happy

The other night we had some friends over for dinner.  It was so nice to catch up. Eliza and Tim are newlyweds who work with YWAM Scottland.  Tim is from Boise, and Matt and him were roomates back in the day.  Eliza is from Austrailia and is a YWAM veteran so, there was a lot to talk about around the table tonite. Mix in my wild chilren, and I think we had a pretty good time.

6

August 13, Matt and I celebrated our 6 year Anniversary.

Then.

and now.

p.s. thank you melting pot :)

this little house of mine

I did hours of yardwork today, weedeating, mowing, spraying weedkiller, and picking up dog poo. So, I am a little proud of how nice it looks.  We are hoping to put it on the market in the next year. I'll miss the house, but not all the effort it takes.  I am amazed that we will have been in this house 5 years this Christmas. I was intending on ripping out the side lawn this year an planting a large garden, but I did not feel any peace about it from the LORD, it seemed like too big of a project to do that and start preparations for full time ministry.

a little adventure goes along way

MelZ excited about the library computers

Did you say something?

tired on the walk back

I am not sure what game this is.

using our hookless fishing pole, lots of fun- until they found sticks :)

T minus 1 month

I leave for the Netherlands, one month from today!

a few things I love about Amsterdam-

 Bikes & Autos= same size

 bikes bikes and more bikes

rowhouses, and fresh tulips

patat, yummo  !

 need  I say more???

all the crashing waves

Sometimes, I feel like a rock, constantly being beat up by waves. Unfortunately the waves of life are not as pretty as they are in this picture. Waves of life situations leave me feeling beat up and exhausted.  Two huge waves hit on Wednesday night: 1. the struggles in dealing with the insurance company after Matt's accident from July 5th, and 2. finding out that the classes for Special Education Preschool for my children, are going to be opposite ends of the day, Mariana in the a.m. and Melz in the p.m. class. (I was hoping for them to be at the same time, morning, or afternoon, so I could have some personal time to just get stuff done, a run, trip to the store, get the house ready to sell, etc.)

I know its times like these I need to hold tight to God and spend time in prayer, but there are moments when I feel like if I could only catch a breath, or two minutes alone, I would pray.

So, they say, whatever doesn't kill us will make us stronger.  I am hoping one day I will be a giant rock, that can withstand the waves, and stand secure and strong.

 but, I may end up like this :)  (Bic Mac Rock, I found this pic and had to add it somehow)

the Epicenter

I  was praying for Amsterdam this morning. Famed for its loose morals, it is certainly a city in need of a pure love. God revealed to me that "the City is an epicenter of brokenness." Looking at an aerial view of the city, it is very true.  In the picture we can see canals ring the city center, and in the smallest ring of the center, lies the Red Light District- the epicenter of brokenness. And like an earthquake, the effect spreads, I believe the brokenness is felt all over the world.

epicenter is defined as "the very center, the focal point"
synonyms include: focus, bull's eye, core, heart, downtown, city center, magnet, birthplace, pivotal point.

Will you pray with me today? will you send up a prayer that the epicenter- the Red Light District- will be filled with the Glory of the LORD? and become a new epicenter of LOVE that will in turn, spread through the world.

Isaiah 61: 1-5 (NRSV) (highlighted are my liberal additions)

" the Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me;

he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed (refugees),

to bind up the broken hearted (prostitutes),

to proclaim liberty to the captives (trafficked sex slaves),

and release to the prisoners (addicts).

To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;

 to comfort ALL who mourn; to provide for those who live in Zion-

to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

 the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks if righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his GLORY,

they shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations;

 they shall REPAIR the ruined cities (Amsterdam) the devistations of many generations.

you can read more about good things happening in the Red Light District here