Beautiful Memories with a Beautiful Friend

::Phew:: I know that this post is WAY overdue, seeing that I have been home from California almost two weeks... Oh, it is amazing how time flies!

A Tale of Two Girls

Once upon a time there were two girls. One lived in Colorado and the other was going to school in California. They met because the one at college, Dawn, began dating Matt, who was a friend of the girl, Jaclyn, in Colroado.

For many years- almost 6 to be exact- they cooresponded via snail mail, email, instant messaging and phone calls. They talked almost every day, hours at a time, sharing: stories, feelings, dreams, secrets, spiritual growth, pain, sorrow, laughter and tears.

Theirs was a relationship like none before them and none after them. They felt a deep bond that words cannot describe. The only explination either of them could give was Christ and Christ alone. He was their passion, their love and their driving commonality. He was the center of countless conversations. He was the one that allowed and ordained their paths to cross in the first place. He alone was to be praised for giving the girls to each other.

Then one day Matt asked Dawn to be his wife. They were wed surrounded by family and friends. Jaclyn, to her sorrow and distress, was not able to travel to the blessed union ceremony. A year passed... and on another memorable day they called Jaclyn and told her they were expecting their first child. Much joy and excitement was experienced by all in the celebration of a new life. Jaclyn decided it was time. It was time to purchase the plane tickets that would bridge the gap between keyboards, cell phones and envelopes.

It was time to meet her bosom friend face to face. And Dawn, of course, had no objections!

So the plane tickets were purchased for two months after the baby boy, Judah, was expected to arrive. Jaclyn figured that since she had waited so long to meet Dawn face to face, that she might as well delay that day a couple more months in order to see the precious baby her friends were to bear! The months, weeks and days seemed to drag by as they both counted down to the time when their two worlds physically united. Three months. Two months. One month. Two weeks. The clock ticked by. One week.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow. This is how their last online chat ended:

(PureandSimple is Jaclyn, Opportunity is Dawn)

PureandSimple: and tomorrow we will see eachother face to face
PureandSimple: ACK!
PureandSimple: weird :-P
Opportunity: ::stunned::
Opportunity: yes
Opportunity: weird
PureandSimple: do you want me to call tonight?
Opportunity: I have no idea how I'll react now
Opportunity: only if you need to
Opportunity: or if you want to
Opportunity: I dunno!
PureandSimple: of course I want to
Opportunity: ack!
PureandSimple: but we have not talked in the phone in a while
Opportunity: or we could just save it, dear
PureandSimple: maybe it would make us feel better :P
PureandSimple: lol
Opportunity: lol
Opportunity: so you really are nervous?
PureandSimple: ok, whatever you say!
PureandSimple: yes
Opportunity: ok I"m glad
PureandSimple: and I haven't been until yesterday
Opportunity: but WHY are we nervous?
Opportunity: me either!
PureandSimple: I don't KNOW!
Opportunity: ::nervous laugh::
Opportunity: what weirdos are we
PureandSimple: maybe because we share deep, dark secrets but have never looked into each other's eyes? :)
PureandSimple: you know more about me than a lot of people
PureandSimple: but we have never met
PureandSimple: and it is just weird :)
Opportunity: and I was so gonna say something about knowing each other's deep secrets :P
Opportunity: anyway
Opportunity: you get going...I'mgonna go feed my awake son...and maybe get him back on his usual schedule
PureandSimple: alright
PureandSimple: see you tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Opportunity: I think my heart just stopped :P
PureandSimple: ack, I need to quit thinking about it :P
PureandSimple: me too!
Opportunity: me too!
Opportunity: LOL
PureandSimple: ha
Opportunity: ok
Opportunity: good BYE
PureandSimple: that's scary
Opportunity: Love you so much
PureandSimple: will we do that in person too, finish sentances???
Opportunity: and I am DEFINITELY excited now!
PureandSimple: ME TOOOOOOOOOO!
Opportunity: I knew it would come :)
PureandSimple: I love you soooo much too!
PureandSimple: BYEEEEEE!
Opportunity: don't eat chocolate ice cream tonight...I want to see you tomorrow!
Opportunity: bye!
PureandSimple: lol
PureandSimple: :P
Opportunity: ;-) bye

Today.

The day had finally arrived. My bags were packed. My tickets were in hand. I was boarding the plane in Los Angeles that would take me to the arms of the girl that knew more about me than most. I was nervous, excited and tired. The plane touched down and my stomach was in my throat. What do I say to her? Will I cry, laugh or stare? I took a deep breath and headed to claim my luggage. I peeked around the hallway into the baggage claim area but did not see Matt and Dawn. I stood waiting for my bags, looking for my friend when I spotted them walking down the hallway towards me.

My heart began beating faster as I raised my hand and waved. I could see the expression on her face was nervous excitement too and it made me feel better! I walked to her, on wabbling legs, all smiles as we embraced for the first time. We hugged for a few moments until I realized I had left all my bags unattended. Opps. I claimed my checked-in suitcase and we were off to the car.

It was an odd mixture of strangeness and normality to be in her presence. As I looked at her with my friend Matt, carrying their son, Judah, I was struck with her beauty. Her eyes are stunning. Her face when she smiles is full of joy and light. I wanted to stare at her and soak in everything about her. I knew I had five days, but that did not seem like enough time to catch up on the last six years... or to save for the next six.

It was five of the best days of my life. I will treasure them forever.

This is a picture of Dawn and Judah during a morning feeding. It was incredible to watch Dawn as a mother. She and I have known eachother since we were both young, single and dreaming of marriage. Now she IS a wife and mother. And an amazing one at that. She is gentle, fun and patient. She cares for both Matt and Judah with grace and honor. As I watched her and looked around her home I could tell that she takes joy and pride in being a homemaker. In all of our conversations she displayed herself as one who loved homemaking, but being in her home and watching her in action confirmed that she takes seriously the role of womanhood that God has given to her. She was a wonderful example, encouragement and hope for me!

Darling, fun, cuddly, cooing Judah was so much fun to play with. He is one of the most beautiful babies I have EVER seen. I am so glad that I waited until he was born to go visit!

What words can go with that picture? He is the picture of a happy, content, well-loved and cared for baby!

The Saturday I was there we went to visit the beach. It was beautiful, windy and cold. We enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch on the sand while listening to the roar of the waves. It is such a relaxing, refreshing sound! Dawn and I walked to the water and it was soooo cold! Granted, it was not as cold as the river glacier water I play in here, but it was a lot colder than I thought it would be.

Matt and Dawn had asked me to watchJudah while they went to see X-Men III. I was honored and delighted to be Judah's first baby-sitter! We had a good time playing and singning. Amazingly, I took this picture of him and I looking at eachother!

Bath time!

A Palm Tree near their home... and Dawn and I in our Sunday best after church!
A view of the countryside on the way back from church.





A family picture the morning of the day I left.

The day come for me to leave and how sad I was inside to have to part from my precious friend. Every day was full of joy as I stepped into her world, held her son, teased her husband, cleaned her kitchen, cooked her dinner (with Matt- that was fun!), cooked with her, watched her TV, slept in the room next to her, walked with her, shopped with her, laughed with her, sang with her, worshipped with her, drove with her, played Mancala with her, listened to her coo with her baby, watch her cook, sit with her as she nursed, watch her talk, see her smile and gaze into her beautiful eyes.

Overall, she was exactly as I had always imagined she would be. Except... she was better! I cannot begin to describe my feelings and emotions while I was there. It was surreal. It was amazing. It was a blessing!

What do I take from my time with Dawn? So much... One, her eyes and smile. When I close my eyes I can see hers as they light up when she laughs. Two, as I looked around her home, watched her with Matt and Judah, I realized how much she delights in being a woman. She takes seriously the role of wife and mother. She is delighted to work with her hands to make sure that Matt and Judah are cared for and that Christ is honored in their home. Three, the ride to church on Sunday morning when Dawn read aloud a chapter from the book she and Matt are reading (Sacred Marriage). As I listened to her read, I soaked in her voice, influction and conviction. They are a young couple that are truly putting Christ first in their marriage and family. I knew, in words only, before I went to California, but was then able to see firsthand that it is true.

So, I will say the same thing about Dawn that she said about me: She is what she says she is. There is meat behind all she tells me about her life. She is real. She does not pretend to be perfect, she knows she is not. She does not only have outward beauty, she has beautiful depth of character. She does not just say she loves Christ, she does and you can tell. I could go on and on and on with sappy feelings. Dawn alone will be able to understand the deep emotions of what she and I experienced.

Thank you, Dawn, for being who you are. Thank you for your undying friendship over the years. Thank you for your shoulder to cry on, your listening ear, your encouragement, love and example. I had so much fun being with you. I wish it never would have ended. I didn't expect to miss you as I do. I didn't expect to feel overwhelming feelings of love for you.

You are a treasure. You always have been. You are more precious to me now than ever before.

I LOVE YOU!

Soon...

Soon I will post pictures and details about my trip to visit

Dawn

It was WONDERFUL and I miss her so much!

Sneezing, Poisoned and Packing

So, yesterday was a very interesting day. My mom, dad and I woke up feeling sick. Dad had been up all night, mom most of the night and me part of the night. We were nauseated, headachy and tired. We guessed it was food posioning because we had been at a party and the three of us where the only ones in the family to have the potato salad. So we slept all day.

Today, I feel great... although now I am sneezing. The molds are at a high today, I can tell.

And since I lost yesterday I have a ton of stuff to do before my trip to California....

TOMORROW!

My Mothering Style

The Duchy had this quiz on her blog called "Mother Styles." Although I am not a mother, I was curious and took the quiz. I think it describes me perfectly:

Your type is: ISFJ —The “Tender Loving Care” Mother
“I want my children to feel they have an ally, someone who knows them completely. I want to be a haven for them.”

~ Gentle and kind, the ISFJ mother provides her children with generous amounts of tenderness, affection, and the comfort of daily routine. Her aim is to “be there” for her children, physically and emotionally. She is sensitive to their feelings, offering closeness, understanding, and quiet support.

~ Loyal and devoted, the ISFJ mother has a strong sense of duty and consistently puts her children’s needs first. She delights in taking care of the little things that matter to a child, making each one feel loved and special.

~To provide her family with security and warmth, the ISFJ mother tends to the practical and domestic, aiming for a smooth-running household and an attractive home. She also observes and conveys the value and importance of family traditions.

(I am sure my siblings would also include something like: she loves to be bossy, corrects our table manners all the time and is always after us to clean up around the house.)

Mission Links-R-Us

I have added a section of links about missions. There you will find the following (click on each here for a link to the website I describe) :

- Operation World
Operation World's vision for missions is that we pray for (intercession) and for (inheritance) the nations.

- Pray Today
This website is a branch of Operation World and gives people the specific nation to pray for on the cooresponding date (May 15-17 is Germany). It gives the same information that the book Operation World outlines.

- Travel the Road
Travel the Road is a website about two crazy missionaries and their wild adventures! I have one of their DVD's and absolutely love it. Whenever I need a kindling desire for the nations I watch it. I would love to have their other episodes, but they are kind of expensive! I think it would be totally worth it, though... hummm....
(Looks like this website is currently down for maintenace.)

- World Vision
World Vision is an organization that reaches the nations with both practical physical help and spiritual guidance.

- Caleb Project
Caleb Project is a mobilization organization that lead the class Perspectives on the World Christian Movement that I took this spring. They specialize in research projects that take teams to "closed" countries and do research that will assist a missionary who is going long-term. These teams talk to indigenous people who would not be open to having the gospel shared with them cold-turkey, but will talk about family relationships, national religion, customs and traditions. Then, the team organizes the data and presents it to any missionary who will be living, working and serving that specific group of people.

- OMF International
OMF International was founded by the famous Hudson Taylor and has a passion for Asia. This is an amazing website and has EVERYTHING you would want to know about Asia, Asian people groups, missionaries to Asia, etc.

- 24-7 Prayer
24-7 Prayer is an intercession focused website that encourages believers, whether you feel "called" to missions or not, to pray for the nations, missionaries, governments, economies, etc.

Quiz Time

Are you an Extrovert or an Introvert? You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy. You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on. You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need varity! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends.

Take the quiz here

My Thoughts:

THAT is interesting... I think I agree with most of it?!?! I don't think I am shy, reserved is a much better word! After a while people DO drain me. I find time alone very refreshing and as a help to keeping me sain!

Are You Ready to Get Married? You are ready to get married!

You've done more than dream about the dress and the honeymoon. In fact, you spend a good deal of your time thinking about what makes a relationship work. And from your answers, it looks like you have the skills to say "I Do" and mean it. You're ready to settle down.

Take the quiz here

My thoughts:

Ok, now where to find the groom... is there a quiz on that? Nah, I'll leave that part to the Divine Matchmaker!

What Decade does your personality live in?

what decade does your personality live in?

My thoughts:

Ok.

Intrapersonal thinkers

Intrapersonal thinkers:
-Spend a lot of time thinking about and trying to understand themselves
-Reflect on their thoughts and moods, and work to improve them
-You understand how your behaviour affects your relationships with others.

Other Intrapersonal thinkers include: Sigmund Freud, Gandhi, Grahame Greene

Careers which suit Intrapersonal Thinkers include: Psychologist, Teacher, Pilot, Child care worker, Explorer, Drama therapist

Take this quiz here

My Thoughts:

That quiz was interesting, for sure. I think it describes me perfectly.

Ok, enough for now...

Kissing, Fainting and Trusting God: One Year Later

One year. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525,600 minutes.

A year is a long time in some regards, but a fleeting breath too. One year ago today something happened that changed the way I look at life forever. I have not thought about it as much lately... unless I have a headache and need to lay down. You see, the paramedics that rushed to the scene told me that my head could hurt for a couple of years at the spot that took the impact. It does hurt when I am stressed, tired or have a headache. My elbow healed after six weeks or so and the chiropractor set my back and neck to right again.

The transformation that occured in my soul, though, continues to affect how I view life. Life is but a vapor, as James says, here today and gone tomorrow:

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go

to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business

and make money." Why, you do not even know what will

happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that

appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you

ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this

or that." As it is, you boast and brag.

All such boasting is evil.

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and

doesn't do it, sins."

James 4:13-16

I cannot count on being alive tomorrow. I know that is a morbid thing to say, yet it is true. Every moment is precious. Any breath could be my last.

So, for those of you who were not around last year, you are probably wondering what happened! Truly, it was not something that most people would see as a huge deal. The paramedics said I could have died, but really it was just a moderate concussion. Still, God used something life-treatening to remind me to trust Him with my life and my death.

Read all about it here: Kissing, Fainting and Trusting God! (You have to read the whole post to understand how the three go together!!!)

The Winds of Change

The winds of change are blowing in my life. I am excited and scared to death at the same time.

Today is my dad's first day in the office at Christian Family Fellowship, the church where he is now senior pastor. The discussion of moving is invading family conversations as we think about the best place and time to relocate. The move will inevitably force me to look for a new job. I am sad to leave American Family Insurance, my boss of seven years (only boss I have ever had) and my co-worker (one of my closest friends) Katie. Change is also invading my personal life as I build new friendships and dream new dreams.

Ah, but change in this life is sure. Change is exciting and difficult. The only thing that remains constant is God. He never changes. How thankful I am for that! Since He does not change, knowing all of time as an eternal now, He commands me to:

"not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

I do have a sinful, untrusting tendancy to be anxious. It takes a great discipline of the heart and mind to stay focused on God. He knows all, controls all and sees all. He has my best interest in mind as He is conforming me more and more to the likeness of His Son, Jesus. So I am commanded to not be anxious. There is no reason. None.

Oh, what would it be like to be so delighted and satisfied by the person of God that everything in this life, whether good or bad, falls apart in light of Him? The things that I hold so dear on earth are like sand in comparison to the reality of His majesty and blow away in His presence. This song has become so dear to me the last few weeks:

WAGING WAR
by Shane Barnard
It haunts me so
This gloomy weight
That comes and goes
Without a trace
A thousand times my flesh embrace
A thousand more but if for grace

To see the Lord, the promise land
Where in sins pearly gates look bland
And what was once a pearl now sand
That blows away in light of Him

When battle lines become unclear
And the waging war is all I hear
Sustain me with Your voice
And the choice to walk in truth
And by the Spirit

That I might see this day
This waging war might go away
And be no more
That I might see His face
And hear Him saySon, welcome home
The war is over

“But whatever things were gain to me,

those things I have counted as loss

for the sake of Christ.

More than that,

I count all things to be loss

in view of the surpassing

value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,

and count them but rubbish

so that I may gain Christ…”

Philippians 3:7-8

All of my worries, cares, anxieties, fears, dreams, loves and pursuits are nothing in relation to knowing Christ and being known by Him. Do I love Him as He deserves to be loved? Do I desire Him as the only things worth possessing?

So, as the winds of change blow in my life, I see the need to rest in Him and desire Him above anything. The changes are good and God knows where the wind needs to blow. The wind will blow away the sand of my earthly affections and bring His refreshing touch. I want to be so fully captured by His glory that all things seem dull compared to Him!

A picture worth a thousand words...

New Profile Picture Story

The picture above is from my trip to Africa in January 2005. We were in a town in Tanzania called Babati. This picture was taken shortly after we had presented our clowning mime for the village children. We attracted a lot of attention in this small city; we saw no other white people in that area while we were there. Some of the people in this village loved us and others yelled at our bus in protest. We learned through our native friend that the only white people that come to Babati are missionaries and stick out like a sore thumb.

People began to figure out our daily routine, where we were staying and where we were eating. Crowds began to gather outside the restaurant and at the end of our meals we were greeted with curious onlookers. After we had been there a couple of days we decided to take advantage of our admirers and do a clown show for them! And were they ever delighted! The children gathered close to watch us as the adults stood at a distance. We were cautious as we presented the gospel, knowing there was some resistance to the message of Christ, but excited for the opportunity. After we "clowned around" (haha) the children pressed against us, chattering and touching our skin and hair. The adults even ventured closer, thus the reason I was able to get the above picture.

We threw out frisbees that said, "Tembea na Yesu" which means, "Follow after Jesus." I would take a stack of 10-15 frisbees in my hand and throw them all at once. They fly every where, causing the children to run and laugh in all directions. They would gather them up and bring them back to me. I threw them again shouting, "Tembea na Yesu!"

After throwing the stack of frisbees a dozen times it was time for us to go. We loaded onto our bus and headed to another day of visiting orphans... thankful that we had taken the time to share the gospel to these that were curious about the white men! Obviously, we were not arrested for sharing in a public place, nor were we harrassed (which we were surprised)!

I long to go back to Africa. We are not able to go with our team in January of 2007. I am sad, but know that God will take me where He wants me to go... maybe deep into the heart of Thailand or to the slums of Bombay, India. I am confident that God used our words to spread His message to these young lives in the middle of the African desert!

“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."

Isaiah 55:10-11

Colorado Weather at Its Finest

Last night before I went to bed the temperature dropped substantially. The wind started blowing and as I went to bed I could hear the soft patter of rain falling on the roof above my head. I closed my eyes with the soothing rhythm singing me to sleep.

This morning when I awoke I looked out the back door and gawked. I blinked and rubbed my eyes. Maybe, just maybe, I was seeing things. What day was it again? Oh, yeah, May 10th.

And there is snow on the ground???

More than that, though, the skies were a cloudless bright blue, the sun was shining, the green grass was sparkling and it was raining. (Since I could not see clouds I am not quite sure where the rain was coming from, unless it was just meltage from the surrounding trees.) To top it all off- the tree in our back yard was steaming too! Seriously, it looked like a fantasy land image.

Ah, I love Colorado!

When God Says, "YES!"

:::SIGH:::

I feel emotionally, spiritually and physically drained and yet, at the same time, excited beyond belief! God has done GREAT things for our family this weekend and we are in awe of Him. It is wonderful to see that there is NOTHING we can take credit for doing. He has done it all in His perfect timing.

On Saturday our family had an open house, meet and greet, with the church members at Christian Family Fellowship where my dad was candidating to be the new senior pastor. Sunday my dad preached and the church had a meeting to decide on the direction they would go with my dad.

It was nerveracking to sit in the hallway for 20 minutes as the church had their meeting. Yet, the leader of the search team came out, shook my dad's hand and said, "Congratulations, pastor."

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went back into the church, stood before them and they clapped and cheered. My dad was able to say a few things and then we hugged and cried. Katie, one of my best friends, had joined our family to support us and was bawling! I think she cried more than I did!

We are very excited and looking forward to all that God is going to do through us with this group of believers. It will involve a move and a job change for me, but I am ready to begin this new adventure! I cannot wait to see my dad in this leadership position. I see how God has been preparing him for serveral years to take the head position in a church and lead people to know Christ more fully.

That was only half of my day. The other half I cannot give indepth details here, but am excited to see what God is going to do in my life. He is sooo good. His love endures forever!

A challenge I will take...

A few weeks ago I found this challenge from Pastor John Piper. I have been reading it frequently and decided this morning that I will read it two times a day for the next 30 days. In the morning I will read it as a prayer, asking the Spirit for His strength to be more like Christ. In the evening I will read it as an evaluation to see what I did well and where I need to improve. It is quite lengthy, but well worth it for any woman who wants to become more like Christ in EVERY area of life. Idleness is a woman's destruction in so many ways and if one sets her heart on trying to accomplish everything on this list--- she shall NEVER have a moment to spare. She will also know Christ intimately, give freely of herself to others, love her husband and children to the fullest and find avenues for ministry wherever she goes.

Precious Savior, make more more like Christ and transform me into a woman who loves You with body, soul and spirit until I am completely abandoned to You. This is the cry of my heart and I want to do nothing but strive towards this goal!

I have highlighted what I see as the main point of each particular challenge.

A Challenge to Women

by John Piper

That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.

That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.

That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.

That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on Biblical truth be the source of hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.

That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you; and the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you; and your spiritual influence would increase at home and at church and in the world.

That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.

That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not fritter your time away on soaps or ladies magazines or aimless hobbies, any more than men should fritter theirs away on excessive sports or aimless diddling in the garage. That you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.

That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to Christ and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.

That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow; that you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that you influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.

That, if you have children, you accept responsibility with your husband (or alone if necessary) to raise up children who hope in the triumph of God, sharing with him the teaching and discipline of the children, and giving to the children that special nurturing touch and care that you are uniquely fitted to give.

That you not assume that secular employment is a greater challenge or a better use of your life than the countless opportunities of service and witness in the home the neighborhood, the community, the church, and the world. That you not only pose the question: Career vs. full time mom? But that you ask as seriously: Full time career vs. freedom for ministry? That you ask: Which would be greater for the Kingdom— to be in the employ of someone telling you what to do to make his business prosper, or to be God's free agent dreaming your own dream about how your time and your home and your creativity could make God's business prosper? And that in all this you make your choices not on the basis of secular trends or yuppie lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the family and advance the cause of Christ.

That you step back and (with your husband, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life's ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment choices, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God's will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else's chapter or whether it has in it what chapter five will have.

That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.

That in all your relationships with men you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the Biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that does justice to the unique role God has given to man to feel responsible for gracious leadership in relation to women—a leadership which involves elements of protection and care and initiative. That you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as he must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with men.

That you see Biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women in relation to each other not as arbitrary constraints on freedom but as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God's ideal of complementarity. That you not measure your potential by the few roles withheld but by the countless roles offered.

That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...

The awesome significance of motherhood

Complementing a man's life as his wife

Ministries to the handicapped:
hearing impaired
blind
lame
retarded

Ministries to the sick:
nursing
physician
hospice care—cancer, AIDS, etc.
community health

Ministries to the socially estranged:
emotionally impaired
recovering alcoholics
recovering drug users
escaping prostitutes
abused children, women
runaways, problem children
orphans

Prison ministries:
women's prisons!
families of prisoners
rehabilitation to society

Ministries to youth:
teaching
sponsoring
open houses and recreation
outings and trips
counseling
academic assistance

Sports ministries:
neighborhood teams
church teams
Therapeutic counseling:
independent
church based
institutional

Audio visual ministries:
composition
design
production
distribution

Writing ministries:
free lance
curriculum development
fiction
non-fiction
editing
institutional communications
journalistic skills for publications

Teaching ministries:
Sunday school: children, youth, students, women
grade school
high school
college

Music ministries:
composition
training
performance
voice
choir
instrumentalist

Evangelistic ministries:
personal witnessing
Inter Varsity
Campus Crusade
Navigators
Home Bible Studies
outreach to children
Visitation teams
Counseling at meetings
Billy Graham phone bank

Radio and TV ministries:
technical assistance
writing
announcing
producing

Theater and drama ministries:
acting
directing
writing
scheduling

Social ministries:
literacy
pro-life
pro-decency
housing
safety
beautification

Pastoral care assistance:
visitation
newcomer welcoming and assistance
hospitality
food and clothing and transportation

Prayer ministries:
praying!!!
mobilizing for major Concerts of Prayer
helping with small groups of prayer
coordinating prayer chains
promoting prayer days and weeks and vigils

Missions:
all of the above across cultures

Support ministries:
countless jobs that undergird major ministries

Cal-i-forny

Which sounds better to you? Should I say "two weeks and six days" or "twenty days?" I think I will say two weeks. Hahaha... Are you ready for this?

IN TWO WEEKS AND SIX DAYS I WILL BE IN CALIFORNIA!

Phew. That felt good.

Wednesday, May 24 I will leave for California. I will pass through Phoenix before arriving in San Jose where I will see my dear Dawn face to face.

Dawn said that she thinks she found a difference between us. (Not the first one, mind you ;-) First, I need to give some background information. For the last couple of months, well, since I bought my plane ticket to California, I have repeatedly told her, "I am so excited!" Second, this morning I was prettty enthusiastic when I was talking about visiting.

Now, you have to know something: I am not an excitable, bouncy, goofy, giggly girl- even when I am thirilled about something. There are times, of course, when I smile and laugh to show my pleasure. I am not a completely serious and reserved person. I DO love to laugh and smile.

But I am REALLY excited about seeing Dawn. Still, I am not like running around all giddy or anything. What I express when I write is way different than what people might see on my face. Some people might scream and giggle when they are excited. I am content to smile and enthusiastically say, "I am SO excited!" and leave it at that.

So, Dawn thought that since I am going on and on about being excited that this is a difference in our personalities. Could be. BUT, I might ask you, Dawn Dear... who is supposed to be Anne and who is Diana here? ;-) Shouldn't I be the reserved, quiet excited one and YOU the bouncy, estatic excited one? Hehehe...

Nevertheless, I am VERY excited to visit you, even if the expression of my excitement is totally uncharacteristic of me! It feels good to be so exuberant about something!

Luxury, Rottweilers and Broken Gate Openers

What do you get when you combine two labrador retrievers and one rottweiler in a $3,000,000 home equipped with an indoor hot tub, an exercise room, outdoor water fountain, two sinks in a gigantic kitchen and a BMW and a Porche in the garage?

MY home for two weeks!

I am house sitting in a goregous home in a ritzy neighborhood near Denver. A friend of mine who owns a cleaning business referred me to this couple as someone who would be a reliable, honest, responsible house and dog sitter. So, I met with the owners of the home a couple of times and received my instuctions (which were a detailed 6 pages long!). Last Saturday I began the two week job while they are on vacation.

My main responsibility and attention is to care for Fraser, Kaiser and Forsberg, the dogs. One needs a barking collar, one gets a pill at each meal, one follows you everywhere, one will not come when you call him, one needs to be covered up with a blanket when he goes to bed, one knocks over the trash, one digs holes....shall I go on? It has been an adventure so far and I still have five days to go!

It has been quite a task to run someone else's home while they are away. My six pages of instructions include (but are not limited to) the following:

1- Take care of dogs. Feed twice daily. Forsberg in the garage around 5:30AM and the other dogs in the laundry room before 7:00AM. Feed all dogs in garage between 4-7PM. Don't forget to give Kaiser his pill. Let them play outside in the afternoon and bring them inside whenever you can. Put to bed, cover Forsberb with his blankie.

2- Water plants. (There are a lot of them and each plant needs to be watered differently at different times...)

3- Check hot tub once a week. Check filter and put cleaning tablet inside.

4- Let cleaning people in. Hide gate opener for cleaning people and lock up rottweiler because he scares them.

Misfortunes experienced thus far:
1- Set fire/ burglar alarm off twice. After trying to get the thing to stop screeching the security company calls and asks if everything is ok. You then have to give them your password and the security code. They ask again, "Are you sure everything is ok? You are safe? There is no fire or boogie man?" Well, maybe they do not say that, but pretty close... And I want to answer, "I'm FINE! I am not used to a security alarm that screams at you when you forget to shut it off at 5:30 in the morning when I am still half asleep and there are dogs that need to go potty and I want to go back to bed!" No, I just say, "Everything is fine, thank you for calling." Then I crawl under a rock and swear I will not forget again! (Except I've done it twice...)

2- Dropped gate opener and broke it. I took the task upon myself to get it fixed. I opened (praying I would not break it too!) the other gate opener to see how the numbers were set. I switched the numbers 1-10 to look like the other opener and headed down the lane to try it out. I stand at the gate and press the button. Nothing. Thinking that maybe I had the numbers backwards, I do the exact opposite pattern and press the button- Success!!!!! One less thing I have to tell the owner when they get home...

3- Cannot find Rottweiler. It was late. I was tired. I go to put the dogs to bed and cannot find Kaiser, the Rott. I yell for him, walking through the house turning all the lights on trying to find him. "KAISER!" No reply. I head up the back stairs toward my bedroom that is pitch black when I hear a deep throat growling sound. I reach around the door way to flip the light switch. There he was, growling, with his big black eyes staring at me. I think I startled him. He had not growled at me up to that point and has not since.

Things I have learned:
1- Wealthy people buy all name-brand items.
2- Big, fancy houses need a lot of care and attention.
3- A well-behaved dog is a treasure.
4- Rottweilers are not as scary as they look.
5- It takes a long time to vacuum a 6,000 square foot house. (I have only vacuumed the areas where I have spent most of my time... but I am only assuming how long it would really take to do the whole place! I guess that's why they pay someone to do it...)
6- It is really handy to have two sinks in the kitchen.
7- Big, fancy houses have messy rooms too.
8- It is REALLY nice to have all kinds of exercise equipment at my disposal.
9- I do not think I could live alone.
10- I miss my family.

I have enjoyed the afternoon and evenings of quiet. With four younger siblings my home is not at peace until about 9PM. I am a person who is energized by times alone with God and being able to sit in quiet. I miss my family terribly, but thank God for this little retreat to focus on Him and gain refreshment.

I have done a lot of thinking about places around the world where I have been and would like to go. Money, possessions and status mean little to me. I am not completely abandoned to God yet or I would be able to say that they mean nothing to me. I'm still working on that one! Living in a rich person's home has given me a look into the culture of wealth, but has caused me a longing for the destitute. What would the woman in the grass hut I visited in Africa think of this mansion? Talk about two worlds colliding!

Yet Jesus left the glory of heaven and became a human. He became a human of the least people in the world, to the poorest of that people and lived His life without possessions or home taking His attention.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God

something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:5-11

"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Luke 9:57-62

He calls His followers to abandon everything- yes, everything- and follow Him. Everything. Everything includes money, possessions, status, family, home, customs, climate, familiarity and even my life.

"Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

Luke 9:23-25

So there it is. There is my story of the mansion. I will allow myself to be spoiled, but I will not get attached. I will have fun and take ths time as a gift from God, but I will remember my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. Many are in chains for the gospel, starving, being beaten, tortured and killed.

"I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him

who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:12-13

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world

and we can take nothing out of it.

But if we have food and clothing,

we will be content with that.

People who want to get rich fall into temptation

and a trap and into many foolish and harmful

desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Some people, eager for money,

have wandered from the faith and pierced

themselves with many griefs.

But you, man of God, flee from all this,

and pursue righteousness, godliness,

faith, love, endurance and gentleness."

1 Timohty 6:6-11

"Keep your lives free from the love of money

and be content with what you have,

because God has said,

"Never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you."

So we say with confidence,

"The Lord is my helper;

I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:5-6

When God Says Wait

I did a Bible search. The word "wait" or a form of it is mentioned 139 times in the Bible. Patient or a form of that word is used 27 times. This is probably not an exhaustive search, for there are other words that are similar to "wait" and "patient" that I could have looked up.

As I scanned the verses and how the word "wait" was used I thought it very fascinating that the majority of the time the verses, especially through Psalms, say, "Wait on the Lord" or "Wait for the Lord." Does this literally mean to wait for God, tapping my foot like GOD is behind the schedule? I don't think so. It is more likely that I get impatient and try to push God along with the timing that I think is best. He is teaching me, painfully at some times, that:

"My thoughts are not your thoughts

neither are your ways my ways,

declares the Lord.

For as the heaves are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

God's timing in this life is far different from my human one. Since He is outside of time and sees everything as the present He is never late. I am learning that it takes an incredible amount of intentionality to wait for the Lord. Just wait. No worrying. No thoughts that question "when." Wait.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong,

and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 24:15

For me, though, I need practical, applicable steps towards a disciplined life. I ask God, "How?" How am I supposed to live this way, patiently, trusting and carefree? What do I do when I start to worry about the future? The answer, unfortunately, seems harder than the original problem! God always seems to come to me, look me straight in the face (try imagining it sometime!) and say:

"Jaclyn, whenever you worry, whenever you get impatient, you are not looking at Me. When you ask Me 'When?' your eyes are wandering, your heart is not steadfast and you are desiring My good gifts above Me. I will tell you the story you want to hear soon."

"Oh, God, what is soon to You?" I plead.

"Dear child, I call all times soon," comes His gentle reply, "Just look at Me. Keep your eyes on Me and not on the clock. Focus all your love, energy, time and hopes on Me, not the calendar. Step into My world, that runs outside of time and be free of the burdens that time places on your shoulders. Look at Me and wait."

Oh, the joy that is found when I step outside of the clock and the calendar into the freedom of timelessness! What peace is felt when God commands, "Wait like I wait, Jaclyn! I have all times under control anyway, be free!"

Does Patience Get Impatient?

I am waiting for something. It has been over 24 hours. I am beginning to feel a restless stir in my stomach to know. I pray for patience. I try to think of other things.

And then I read, posted on a big yellow peice of paper at my desk,

"Impatient people are weak. Be strong!"

~John Piper~

Thanks Piper. I can always count on you to smack me when I need it.

I praise God that His patience never gets impatient. My patience always seems to run out, wear thin and fall apart. Truly, I dare say, what I call patience in myself it is not patience at all. I have no idea what real patience is like. Real patience can only be found in God Himself. All other displays of temporary acceptance of one's circumstance is immitation to the real thing.

God's patience has put up with trillions of me-like sinners for thousands of years. He endures my doubts, sins, unbelief and STILL gave me life this morning. He is patient with me as I question, complain, am ungrateful and demand my way. What kind of PATIENCE is that?

"The Lord is merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins,nor repay us according to our iniquities."

Psalm 108:8-10

THAT is God's kind of patience. I have a long way to go.

"You're our man!"

What a weekend it has been.

We went to Broomfield on Friday night and met with the pastor search team. The interview began with a question directed at... me. We talked for about 2 hours, answering their questions, sharing our testimonies and hearing about their church. At the end my dad asked, "So where do we go from here?" The leader of the team said, "Well, we have a big decision to make. We will give you a call."

We left encouraged and curious to see what would happen next.

Saturday morning came and went without a word. My family was in a constant state of prayer as we discussed why it was taking so long for them to call! Finally, the phone rang. It was Mr. Geist, the team leader. My dad answered, trying to be calm and cool. They small talked for a couple of minutes and then my dad's face became very serious.

Then he went gray. He stuck his thumb up in the air to us and grinned!

He told us, after he was finished, that Mr. Geist had said, "Tom, after praying and discussing the interview last night we believe you're our man."

I cannot begin to tell you the relief and healing that washed over our family. I am so excited for my dad and cannot wait to see what God has planned for us! We will go meet the church May 6th at a BBQ and dad will preach on May 7th when the church will do an official vote. Please keep us in your prayers...

... AND praise God with us as we rejoice!

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city girl with a small town heart. Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome. Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand and gorgeous Italian men - could life get any better?

What City Do You Belong In?

Moving to Broomfield?

Last night my dad had an interview with the church in Broomfield. They interviewed him for a couple hours. When he got home he said that it went very well. He said that he feels like his convictions, vision and leadership fit the church's needs perfectly. The church said they would call us today or Friday.

My mom called just now and said they had called.

They want to meet our whole family this Friday! We will have dinner with them and then they want to interview myself, mom and dad together.

I cannot tell you how excited we are!!! This morning when I woke up I felt... so at peace. So joyful! I knew that God would be faithful, whether the answer was yes or no. Please continue to pray that God would be glorified in all we do and say as we follow Him!

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

MAJOR Easter Photo Shoot!

Ben, Timothy, Victoria and Samuel on Easter at my grandparent's house. Mom and I usually sew matching Easter clothes, but with the current circumstances we did not feel like putting an extra burden on ourselves! Still, we tried to match old Easter clothes with some simple skirts we found at Wal-Mart. We wore PINK, can you believe it?

A beautiful family if I do say so myself! We did not get a family picture with the digital camera. We all look so grown up. It is amazing to see how we have all changed this last year. Timothy and Victoria are big kids now, with minds of their own, creative skills, grown up thoughts and abilities to play big kid kind of games! It is so much fun to live in a family! I love all of you!

Katie and Jaclyn

Mother and "daughters"

Mother and daughter

My dear friend, Katie, and I Easter Sunday afternoon. We look tired because we were up until 1:30AM talking... I praise God for this girl. She and I seem to experience the same things at the same time as we walk along this road of life. I love you, Katie!

We took more pictures that I will post soon!

Because I was tagged...

It seems like I have done this before, but since Ann Marie tagged me today, I will do it again!

4 Places I Have Lived:
~ Cheyenne, Wyoming
~ Plattsmouth, Nebraska
~ Aurora, Colorado
~ Tanzania, Africa (kinda, but I did not have a third!)

4 Jobs I Have Had:
~ Babysitter
~ Mowing Lawns
~ Office Assitant (American Family Insurance- almost SEVEN years!)
~ Cleaning the bathroom

4 TV Shows That I Love:
~ The Brady Bunch
~ Eight is Enough
~ The Price is Right
~ Little House on the Prairie
(Can you tell I don't watch TV?)

4 Movies I Can Watch Over and Over Again:
~ Man from Snowy River/ Return to Snowy River
~ Pride and Prejudice
~ Anne of Green Gables/ Anne of Avonlea/ Anne: The Continuing Story
~ The Chronicles of Narnia

4 Places I Have Vacationed:
~ Banff, Canada
~ Arusha, Tanzania
~ Yellowstone, Wyoming
~ Oak Island, North Carolina

4 Favorite Dishes:
~ Fajita's (with sour cream, salsa, cheese and avacado)
~ BBQ pork sandwich smothered in cheese
~ Whole wheat oat and honey bagel lathered with mixed berry creame cheese
~ Warm chocolate chip cookies and milk

4 Top-Rated Songs:
~ "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin
~ "The High Country" by Caedmon's Call (a song about C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce)
~ "It is Well with My Soul" by Horatio G. Spafford
~ "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman

The Fun in a Name

I got this fun name game from Dawn's sister, Autumn... come on, you know you want to do it too!!! Post your answers either on your blog or in comments!

1.YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)

Jaz Sedalia

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandmother/grandfather on mother's side first name, favorite candy)

Mildred Twix

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)

J Zor

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school)

Lion Home

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)

Ann Cheyenne

6. YOUR OPPOSITE SEX NAME: (name of dad/mom, cell phone Company you use):

Thomas Verizion

7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)

Zor-Chr-Gin

8. YOUR FASHION DESIGNER NAME: (first word you see on your left, favorite restaurant)

Exam Olive Garden

Moral Divinity

My Utmost for His Highest

by Oswald Chambers

April 11th
MORAL DIVINITY

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." Romans 6:5

Co-Resurrection. The proof that I have been through crucifixion with Jesus is that I have a decided likeness to Him. The incoming of the Spirit of Jesus into me readjusts my personal life to God. The resurrection of Jesus has given Him authority to impart the life of God to me, and my experimental life must be constructed on the basis of His life. I can have the resurrection life of Jesus now, and it will show itself in holiness.

The idea all through the apostle Paul's writings is that after the moral decision to be identified with Jesus in His death has been made, the resurrection life of Jesus invades every bit of my human nature. It takes omnipotence to live the life of the Son of God in mortal flesh. The Holy Spirit cannot be located as a Guest in a house, He invades everything. When once I decide that my "old man" (i.e., the heredity of sin) should be identified with the death of Jesus, then the Holy Spirit invades me. He takes charge of everything, my part is to walk in the light and to obey all that He reveals. When I have made the moral decision about sin, it is easy to reckon actually that I am dead unto sin, because I find the life of Jesus there all the time. Just as there is only one stamp of humanity, so there is only one stamp of holiness, the holiness of Jesus, and it is His holiness that is gifted to me. God puts the holiness of His Son into me, and I belong to a new order spiritually.

Moral Decision About Sin

My Utmost for His Highest

by Oswald Chambers

April 10th
MORAL DECISION ABOUT SIN

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6

Co-Crucifixion. Have I made this decision about sin - that it must be killed right out in me? It takes a long time to come to a moral decision about sin, but it is the great moment in my life when I do decide that just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world, so sin must die out in me, not be curbed or suppressed or counteracted, but crucified. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be earnestly convinced, and religiously convinced, but what we need to do is to come to the decision which Paul forces here.

Haul yourself up, take a time alone with God, make the moral decision and say - "Lord, identify me with Thy death until I know that sin is dead in me." Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death.

It was not a divine anticipation on the part of Paul, but a very radical and definite experience. Am I prepared to let the Spirit of God search me until I know what the disposition of sin is - the thing that lusts against the Spirit of God in me? Then if so, will I agree with God's verdict on that disposition of sin - that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? I cannot reckon myself "dead indeed unto sin" unless I have been through this radical issue of will before God.

Have I entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ until all that is left is the life of Christ in my flesh and blood? "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."

Pastor Dad Again?

A quick job search update... my dad has been communicating with a small church about being their Senior Pastor. We are not sure how this church got my dad's resume, but are thankful that they did! They are a small church, only 11 years old and about 45 minutes from our home. My dad sent them a copy of a sermon he preached several years ago and a picture of his adorable family.

They called on Saturday and requested a formal interview, scheduled for April 18th.

We are so exited. So excited. God has been so good to keep us encouraged when other hopes fall through. He is faithful to keep our eyes set on Him, His desires and His plan. Please pray with us as my dad prepares for this interview! Thank you!

Feminism Ruins Heros!

I read an article called, “Looking for heroism in all the wrong places” on Ladies Against Feminism and thought I would share a section:

In contrast, the Biblical model is one of romance and heroism. A man who leads and a woman who submits is one of the most romantic and heroic pictures of all. And deep down inside, feminists know this. Even our fallen culture reflects this. Look at what is considered "great" literature today. Look at the dime store novels that are considered romantic. Look at the movies. No truly romantic film involves the woman heroically saving the man. No work of great literature, from The Odyssey to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has the women saving the men, or even fighting alongside the men.

Feminists recognize this and cry about the “sexism” in literature, but they have yet to produce anything noteworthy of the other kind, because they know it wouldn’t
sell. And the reason it wouldn’t sell is because when we look for heroes, we don’t look to watered down men and defeminized women. We don’t look for egalitarianism; we look for the complementary. Even witchcraft, the most arguably feminist religion of them all, recognizes the differences between men and women and the need for this balance, this dance. The reason they cry against patriarchy is they claim that it only represents one side. They are looking for what God has put into them: “And the Lord God said: 'It is not good for man to be alone: let us make him a help like unto himself'” (Genesis 2:18). They are looking for something their minds won’t allow them to accept but their spirits know exists. Tragically, they are looking in all the wrong places.

What the feminists are trying to promote through "equality" between the genders it is quite comical. Who REALLY would want a woman rescuing a man? Can you imagine Wilma Wallace in Braveheart or Popeye the Sailorwoman? It just does not sound right! The big, strong Knight in Shining Armor is supposed to rescue the Princess. It is just how it is.

Jaclyn's Life

I thought I would give everyone updates about my family, recent happenings and my life...

Job Search

My dad is starting a part-time job today working at Lifeway Christian bookstore with my brother, Ben. He will work there a couple days a week while spending the other days continuing to look for a permanent job. There are several churches and a ministry manager position that are reviewing his resume. There is one small church about 40 minutes away that is very interested in my dad becoming their senior pastor. Our family is very excited about this possibility. Ministry is who we are. Serving God is what we love to do. Please pray with us as he continues to look for a job. Finances are getting tight. God is faithful! We are learning to trust Him more and more every day!!!

Fuel Pump

The problem with my car last week was the fuel pump. I had the fuel pump replaced last August and so the replacement of it was under warranty. I paid nothing. PRAISE GOD! And many thanks to our awesome mechanic, Jonathan at Johnny Good Inc.!

Job's Example

Pastor Kelly preached a very down-to-earth sermon on Sunday. We have been studying the gospel of John, but after facing many trials last week he decided to preach on Job. What a timely sermon it was for me! So many times I want to question God's reasoning or seek an explination as to why I am suffering. You know what? God owes me no explination. He is big enough for my questions, He is big enough for my fears, He is big enough to take responsibility for ALL things- good and what seems like "bad" to us. I do not need to try to find a reason for my pain. The only reason needs to be what I see in God's Word: discipline or discipling. (Hebrews 12) So I rejoice! I am being made more like Christ, who suffered, died and rose again! He is my model and the saints that have gone before me, enduring much hardship themselves, are my encouragement. After the sermon I felt so full of joy. I still feel such joy and peace as I have not felt in... a LONG time.

Little India

Sunday afternoon Ben and I went to lunch with our friend, Wes. We met Wes a month ago at Crossing Cultures which is apart of the mission class, Perspectives, I am taking. Wes is also doing Perspectives, but at the other location on the north side of Denver. (If that makes sense to you!) He took us to lunch at a place called Little India. We ate the Indian buffet, laughed, talked of missions and stuffed ourselves with yummy food!

NCAA Championship

Last night we had Vince, Katie, Ann Marie, Will, Marion and Jese over to watch the college basketball championship game. It was so much fun! We ate a delicious baked potato bar, cookies, salad, popcorn, sorbet and candy! We laughed, we cried (poor Vince, his team lost ;-) and we finished the evening with a guitar jam session. Vince and Ben are both amazing on the guitar!

Narnia

Last, but certainly not least on this personal update post... The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, comes out on DVD today. We pre-bought the two disc collector's version. We are watching it tonight.

Go ahead, make fun of our fanaticism, I do not care. I admire the author. I love the books. I adore the radio theater stories. I enjoy the movie. (And cannot wait to see the 10 hours of extended features... ::wink::)

"If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the Deep Magic differently: that if a willing victim who has committed no treachery is killed in a traitors stead, the Stone Table would crack and even death itself would turn backwards."
~From the movie: Aslan after his resurrection