm changing my new life quote to...

When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

=) Courtesy of Youtube...

Billy Ocean

He knows...

Ennui- dissatisfaction and restlessness resulting from boredom or apathy.

This word has come up in a couple things I have read this week. I feel like this word is alive and is trying to give me a subliminal message as my mind is easily distracted.

I was then given this sermon by a friend- who recently visited Piper's church this past Father's day.

My heart has been exposed and softened... because of this sermon.
I am a woman with a cavernous thirst.


The Tragic Cost of her Cavernous Thirst

I want to fear & love this God who knows.

Passportless...

The Department of State has taken away my passport...

I'm waiting for a new one.

I think this is the biggest blessing in my entire life.

I am so tempted to jump ship right now...and I totally cannot leave the country.

I am passportless.

=)

Grrrr...

Genuine Love

1 John 4:9-12
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved,if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.


This past week I was shown genuine love in an unlikely circumstance.
For the sake of not disclosing too much information...but sharing in the graces shown to me...I will briefly give you the story.

I was recently asked out by a young fellow (smart, funny, handsome...) but upon the invitation there was a decline for not one particular reason.
I was expecting a slight awkwardness to follow- however just the opposite occurred.
This young man knows that I am new to the area. He also knows that I have been desiring to get plugged in. So instead of walking away from the entire encounter he took the initiative to e-mail a few people he thought I would enjoy.
As a result of this, I have been called, e-mailed and personally invited to join in fellowship with several people. Each effort of communication was either followed by "so & so gave me your name and thought it would be great if we met...or, _______ _______ encouraged me to give you a call..."
I have been overwhelmed with the demonstration of genuine love this brother in Christ has shown me. I have never felt so loved in my entire life. (Dad, and mom...parenting love is in another category)
What a beautiful thing it is to place pride aside. I have been encouraged and challenged in my own life. This man loves the Lord and it is no quiet matter.
I'm thankful for the men and women the Lord has placed in my life!

I love this hymn- and its been in my mind often this past week.
I hope this encourages you to love deeply and sincerely all in the name of Truth.

Here is Love

Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.
William Rees

TWIN CITIES 2009

Judson and I, along with our dear friend Molly Vesperman are running in the Twin Cities Marathon October 4th, 2009. As I am slowly but steadily gaining mileage for this big exciting day...I am realizing once again the importance of bringing my entire life under strict discipline. =) I need accountability and definitely encouragement. This morning I talked with Judson on the phone...the training seems to be no big deal for him. I think he could run the entire distance right now. Pray for us as we train. That we would be able to do and do it well.

Last October I ran in the Venice Marathon. I didn't do so hot- as was expected d/t lack of training. However I did learn something. TRAINING is essential in all areas of life. This morning I read from Spurgeon's Morning & Evening for June 15th . I want to be like Sarah...in all areas of my life. Because of what Christ has done in me- and continues to do I will run with joy in preparation for this blessed event. =)

Ask me how I'm doing in the training! And if you feel up to it- join me in a run.
=)

CE for RN's

Continuing Education is a great thing.
Great- if you know what you should continually educate yourself in.
If you are continually not educating yourself...well then- too bad.
If you are educating continuously...well, way to be.

Continuing education for registered nurses is endless.
In this day & age it seems to be unacceptable to remain as a bedside nurse.
The thought runs along the lines of working for a few years and then returning the academic arena to pursue a masters or doctorate.

I have had the opportunity to drive many hours this week- and as I was driving through good old Charlottseville, VA. home to Thomas Jefferson and his brilliant brain, I become instantaneously overwhelmed with the need to educate. Why is that?

Yesterday I had dinner with two good friends, both whom are nurses and I asked them about their goals in continuing education.

One of the girls is pursuing a masters in teaching- to hopefully be a professor of nursing. Way to be! (Seriously- teaching nursing is not an easy job)

The other girl is simply enjoying life and nursing. She said she didn't want to pursue any more education until she was sure she truly desired what she was in pursuit of. (I summarized and rephrased her words...) Essentially, she is being a wise woman.

Alas- this is where I am sitting. I am not going to pursue any more education until I know for sure that it is an area worth pursuing.
Kapeesh? Kapoosh.

Dad- this is specifically for you. =) This entire post is in honor of Father's day quickly approaching. Do you recognize this picture?
Love you.

Healthcare...

Canada's ObamaCare Precedent


I am not impressed with the U.S. health care system.
I do not believe socialized medicine is the answer- nor do I believe it would actually happen. (as I bite my lower lip...)
I do know that Our system of medicaid/health insurance/hmo... blah blah blah has gotten a little out of hand. (that is a large understatement...)

I found this article to be humorous and also deeply true. Humorous because its so pathetically true...

I don't have an answer- perhaps I should. I will work on formulating that now. =)

Drunken Men and little babies... =) Go Twins!

It all started with the Brewski's and Twinsters. What started you may ask?
America's past time...beer loving babies...I mean, baseball. =)

Of course- there is much beer to be had, and apparently in Minnesota- babies love the Dome Dogs that only can be served at the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome. It can't get better than this. Or can it!? I will leave that answer up to you.

It was truly an enjoyable evening with Patrick and Molly Vesperman. Judson and I were able to meet up with our friends and head down to Minneapolis for dinner and the game. The Twins took the game with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Joe Crede bringing in the runs. Couldn't complain about the seats- right above the Twins dugout...a couple rows up- thank you dad & Piper Jaffray.

Joe Mauer took a hit to the hand- check the video- this brought a little heat to the game. And right before he got up to bat a Milwaukee fan took the field- crazy guy- who was quickly escorted and ejected from the Dome.
Patrick- its ok that you like the Brewers...but seriously keep your fans under control.
Overall, a great night of baseball.

Check out the video of Mauer... not bad boy! =)
Joe Mauer

Power in the Word

Scripture.
The comfort it brings in times of sorrow
The beauty which makes eyes open to the truth of this world
The anger that arises from a Holy God in the response to sin
The joy it gives when others come to see the truth
Thank you Father for your written word.

Isaiah 55
"Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you
do not k now,
and a nation that did not know you
shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, and of
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
"Seek the Lord while he may be found
call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may
have compassion on him,
and to our God, for hi will
abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the
earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the
sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the Lord,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."

Sad story about a tree.

Oh Minnesota, how I love thee

I read this little article and it made me smile. The small things in life...

Honk Honk!

This also reminded me of the children's book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
It is interesting how a tree can be the main subject of literature. A single tree for that matter.
hmmm. =) I like it.


P.S. Happy Mother's Day & Good Morning!

America Abroad...

AmericaAbroadMedia

In the past year I have found this website and their radio broadcasting to really open my eyes and ears to some of the most crucial, current global issues . In the past 6-12 months when the word "crisis" has come up, my train of thought jumps to the current "economic crisis."

Just wanted to remind you that there are very serious "crisis'" occurring every day all over this world. I hope I am not naive to the fact that many of these issues and conflicts are connected with poorly managed money, economic failures and sinful nature. However it is interesting to see what draws mass media attention and causes an outcry to our nation and individuals.

Living in D.C. for the past three months has also been eye-opening. Everyday there are groups of people, many 'groupies' for that matter I'm sure, but none-the-less large groups assembling to protest or petition against some injustice they feel they have experienced. Sometimes I can't help but stop and listen to what groups truly believe are 'injustices' against them.

Just two weeks ago a group of handicapped individuals literally wheeled their wheelchairs across both Independence Ave and Constitution Ave blocking the busiest intersections outside of our nations capitol. As I was running by the group of people I stopped and talked to one woman who had use of both of her legs, and definitely was not handicapped (though that is debatable-forgive me, that was unkind...) and was shouting loudly protesting against President Obama's lack of support for subsidized handicap housing. wow. She explained to me that her dear friends were unable to find affordable housing for handicapped individuals because the government did not mandate it (or enough of it) in their section 8 housing act. aye aye aye- that just opens an entire can of worms...but what was interesting to me is that this woman had devoted her entire life for the cause of this group. As I walked away from her I not only thought of my first apartment post-college that was extremely handicap accessable (shout out VFJ-I'm smiling...) to the point of inconvenience, but also that this was some cause. Interesting, specific, of great inconvenince for the handicap, and extremely unfortunate.

I have much more to say about that entire shenanigan, however I must stop here.

It just really made me think twice about the way I'm just like that woman. The way I live my life or choose not to live my life shouts loudly to the people around me. As a professing Christian I know what my life ought to be professing loudly Jeremiah 9:24, 1 Corinthians 1:31,
2 Corinthians 1:12, Galatians 2:20 and so forth- but, many times, the actuality of what is professed is another story.

I don't know how to write into words where I am going with this thought process or what I am trying to relay, but all I do know is that I want to live for the cause of Christ. Not because Christ needs me to advocate his exsistence or Being, but because he calls me to it. He calls us all to do it. To daily be obedient unto him.

Matthew 10:38-39 states "And whoever does not take his cross and folllow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Luke 9:23-25 "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"

Daily obedience looks different for every human being according to the gifts and talents he has given each one of us. However, if those gifts are not grounded in scripture and have a proper view of Christ and the cross the 'cause' being fought for is in vain. He may well use it under his sovereign rule, but as a believer we miss out on the blessing of obedience. There is great blessing in obedience.

Does this make sense? I think what I'm trying to say is, whether I am working at the bedside as a nurse in the hospital, or overseas advocating on behalf of a sick child, or reading a newspaper, or spending time at the crisis pregnancy center...or wherever and whatever I'm doing, I am ultimately representing Jesus Christ. He desires for ALL to come to know him and trusting in the truth of his word and the facts of the this present world... knowing that perfect justice will one day be achieved or redeemed is a great hope.

I guess I just want to encourage you to continue to fight against injustice but don't lose sight of Perfect Justice. On that note...

"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be
revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell
you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim
on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can
destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for
a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart
from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge
before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before
men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 10:26-33

Power as a believer.

Book suggestion for those interested...
I have found this book to really help me align my thinking with
Biblical truth and the work of the Spirit.
Judson had been asking many questions in the past few months about the role of the Holy Spirit.
There are many people who have controversial opinions and significantly different views on the work and role of the Spirit in a believers life. There are also many books published on this topic.
I have found this book to not only align solidly with scripture but also challenge me to rely on the Spirit within me.
It is worth your time and money to browse these pages!

small sample:
J.I. Packer writes....

The Christian's motto should not be "Let go and let God" but "Trust God and get going!" So if, for instance, you are fighting a bad habit, work out before God a strategy for ensuring that you will not fall victim to it again, ask him to bless your plan, and go out in his strength, ready to say no next time the temptation comes. Or if you are seeking to form a good habit, work out a strategy in the same way, ask God's help, and then try your hardest. But passivity is never the way, and the overtones of passivity in Keswick teaching ("don't struggle with the matter yourself, just hand it over to the Lord") are unbiblical in themselves and hostile to Christian maturity.

Blessings my friends. =) love you

The White House Garden's & Grounds

Spring 2009 White House Garden's and Grounds...

Benjamin and Toni were able to visit DC this weekend. It was a brief, but sweet time. We were able to visit the White House Garden's- a tradition which First Lady Pat Nixon began. 

It was very endearing to see the magnolia trees planted by late President Andrew Jackson in honor of his wife, and also the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. It was an honor to walk the property of our nation's leader. Such a beautiful place. 

The neatest part of the grounds is the children's garden, created by Lady Bird Johnson. The small stones which wind through the smaller proportioned garden have hand and feet prints of the children and grandchildren of the presidents. I can only imagine what it would have been like growing up as a child in the White House.

The part of the tour which I received a large grin out of was the tennis courts. First of all, I don't know how often, if ever, they are used. Secondly, there is a huge sign on the entrance gate of the courts which reads "white soled shoes only." Can you imagine if the president or guest of the president arrived with shoes otherwise!? Who would stop them from playing? The secret service!? "Excuse me Mr. President, I'm going to have to ask you to change your tennies?"

=) right.

Oh the joys... 

Thank you Paul and Jodi for providing us with the fun tour, and Ben & Toni for coming down. 

Bow chick a wow wow...

Interesting article... click on the link.
Bow chick a wow wow

Another article...very sad- Article

On a lighter note...

Congratulations Ben on passing your exams/orals for your PhD!
Way to be accomplished!?!?!? I'm proud...

When Ben is not studying...he likes to pretend he is from Saudi.

I think your height might give you away... what's with the other two guys? I hope they are not your body guards. YIKES! =) oh man.

A golden nugget of scripture...

Romans 12:9-13

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 

Love one another with brotherly affection. 

Outdo one another in showing honor.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

Good Morning!

Happy Birthday to Momma McLaren!

Love you!

Becoming mainstream?

I've been keeping my eye on this for the past year. I find this extremely interesting, slightly disturbing, and all together very fascinating.
The article references the Chinese farmer who was attacked by a bear and received one of the first deemed 'successful' face transplants. What it does not mention is that he failed to take his several anti-rejection medications and is now dead.

Interesting...

BBC article

Really a success?

Did the undertones of this blog sound cynical?
Perhaps because I am.

Must Read...

Different perspective on the continual Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Very convicting and eye-opening.

After reading this book my heart was once again grieved about the tiny bits of history and humanity that I truly understand. 

It's when I finish books like this, or speak with others with different perspectives on life than I, that I become overwhelmed with 'littleness.' Sometimes I even think -perhaps it is better if I don't know.

But this is where the great mystery of life lies...in books, people and relationships. 

I am so thankful that the Lord has given me opportunities to meet the people I have met and travel to the places I have seen. What a true honor to meet and hopefully serve/enjoy fellow mankind. So many times I want to hug the disgruntled man/woman walking down the street(there are many in DC). I want them to understand their worth. (And for my tabloid/lack of good news, so read the horrible news junkies- I think The First Lady's sweet shoulder embrace to the Queen mum was fantastic! Way to go woman.) 

Now I'm rambling- anyways... I am reminded of what Packer writes on living with an eternal perspective in mind- 

The everlastingness of this life was spelled out in the vividest possible way by the anonymous benefactor who appended to John Newton's "Amazing Grace" this extra verse:

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun, 

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we first begun.

I have been writing with enthusiasm, for this everlasting life is something to which I look forward. Why? Not because I am out of love with life here- just the reverse! My life is full of joy, from four sources- knowing God, and people, and the good and pleasant things that God and men under God have created, and doing things which are worthwhile for God or others, or for myself as God's man. But my reach exceeds my grasp. My relationships with God and others are never as rich and full as I want them to be, and I am always finding more than I thought was there in great music, great verse, great books, great lives, and the great kaleidoscope of the natural order. 

As I get older, I find that I appreciate God, and people, and good and lovely and noble things, more and more intensely; so it is pure delight to think that this enjoyment will continue and increase in some form (what form, God knows, and I am content to wait and see), literally forever. Christians inherit in fact the destiny which fairy tales envisage in fancy: we(yes, you and I, the silly saved sinners) live, and live happily, and by God's endless mercy will live happily ever after. 

We cannot visualize heaven's life, and the wise man will not try.  Instead, he will dwell on the doctrine of heaven, which is that there the redeemed find all their heart's desire: joy with their Lord, joy with his people, and joy in the ending of all frustration and distress and supply of all wants.  What was said to the child- "If you want sweets and hamsters in heaven, they'll be there"- was not an evasion, but a witness to the truth that in heaven no felt needs or longings go unsatisfied.  What our wants will actually be, however, we hardly know, save that the first and foremost we shall want to be "always...with the Lord" -1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Often now we say in moments of great enjoyment, "I don't want this ever to stop"- but it does.  Heaven, however, is different.  May heaven's joys be yours, and mine. 

What a writer. Beautifully coined. 

Interesting Book Review...

Thank you Dr. Jen Prior...
(and of course BBB) =)

Interesting article that makes me smile and also feel proud about my education.

Surprised by Love...

enjoy!

The Nations

Probably a month ago now I sat under a man who was teaching on Colossians 1:9-14.  He discussed how Paul's prayer life was essential in his ministry & pleasing to the Lord- and how we also need to follow in the example given to us by Paul in the same way.  He was very compelling on the urgency and importance of our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ; Specifically those among the nations.  He openly asked the attendees of this small group if they were actively praying for the nations and if so, how? A few people gave their methods of prayers to the group. One person shared how they pick a nation each time they are praying- and pray specifically for the Christians living there. Another person suggested to the group that you could use a method of prayer...starting with the broad and narrowing to personal specifics.  In that sense nothing would be left out of his/her prayers at a global level to the most intimate personal level. 

These were just two thoughts- I am sure there were more, I cannot remember exactly now what the others were.

At the time of this discussion- I was living close to Massachusetts Avenue where many of the Embassy's stand. I have biked this road a dozen times and many times have felt an inclination to pray for these beautiful homes...or I should say the people who inhabit them and in a deeper sense...the people they are here representing. It has been one of the neatest experiences of truly praying for the nations.  As I pass by each nation- often represented by its national emblem/flag I am burdened in my heart to pray for this specific group of people. I find it curiously interesting how the Lord will lay certain people/places on our hearts for specific purposes- all to do with His ultimate glory and plan...especially when we have no idea why? and thus have to hold tight to our faith in grace and trust in his sovereignty of all things.

Greg Gilbert, the leader/teacher of the evening quoted a few lines from John Stott's book Basic Chritianity. 

"The Christian life is not just our own private affair.  If we have been born again into God's family, not only has he become our Father but every other Christian believer in the world, whatever his nation or denomination, has become our brother or sister in Christ."

So good- and so very true. I sometimes get overwhelmed thinking about praying for Toni (&Ben of course) and Judson- wow. Talk about a load of prayers that must/should be offered up. I guess that is why scripture commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing!

I write this all now- because I received this email today from Samaritan's Purse and have enclosed the link to update you on what is happening in Sudan (I am sure many of you are already aware).  It is by God's grace alone that SP has been able to keep staff- and volunteers there at this time. Pray, however, specifically for the citizens of Sudan who know Jesus Christ- that they would be bold and strong and filled with the Spirit of truth to lead one another in truth & grace- and that they would be filled with an overwhelming peace that their God is still truly in control. 

Darfur- SP link

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

James 5:16

I literally live in the backyard

of our nations capitol.

I was walking home tonight and I couldn't even believe the scenery that was behind me.

As I turned around to shed a glance at the monuments behind me I could not help but to smile with joy at my present circumstances.

Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be open unto you...

I have moved in with a group of young ladies from a good church. It is so refreshing to come home to people whom I know know the truth & seek it. As I am writing here tonight- I am also filled with a smile of joy because the past 2 hours have been filled with wedding planning.

What a fun time of life for Laura Beth... weddings truly are something to be hopeful for. =)

I have actually found my favorite wedding dress- Vera Wang (which might just make my dad say 'very wong' hahahaha). Looking forward to wearing it someday... I have enclosed the link of course. Vera Wang and the 'Divine Obsession' please watch this. =)

On the flip side of rose petals and engagement rings...

The Ugandan boys have passed the physical testing of their trying hearts. Both boys are doing splendid and are eagerly anxious to return to Uganda. I am looking forward to next week- I will be meeting up with the disassembled group from Memphis, New York and Indianapolis to re-unite Allan and Daniel with their fellow heart pals. =) A major blessing that all has gone well.

I am looking forward to these little ones being back home with their families and praying as they go that their hearts would be softened/opened to the gospel from this trip forward.

Quick update...

Thankful for you and your prayers over my life.

Growing

Always growing, always learning...

So thankful for the people in my life and the dear friends the Lord has blessed me with.

This week I have really been meditating on the different ways the Lord reveals himself to us. Creation is the most beautiful revelation of his glory (to the eyes that is...).  Out of all his creations PEOPLE are the most beautiful to me- especially, growing people.  I love the way the Lord brings people into our lives to reveal himself and his graces to us. Last night I read through a really good essay by Archibald Alexander on Growth in Grace. 

Read it my friends. =) Encouraging and edifying. 

Personally I found a single paragraph to be very convicting and challenging.

"Another powerful cause of hindrance in the growth of the life of God in the soul is that we make general resolutions of improvement, but neglect to extend our efforts to particulars.  We promise ourselves that in the indefinite future we will do much in the way of reformation, but are found doing nothing each day in cultivating piety. We begin and end a day without aiming or expecting to make any particular advance on that day. Thus our best resolutions evaporate without effect. We merely run the round of prescribed duty, satisfied if we do nothing amiss and neglect no external service which we feel to be obligatory.  We resemble the man who purposes to go to a certain place and often resolves with earnestness that he will some day perform the journey, but never takes a step towards the place.  Is it at all strange that that person who on no day makes it his distinct object to advance in the divine life, at the end of months and years is found stationary? The natural body will grow without our thinking about it, even when we are asleep, but not he life of piety, which only increases by and through the exercises of the mind, aiming at higher measures of grace.  And as every day we should do something in the good work, so we should direct our attention to the growth of particular graces, especially of those in which we know ourselves to be defective. Are we weak in faith? Let us give attention to the proper means of strengthening our faith and, above all, apply to the Lord to increase our faith.  Is our love to God cold and hardly perceptible, and greatly interrupted by long intervals in which God and Christ are not in all our thoughts? let us have this for a daily lamentation at the throne of grace- let us resolve to meditate more on the excellency of the divine attributes, and especially on the love of God to us- let us be much in reading the account of Christ's sufferings and death, and be importunate in prayer, until we receive more copious effusions of the Holy Spirit; for the fruit of the Spirit is love, and the love of God is shed abroad in our hearty by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. And so we should directly aim at cultivating and increasing every grace; for the divine life, or 'new man', consists of these graces, and the whole cannot be in health and vigour while the constituent parts are feeble and in a state of decay. " 

Sincere thinking about personal growth...

I am thankful for the men/women in my life who encourage me daily, weekly, monthly or even at times yearly to "re-align" myself, if you would, in the written word of God and daily obedience to it. 

" Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

Philippians 3:15-17

Metro...

Welcome to DC. wow. Today was my first, successful, smooth, and what I would consider "empowering" day riding the metro! Thank goodness it was only on day two that I gained such quick (self-proclaimed) competency. HA! I decided it was well worth my money & efforts to give the metro's maps/schedules at least 3o minutes of my precious scrutinizing time after yesterday's tragic incompetent riding episode. Turns out reading has brought about victory once again in the world of Kata.
DC is fantastic. The weather has been unbelievable since I arrived. Yesterday I was able to bike to the monuments and watch the sun set over the Potomac. I feel very blessed to have ended up in this city for this season. Living close to the National Cathedral and American University has been so great as well.
Tonight, as I was rummaging through graduate programs...looking into different areas of study, I realized that there are just too many things in life to experience. I can't even begin to fathom how people choose their area of study!?
Deep down I would love to be a writer- I would love to write vignettes about the people and places I see & visit. An "in the field reporter" would be a fantastic fit. =) However when I discussed this with the woman whose home I have been fortunate to be living in (she is an editor) she said some very thought intriguing things. She really emphasized that it does not take a masters or even doctorate in English literature to make an excellent writer- but it takes time, people & experience.
If you have read any of the previous posts on my blog- you would realize in my case it would take a little more than those three things. For instance, an EDITOR, spell checker, proof reader, how about a thesaurus to have a little variety in word usage, and most importantly- readers.

J.I. Packer never intended to be an writer- this statement speaks for itself.
(I am in no way trying to compare myself to Packer...just a little encouragement that God is gracious and always working- his purposes will prevail and he will be glorified- in whatever measure he chooses to use & refine us).

So, in the meantime- as I continue down the educational road in medicine/nursing/healthcare...blah blah blah- I can dream about one day ending up on the Washington Post!
Until then- I will continue riding the metro (which is a breeding ground for good literature), continue in my nursing, and continue on to wherever the next airbus 330 might take me.
Once again, welcome to DC- glad you could join me.

Kampala Uganda

Lake Victoria

Only hours ago- well I should say a day ago- I was sitting in a beautiful, lush bustling country. The temperature was pleasant and the sun was shining. Lake Victoria was glistening and the storks were hunting for their next meal. I have just returned from Kampala Uganda transporting for Samaritan's Purse. It is close to 5am there now and I bet the sun is beginning to rise- and the roosters are crowing. Kampala is Uganda's Capitol city with roughly 2 million people. The people are beautiful and the children are many. Uganda has over 2 million orphans. Among those numbers (I don't know exact percentages) the AIDS virus is not uncommon. While I was there for a short while I was able to visit one orphanage that is run by a young American woman who truly has over 100 children. She is not alone- she has wonderful Ugandan residents who work with her and take care of all these little ones. As I was able to spend a small amount of time with a handful of the babies and kids my heart was broken again. I don't know how to describe the feeling you get when a little one lifts his/her arms and with droopy little eyes pleads with you to pick them up for a hug and attention. I don't think anything else in life gives me more joy than holding a precious little one.

Little ones at the orphanage

Whirlwind

January 31st, 2009
Sitting here by the fireplace on the shore of the great Lake Superior, thankful for the quilt that is doing an exceptional job in keeping my legs warm and toasty, and watching the waves crash up onto the icy rocky shore only feet below me, I can only think: how glorious!
It was just yesterday that I was in the bustle & hustle of the quaint DC proper of Georgetown visiting with my sister and her husband. And only 24 hours before that was I in Amsterdam with 5 mothers, each holding their little one and anxiously awaiting the next leg of their trip to the US for the first time. And only 24 hours previous to Holland, I was sitting in an Ugandan press conference- bringing a small bit of publicity into the fact that five Ugandan residents (those residents being children I might add) were being flown to the US to have open heart surgery- a necessity for them if they are to live past their childhood.
Thinking back through the past 72 hours my mind can only now think: how glorious!
What a glorious, sovereign, faithful, providing Heavenly Father I serve.
This past week has been a whirlwind of events and I cannot point to one area independent of the Lord's gracious hand. To God be the glory!
One of my favorite passages in scripture is found in Colossians 1:15-18
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all
things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether
thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through
and for him. And he is the head of the body, the church.
(so powerful if I understand what is being said...and who this passage is speaking of...amazing!)

I am always amazed at the times and events the Lord has for his people. Even now- sitting here by the toasty fireplace- waiting for the boys to return from snowmobiling I am aware of the fact that none of this would be great or possible if it were not from the Lord. I guess I am trying to say- whether I am sitting here in the cabin, or on a crowded bus in Kampala, Uganda- there is purpose to the time being spent. I'm learning how quickly time passes and I want to be intentional with each moment I have. I am thankful for the glimpse into a new culture and peoples and I can only imagine what the Lord has in store next for the 5 mothers and their babes. Pray for successful surgeries and tender hearts for the gospel in the upcoming weeks. I have enclosed a photo of one of our little ones who will have surgery this next week. She is beautiful- from a Muslim family- and loves life. I will be heading to Washington National Children's Hospital for the next three months where I will have the privilege to work with two of our little boys just brought here- who will have surgery in the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to being at their bedsides as they are brought back from the operating room. Pray for my interaction with the moms and our wonderful translator, Olivia, as their boys are recovering in the ever intimidating ICU. I'll keep you posted on the surgeries. =) God is so good.
Pamilia and I- Kampala, Uganda January 2009

Thabiti M. Anyabwile

I was able to sit under the teaching of pastor & author Thabiti M. Anyabwile this weekend. =)

Anyabwile currently lives in the Grand Caymans with his wife and three children where he pastors First Baptist Church of Grand Caymans. He is affiliated with the 9Marks ministry where he grew his roots out of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Speaking with Anyabwile after the conference and truly just getting to know this man of God through his teaching was so refreshing and edifying. I am thankful for the church, the body of Christ, and for the grace given to us by God to remain faithful to it.

I have attached links to both Anyabwile's blog and 9Marks ministry. Both well worth your time for growth and maturing in your walk with the Lord! Just click on the name of where you want to go!

Enjoy!

Anyabwile

9Marks

44

Washington

J. Adams

Jefferson

Madison

Monroe

J.Q. Adams

Jackson

Van Buren

W. Harrison

Tyler

Polk

Taylor

Fillmore

Pierce

Buchanan

Lincoln

A. Johnson

Grant

Hayes

Garfield

Arthur

Cleveland

B. Harrison

McKinley

T. Roosevelt

Taft

Wilson

Harding

Coolidge

Hoover

F. Roosevelt

Truman

Eisenhower

Kennedy

L. Johnson

Nixon

Ford

Carter

Reagan

G.H. Bush

Clinton

G.W. Bush

and...

Barack Obama