A snapshot into what her future held...

A snapshot into what her future held...
Zhukovka, Russia

Monday, September 24, 2012

My New Gig

The pieces of the puzzle are all coming together, and I'm continuing to see God's work in our lives, in such amazing ways. I believe that throughout our whole lives, He gives us clues into our giftings and areas to pursue...
He has structured my life in such a way that has prepared me for work in ministry. I'm proud to say, I'm now working full-time as the Director of Marketing and Communications at a local facility that offers retreats, conferences, weddings, and camps... all of which are part of an over-all ministry. So, what is a ministry exactly? I found this definition that I believe describes what we do: "Ministry" is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve" or douleuo, meaning "to serve as a slave." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17). The Christian should minister by meeting people's needs with love and humility on Christ's behalf (see Matthew 20:26; Mark 10:43; John 2:5,9; Acts 6:3; Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 4:12). Christians are to minister to others out of their devotion to Christ and their love for others, whether the other people are believers or unbelievers. Ministry to others should be impartial and unconditional, always seeking to help others as Jesus would.
The people God has placed in my life, the timing, the training... looking at all of it now, WOW... God is amazing. There is always a plan and a purpose for everything... Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” This past weekend, I took our kids out to walk around this truly majestic place that God has called me to, for work.
They had a blast, running around, getting fresh air... taking in nature.
God has truly blessed ALL of us, with an amazing... playground. So we must remember to take time and... PLAY!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Healing Her Pain

She isn't afraid now to speak of her pain.
Because... she is healing.
She is stable.
She has an understanding now of a love much deeper than what even Kevin and I can provide. She now understands mercy.
A song by the Rhett Walker Band says it all... And in one moment everything changed, who I was got washed away... when Mercy found me. My savior's arms were open wide, and I felt love for the very first time, when Mercy found me... my mind found peace, my soul found hope, my heart found... a home.
Karis Yulia has been home for one year and three months.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Late summer fun!

Here we are keeping busy in mid-September! We have a football player, a volleyball player, and a little "supporter" who enjoys playing Barbies, at practices! We have Reds games, house chores, and leaf projects all going on. That's what we're up to, and although busy... Kevin and I are enjoying every moment... especially on Saturday mornings as we're leisurely drinking our coffee, thinking about the week that just blew by!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Our Treasures

Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Bryansk Home

Bryansk Home
My two favorite colors together seem to be common in Bryansk homes.