mustard yellow

just in case you haven't heard...

2008-12-10T03:19:00.001-06:00

we're having a beautiful baby girl!!

not much to say.

2008-12-04T00:02:00.002-06:00

so i've been terrible about blogging lately. sorry.

peter and i are plugging away in alaska. the pregnancy is going well and we will find out soon if we're having a boy or a girl! we're very excited!

we recently moved into new (and bigger!) place with ample room for the baby and more stuff!

peter is praying about starting flight school in january. ideally, he would like to get his private license before the baby is born in may. please pray for direction and provision!

i know, it's short. hopefully, more to come!

concourse c, ladies and gentlemen.

2008-10-09T23:46:00.002-05:00

i am going to wisconsin for two weeks tomorrow and i am so excited! peter will be in st. louis studying and learning more about airplanes and i will relaxing at home with my family. can't wait. so in light of this, i am posting a youtube clip from brian regan. check it out...it's so funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9em-ZCddWk

a saturday drive.

2008-09-29T01:53:00.003-05:00

peter and i took a drive through the mat-su valley (i.e. palmer and wasilla) on saturday. it was a beautiful and crisp fall day and snow is piling up on the peaks! i know VP candidate Palin is from wasilla, but there is NOTHING there...not even a wal-mart. anyway, here are some pictures of our travels.

p.s. the baby seems to be doing great so far. i'm not experiencing terrible morning sickness, just mild nausea if i don't keep something in my stomach. peter and i are meeting with a midwife on friday to discuss the possbility of giving birth at a birthing center with a midwife rather than a hospital (provided there are no complications during pregnany). please pray for us as we continue to look for a larger place and a more reliable car (the little geo is still running! it's a miracle!)

the little turkey is in the oven.

2008-09-15T22:28:00.005-05:00

for the blog world...peter and i are pregnant! a test confirmed our suspicions last week and we are very excited! your prayers would be much appreciated as we prepare for our little one, which peter hopes is a girl :)

people keep asking for pictures and there is not much to show (i think i'm about 6-7 weeks along), but here is the progress so far.

post #101.

2008-08-19T23:02:00.007-05:00

i read in joshua today where moses exhorted young joshua to be strong and very courageous (joshua 1:7). here are few thoughts:

"courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to do the thing we fear." -elisabeth elliot.

"fear is faithlessness...a perfect faith would lift us absolutely above fear." -george macdonald.

and for those of us, in spite of all God promises, find ourselves fearful and weak...

"do not fear, I will help you. do not be agraid, o worm jacob, o little israel, for I Myself will help you." isaiah 41:14.

arise.

2008-08-16T22:49:00.003-05:00

"shake yourself from the dust, arise; loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, o captive daughter of zion! for thus says the Lord, 'you have sold youself for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money." -isaiah 52:2-3.

"God loves us with an everlasting love. he is untterably merciful and kind, and sees to it that not a day passes without the opportunity for new applications of the old truth of becoming a child of God. this, to me, sums up the meaning of life." -elisabeth elliot, keep a quiet heart.

little black book.

2008-08-14T00:22:00.003-05:00

some dear friends gave my husband and i a small collections of christian classics as a wedding gift. among them was a little black book entitled the valley of visions. the book is a wonderfully encouraging collection of prayers and aspirations from, well...the puritans. here is one i read last night:

the precious blood

blessed Lord Jesus,

before Thy cross i kneel and see
the heinousness of my sin,
my inquity that cause Thee to be 'made a curse',
the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath.

show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns,
the pierced hands and feet,
the bruised body,
the dying cries.

Thy blood is the blood of the incarnate God,
it's worth is infinite, it's value beyond all thought.
infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price.

sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper,
born in my birth,
alive in my life,
strong in my character,
dominating my falculties,
following me as a shadow,
intermingling with my every thought,
my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul.

sinner that i am, why should the sun give me light,
the air supply breath,
the earth bear my tread,
its fruits nourish me,
it's creatures subserve my ends?

yet Thy compassions earn over me,
Thy heart hastens to my rescue,
Thy love endured my curse,
Thy mercy bore my deserved stripes.

let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation,
bathed by Thy blood,
tender of conscience,
triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.

illy.

2008-08-10T00:04:00.002-05:00

i had difficulty finding this sweet nector here in alaska, so i joined the illy coffee program. yeah! pretty excited. chech it out: illyusa.com.

mr. and mrs. peter christian madden, jr.

2008-08-07T21:31:00.003-05:00

they're here.

2008-08-07T00:07:00.003-05:00

the wedding pictures are online and in slideshow format for easy viewing. thank you, mike! enjoy!

maddenwedding.michaelspotts.com

p.s. i just saw the hugest dragonfly ever! i swear, it was like 4 inches long and fatty (or as peter would say- chunky) crazy alaska.

power.

2008-08-05T01:40:00.003-05:00

so long.

2008-08-03T22:47:00.004-05:00

it's been a long time since my last post...

well, now i'm married and i live in anchorage, alaska! i will spare you all the trivial details and just inform you that i am loving married life and alaska, as well.

we are currenlty setting up our little home (we just bought an amazing dark purple couch!) and getting to know people from the church.

this past weekend peter and i went on our second honeymoon to girdwood, alaska. girdwood is small hippie town in the mountains just 45 minutes outside of anchorage. we rented a little A-frame cabin and went hiking. we hiked 10 miles along the base of mount alyeska. here are a few pictures.

party.

2008-06-27T11:00:00.005-05:00

gelato.

kristi.

laugh.

friends. kalpana and kristi.

roots benedict.

my sister put together a bridal shower-bachlorette party-going away party. my mom, sisters, two friends and i went to lunch at Roots Downtown, a fabulous organic gourmet restaraunt. very good! we played a few fun games (one which struck me as so funny it made me cry). my friend kristi bought me gelato recipe book and an ice cream maker (and even found recipes for my favorite flavor- yogurt!)

how wonderful to celebrate with friends and family the amazing things the Lord is doing. my departure is bittersweet.

a sneak preview.

2008-05-30T21:19:00.004-05:00

today i out the bows on the raffia fans for the wedding. just to keep the guests cool...

a stinkin' amazing life.

2008-05-24T19:52:00.003-05:00

the other night i 'talked' ('chatted' would be a more appropriate term, i think) with my good friend jamie. and we started talking about all the things the Lord is doing and i had this great revelation: my life is amazing! He has done so much and is continuing to astound me with His great goodness. i can take credit for nothing nor could i have imagined it to be this awesome. He is so good to me.

i got this book in bible college called the light on the daily path. it was a gift to the dorm stewards the fall semester of '05. i read a verse was especailly encouraging:

"the beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders." deuteronomy 33:12

how i want to simply dwell between His shoulders!

this tuesday is my last day at walgreens! i admit it was a huge step of faith for me to finally decide to quit, but the Lord confirmed that this was the right choice and is providing in so many ways! only seven more weeks in the lower 48!

a little update.

2008-05-12T21:08:00.002-05:00

nothing too much is happening here in 'consin. but as of the end of this month i will no longer be working at walgreens- praise the Lord! and the Lord is definitely honoring this step of faith by providing in so many ways. He is so good.

computadores y animales.

2008-04-28T16:47:00.004-05:00

this post is long over due. and i realize i start every other post entry that this line. oh well.

i'm in tennesee and my computer is finally running thanks to a new hardrive (3x the size of the orginal) and my dad's mean tech skills. not having a compter for a month felt like someone amputated one my arms...no internet, no pictures, no music, no wedding planning. nada. needless to say, the Lord taught me much patience and changed my priorities.

today my dad and i went to the nashville zoo. we had to drive through the gettho to get there (i suppose everyone did), but the zoo was pretty nice. we saw elephants, sheep, tigers, giraffe, monkeys, fish, lizards, snakes....and so much more. God's creation is so immense and beautiful! and to think we were the ones made in His image!

lately i've been reading through the proverbs and specifically meditating on these verses:

"my son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. put away from you a decietful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. do not turn to the right to the left; remove your foot from evil."

.proverbs 4:20-27.

not happening.

2008-03-21T15:21:00.001-05:00

yesterday my manager approached me about the possibility of being the easter bunny on sunday for the 'family portrait day' at walgreens. he said i had 'a good personality' and i was the 'dramatic actress type.' yeah, right. no freakin' way!

my hope.

2008-03-15T16:15:00.003-05:00

"and now, Lord, what do i wait for? my hope is in You." psalm 39:7

Sufjan Stevens - Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

2008-03-14T13:05:00.001-05:00

one of my favorite songs. and who could play it more beautifully?

it's been a long time.

2008-03-13T17:37:00.003-05:00

well...it's been awhile since my last post, but nothing dramatic has changed. my schedule at work is still a little crazy, but i was able to switch around some of my hours and now i can sleep-in two days a week!

wedding plans are going well. i found someone to help me design and make my dress- which is a huge answer to prayer! please keep praying! the ideas keep coming together and everything seems to be flowing nicely. another girl i work with at shorewest is also getting married in july so we've been able to share ideas and excitement!

another exciting development- i bought a webcam and i've been able to talk to peter online! it's amazing to see his face and talk to him at the same time! here is a snapshot.

"how precious is Your lovingkindness, o God!" psalm 36:7

good friends.

2008-02-24T15:06:00.002-06:00

this weekend i hopped onto a bus to visit some good friends in red wing, minnesota- joshua and julia klein. we laughed, talked, climbed bluffs, baked bread, and explored the art of sushi all in a short span 36 hours.

2008-02-13T11:59:00.001-06:00

"but You, o Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head. i cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill." psalm 3:3-4.

finally, real bangs.

2008-02-11T16:27:00.000-06:00

today i got a haircut- my first real salon experience in probably 2 years. and i got real bangs! it was quite fun...perks to carrie- she an did awesome job.

blue skies.

2008-02-09T22:06:00.000-06:00

exciting news.

2008-02-07T13:20:00.000-06:00

i work with an agent at the real estate office named donna who knows the Lord and is a wonderful sister in christ. donna and i were talking the other day about valentine's day plans with another coworker named lindsey. lindsey talked about how her boyfriend never does anything special for her and never buys her anything. donna and i were able to explain to her how God intended for it be and i was able to share a little bit of peter and i's testimony.

donna came to me this morning and asked me to pray for lindsey. she broke up with her boyfriend and i know the Lord is tugging her heart!

He is so wonderful.

2008-02-06T12:03:00.001-06:00

for the last few weeks i've found myself frustrated because i cannot see God working nor do i sense His presence. both jobs demand the majority of my day and every other spare moment is devoted to reading a few verses in the Word, eating, and planning the wedding. in all the hussle and bussle of daily life i find i've lost perspective.

the fact is, God is even present in the ordinary (at my desk at the office as I answer phones) as well as on the moutain top. His heart is that i would simply acknowledge Him in everything- He does the Keeping and His grace is sufficient for me! hurray!

"all the bread your soul has eaten has come down from heaven, and all the water of which it has drunk has flowed from the living rock- Christ Jesus the Lord. your soul has never grown rich in itself; it has always been a pensioner upon the daily bounty of God; and hence your prayers have ascended to heavenfor a range of spiritual mercied all but infinite. your wants were innumerable, and therefore the supplies have been infintely great, and your prayer have been as varied as the mercies have been countless. then have you not cause to say, 'i love the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication'? for as your prayers have been many, so also has been God's answers to them." c.h. spurgeon.

2008-01-29T14:25:00.001-06:00

so far, so good. just working and planning the wedding. i talked a coworker this morning who mentioned that he paid $75 a head for food alone for his daughter's wedding and they had 250 guests. i can't even imagine. he said it was $150 out the window for every guest who did not attend the wedding even though they RSVPed! so one couple decides not to show...$300 out the window!

i'm so thankful the Lord is ultimately planning our wedding and has given us the wisdom and desire for something small and intimate. halleluia!

a verse and a thought for the day.

"He stirs up the sea with His power, and by His understanding He breaks up the storm. by His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! but the thunder of His power who can understand?" job 26:12-14.

"hast thou never been helped in time of need? go back, then, a little way to the choice mercies of yesterday, and though all may be dark now, light up the lamps of the past, they shall glitter through the darkness, and thou shalt trust in the Lord till the day break and the shadows flee away. 'remember, oh Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindness, for they have been ever of old.'" -c.h. spurgeon.

valiant keeper.

2008-01-23T16:21:00.000-06:00

"to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy..." jude 24.

my hope is in jesus and all more so when i remember that He does the keeping- He keeps me from falling. oh what safety and security is mine to remember that He purchased me that He might be my Keeper.

"great believer, thou wouldst been a great sinner if God had not made thee to differ. o thou art valiant for truth, thou wouldst been as valiant for error if grace had not laid hold upon thee." c.h. spurgeon.

i've been reading amy carmichael: let the little children come. it's a very small testimony of amy's ministry in india and i highly recomend it.

i was reading yesterday.

2008-01-20T20:56:00.000-06:00

"an individual christian may not know it, understand it, or benefit by it, but to be a christian is to be a part of community. to be a christian means you stand shoulder to shoulder with millions of christians who have gone before. we stand with strong christians and weak christians; brave christians and cowardly christians; old christians and young christians. ce are part of an invisible, mighty army that spans back through the generations." -david guzik.

okay...just one more.

2008-01-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

Him whom my soul loveth.

2008-01-19T10:43:00.000-06:00

"i have found Him whom my soul loveth; i held Him, and would not let Him go." song of solomon 3:4

"when my precious Lord i find, all my ardent passions glow; Him with cords of love i bind, hold and will not let Him go." c.h. spurgeon.

"without christ you are like a sheep without its shepherd; like a tree without water at its roots; like a sere leaf in the tempest- not bound to the tree of life. with thine whole heart seek Him, and He will be found of thee: only give thyself thoroughly up to the search, and verily thou shalt yet discover Him to thy joy and gladness." c.h. spurgeon.

just a few thoughts.

2008-01-16T13:46:00.000-06:00

peter left yesterday and arrived safely in spokane. i am so thankful for the time we had together and look forward to seven months from now when we will not be seperated anymore! please continue to pray for him as he plans to move up to alaska this week.

work and wedding plans continue. peter and i were able to make some plans while he was here, which was blessing. we went up to appleton and spent the first half of the day running from business to business- flowers, caterers, cakes. then we met up with some friends from bible college and other poeple too! it was so good to have solid fellowship.

needless to say: i miss peter. orange juice and drumsticks, baby.

my beloved is here!

2008-01-13T22:33:00.001-06:00

rainy day.

2008-01-07T12:51:00.000-06:00

just burning incense, listening to album leaf, and enjoying the rain. where's my mai?

great anticipation.

2008-01-06T14:52:00.000-06:00

just two more days and my wonderful fiance will be here in wisconsin! the anticipation is mounting....

please pray for us as we attempt to make as many wedding plans and appointments as possible before he moves to alaska (he's leaving in a few weeks!). he finally finished everything- school and testing- and he is able to head up to alaska to interview for a position as a mechanic with a regional airline. while he is in anchorage working and establishing a place for us to live, i will be here in wisconsin working and planning the wedding. the Lord has been so faithful!

"for my eyes have seen Your salvation." luke 2:30

beautiful snow.

2007-12-30T19:11:00.001-06:00

peter bought me a digital camera for christmas and this is the first real picture i've taken (besides the million 'how-does-this-thing-work' pictures). yesterday it snowed about 6 inches and this morning i awoke to a beautiful winter wonderland.

beautiful snow...again.

2007-12-30T19:04:00.000-06:00

Charlie bit my finger - again !

2007-12-18T23:28:00.001-06:00

this made my night! kids are amazing...baby charlie reminds me of jesse santos...i think it's the sheepish smile.

encouraged still.

2007-12-18T12:36:00.000-06:00

"for with God nothing will be impossible." luke 1:37

this an excerpt from the beginning of the christmas story when the angel gabriel informed mary that she will bear the Son of God. how many times she must have recollected these words! we have incredible hope, not only in our present circumstances- "but Jesus looked at them and said, 'with men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'" mark 10:27- but also our hope for the future.

encouraged.

2007-12-12T22:03:00.000-06:00

michelle had this verse on one of her blog and i was so encouraged i would like to share it with you:

"after these things the word of the Lord came to abram in a vision, saying, 'do not be afraid, abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.'" genesis 15:1

* * *

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for i am called by Your name, o Lord God of hosts." jeremiah 15:16

* * *

this past weekend was alot of fun. my family and i made cookies and candies for three days straight. needless to say, i do not want to see or taste an once of chocolate for a long time. but here is an amazing and easy recipe for girl scout thin mints (or grasshoppers):

what you need: ritz crackers, mint flavored dipping chocolate, and white dipping chocolate.

prepare a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or wax paper.

melt some mint flavored dipping chocolate in the microwave at 30 second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted (be careful not to scorch the chocolate).

dip ritz crackers in chocolate until completely covered and place on the cookie sheet. allow to cool so the chocolate hardens.

then melt the white chocolate in a ziplock bag at 30 second intervals until completely melted. snip the corner of the bag (very small snip) and creatively design your cookies!

they are sooo good!!

no title.

2007-12-02T19:49:00.000-06:00

"now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. amen." hebrews 13:2-21.

giving thanks in nevada.

2007-12-02T19:36:00.000-06:00

most of you know i went to nevada for thanksgiving to spend the holiday with my grandparents, my uncle, and my dad. we had a really good time and here are a few pictures.

two of a kind.

2007-11-28T22:55:00.000-06:00

my grandpa took this picture of peter and i in lake tahoe thanksgiving weekend. peter drove all the way from washington to gardnerville, nevada (near reno) to spend two days with my family. it was an amazing two days.

the Lord continually uses peter to show His unwavering and constant love and faithfulness to me. what joy and content is mine!

"i will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord." hosea 2:20

my new coat.

2007-11-28T22:14:00.001-06:00

this is my new coat i bought over the summer in door county. we went to visit my brother at the swan where he worked and attached to the bed and breakfast is a boutique called the brilliant stranger. the coat is imported from thailand made a fair trade company called avatar imports. yesterday i picked it up from the tailor and now i can wear it!

a few pictures.

2007-11-14T14:59:00.000-06:00

peter and i after we shared the news with my family!

my brother approves.

surprise!

2007-11-12T12:48:00.000-06:00

for those of you who don't know- peter and i officailly engaged as of november 11! he flew out from spokane on friday night to surprise me and we celebrated an early thanksgiving with my family. yesterday we drove (in a new chrysler 300- oh yeah!) to door county and walked through peninsula state part. we walked along the beach and then hiked up to a cliff where we found a rock extending about 4 feet from the edge of the cliff. we climbed out to it to watch the sunset over the lake and he proposed! we then went to the white gull inn for dinner (and i dripped my baked french onion soup on the white tablecloth- yeah, smooth.) it was a beautiful day! peter never ceases to amaze me and i can hardly wait to spend the rest of my life with him!

thank you to all who prayed for us and were patient with us! thank you for your encouragmening words and listening ears!

"for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." isaiah 55:8-9

consider two kings.

2007-11-06T12:51:00.000-06:00

"so jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God." 2 chronicles 27:6

* * *

"then he set military captains over the people, gathered them together to him in the open square of the city gate, and gave them encouragement, saying, 'be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.' and the people were strengthened by the words of hezekiah king of judah." 2 chronicles 32:6-8

loyal hearts.

2007-11-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

the past few weeks i've been reading through 2 chronicles and recently this theme has caught my attention: a loyal heart.

"and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart...but did as it is written in the law in the book of moses" 2 chronicles 25:2,4.

here king amaziah did what was right and followed the law, but not with a heart that was completely surrendered- or loyal. read the rest of chapter to see the results...so for the last few days i've been asking the Lord to search my heart- is my heart loyal in all things to the Lord?

"when You said, 'seek My face, ' my heart said to You, 'your face, Lord, i will seek.'" psalm 27:8

just wanted to share

2007-11-01T23:35:00.000-05:00

yesterday i bought these two bracelets from trailstobridges.com and they came in the mail today! it's the little things in life...

old memories

2007-11-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

last night i was browsing through old pictures and i came across this one. my good friend joshua took this picture during a camping trip my second semester (spring 2005). this picture always makes me smile...

no title

2007-10-28T17:16:00.000-05:00

this last week was absolutely wonderful- not only did i have an entire week off from walgreens, but my friend annie drove all the way from south western minnesoda to visit! of course, i worked at shorewest in the mornings, but the afternoons were filled with fun, food, and good conversation. trully fellowship is about stirring one another up to love and good works!

"And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: 'Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.' Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated." 2 chronicles 20:21-22

is this thing on?

2007-10-16T18:36:00.000-05:00

i apologize for the significant gap in posts recently. as most of you know i started working two jobs a few weeks ago. both jobs are going well and i work between 40-50 hours a week. it's been a challenge to press forward and keep focused, but the Lord has been really faithful. please pray for continued strength as i am not sure how long this season will last. let just say- i am so glad i am not called full-time to the workforce! i am not and will not be a career woman!! but praise the Lord for His provision during this season.

ich vermisse dich, duetschland.

2007-10-05T23:40:00.001-05:00

work is fun.

2007-10-05T23:18:00.000-05:00

monday and tuesday of this week i trained at my new job at shorewest realtors. at first, it was a bit intimidating- all the agents (we have 60 agents in our office alone- so many names and faces to remember!), the realstate lingo, the phones, the computer, and all the office equipment. but the Lord is so faithful. for the last three days i've been on my own at the front desk and everything is running smoothly. today the secratary (she trained me) asked if i would be sticking around. i said, yes (until further notice, that is). and she asked if i would be interested in a full time position. i just said if the door opened up i might take the chance and walk through it (she smiled). so...please keep praying!

and... my managers at walgreens discovered i got a second job and my store manager came to me with an offer for a full time position as a beauty advisor (i'm already working full time, which is 30 hours a week or more, by taking hours from other people). she also mentioned i would be first on the "unlimited hours" list for the holidays. and she wants me to start training the other beauty advisors on varios floor duties that concern cosmetics. i guess she doesn't want me to have a reason to leave, but i assured her i would at least stick around for the holiday season.

God is so good to open these doors for me. it seems as if the moment i completly surrender my circumstances to Him He opens doors i could have never opened myself.

"oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." -psalm 34:3

a dwelling place for my jesus.

2007-10-03T22:16:00.000-05:00

"'heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. where is the house that you will build Me? and where is the place of My rest? for all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,'says the Lord.'but on this one will i look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.'" isaiah 66:1-2.

***

"for it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 2 corinthians 4:6-7.

first day of work.

2007-10-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

today was my official first day of work with shorewest realtors. the morning was full with introductions to new people and equipment. i learned so much- my mind is crammed. i even answered phones for a bit, which is funny because usually people ask for an agent and i don't know any of the agents. it will take awhile to get used to everything, but i am excited.

thanks to everyone who prayed for me!

random, but an answer to prayer.

2007-09-27T23:15:00.000-05:00

yesterday morning i woke up and went down stair for my morning routine of hot coaco and honey bunches of oats. still in my jammies my dad mentioned ellen called inquiring after me and my sisters (she's the realtor who sold my parents the house we live in. after many long weeks of house hunting her and my parents developed an funny friendship). so that afternoon i went to the shorewest realty office and inquired after ellen. on the spot she asked me to fill out an application for a receptionist position and then briefly interviewed me.

well...this afternoon i had an interview with the head of the shorewest branch and i got the job! they gave me tour and keys already and i start sometime next week! the hours fit perfectly with my hours at walgreens too.

thank you to everyone who prayed! the Lord trully honored your prayers as He honors those who wait for Him. He is so good! continue to pray that He would prepare me for the challenge of learning a new job and working in a new environment.

for the one who waits.

2007-09-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

"for since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him." isaiah 64:4

the perfect afternoon.

2007-09-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

on sunday afternoon my family amd i went to an apple farm in mugwanago, wisconsin. the orchard is huge and includes a pumpkin patch, a squash patch, and a deli/market. we picked a half bushel of apples- jonathans, granny smith, and golden delicios! here are a few pictures:

i will greatly rejoice

2007-09-20T11:59:00.000-05:00

"i will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." isaiah 61:10

look what i found...

2007-09-19T12:44:00.001-05:00

this picture is almost a year and a half years old. peter came to visit my fourth semester. michael, johnny, karo, peter and i went tagging under the autobahn in eiserfeld. good times.

"tough guys" by michael mccalebb

redeeming the time

2007-09-19T12:26:00.000-05:00

monday night marked the beginning of a new season for the redeeming the time women's ministry at the church. about fifteen women signed up for this study through ephesians and the women are excited to delve deeper into the Word. the women come from a variety of backrounds and in different places in their walks with the Lord, but i am confident that He will move and change lives. the 'theme' (i really dislike that word) is:

"see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." ephesians 5:15-17

i am so excited to grow with these women over the next few months as we study what christ has done for us and how we are called to live in repsonse to Him. please pray that we would grow in the grace and the knowledge of jesus through this study.

if Today could dress herself...

2007-09-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

...she would choose these.

o, ye of little faith

2007-09-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

on sunday we covered a passage from hebrews 10 that led us to numbers 13 where moses sends the spies into canaan to report on the condition of land before they go in to possess it. upon their return the spies give two different reports:

"then caleb quieted the people before moses, and said, "let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." (vs. 30)

and..."but the men who had gone up with him said, "we are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." (vs. 31)

here is the distinction between the eyes of faith and the eyes of the flesh. the eyes of faith see only victory because they judge Him who promised faithful and understand that with God all things are possible. the eyes of the flesh only see human limitations and look no higher than human capabilities. caleb is so bold because he sees with the eyes of faith- he sees only victory because of the promise of Jehovah. caleb simply took God at his word. consequently, he and joshua were the only ones of that generation to enter into the promised land.

"for whatever is born of God overcomes the world. and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 john 5:4-5

seriously...

2007-09-15T21:06:00.001-05:00

seriously funny.

little red door

2007-09-14T12:12:00.001-05:00

halleluia...

2007-09-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

"but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." matthew 6:33

this concept so completely contradictory to the modern thinking and understanding, which would say seek first 'to gain finacial stability, a good education, and be a good person and then all these things will added to you.' but jesus says to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness- to strive after and to aim at these things. oh, what joy and peace are mine to know that He will provide my every need!

"and my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." philippians 4:19

the heart of a king

2007-09-13T23:01:00.000-05:00

"now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of moses; nor after him did any arise like him." 2 kings 23:25

this is written of Josiah, king of judah who had a prosperous reign of 31 years. this is a king who ruled a nation at the age of 8 and whose heart was completely surrendered to his God for "...he did not turn to the right or to the left." (22:2) the phrase "...turned to the Lord..." could be more accurately translated "...completely turned to the Lord." there was, in essence, no room in his heart for compromise- so much so that there was never another king like him.

mmm...mmm...good

2007-09-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

mom and i went to world market today to pick up illy beans- a fabulous italian coffee. i'm telling you- the italians know how it's done.

no naysayers

2007-09-11T16:42:00.001-05:00

peter and jessica.

Yann Tiersen - La Valse d'Amelie piano

2007-09-10T21:08:00.001-05:00

i find it fascinating to watch someone play piano. this song goes out to annie johnson...

21 and still learning

2007-09-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

for the last week i've though alot about what david guzik used to say about the mission of the bible college: "we seek to ruin young people for normal life for the sake of christ." and i admit- i've only recently begun to understand what he meant by that.

the Lord has blessed me with opportunities to be a light to my co-workers but the more time spend behind register swiping credit cards and taking people's money the more i realize how lost the world is. i often get comments from customers such as, "girl, why you smilin' all the time?" or "girl, you too polite to be workin' behind that counter. you should work in a hospital or sonething!" (said in u-bonics, of course). it's comments like these that give me an opportunity to share and reach out to people.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

work, work, and more work

2007-09-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

i started working part-time at walgreens. the irony of life- back where i started three years ago before i left for bible college. but the Lord is so good and there are many lost people at walgreens too.

funny. i am probably the exact opposite of what walgreens is looking for- i really don't like trying to sell people things.

the other night i worked my first closing shift, which was a bit sketch. it was almost as if at exactly 9pm (an hour before the closing) every shifty eyed crook made their way into the store to rip off stuff. of course, most of them are shady characters and not exactly the one's i would go up to and say, 'excuse me, sir, were you planning on paying for that?'

but the night was a adventure and i had the opportunity to get know a few of co-workers. most of them are in high school or just starting college and they need jesus. i am, in one sense, glad to be working in a secular environment again because it opens my eyes to hope we have in christ and reminds me of what jesus meant when He said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

here is a thought, and keep the penny

2007-08-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

an excerpt from a book i read recently titled faith that makes sense by dr. j. edwin orr:

"in considering the question of authority from a christian standpoint, one can afford to begin with a dogmatic statement. for the christian, the supreme authority is jesus christ. if a man says, 'i'm a marxist, but i don't accept the authority of karl marx!' then he ought in all honesty to change his self-description somewhat. if a lady claimes 'i'm a vegetarian, but i mean by that- i eat the meat of vegatable-eaters!' then a less confusing word should be found. likewise, if a man says, 'i'm a christian, but i don't accept the authority of jesus christ,' then he ought to change his self-description to something else, a humanist, a democrat, or the like." -dr. j. edwin orr (p 55)

there is a clear distinction here between those who are truly 'christ-followers' and those who follow the masses of chistendom. i am reminded of john 10: "...the sheep hear his voice...and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." (v.3-5)

He is seldom early, but never late...

2007-08-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

praise God for His provision...my parents bought a new (well, technically used) 2007 hyundai sonata (complete with a sunroof!) for an incredidle deal. no more vans or wagons for this family!

hello again

2007-08-26T15:03:00.000-05:00

it's been awhile since i last posted and much has happened since then...

one early morning at the beginning of the month the police imformed my parents of the whereabouts of our van, which we were to suprised to find was not in the driveway. they found the van on 24th and brown- a street locally known as 'the stolen car lot- if your car is missing check here!' my parents signed the necessary paper work and the insurance company provided a rental car until the van was repaired. last week the our mechanic (tom) informed us that the van is totalled due to significant damage underneath, which we didn't see immediately. so right now we have one car (a truck, actually) and are waiting for God's provision.

peter came to visit for a week, which was nothing short of amazing! we had planty of lazy time including episode after episode of 24 and a few movies. we also spent a day in chicago touring the streets and shops with my sister kadi and a friend. we soaked up every minute of every day we had together and eagerly wait for the next time we'll get see eachother. already it's been two weeks too long, but God is faithful to remind me that this is just a season and His plan is so much greater and emcompasses so much more than i can possibly comprehend (isaiah 55:8-9). i miss him terribly.

we had some fun time with these kids. peter used to babysit them when they were babies!

l-r: havala, jezreel, talitha, and joshua.

the morning of the day peter arrived my stepmom called to inform me that my grandpa went to be with the Lord. he had a massive heart attack while on a rv trip to alaska with my grandma and close friend, sandra. this came as a shock since my grandpa had a bypass only two years prior and regularly attended rehab and check-ups. nevertheless, he passed away doing what he loved- traveling with my grandma and their best friend. grandpa was a huge support to me personally. he embraced us as his grandchildren when my dad married my stepmom doing everything grandparents and grandchildren love to do together. he also supported me throughout my two years of bible college and then encouraged me to raise support to return to germany. he was an incredible grandfather and brother in christ and i have every confidence that i will see him again perfected in glory. please pray for my grandma as she makes the necessary adjustments. her and my grandpa have not been without eachother for fifty plus years.

oh, yeah...i got a part-time job and a pending interview with the med college! thanks for your prayers!

in the waiting room

2007-07-31T09:50:00.000-05:00

summer is coming to a fast close and still i've recieved no answers on any job requests. please pray that the Lord would open a door and i would continue to let patience have it's perfect work in me. for now i'm in the waiting room.

girl's night out...

2007-07-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

last friday kadi, shauntel and i went to fujiyama sushi bar for dinner. i ordered the philadelphia role (smoked salmon and cream cheese) and offered a piece to shauntel. i thought for sure she would refuse (she is the only one i know who will order chicken strips at sushi place), but she didn't. and she nearly threw-up. good times...afterwards to we took a drive down to the lake to watch the last of the sun disappear beyond the horizon. then we ventured to cold stone for a late night dessert. my sisters are amazing.
atwater beach, lake michigan.

noteworthy thought number two

2007-07-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

i seem to be all about quotes this week. funny. but here is another one by a scottish minister from his book, the wind on the heath (1915), a worthwhile read:

"but the contentment which the Bible preaches is not any dull and heavy-eyed submission: it is the contentment which is full of gladness because it rests it's head in the lap of love...love is content because it 'believeth' all things, and yet it is never content because it 'hopeth' all things." -george h. morrison

* * *

"let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. for He Himself has said, 'i will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5

noteworthy thought

2007-07-24T09:46:00.000-05:00

"ultimate purity is a positive state, not a negative state. it is a matter of presence rather than of absence. the immediate presence of God transcends the intermediateness of the temple. in that sence, even the body will one day be shed because God will be all in all. in anticipation of that day, let the temple of the body be pure so that it points beyond itself to the very presence of God..." -ravi zacharias

* * *

"beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. and everyone who has this hope in Him purifies Himself, just as He pure." -1 john 3:2-3

imagination

2007-07-23T16:02:00.001-05:00

a new favortie song by armoured bear- a band i discovered in cork, ireland (support the natives!)

once upon a toothless fish...

2007-07-23T14:43:00.000-05:00

a few weeks ago my family and i went on vacation in the lakewood area of nothern wisconsin. the cabin we rent is located right on maiden lake- popular spot for boaters and fisherman.

one evening my stepdad and i went out for a ride. he fished and i enjoyed the scenery (i've never been into fishing, but i enjoy boating) and much to our surpise he caught a small lake bass. he reeled the little guy in and i pulled him (her?) out of the water with the net. the bass was rather ugly to begin with, but i noticed he was covered with suspicious black spots. my stepdad removed the hook from his mouth and the bass slipped out of his hands and onto my foot. i tried to grab him, but to no avail. as my stepdad reached over to grab him i looked down at my foot and my toe was bleeding (something was stuck under my toe nail). my stepdad the casually remarked, "the black spots means he has a disease." i smiled, "oh, that's nice."

the other day i sat down with a pair of tweezers and nail clippers and removed a large tooth from under my toe nail. so somewhere in maiden lake a diseased tootheless fish. tragic.

2007-07-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

simply beautiful. a chalk artist on the streets of dublin, ireland.

long time, my friends...

2007-07-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

today i was doing my daily 'check-the-email' routine when i realized how long it's been since i've posted anything. i am really horrible at this sort of thing, but i am determined (as least i think i am).

most of you know this guy. his name is peter and he lives in washington. he likes airplanes, cars, and pretty much anything mechanical. and i miss him terribly. it's been seven months since i've seen, but God has blessed us with two incredible years together. i cannot wait to see him.

ring around the rosy

2007-06-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

two fabulous rings available at anthropologie.com- art at it's finest. i can't say i would every pay $400 for a jade ring, but the color and design are stunning.

reid, mai, and kyrene

2007-06-08T19:33:00.000-05:00

chiara mai and hannah kyrene- two reasons why i miss germany.

what i learned about pineapples

2007-06-08T19:13:00.000-05:00

the other day my mum and i drove to the grocery store. as we perused through the produce section, she picked out the usuals- strawberries, cantalope, mushrooms, and a pineapple. curiously she turned to me and asked, "do you know how to tell if a pineapple is ripe?" i wracked my brain, remembering someone ask me the same question a few days before...oh, yes, hannah! i replied to mum, "no, mum, i don't know." well here is the answer (for hannah kyrene and anyone who might be interested)-

gently pull one of the top leaves and if it comes out easily, then it is a perfectly ripe pineapple.

mums are amazing!

home from duetschland

2007-06-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

last monday i returned home after spending four months at the bible college in germany. the semester was incredible and saying goodbye, bittersweet. i didn't realize how many people i've befriended and laboured alongside in the ministry for the last year and a half- learning the culture, learning the language, and learning more about missions and ministry...

it was interesting to come home and realize the reality of 'culture shock' even though i've only been gone for four months. in my opinion, 'culture shock' can also be deemed as 'sensory overload' as within a matter of seven hours my brain comprehends every nearby conversation, billboard, and tv commercail (even the variety in the bread aisle is somewhat of an awakening).

yesterday i began the daunting task of searching for a place of employment. i am confident the Lord will provide in His perfect timing even if i am getting a bit restless for something to keep me busy. for now i continue to seek Him for direction and take each day one at a time...

ich vermisse dich, duetschland!

new beginnings...

2007-06-04T16:19:00.001-05:00

in the past i've failed miserably at keeping in contact with numerous people and after much debate decided MySpace was not the best option (no, i am not an anti-MySpace advocate). so here it is...my life on a webpage.