.: January 2009

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Someone is Listening!

Today at Mountain View Free Methodist Church in Upland, we were welcomed by Pastor Brian Cooper, his wife Heather and their incredible missions and hospitality crew, to kick off their 2009 Missions Season.

Pastor Brian and Heather have a great heart for Ethiopia. They have spent time there, loved on the Ethiopian people and brought a passion back to Southern California, for a mission district that is half a world away. Brian and Heather are proving to be GREAT supporters of the ministry and an amazing resource for us as well. We look forward to continued partnership with this amazing body of believers and lovers of Christ.

Today we learned that great encouragement

comes in knowing that someone is listening.

We were handed this handwritten poem on an envelope, as we packed up to go:

Touching Lives

Seven years ago, this very day,

A life transformed, God came to stay.

A loving family, a growing faith,

Kingdom value put in place.

Planting trees, touching lives,

A continent away, this point in time.

T.H.

The reference to "seven years ago this very day", was for Tim's salvation birthday, which is today, January 18. Mine was yesterday...January 17. We are blessed that Ted was listening :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Living Spring Christian Fellowship

We were so busy chatting with people about Ethiopia

that we forgot to get a picture with Pastor John..

so a parking lot picture on the way out is all the proof you get!

We had an amazing visit with Pastor John Rittenhouse at Living Spring Christian Fellowship in Garden Grove. We were welcomed with hugs like there was no tomorrow! We felt so at home. People were so eager to let us know that they "knew Pastor Gary when" and "knew Don and Amy when"...and then there were the folks who said, "We're friends with Buzzy." "Were you at his Drop Dead Christmas?" ..."Uh huh." And then that quiet exchange of knowing nods.

Tim gave an amazing high-tech presentation using Keynote, for which many thanks go out to Nate at the conference office. One never knows how a new presentation will go over, but the map distortions, quiz and photos had a great impact. Tim presented eloquently and with much passion. We were very encouraged by our visit to Living Spring and their shared heart for missions.

Friday, January 2, 2009

The Desert - Filled with Living Water

Jen's epiphany, "I like the mud!"

Buddy takes a ride with the girls!

Johnny and Francis

Tim, Bob and James

Kathy, Jervaun and Jen

Not sure who has the bigger grin!

Buddy Loves to "go?" "Wanna go?"

We love hangin in the desert with our good friends, Bob and Kathy. Just outside of Barstow...this little home away from home gives us an opportunity to relax, play in the dirt (or mud), visit, eat and enjoy God's beautiful creation. We are grateful for this haven, not only becuase we get to camp with friends, but we get to visit friends and supporters Everette and Leitha (Hinkley House of Faith) and Chris and Ingrid (Barstow FM). Happy New Year!!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

In the Here and Now...As Long as it is Still Called Today

Christmas...2008

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad IN it. Psalm 118:24.

People have asked.."How was your Christmas?" My response...It was better than I expected. That seems so strange to say. Was I expecting Christmas to NOT be good? Well...sort of. And isn't that what gets us tied up, sometimes? Our expectations?

Moving out of our house on the 21st (totally interrupting my baking, wrapping, shopping, cooking and decorating) and also facing some unknown variables at one of my family Christmases, put me on guard. But God is faithful, He delivered and by His spirit, reminded me that Christmas is the culmination of Advent. The coming of the Messiah. And it portends His second Coming for which we eagerly wait.

Christmas was beautiful...we had snow, great food, grandparents, presents, hugs, choir, (sniff sniff). But best of all...we have Jesus.

It's entirely up to God and His timing...but more than likely we will be in Ethiopia next Christmas. No Dessert Night, no hanging with my choir buddies, no cookie making in The Tucker's giant kitchen, no unexpected gingerbread house parties, no post-Christmas desert trip. No watching the Chargers beat the snot out of Denver...oh sorry...I digress. It was getting a little maudlin.

What will Christmas be like in Ethiopia? Do they celebrate it the same way? At the same time? Will I be able to bake with the kids? Have a tree? Get presents? Will it really matter?...I am not sure. I have a dear friend who would have LOVED to spend Christmas in Africa. Will I feel the same way?

Well, for this year....I got to spend this day here. With my family and friends...doing things I love to do (except the moving part). I guess that is what is meant by "Live in the here and now". THIS is the day...