EU: Beloved Scotland

Our flight to Amsterdam was uneventful, though we were spread by ones (except the little ones) throughout the plane, thanks to Delta.. ;P (Practicing my gratefulness already! =D) Our flight was less than 10 hours, which isn't bad at all.

Delta has this new Safety video, all on the '80s.... If you can find it, watch it! It is hilarious...

I sat in between a young lady from Munich, Germany who was returning from vacationing in Hawai'i, and a gentleman originally from Jordan, and returning to visit his ill mother. Though we exchanged pleasantries, it was a little difficult to carry on a full-length conversation because of accents and limited English... 

 A photo of our travels from Portland to Amsterdam--notice we flew over Greenland!!! Oh yeah, baby!

Mostly, I spent my time thinking, journaling, reading, praying, and listening to music... My cousin introduced Mama and I to the book 'Equipped To Love' by Norm Wakefield last year (about building idolatry-free relationships, including parents, friends, and God) and with my crazy Autumn, I only finished the first chapter, despite my carrying it with me wherever I go...thus, I brought it with me, and already have been so encouraged by the truths spoken in it. 

I look forward to sharing highlights when I have time...but not today. :)

Eating LUNCH in Holland!!

So....we arrived in Amsterdam (woohoo!! As Mama is Dutch), and ended up spending over 6 hours there because we ended up missing our connecting flight to Edinburgh.....which messed up our afternoon's plans of the boy's golfing St. Andrews, and the girls' horseback riding....but we were able to get some much needed nourishment and rest on benches instead!!

Just to make sure I remember....

Papa also checked on our return flights from Europe, as there was concern that they might have been canceled too, and sure enough, they had been!! This time however, they were able to get all of us kids on, but not sure for Mama and Papa...  However, I think it will work out just fine...still, talk about crazy communication!!

I love having a 2-time watch, so I can compare what all my friends and family are doing at home at such a time. We are 8 hours ahead of PST, so think if it's 7am PST, it's 3pm here--same day.

Saw this in the Edinburgh airport...

Quick prayer request....my forearm was doing pretty good this last week, but I think I strained it during travel, and with missing my chiro/therapy appointments for a few weeks + not having it taped, I would appreciate prayer that it wouldn't regress too much. I still don't have good finger coordination and can't lift much weight for even short periods, but I'm really trying not to push the limits...it's just hard not to.

We are spending 2 nights here in Kilconquhar Castle (pro. "Kin-i-CUR", who knew, right?!), before flying to London for 2 days there.

Bad light = bad photo, but at least we have it!
We didn't know we would need reservations, so the boys and Kiekah
camped out in the room eating their fish and chips.

Looking ahead, tomorrow is Esther's 13th birthday, and we are planning to visit a few castles (including Glamis Castle and Dundee Castle) and see lots of countryside...after Papa and the boys play a few holes at St. Andrews at 7am. =D

We all kind of feel this way about Scotland...I love this land!

God is so good and so gracious, and I am loving Scotland. It is late, so I will write more on that score tomorrow, Lord-willing.

"Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him."

~ Psalms 28:6-7 ~

EU: Travel Adventures

Travel truly is an adventure, and our trip to Europe has already proven that it will be another memory maker!!

Last night, we were told to be ready to leave at 4am. However, upon sleeping through my alarm clock, I found it was 4:28am, and I panicked... To make matters worse, upon heading upstairs, (for I've been sleeping in the basement--the germ-free zone, since the stomach flu made it's way through our home {except me!} this last week....), I found everyone was still in bed too!!

Meeting mom, I found out that we had accidentally looked at a different trip's itinerary taking place later this month, and we actually didn't have to leave until 8am!! (Now that's a record on both scores! Wrong time AND so late!!)

6 of our Bumps on a Log...
(apologies for the color....my computer uploaded it weird)

So...we arrive at GEG, and find out that after we confirmed our flight reservations yesterday, somehow, there was a miscommunication between the 3 different airlines, and all the tickets for us kids from Portland to Amsterdam were cancelled, and 4 had been given to others!!!
Praise God, since it was their fault, we were able to encourage them to reschedule the 4 other passengers to a different flight so we could all be together...otherwise, it would be chaos from Amsterdam to Edinburgh...

Filling out Lost and Found cards for all of us... :)

Meanwhile, us kids patiently waited...and I had an interesting conversation with the lady next to us:
Her: "Are you from around here?"
Me: "Yes, we live in Coeur d'Alene."
Her: "Are you all homeschooled?"
Me: (confused), "Uh, actually yes....... Is it that obvious???"
Her: (smiling) "Yes!"

Wow....I think that is a compliment?? :) Never in all our travels have I had someone ask that.... Oh, and yes, she was Californian.. ;P

So...then we get on the plane, and I just happened to have a seat next to a very nice lady....with a very big German Shepherd/Anatolian cross, sitting "in her lap"!!!! NOT good, as I'm pretty allergic to dogs--especially gorgeous big hairballs....
(And I'm thinking....wow! What a way to start out our trip!!!" Praise God, Rebekah volunteered to switch seats with me, and was able to encourage her in righteousness...

So, a good friend encouraged me to try the "pen experiment"...something I'd never done before while flying, which through gravity shows what angle you are in the air.... Kinda fun (even though I grabbed my camera kinda late...) (And...for the note, that is Rachel's bunny ears behind me....) :)

On a completely different topic, something I'm really trying to cultivate right now is a heart of gratefulness.... Sometimes, it is easy to take individuals for granted, and react instead of respond appropriately when they do things that you don't appreciate... So, instead of reacting, I'm purposing to focus on what they are doing right, and praise them for those areas....

PS....David just made my day....crystallized ginger!!! Woohoo!!!!!

Until next time!! :) (Probably in Scotland--in a day or two??)

From my devotions:

Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity may wash over you, and you may feel tempted to give up. Don't allow your circumstances to consume your attention, else you lose sight of Me.

Yet, I am with you always, holding you by your right hand.

I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat.  You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

"Nevertheless, I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shall guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but Thee?  and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.

My flesh and my heart faith: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

~ Psalms 73:23-26 ~

Off to Europe....

So...since I was a little girl, my parents have wanted to take the entire family to Europe when Daniel turned 18. That was 5 years ago, and with the recession and life's happenings, it just didn't happen...

They have good reasons for wanting to go too....for my dad's entire family traveled Europe for 6 months when he was 7, and my mom backpacked around Europe with her Best Friend in her 20's for a few months.....lots of good memories.

Well, last year  we found out that this year's big business trip for my dad was going international!! To the country of Monaco!!! Usually they've been in Hawai'i, Mexico, or Puerto Rico, and with a few adjustments, he was often able to bring all of us...

Monaco

So, after much discussion, we decided to make it a family affair, and go early to do a History Tour....for we are very European...English, Irish, Dutch (and Indian) on Mama's side, and Scottish, German, French, and English on Papa's side.

We leave this Thursday, and get back in 2.5 weeks, and are looking forward to visiting places like the Pinkerton Barony in Scotland, the Putney Commons (in England), as well as spend a day in Paris, before visiting Munich, Germany, Venice, and Zermatt, Switzerland.

It will be a crazy, memorable time, to be sure...full of LOTS of traveling...but we are looking forward to seeing castles, the boys' golfing on St. Andrews (of course....), and skiing the Matterhorn, as well as so much more.

I'm hoping to be able to spend a little bit of time blogging while there, but we shall see... In the end we shall spend under a week in Monaco....so hopefully I shall have some time to compile posts there...if we're not trying to walk around the city 7 times.... ;P hehe

God is so gracious!!!  I am so excited to spend this time with my family, for what will be one of our last family trips together, as Daniel heads off to Full-Time D.O. school this Autumn....

I love Isaiah 42, and would encourage you to read the entire passage!! (Especially the first part!!)

 

"Thus saith God the LORD, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images........"

~ Isaiah 42:5-8 ~

Belize Mission 2014

Belize.....So much was accomplished there,...where do I start? God is so good!!! We were a team of 30 going down, including a family with 3 kids under 4...talk about fun!!

Originally, besides ministry, we went down there to renovate a poorly made building, plus fencing, and so much more...however, when we got down there, we found out that most of the projects we were originally asked to do had already been completed by other teams!! However, work never stops....and we were given a long list of things needing done, which somehow we got most of them done.....incredible! God is so gracious!!

During project hours, I was almost completely devoted to the tile laying in the laundry/bathroom/shower facility: 5 rooms.. However, this had a special challenge with it, as the inner walls were not built straight, nor was the concrete level, so it was time-consuming, to say the least...however, I LOVED it, and learned so much...and checked another thing off my Bucket List!!! (Feeling closer to being able to renovate my own home one day!)

Unfortunately, 1 week into being there, I pulled my right forearm's tendon, messed up the sheath and surrounding nerves (found out later I had just overused it...seriously?!)...which praise God I'd brought my handy brace, and was able to make a makeshift sling for the rest of the time there...coming back, healing has been slow, even now (6 weeks later), but praise God, I have an awesome Chiropractor-Therapist, and it has much improved...

So, for the next week, I tile layed and did everything else all with my left hand--talk about gaining more experience and coordination!! God is so gracious!!


Our schedule was interesting.....working all day on the different projects, and then quickly freshening for Bible Clubs in the mid afternoon, and often we had evening commitments too... However, during the Bible Clubs, 3 little girls accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and about 70 kids learned more about Jesus. We also had young men and women discipleships happening at the same time--about 30 or so there, and also Pre-K for the little ones.

Other ministry opportunities we had were 2 chapel services held in the govermentry schools (with around 700 kids each!); Marion's luncheon and outreach that she (a Belizean missionary) has every day for a bunch of poorer school kids, where evangelism is done; an evening at The Kings' Children's Home (where we hosted an ice cream social); Ladies and Mens' Seminars, and a Pastors' Seminar.

I found out that short-term mission trips are MUCH different than longer term mission trips, however, the saving grace was knowing that we weren't just leaving the people we encouraged to the wolves, but that there were pastors who were going to follow up with them....the biggest thing we all wished for was more time to disciple them..

When we first arrived, I had a really hard time not comparing everything I saw with the Philippines...and I felt that they were so much more well-to-do... I quickly realized that what I was lacking was compassion, and so I cried out to God to give me a compassion for these people, as all people need Jesus..no matter if they live in a 3rd world, 2nd world, or 1st world country...and praise God, He did!!

I found it fascinating trying to look through the eyes of the many teammates of mine who had never been to a 2nd world country before...in some ways, I felt they had an innocence and excitement that I haven't felt for ages...it was really eye-opening..even down to Palm Trees... :)

One of the biggest things I enjoyed was the closeness and restfulness I felt with God while there....something about the mission field..even though I went down with church-mates, it really is me and God...He is the One I utterly rely on, and trust my decisions to.. I miss that in the US, but praise God, He is showing me how to have that 'resting-ness and closeness' here as well, despite living at home and in crazy, fast-paced America!!!

What a wonderful thing it is to truly rest in our Saviour, and leave all burdens and cares at His feet!! There is no need to stress!! As my new mantra is.... "Don't worry, Trust Jesus!!"

There is so much more I could share...but honestly, I would rather ask you to ask me questions, if you want to know more...just ask them in the comment section!

I posted some pictures on my Belize Overview post last month, but I also created a slideshow for our church presentation, which you can watch below!!

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children."

~ I Thessalonians 2:4-7 ~

Want to know something particular about our trip?
I shall try to answer all questions!

A Higher Calling

I've had a lot to think about this week... A lot has happened, and God is good! We went to a memorial service for one of our church members yesterday....a precious older lady who has quietly spread God's light to all who have come in contact with her...

Looking back to even my early childhood days, I remember her little notes of encouragement she'd write, and wonder 'Why did she write me?', 'That's so sweet, but I don't even really know her!' ... but even just those little notes encouraged me...I didn't really know her, but she affected and blessed me, and made me want to be more of a courageous warrior for Christ because of her Godly example.
The question that kept coming back to me was: "What legacy will I leave behind when I die?"
"What do I want to be said at my memorial service?"

I love reading epitaphs....and some of them are pretty funny, but if you think about it, do you really want to just be remembered for being "Late for everything including his own funeral."??

No!! I want to press onto the higher calling and mark of Christ! And what is that?

In my Bible reading yesterday, Matthew 13:22-23 really hit me. Ponder this:

"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulnss of riches, choke the Word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that receiveth seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty."

In our modern American world of technology and business, isn't it so easy to allow the cares of the world to start choking out Christ? I'm working on this right now--amidst my varied schedule, I'm trying to truly REST in the Saviour...treasure each moment, and use it wisely...

My great-aunt Lisa encouraged me last year to make each moment with those I come in contact with truly count--'Make them feel as if they're the only person in the world for those minutes.' Honestly, that is really hard for me!! I like people, but sometimes I accidentally think of them as 'in the way' to get the projects done... But when it's all said and done, what will have eternal value? The people we reach and touch for Christ, or the projects that we get done (be they of eternal value or not)...

I love this quote:

One of these days, I must go shopping.

I am completely out of generosity and I must get some more.

I also want to exchange the self-satisfaction I picked up the other day for some real humility,

which they say wears better.

I must look at some tolerance, and the samples of kindness, one can never have too much of that.

I'll try to match the patience I saw on a friend the other day, it looked quite becoming on her; I think it will look equally good on me.

While shopping, I'll try on that suit of charity on display.

I must remember to get my sense of humor mended and keep my eyes open for some inexpensive goodness.

It is surprising how quickly one's stock is depleted.

Yes, I must go shopping.

- Anonymous

Another thought-provoker:

"The most difficult t hing for us as Christians to take is the postponement of God's liberating us from our difficulties."

(Do I have an amen?)

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me."

~ Psalms 101:6 ~

What is God showing you?

Single's Awareness Day

I love Valentines....since I was a little girl, my daddy has always had this quartet come to our house and office and sing "squishy heart songs" to us....like "I Love You Truly", and so many more...that even as a little girl makes you squirm in your seat.. :)
This year, I got to hear them at the office, and it warmed my heart...it's funny how you build a precious relationship with a group of older men, just by seeing them once a year since you're 5 years old....imagine what it must be like for them?? We were just little tykes then!

It's funny--being single this year....so many of my friends and family have gotten married in the last couple years and now have kids of their own--those my age...and I suppose I expected that at 22 maybe, but 20? Hmm...nope!

You know, in some ways, helping them keep house makes me a tad jealous, but in most ways, I'm just so happy and content being single...not that I don't long for that day that I can make my own home my own, and be a helpmeet to one person (instead of a houseful... ;P jk), but these days could be few or plenty, and especially as we truly don't know our day or reckoning, I'm trying to make each day count for eternity...as a single woman, wholly devoted to the Lord...no, I'm far from perfect, but that is my aim.

I received this article today through my NGJ subscription, and was mightily blessed by Mr. Pearl's words so true.... I just want to keep saying "Amen!!" at the end of each paragraph--so instead of writing it all out here, I'll let his words speak for himself...

Marriage God's Way: How He May Please His Wife

 

Truly, this is a special and unique time--young, innocent womanhood. Ladies, treasure this time, and don't get caught up in "Where is he?" that you forget to make each moment count!!

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

~ Proverbs 14:1 ~

 

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

~ Proverbs 31:30 ~

New Opportunities

Monday, I officially started work at Pinkerton Retirement Specialists -- my father's financial advisory firm. A position opened up for me to work part-time there, as a Record Security Retention Officer (RSRO..or "Security Officer" for short) ;). My job is specialized to helping bring our administrative systems up-to-date with current organizational software technology...which involves paperwork, which I love. :)

My cousin Luke (who just recently married my bestie-Selah) is training me, and since we have similar personalities, I think we will be a productive and {potentially dangerously?} dynamic team. :)

This job opportunity has been a while in coming, as I was asked to consider the position back in November, but didn't have the time to think about it yet with Belize, the Cantata play, Christmas, Luke and Selah's wedding, and then the Retreat... Even when I did, I didn't think much on the 'how long' aspect...so when faced with the question during my interview of if I was willing to commit for a year, I had to think on it....
Am I willing? That means I'd be "stuck" in Idaho until February 10th, 2015! No big mission trips or longer-term ministry opportunities out-of-state... Nothing like I've been doing for the past 4 years....
Yes, I'm willing--I've prayed deeply about this, and I really feel that this is where God wants me right now--filling this need and deepening the relationships with those I work with.

Honestly, I have no clue where I will be in a year--I'm almost 21, and a lot can change...so what a more opportune time to serve at my father's real business (as I've worked for him on the ranch for 9 years), than right now?!

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

~ Ecclesiastes 9:10 ~

What are you living for? What are you doing today and tomorrow that will count for eternity?

Are you living purposefully for Jesus?

Not Kidding...Triplets!

Just had to throw the pun in there.... 

Last Saturday night-February 1st, our goat Ninya had triplets - 2 bucklings and a doeling. Talk about perfect timing--right before the cold snap really hit!!

Hours old - Cutie in front, Tommy and Jack in back

I'm a stickler on names...I love names, and love to name EVERYTHING....even in Belize, all creatures got names... However, I can also be weird when it comes to names-- think unique and creative...
So, when the kids (*cough, the other ones) started calling the boys 'Tommy' and 'Jack', I was not impressed...Those are complete people names! However, somehow they stuck...

Tommy

In the past, we've had some awesome names (always including their lineage) like:
JJ Lite Saber and Merry Savory Sader - born on Good Friday
Fantine and Robert' - born after we watched the 1952 Les Mis {awesome movie!}
Mercy and Justice: after one of my favorite songs
Garnet and Jasper
Millie and Mudgey (from our doe-Mouse) - a tribute to our local author
Finale Knighted and Finale Squeaked Thru (out of Finale.. ;P)
Kiera and St. Patrick's Merriment

Jack

Yes, I know, I have too much fun... But, Aha!! At least their registered names are still awesome...  Since they're out of Diminuendo out of Creshendoe out of Tenudoe, their names are (respectively--since that word seems to make all the difference in the world ;P) Valentin-O Forte, Cutie Pi-O Legato, and Februari-O Presto. (Thanks to the 'kids' for the demanded musical term endings.)
Unfortunately, Cutie was born pretty selenium deficient, and so we ended up bringing her in the house, where she {was spoiled rotten} and lived for the 5 days of her wonderful, short life. Never do you see animals so spoiled as this...sleeping on our beds, walking on our white carpet, wearing our baby diapers, getting as much love and attention as anything--and yes, it was a wonderful distraction for the kids from school.... ;)

Eventually though, from different issues, Cutie finally died last night, but the moments spent with her were cherished, and well worth every second!! (Including the midnight feedings....)

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;....a time to weep, and a time to laugh;...A time to get, and a time to lose.

He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a, 4a, 6a, 11 ~

Mental Note: This was a wonderful reminder of what life will be like with a newborn infant!! Waking up every little bit from his murmurs and cries....praise God for natural milk supplies...who'd ever want to get up every few hours and warm fake milk up, when you can just roll over and nurse your baby, while going back to sleep??

Sorry guys, just had to insert my little midwifery advertisement...