Two weeks from today, our belongings will (hopefully) be all packed into a big truck. Then on April 15, Shane and my Pops will drive to Denver! Shane's first day of work is April 19.
George and I will stay with my parents until May 29 because the house in Denver will be ready for us then. So...I'm looking at several weeks without my hubbie. He will fly back for Casey's wedding of course, but other than that, we'll have to be content with letters, e-mails and video chats.
Our house is up for sale, and we are asking the Lord for a miracle. Its kinda challenging to pack and yet keep the house looking nice in case anyone wants to look at it. But considering no one has looked at it yet...I'll be honest and say the kitchen isn't as clean as it should be tonight. :)
We definitely have a lot of thoughts and emotions going on right now. This past weekend we went to my Grandpa's farm in Elbe. I started blogging about it, but wasn't able to get very far because of the tears and the ache in my heart.
For someone like me who grew up in the same house, attended school with the same people since Kindergarten, went only 2 hours away to a small college, and then came back and not much had changed.....this move to Denver is a pretty big deal. But I do like adventure. And I do believe it's God's plan for our lives. So I'm OK.
Two weeks from today I will say goodbye to this tall, skinny, green house that I have both loved and hated at times. The Lord helped me overcome depression here. Two of our 3 older sons lived with us here. We have lovingly tended all the landscaping and plants and trees. So many family and friends have come to stay here. Counseling sessions, leadership training, and countless other pastoral stuff happened here. My little boy lived his first 18 months here and I can point to the exact spot he first held up his own head, or crawled, or said Mama. I started running in this neighborhood and have loved the outdoor market every summer. Engine House 9 was our regular restaurant. I've gotten to know my neighbors. Sigh...so many memories. I sure am sentimental tonight!!
Two weeks from today there's no looking back! Well...I'm sure I'll still look back and remember. But there will be much more looking forward and just living.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Red Rocks, here we come
When I married Shane 7 years ago, I had a feeling this season would come. And its finally here. We are packing up and relocating to Denver, Colorado.
I promise to blog in more detail in the coming days, but here is a brief rundown:
About 6 weeks ago or so, a friend of mine let us know that her grandma's home was sitting vacant in Denver. After a few phone calls we realized that if we wanted it, we could have it. The owner has agreed to let us buy it, or rent to own. Either way....its a very wonderful house that is basically on hold just for us.
I went to Bible College with a fella who left Portland to plant a church in Denver this past Fall. We had a video chat with him and realized that if we moved we would have a church that feels like "home" instantly. We would also have several friends because we know many of the church planting team.
Another fella I've known (for about 20 years) started a landscaping business in Denver about 10 years ago. He offered Shane a job 2 weeks ago. Shane has always wanted to be in the landscaping business, and he'll be doing lots of things that he is really looking forward to. There's a chance that I'll be offered a part-time job that I can do from home as well!
So now...our current home is on the market. I will not be surprised if it sells for a great price and we leave town with a profit in our pockets. With all the miracles the Lord has done for us in the past 6 weeks...why wouldn't He do another one?
I better get crackin on my to do list for this evening. I look forward to blogging in more detail so you can read for yourself the extent of the absolute miracles the Lord is working on our behalf. If Shane and I ever doubted for a second how incredible His love is for us - those doubts have been smashed for sure.
I promise to blog in more detail in the coming days, but here is a brief rundown:
About 6 weeks ago or so, a friend of mine let us know that her grandma's home was sitting vacant in Denver. After a few phone calls we realized that if we wanted it, we could have it. The owner has agreed to let us buy it, or rent to own. Either way....its a very wonderful house that is basically on hold just for us.
I went to Bible College with a fella who left Portland to plant a church in Denver this past Fall. We had a video chat with him and realized that if we moved we would have a church that feels like "home" instantly. We would also have several friends because we know many of the church planting team.
Another fella I've known (for about 20 years) started a landscaping business in Denver about 10 years ago. He offered Shane a job 2 weeks ago. Shane has always wanted to be in the landscaping business, and he'll be doing lots of things that he is really looking forward to. There's a chance that I'll be offered a part-time job that I can do from home as well!
So now...our current home is on the market. I will not be surprised if it sells for a great price and we leave town with a profit in our pockets. With all the miracles the Lord has done for us in the past 6 weeks...why wouldn't He do another one?
I better get crackin on my to do list for this evening. I look forward to blogging in more detail so you can read for yourself the extent of the absolute miracles the Lord is working on our behalf. If Shane and I ever doubted for a second how incredible His love is for us - those doubts have been smashed for sure.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ahhhh....Ordinary-ness
I am loving this week. I finally feel like both my feet are on the ground, my brain is functioning (well...don't ask Shane if it is), and I'm being spirit-led rather than soul-led.
The weekend at the Oregon coast was truly great. The only thing that I can complain about was the 2 hour delay for the train I took to Portland. BUT, even that turned out great. I sat next to a sweet lady who owns a coffee/gift/flower shop just blocks from our home. We chatted once the train actually started moving, and it was enjoyable (sometimes chatting with strangers on trains isn't the best idea).
My weekend ended with a night at my brother's home. Lucky me they had a church service and I was able to stay home and have a girl's ONLY night with my 3 cutie nieces. I loved every minute of it, and was kinda sad when M&M came home and the party had to end.
This week I've been at the track every morning running, sprinting, doing circuit training...really anything I can do to keep my heart rate up. With Casey's wedding in 8 weeks all I can think about is those family pictures that I have to be in and how much I'd like to enjoy looking at them for years to come. It's quite motivating.
Today George and I walked to the shop of my train-traveling friend. She was so happy to see us and I hope to generate some business for her. If you live in Tacoma, visit her at A Rhapsody in Bloom on 6th Ave. Then we went to the park and as George says, we "climb up" everything. And I do mean everything, literally. Wow I'm tired.
On our way home, I passed a home that was cooking something that smelled familiar. It took me a minute to realize that the food reminded me of something in Uganda. Amazing how one little smell could bring memories rushing in. I still feel nostalgic about it, and my age-old (it seems) longing to serve the people of that continent is still very much alive.
I can remember longing for the day I could take my own son to a park, or have time to get myself back in shape, or pack extra cookies in my hubbie's lunch. So...an ordinary blog, to celebrate the fact that I get to live an ordinary week!!! No doctor's appointments, no anxious waiting, no stressful meetings....ahhhhh. Just living the life that's before me.
The weekend at the Oregon coast was truly great. The only thing that I can complain about was the 2 hour delay for the train I took to Portland. BUT, even that turned out great. I sat next to a sweet lady who owns a coffee/gift/flower shop just blocks from our home. We chatted once the train actually started moving, and it was enjoyable (sometimes chatting with strangers on trains isn't the best idea).
My weekend ended with a night at my brother's home. Lucky me they had a church service and I was able to stay home and have a girl's ONLY night with my 3 cutie nieces. I loved every minute of it, and was kinda sad when M&M came home and the party had to end.
This week I've been at the track every morning running, sprinting, doing circuit training...really anything I can do to keep my heart rate up. With Casey's wedding in 8 weeks all I can think about is those family pictures that I have to be in and how much I'd like to enjoy looking at them for years to come. It's quite motivating.
Today George and I walked to the shop of my train-traveling friend. She was so happy to see us and I hope to generate some business for her. If you live in Tacoma, visit her at A Rhapsody in Bloom on 6th Ave. Then we went to the park and as George says, we "climb up" everything. And I do mean everything, literally. Wow I'm tired.
On our way home, I passed a home that was cooking something that smelled familiar. It took me a minute to realize that the food reminded me of something in Uganda. Amazing how one little smell could bring memories rushing in. I still feel nostalgic about it, and my age-old (it seems) longing to serve the people of that continent is still very much alive.
I can remember longing for the day I could take my own son to a park, or have time to get myself back in shape, or pack extra cookies in my hubbie's lunch. So...an ordinary blog, to celebrate the fact that I get to live an ordinary week!!! No doctor's appointments, no anxious waiting, no stressful meetings....ahhhhh. Just living the life that's before me.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Appreciation
Tonight I'm longing for change. I have to be honest...I'm not who I want to be, I'm not where I want to be, and I know there's hard work ahead.
I'm heading to the ocean tomorrow with one of my dearest friends. I have a few friends who God has given to me to walk through this life with. Each one is unique. Each one is drastically different than the other. And I love each one with all of my heart because I consider them priceless treasures.
I'm going to Lincoln City, to a small hotel called The Overlook. I think I've gone there for over 12 years.
I remember going there as a single woman, dreaming of and longing for the love of my life. I recall staying there before my second trip to Africa as I considered different paths my life might take. And I also cherish the memory of being there when I was pregnant with an absolute miracle baby, celebrating 5 years of marriage (and trying to have fun regardless of the constant nausea I was plagued with).
Tomorrow when I arrive with my dear friend, I know I will look out at the familiar scene and wonder. I will wonder at the beauty, expanse and fierceness of the ocean...which all points to an incredible Creator. The Creator of this world. The Creator of me. The One who knows me intimately. The only One who fashioned me and knows every day that is ordained for me.
Once an aspiring young minister told me, "It's not the destination that's important, it is all about the journey."
But now I realize that sometimes you have to reach your destination before you fully appreciate the journey.
I want to fully appreciate my journey. But I also know I'm not at my destination yet. So I'll keep my eyes on the horizon...and I'll come back refreshed and ready for some hard work.
I'm heading to the ocean tomorrow with one of my dearest friends. I have a few friends who God has given to me to walk through this life with. Each one is unique. Each one is drastically different than the other. And I love each one with all of my heart because I consider them priceless treasures.
I'm going to Lincoln City, to a small hotel called The Overlook. I think I've gone there for over 12 years.
I remember going there as a single woman, dreaming of and longing for the love of my life. I recall staying there before my second trip to Africa as I considered different paths my life might take. And I also cherish the memory of being there when I was pregnant with an absolute miracle baby, celebrating 5 years of marriage (and trying to have fun regardless of the constant nausea I was plagued with).
Tomorrow when I arrive with my dear friend, I know I will look out at the familiar scene and wonder. I will wonder at the beauty, expanse and fierceness of the ocean...which all points to an incredible Creator. The Creator of this world. The Creator of me. The One who knows me intimately. The only One who fashioned me and knows every day that is ordained for me.
Once an aspiring young minister told me, "It's not the destination that's important, it is all about the journey."
But now I realize that sometimes you have to reach your destination before you fully appreciate the journey.
I want to fully appreciate my journey. But I also know I'm not at my destination yet. So I'll keep my eyes on the horizon...and I'll come back refreshed and ready for some hard work.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Another Stone
I've spent a lot of time building memorials in my life. There are times when the Lord asked me to never forget a lesson learned, or a truth revealed, or a promise fulfilled. In order to remember, I either journal about it or write in my Bible next to a reference. Or, sometimes I just fall on my face, worship Him and build the memorial in my heart. I have several that are in secret places in my heart. Places for only Him and me. Places of surrender. Places of worship.
One week ago today I was recovering from some very un-fun biopsies and I was truly worried about the outcome. Shane stayed home from work to be with me, and we were watching movies while I ate and ate and ate trying to bring myself some added comfort. (sigh. When will I learn not to turn to food for comfort?)
But now one week later, with a clean bill of health, I'm wondering what's next. I feel like my life was literally on hold for about 3 weeks. I cannot believe that we are this far into February.
I tried to explain to a friend today that I feel like the Lord has changed me. And changed me deeply. I'm not even sure I realize all the differences, but it is almost as though I'm wearing brand new glasses. I'm not only seeing things differently, I'm processing them in a whole new way. And I hope I'm able to walk out the change so everyone can see.
God keeps His promises. Each and every single one of them. Time for me to dust my promise/miracle journal off and re-read it. I'd like to see what He's promised that hasn't happened yet, and I'd like to start believing for those again.
Time to put up another altar, another memorial. So I know where I've been. So I never forget. So I continue to worship. And so I can move on.
One week ago today I was recovering from some very un-fun biopsies and I was truly worried about the outcome. Shane stayed home from work to be with me, and we were watching movies while I ate and ate and ate trying to bring myself some added comfort. (sigh. When will I learn not to turn to food for comfort?)
But now one week later, with a clean bill of health, I'm wondering what's next. I feel like my life was literally on hold for about 3 weeks. I cannot believe that we are this far into February.
I tried to explain to a friend today that I feel like the Lord has changed me. And changed me deeply. I'm not even sure I realize all the differences, but it is almost as though I'm wearing brand new glasses. I'm not only seeing things differently, I'm processing them in a whole new way. And I hope I'm able to walk out the change so everyone can see.
God keeps His promises. Each and every single one of them. Time for me to dust my promise/miracle journal off and re-read it. I'd like to see what He's promised that hasn't happened yet, and I'd like to start believing for those again.
Time to put up another altar, another memorial. So I know where I've been. So I never forget. So I continue to worship. And so I can move on.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Path
I'm rejoicing this afternoon over the path I don't have to take right now...the biopsies came back and all is well. No cancer, no pre-cancer, nothing abnormal.
I've had lots of time to think these past few weeks. I might have had cancer, and I had to look that possibility in the eye.
I'm too emotionally worn out this afternoon to write much.
But...
I feel like I can't thank the Lord enough
I want to never take my health for granted again
I want to be diligent to keep myself healthy as much as possible
I don't want to miss one moment with those I love
I want to live, and I mean really live...doing exactly what I was created to do, being exactly who I was created to be
And I want to stop typing and just play with George for the rest of the day. :)
I've had lots of time to think these past few weeks. I might have had cancer, and I had to look that possibility in the eye.
I'm too emotionally worn out this afternoon to write much.
But...
I feel like I can't thank the Lord enough
I want to never take my health for granted again
I want to be diligent to keep myself healthy as much as possible
I don't want to miss one moment with those I love
I want to live, and I mean really live...doing exactly what I was created to do, being exactly who I was created to be
And I want to stop typing and just play with George for the rest of the day. :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Settings
I've had to reset my settings several times today.
I thought I might get the call letting me know the results of my biopsies today. But it hasn't come yet. This morning every time the phone rang, I literally jumped. But as the day went on, I realized I had better set my mind on other things or else I wouldn't make it through the day as a sane person.
So...I've thought a lot about my sweet son. And how much I cherish holding him and caring for him.
I've thought a lot about my thoughtful, caring hubbie. He is going to need a nice long vacation or something pretty soon. He's done an incredible job of caring for George and me.
I've been thinking of all my family members. Our oldest son and his fiance; we're so proud of them and the good choices they're making. All 5 of our parents who really love and care for us. Our siblings and their families who we wish we had more time with. Grandparents who I owe phone calls and thank you cards to.
Friends who pursue me even when I'm not the best at responding during times like these.
And I've worshipped. All day. Songs that declare the greatness of God and how He reigns over all.
Resetting my mind several times throughout the day has been challenging, but also I can tell that I'm growing from it! I'm learning something, putting something great into practice. I hope I can continue to order my thoughts, and take control over my emotions.
I thought I might get the call letting me know the results of my biopsies today. But it hasn't come yet. This morning every time the phone rang, I literally jumped. But as the day went on, I realized I had better set my mind on other things or else I wouldn't make it through the day as a sane person.
So...I've thought a lot about my sweet son. And how much I cherish holding him and caring for him.
I've thought a lot about my thoughtful, caring hubbie. He is going to need a nice long vacation or something pretty soon. He's done an incredible job of caring for George and me.
I've been thinking of all my family members. Our oldest son and his fiance; we're so proud of them and the good choices they're making. All 5 of our parents who really love and care for us. Our siblings and their families who we wish we had more time with. Grandparents who I owe phone calls and thank you cards to.
Friends who pursue me even when I'm not the best at responding during times like these.
And I've worshipped. All day. Songs that declare the greatness of God and how He reigns over all.
Resetting my mind several times throughout the day has been challenging, but also I can tell that I'm growing from it! I'm learning something, putting something great into practice. I hope I can continue to order my thoughts, and take control over my emotions.
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