Life Lessons from a Laptop

Well, this last week my computer hit an all time low. It was being upgraded (much needed!!) and well that meant storing pictures and files and music on an external hard drive to make room. Too much stuff. That was my computer analyst's diagnosis (my brother). He told me I had to get rid of the junk and store it somewhere else. Then in the midst of it all, another friend offered to take a look at it and see what could be done. It ended up needing to be defragmented. And after that, I needed to delete programs that were taking up space but not being used. (Bear with me if you're lost in the computer jargon. I don't get much of it myself!)

SO I was thinking. A lot like life right? Just when things get busy, sometimes our inner lives hit an all time low, unable to process all the details and circumstances because there's so much junk clogging up the "memory". And usually it ends up coming out in a "computer crash" style where we blow up or have a good cry. But it really doesn't have to be that way if we take time to do regular updates and maintenance.

If we take the time to deal with the junk in our lives (unforgiveness mainly, and also give the stresses of life to God who never meant for us to try and live through them alone), then there is room in the memory. Then we can be "de-fragmented". The Holy Spirit can shine through the cracks of our fragmented lives and we are made whole by the Father God. Pretty amazing.

And deleting the programs. I have been convicted lately that many of us have too many "programs" jamming up our lives. I mean really! So many things that we just "have to do". I think most of us are addicted to stress or at least the adrenaline of activity. I am trying more and more to be less of this kind of a person. I really want to take time to consider what things I add to my schedule and life (programs) and then let them run and really really enjoy them fully. I would consider myself a "recovering workaholic" trying to find a healthy balance that is pleasing to God. So, in the midst of illness and several circumstances God in His grace and wisdom "slowed me down" so I would be forced to take the time to pray and thoughtfully consider the possibilities before jumping in with both feet! With this year soon ending and a new one beginning quickly, I find myself reflecting and once more reconsidering my "programs" thinking through which ones should be deleted and which ones God would have me continue.

Guess I really missed my laptop. And I'm thankful by the way that it's got some life left still. I almost destroyed it with too many files and programs, but things seem to have improved greatly. I could say the same about life. I'm thankful for these lessons God has brought me through, though at many times painful. I almost burnt out with too many programs and activities (all good things I might add). Things seem to have improved greatly. But only by God's grace. With all the frantic activity, I really missed knowing Him. I mean really knowing Him (not just an on-the-go Bible reading and prayer). When there's more room on the hard drive of my life, there's plenty of space for this priority. And while it requires regular maintenance, it's well worth the time!

Thanks for reading. May God encourage you where you are.

It's time-- a little color

Well, it's been a little while since I've posted. (Partly because we've had computer issues.) But it is time again to do a Thankful post.

So, I'm SOOOO thankful we have finished painting the entrance, hallway and living room in our house. The new color is wonderful and it makes the room seem sunny all the time. We're very pleased with it and also it is nice to know you've completed a project which turned out even better than expected. (Makes it worthwhile.)

I'm thankful for my Tuesday morning study, I'm continually learning along with the ladies and loving the time we spend together in the Word.

I'm thankful for the nice weather we've been having (warmer temps and sunny days)! I just think of the snow and clouds we had last year this time.

I'm thankful for my Spanish students who are excited about learning Spanish and who are advancing very quickly!

And I'm also very grateful for those who have ordered jewelry from my new business. It excites and encourages me to know that others enjoy things that I've made. (And since I love doing it so much, that's a really good thing!)

Amado Mío for some friends

Here is the latest. This is a custom order for a good friend and her husband. It is the same design as my necklace (see earlier posts), but with different swarovski birthstone colors and initials. The larger round disc is sterling silver 1" in diameter with the words "amado mío" hand stamped and darkened around the bottom border. The smaller discs are also sterling silver, but are 1/2" in diameter with the initials centered on the piece. They are embellished with two swarovski crystals and hung on an 18" sterling silver ball chain. If you are interested in your custom order, or a gift for someone else, feel free to comment below or go to my ETSY shop. Enjoy your necklace A!

Blog-worthy song

What an awesome reminder that God is near.

Fall Update

Hello! Well, we're well into the swing of things here. Pretty incredible how the absence of a "schedule" during the summer months really takes its toll in September and October getting back into it! We're starting the Tutoring/Mentoring Program this week (TUESDAY!!) and have added several other things to our schedules as well.

I think now that the weather is cooler and I've finally gotten many things around the house organized (or re-organized), I am finally enjoying the Fall-ness of drinking hot cider (or cold) and soups. Fall seemed to come really soon this year, or maybe it was that Summer never got that hot. But at the same time, it's a little sad to realize that it will be darker for another 6 month stretch and colder. Still, we're finishing up a few things on our "to-do" list to help with that this year (including a warmer,lighter, & brighter paint job for our living room, hallway and entryway). I'll have to post pics of the finished product.

I keep thinking about how God is so good to us. How even though we have our struggles, and pain and trials, He has placed us in these circumstances so that our character can become more like His and our hearts softer towards others. Perhaps having to be indoors more has brought about deeper reflection these days, but it is good. Funny how so many times we see our struggles as bad, negative things, when in God's economy, they're really good. It all depends on perspective. I'm not saying that I WANT to go through some of the things we're facing, but I do want to have a good perspective knowing that God, who is good, is giving me (us) the privilege of walking through these things with Him. And that ultimately, He uses all things for the good of those who love Him and keep His commands. Now, that's some good news!

Thankful Thursday - What's new?

Well, we find ourselves in full swing mid-September here in north-east Ohio (which also means the weather has quickly cooled off as well!). José and I were able to make a quick trip to visit Asheville, NC, to see family, friends and our church family there. We had a wonderful time! In addition to beginning Fall Ministries at church (including Backpacks of Hope, Tutoring, Choir, Youth Group, TLC-Ladies' Bible Study, and Small Group to name a few), I have also officially started my new business "Something Beautiful Studio". I had been looking for a way to do what I love while bringing in a little additional income and this is it! I make hand stamped jewelry and am excited to see where it goes. Who would have thought?

We're thankful for a safe trip to NC after a rough start with car trouble. For a wonderful time with Family, with Friends, with the Youth we previously worked with and for everyone at Cornerstone! We would have liked to stay longer as with any vacation. :)

We're thankful for the schedule that Fall brings. We're excited to begin new things and re-start some we were involved in last year as well.

We're thankful for YOU as well! We truly are grateful for people who love and support us on this journey. We'd love to hear from you! (You can leave a comment below if you'd like.)

Thanks for reading and journeying with us!

The name

Well, as you know, I've been contemplating putting my jewelry on Etsy and have finally decided to take the plunge. It's a little daunting, the uncertainty of many details still to be hammered down (pun intended), but I feel it's a good opportunity to share my talent and passion. The name I have decided upon is: Something Beautiful . You can find my Etsy under: MelChinchillaDesigns .

About the name. I was reading and reflecting today on how the Lord often takes the ashes of our lives and transforms them into something of beauty. He has done that over and over in my life, and recently in a powerful way. I was reminded that He takes us through hard things, through things that agonize our souls in order that He may be beauty in our lives. Often the beauty He brings is something new made out of something old in our lives, but created and crafted in such a way that it is redeemed, healed, and amazingly breathtaking. Something He alone can do. Yes, I suppose I am speaking in parables, riddles, and bursts of thought, but I don't know that I have the words to explain it as deeply as I know it in my heart.

What will it look like? Well, Something Beautiful Studio is my outlet for creativity. It will be as unique as the one who wears the jewelry creations. I am currently hoping to focus mainly on sterling silver hand-stamped jewelry and still offer a few beaded creations. The diversity of stamping is that I can virtually create any number of pieces using phrases, words, names, dates, or portions of Scriptures which will be wearable art.

It's a big leap that is characteristic of this time in my life, and I'm excited to venture out. Feel free to give feedback. I am looking forward to what this new venture becomes.

So, it will take a while still to get things made and uploaded, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to! (Check out previous blogs for ideas of what is to come!)

Drumroll please......

So, finally, as promised, pictures of my latest creations IN SILVER. It started yesterday actually when my husband, looking at yet more practice copper washers I was heartily pounding away on, said, "Copper makes your neck green." So, I had to look and yes, my neck was sporting a green line. So, I'd have to say I'm a purist. Silver and white gold for me. That was actually my goal all along(not to have a green neck, but to do silver stamping). It just took a little while to work up the courage. I mean a mess up on copper is only a few pennies down the drain (when you buy washers at your local hardware store). Silver on the other hand is increasing in value and I didn't want to risk messing up. But I did. I risked it. And I'm very pleased with the results. I still like the look of copper, but mixed with silver and definitely a silver chain!


Now, I'm wondering if I should do Etsy or just take orders from people I know and do them this way for a while. (If you're interested and would seriously consider purchasing pendants or a necklace, please let me know, leave a message. I'd love to hear your thoughts.) And one more thing. What should I call this new venture of mine? I'm going to do a surprise give away to my favorite inspiration for a name. Here are the pictures: (We had to do them inside tonight, so enjoy the flowers on our dining room table also!)



This will be a gift for someone special. :) Got the idea from her actually. (BTW, the shadow on the bottom is me taking the picture.)



This is a wedding gift for a dear friend I met in Costa Rica. Congrats April & David!



And this, the beginning of my own silver, memory jewelry collection. I have dear hubby's and my initials as well as two crystal beads of our favorite colors/birthstone colors. And the larger disc is Spanish, amado mío, meaning "my beloved".

Finally, hand-stamped copper pendants

Well, as promised, here are a few pictures of what I've been working on these days. They're not finished (they need necklaces or bracelets added to them), but they've been fun. And hopefully the recipients (who will immediately know who they are) won't be reading my blog before they get them. :) Anyway, it was great fun. I watched a video on beaducation.com (free) and also downloaded an ebook by tfakler off of Etsy in addition to taking a stamping class at Edy Beady's in Canton, Ohio. If you're interested in getting into this, I can share contacts/websites I've found, etc. Here are my latest pieces:



The Spanish word, Hope, also contains the idea of waiting. (If you're not waiting for it, you can't hope for it.)
A few pieces for some friends. :) For my mom. Her motto.
My latest favorite piece, copper hand-stamped, and embellished with moonstone (sparkly purplish bead) and jade.

I'm considering Etsy and maybe doing some to order. We'll see. It depends on how much interest there is.

Thankful Thursday/Happy Birthday Grandma Lorraine & Diego!!

I wanted to say a special Happy Birthday to Grandma Lorraine! August 13th! She shares her birthday with her great-granddog, Diego, who is a year old today!

I'm thankful for free tickets to Wednesday's Scrapper's game (Mahoning Valley Baseball) right behind home plate and beside the Scrapper's dugout. It was José's first live baseball game and we went with friends from church. José even got his picture taken with Scrappy the Bulldog!



See José with Scrappy! And to José's left are two of our friends from church!



Enjoying the game!

I'm thankful for getting my steel bench block in the mail so I can hammer away on metal stamping jewelry. (Stay posted for the latest, I'm practicing on copper and then hopefully on to sterling silver!)

I'm thankful for a great day off with hubby on Monday, we had a great time doing things together, "treasure hunting" at the Village. I think in all, I realize that GOD is the One Who Provides for every need, even before we ask (or start looking for it), it's there.

I read a chapter in a book called "Satisfy My Thirsty Soul" by Linda Dillow on waiting. I believe we're all waiting for something in life and while we wait, we suffer. It is hard to be denied the object of our desire. But I was once again reminded that waiting is God's way of drawing us closer to Him and that He would rather deny us our desires for a time so we can grow closer to Him than just give us what we want instantly, like He has the power to do!

Good stuff!

What are you learning? What are you thankful for?

Thankful Thursday (on Saturday)

I'm thankful for a few minutes this morning to sit down and reconnect with the online world. :)

I'm thankful for a great trip on Monday to Beulah Beach and God-ordained conversations which were of great encouragement.

I'm thankful for the opportunity last Sunday to share about our trip to Spain, both to share and to hear how God has worked in the others who went.

I'm thankful for a cookout at a good friend's house where we were able to further debrief about the Spain trip and encourage those who are soon departing to another wonderful place!

I'm thankful for a few hours this week to reconnect with my smart, wonderful, and eager to learn (even during summer vacation) Spanish students. And I'm looking forward to a "Mexican restaurant celebration" Spanish experience this week just before school begins.

I'm thankful for being able to catch up with family and friends on the phone this week!

I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach elementary aged girls how to make a simple bracelet or necklace for the craft portion of their camp-out. What creativity! It was great fun!

I'm thankful for being able to connect again with good ministry friends in the area, to share each other's burdens and be understood.

I'm thankful for being on the right time schedule this week and to be hungry at the right times. It really does make a HUGE difference!

I'm thankful for a great time of worship and preparation on Wednesday night and am looking forward to singing pretty regularly with the choir this fall.

I'm thankful for the energy to clean the house and get things in order. This time last year, we had just moved in and I was in the beginning of a year-long struggle with my thyroid, which mostly sapped my energy, my motivation, and after many doctors visits, sapped the "extra" we had stashed away.

I want to praise the Lord for bringing stability to my physical health and for feeling great, back to normal, and like myself again, after a year!

Thankful Thursday (Late Night Edition)

This week, I'm thankful for sleep. (Jet lag is lingering still).

I'm thankful for God's specific provision for something José and I have been praying for since just before we left for Spain. It's always a sweet moment when we realize that it was GOD at work in the details of our lives.

I'm thankful for the great surprise of coming home from Spain to a newly sealed deck! How wonderful!! (Thanks Jack!)

I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to reconnect with college friends in Spain as well as to see their work.

I'm thankful for having the opportunity to experience life in Spain through the eyes of a Spanish man who graciously opened his home to us and spent hours talking with us and answering our questions.

I'm thankful for a God who is never late, always on time, and who loves us more than we can ever know.

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday - La Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain

Spain, Jet Lag, and other thoughts

After an exciting and amazing 16 days, we're back from Spain! We left on July 10th and arrived in Madrid on July 11th. Talk about messing with your mind. On the plane on the way there, they told us that we should close our blinds because it would get light early. I woke up around 2am Ohio time which was 8am Madrid time, and it was bright, amazing, and we were above the clouds. I still can't fathom how it works, I mean I know the world rotates and the time is adjusted accordingly, but on Saturday, we had pretty close to 20 hours of sunlight. We got back home around 4am Sunday morning Madrid time (10pm the Saturday night before, Ohio time). See what I mean. You're falling asleep, but it's not late enough yet, so you try coffee or anything really to try and stay away just a little longer. It's working pretty well so far, and we're finally unpacked, clothes clean and everything put away. Now only to get started on emails and pictures! We'll be probably keeping odd hours this week (jet lag tends to last 1 day per hour of time difference, which would be 6 for us). So, until later! Thanks for praying! We'll be sending glimpses of our time in Spain in the next days and weeks!

Thankful Thursday

Wow, what a whirlwind week! There seem to have been a lot of those lately. It's nice to sit down and take a few minutes to be thankful. We heard a sermon on Sunday (by my amazing husband) on remembering the good God has done, so this week, that's what I want to focus on.

I'm thankful for God's provision in all of the details for our trip to Spain.

I'm thankful for friends who will take care of our little doggy, Diego, and water the plants.

I'm thankful for both José and I being in good health.

I'm especially thankful for God's miraculous healing of José's arthritis. (He is completely well!)

I'm thankful for the growth that intensity in life brings.

I'm thankful for Jesus who has already won the victory for us on the cross!

Here are a few links you may be interested in:

José's sermon: http://www.northmarchurch.com/sermons/July%205%202009.mp3
Victory song "The Desert Song": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QemZQKKJbRU

Thankful Thursday with LOTS of pictures!

Well, it's Thursday again. Funny marking my weeks with a day in the middle.

I'm thankful for the rain. I know, weird to say in rainy NE Ohio, but it's really made the basil, spearmint, cilantro, garlic-y-chives, thyme and oregano grow like crazy and it's delicious!!
I'm SO thankful for the wonderful flavors of the basil, chives and cilantro (which are ready to cut and eat). We had a delicious tomato, onion salad last night with chives, cilantro and a little basil topped with a squeeze of lime juice and salt. YUMMY!

I'm thankful to have had a wonderful time with missys during last week's Missions Impact Weekend (that went all week long). It was great to connect and we were encouraged as I pray were they.

I'm thankful for a good friend who helped me (with MUCH patience!!) sew a dress and a shirt (I'm working on a second shirt which isn't yet finished yet). THANKS Heather! I seriously couldn't have done it without you!

I'm thankful for being able to learn a new jewelry technique last week (I skipped a week, so I figured I'd stick a few more in). I went with another pastor's wife and we learned how to do metal stamping! Yes, it's also addictive, but best of all, very stress relieving as you pound on a piece of metal. The pearl/copper necklace has my initials. :) It was a LOT of fun! And the second necklace with the copper washer has the words: AMOR, COMPROMISO, LIBERTAD which José and I also have inscribed on the inside of our wedding rings. (Notice also the butterfly and the GREEN swarovski crystal). The bracelet with the faith pendant is still a work in progress. Here are they are!


I'm thankful to be packed for Spain. Only days now! I'm excited we're able to take this trip together and am anticipating great things from God during our time in Madrid and Barcelona. Notice the confused puppy who's wondering what's going on!

I'm thankful for a great team going to Spain!

I'm thankful also for good friends who will watch and play with Diego while we travel!

Thanks for reading! It may be a little while, but I will be posting Spain pics as I'm able!!!

Thankful Thursday (on Saturday)

What can I say? It's been a full week. We're trying to catch up after a great week of VBS, and get as much done before Missions Impact "Weekend" (that has been going on since this morning and will continue until next Saturday). Our church does three such Weekends per year in lieu of an annual week long missions conference. This has proven to be more effective in getting people involved as well as keeping missions before them more continually. This would have to be one of the reasons I'm thankful this week. I love getting to know the international workers who come and share with us! It's a huge privilege to be by my husband's side and to participate in one of the ways we partner with others to hasten the coming of our Lord while encouraging them in missional living.

I'm also thankful for several good friends here in Ohio. This is something we prayed for before moving almost a year ago in August.

I'm thankful to be teaching Spanish again to a few eager and excited kids. I had forgotten how much I love to teach Spanish. (I love teaching, and am realizing that it's also another creative outlet for me as I prepare lessons and activities!)

Continue to be in prayer for us and for our team (8 of us ) going to Spain in a few weeks. We've all had major health issues since signing up for the trip and have also had multiple obstacles to overcome. We desire so much to be light in a dark place.

Thankful Thursday

Well, if you read last Thursday's post you will see that this week is VBS at church. We do it a little differently than I'd seen before, it's from 9-12 in the morning. And they offer a ladies' study and craft. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be able to teach the ladies' craft which is jewelry-making. The ladies have made beautiful necklaces and bracelets and tomorrow we're making "Wordless Book" bracelets which will be a great end to a fun week.


I'm also thankful for a great small group that José and I are a part of. This past week, we were able to get together with one couple who cooked us a delicious dinner and challenged us with Sequence after. The homemade pies and mango salsa-topped burgers were just wonderful!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday.

Just a few thoughts of what I'm thankful for this week.

I'm thankful for being able to attend a marriage seminar with my beloved husband.

I'm thankful for more details coming together on our trip to Spain (COMING UP SOON!!).

I'm thankful for beads and creative thoughts and ideas this week.

I'm thankful for less weeds and DOUBLE CHOCOLATE mulch. : )

I'm thankful for kind and generous landlords.

I'm thankful for God-ordained moments.

I'm thankful for all the baptisms that are STILL going on at church (I believe we're over 150 now!)!

My latest projects

I've been preparing this week (and the last few weeks actually) for the craft portion of the Mom's/Women's Bible Study during VBS next week. While sorting beads, finding pictures of examples and inspiration as well as sorting through my beads and latest creations, I was inspired. Here are three of my latest pieces: (I usually make them in sets of : necklace, bracelet and earrings so I can coordinate or mix and match according to my outfits.)

(L to R): Turquoise and tiger eye semi-precious stone beads with a hand painted ceramic center bead and silver spacer beads. The necklace in the center is make of grey semi-precious stone round beads with black glass beads and silver spacers with a focal bead made of black jasper and painted jasper (Pretty amazing how the painted jasper is a type of semi-precious stone and naturally designed). And the far right is all jasper and silver, the rectangle jasper is African jasper from a little bead shop in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Why beading? Well I needed something I could pour money into, ahem, I mean a hobby. And beading is something that I can do just about anywhere in the world. It's a great creative outlet, something I can do with my hands. It's something that I can do with others, a very relational and instant gratification kind of project. And just about every woman I know likes jewelry, including me! And I figure why spend money on something I can make for less or make with nicer materials. It's fun, and I have different beads from a few countries now that are part of my memories and now jewelry.

The View from my Guitar

So I was playing a few songs that have been on my mind lately, as I sometimes do before I have a time of reading the Bible and praying, and as I looked down, this is what I saw. Yes, I laughed hysterically! I guess Diego thinks it's a new soft bed for him to lay in.....

Thankful Thursday

....a day late..... I've decided that by way of update and also in order to keep the proper perspective I want to try and do a Thankful Thursday post where I'll post a few things I'm thankful for that happened that week. We'll see how it goes. Here's the first:

-I'm thankful for wonderful people from church and our neighbors who invited us to spend time with them during the holiday weekend. We had a blast and were excited to connect with you all!

-I'm thankful for being able to use one my favorite hobbies, jewelry-making, to encourage others. We're currently preparing for the women/mom's class during VBS where the craft time will entail making a necklace and bracelet! I can hardly wait!!! (I recently made some more examples which I will post later.)

-I'm thankful, truly, to be in a position to be in ministry alongside of my husband, who challenges me to dream with him of bigger and greater things.

-I'm thankful for the hard times I've faced this last year with my health particularly, because I know that God has been drawing me closer to Himself and I am learning to trust more and worry less.

Thoughts on worship as a lifestyle--my journey

We've been talking a lot about worship at church lately. And in reading through "Satisfy My Thirsty Soul" by Linda Dillow, I've also been implementing a personal time of singing songs to the Lord during my devotional times. I'm learning that in all of the contexts in which I have found myself, with very different and distinct worship styles and songs, that while I do have my preferences, I have enjoyed learning to worship in new ways. I have found that worship is more of a heart attitude, offering up to the Lord what we are and focusing on Him regardless of our feelings or circumstances. And as you have probably experienced, as we really enter in to offering up our worship to Him, our feelings and circumstances, while they matter, become background as our Lord Jesus Christ becomes the focus and forefront priority once more. I have also been challenged to worship God with my life in every task and not just be mindful of worshipping Him during the songs we sing on Sunday mornings. And as it would turn out, the more I try to focus on Him and worship Him, the more consumed with worshipping Him I become. It's an amazing adventure that no matter where we are at in life we can still move forward towards Him even more.
Really, it comes down to this. We are all worshipping something or someone. It's where we spend our thoughts, time, money, and energies. I want to be absolutely undivided in my heart, wholly God's, which means worshipping Him in every area of life. How about you?

Soak the Church in the Month of May!

Well, yes, it has been raining a lot here this spring, and the weather has definitely warmed up considerably after the long winter. But, what's happening at church is not on the outside. We have been learning about obedience, basically. One of the steps of obedience of a believer in Jesus Christ is to be baptized (submerged in water to symbolize death to self and new life in Christ). Our pastor preached a sermon on this and as a result over 130 people will be baptized in the Month of May. Yes, over 130 young, elderly, and middle aged people--ENTIRE FAMILIES--being baptized with more signing up each Sunday after they see lives changed and hear how God is at work in others. God is at work in Warren, Ohio. It is SO exciting to be a part of a church where God is at work and the leaders are following passionately after God. If you're in the area, we would LOVE to have you join us one of these Sundays! Posted are pictures of some of last week's 26 baptisms and a link to the sermon:
http://www.northmarchurch.com/sermons/042609%20Choosing%20Baptism.mp3

Before we realize it........

How many times do we marvel at new life, new growth, beauty, and then become content to just stay in that place? In life, in spiritual matters, in relationships? Here's the physical example that got me thinking about this. Here's the beautiful garden (well it was a few weeks ago--see previous blogs). If you look closely, you see that all the green is not necessarily a good thing. Between and all around the plants (and even in the middle of several plants) are weeds. Dandelions, thistles (that really do prick your bare fingers!), and others that I cannot name. But they are all coming up very QUICKLY and with big roots that are hard to get out! Below you will see 15 minutes of work, and only a very small patch cleared. Needless to say, I will have to work hard to keep my flowers from being overtaken. In the spiritual sense, I was pondering how often I begin to see God working in my life with new beautiful flowers and then instead of pressing in, and letting Him continue to weed out the junk constantly, I step back and just let the beauty be my focus, letting the rain refresh, but ignoring the thistle thorns and overshadowing dandelions that really have gotten to quite the large size. In my life, I am like this garden many times. And intentionally or unintentionally let the weeds come up around the beautiful flowers. How many times I wait until the weeds begin to take over before I go back and say "Okay, God, clean out the junk!" Why can't it be a constant process? Why don't I stay there when the flowers begin to bloom in order for them to be even better and not surrounded by distractions and evil rooting itself all around? I mean, it wouldn't take as long to stay weeded out if there were only a few weeds each time instead of a whole patch of overgrowth! And the results would be constant beauty. Well, these are just my ponderings, I really need to get out and work in the garden.

DC in April

We took a trip for our 2nd anniversary to Washington D.C. We had a great time sightseeing and visiting with good friends from our year(s) in Costa Rica. Enjoy!

Signs of Spring

We are enjoying beautiful flowers, ones we didn't even plant. Pretty amazing what seeds planted become and how wide their beauty reaches to impact others. Seasons of Spring bring hope of new life. The frozen ground thawing. Resurrection. A fresh start. I would have to say that after such a long and hard winter, spring is even more glorious, better than I had hoped or imagined. Oh the metaphors our Creator uses to draw us in. Oh the grace and mercy and love.

Happy Anniversary!

Here I am reflecting on a wonderful life-changing day 2 years ago. It snowed that day in Asheville, NC as we exchanged vows to love and be committed for a lifetime. It's pretty unreal, two years later in Warren, Ohio, it's snowed again today, but 2 inches this time! I just want to say that I love married life. It is wonderful and it is challenging at times, but now as a married woman, I would never want to go back. And I have been reflecting today over the past 2 years. Before we married, how God brought us together. And since our wedding, how the Lord has been at work in our lives leading, guiding, molding us. We have weathered major changes, moving to different countries, houses and unknown places as well as learned new languages and cultures, and we've become stronger because of it. We are excited as we look ahead to the next 92 years together. Happy Anniversary, mi amorcito!


Faithfully by Eric & Leslie Ludy (sung my Summer Hartzler at our wedding!!)

Tonight I saw a shooting star
Reminded me of everything you are
All my life I dreamed of you
And wondered if I'd see my dreams come true

In this world of cheap romance
And love that only fades after the dance
They said I was a fool to wait for something more
But when I look into your eyes, it's all I've waited for
You'll never know just what you mean to me
For as long as I live I'll love you faithfully

Faithfully I am yours
From now until forever
Faithfully I will write
Write you a love song with my life
'Cause this kind of love's worth waiting for
Until the end of all time
I am yours faithfully

Tonight I seal my promise with a kiss
Whatever lies ahead, remember this
My heart has always been yours alone
And I belong to you from this day on

In this world of broken dreams
And promises that never seem to keep
They might say we're fools to live for something more
But you are part of who I am,
You're etched upon my soul
The years won't change all that you are to me
For a lifetime and a day I'll love you faithfully

Faithfully I am yours
From now until forever
Faithfully I will write
Write you a love song with my life
'Cause this kind of love's worth waiting for
Until the end of all time
I am yours faithfully

Holding patterns.

Do you ever have those times where it seems like everyone around you is flying by, but you seem to be in a holding pattern? Maybe it's been a health issue that has slowed our current activities, maybe a time of preparation for something upcoming, maybe adjustment to new things which take time for assimilation to be completed.
I was just reflecting on how often we are misunderstood during these times. These are precious times where Jesus just desires to connect with us and minister to us while equipping us (through circumstances most often) for what He has. Sometimes we know what is ahead and it's easy to explain it to others. Other times we are just in a holding pattern, not sure of what it will be like or when we will be able to deplane. At times we are judged, criticized, even considered lazy or not meeting unwritten/unspoken expectations; but we do have peace, knowing God has brought us here, for this time, for His purposes.
These are times of wonder. Of expectancy. Of hope. These are the times we find depth in our relationship with Jesus. And most often, He does things in us that we cannot see until later.
We realize eventually that our concern should be on what He thinks, on what His desire for us is, and on how we are serving Him in our current situation. That's freedom. That's really living.

Thankful

How many times do I get in a "complaining mood" where nothing is quite right. Well, lately I've been trying to be more of an encourager and also be thankful for everything. (I guess it's kind of like I'm trying to make it a habit to be more intentionally and vocally thankful).
I just wanted to give you a snapshot of this week with phrases of thankfulness.

I'm thankful for a wonderful husband who has a job and can provide for us.

I'm thankful for excellent neighbors/landlords who really take care of our needs and encourage us with their generosity.

I'm thankful to see the grass again (spring is coming!).

I'm thankful for a smart little dog who is learning to "go" outside now that it's not freezing!

I'm thankful for life and where God has us right now, even in the hard things, I am learning to be thankful because He is teaching me and molding me to be more like Him.

A Longtime Dream in the Making

For years now, I have dreamed of going to Spain. Back when I was in college, in fact, I was set and actually appointed to be an apprentice in Spain for 2 years, but God had other plans. See, looking back, all the pieces had to be put in order for the dream to be even better than I could have imagined. Upon graduation, I spent a good 7 months wrestling with where to go and ended up seeing God's leading to Paraguay where I lived and served for two years. After a brief return to the US, I traveled to Costa Rica for a year (well 9 months) of language school to perfect my Spanish. During that time I met my beloved husband, a Guatemalan who was studying to get his masters degree in a Costa Rican seminary. I met him at church and also at the seminary where I took a class as well. Our friendship turned to love and we got engaged. Then we began planning and praying about what to do for our future, where to go. On our ten year plan (insert a HUGE laugh), we projected ourselves returning to a Spanish speaking country to serve Spanish speakers (which is still the leading the Lord has given us), but we were thinking Latin America or possibly Spain, but leaning towards Latin America. Just when we let the dream go, released it and honestly let it almost go into the "forgotten" category, we are presented with the prospect of doing a short-term trip with our church to Spain. More than I can explain in a blog, this is the culmination of many dreams, many prayers answered, and great hope for the future. Does this mean we'll end up in Spain? I don't know actually. What I do know is that it is a door the Lord has opened at this time in our lives and we are going to explore it, excited to see how He leads us. Besides, after almost 300 cloudy days in North-East Ohio, it will be nice to be in a place known for 300 days of sunshine a year.
I guess it seems that just when we surrender, give up, or just let it go, that's when hope steps in. It doesn't make things any easier, but we are encouraged by hope. And by knowing that God is always in control and working even when we can't see it or feel it.
So, you can be praying for us as the trip takes place in July. We're just beginning the process and there is a lot to do between now and then, but we are encouraged. Hopeful.

Thanks for reading!

January

January. A new year, new activities, still new experiences here in North-East Ohio. And lots of snow. For those of you who have been watching the weather, you see that we're finally on the + side of the mercury up from a week ago (which was down to -27 for a new record low!).

Actually we have decided we rather enjoy the snow. I love looking out and seeing everything bright and fresh after a few inches. I remember it never seemed to snow that much growing up (in the south!), so snow still brings excitement for both José and I.

One of these snowy mornings, over a cup of hot orange spice tea, I was reflecting on the snow, the purity of it. How quiet it was outside. Peaceful. My thinking went to Isaiah, "I have washed your sins whiter than snow" . While you're staring out and you can't see anything but whiteness, and brightness, that's a powerful analogy! How the blood of Jesus Christ cleaned us and made us so pure, so clean, and most importantly, finally acceptable to God--the Sinless One. It made me excited about ministry, about what we'll be experiencing as a family, about life in a new place, and new friendships.

Beyond the clean-ness, I was struck by the peace. Just how everything was still. It was amazing. Yes, the occasional car passed in front of our house, but it couldn't seem to interrupt the all-covering peace that pervaded and surrounded us and our house. That's how I started my year. That's what I want for this year to be marked by. Peace. Surrender to the Uncreated God who loves us, loves me, more than we can imagine. Who created a beautiful snowy picture outside of my window for my enjoyment.

Yes, the snow has started to melt, and turn gray from the salt and dirt, but my life can still be full of peace. I've been learning a lot lately, in the midst of difficult circumstances, that who we are and what our futures hold comes from the Lord, not our circumstances which can change from moment to moment.

My goal is to have a few moments of stillness with my Creator each day, so that no matter how full my life is at the moment, it still can be permeated by peace.