Food Thieves and Storms

A little while ago, as I was planning our "menu" for the week, I had a startling revelation. It seriously takes me three days (not consecutively) and three different stores to accumulate all we will need for the month. Yikes...Now, granted, I usually take at least 3 of the 4 kids with me, so the prospect of going to all three stores in one day is absolutley out of the question, but still...it's quite the process. We go to the warehouse store - BJ's (like costco), Wal-Mart, and usually Harris Teeter because they have killer coupon deals. Anyway, this really is all a segway into why the following pictures caused me quite a bit of distress.

We had just gotten back from a massive trip to BJ's. I had found these whole wheat tortillas that I was excited to try with some hummus and veggies. The older kids were wandering around the back yard and Micah was playing inside while I unloaded the groceries. I came in to find this:

Apparently you should never leave a hungry-almost-two-year-old alone, even for a second, with a whole table of food....he's quite crafty, and very cute!!!

And just because I thought it was sooooo freakin' amazing, here's a couple pictures of an awesome storm that rolled in last night. I would have taken more pictures, but the neighbor was looking at me weird...I think he though I was taking pictures of his house. Anyway, the storm was loud and intense - such a beautiful, frightening display of the Creator's power - kind of like Him - Beautiful, Frightening, Awesome!

Risk

I've been thinking a lot about risk lately. Now, more than ever before in my life, I feel God is asking, and I am more aware, of risk. The unknown, the unseen.

I really don't like the "idea" of risk. I like to know what will happen: how, when, the definite outcome, how it will effect me and my family, what it will look like in the future. Kind of makes me think of what a wise man said once "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." Ahhh...the unseen, the unknown. That's the hardest part for me. Kinda like taking a leap of a cliff, simply because your Daddy told you too and He said He would catch you.

I have been seeing risk in all sorts of areas in my life lately. There is risk in love, in relationship, in obedience. God asked us to move across the country and be part of what He is doing here...a bit risky by my calculations! There are other things God is asking us to do lately that sound just a little out of the box, a little unexpected in most people's opinions.

I am so grateful that God is not a God of the ordinary...He dwells outside of the box, He requires risk, He desires us to live in crazy faith! I love that there is blessing in obedience. I am more and more convinced that if we are truly seeking His will, His face, then whichever way we turn, whatever path we take, He will bless us!

So, bring on the unknown, let us walk in the unseen. If that is where You are, that is where I want to be...I want to jump!

A Huntin' We Will Go....

I've never had to "hunt" for a church. Granted, I've been a voice in the decision before, but the final decision has never rested mostly on my shoulders. When I was younger, I went where my parents went. When Jason and I were newly married, the transition from my parents church to his was natural. For nine years, we were happy, content, challenged, blessed, stretched, and HOME at The Bridge.

Enter: "the move." Honestly, I think leaving The Bridge, the amazing friends we had there and our superb pastors (Tom and Nadine) was one of the hardest things we had to do. But, we knew God was calling us, wooing us, moving us. It was clear.

So, we left our home and ventured to the great state of South Carolina. Thus began the hunting journey. We tried a couple different churches. Big and small; crazy and not-so-crazy! They all had different, unique "feels." None were "bad," but neither did they feel like "home."

We were given a word from a woman I admire and respect deeply before we left. "You are being given a new set of tools to use in SC. Don't look for the familiar, don't depend on the familiar." Hmmmm....what could this mean. How would it apply to churches. Were we to find ourselves in a huge, traditional, conservative church? Were we to not look for the "home" feeling? How would we know...when would we know?

A few months were spent at a big (Really, really big) church. It was annointed, it was moving with the Spirit, both Jason and I were ministered to, but for some reason we never felt it was right. This led me to think - what is important in "church." What is essential; what should or should not effect the decision; what are is just a matter of preference? Can you, should you, allow your kids comfort at church to be a factor, and how big of one? Do you look for a place where you can be ministered too, or is it more improtant to find a place where you can serve? Can there be a healthy balance of both? Can you compromise on some things - or on nothing? I'd be interested to hear other's feedback on these questions...?!

We have found a place - we feel like God is moving there, like the pastor has God's attention, and that God is excited about where He is taking this church. It is somewhat familiar - it looks like The Bridge, but in so many ways is so very different. The kids (even Caleb) enjoy going - they love Sunday school and are quickly making friends. I am being challenged in the concept of an organized, official denomination again...who would have thought!? We know this is where God has landed us for now, there is peace and great anticipation...that's gotta be good, right?

I still miss the Bridge - a lot! But, for everything, there is a season....and God designs each one to be beautiful and fruitful...

Until next time....

D-

Merry Christmas

In the absence of a Christmas Card this year...







Merry Christmas - may your life be filled to overflowing with the presence and peace of Christ!

We love you...

Jason, Danielle, Kylie, Caleb, Macey, and Micah!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! The Turkey (or as the kids call him, "Fred,") is happily stuffed and in the oven baking nicely! Kylie decorated our chalkboard with a "Tap Dancing Thanksgiving Turkey!" She has become quite the little artist.
The kids also started a ballet/tumbling class this week. A friend in the church is teaching our kids and our friends up the street - incorporating worship and dance and movement in the class. We love it - so do the kids!




Macey has got to be the cutest three year old ballerina I've ever seen!


Here's a couple more pictures - just for fun!

Life here is starting to feel more normal. The kids are adjusting well, though I'm not sure Macey fully realizes that we are here to stay- at least for a while. Micah made a mess with the fireplace the other day and Macey was panicking "Mom, the people that live here are so not going to be happy." Hopefully it will start to feel more permanent to her soon.

I've been learning a lot about who I am, apart from "doing" and absent of self-made expectations. I feel like I am seeing who I am, who I was meant to be - there has been a lot of revelation and chipping away of things that have been waiting in the back ground for too long. I know freedom is coming, I know healing is on it's way. And, though I do not enjoy the process, there is a peace in the purging of the old.

Well - the kitchen is calling once again and there is a parade to be watched....

We are immensely thankful for you, our friends and family - may God bless you to overflowing...

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Story

There once was a girl of seventeen

She was kinda cute

A little sassy

But definitely no beauty queen

She was smart and funny and

Quite content

To be a teenager with no

Romantic entanglement

Until….

One crazy evening at

Red Robin

She met a young man with

Braids on his noggin

He had striking eyes

(she could tell he was seeing through her)

And was twitching and smiling

Talking of The Miracle Worker

Now, to be honest

This first little meeting

Didn’t do a ton to set

Her heart fleeting

But, an impression was made

And destiny set in motion

God’s had was upon it

Wooing and developing a devotion

Then a few weeks later

At a Mexico gathering

She heard this braided guy

Pray – just a smattering

Something happened then and there

That left her changed FOREVER

Her love began to grow and swell

She knew she would love him FOREVER

Down the road they traveled

For two years – maybe a bit more

She fell in love with his heart, his laugh

Even had a hand it what he wore

There were “random” bus assignments

And Sibling guitar classes

Innocent boat rides

But no romantic passes…

But through all that time – two VERY long years

She kept her desire a secret

Hoping that he would know one day

Her heart was his – and keep it!

Finally one day – her dream came true

Her hopes took flight

As her prince talked to her father

That beautiful September night!

Now here’s a glimpse of things to come…

Her emotion ran deep and wild

So all that night she didn’t sleep

And puked really loud …it wasn’t mild!!!

The next evening he approached her

With a bit of a nervous grin

And asked if she had seen his heart….

Let the romance begin!!!

9 months later they were married

And off to a beautiful start

One of adventure and awe

Two people….one heart!

Now, here they are – 8 ½ years later

4 kids, cross country move

Many journeys, great stories

And what do you think they prove?

That love is a road

That when traveled with care

Is a path that this boy and this girl

Will always, forever share

They show us that faith

Is a rock that won’t budge

That prayers and commitment

Overcome any insecurity or grudge

So deeply devoted -

This woman and this man

Will walk, run, or jump

In line with the Creator’s hand

Where will their path lead

No one really knows

Will there be more kids

Hey – probably so!

Will there be ups?

And will there be downs?

Will there be smiles?

And will there be frowns?

Absolutely – to all the above

But one thing this girl knows –

Nothing will diminish my love!

You – my lovely 31 year old

And smart, handsome, gracious and kind

You are gentle and patient

I think maybe you can read my mind!!! ;)

You calm my fears

You hold me tight

You love me deep

You lead me right!!!

There is no one else

I would rather share

This journey of life

From here to there….

I love you,

My hot OLD man!!

You make me smile

Like no one can!!

Here’s to many many more

Birthdays for you

May your desires be fulfilled

Your destiny come true!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Here's to the rest of the journey...

Updates and Pictures

Kids on the Carousel at the zoo. Micah did not want to get off....ever!
The girls on the Dionosaur!

The gang looking at the fish. Micah kept saying "whoa, wow..."

Kylie got to feed the giraffe out of her hand. So fun!

Kylie's "rock star" birthday cake. Didn't turn out too bad.

Kylie with her groupies!
Happy Birthday Morning!

Thank you Grandma Patty and Grandpa Steve!
Did Grandma Nita and Grandpa Matt seriously get me underwear for my birthday?
Oh - and a princess nightgown too - amazing! Thanks guys!


This one is for you Grandpa Matt - A Biker in the making!

Caleb and his dart gun (which we have three of now) - makes for great family "bonding!"

As you can see, it's been a busy month. Birthdays, the Zoo, getting settled it - I can't believe it's almost October! The weather is finally starting to cool down here and we are spending a lot of time outside riding bikes and playing in the yard. The kids are making friends in the neighborhood - there are two sets of 3 girls the same age as Kylie and Macey that live within three houses of us , and a 4 year old boy just down the street for Caleb to play with. It's fun to watch them develop and branch out.

We took Micah to an orthopedic specialist for his arm a week or so ago. The Doc disagreed with our Dr. in Seattle at opted to cast Micah's arm to see if it would set/grow into place as he developed. After the initial x-ray that same day, he realized he had casted the arm in the wrong position. So, they sawed (yikes) the cast off and it ended up hurting/burning Micah's arm. At that point, as two slightly distressed and unhappy parents, we discussed the info further and decided to seek a 3rd opinion to see if we can have two specialists agree. After researching hospitals a bit, we have an appointment at Duke Medical University (about two hours away) on Nov. 4th and a Genetics appointment at the same place the day before. We have a bit more peace about this decision. The hospital is highly rated and our phone experience has been really positive so far. If you think of it, please continue to pray that we will listen and hear and know what decisions to make concerning his care.

We are continuing to attend Morning Star Church. As we make more friends and connections, it is starting to feel more normal, more like home for the time being. I still deeply miss the closeness and intimacy of my friends at The Bridge, but know that this is where God has us for right now. I'm excited to see what He has set out for us to learn and receive and give and do...both at the church and in our every day life. Bring on the adventure!!!

Until Later -- D-

9 years ago today...

9 years ago today...
I had not slept at all the night before
I threw up my strawberries and cream oatmeal in the morning
I spent a torturous day working in the JC Penny's Junior Department
I sat through a seemingly never ending worship set
I watched the most amazing man in the world approach me and say these words
"I think someone stole my heart and I'm thinking you might know where to find it..."

Thank you, Jason, for nine years of joy, adventure, love, passion and excitement...for 8 1/2 years of marriage and four stunningly beautiful children. Thank you for loving me in the truest way - for being patient and kind and putting me and our family above yourself. Thank you for listening to God and being a gentle, wise leader. I love you....

D-

The comfort of the South...

I have heard it said that those who hale from the south find comfort in small things. Warm summer evenings, a tall glass for cold sweet tea, the slower pace of life, and the sound of Cicadas chirping in the trees. Whoa -- hold it there - what? The sound of what? The night we arrived in South Carolina, Tyler picked us up at the airport and kindly drove to his home. When we stepped out of the van, we were greeted by a mildly deafening noise - Jason and I were sure that someone was sawing something in the woods- after all, they do live in a new construction area. But, at this time of night...something didn't add up. Nope - no sawing here, just the bugs...just the cicadas. Ahhhh...freaky - it was SOOOO loud. Then, this weekend when I was clearing off the deck I saw this little guy - he is dead - but still kinda creepy:


And definitely NOT COMFORTING!

In more wholesome, and less buggy news - the local Chic-Fil-A had a family/princess night. If you dressed up, you got a free kids meal. Cool, free food, I thought! AND - they had free horse drawn carriage rides. Game on! I thought it'd be a fun night out, the kids would get to dress up and ride in a carriage - short, sweet, we go home. Think again! I have never seen so many princesses in my life - all in one, very small, space. The kids had a blast and didn't complain about having to wait almost an hour for a carriage ride...enjoy the pics! (Oh - Caleb wants me to tel you that he is "the dragon guarding that castle" - just in case anyone was wondering)...

Kindergarten, scuppernogs and buggies

I know, it's been a long time since I've updated. Things have started to settle down a bit here and feel a little more normal. Kylie has gotten into a good routine with school and is loving the social aspect of class and excelling at the academic parts. It's been interesting to see the evidence of favor in her life. There have been two "drawings" that they have started up in since the beginning of school. One was for the "Queen/King of the day" and the other for the letter "expert." She has been the first one drawn for both of these. She says something like "I was hoping and praying that it would be me, and my wish came true!" Gotta love it! It's been a challenge for me to let her go every day and not have that constant influence on who she plays with and what she does. We're wondering how to give her a sense of independence and self but still keep her well grounded...letting her make her own choices while still guiding her. It'll be a fun journey!

Caleb is really coming into his own with Kylie gone during the day. It's quite a novel thing for him to be the oldest...and it fits him well. Micah and Macey are quickly becoming playmates and enjoying one another. Macey is quite the social butterfly. Think Kylie 3 years ago and mutliply it - by a lot! She will talk to anyone, anywhere about anything. Micah has developed into quite the ham and is saying "I love you," "thank you," and his all time favorite "Daaaaaa," (for use whenever Jason is in earshot).

You may be asking about the title of this blog about now. What is a scuppernog, you ask? A couple weeks ago, I was at a fruit stand hoping to find some fresh cherries for a pie. (Oh, how I long for some cherries from the Gabriel's orchard...nothing even close here). They were out - no surprise- but they did have a HUGE crate of scuppernogs and muscadines. Playing the out of towner perfectly, I asked the guy next to me. He said in a very souther accent -- try one, they make good wine. Turns out they are a bit like a grape and a cherry in one. Not the greatest, but they do apparently make AND sell scuppernog wine...I've only seen it at Wal-Mart, though. I think I'll wait on that one. Speaking of Wally-World, when you get something to push your groceries in here...it's not cart, it's a buggy - just ask the locals!

I think I wrote about my neice, Ana, a couple posts ago. She gets to come home today - yeah! She has officially been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. She will most likely start a type of dialysis that uses the lining of the stomach instead of the kidneys to filter out the toxins in her body. Not the best diagnosis, but it could be way worse and God is still so good! Here is something my amazing sister-in-law (ana's mommy) wrote and the news letter from the church that my brother pastors with his insights. Ana and her brother Aiden are so blessed to have them as parents. Please continue to pray for them and for a miracle for Ana's little kidneys...

I wrote the above about an hour ago, and just had a thought to share:
Something D said in his newsletter a while ago struck me, and God has been letting it marinate in my brain since then. God is more interested in our character than our comfort. (paraphrase) It occurred to me just tonight that the places in scripture where God speaks about goodness or prosperity probably have nothing to do with our view of goodness and prosperity.
I have often taken comfort in verses like the following:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"...He who trusts in the Lord will prosper. Prov. 28:25

I have been thinking of these entirely backwards. God isn't speaking of my view of my "good" nor is he speaking of worldly prosperity. My view of "good" is that my daughter would be healed, and my view of prosperity is a comfortable living. I'm a good 'baptist' girl and I'm reluctant to admit that I have viewed this verse about prosperity in this way (we try to get as far from the 'name it claim it' thinking as possible,) but I think if we're honest, we have probably all done it in some way or another.

God's view of "Good" is that he would be glorified. If more glory would be shown in her illness than her healing, then i need to be just as fervently praying that he would be glorified in her illness. Dare I say... more so.

My prayer tonight was for God to show me HIS view of goodness and prosperity.
-And-
That he would help me deny myself and learn to be full of joy in what he calls good.

Maybe God is calling you to join me in this petition.

Thanks for indulging me in my ramblings. Not that you had much of a choice, I've already typed it, and curiosity probably propelled you to continue reading. All I have to say about that is HA HA HA :)

luv u all,
k

Kennewick Baptist Church September Newsletter --

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24

Jesus spoke these words after delivering His most famous discourse, the Sermon on the Mount. In that message He painted with a broad brush and covered everything from revenge to fasting, from marriage to humility. Plainly put, He talked about life and said that the wise man is he who not only hears God’s truth about life, but then puts it into practice when given the opportunity. Head-knowledge must be translated into the language of our hearts, which can then be used to renovate our lives.

Over the past few weeks God has given me ample opportunity to “put into practice” truths I thought I’d known before. It’s one thing to say I trust the Lord with my family, and another thing altogether to sit alone in an airplane as my daughter is airlifted to another hospital because they’re unsure if she’ll make it through the night. It been easy in the past to say I will rest in the Lord when things were going smoothly, but it’s a different story when that “rest” must be chosen in the midst of jumbled emotions, muddled thoughts, a cluttered heart, and an impersonal ICU room.

My point is not to highlight my situation (as many of you have faithfully traveled this same road . . . and paths much darker than mine), but instead to state the realization that even our deepest trials can become fertile ground for profound growth. I am increasingly convinced that God is much more concerned with our character than He is with our comfort . . . and that He allows trials to intersect our lives in order to bring us to points of decision: will we be faithful to live out what we say we believe?

The storms of life will blow and the waves will buffet our hearts. There is no escaping this fact. However, when the forecast looks bleak may we come to see that God is placing before us another opportunity to not only “hear” His words, but to live them!

So as you go through this month . . . with all its ups and downs . . . remember what God has said, remember what He has called you to do and who He has predestined you to be, and then be wise and live like it. May God bless you richly as you live for His glory . . . even on stormy days!

Blessings - Dustin

More firsts...

Kylie just left with Jason for her first day of school. I think I am holding up okay...we'll see how the rest of the day goes. I think I was more apprehensive than she was. It's quite overwhelming!
Here are some fun pictures of getting ready for the big day:

Kindergarten fingers and toes:

Miss Kylie posing for the camera. I said "give me nice smile for everyone back home" and that was enough for her to let loose!
Feeling good!!!

Micah's first haircut and Kylie's wish list

Mom, Jess - this is for you!
Micah had his first haircut this morning! Thanks Sherry!

After:

And - here is Kylie's first ever, hand written, birthday list. I love it!

Mom, Jess - this is for you!
Before --