Project 31: Day 26.

Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?

That I loved and served the Lord with all of my heart, soul, and strength.

That I boldly and courageously followed Him where ever He called me.

That I was a woman of prayer.

That I loved and served their grandfather to the end of my days.

That my life was marked by the wonders of God and joy that only comes from the Lord.

That I cared and loved for all people. 

That I was beautiful, not because of my appearance, but because of the transformation Christ brought about in me. 

Friday's Favorite: Da Bulls.

As soon as we decided to move to Chicago, Scott bought us a mini-season ticket package for The Bulls games. My favorite sport to watch is basketball and I loved going to Mavs games. It has also been really fun to experience "the Madhouse on Madison." 

The most exciting part of the game is when there is a possibility to receive a free Big Mac. Fans receive a Big Mac if the Bulls win scoring 100+ points. If the score is close, the arena is filled with chants, "Big Mac, Big Mac, Big Mac." Even the old lady who sits two rows in front of us (who usually does not yell, clap, or move) stands to her feet, cheering, and giving everyone in sight high fives. Chicagoans love their Big Macs.

Please let me introduce you to the, Swingin Seniors. The highlight of my Bulls game experiences. They perform choreographed dances to rap music. Number 24 is my all time favorite. I aspire to be on this team one day. 

My new favorite player, D-Rose. 

We always look forward to our next game. I feel like there is a strong sense of camaraderie between all the fans and the team. It has given me a sense of belonging to my new city. Let's Go Bulls!

Grace over Karma

Interesting Interview with Bono about his view of Jesus, grace, religion, etc.

Definitely worth a read.

Get yo comfy on.

Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.

This is my favorite t-shirt to sleep/lounge in. I got it from one of the youth camps Scott spoke at this past summer. It is very thin and soft, I love it. Living in an open loft where my husband does not allow the thermostat to go above 60 during the day and 57 at night, comfort to me = staying warm. (You better believe I turn that bad boy up to 62 as soon as Scott leaves.) This winter I have worn a lot of layers, flannel, and socks. If I could wear sweat pants and t-shirts everyday, I would. I love me some comfy clothes.

"Go to your couch!"

Selah's newest trick. I taught her how to shake in 5 minutes, so I went on to teach her to, "go to her couch." Please don't be jealous of my pink robe and leopard house shoes.

Nothing will be impossible for you.

Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

So, I skipped day 23 mainly because I feel like I have answered the question throughout the course of the project and partly because I really didn't want to do it.

So here we go!

Many, many times in my life I have felt inadequate to do what God has called me to do. This feeling was most intense when Scott and I decided to plant a church in Chicago. 


Some of the thoughts that raced through my head included:
-I am too young.
-I don't share many common interests with the people we will be ministering too. 
-I am going to be way out of my element.
-We haven't been married very long.
-We both have biblical studies degrees, how are we going to make a living?
-I hate cold weather!


In many ways I felt like the least like candidate for the job. Yet during this time this is the scripture I had been reading:


The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." "The Lord answered, " I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Judges 6: 14-16


Gideon goes on to defeat the Midianites. Yet, not with the original 32,000 men. The Lord ordered Gideon to send all but 300 men home. Why? Because it is not about the strength of men, but the power & glory of our almighty God. See, God uses the weak, the ill-equipped, and plain to accomplish His plans. Using our un-impressive lives show how wondrous & impressive He is. He works through us as broken people to show that all the glory & honor belong to Him. We also realize that it is crucial to depend on the Lord's guidance and strength every step of the way.


I am in my first semester of grad school as well as getting my teaching certificate. After this first semester, I am eligible to start sending my resume out for teaching positions. Although the chances of me getting a job are slim, this has been a scary thought for me. I have not felt prepared or adequate to be a teacher quite yet. As I have been praying for direction from the Lord, I read this verse in Acts 4 last week:


"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."


I need more confidence. Not in myself, but in the Holy Spirit that lives in me. God's plan for me may be that I will not become a teacher until later on, or it may be that I will be in a classroom next Fall. Whatever His plan is, I must be obedient, and confident that he is going to supply me with everything I need in order to glorify Him. See, no task is too big or to hard to accomplish with the power of God living inside of us as believers. Whatever the Lord is calling you to do: be obedient, have confidence, and depend fully on his strength. For if we have "faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Jesus the Treasure

I was reminded today of the trials & persecution numerous followers of Christ face in many countries around the world. This is Said Musa, he is currently a prisoner in Afghanistan because of his conversion to Christianity. In this prison he has suffered in the forms of sexual & physical abuse. He has been mocked, spat upon, and sleep deprived. He has appealed to President Obama not to be released, but to be transferred to another prison.  Read Said Musa's Story Here

Practicing our faith has become so easy & comfortable here in America. Yet reading stories like these reminds me of what Jesus meant as He imparted words to His disciples, almost all who were beaten, persecuted, and eventually became martyrs. Jesus knowing his fate of being brutally beaten and nailed to a cross also knew his disciples would suffer:

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:18-20

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12

"Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Matthew 19:27-29

Said Musa is willing to sacrifice everything, including his life because he believes in the words of Jesus Christ. He understands that our lives on this earth are only temporary. There is something far greater, something eternal. He has traded comfort in this life for the precious treasure, Jesus Christ.

Will you pray for Said Musa wi

th me? Pray for his deliverance. Pray that Christ's presence will be overwhelming in his situation. That the Lord will grant him with courage and boldness. Pray for that all mankind will have the freedom to chose their religion without persecution. Again, let us labor together in prayer, interceding for our brother Musa.

Project 31: Day 22.

Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.

"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work." -Mother Teresa


Scott and I have been in a season of prayer and brainstorming directly related to this question. Last weekend we discussed our visions, ideas, and dreams we feel like the Lord has been laying on our hearts to carry out here in Wicker Park. It was such an exciting time as we shared and prayed over the long list of things we are asking direction on from Christ. 


Since moving here in September, I feel like the first part of our journey has been a great learning experience. We have learned what makes our community tick, met a lot of people, and seen lots of needs of the people. We have already been given many opportunities to get involved in Wicker Park by serving in the school, working/cleaning in the park, and simply loving on those around us. As of two weeks ago Scott has also become the Vice President of the Wicker Park Advisory Council which we  are excited to see the avenues this will open up for our church to serve here.

Although we have a list of 13 ideas we are praying through right now as we continue to listen to the Lord's voice, we have noticed two major needs in our community that we know Christ desires us to move to action. One being homelessness and the other being nursing home living.

We have many, many homeless people in Wicker Park which is common throughout the whole city of Chicago. Many of these people live in the park during the warmer seasons and we see them regularly. As Scott and I came together we both felt the Lord was speaking to us on this same issue. Earlier this week I had been reading James and this passage particularly tugged at my heart:

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.                                                   James 2:14-17

Our desire as a church is to invest in the lives of the people in our neighborhood ministering to the whole person. We have a big vision to help them get on their feet and become productive members of society. This is something that is way over our heads at this point of our journey, but we are looking for ways to partner with existing organization already in our city. Many people need rehab, job training, education, etc. The needs of the homeless community are very diverse. They need more than just a hand out, they need life transformation. We also desire to build relationships with them and love them. We want them to know they are valuable and loved in God's sight and to be reconciled to Him. Right now we are praying through having a weekly gathering in the park this summer serving pancakes as we build relationships with them as well as discuss God's word. We can't wait to see what God has in store for His people.

We also have two assisted living/nursing homes in our neighborhood. Many times these can be very lonely places for people in their final stages of life. Scott is planning on meeting with the management of these two buildings to see possible ways we can love and serve them. We know that Christ has great plans for our community and we feel so blessed to be able to be a small part of that. Walking with the Lord is so, so good.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."  -Mother Teresa

Friday's Favorite

Honeymooning in the Bahamas.

Hands down best vacation ever. 

Scott & I daydream often of how we can get back to the paradise island one day!

Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

Scott,

I cannot express how proud I am to be your wife. I thank/praise God daily for the gift of you. I have had the privilege of watching you grow and mature in the Lord which has encouraged and challenged me in my own walk. Since moving to Chicago, I have noticed this growth more than ever before and know it is Christ in you.

I have seen your compassion and love for people. Your heart's true desire is for people to experience the goodness of Jesus and to know life in Him. You are dedicated and willing to do whatever God calls you to fulfill this calling on your life. You are the aroma of Christ as you freeze your tail off at the dog park, garden in the Park, and work playground patrol at the school. (the only male, non-parent :) ) You inspire me.

You dream big. You receive a vision from the Lord and you go for it. I love this about you. You do not keep God in box, but realize his power, bigness, and majesty. Therefore, you do things that may seem abnormal or do not make the most practical sense and this to me, is beautiful. I know that our lives may not always be easy, but it will be an adventure as we surrender it to the Lord. 

You have a servant's heart. You have taken such good care of me as we have moved to this big city! Your acts of service whether it be cooking dinner, taking Selah out, driving me to school, and all the others have meant the world to me. I love feeling like we are a team, understanding that we will do whatever it takes to help one another pursue God's calling on our lives individually and as a family.

Thank you for loving me when I am unloveable, always making me feel beautiful, encouraging & rebuking me with God's word, making me laugh, and encouraging me to pursue Christ with all of my heart, mind, and strength.

I am so thankful God chose us to walk this journey together.

I love you,

Your Wife

"Everybody's Workin for the Weekend"

Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it. 

Since September, I have been blessed with the opportunity of working at Childtime Learning Center teaching two-year-olds. I was very thankful to be offered a job after living in Chicago for only a couple of weeks. I have always loved working with children, but the past two years I realized that I especially love working with preschool aged children. My favorite being the 2's and 3's. With that being said, I really like my job. I wake up every morning with the opportunity to love, teach, and help mold 18 precious kiddos, most of who spend more of their waking hours with us than their parents. And not only am I molding them, but they are molding me. They have taught me a lot about patience, love, and influence (they watch your every action & listen to every word). I also enjoy the relationships that have been formed between my co-workers and I. I work with many sweet, gifted ladies whose love for children is very evident. All in all, though working with 2's can be very challenging and tiring, it is also equally rewarding! 

Friday's Favorite

Redbox.

To whoever created this magical box of $1 rentals: Thank you.

This little gem was discovered my last year of college and I am hooked. I mean really, who can beat $1 rentals? Oh wait AND you can get a free code the first Monday of every month? Wow, genius.

On top of that Redbox is changing our society for the better. To me, Redbox is like that loving parent who is instilling the value of responsibility into your life.  You accidentally forget to turn your DVD back in and all the sudden BAM, your account has been charged $10. Dang. But thankfully, Redbox has compassion on our forgetful little minds and has a maximum charge on all items. I have learned that to get the most out of this deal, I must stay on top of my Redbox game. And that I do.

In conclusion,

Props to you Redbox, props to you.

"Get in My Belly"

Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)

This post has the potential to be ridiculously long so I have narrowed it down to some of my consistent favorite cravings, which I crave way too often.

Give me a bean burrito, a taco, and chicken soft taco and you just made a lifelong friend.

I love me some DP and I like it fountain style. 

Also, nothing beats Dublin Dr. Pepper. 

Oh, Texas how I miss thee.

Fav Candy.

Although the sausage in this picture looks a little questionable, I could eat breakfast food for every meal, everyday, for the rest of my life. (Yes, sometimes I enjoy being dramatic.) So now that I am gnawing on my arm, I should probably get up and eat something.

"Cause you've got personality"

Day 18.  Describe your personality.

In an attempt for this post not to sound like a personal ad, I asked my husband to list off some adjectives that describe my personality. Who knows me better, right? Right. 

His Response:

Beautiful, Loyal, Funny/Fun-Loving, Compassionate, Friendly, Crazy, People-Pleaser, Worrier, Procrastinator, Prideful, Gentle, Transparent, Hard Worker, Sacrificial 

(Real sneaky trying to cover up all the negative attributes in the middle.) :)

I believe he knows me pretty well, a little too well.

Praise God he still loves me. :)

Happy as a Lark

Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.

Just three? But, I can think of so many more.

1. Redbox. Some of my happiest moments are watching movies cuddled up on my couch.

2. Reading while sippin' on some hot tea.

3. Receiving mail.

Beauty that Never Fades

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful."

1 Peter 3: 3-4

This morning the Lord reminded me what beauty is in His sight. 

A Heavy Heart.

Yesterday Scott received a call asking if we could adopt the three kids that lived with us this time last year. Sharon (the mom) officially loses all rights to them next week. She doesn't want them separated or in foster care and desires for them to be with us. Initially, my hearts screams yes! I want to provide these children with a stable home where they never doubt for a second that they are loved deeply. I want them to know that they are precious, valued, and incredible kids. I want to introduce them to the One who created them, loves them infinitely, and desires a relationship with them. Yet, Scott & I can't provide this home for them.

And that is why my heart is heavy.

At this point, we do not have the wisdom, financial means, or the ability to raise three children. But most importantly we do not feel that God has not called us to adopt these children. He has called us to Chicago. And what I really need to understand is that God loves these children more than Scott and I could ever fathom and that He is in control. He has a purpose and plan for them beyond what our finite minds can understand. I have to trust Him in this situation. I surrender that His plans and ways are much greater than mine.

Yet, I know that it wasn't chance that Scott happened to almost run over this family while driving to church one Sunday. The Lord placed these children in our home for a purpose and I believe that purpose is still being seen through. We are to be warriors in prayer for these kids. We are to be a constant source of love and support. If they ever doubt being loved, they should always be able to think of us and be certain of our love.Though we are a long distance away, I have felt convicted to shower these children with our love in whatever means that may be, cards, phone calls, visits when we are home. The Lord has a purpose for our encounter and He has reminded me that purpose is not over yet.

The two boys are in a good foster home, but will probably never be adopted. Tameka is in another foster home and we are not sure about adoption. Our prayer is that they will be adopted into the Kingdom of Heaven to a perfect Father.

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

Romans 8:14-17 

Friday's Favorite

Along with many other bloggers, I am going to start writing about a favorite of the week. This could include a song, artist, season, activity, place, anything really. Today's favorite is Rooibos tea. (straight from South Africa) Scott and I traveled to Africa in June of 2008. He had already fallen completely in love with the country on a previous trip, and I feel right along behind him.

Absolutely precious. I really wished I could bring them home.

Being in Africa sparked our love for hot tea. We drank it multiple times a day. When leaving the country, we knew we had to stock up on this tea and sugar to bring home. We then purposefully saved it to help us bare our first Chicago winter.

Such a beautiful culture, so warm and hospitable.

Well, we have defintely busted that tea out now, and I am drinking it like it's going out of style. Scott makes it the best adding just the right amount of sugar and milk. I don't even want to think about what I am going to do when it's gone, I suppose it will be time for another trip to Africa and I'm ok with that. :)

Scott speaking at a school assembly.

Project 31: Days 12-14.

Woah. I got a little behind on Project 31. This is my catch-up attempt so it will be pretty brief.

Day 12:

Write about what wears you out as a woman.

Hair & make up, day after day after day. 

&

Shaving my legs. 

Day 13:

Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.

More patience.

Not worrying about what other people think of me.

Less self-consumed.

Day 14:

Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!

Halloween 2009. I was a garden gnome.

JK.

Um, let's see. I am no fashionista, but some of my favorite things in my wardrobe include:

Plaid Button Up Shirts

Scarfs

V-necks

Sweaters

Snow Snow Snow Snotorious!

Scott and I experienced a blizzard our first winter in Chicago. I was completely pumped because I did not have to go to work or school today! Woohoo! We not only got to experience the blizzard, but also what a 40 degree apartment feels like. Around 8:00 last night, our transformer blew out causing us to have no electricity. So we piled on the layers and drank lots of tea. It actually ended up being a fun experience to remember.

Today consisted of playing in the snow, a little homework/reading, drinking tea, snuggling and watching TV shows, and making snow ice cream. It was an absolute blast, which brings me to this conclusion: The day after the blizzards is the best.

Selah, completely in her element.

Ashley's best caught jump of the day.

Scott's best caught jump of the day.

I love snow! 

Aftermath of the snow jump.

Snow days with this boy are the best.

Ingredients for snow ice cream. Yum.

Having class online on my couch! Look at Selah being a baller in the background.

Now I can only dream about one more snow day tomorrow...