Observing Advent

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

"A Guide to Observing Advent" found in Relevant magazine

Nov. 28: The Hope Candle
Read Isaiah 11:1-10. Discuss the hope of Advent- the hope we have because of Christ's birth and the hope we have in Christ's second coming.

Dec. 5: The Peace Candle
Read Matthew 3:1-6. This passage reminds us to repent and seek Christ's peace. Reflect on the peace that Christ's life, death, and resurrection provides.

Dec.12: The Joy Candle
Read John 1:19-34. How does God's redemption grant us joy? Discuss how to be joyful even in brokenness.

Dec.19: The Love Candle
Revelation 21:1-4. This passage reminds us that God will make all things new. How should that animate us to love each other better?

Dec. 25: The Christ Candle
Luke 2:1-20. This is the culmination of what we have prepared for. Reflect on the hope, peace, joy and love offered by Christ's birth.

This is the guide Scott and I will follow this year. I wanted to share this as I believe it could bless many families as we all reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!

(We bought our wreath and candles as Michael's on sale)

Our Thanksgiving Tree

Scott and I love family traditions and this year we started another of our own. Everyday for the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving we wrote what we were grateful for and hung it on our tree. It was fun, meaningful, and very easy to create!

 Some of the things we are thankful for include: portable heaters, a warm bed, trips home to see family, God's word, grace, Selah (the coolest dog in the world), each other :), movie nights, etc.

"Sacred Marriage"

Lately the Lord has been teaching me what it means to "die to oneself" in the context of relationships. I have just finished reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas and highly recommend it to any married or engaged couple. The tagline of this book reads, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" While marriage is a very fun, joyous, wonderful union, it has its ups and downs like any intimate relationship. Marriage is a perfect place to grow in character to become more Christ-like.

I have learned more about myself in the year and a half I have been married than maybe my whole life. I have learned what my true character qualities are. I used to think of myself as a patient person but realized I was patient only when it was easy. There have been many discoveries Scott and I have both had because living with someone day after day at times tests your character. Yet, Thomas challenges readers to use these discoveries to die to ourselves and become more like Jesus Christ, serving and loving our spouse more than ourselves. Regardless of our spouses' actions, words, or certain annoying habits, we can grow in our character and relationship with Christ. Thomas even shares stories implying the more difficult the spouse, the greater the growth in your own life. 

Through marriage I have experienced a tangible piece of the love of God. There have been times when I have wronged Scott and have been extended the hand of grace. I have better understood God's faithfulness by Scott pledging to stay by my side no matter what our future holds. Thomas believes that our marriages is a testimony to the world of God's story of reconciliation between Him and sinful man. I know that I have experienced God at a deeper level through this journey and my prayer is that others would see God's love and grace through Scott and I as one.

Thomas ends the book in a challenge for couples who follow Christ to become what he calls a "couple-saint" "No longer defining their relationship to God in solitary terms, but working together to present themselves as a holy unit, a pair of cherubim in the middle of whom God's presence is radically enlivened." What a beautiful picture of love. It is not some magical feeling 24/7 (though feelings are there also) but a decision to love one's spouse through easy and difficult times, pledging to never leave, always to reconcile and most importantly help each other on the journey to grow in Christ. Christ's definition and expectations of marriage are not always easy, but with the help of His Spirit it creates the most beautiful, heavenly, and fruitful union. Thank you Lord for marriage.

Also check out the video I posted below. I first heard it while I was reading Sacred Marriage. :)

Andrew Peterson - Dancing in the Minefields (Official Video)

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, loving, servant-hearted Mother! Words cannot express how thankful I am for your guidance, love, and laughter! I love and miss you! Happy, Happy Birthday! 

"Blessed"

Ladies, be jealous.

Venable, stay humble. :)

Since our recent move Scott and I have had a bit of a role reversal. I am now working full time and Scott has a more fluid, flexible schedule. Let me just say that my husband is incredible. He has completely stepped up to the plate in every way. I have been so thankful to come home to dinner ready EVERY night and a clean house EVERY Friday. His servant's heart has been revealed to me on a deeper level which has been very encouraging and challenging.

As followers of Christ our lives are to be marked by selfless love and service to others. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Yet many times I am guilty of getting so consumed with myself that I do not open my eyes to the needs of others. I am guilty of serving when it is convenient and easy and not so much when it involves sacrifice.

Our flesh and society tell us to gain for ourselves, do what makes us feel good and what makes us comfortable because that will bring happiness and satisfaction. Yet this view is in opposition to Jesus' life and teachings. Although Jesus had every right to come to this earth to be served, worshipped, and exalted he served selflessly to the point of death on the cross. He modeled humility and submission to God perfectly.

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17)


In spite of how the world defines "blessed", true blessedness comes from a life of submission to Christ and service to others. It opposes the value system of our culture and society. It requires letting God rid of us of our pride, laziness, and comfort. Though this is contrary to what we hear in our culture, it is the process that one finds true freedom and satisfaction. Freedom from consumption of self and the sin nature. It allows one to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with walking with Christ.

So, thank you Scott for revealing to me a glimpse of our Father's heart of selfless love and service. Father, I praise you for coming to serve man to the point of death. Thank you for the redemption and renewal of my soul that was made possible by your sacrifice. Through your spirit alive in me, help me to serve and love others as you do.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Banana Pancakes

Scott and I stumbled across another Chicago treasure this weekend, The Bongo Room. I am a huge fan of breakfast food and took notice of the restaurant right down the street. Scott ordered a ham & cheese omelet and I had oreo banana pancakes. My husband was taken a little off guard as my excitement of this discovery turned into giggling and then small tears of happiness! Yes, after ordering I laughed until I cried . If you had seen the menu you may have been overwhelmed with joy also. I am hoping to become a regular at The Bongo Room!

After breakfast we visited our local library. I checked out "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison. It is the current read for the Chicago book club. The Chicago Public Library has a program called "One Book, One Chicago." Each month a book along with a reading guide is featured and provided at the local libraries. Throughout the month programs & events are offered that correlated with the reading selection. There will be a staged reading and genealogy workshops among many other activites. Towards the end of the month there will be a community book discussion at the library.

I also started my job this past week at Childtime Learning Center! I am in the Early Learners class with 16 precious, energetic 2-year-olds. And, I love it! Our center represents families from over 20 different countries. The Lord yet again has been so incredibly faithful and answered our prayers for a job as well as opened up a place to share His love. This past week I have been constantly reminded of Him in the beauty and innocence of the children.

Sunday in Chicago

Today I fell in love with Sundays in Wicker Park. During the summer/fall seasons a local farmer's market sets up in our neighborhood. Strolling through the park you will find fruit, flowers, yummy pastries, and of course lots of people and dogs.This morning Scott and I woke up, ate breakfast, and headed out to the market. We stopped to taste test different kinds of cheese, look at the beautiful flowers, and for Selah to meet some sweet babies and other dogs. She is a Wicker Park hit!

After much anticipation on Selah's end, we final arrived at the dog park where the slobber and tennis balls flowed like milk and honey. Selah loves chasing dogs while Scott and I enjoy getting to know their owners. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming here. Today we met Grizzly, Mr. Miyagi, and their owners. Our prayer is that we see them again in our community and build strong relationships with them. Scott and I have met many people in our community, but many we have not seen more than once. Will you please join us in prayer asking the Lord to place these people in our paths multiple times, even daily?

We are thankful to be here. We are still adjusting as it is much different than Texas and hard to be away from family and friends, yet the Lord is so incredible faithful. We are depending fully on Him to build His church as we seek his guidance, direction, and daily presence. Our greatest prayer need is for us to build deep relationships with people in our community and at my job. And as for next Sunday in Wicker Park, I will be bringing cash for some yummy crepes and fresh bread.

Current Goals

1. Become a regular at a restaurant. I want to walk in and for the waitress to greet me and say, "So, is it going to be the usual?"

2. Join a book club.

3. Start baking more. Next up, banana nut bread and pumpkin cookies.

4. Take more pictures.

5. Send more snail mail.

"I want to ride my bicycle"

I would love to own one of these two bikes.

Maybe one day my husband will give in and

ride a double with me, until then I would settle

for a basket bike. Maybe I will have a job in

Chicago I can ride a bike to...

Tea

Scott and I fell in love with tea while visiting South Africa two years ago. Since that time we have been on a quest to find a tea set. We searched many different stores and surfed the web but couldn't find anything. Last weekend we went into one of my favorite stores, World Market, and much to our surprise found this quaint little set. It is just a plain white set, but my favorite part is the colorful saucers. We are excited to have something to drink our Rooibos tea with imported African sugar in this winter. We have been saving it up for the harsh Chicago winter.

"What God has joined together, let man not separate."

Over lunch with one of my best friends and her mother, I was asked what advice I would give to an engaged couple after experiencing my first year of marriage. Off the top of my head I could only think of a few things but over the next couple of weeks more things began to come to mind. In honor of our one year anniversary coming up :) I have compiled a list!

• Pray together often. We have found that communication with our Heavenly Father have been some of the most intimate times in our relationship. Nothing binds a marriage together in Christ as listening to each other's hearts completely vulnerable with each other and the Lord. Presenting requests, petitions, and praises before our great God has been some of my most cherished memories in our first year of marriage.

• Ground your identity, value, and worth in Christ alone. Your spouse was not designed and is not able to fill your deepest desires and longings. Only Christ can give us complete satisfaction and worth. It is not fair to your spouse to put those kind of expectations on him/her and it will only cause conflict. Give thanks for the blessing, but alway worship the blesser.

• Have fun, laugh often and do something adventurous!

• Serve and love them regardless of moods or feelings. It is easy to see one's depravity in marriage. You learn so much about yourself and many times it will show just how selfish and prideful you are. I believe a key to a Godly marriage is to allow Christ to change and sanctify you rather than hold on to your own selfish desires. Serving and loving your spouse even when you feel like he/she does not deserve it is following the example of Christ and is a true blessing in the end.

Of course just because these are lessons learned does not mean they are lesson perfected by any means! Yet as Paul writes in his final greeting to the Corinthians, "aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Marriage has been the greatest blessing. It has had many wonderful, fun times. And it has had fewer less fun times. It has been the greatest process of discipleship I have ever experienced and will continue to experience. It has taught me to love less selfishly and brought me into a deeper, richer relationship with my Lord. I have enjoyed every minute of it!

Nephew Nolan

A few of my favorite pictures of lil Nolan Stout that make my heart melt!

Selah Girl

Reckless Thoughts

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not on the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."

I find that a lot of my offenses to God start in my head and result in actions. Many times my thoughts manifest into pride, selfishness and insecurity. Praise God that he had already forgiven me and loves me despite of my shortcomings, but I do not want to miss out on the blessing of walking closely with him because of my sin. I want to dwell in the Lord's presence, I want His Spirit to reign all over me. I want to meditate on Paul's words to take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ so that my heart and actions will be glorifying to my Father.

Books

One of my goals for 2010 is to read at least 14 books. This is what I have read so far...

1.So Long Insecurity

2.The Road

3.Little Bee

4.The Shack

5.Forgotten God
6. Sacred Marriage

Desperate Plea

I am anxious.

I know that scripture says not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, present our request to God. This is my attempt.

We have had a relationship with the Johnsons since September and although there has been many stressful and hard times we have grown to love them very much. They have all gone through so much pain and have experienced things God never intended them to be exposed to. My heart aches for them and my deepest desire is for them to be completely healed by my gracious Jesus.

We have had a family view our house two times and they made an appointment to come back Tuesday for another visit. They are really considering buying, but have a few concerns. This has really brought me back to reality. Our house is on the market and it is very likely someone could buy it soon. We have been praying for this and know God has called us to Chicago, but yet my heart hurts.

My heart aches that we will not be here to love on these three precious children that God has placed in our home. I worry that they will live somewhere where the Gospel will not be modeled for them. Where they won't be believed in, loved on, and affirmed. I am so scared that they may grown up making bad choices that could deeply hurt themselves and offend God. I worry that they will repeat the family

cycle that has kept them in bondage for generations instead of breaking it.

Sovereign Father,

You alone know all things. You placed these children into our lives for at time with purpose. You have such a deep love for each of your children that you created in your own image beyond what Scott and I can even imagine. You love them. You suffered beatings, lashings, and death on a cruel cross to be in relationship with Corliss, Morris, and Tameka. You formed them in Sharon's womb. You have a plan for them. When they are gone from us, you will be there. When they stray from you, you will be there. As we leave, Father, bring people into their lives that will continue to love and disciple them. Bring a man for Corliss and especially Morris that will pour into them to show them what a man of God looks like.

Help me in my unbelief to relinquish control to the only one who has and deserves it. Calm my anxiety and fears because at it's core it is lack of trust in you. You are the creator and sustainer of all things, you make mountains move, and perform miracles. You are more than able to bring these three I love into a relationship with you. This does not depend on me, it depends on you. You are the only one big enough. So save them Jesus, reveal yourself Jesus, bring them into your kingdom Holy God. I beg you dear Father!

"If I then, the Lord washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."

For the past two weeks Scott and I have had three children living with us. Two boys ages 14 & 12, and one girl age 9. We met the family this past summer as they waved Scott down to ask him for a ride. The rest is history from there. We have been investing in them as we know the Spirit has directly placed them in our lives for this very purpose. The mother had a CPS case against her and failed a drug test so the children has to immediately be placed out of her care. We are considered the "safety place" for the children until they have found a more suitable home since we could be leaving at any moment to plant a church in Chicago. We will at least care for them until February 22.

The children have very sweet hearts and God's mighty hand has protected them and given them an innocence that I didn't expect to see considering everything they have been through in their short lifetimes. We have grown to love them as Christ has called us to view them as His children, and to see them through His eyes.

At the same time, they have not been raised to be thankful or respectful. This has taught me a lot about myself. See, Scott and I have made tremendous sacrifices to open up our home. It has completely changed the way we lived as a newlywed couple able to do what we please, to being responsible for taking care of three kids. I thought they would respect and be thankful to us for what we have done.

I thought wrong.

I have never been so deliberately disrespected as I have by the youngest girl in my life. I have never heard someone scream or hit their mother as she has done. I have never poured out so much to serve someone as I have for them and not been appreciated or thanked.

And I was upset.

I would think..they are so ungrateful! Do they not understand what Scott and I have gone through to make it possible for them to be here? Do they realize our whole life has changed? Do they understand how hard this is?

One day I got out a Bible that Scott had given me when I graduated that I haven't used in a couple of years. I opened to the very front page and I had written a quote that I had absolutely no recollection of. It read,

"You will know whether you are a servant by how you respond when you are treated like one."

Ouch.

The truth is pride was keeping me from experiencing the blessing of love and service as Christ did on this Earth. It was keeping me from receiving the fullness and fulfillment of life as a Christ follower. I wanted my sacrifice and hard work to be recognized, appreciated and understood. When I was treated like a servant I responded with indignation.

Christ is our perfect example of humility. He is ruler of all things, creator of all things and sustainer of all things. Yet, He left Heaven and put on this dirty limited flesh to reveal to us the heart of God. He was born just like the rest of us, walked this earth, washed his disciple's feet, and died the most gruesome and embarrassing way possible. His Godhood was challenged. Yet Jesus never lost sight, He knew his purpose

"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come fourth from God and was going back to God." John 13:3

My purpose is not to be recognized on this Earth. It is not to be thanked or appreciated. The Lord has called me to be His child by his grace, I now belong to an eternal kingdom. How arrogant of me to think I deserve anything when I see how my Jesus lived on this Earth.

Father,

Forgive me. For I have let my flesh get the best of me. Rid me of flesh, create in me a heart that is of you. I can not do this on my own, but only through your power can I love as you have loved.