Sunday, July 22, 2012
Learning to Let Go
The last couple of months have been very hard for me. Although I love working for Trabon, and am grateful for the opportunity to return there as a full-time employee, the transition has not been an easy one. I miss my boys so terribly and the upcoming prospect of putting them into child care has been ripping my heart out. Tonight, I was giving them a much-needed bath, and Xander was "toy-collecting" again. He had three toys in one hand and two in the other. He had so many toys that he couldn't even play with what he had! I convinced him to release a few of them. Reluctantly, he let them go. When he was down to one for each hand, he was able to play happily. It made me think of myself. I've been so focused on holding onto how being apart from my children has made me feel, that I wasn't enjoying the time that I DID have with them. The time while Josiah and Xander are this small is already too short--I need to let the pain and disappointment at not being able to stay home with them go so that I can relish and revel in the time that I AM able to spend with them. Life changes so quickly and so frequently. I am blessed to be a wife to a wonderful hard-working honest man and a mom to two handsome, sweet and funny boys. God has given me more than I could have dreamed-even my next breath is a gift from the Father of Lights. My emotions have been misplaced, and I am letting them go. I will joyfully frolic in and with the gifts God has given me. I am grateful. On this road, we have met so many wonderful people, and made life-long friends and had wonderful time together as a family. I would not change one step of our journey. I am just glad that God leads if we are willing to follow. And we are.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Gone Fishin'
I don't know much about fishing. I've only been fishing maybe once or twice in my life, when I was young, with my Dad and twin sister. It's not that I don't like fishing, its more that the opportunity and the desire never coincided since then! However, for some reason, while I was reading the boys Children's Bible to them one night, the part where Jesus says that He will make Peter and Andrew "fishers of men", caught my eye. More specifically, the part where Jesus tells them to throw out their nets even though they have caught NOTHING ALL NIGHT. Now, I don't know about you, but if I had been casting nets all night and had caught nothing but rocks and seaweed, not only would I just want to cry, I'd certainly not be anxious to try one last time, no matter who asked me to.
But under His request, they do what they had done all night. And lo and behold, a catch for the record books. A catch like none of them had ever seen in their lives.
When we are obedient to our Lord, He can do amazing things!
And sometimes, most times, if we are honest, when this happens, it humbles us. Peter asked Jesus to "depart from him" after the huge catch of fish was hauled into the sinking boats. He fell to his knees, acknowledging that he was a "sinful man" . He was staggered in the presence of a God who makes the impossible, possible. He was overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. I've felt that way so very many times myself.
And yet, He allows us to become "fishermen" for Him. God gives us the precious message of reconciliation, and asks us to cast out our nets with it. He lets us, weak and fallible as we are, be the ones to take His message to a lost and hurting world. Are we being faithful to do that? Are we drawing others in with His love and forgiveness? May we submit to His guidance, let us cast out our nets, and trust Him for the "catch".
But under His request, they do what they had done all night. And lo and behold, a catch for the record books. A catch like none of them had ever seen in their lives.
When we are obedient to our Lord, He can do amazing things!
And sometimes, most times, if we are honest, when this happens, it humbles us. Peter asked Jesus to "depart from him" after the huge catch of fish was hauled into the sinking boats. He fell to his knees, acknowledging that he was a "sinful man" . He was staggered in the presence of a God who makes the impossible, possible. He was overwhelmed by his own unworthiness. I've felt that way so very many times myself.
And yet, He allows us to become "fishermen" for Him. God gives us the precious message of reconciliation, and asks us to cast out our nets with it. He lets us, weak and fallible as we are, be the ones to take His message to a lost and hurting world. Are we being faithful to do that? Are we drawing others in with His love and forgiveness? May we submit to His guidance, let us cast out our nets, and trust Him for the "catch".
Friday, March 2, 2012
Matthew 19:26
If you haven't looked it up already, then let me tell you what the title of this blog refers to. Matthew 19:26 is a passage that most of us Christians know by heart although we may not know the address, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
I'll just come right out and say it! God did it! It seemed impossible to have this happen in one month, but in response to your prayers, many people listened and rose to the challenge and God got us to 50% supported!! I can not even begin to describe the whirlwind of a month February has been and it all belongs to God. We were amazed and blown away and our hearts were melted as one by one, our friends and even people we had not previously met, stepped up to the challenge placed before us, to be at 50% by the end of the month. Some of you reading this followed along with us, as we kept you updated on our progress. You watched that "$1000 a month" number drop and drop, as February rolled by.
We have been very touched by your love and generosity and so blessed by all of you who have been a part of God confirming to us that Echo Ranch is where He wants us to be!
It is not time to relax yet though. Amber and I still have an additional $1700/month that we need to have God raise before we can actually head back to Alaska. That amount would put us at 80% so that we can actually move to the Juneau area and be available for the year-round ministry of Echo Ranch. It is so crucial that we be able to be there full-time, so we can continue to minister to the staff of camp as well as participate in follow-up events for the campers.
So even as we rejoice in God meeting this challenge, keep praying that He will meet the next. We would like to be at 80% as close to early April as possible, as we will be driving up to Alaska this time and it will take a little longer to get there with the twins. Echo Ranch opens up in mid to late April and we need to be there for the Spring retreat season. So please, continue praying with us to meet this goal of an additional $1700 in new monthly partnerships and continue seeking if the Lord would have you join us in this ministry!
Again, thank you to all who have made it possible for us to get this far already, we love and appreciate you all!
Josh
I'll just come right out and say it! God did it! It seemed impossible to have this happen in one month, but in response to your prayers, many people listened and rose to the challenge and God got us to 50% supported!! I can not even begin to describe the whirlwind of a month February has been and it all belongs to God. We were amazed and blown away and our hearts were melted as one by one, our friends and even people we had not previously met, stepped up to the challenge placed before us, to be at 50% by the end of the month. Some of you reading this followed along with us, as we kept you updated on our progress. You watched that "$1000 a month" number drop and drop, as February rolled by.
We have been very touched by your love and generosity and so blessed by all of you who have been a part of God confirming to us that Echo Ranch is where He wants us to be!
It is not time to relax yet though. Amber and I still have an additional $1700/month that we need to have God raise before we can actually head back to Alaska. That amount would put us at 80% so that we can actually move to the Juneau area and be available for the year-round ministry of Echo Ranch. It is so crucial that we be able to be there full-time, so we can continue to minister to the staff of camp as well as participate in follow-up events for the campers.
So even as we rejoice in God meeting this challenge, keep praying that He will meet the next. We would like to be at 80% as close to early April as possible, as we will be driving up to Alaska this time and it will take a little longer to get there with the twins. Echo Ranch opens up in mid to late April and we need to be there for the Spring retreat season. So please, continue praying with us to meet this goal of an additional $1700 in new monthly partnerships and continue seeking if the Lord would have you join us in this ministry!
Again, thank you to all who have made it possible for us to get this far already, we love and appreciate you all!
Josh
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Just News
A lot of my blog posts are devotional in nature. Not today. Well, at least, not this one. I may post something later about why circumstances should not be, and I believe were never INTENDED to be, a sole indicator of God's will, but for now, I just want to share about our lives.
This last month has been an unforgettable one. We have had a lot of new people partner with us in our ministry to Echo Ranch. It has been awesome to see God work in the hearts of people on our behalf. The generosity and kindness of so many people has been mind-blowing. In addition, the boys have been amazing me with new talents every single day. Just yesterday, Josiah said "Nana yummy!", as I was getting him a banana! This was his first sentence! Xander said "Carla", the name of our lovely host who is like an Auntie to them. Their newest talent (which I am NOT at all happy with) is balancing on the arm of the futon when Mom is not looking. They also seem to like to try and give each other piggy back rides, with the end result of knocking each other down. They have been working on steps lately, as they were recently around a number of slightly older kids, and wanted to be where they were. As you may know, we were in Neligh, NE this past weekend. We were encouraged and touched by the hospitality of the small church and its members. We had a great time and met wonderful people. What a blessing!
Many people are wondering if we reached our goal of 50% of our support. Honestly, I don't yet know. We have new partners who haven't given us an amount yet, and until we are able to figure them in, we won't know where we stand. According to our records, we are just a touch under our needed amount, but we are confident that God will supply. Please pray for us!!
This last month has been an unforgettable one. We have had a lot of new people partner with us in our ministry to Echo Ranch. It has been awesome to see God work in the hearts of people on our behalf. The generosity and kindness of so many people has been mind-blowing. In addition, the boys have been amazing me with new talents every single day. Just yesterday, Josiah said "Nana yummy!", as I was getting him a banana! This was his first sentence! Xander said "Carla", the name of our lovely host who is like an Auntie to them. Their newest talent (which I am NOT at all happy with) is balancing on the arm of the futon when Mom is not looking. They also seem to like to try and give each other piggy back rides, with the end result of knocking each other down. They have been working on steps lately, as they were recently around a number of slightly older kids, and wanted to be where they were. As you may know, we were in Neligh, NE this past weekend. We were encouraged and touched by the hospitality of the small church and its members. We had a great time and met wonderful people. What a blessing!
Many people are wondering if we reached our goal of 50% of our support. Honestly, I don't yet know. We have new partners who haven't given us an amount yet, and until we are able to figure them in, we won't know where we stand. According to our records, we are just a touch under our needed amount, but we are confident that God will supply. Please pray for us!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Can You Smell?
Well, we are working on our third cold in almost as many months. When I say we, I mean the WHOLE family. This is the worst one I have had in years. I literally cannot smell or taste a thing. I cannot remember ever not being able to smell or taste at least a little bit. I've tried cayenne pepper, salsa, Chinese food, horseradish, nothing is coming through except the sensation on my tongue. I tried Vicks under my nose and on my neck. I can FEEL the coolness but not smell a thing. So weird. So irritating. I hate it when my body isn't functioning like it should. It reminded me though, of the verse that talks about how we are the Body of Christ. When we aren't doing what we were designed to do, when we are not in the role God gave us, the Body doesn't function like it should. How irritating must THAT be to Jesus? He gives us a perfect place to serve, to suit our gifting and temperaments and we whine and complain that we aren't something else and sit on our butts, not using what He has given us, and the rest of the Body suffers because of it. The Body TRIES to compensate for what is missing, but it's really hard for an ear to take the place of an eye, or a hand, or a foot. God designed us certain ways for a reason. Some of us are introverts, some extroverts,some idealists and some realists, some go by their guts and some plan for months. God places us in the Body, to fulfill the plans He has for us, not necessarily to fulfill the plans we have for ourselves. How do we discover what our role in the Body is? By serving. We can take spiritual gift inventories and do studies on our "S.H.A.P.E" but until we serve, we will not be able to see if we fit. Or if we just manipulated the results to make us what we would LIKE to be. If you are not involved in your local Body (a.k.a. church) , GET INVOLVED. The Body will not function correctly without you. Let's not be the servant that buries the talent he is given, may we be the servant that invests it wisely.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Urgent Need
I hope that if you have found your way to this blog you will take the time to read this post. We have an urgent need that is going to determine if we are able to return to Echo Ranch. Not only that but I don't usually write these!
I would like to give you a brief history if I may. Amber and I started out serving with Avant Ministries (the parent organization for Echo Ranch Bible Camp) in January of 2009. Our first assignment was as a part of a church planting team to Verona, Italy. Over the course of the next two years we struggled greatly to raise our needed financial support and the arrival of our twin boys, while filling us with joy, complicated matters for our serving as missionaires. It was decided by Avant that we would leave the Italy team in January of 2011. At the end of February we were contacted about the ministry of Echo Ranch and the need for a Camp Pastor (someone whose primary responsibility was caring for the camp staff). After seeking the Lord we decided to go. This decision meant that Amber would leave her job, we would go on Cobra health insurance (yes it's expensive) and head to Echo Ranch for the summer underfunded but with the goal of returning home and raising the rest of our financial support in order to go back and join the staff full-time.
Our time at Echo Ranch really served to highlight the need for a Camp Pastor, the isolation of the camp and the rigors of the ministry take a toll on the staff and it is good for there to be someone available that they can talk to and trust and help them with their own spiritual walk. Several events that happened at camp really showed us that we were both needed and wanted. With that in mind, we returned home to obtain the rest of our financial support and head back this coming April.
Yet again we have met with disapointment and discouragement while trying to build a team of prayer and financial partners that will allow us to continue in this ministry. To date we have been informed by the leadership of Echo Ranch that unless we can reach 50% of our required support by the end of February we will not be returning to Echo Ranch. Even if we reach that goal we must have 80% by the middle of April in order to go back for this summer's ministry. For us to reach 50% requires an additional $1000/month in support. For us to reach 80% from where we currently are requires an additional $2700/month in support.
I am writing this blog and sharing it on Facebook to ask for your support. Anything that you may be able to contribute to this emergency need would be greatly appreciated. Even $10/month if shared among many people can help us reach this goal. Please understand that we want to meet with you we want to get to know you and build a relationship with you. However, our time frame will not allow us to meet everyone before we need to reach our goal. Please prayerfully consider supporting us with a monthly gift of $10 or more. Don't think that someone else will step up to meet this need, we need you! With your help we can return to the ministry of Echo Ranch Bible Camp and ensure that the staff will remain strong and healthy in thier own personal relationships with each other and our Lord Jesus Christ, even while they share their lives and minister to the kids of Southeast Alaska.
If you desire to help us you can set up your monthly gift at www.avantministries.org/give simply fill out the form and put our names (Joshua and Amber Paxton) in the missionary box.
We truly appreciate your sacrifice that we may serve in this capacity.
Thank you for your time and God bless you
Joshua Paxton
I would like to give you a brief history if I may. Amber and I started out serving with Avant Ministries (the parent organization for Echo Ranch Bible Camp) in January of 2009. Our first assignment was as a part of a church planting team to Verona, Italy. Over the course of the next two years we struggled greatly to raise our needed financial support and the arrival of our twin boys, while filling us with joy, complicated matters for our serving as missionaires. It was decided by Avant that we would leave the Italy team in January of 2011. At the end of February we were contacted about the ministry of Echo Ranch and the need for a Camp Pastor (someone whose primary responsibility was caring for the camp staff). After seeking the Lord we decided to go. This decision meant that Amber would leave her job, we would go on Cobra health insurance (yes it's expensive) and head to Echo Ranch for the summer underfunded but with the goal of returning home and raising the rest of our financial support in order to go back and join the staff full-time.
Our time at Echo Ranch really served to highlight the need for a Camp Pastor, the isolation of the camp and the rigors of the ministry take a toll on the staff and it is good for there to be someone available that they can talk to and trust and help them with their own spiritual walk. Several events that happened at camp really showed us that we were both needed and wanted. With that in mind, we returned home to obtain the rest of our financial support and head back this coming April.
Yet again we have met with disapointment and discouragement while trying to build a team of prayer and financial partners that will allow us to continue in this ministry. To date we have been informed by the leadership of Echo Ranch that unless we can reach 50% of our required support by the end of February we will not be returning to Echo Ranch. Even if we reach that goal we must have 80% by the middle of April in order to go back for this summer's ministry. For us to reach 50% requires an additional $1000/month in support. For us to reach 80% from where we currently are requires an additional $2700/month in support.
I am writing this blog and sharing it on Facebook to ask for your support. Anything that you may be able to contribute to this emergency need would be greatly appreciated. Even $10/month if shared among many people can help us reach this goal. Please understand that we want to meet with you we want to get to know you and build a relationship with you. However, our time frame will not allow us to meet everyone before we need to reach our goal. Please prayerfully consider supporting us with a monthly gift of $10 or more. Don't think that someone else will step up to meet this need, we need you! With your help we can return to the ministry of Echo Ranch Bible Camp and ensure that the staff will remain strong and healthy in thier own personal relationships with each other and our Lord Jesus Christ, even while they share their lives and minister to the kids of Southeast Alaska.
If you desire to help us you can set up your monthly gift at www.avantministries.org/give simply fill out the form and put our names (Joshua and Amber Paxton) in the missionary box.
We truly appreciate your sacrifice that we may serve in this capacity.
Thank you for your time and God bless you
Joshua Paxton
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Growing
The boys are learning things at lightning speed now. Everyday it seems like they are aquiring a new skill or doing something we have never seen them do before. As they learn,they turn to Josh and I, and smile at us, joy at their current accomplishment evident on their little cherub-like faces. We smile back, glowing with pride and love, and we encourage and cheer them on. Being a parent has given us both a new perspective on God as our Father. God is pleased when we learn to use the gifts He has given us. WE are pleased when we grow in Him. How He loves us!! The Maker of the universe glows when we do what He has designed us to do.He encourages us! He is our greatest cheerleader.However, sometimes being a parent is painful. We take the boys for shots and doctor visits and we also tell them "no", because we know what is best for them. We don't enjoy it but we know in the long run, it's not about what they WANT, it's about what they NEED. We feel mean and sometimes the boys may even think that we are mean, but our knowledge of the situation is greater than theirs. God sometimes lets us deal with painful or unpleasant things as well. He doesn't allow these things without a purpose in mind, without an ultimate goal to work out the situation for our good. Romans 8:28 clearly states that. We can rest assured in His love even during the hard times remembering that His knowledge is greater than ours. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 44:9). Come to Him, as His child, and share your hopes and fears. Pour out your heart to Him. Then trust that He knows what He is doing.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Plants of Unusual Size
I wrote this just before we left Alaska for Kansas City. I neglected to post it then, but I will do so now for your reading pleasure...
Yesterday was beautiful. It was sunny and warm. Today you can see your breath, or at least you could this morning, and as of just after lunch, the clouds and rain are back again. It's fall, but the only riot of color we have to signify it is the yellowing of the leaves of the plants on the ground, and two small deciduous trees planted behind the house. Pretty much all of the other trees here are conifers, or pine trees, so they are always green. The mushrooms are unlike anything I have ever seen. Most of them are poisonous, and they can grow to be quite large if left undisturbed. Alaska has the most interesting plants, and the very best part, no ticks or poison ivy! It does however have horseflies. It also has Devil's Club and Indian Rhubarb. Devil's Club looks like a big brown stick with spikes all over it. It has HUGE leaves, I am talking bigger than your head. It takes a bit, I am told, to get injured by the barbs, just brushing against it won't hurt you. You have to really smack it. Indian Rhubarb is fine coexisting with you, until you cause trauma to the plant somehow. The sap inside gets on your skin and can cause blistering sores and burning, especially if the affected skin is exposed to sunlight. A lady that was here on a work team thought it was Queen Anne's Lace because it has these delicate looking white flowers. It's a good thing she didn't pick any!
Yesterday was beautiful. It was sunny and warm. Today you can see your breath, or at least you could this morning, and as of just after lunch, the clouds and rain are back again. It's fall, but the only riot of color we have to signify it is the yellowing of the leaves of the plants on the ground, and two small deciduous trees planted behind the house. Pretty much all of the other trees here are conifers, or pine trees, so they are always green. The mushrooms are unlike anything I have ever seen. Most of them are poisonous, and they can grow to be quite large if left undisturbed. Alaska has the most interesting plants, and the very best part, no ticks or poison ivy! It does however have horseflies. It also has Devil's Club and Indian Rhubarb. Devil's Club looks like a big brown stick with spikes all over it. It has HUGE leaves, I am talking bigger than your head. It takes a bit, I am told, to get injured by the barbs, just brushing against it won't hurt you. You have to really smack it. Indian Rhubarb is fine coexisting with you, until you cause trauma to the plant somehow. The sap inside gets on your skin and can cause blistering sores and burning, especially if the affected skin is exposed to sunlight. A lady that was here on a work team thought it was Queen Anne's Lace because it has these delicate looking white flowers. It's a good thing she didn't pick any!
Skunk Cabbage Flowers
Close Up of Devil's Club
There are no skunks here, which surprised me, since they have a plant called "skunk cabbage". That's another odd looking plant. In the spring, it has huge yellow flowers, and by late summer, those flowers have turned green and the leaves surrounding them are the size of snowshoes! Bears like to eat them, but I'm not sure if they like the leaves or the flowers. I've also heard they can smell pretty bad if disturbed. I've never gotten close enough to find out.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Blue Skies
This is the first sunny day we have had in over two weeks. It started out as just a few patches in a mostly cloudy sky and I figured they were just "sucker holes" (see previous post) But then they began to join together and the sun started to shine through. I was getting the boys up from their first nap of the day, and started singing, "Let the sun shine, let the sun shine in..." and dancing around the room. I guess the lack of sunshine can do strange things to you (LOL). Although there was a distinctively fall-like chill in the air that reminded you that this is still September in Alaska, it was a glorious day. Which is good. Because our grocery truck got a flat somehow on it's way around the cove. Two people went out to help. They couldn't get the spare to release from the cable that holds it on, so a third person had to go out with cable cutters. By the time they were done, they were only 10 or 15 minutes from being caught by the tide. If it had been raining, I don't think they would have made it in time. All is well that ends well, right?
We have a retreat group here tonight that has been coming for a number of years and this is the first year in a long time that they have been able to have their campfire actually on the beach. Usually they have to cook their smores at the fireplace in the dining hall!!
The only real drawback (and I am by NO means complaining one bit, this is just an observation) to the awesome weather today is that the fireweed has gotten an opportunity to dry out and it is taking advantage of it by all going to "seed" at once, or as I like to call it, "poofing". There were so many fireweed seeds floating in the air today that it looked like it was snowing pretty much all afternoon. It was a sight to behold.
We have a retreat group here tonight that has been coming for a number of years and this is the first year in a long time that they have been able to have their campfire actually on the beach. Usually they have to cook their smores at the fireplace in the dining hall!!
The only real drawback (and I am by NO means complaining one bit, this is just an observation) to the awesome weather today is that the fireweed has gotten an opportunity to dry out and it is taking advantage of it by all going to "seed" at once, or as I like to call it, "poofing". There were so many fireweed seeds floating in the air today that it looked like it was snowing pretty much all afternoon. It was a sight to behold.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Say What?!
There are a couple of phrases we have learned here that I have never heard before. As winter approaches in Alaska, these two terms are in more and more frequent use. The first one is "sucker hole".
It rains a lot here in the fall. Weeks can go by without a single hour of sunshine. A sucker hole is a patch of beautiful, clear blue sky right in the middle of all these clouds. Your heart leaps for joy! It's going to clear up! And then.....it's gone, and you can almost hear it saying, "Sucker!!"
The second one is "termination dust". This one seems to be exclusively Alaskan. Termination dust is when the first hint of snow arrives on the surrounding mountain peaks. It signals that summer is "terminated" and winter is on its way. To me, the phrase sounds so final. It makes me think of a permanent ending, rather than a temporary parting. Although I don't know what I would use instead. Termination dust DOES have a bit of romantic flair to it...and after seven or eight months of winter, it probably feels like spring IS never coming back!
If you are interested in other Alaskan slang, here's a website for you! A little heads up though, there is one word listed that some parents might find questionable, so please view with discretion.
http://www.decorphoto.com/ak-slang.htm
It rains a lot here in the fall. Weeks can go by without a single hour of sunshine. A sucker hole is a patch of beautiful, clear blue sky right in the middle of all these clouds. Your heart leaps for joy! It's going to clear up! And then.....it's gone, and you can almost hear it saying, "Sucker!!"
The second one is "termination dust". This one seems to be exclusively Alaskan. Termination dust is when the first hint of snow arrives on the surrounding mountain peaks. It signals that summer is "terminated" and winter is on its way. To me, the phrase sounds so final. It makes me think of a permanent ending, rather than a temporary parting. Although I don't know what I would use instead. Termination dust DOES have a bit of romantic flair to it...and after seven or eight months of winter, it probably feels like spring IS never coming back!
If you are interested in other Alaskan slang, here's a website for you! A little heads up though, there is one word listed that some parents might find questionable, so please view with discretion.
http://www.decorphoto.com/ak-slang.htm
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Last Day of Camp
Friday was the long-anticipated last day of camp. The hard-working kitchen staff created a delicious feast last night, as a "thank you" for all of the counselor's hard work. It included steak, halibut, twice-baked potatoes, warm rolls and much more. Afterwards, a large group went down to the beach for a game or two of sand volleyball and some fireside fellowship. It has been a sweet time for them of relaxation (finally!) and friendship. Josh's last sermon to the counselors is about coming down from the mountain after experiencing the Transfiguration. This has been a mountain-top experience for many of them. It's so tempting to want to stay and not go back down to "the real world". Josh will be sharing with them why going down is important and what they can expect. It's a hard transition sometimes.
The twins are going to have their OWN transition time. They have been shown so much affection and attention by the counselors this summer that when they all leave tomorrow, I think the boys might just go through some kind of withdrawal! And although I have had a few rough days this summer, the next couple will likely be the hardest emotionally. Thankfully, my sister is coming to visit just in time.
God is awesome like that, because she didn't know that the counselors were leaving until after she had picked out her arrival date. Please pray for safety and smoothness in travel for her.
In other news, the boys have discovered horse poo. We took them to the park yesterday, since it was very nice and sunny out, and they played for a long time. Xander likes to pick stuff up and carry it around (I have a feeling that I will be finding rocks and other "treasures" in his pockets as he gets older) At one point he had two small sticks and a couple of pine cones. If the next item he finds is interesting enough, he will drop what he has and pick it up instead. I saw him pick something up, and from where I was, it looked like another pine cone, but I figured that I better investigate just in case.
When I got there, I could see it wasn't a pine cone, it looked like a clod of dirt. Except dirt doesn't clod here. It's too sandy. And he had pulled it apart so he had some in each hand. I called Josh over to help me get it out of his little talons. It must have felt kind of interesting because he did NOT want to release it. Thankfully, it was older horse poo, not fresh, especially since after we got the "dirt" out of his hands and headed home to clean up, Xander did what he usually does. He stuck his thumb in his mouth. Ugh. Well, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? Also, as we were pushing the stroller home a few days ago, Josiah decided that he needed to sample some of the local greenery. Unbeknownest to us, he grabbed a leaf off a wild rosebush (I think) as we passed by, and stuck it in his mouth. By the time we got home (probably a minute or so) he had decided he didn't like the taste but couldn't get it out of his mouth. So he started screaming. Which was when I saw the leaf on his tongue. I managed to fish it out and then gave him lots of water to rinse out the taste and also to wash out anything I might have missed. I was a bit worried at the time, not knowing if there were any poisonous plants here (I know what they are now) but he seems to have suffered no ill effects... Ahhhhh, adventures....
The twins are going to have their OWN transition time. They have been shown so much affection and attention by the counselors this summer that when they all leave tomorrow, I think the boys might just go through some kind of withdrawal! And although I have had a few rough days this summer, the next couple will likely be the hardest emotionally. Thankfully, my sister is coming to visit just in time.
God is awesome like that, because she didn't know that the counselors were leaving until after she had picked out her arrival date. Please pray for safety and smoothness in travel for her.
In other news, the boys have discovered horse poo. We took them to the park yesterday, since it was very nice and sunny out, and they played for a long time. Xander likes to pick stuff up and carry it around (I have a feeling that I will be finding rocks and other "treasures" in his pockets as he gets older) At one point he had two small sticks and a couple of pine cones. If the next item he finds is interesting enough, he will drop what he has and pick it up instead. I saw him pick something up, and from where I was, it looked like another pine cone, but I figured that I better investigate just in case.
When I got there, I could see it wasn't a pine cone, it looked like a clod of dirt. Except dirt doesn't clod here. It's too sandy. And he had pulled it apart so he had some in each hand. I called Josh over to help me get it out of his little talons. It must have felt kind of interesting because he did NOT want to release it. Thankfully, it was older horse poo, not fresh, especially since after we got the "dirt" out of his hands and headed home to clean up, Xander did what he usually does. He stuck his thumb in his mouth. Ugh. Well, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? Also, as we were pushing the stroller home a few days ago, Josiah decided that he needed to sample some of the local greenery. Unbeknownest to us, he grabbed a leaf off a wild rosebush (I think) as we passed by, and stuck it in his mouth. By the time we got home (probably a minute or so) he had decided he didn't like the taste but couldn't get it out of his mouth. So he started screaming. Which was when I saw the leaf on his tongue. I managed to fish it out and then gave him lots of water to rinse out the taste and also to wash out anything I might have missed. I was a bit worried at the time, not knowing if there were any poisonous plants here (I know what they are now) but he seems to have suffered no ill effects... Ahhhhh, adventures....
Monday, August 8, 2011
Finishing Well
This is the last week of camp. For most of the counselors, it got here far too quickly. In a little over a week, most of the counselors will be heading home, with memories of Echo Ranch forever in their hearts. It's also come too quickly for us. Although we will be here until mid-September , a part of us will go with all the counselors. We have enjoyed their company , their energy, their enthusiasm and their sweet spirits. The boys will also miss them, especially their "buddies". I know they will look for them for days after they have gone...
In the weeks to follow, there is a jam-packed schedule of retreats here which will tax the staff tremendously. Tired as many are, this is when patience may run thin and tempers may run hot. It's not an easy time, the staff is cut in half but the duties do not decrease. This is a time to guard our unity, to protect our fellowship, to be patient and kind with one another and to bear one anothers burdens.
We have been encouraging the counselors to finish well, but we need to do the same! We need to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He marked out this race, for us, just as He marked out YOUR race for you. And He will help both of us to rejoice in the path that He has chosen as we seek His provision and grace. May we not forget that the joy of the Lord IS our strength. What a gift He has given us, to be able to serve Him!
In the weeks to follow, there is a jam-packed schedule of retreats here which will tax the staff tremendously. Tired as many are, this is when patience may run thin and tempers may run hot. It's not an easy time, the staff is cut in half but the duties do not decrease. This is a time to guard our unity, to protect our fellowship, to be patient and kind with one another and to bear one anothers burdens.
We have been encouraging the counselors to finish well, but we need to do the same! We need to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He marked out this race, for us, just as He marked out YOUR race for you. And He will help both of us to rejoice in the path that He has chosen as we seek His provision and grace. May we not forget that the joy of the Lord IS our strength. What a gift He has given us, to be able to serve Him!
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Past Month
Once they hit the year mark, Josiah decided to become the fearless climber. He has climbed onto the couch, onto his crib, into dresser drawers, into chairs, and daily, he turns over his toy box, and balances on top of it, waving his arms, and shouting. Xander decided to be our talker. He says "cow" (although to him, a cow and a zebra are the same thing) Just this week, Xander was trying to get his shoes down from the table, and I asked if he wanted them. He looked at me and clearly said "shoes". I think he wanted them because he knows that if we put on their shoes, a trip to the park is coming. To give Josiah credit, I am pretty sure that he has learned the word "yes" although I am not yet sure if he knows what it means. He seems to know it is a response to a question though!
We also had a lovely anniversary in the past month! My very thoughtful husband arranged a night out for the just the two of us, and on our way home, Josh got to see his first bear!! It was super close. I literally could have hit it with the door of the car.
Josh has been giving most of the sermons and staff devotionals as well as trying to help with regular "camp stuff" when he is able. I have been able to drive a bus a few times this summer, and have really enjoyed getting to know some of the counselors. One of them is trying to teach me to crochet! I don't quite have the hang of it yet...
We were able to get into town a few weeks ago for the boys 12 month Doctor visit. They did great, especially considering how badly they were off schedule--their appointment was right in the middle of their usual nap. Josh was also able to get needed blood work done and we were able to get a few other long overdue tasks accomplished. The boys got a soft Tonka truck each afterwards for being so very good. They also had their 1st meal at the Golden Arches. McNuggets, apple dippers and milk. They loved it. We went shopping for some needed items, and the boys got to "drive" the car shopping cart, as it was a double seater (Thanks Lord!)
The theme for last month at camp was "Adventures on the High Seas" which was a lot of fun, and this month, every single day of the camp week is a different holiday (which means a lot of tear down and put up of decorations)
Bronco Camp--10 and 11 year olds--#2 was last week, and like the first one, so many kids had questions and were truly interested in spiritual things! Josh was able to be available during some devotions, and answer a number of the kids questions--and let me tell you, they had some good ones!
This blog is getting waaay too long, so I will try not to let so much time lapse before another update.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Firsts
We have had lots of firsts here in Alaska. I've killed my first crab, rode my first horse, and touched my first live starfish. Josh has created his first Chapel series, given his first daily devotionals, and he will be visiting his first Wilderness Camp this week. The boys will have their first birthdays this month. This is where they got their first mosquito bites and took their first steps. They had their first Cheerios here. They enjoyed their first time on a baby swing and their first trip down a slide. Soon they will have their first cake.
All these "firsts" remind me of the most important first. Keeping Jesus first. He is my first love.
Sometimes I struggle to keep my time with my Lord as a priority. Sometimes I'd rather sleep than study or I'd rather e-mail than pray. But without His direction, my day goes nowhere. Without seeking first (there it is again!!)His kingdom and His righteousness, my day is incomplete, and my efforts mostly ineffective. I want to give Jesus my best, not my leftovers. I don't want Him to be an afterthought, but the focus of my every thought. I need His guidance daily. We make time for what we love. We plan for it. We arrange things so that we can be involved in whatever it is. I commit to doing the same in my relationship with the One who loves me more than His own life. Let's put Him first no matter what else is on our schedule!
All these "firsts" remind me of the most important first. Keeping Jesus first. He is my first love.
Sometimes I struggle to keep my time with my Lord as a priority. Sometimes I'd rather sleep than study or I'd rather e-mail than pray. But without His direction, my day goes nowhere. Without seeking first (there it is again!!)His kingdom and His righteousness, my day is incomplete, and my efforts mostly ineffective. I want to give Jesus my best, not my leftovers. I don't want Him to be an afterthought, but the focus of my every thought. I need His guidance daily. We make time for what we love. We plan for it. We arrange things so that we can be involved in whatever it is. I commit to doing the same in my relationship with the One who loves me more than His own life. Let's put Him first no matter what else is on our schedule!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Changing
The weather here has been interesting lately. It is cloudy and rainy all morning and into the afternoon, and then it clears up and its a beautiful evening. All the rain has made the ground just transform since we got here a month ago. The brownish grasses have turned green, trees are budding and little buttercup yellow flowers have popped up all over the place. It is becoming a lush forest right before my eyes, seemingly overnight!
The boys are blooming too. They seem bigger everyday, and Josiah is a downright pro when it comes to walking now--and it only took him a week to perfect it. Xander is a big snuggler and will try (and usually like) any food you give him. He's also working on walking. They can clap and give people five--although it usually ends up being 15 or 20 instead :) They both have been very social and love all the attention that the staff and retreat groups have given them. They will smile, laugh at, and play with anyone at all. They play with each other now too, tackling each other and rolling around as they scream with laughter. It is so much fun to be their mommy.
God is changing me too. He's teaching me to trust Him, and strengthening parts of my walk with Him that had gotten weak. He's given me great opportunities to talk with and build relationships with women at this latest retreat. AND, He's helping me to be a little less of a "city girl". A little.
The boys are blooming too. They seem bigger everyday, and Josiah is a downright pro when it comes to walking now--and it only took him a week to perfect it. Xander is a big snuggler and will try (and usually like) any food you give him. He's also working on walking. They can clap and give people five--although it usually ends up being 15 or 20 instead :) They both have been very social and love all the attention that the staff and retreat groups have given them. They will smile, laugh at, and play with anyone at all. They play with each other now too, tackling each other and rolling around as they scream with laughter. It is so much fun to be their mommy.
God is changing me too. He's teaching me to trust Him, and strengthening parts of my walk with Him that had gotten weak. He's given me great opportunities to talk with and build relationships with women at this latest retreat. AND, He's helping me to be a little less of a "city girl". A little.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sometimes You Have To Ask
One of the fun little duties that I've been able to perform during the retreats here at the camp is getting to serve the food. Each server gets assigned to an item, and then as the plate is passed down the line, the server asks if the person would like their particular item. I had the rolls, and the answer was yes every time. Seriously, not one single "no". The girl next to me had peas. She was not so lucky.
After I had served the last person a roll, it hit me that not one person asked for an additional roll. They were pretty small and I would not have been surprised, nor would I have refused them had they asked, but no one did. God brought some verses to mind as I pondered this:
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you...
James 4:2 You do not have because you do not ask God...
John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you...
Luke 18:1-5 The parable of the persistent widow which is given to show us that we should always pray and not give up...
Sometimes, to receive what you want or even need, you have to ASK for it. It may feel awkward, you may feel greedy or silly, or like a pest, but sometimes you have to ask. Sometimes you have to ask for guidance, sometimes you have to ask for provision or help, and sometimes, you have to ask for that "extra roll".
Now, it's not because God doesn't know our needs. He most assuredly knows. But He has reasons for instructing us to ask Him. Here are just a few. It keeps us humble. It keeps us focused on the Provider rather than the provisions. It teaches us to trust.
Interestingly enough, after God brought this to mind, I discovered that the staff study we will be doing this summer was along the same lines -- asking God and trusting Him to answer.
So, learn along with me, to place your wants, concerns, and needs in His care--ask Him for His help, and for His guidance. He tells us to!!
After I had served the last person a roll, it hit me that not one person asked for an additional roll. They were pretty small and I would not have been surprised, nor would I have refused them had they asked, but no one did. God brought some verses to mind as I pondered this:
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you...
James 4:2 You do not have because you do not ask God...
John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you...
Luke 18:1-5 The parable of the persistent widow which is given to show us that we should always pray and not give up...
Sometimes, to receive what you want or even need, you have to ASK for it. It may feel awkward, you may feel greedy or silly, or like a pest, but sometimes you have to ask. Sometimes you have to ask for guidance, sometimes you have to ask for provision or help, and sometimes, you have to ask for that "extra roll".
Now, it's not because God doesn't know our needs. He most assuredly knows. But He has reasons for instructing us to ask Him. Here are just a few. It keeps us humble. It keeps us focused on the Provider rather than the provisions. It teaches us to trust.
Interestingly enough, after God brought this to mind, I discovered that the staff study we will be doing this summer was along the same lines -- asking God and trusting Him to answer.
So, learn along with me, to place your wants, concerns, and needs in His care--ask Him for His help, and for His guidance. He tells us to!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Hidden
The rain has finally mostly stopped. It's been raining for pretty much a full week. The puddles were getting HUGE. The ground here just soaks it up though, and the puddles seem to disappear once the rain stops for a few hours. It's nice to be able to see the mountains again. There were a few days when every mountain in the area, even the very close ones, were completely obscured from view. The fog/mist/clouds were so thick that you could not even see the outline of them. They were there, but hidden. Sometimes, the Christian walk can be like that. God is there, steadfast and immovable, just like the mountains. You know He is there, but sometimes He feels far away and distant. You can't see what He is doing, and it can be a very hard time. But then the Son comes out and clears the clouds away and you are transfixed by the majesty that He reveals.
Last night was a special night--Girls Night Out. It was my first time out of camp since being here, and my first time on the "Blondina" (The barge/boat that they use to bring the fuel truck in). It was a fun, if chilly, ride. We got to shop when we got into town. My group went to "Fred Meyer" which is like a big Walmart. Then we went to eat at a local Mexican restaurant. We also got to talk to a woman who raised her 4 month old at Echo Ranch when she was on staff here, so it was good to hear her thoughts. Josh also got to go into town yesterday and while he was there, he saw an eagle!
The boys are adjusting well, but seem to be getting a cold. In spite of that, they are their normal, smiley selves. We would love it if you prayed for them though. I know they are uncomfortable.
They have low grade fevers and runny noses, as well as a little cough. Pray also for Josh as he finds his place here at ERBC and for my adjustment as well.
Last night was a special night--Girls Night Out. It was my first time out of camp since being here, and my first time on the "Blondina" (The barge/boat that they use to bring the fuel truck in). It was a fun, if chilly, ride. We got to shop when we got into town. My group went to "Fred Meyer" which is like a big Walmart. Then we went to eat at a local Mexican restaurant. We also got to talk to a woman who raised her 4 month old at Echo Ranch when she was on staff here, so it was good to hear her thoughts. Josh also got to go into town yesterday and while he was there, he saw an eagle!
The boys are adjusting well, but seem to be getting a cold. In spite of that, they are their normal, smiley selves. We would love it if you prayed for them though. I know they are uncomfortable.
They have low grade fevers and runny noses, as well as a little cough. Pray also for Josh as he finds his place here at ERBC and for my adjustment as well.
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Calm Before the Storm
They tell us that it is the calm before the storm here. Retreat groups start today, and it will only get busier from here on out. So we should enjoy the relative quiet and calmness of this morning and afternoon, because it won't last!! Today is the first cloudy day this week. And interestingly enough, it is the day the work team working on the girls bath house returns home. They worked super hard. Some of the men were up at 4am!! The men did the lifting and gluing, tearing out the old and putting in the new, etc. and the women cleaned and scrubbed until their hands were red (and then some). God gave them perfect weather to work in while they were here. They were a huge blessing to Echo Ranch and to us personally. God even used them to answer an unspoken desire of my heart! When we left our home in Missouri, I wasn't really all that sad about leaving OUR things but I was upset by having to leave the boys favorite toys that were too big to pack, like their push cars and "bike". While the team was here, they asked what we wished we could have brought with us, and we told them about the push cars and bike. As a gift to us, they want to purchase ones for us to use here. I started crying when they told me. I can't describe how special that is to me. They also watched the boys so that Josh and I could spend some precious time together. We got to walk along the beach and explore the camp a little more, which was fun. So thank you Lakewood EFC in Baxter, MN!! God definitely used you to encourage and inspire us!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Settling In
Now that we have been here a week, I think we are settling in. The boys have pretty much adjusted and are enjoying all the attention they are getting here. Each meal is served in the dining hall, which is maybe a quarter mile from our house. We put hats and coats on the boys (sounds easier than it is) load them up in the stroller, tuck blankets around them and start walking. It took us a bit to get a routine down because you don't wear your shoes in the apartment if you can help it.(the sand sticks to your soles especially when it's rainy and well, you can't always avoid the horse poo since it is all over the place) After we get them situated, Josiah usually chatters on the way there and on the way back. The meals have been great here. If you are a crab fan, you would be jealous because tonight we had freshly caught crab from the bay! I didn't have it because I am allergic to crab and shrimp and the like, but many people really enjoyed it. Other favorites like baked oatmeal, pancakes and egg casserole have been served for breakfast, and we had pizza one night! We even had a cookout on the beach complete with smores! It's a good thing we have to walk everywhere!We have not been back into town yet, but we have given our shopping lists to others here and so I hope to have some Diet Coke brought in! Josh is really enjoying getting to know the staff here. It's been harder for me to talk to people because I am so focused on the Twinkies, but I am everyone has been very helpful and sweet and ready to hold/feed/ talk to - but maybe not so much diaper ;) - a baby . There is a work team here to help remodel the girls bathhouse, and Josh has been joining in a Bible study with them as well. I look forward to getting together with some of the girls on staff in the next few days or so. Having the babies here also seems to be a ministry in itself, as peoples faces light up every time they see them. After all, who can resist a sweet baby snuggle?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Getting Here
God gifted us with a wonderful friend who flew with us to Alaska. He also gave us great traveling mercies.
All flights were on time or early and all of our luggage made it (This was not the case for our friend when returning. They lost her bag AND her flight had an hour delay) The boys were troopers and did great especially on the leg from KC to Seattle. But I can tell you, not one kid on that plane enjoyed the changing table in the restroom. So thank God for another answered prayer--no poopy diapers until we arrived in Juneau!! (I really did pray for that!) For the most part, the boys did really well.
As you read earlier, Juneau is inaccessible except by boat or plane. In addition, the CAMP is only accessible to drive to during low tide and by 4-wheel drive vehicles. We missed the window and had to stay in town for the night. Sounds great, right? Except that they haven't had babies for so long at Echo Ranch that there was nowhere for them to sleep in the dorm where we stayed. Once they calmed down from their extreme tiredness, we boxed them in between some bunk beds and I slept on the floor with them. We survived that first rough night and the next morning, we headed for ERBC. The trip is NOT for the faint of heart. The rocks and ever-changing sandbars make for a very jarring and slightly scary ride! Suffice it to say, I am going to wait a bit before I go back into town!
When we arrived at the building that we would be staying in and were shown to our apartment, I was really excited. The rooms seemed huge to me, and in the boys room sat two new cribs, just for them. I set them down and let them explore their new digs. The place is perfect for us. It has two swiveling rockers (prayed for something to rock the boys in too!) and a sofa and a kitchen table with two chairs. The windows ALL have views of either the bay or the mountains. So far, the only downside is the mosquitoes! I'm pretty sure I saw one big enough to cast it's own shadow!! We have seen whales daily in the bay, and if you are outside, you can hear them too, as they surface. We even saw an eagle! This is by far the most amazing place I have ever visited, let alone lived.
All flights were on time or early and all of our luggage made it (This was not the case for our friend when returning. They lost her bag AND her flight had an hour delay) The boys were troopers and did great especially on the leg from KC to Seattle. But I can tell you, not one kid on that plane enjoyed the changing table in the restroom. So thank God for another answered prayer--no poopy diapers until we arrived in Juneau!! (I really did pray for that!) For the most part, the boys did really well.
As you read earlier, Juneau is inaccessible except by boat or plane. In addition, the CAMP is only accessible to drive to during low tide and by 4-wheel drive vehicles. We missed the window and had to stay in town for the night. Sounds great, right? Except that they haven't had babies for so long at Echo Ranch that there was nowhere for them to sleep in the dorm where we stayed. Once they calmed down from their extreme tiredness, we boxed them in between some bunk beds and I slept on the floor with them. We survived that first rough night and the next morning, we headed for ERBC. The trip is NOT for the faint of heart. The rocks and ever-changing sandbars make for a very jarring and slightly scary ride! Suffice it to say, I am going to wait a bit before I go back into town!
When we arrived at the building that we would be staying in and were shown to our apartment, I was really excited. The rooms seemed huge to me, and in the boys room sat two new cribs, just for them. I set them down and let them explore their new digs. The place is perfect for us. It has two swiveling rockers (prayed for something to rock the boys in too!) and a sofa and a kitchen table with two chairs. The windows ALL have views of either the bay or the mountains. So far, the only downside is the mosquitoes! I'm pretty sure I saw one big enough to cast it's own shadow!! We have seen whales daily in the bay, and if you are outside, you can hear them too, as they surface. We even saw an eagle! This is by far the most amazing place I have ever visited, let alone lived.
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