in my mind

This weekend was awesome, one of those personal breakthrough times for me. He’s changing me, and I’m working on doing my part. Constant growth takes WORK! I’m ready to get dirty, and work hard.

Reading 1 Samuel and Psalms is changing my perspective, getting the truth in my life and helping me – the Bible really works.

Mohan turned 29 today. He’s trying to catch up with me, but he will not! I hope he enjoyed his presents, I always think too hard about what to get. Oh, I should have got him a puppy!

Can’t wait to hang out with friends this week! Seems like we’ve been gone so much, good to be here, and connecting with people.

Doing my homework from Logos last week – it is definitely helping me.

Planning a quick trip to Illinois – check on the house, check on the peeps. Will it be in the next couple weeks, or in September?

I’m now seeing a Neurologist for some strange numbness that I’ve been experiencing for a while. Keeping my eyes on Jesus, not on a condition or possible scenario.

Responsibility is a good thing, sometimes it’s hard to get started, but once you take responsibility things start working.

At this stage in my life, I am not interested in pets.

I have been thinking about my family more lately, especially my grandparents. Jesus bless and keep them.

I really don’t want to clean the bathroom. Ugh. Oh yea, responsibility J

Following up on possible Xmin students this week. I know God will bring the right ones.

I’m working on stream lining my menu planning and grocery shopping. Thanks for the tips and links Netta!

Be happy

God’s word is so amazing. I am convinced that it is truth and the more I read it, the more it becomes a part of me, and I am changed! It’s not just a spiritual answer, it’s a practical answer.

Life is hard sometimes, I know things come up and struggles can seem to come out of nowhere. But we have more than an advantage as Christians; we have a living God in us, who is the author and finisher! There is no need to let life ruin you, not for a moment, or a week or a year. You may not be exempt from bad things happening, even if you are a super-good person. But in everything, there is purpose. And it is my choice and your choice to find God’s purpose for your life…and glorify him. I can’t say what God’s answer is for every need that you or I have, but I can reassure you that He is sovereign, and if you look to Him, he will eventually show you his plan. Don’t get consumed with the situation you are in, find God’s perspective. Listen to those around you that you trust, and listen to God. Find comfort in the fact that God is in control, and stop trying to control your life through the good or the bad times.

God brings hope, love, joy, a future – all you have to do is take it. Don’t be bound by this thing that is consuming you, declare that God is love, is true, is life. Declare it until you believe it, and you’ll start to see the many ways that God is working, even in your pain. Choose to smile, and choose to take the hope God gives you.

“Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” Psalm 62:8 (AMP)

“But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” Psalm 71:14-15 (NLT)

 

Last night we met for Logos, our Wednesday night study/small group time. Every week God speaks to us, and last night we focused on making plans that will allow change to happen in us. After all, if we’re attending church multiple times a week, and we’re not growing then something is wrong – with us, not the church! Make a plan and take action, I love it! Now, we just have to do it!

I’m really happy being back in Detroit, back to work, to ministry and Real Church. I feel so passionate about living with passion, purpose and to Glorify God. Even pain can glorify him, if you give him glory through it.  I’m praying for miracles all around me!

I can see Russia from my house

We just returned from Alaska. One week in the Last Frontier. I learned a lot. It was a great trip, full of adventures and fun times, but the challenge is how to put it all into words, do you ever feel like your mind is going so fast, but you can’t really figure out what’s going on? It always takes me time to process, so I’ll try to give a recap.

Mohan and I, along with his parents who currently live in Fairbanks, traveled to Denali National Park and to Valdez, AK. I knew we would be doing some sightseeing, but still had no idea what to expect. The scenery, the wildlife, and the views were completely overwhelming. Alaska is so big, the mountains and va leys and landscapes go on and on for as far as you can see, for hours! And you see the animals in their habitat; it’s nothing like the zoo. I don’t know if every tourist has as great of an experience as we did. You don’t see the good stuff unless you stick it out and pay attention. There was a lot of time spent driving, and waiting, but our patience certainly paid off. There was a bus tour through the national park, and a boat tour to the glaciers. Every animal or creature spotted would get fingers pointing, and cameras clicking.

I love history, and learning about cultures, I found myself interested the entire time. I read up on the places while driving, or ask questions to anyone who seemed to know. If you’ve heard enough you can stop here. The rest are some things I learned, and some observations about our travels:

Alaska is very remote, and life can be isolated. On an 8 hour drive we went through maybe 3 towns that were on the map, but honestly if you didn’t slow down, you had no idea you just drove through a town. We ate at roadhouses, and used outhouses.

Public restrooms are a learning experience, and a test of character. We used so many ‘questionable facilities’ while traveling in Alaska. Yea, you might think you would hold it at that point, until you realize there won’t be another toilet for a hundred miles or more. When you gotta go…

They definitely drink coffee in Alaska, but no starbucks or caribou instead they have these tiny buildings equipped with all the coffee shop equipment and a drive through window. You find these everywhere you find civilization, or a highway. You can get any espresso, coffee, tea, and food, and they all have funny names! They are open all year round, what a great idea!

Keep bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and toilet paper with you at all times.

In the summer the sun doesn’t go down, right now Fairbanks has about 22 hours of sunlight. You have to get these heavy duty shades to make it dark enough to go to sleep.

I don’t think you should wait until you get the senior discount to see Alaska, it’s too awesome.

Mt. McKinley is 20,320 feet high, the highest peak in the U.S. We only saw a third, or maybe ½ of the mountain because of the clouds that were covering it. There were 243 people attempting to climb it on the day we were there. Maybe next time.

Pack a lunch and bring extra water. You never know where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there; there are no McDonalds in the wilderness. We ate lots of sandwiches, granola bars, and vitamin water.

Alaska has 1.1 people per square mile, millions of acres of wilderness, and has only been a state for 50 years. Half of the state’s population of 680,000 lives in Anchorage.

You can have fun anywhere – if you are a fun person! We planned the end of our trip to have a couple days in Anchorage, over July 4^th, also known as our anniversary. It was super fun to celebrate our first anniversary together in such a crazy place. I think both of us were expecting more of a booming metropolis, some of the Alaskans had talked it up. But it was fun times in the city. We found a really cool restaurant, but it was still bright outside at midnight, so no fireworks for us. Anchorage has a pretty cool art scene, and it seems that many Alaskans have their own little business ventures going on…Alaskan crafts, biscotti, getting trinkets shipped in from China. There was a weekend market which had tons of street food and live entertainment. A three member worship band sang “victory in Jesus” and others; there was even a hip hop crew that gave a performance!

To appreciate Alaska, you must embrace the outdoors, but more than that – God’s wonderful creation! “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God!” Psalm 36:5-7

Every time I return from a trip, no matter if its ministry, family or vacation, I always find myself so happy to be home. My head is spinning and my heart is full! Go to Alaska if you get a chance, for now there’s work to do in Detroit.

almost one year

Wow, it has almost been one year since Mohan married me! We now refer to our dating period as “the old days”! Ha. It’s been a great year, I just cannot believe how the time goes by. This time last year seems like a blur to me. Here’s what I was doing just in June and July 08 (not in any order)…trying to quit my job at Stone Creek Church, planning my wedding, Chicago outreach, traveled to Amy’s wedding, trained my replacement, high school graduations, meeting new family and friends, saying goodbye to everyone, resigned as a youth leader, marriage counseling :), packing up my apt. and Mo’s house, moving to Michigan, honeymoon to Paris, reception and family in Minnesota, trips back to Illinois, marriage, starting over in Detroit, new apartment, attending Real Church and meeting my new friends….whew! It was a whirlwind, but it was awesome. I hardly did anything “normal” last summer, such as go to the park, or swim, or ride my bike.

Now, this summer i still haven’t done anything too normal – i’m planning to ride my bike and go to the metro parks. But it will have to wait until July since we leave this coming Sunday for vacation!! It does seem that I am always going somewhere. It’s not that I’m avoiding Francy Zagar, its just that our paths don’t seem to cross very easily. We will have to work on that :)

Mo has the week off before the fourth, and it’s an extra blessing that it falls on our wedding anniversary. So we will be traveling to Alaska to see his parents and see some of the sights that we’ve missed on other trips. We’re going to see glaciers and mountains and bears and moose and stuff like that. My goal is to go kayaking or skydiving, either one is fine.

I feel so blessed to be able to travel. When I was a kid, growing up in Minnesota, we hardly ever traveled. Our vacations usually were camping trips or family visits to relatives in Iowa or northern MN. We had a happy childhood, but never really went too far. There are still tons of places in the states and all over the world that I want to see! My list is constantly growing. I think it is awesome that I’ve been able to travel these past few years, and I hope my family gets to see more than I ever saw growing up. I have big plans!

It’s really fun to look back and remember what you’ve been through – the good and the not so fun. Being married is awesome, I wouldn’t trade any of it! And being in the will of God is amazing, no worries here!

Weekend in Louisville

We just returned from a weekend road trip to Louisville, Kentucky. We attended a wedding of some friends from Champaign, IL.
What do you do on road trips? Play the alphabet game, talk on the phone, text, read? I usually listen to an audio book with Mo, until I can’t stay awake anymore! I also spend a lot of time looking around and thinking really random thoughts while we drive, and even while in rooms full of people, especially when I hardly know them. I think about what people’s lives are like, what life is like in certain places and what types of things I might have in common with where I am, or who I am around. Sometimes it’s easy to feel unrelated, and other times I could see myself there. Maybe this makes no sense at all, hmmm.

I think it’s good to travel, even if it is just a road trip to a nearby place. Even right outside of your city, there are people and places that are different than you. Different is good. It challenges us to evaluate who we are and why. It helps us to relate better, and to realize that the world is bigger than us and what we see. Sometimes we start to think that our location is the center of the world, when indeed it is not. It’s simply where we have been placed. There are so many people out there who are living real lives, in their situation and in their location. Do you ever wonder what life is like for the people down the street? in the neighboring city? in Louisville KY? Ha, I’m sure you do! People need hope, and it’s not just one kind of person, or one place. It’s all over, and wherever we go, we must bring it.

It’s good to be home! I love coming home, especially when the apartment is fairly clean :) I hate unpacking, although I did it right away this time, it’s just the random things from the car that are left to put away. We saw some cool stuff in Louisville…we tried to find art galleries and antiques, but it ended up being the wrong time, wrong place type of thing. We hung out with some friends that Mo has known for a while through grad school, and enjoyed good conversation. We saw the large Louisville Slugger Bat, which is six stories tall! And we attended the wedding, which was cool, not the type of Catholic ceremony I expected, but definitely thought provoking. Louisville is an interesting place, I’m not sure what I think of it. If you have seen the movie Elizabethtown, i imagine it’s an accurate picture of the culture :) My conclusion is that it is very hot and humid.

time for purpose

It’s funny how time just keeps going. From week to week it seems I do similar things, and go many of the same places…work, church, the store, etc. Whenever you meet up with people, within the first few minutes one or the other usually asks “how are you?” or “what have you been up to?”. I want my response to be appropriate. Even though I may not be doing anything at that moment, in my mind I am filing through all of the moments that i’ve spent. Some of them busy, some fun, most of them productive and all of them a blessing. No matter what I’m doing or what takes up my time, my goal is to be purposeful. Lately I have felt good about remembering to find purpose, whether it’s spending time with friends, children, new tiny babies, studying, practicing, cleaning, cooking, working, relaxing, exercising, conversation. All of it has a purpose. I know that when I lack this feeling or sense of purpose, that it’s time for a readjustment in my thinking. Afterall, the Bible says let everything you do be unto the Lord.

There is so much to be thankful for. When I think back on just this past week or so, I’ve been given many opportunities to do things, and have had so much fun doing them. There are tough times too, but even in those times there is still purpose to be found and so much to be thankful for. I admit sometimes I forget to find purpose in situations and enjoy the moments that life brings…I tend to be much more like Martha, when I should be following Mary’s example.

Some of the highlights the past few days have been…date night with my husband, morning prayer times (I don’t work at 430am everyday anymore!), sitting on our balcony with the cute lights surrounded by our container garden, the fireworks that we watched the other night, helping others, being in the sunshine, and learning more and more about Jesus and His purpose for my life. I’m determined to keep track of all the “to be thankful for” moments, I think we should take advantage of all the time we’ve been given, and make the most of every opportunity.

my week

Is it just me, or is the start of summer feeling quite busy? Maybe it’s looking forward and realizing all of the events and dates that are all spoken for. But even so, I feel that lately when I talk to people they are busy and more busy – running around, doing things outside…I suppose it’s the season. Michigan winters are cold, so once it warms up there’s tons of stuff to do. I really want to get my bike out and actually ride it this year! I should do that before it becomes one of those things that was a nice idea. I have a lot of nice ideas, but I rarely do them all. I am trying to be more disciplined with my time, cutting out general tv watching and trying to reign in those days where I say I have a lot to do, but can’t really tell you what I got done. Anyone feel me on this?! I hate that feeling, so I’m going to go back and look at my process and try once again to start Getting Things Done! I know it will work, it must! I cannot give up. Oh, I saw this awesome article on wiki how about making a dress out of an old bedsheet – looks awesome, but I don’t think I can make time for this project right now, that one goes on the someday/maybe list.

Are they still debating if sugar makes children hyper? I know it makes their teeth rot. It made mine feel fuzzy yesterday, yuck! I don’t normally eat a ton of sugar, but every once in a while you have to live on the edge right?! Lately I’ve been looking into doctors and health insurance stuff, so health has been on my mind. Oh, and it’s swimsuit season, and everyone’s comparing tans and concerned about watching their figure. I think it’s important, and yes I definitely want to be healthy. But at the same time, I want to have fun. Many things in life are about balance. I suppose I should watch my sugar intake…Zoe and I hung out at the mall yesterday, we played with puppies at the pet store, looked at clothes and accessories and bags, and visited the candy store. It was so fun, she is a delight to hang out with and so smart, I am positive that it’s a reflection of being in a wonderful family! At the candy store we piled a little of this and a little of that into some goodie bags and headed on our way…a few minutes later we were ordering at dairy queen. Yes, possibly we had a bit too much sugar for one afternoon, but we did have fun, and it was a beautiful day that needed something sweet. I am sure I spoiled her dinner, and I can just see all the moms shaking their head at me in disapproval. Sorry, Netta!

Speaking of sweet things, I have privileged to spend some time with a very lovely tiny girl and her mommy this week. Brooke and Steve had their baby girl, Alethia Hope, and she is so sweet. I have been learning all kinds of things about babies and mommies, very enlightening!

Mohan and I are coming up on one year, this July 4th! I don’t know what exactly we’ll do to celebrate, but one thing I’ve been doing already is reflecting and wondering how a whole year goes by so quickly! Someone asked me the other day if it was worth it, and I practically fell out of my seat, I don’t usually get animated… but this one called for it. Of course it’s worth it!! And more than just being married to the most wonderful man, being in the will of God with him is the best feeling ever. It’s been a great year, while it’s fun to look back, it’s even more fun to look ahead! I would recommend marriage to anyone. Of course, don’t get ahead of God, and also – let him pick the guy. It works much better this way! Ok, perhaps more on this subject later. Maybe you can share what you did to celebrate your first, or any anniversary?

I’ve got things to do and little time to do them! Have a great week, and take advantage of the beautiful weather!

It’s about time

Here’s a recap of my life lately, a few things have ‘lessons learned’ mixed in. It’s not too interesting, but I have been enjoying life. Maybe something here will encourage you, i certainly am not trying to impress you. Hehe

God’s timing is perfect. Last week Mohan and I embarked on a journey to minnesota, where my family considers home. My grandfather passed away, and on my dad’s side my grandmother went into the hospital. We packed up the car and tied up as many loose ends as possible and headed out there. On the way, the call came that grandma wouldn’t be with us much longer. We were prepared for the worst, but in fact God had something else in mind. In hindsight, I feel as though God was preparing me for this for quite some time. The past months and even the past year has been an amazing journey of transitions, change, new things and more time than usual with family. I confess, family has not always been a priority to me, and I can see how God has been changing my heart, challenging me to love them and reach out to them. I have enjoyed conversations, visits and participating more in family this year. I have also been praying for my family for many different needs. All of this was preparation for a tiring, but valuable visit last week. We spent hours in the hospital with grandma, two of my brothers and 2 aunts traveled from out of state, we ate together, worked outside on the farm, played with the niece and nephew, traveled up north for grandpa’s funeral and spent more time with the other side of the family, ate cheese curds (had to add that in), and drove a lot. There were so many people praying for us, and we felt it. It’s amazing to be part of a family. What seems like such a sad moment in our lives – God used it for a purpose. We were able to see so many of our family that we don’t normally see. A good number of them Mo had never even met! We spent quality time with our immediate family and specifically with grandma and grandpa, by the way grandma made it through and is still with us!

I am definitely happy to be “home” in Michigan. It’s funny, somewhere in the past few months i’ve begun referring to here as home :) I like it. I absolutely love the wonderful Real Church team and there are so many amazing things on the horizon. I am looking forward to some new adventures, and working harder on some of the projects and endeavors I’ve had on my radar. Xmin is around the corner. Lots of prayer and preparation is going into this. It’s always good to go away, I feel a renewed passion for life and the things I return to, not to mention I appreciate “our home” more every time I leave.

We planted a container garden on our balcony a couple of weeks ago. Right now we have a variety of tomatoes, peppers, onions, herbs and some flowers. We purchased those Aqua Globes to keep them watered while we were away, we’re not really sure if they work, but the vegetables and herbs look good. I can’t wait to use some fresh herbs in the kitchen! And I can’t wait to see if the tomatoes are actually purple!

I met Herschel the other day. He is so cute :) thanks Netta for your time and for sharing your life with me!

Identify & Know who you’re NOT

Lately I’ve really been trying my best to identify with Jesus. There’s really no good reason to identify too closely with any other person or ideal; that just leads to no good. I guess you could say that Jesus knew who he was, He knew who his father was who was the one that sent him to earth and he knew what he was supposed to be doing. What an example!

The other day I read that scripture from Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” I’ve heard many sermons on this, and relating to many aspects of life. But if you think about it for a minute, our heart is what gives us life, all parts of our life are related our heart, physically and spiritually. If our heart is not in tune with Jesus, it is impossible to become like him. And if we don’t know Him, how can we know what true life is all about or find purpose in the life that we have?

Of course there’s more to this. Following Jesus’ example, we should know who we are, and who we are NOT. The first part of this comes up often in my conversations with God. I am always talking to Him about knowing who I am and knowing my purpose. But what about knowing who I’m not? That might be good, so I don’t try to be somebody else. There’s nothing worse that someone who’s trying to be something they’re not. When we are not being like Jesus in this regard, we can easily fall into the comparison trap, or the copying trap, or the trap of trying too hard to live up to other’s expectations of us. Has this ever happened to you?

I am preaching to the choir here.

So, how do you develop a good understanding of who you are?

 

 

This verse

During this past week of prayer I read this verse, Galatians 5:25 and I cannot forget it, so I thought I’d share it with you.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

I think maybe I missed it before because it’s right after this famous verse.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

And then right after it comes this exhortation.

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:26

I love the Word of God!