Musings of Mine

moving

2010-03-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

you can now follow us at http://theburkhardts.wordpress.com

silence

2010-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

It is rare for me to sit in silence these days...
Today I got a moment of you and I realized how much I missed it.
The boys were down for a nap at the same time... how unusual.
I closed my eyes, sat back, and listened to the sounds around me that I don't often stop to hear anymore.
It was the ever so soft tick-tock of our kitchen wall clock that caught my attention first. So often I look at you and never hear you.
The train that runs parallel to one of our main streets is heard in the near distance. I'm reminded how much I love living so close to where I hear the train run by... it's unusually comforting.
A few Crows bickering outside the window. I smiled to myself... this would be the moment Christian would run to get the bb gun.
A gentle hum of an airplane so far and above me. I wonder where it's headed or coming from?
The refrigerator groaning at working so hard to keep our perishables cool. Thank you.
Our neighbor hard at work next door making some final repairs before his move across town to some new condos. We will miss you Jose.
Now... the muffled wail of my 6 week old calling to me... now my 1 year old... silence... it was nice catching up for a moment.

From October to December

2009-12-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not a very avid blogger but I knew it was time to post some photos and to give a little update on the family.
For Halloween this year we dressed up Jonas in a giraffe costume, which was given to us by a neighbor. We loved it, but he didn't so much. (It's a one of those pull over costumes, so it covers him from head to torso. Unfortunately, he's not very fond of head coverings.) So the costume lasted a good 3 minutes to which there were many tears.
We had a great Halloween nonetheless. We took our little man around the neighborhood for a bit, to which he wanted to hand back all the candy he had just received. Christian and I had a blast carving pumpkins, and we spent the evening with neighbors in the front yard sitting around the chiminea making smores and handing out candy.
Once Halloween falls upon us it just feels like everything else speeds up. Before you know it Thanksgiving is here, and the way people are these days Christmas deco is up mid-November. I love Thanksgiving, and only hope that it never goes overlooked. By that I mean, even Black Friday seems to be more of an anticipation then the idea of actually spending time with family and friends to remember how much we already have to be grateful for.
Now its Dec 12 and Christmas is right around the corner. Jonas is fascinated with all the lights, and the idea that he can walk around exploring all thats before him. Watching him pick up so much and learning to communicate with us has been our delight. We love being his parents and can't wait for his little brothers arrival due January 15. We are so excited to have two little boys in our home! And with that, here are some of our latest family photos (shaythomason.com)... Merry Christmas!

One

2009-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

My baby turned one today.
When I woke up this morning a flood of memories filled my mind starting with exactly a year ago today when I gave birth to our first son at 8:17am, Sept 1, 08. What a surreal moment for Christian and I, to think our life changed that very moment he entered the world, and his little life depended completely on us to survive. His body so small and seemingly fragile. Yet, at that moment we felt confident enough to take on the responsibility that seemed so large and daunting just months before.
As I entered his room this morning, I looked over his crib and found him crawling around, content just to be awake. To think, the day we brought him home from the hospital, his crib seemed oversize for such a little body. Would he really grow into it so fast?
Those middle of the night rendezvous feedings we had now long over, and so many stages of change he had already gone through in just one year. The three of us had been to so many places together, new sights and sounds had been introduced, and he has now spent every holiday with us.

There have been moments where I often times still feel so young and unequipped for all the responsibility that I now carry, like the feeling I use to get when I was still in high school or college and still felt so immature and young- unready for the responsibilities of the real world. Now I only feel that for seconds, and I realize that I am ready. By no means do I have it figured out, but I'm ready to take it on.

Jonas is one today. It's gone by fast, but we don't wish back on any moment of it. We've been given the most incredible opportunity to raise, teach, and instruct him as long as we are his parents, and we only look forward to more years ahead...

Coming January 2010...

2009-07-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Baby Burkhardt #2

Jonas' reaction: "I can't believe it!"

For July: The helpful and random I've used along the way...

2009-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

For the Beach:
1. When at the beach, remember to not leave food unattended. Keep it stored in a cooler or tucked away somewhere. Sea Gulls will take whatever you were eating, regardless if you are a hungry, pregnant woman.
2. Baby powder is a MUST BRING to the beach. It's the secret ingredient to getting rid of those wet and sandy hands, butt, and feet that make that car ride home miserable... not anymore!
Homeopathic:
3. Instead of popping the pills when you've got a bad cough, try Vicks Vapor rub on the bottom of your feet and then place socks over them. Sleep tight!
For Baby:
4. If you have a baby and you travel by plane often, buy a carseat bag (Babies R Us- $15). Three reasons: You will have a protected car seat while flying; the bags are made with so much extra room that you can stuff other clothes and supplies in there; and car seats are free luggage, so you could possibly save yourself from spending another $10 for what could have been an extra piece of luggage.
5. Making your own baby food allows you to bring your own creativity to the table and saves you money. If you find a market that sells cheap produce, buy in bulk and take a free afternoon to have at it. Freeze food and pop into a micro-safe bowl when ready to serve.
* I have found that the best storing for it are the plastic Gerber containers that pre-made food originally comes in. I purchased some food in the beginning to get a feel for what my son liked, since it takes them time to get use to the taste of food. In the mean time I was saving the containers for when I would puree my own.
The Random:
6. If you ever get those moments where anything from motor oil to tree sap might end up on your hands, try removing it with mayonnaise. There are several methods you can use to rid yourself of these sticky substances, but mayo is the item I find most easily at hand. You can even run into a fast food restaurant for a packet.
For the Home:
7. If you ever get candle wax on your carpet... don't fret! Just grab a paper bag or damp paper towl, place over candle wax, and rub a hot iron (start on low) over the bag or towl. Vuala! Gone!
8. Take advantage of the summer heat, line dry your clothes and save the earth
9. Want to garden and not sure what to plant? Start with an herb garden. You can grab your fresh herbs right from your own backyard! They also make great centerpieces and fresh scents for the home.
10. Splurge on that funky Beatles or Japanese art calendar. When you are done for the year, cut out the pictures and make cool wall hangings.

An Amazing Day

2009-06-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

The man giving the hug in this picture is my cousin Keenan Chung. For the last four and a half years Keenan has had complete kidney failure and therefore has been on dialysis. Last week, all that changed for Keenan and nine others who underwent a surgery that led to six patients who were in need of a kidney to receive one, and a loved one of each recipent to give one away. This was no doubt an amazing day only because we have a great God.
Watch the video...
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/Kidney_Donors_and_Recipients_Reunite_20090615

Where has the time gone?

2009-06-02T22:10:00.001-07:00

you're 9 months already!

Maggie the Dog

2009-05-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie, Marley and Me? I watched it on a flight from LA to DC this past spring. I like dogs so I watched it, and I really liked it. I liked it because it wasn't a story only about a dog. It was a story about a growing family and how their dog, Marley, played a part in their life. It was also funny, and I like funny movies. The reason I bring up a dog flick is because for the last week we have been watching a neighbors dog. Her name is Maggie. She is a chocolate lab, 7 years old, and has been a most excellent guard dog- barking at every footstep, squirrel, dog, and probably lizard she sees or hears. We don't know how long she will reside with us, since her previous owner has moved and can't take Maggie with her, but she is currently looking for a more permanent home for Maggie. She seems to like living with us in the meantime and we like having her. Jonas has really enjoyed watching her, and she has been a great source of entertainment for him as his sliding door looks right to the backyard. With that being said, it's gotten Christian and I talking about one day having a dog, or a pet, for that matter. Dogs in particular need to be walked, fed, played with, or be given some sort of daily attention. Having Maggie around has made us realize how much attention we can't always give her. She gives us these looks or little whimpers that say, "please come pet me", and it breaks my heart because sometimes I just don't have time to play. The idea of having a dog around seems like such a cool thing sometimes, like you take your dog everywhere you go and he's your best friend. What I forget is that they're also a responsibility and they rely on you too. For instance, Maggie wants to be fed between 5:30-6am every morning, so I've been setting my alarm to feed her, going back to bed, and then getting up and feeding my son a half hour later. I've already forgotten to give Maggie her dinner once, and it wasn't till four hours later that I remembered... she forgave me.
These are just little adjustments adding a dog to the life of a family with a 9 month old. Though many families own animals and babies, I feel that the attention I desire to give that animal and the amount of attention that I can realistically give just don't add up. So in the meantime, we will hold off on becoming permanent dog owners, and enjoy the dogs that surround us and the ones in movies.

Daffodils!

2009-04-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Easter morning in Virginia... Jonas and I had our picture taken with the daffodils.
We smiled...

the way of love

2009-04-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.....
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

-I Corinthians 13

welcome spring!

2009-04-03T14:23:00.001-07:00

burkhardts in beanies

2009-04-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

Spring Training

2009-03-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

My husband is a true LADodger's fan. Always was, always will be. I am a Dodger's fan by marriage, but I am beginning to become an authentic fan myself. Our son has no choice, he is destined to be a fan. Infact, unbeknownst to him, his first game was at 3 weeks old.

For a early birthday present this year I gave Christian one of two choices. We could either go to Disneyland on his birthday (which he loves), or to Phoenix, Arizona to watch the Dodgers in spring training. He chose the latter, and a mighty good decision it was. March 12-14 the three of us took a weekend away and drove to Phoenix to watch our beloved Dodgers.

This year the Dodger's moved their spring training from Florida to Arizona. They now share their new stadium with the Chicago White Sox. It was beautiful, and they won all three of the games they played while we were there. (Jonas could very well be good luck for them, and maybe now Manny a little since he's back.)

If you like baseball and great weather, the Dodgers and Phoenix is the place to be. As much as we enjoy going to games here in LA there was something very kick back about Spring training. You could even feel it coming from the players. We just grabbed ourselves a blanket, waters, and bought the best seats in the house- $8 a pop on the berm.

I believe this is one vacay we will make a family tradition.

You still have time!

"How has having a baby changed your life?" they ask

2009-03-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is the question we've been getting a lot these last 6 months, and rightly so. When a new human being enters your life and is completely dependent upon you to sustain him, your life tends to look different.
I like to look back at the end of a day and feel like I accomplished a lot. However, the meaning of "accomplished" looks quite different to me now. The idea of a normal 9-5 job no longer exists, but this is what I get instead.
I take my boy along with me just about everywhere I go. He captivates me and usually those around him with his charming da-da-da's, cheeky smiles-showing off his two front teeth, and an occasional yell just to make sure I haven't forgotten about him. Pre-Jonas, when I met up with some friends I use to be able to have a conversation without interruptions, now, they are guaranteed. An occasional diaper change, feeding, or bouncing and walking around tends to take place.
Errands use to be something I could run around town doing for half the afternoon. Now I think about where everything is in proximity to each other. "Do I really feel like pulling my son out of the car twice just to buy milk at Trader Joe's instead of Fresh & Easy?"
Laundry hasn't been the same since a baby. I'm now pushing two loads a week, where as Christian and I could get by- no problem- once every two weeks. When Jonas gets messy, I get messy. My hand bag is readily equipped with diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and a couple toys just in case.
Sleeping habits have changed a bit. I used to consider myself a heavy sleeper, but now my ears are tuned in to the sound of my son's slightest cry. Staying out real late watching movies and running around town with friends doesn't happen so much anymore. Around 8pm we are putting our boy down, and hanging out with friends usually means at our place. (If you're really cool we make exceptions.)
Date nights have never been more necessary for Christian and I. Actually, the other night we took one as it had been several months. Dinner at Macaroni Grill and a quick trip to Target to buy cheap tennis rackets and balls has never sounded more romantic. We had a great time! Throughout the night we couldn't help but mention the simple things we got to do differently just because Jonas wasn't with us. Example: Not worrying about parking so far away from the restuarant because we wouldn't be hauling a baby and his car seat with us, or opening the door ourselves as we walked into Target opposed to the automatic door and grabbing a cart asap.

All to say, the things in my life generally take more time these days, but I'm not sorry for it. Life is usually changing in some shape or form for most people, maybe not as drastic as parenthood, but changing nonetheless. The idea of becoming a parent use to really freak me out. I looked at all these life changes as a bad thing becuase they were going to "slow me down". But I have to admit, it's because of all these changes that I greatly appreciate the little things. I laugh more, love more, think of people more, and all because I'm enjoying the now and only look forward to more.

Our little family

2008-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

My Name is Jonas...

2008-09-08T15:45:00.001-07:00

Our son, Jonas Paul Burkhardt was born September 1, 2008 at 8:17am

Weight: 7lbs 7oz

Height: 20 1/2 in

Pregnancy Photos

2008-09-08T14:36:00.001-07:00

2008-08-21T23:34:00.001-07:00

9 months and still enjoying my baby in the womb!

Showering baby with love

2008-08-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

As of today I have 2 weeks till my baby's due date. I can't wait to meet him!

Three weeks ago I stopped working and it's been wonderful to be so purposeful with my free time. Spending some quality time in the Word, meeting up with people, getting last minute things ready for our son, making my husband fun dinners, and getting creative around our home have left me busy.

Most everything is ready for our baby boy's arrival, thanks to the many family and friends who have showered our baby with many wonderful gifts- those things needed and those that are just for fun.

My wonderful sister-in-law, Lara, and one of my dearest friends, Christina, threw me a baby shower on July 26. It was so much fun receiving so many helpful things for our little one.

Here are just a few memories in pictures of our little celebration.

Family! My mom and sister were not able to fly out for the occassion... So I missed them.

Opening gifts

My bridesmaids (minus Steph and Megan) and I two and a half years later!

Been awhile...

2008-07-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

We haven't blogged in quite some time, but let me update you...
Burkhardts are doing well. Our summer has started up rather full. With Christian now overseeing all of Children's Ministry at Cornerstone, and where the church is going with community... we did things a little differently starting with Backyard Bible Clubs. June 23-27 we had people from the church open up their homes and host Backyard Bible Clubs instead of one big Vacation Bible School located at the church. We had over 20 homes just in Simi, a couple in the Valley, and one in Moorpark. It was fantastic watching how well everything came together, especially with such a large number of people involved. God was pleased and He greatly blessed that week.
Christian and I just returned from Big Bear where he spoke on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) at Northpoint's junior high camp. Our good college friend Billy Blakey is now the Junior High Pastor there and he invited Christian to be their guest speaker this summer. We had a great weekend with the kids and the youth staff at Serrano Campground. We've been spending a lot of studying the Sermon on the Mount this year which is why Christian was stoked about speaking on it. Everytime I hear it I'm always encouraged and surprised how much more I learn.
We leave again this Saturday for a full week in Santa Cruz where Christian will be speaking for another youth camp, Koinonia. Another college friend has tracked Christian down and wanted him to speak at his camp as well. So we're off again and then it's on to our very own youth group camp at the end of July. A lot of camp this year... and looking forward to it.

Our BABY BOY is doing fantastic! He is 31 weeks old in the womb and due to make his appearance September 2. I've had a great pregnancy. Feeling good, and thankful I can run around keep up with our full schedule. Not wanting to rush anything, but excited about meeting him in person. We're so thankful to know what a special boy he has already become to us. He's been a trooper keeping up with us these past 7 1/2 months, and he doesn't even know it. If you think about it, please pray for him and us. We are entering into a life of parenthood and we have no clue what his future holds, if he will ever love Jesus and have a heart that is drawn to him. Of course, it is our great desire to oneday know that he will belong completely to Jesus and choose to follow him, so that's what we pray.

July 3- Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-07-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

For you!

Papua New Guinea

2008-03-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

WE returned safely from Papua New Guinea 7am Easter morning. It was a very full 2 weeks, and all eight of us who went came back so encouraged. FYI- If you read an earlier post I wasn't sure if I was going to make this long awaited trip. Being pregnant and Papua New Guinea don't go together according to doctors here in the US. If it weren't for a lot of prayer, and the Cratch family (missionaries in PNG who are home on furlough for the year), I wouldn't have been there. Two days before we left, word got out I wasn't going. Christian and I made that final hard call, knowing that every door was closed shut. Twenty-four hours go by...then the Cratch's call... They got word I wasn't going to make it because I couldn't get any malaria medication. They offer me the rest of their malaria meds- which are the only meds I am allowed to take- and tell me I need to go. Another twenty-four hour turn around and all my cancelled flights have now been uncancelled, I'm back on, and somehow still get a visa just in time.
I have no doubt I was suppose to go.
Praise God that aside from putting on a very fun and smooth kids conference for the New Tribes missionary's, we were surprised to find out how much time we were able to spend with all the families. They took such good care of us, simple things like having every meal covered, a bed for everyone, and we even got to take a shower every day.
Who am I to judge anyone, but growing up I had this impression that missionarys were just a little different from everyone else. Maybe similar to the homeschool stereotype... jean jumpers, social skills a little off, only read books in their down time... something along those lines. Well spending time with these missionarys totally showed me up. I had never spent so much one on one time with them before. Hearing so many stories of what is going on in each of the tribes, and realizing that some of these missionaries have been adopted as family members to these PNG natives. It struck me as I saw the evidence of their love for these people, their faces would just light up when they would talk about them.

Two weeks is obviously not long enough to know what a country is like, you are barely touching the surface of understanding the culture much less the people. However, spending our 2 weeks serving the missionarys, and not so much the natives, gave us tremendous insight as to what the people of PNG were really like. We received a better understanding of PNG life because we learned from people who had devoted their life to serve and understand PNG culture. It was a great trip that made a huge impression on us, a mission geared trip like we'd never taken before.

Risk

2008-03-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

There has been some exciting change taking place in our lives over the last several months. We're just starting to go public with the big news, but a little baby Burkhardt is in the womb and carefully being knit together by our Creator. We're stoked about raising our little baby, and are already being challenged to trust the Lord with its little life. Along with being three months pregnant, we have a missions trip that has also been in the works. A team of eight from Cornerstone (our church) are heading to Papua New Guinea and we are leaving this Saturday evening. The trip has quickly approached, and we are all finishing up the final details. It's not a long trip, just a two week trip to encourage and support our missionaries, as well as put on a kids conference for the missionary kids. All eight of us are looking forward to this, and have spent a lot of time together as a team praying and preparing.

It has only been within the last couple days that this trip and the health of our baby and myself have begun to look different. PNG is a country that has a common disease called malaria which is carried by a mosquito. It is highly recommended that people traveling to a malaria infested country should take anti-malarial medication, however, women who are pregnant are usually not encouarged to travel into areas like this nor take anti-malarial medicine for the sake of the baby. For Christian and I this has been a long and hard week. Both of us are hoping that whatever the turn out, it will be the best decision for the kingdom of God. I am constantly reminded that this baby is not "ours", but he/shes life belongs to the one who 's hands have formed it. Everytime I look at the picture of the little one inside of me I am reminded that, "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord." I Sam 1:27-28.
This decision of whether or not I go to Papua New Guinea is heavy on both of us. We have so looked forward to doing this together, but this may not be what he wants for me. Christian put one last email in to the doctor over in PNG to get his final opinion. The Dr. over there has not been oppossed to me going but would recommend that I be on an anti-malarial. We'll hear back from him soon, and make the final decision then.
If you have any desire to pray for us, here are some ways you can be a part...
1. JOY. Regardless the circumstance, regardless the risk.
2. GOD'S WILL BE DONE through the team. It's a purposeful trip and will be a huge encouragement to the missionaries, both the week the team puts on the kids conference for the missionaries and especially those we are visiting in the Yembi Yembi tribe. The missionaries have just recently begun teaching the Gospel to the Yembi Yembi people for the first time in the tribe's history. It's very exciting, and very critical that there be no distractions.
3. BABY. We already LOVE our baby so much. We want what is best, but we also want what will challenge us to trust Jesus the most.
Many thanks from us...

good friends = cool pictures

2007-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

My favorite Fall

2007-12-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

In my opinion there just isn't any other place to spend a real Fall Thanksgiving than the east coast. The leaves on the trees overwhelm your eyes with color. The air is crisp, and its usually very necessary to wear a sweater... one of my very favorite articles of clothing. Going back to my hometown of McLean, Virginia this Thanksgiving would best be described as nostalgic. There is just something about going back to your childhood home for Thanksgiving. A flush of colors, smells, traditions, people... all bring back the memories I hold so close to my heart. Here are just some pictures that capture a little of what its like...

Steph and I enjoying leaves

My Christian and me

2007-10-31T16:17:00.001-07:00

A reason to post a picture of the Fantastic Four Ong siblings... Happy Halloween! Get to know your neighbors and eat candy.

getting to know John

2007-10-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last night I completed my final project for a Hermeneutics class I was taking. It was actually something I wasn't looking forward to writing, just the fact of writing another paper after being out of practice for 2 and 1/2 years didn't sound like fun. However, through the process of studying and writing this paper, my heart changed from dreading to write to taking great delight in this letter called I John.
The heart behind John's letter... this letter was written by an older, mature, and even fatherly pastor. A disciple and eye witness follower of Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. John knew this church he was writing to very well. He had spent much time in teaching them the Scriptures and commandments of God. So as he wrote this letter I can only imagine the burden he carried as he heard of those within the church who had left and turned their back on the truth of the Gospel, all so they could follow a more "knowledge" based faith called Gnosticism.
As any pastor who loves God and loves his people, this would naturally break their heart. So John writes with fervent passion and authority to the churches in Asia Minor, as they wrestle with understanding how members within the church-who once called themselves followers of Christ- would deny it all to follow lies.
The assurance John shares with this church is only by the work of the Holy Spirit, and its incredible. He continuously speaks to them with affection, "Dear children... Little children". He brings them back to the foundation of their faith... obedience to the commandments of God. "And his commandments are not burdensome". God would never give his people commandments to follow without giving them the strength to carry it through.
"Love the brothers". This was a command given to them from the very beginning. The OT and NT are scattered with this repeated truth, and yet as believers this was something they were taught from the very beginning when they first heard the Gospel.
"Abide in Christ". Keep the faith. The one who abides in Christ does not continue in their sin, but practices righteousness, just as he is righteous.
What an encouragement it is to know that this pastor loved these people so much because he loved Christ. He wanted this church to understand they had been pursued by God and it wasn't his will for them to fall away.
Francis shared with us his dream... his wish for the people of Cornerstone on Sunday. It struck me so hard because I just assumed that it would come out as something like "I wish the whole world would just get saved"... or something ridiculous like that. Instead, what came out of his mouth was something so simple, you felt bad that he actually wished for it. He wished that everyone at Cornerstone would wake up one Monday morning and just open their Bibles for themselves, and purely for the reason of just loving him so much they couldn't wait to read and talk to him on their own. With that kind of mindset how could we not be used by God to a greater extent? Yet he chooses to pursue us and use us despite of how difficult we can be.
Though Francis is not the Apostle John, he's my pastor, and in his own Francis Chan way he has been called to shepherd and instruct my heart to thirst for Jesus the same way John encouraged his church.
Behold what manner the Father's love for us that we would be called Children of God, and that is what we are!

we are pop art

2007-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

2007-09-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in a great read about non-religious thoughts on Christianity, I would recommed Blue Like Jazz.

Christian and I read this not too long ago, and it has begun to transform the way we view and love people. Don Miller really communicates his story and thoughts in such a way, that you know exactly what he's talking about. You'll find that you share a lot of his same thoughts and feelings, but most of all you share the same hope to genuinely love people like Jesus, the way Don desires too... he just uses better words to commuicate it.

Often, not always, you find that there are two extremes to the way Christians view Christianity. Those that have a lot of knowledge in theology and Biblical Truth, and those that really get and understand Jesus' command to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And to love your neighbor as yourself." Christians are called to understand and live out both. Good theology, or a deeper study of God's Word, should be a result of a heart that loves God and people more. This is where I really began to like Don and his thoughts on Christianity. He just made me think about how much I really love Jesus with my whole heart, because he was asking himself the same question.

So if you're interested in a book that will spark some interest... blue like jazz.

If anyone else has read this book, please share your thoughts.

hikers are happy people

2007-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

July 27-29 Christian and I met up with some of our college friends and had our long awaited BIG camping trip. Every year this group of about 20 of us will do a camping and hiking trip, but this year we embraced one of the hardest hikes we would probably do for awhile.

On Friday afternoon as we were all coming into Yosemite, we stopped to view the beautifully outrageous dome that we would spend the majority of our Saturday climbing. It was rather breathtaking, and I didn't know what to think at that moment because I didn't know what to expect. I just stared at it for awhile, took a picture, then walked away excited to think I would be on it in less than 24 hours.

Saturday morning at 7am we left our campsite to hike Half Dome. Fully supplied with water in our nalgenes and hydration packs we started our 8 miles up to Half Dome.

It was a great hike, surrounded by brown and grey mountains on every side, a bright blue sky overhead, fresh mountain air, happy and healthy hikers, and all that green! C and I spent a lot of time that weekend marveling at the great taste our Creator has in nature. We love the mountains, and if we ever had the opportunity to move anywhere we would be there in a heart beat.

We heart the mountains.

When we finally made it in view of the Dome. We were not far from being out of water. We had hiked up over 7 miles of moutain at that point. This was the view we had from the bottom of the Dome before we hiked up the quarter of a mile Half Dome. We look like a stream of ants, but that's us on the cables climbing away and holding on for dear life (literally).

Here we are at the top of Half Dome. The view you have at the top is definitely worth the deathly treck up and down.

After a total of 17 miles in one day we came back to camp with a ready appetite. We had run out of water on our way down the mountain and were thrilled to find water at the bottom.

We made it safely down and our body thanked us later.

wear toms

2007-07-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

I want to take the opportunity to tell you about my new pair of shoes - Toms shoes.

This is one of the coolest ways you can provide a pair of shoes for a child in another country who can't afford a pair, while at the same time purchase a pair of shoes that are comfortable and even cool for yourself.

You can read Blake's reason for starting this simple ministry and what he does every time you buy a pair of Toms.

They are only $40 and they come in all different styles.

Visit http://www.tomsshoes.com/

just away on a little vacay

2007-07-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

So July 3-9 I'll be spendng a little down time with my family back on the east coast, while Christian gets ready for a two week trip to Uganda to train pastors. I'm super stoked for him and know he is going to really enjoy Africa, as well as the time he has training these Ugandan pastors who are anxious to teach their church's biblical truth.
I'll miss having C around for two weeks, especially while I'm in the VA. I love the homeland, but it's not the same without Christian. He's my level head, and sometimes I become to caught up and comfortable with life back at home that I forget I'm just visiting. Hard to explain, but maybe some people know this general feeling. Vacation to a familiar, old place like home can sometimes bring this atmosphere.
Needless to say I can't wait to see the family. My parents, Vince, Steph, Spenny, and myself will all be home together, as well as my good friends Shay and Bethany, and Bethany's family, will all be staying with us. We'll definitely be having one full house to say the least.

My hope for this vacation is to be completely unselfish. (Ah ha! That's the word I was looking for earlier when I was talking about being to comfortable while vacationing.) I can become so focused on myself and my schedule when I go back home, because I want to try to fit all these different things in during the one week that I'm there- especially when it comes to spending time with my family. I don't get to be with them much like this anymore, and I want everyone in my family to work around my time when I'm home. Kinda possesive huh?
Well, this is the exact thing I want to avoid for this short vaca with my family and friends. I hope that this will be a truly favored time for us all, regardless what happens.
Hopefully I'll never forget, whether on vacation away or here at home in CA, that I'm held to that same standard of selflessness.

unavailable

2007-06-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Hi. We are both temporarily unavailable writing papers for school. We'll be back when we have a life again.

with love,
christian and jenn

Judah Gundersen is coming home!

2007-06-19T13:22:00.001-07:00

For those who know Gunner and Cindi Gundersen...

Today in Uganda, the judge ruled that Gunner and Cindi's adoption paperwork has been accepted. (Their next court ruling wasn't suppose to be until June 29).

After waiting over a long, hard, and faithful year they can now have their son.

God is good... all the time... all the time... God is good.

growing up

2007-06-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

A group of us coaches (youth leaders) from Ascent went and saw some of our kids graduate from 6th grade this morning.

Remember 6th grade? What were you like back then? What are you doing with your life now? Are you the kind of person you hoped you'd be?

I don't know if you ever did this when you were a kid, but the teachers at this school had all the kids write up a little something about what they hoped to be doing 10 years from now. It was really interesting. A lot of the kids were writing about the big businesses they hoped to start, the families they would raise, the missionary work they would do all over the world- those were all our kids, of course :) But as I read on about these asperations I was wondering just how many of them would really accomplish what they hoped to do? How many of us have accomplished what we hoped to do back then?
I can remember back when I was in 5th grade we did something like this, and funny enough where it said what "big goal" do you hope to accomplish, I simply put, "just be a mom". I have always been heavily influenced by the example of my own mother, and even at 5th grade I was able to acknowledge that truly raising children would be the most difficult yet most joyful of all responsibilities. Though I'm not a mother yet, and don't mind waiting for awhile, I have great respect for mothers who have a balanced life and raise their children in an orderly manner. I hope to be that myself oneday.

I was challenged by the words of my 6th graders today, and I can only hope that 10 years from now they will be changed individuals. For most of them I hope they are able to accomplish the things they hope to do, but most of all I hope they find no greater joy then resting in the future that God has uniquely set them apart for.

i love my job

2007-05-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Staff retreat 2007

Last week, everyone in my office of Student Life at The Master's College went for a 3 day retreat to Santa Barbara. At the end of every school year, everyone needs a little breather, and our boss- Mark Tatlock- takes us on a little get away where we can reflect on the past year, talk about the new one, and just hang out. This year he splurged and we stayed at the Upham Hotel, more like a bed and breakfast, not far from State St. The trip overall was very relaxing. We had a great schedule of events planned for each day, and plenty of down time. However, my favorite times were in the mornings before we came together and met for breakfast. Mark gave us all a sheet of five questions that we were told to answer and then share during our mornings together.

These were the five questions:

As a result of this year...

1. In what new ways do you understand an aspect of God's character? What did he use to teach you this?

2. What passages of Scripture became more meaningful to you?

3. What did you read that spiritually impacted you?

4. What is one way you'd like to lead differently next year?

5. What do you hope to experience this summer?

These are good questions, and I asked myself why I didn't think like this more often.

Here are just some of my scattered thoughts ...

This year I have been most impacted by Scripture that speaks directly of the church. This year more than ever have I begun to understand the role the church plays in my life. The church C and I are at right now has helped us understand what a biblical church looks like, the Acts 2 church. We are so grateful for Cornerstone and the role it has played in our life since we've been a part of that body. The leaders of this church desire to lead and teach biblically, even when it's the more uncomfortable thing to do because it means calling out sin or challenging people to step out in faith. You don't feel "good" when you leave Cornerstone, but you certinaly walk away broken and ready to move forward.

I started a biography called Total Abandon. It was on a missionary whose wife was murdered while they were serving in the Middle East, she was pregnant with their fist child. It is my friend Amal's favorite book, and I hope to finish it one day, but starting Grad school has slowed pleasure reading down. The testimony of the 3 Christian men who were murdered in Turkey not long ago has been heavy on my mind too. These are people who suffered but took great joy in the Gospel. I often ask God what will come of our life. We know we are suppose to be in Southern California right now, and we are content, but we also hope for a ready willingness to up and leave if he called us somewhere else. I often have to remind myself that my joy isn't found in the material, but rather what is unchanging. I believe this attribute about God has been my most treasured these last months. Things are always changing, but he never does. Everything he promises he sticks to, regardless the circumstance. My life, thoughts, feelings... seem to change so often but His love for me doesn't, and I'm ever grateful for his patience with me.

As I thought more about these questions, and reflected on the past year that week, I had a run in with a man who happened to be staying at the Upham the same week as we were. My encounter with him was fairly brief. We were sitting in the hotel lobby during the afternoon wine and cheese hour, and Richard, a friendly man came and sat down across from me on the couch. He struck up a conversation with me and I learned that he works as an engineer for Boeing and he was currently here for business. We talked about how he got into engineering and chit chatted about life and school. When he asked me what I was doing here I told him I was on a retreat with the other staff I work with at the college. It wasn't till he looked at me with shock and surprise that I realized no office or business does that. Your company might fly you out to Hawaii for free but you'll still have to take care of business while you're there too. I forgot that I work at one of the greatest places with some of the greatest people. This time was simply for us to reflect, relax and be together.

I came home from that trip being more grateful for where I work and a year well spent.

Fashion Against Flu

2007-05-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well I wouldn't normally consider advertising this on the blog, but it deals with my cousin Olivia Rachel and her new inventions. I love her and am proud of her so I don't mind putting this up.
Some of you may find this humorous, outrageous, interesting, or very informative- if you are into the whole fashion thing. So check it out...

>Next week The New York Times Style Section is sending a journalist to Cornell to interview the scientist/inventor and Olivia too. You can catch it on Fox 11 News.

Student designer and fiber scientists create a dress that prevents colds and a jacket that destroys noxious gases

Anne Ju/Cornell Chronicle Design student Olivia Ong '07 hugs two garments, treated with metallic nanoparticles through a collaboration with fiber scientists Juan Hinestroza and Hong Dong, that she designed as part of her fashion line, "Glitterati."Abstract:Fashion designers and fiber scientists at Cornell have taken "functional clothing" to a whole new level. They have designed a garment that can prevent colds and flu and never needs washing, and another that destroys harmful gases and protects the wearer from smog and air pollution.
Student designer and fiber scientists create a dress that prevents colds and a jacket that destroys noxious gasesITHACA, NY Posted on May 1st, 2007
The two-toned gold dress and metallic denim jacket, featured at the April 21 Cornell Design League fashion show, contain cotton fabrics coated with nanoparticles that give them functional qualities never before seen in the fashion world.Designed by Olivia Ong '07 in the College of Human Ecology's Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, the garments were infused with their unusual qualities by fiber science assistant professor Juan Hinestroza and his postdoctoral researcher Hong Dong. Apparel design assistant professor Van Dyke Lewis launched the collaboration by introducing Ong to Hinestroza several months ago."We think this is one of the first times that nanotechnology has entered the fashion world," Hinestroza said. He noted one drawback may be the garments' price: one square yard of nano-treated cotton would cost about $10,000.Ong's dress and jacket, part of her original fashion line called "Glitterati," look innocently hip. But closer inspection -- with a microscope, that is -- shows an army of electrostatically charged nanoparticles creating a protective shield around the cotton fibers in the top part of the dress, and the sleeves, hood and pockets of the jacket."It's something really moving toward the future, and really advanced," said Ong, who graduates in December and aspires to design school. "I thought this could potentially be what fashion is moving toward."Dong explained that the fabrics were created by dipping them in solutions containing nanoparticles synthesized in Hinestroza's lab. The resultant colors are not the product of dyes, but rather, reflections of manipulation of particle size or arrangement.The upper portion of the dress contains cotton coated with silver nanoparticles. Dong first created positively charged cotton fibers using ammonium- and epoxy-based reactions, inducing positive ionization. The silver particles, about 10-20 nanometers across (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter) were synthesized in citric acid, which prevented nanoparticle agglomeration.Dipping the positively charged cotton into the negatively charged silver nanoparticle solution resulted in the particles clinging to the cotton fibers.Silver possesses natural antibacterial qualities that are strengthened at the nanoscale, thus giving Ong's dress the ability to deactivate many harmful bacteria and viruses. The silver infusion also reduces the need to wash the garment, since it destroys bacteria, and the small size of the particles prevents soiling and stains.The denim jacket included a hood, sleeves and pockets with soft, gray tweed cotton embedded with palladium nanoparticles, about 5-10 nanometers in length. To create the material, Dong placed negatively charged palladium crystals onto positively charged cotton fibers.Ong, though strictly a designer, was drawn especially to the science behind creating the anti-smog jacket."I thought it would be cool if [wearers] could wipe their hands on their sleeves or pockets," Ong said.Ong incorporated the resultant cotton fiber into a jacket with the ability to oxidize smog. Such properties would be useful for someone with allergies, or for protecting themselves from harmful gases in the contaminated air, such as in a crowded or polluted city.
####
About Cornell UniversityThe strategic plan for research at Cornell can be summed up simply: Be the best at what we undertake to do. The research enterprise supports university research priorities: the New Life Sciences; cross-college collaborations; and enabling research areas--computing and information sciences, genomics, advanced materials, and nanoscience. We build on our strengths when creating programs, recruiting faculty, purchasing equipment, and supporting interdisciplinary programs. Cornell research is committed to knowledge transfer and engages in technology transfer and economic development activities that benefit local, regional, national, and international constituents.

for the birthday boy

2007-04-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Christian turned 24 April 21st. So since my parents were also in town, we had a small bbq at our place to celebrate with some family and friends

From left to right: Grandma Doris, Grandpa Win, baby Harper, Dad Greg, Mom, Mom Karol (not pictured: Dad and Lara)

The kids showed up too. Spenny, Ryan, Steph, Bethany and Shay Thomason

Christina, Christian, and Jenn

C.S. Lewis on Friendship

2007-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

I've found this quote to be comforting these days. Thought I would pass it along.

Read. Ponder. Enjoy...

"But in friendship... we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years difference in the dates of our births... the choice of one university instead of another... any one of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. Christ, who said to the disciples, "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends, "You have not chosen one another, but I have chosen you for one another." The friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others." - C.S. Lewis (The Four Loves, pg 126).

change

2007-04-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

change... an inescapable reality. Recently I feel like change hasn't been a friend of mine. It hasn't been on my side, and if it were it would just look different. The changes that I'm referring to are not even dealing with me directly, but with people I am close to. Interestingly enough, the changes that are taking place in their life are good changes. It's the direction that God is taking them and they are simply following in obedience. This is where I find myself a little torn. Selfishly I don't want them to go, I want things to be the same and continue as they are. Am I in sin that this is the way I feel? I rejoice that these dear friends are close to the Lord and desire his leading over their own- granted these changes aren't exactly the easiest for them either. However, I find myself sad at moments thinking that things won't always be the way that they are. Did I think they would be? Obviously I know from experience that change is something you can't avoid, it's a part of life, but it's definitely not always easy.
Why do I ramble on in my own head about such a thing as change and its affects on me? I take all these things to heart because it deals with the deep relationships that I have with these people, and I love them, and the closeness we have now. I didn't want to think about ever being apart from them. Yet, I must remember this... they are God's and it's he who has our heart. He is the one who has placed us together, and it's he who will have us apart. I know we serve a good God, and despite where he has us, true friendship always loves and perseveres. Naturally I fight the tendency to be sad. I know that once the change has taken place it's easier for me to move on, but it's in the process and "transition stage" that the change can often hurt. Here is a great quote that I treasure by a wise man named CS Lewis,
“Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods. Certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, “Sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.” I know I am very fortunate in that respect.”
And I can only echo that as well. I have been very fortunate and still am. People are not friends by accident, rather they are chosen by God to be placed together at the perfect time. And I will continue to praise him for it.

March Madness

2007-04-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Every year at the end of March we hold an all-nighter event for our youth group (Ascent). We call it March Madness because it's in March, and it really is a night of madness. We kick it off with the kids arriving around 7pm and free them up to play all the video games, DDR, Guitar Hero, and wii they would want for the first 3 hours. The kids have a blast, but around 10pm they are ready for more. From 11pm-1am we head to the ice rink for nothing better then Broom Hockey. (If you haven't ever played, it's a must.) This year we had 103 kids come and the ice rink was full of kids and broken broom shards all over it.
Just a tip: 99 cent store brooms don't hold up to well.
Around 1am we take the kids to Harley's Bowl and the kids bowl till 3am. Then it's back to the church where we slow the evening down with a movie, this year it was Cars. Some kids make it their goal not to sleep, so they fill themselves up with all the soda, popcorn, and other junk that we provide for the movie. They love it. We love it.
Granted, around 4:30-5am it starts to hurt and all you want to do is curl up in your nice warm bed, especially when you have a wedding to be at 11am. But when you look at those kids and you see how tired, but how much fun they're having, you can't help but push through. After all, that's what youth ministry is all about... gotta love the kids.
(pictures to be posted)

P.S. C and I actually made it on time to the wedding that morning, even fit in a two hour power nap before it started.

Anticipating Bella

2007-03-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is my dear friend Megan who can't wait to be a mom. She is expecting her first child (a girl) any day now. A fact about Megan: she was afraid of small children a year ago, but that's why God changes things. We anticipate little Isabella's arrival!

spring break fun!

2007-03-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

I thought once I graduated from college I would never get to experience the joys of Spring Break again... but there are great benefits when you work at a college.

Last week Christian and I, along with 21 of my International students, spent 3 days of spring break camping out at the Grand Canyon. None of us had been before so it was a great first time experience for all.

We didn't hike all the way into the canyon because it's 11 miles down, and you can't do it all in one day unless you get an overnight permit to stay at the bottom. However, one of our days there we did a rigorous 3 miles down and 3 miles up, and that was quite an experience.

Along some of our hikes during the day and at our camp site in the evenings, we met different people. Of course we were all there for one reason- to see this breath taking canyon- and so our topic of conversation would usually lead to what we thought of it. Some of our acquaintences were evolutionist and some creationists, but it was cool to pick their brains and hear how they believed this canyon was formed.

Christian a little to close to the edge for me. I'm not even afraid of heights, but I wanted to throw up just watching him edge his way closer for this picture.

A Condor watched us as we started off one of our hikes. Christian told me it was fake, but I know its real.

My sister Stephanie and her boyfriend Ryan were able to join us as well. The four of us decided to catch a Grand Canyon sunrise... beautiful.

Later that day... watching the sunset

my recent thoughts...

2007-02-27T23:07:00.000-08:00

on my family. There is a great deal of uniqueness to every family. Each member of the family is designed and geared to something different, and they are all good.
I am the oldest of four very close siblings. Not only did my mom have all four of us in five years, but we get along really well. Ever since I was young I have enjoyed being the oldest. I liked the fact that I had been through things first and was able to help the rest, even though their experiences would be different from mine simply because they were different from me. Truth is, they've taught me more than I could have ever taught them.
Vinny, my buddy, my thinker. Growing up he was the one I spent late nights talking with. Whether it be serious or funny, I treasured our one on ones. We shared a lot of the same friends and did a lot of stuff together during most of high school. Now I look at him and he's at VCU in Richmond for Grad school, teaching Physics labs to undergrad students. Smart kid.
My Stephy, sweet, considerate, smart. You didn't ever want to hurt Steph, but if you did, you felt really bad about it until you got right with her. She and I have become so much closer and shared so much together since she has been out here for school. I love having her so close.
Spenny, my lil bro. He was always the comedian. Laid back, likes to have fun and can find it in just about anything. He's my Cosmo Brown of Singin' in the Rain.
My parents. They're the best. They are some of the most hospitable people ever. They love using what they've been given to serve others, and truly love God by loving and helping people.
Scott and Lara- my brother and sister-in-law. C and I have always had a blast with them. We love learning from each other and just hangin out, whether it be chillin at the house with Harper or out and about.
Mom and Dad Burkhardt. The greatest in-laws I could've asked for. Greg is still a kid you can get into trouble with, and Karol enjoys laughing and still learning as much as she can.
Last but definitely not least, my Christian. My most treasured and favorite of all people. The one I live and learn the most from.

Just a glimpse, but that is my sweet sweet family...

the blessings of 2006

2007-02-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

When I look back on 2006, I think I might be looking back to one of the most exciting years God has given me so far, and here are just some of the reasons why...

1. Christian and I were married January 6
2. I gained another family (...yet they always did feel like family)
3. I moved into our home
4. May 2- our first nephew- Harper Gregory Mehl was born
5. June- C and I flew out to VA and saw the lil bro graduate from high school
6. August- I started my new job at The Master's College
7. And Christian became an official pastor at Cornerstone
8. Steph and now Spenny are out here in CA for college
9. December- my family, Christian and I spent Christmas and New Years in China
10. God taught me most about waiting on Him

i heart christian

2007-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

2007-02-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

More of You, and less of me
More of You, and less of me
More of You, More of You,
Jesus

"billy"

2007-02-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

There is a gas station down San Fernando Road in Santa Clarita that I have stopped to get gas at numerous times during my college years, and still do as I now work there. On the corner sits a homeless man. He will randomly point his finger to the sky, shake his head, and mumble things at you as you drive or walk by.

Yesterday I was in great need of gas for my car, and once again, I found myself at this gas station. As I started to put the pump in the tank I made eye contact with the homeless man. My mind started wondering... why does this guy always sit on this corner? what's his statement? why haven't I ever talked with him and found out what his needs are?
I kinda let the idea of walking over and talking with him perculate for a bit but decided I probably shouldn't, afterall, he was probably crazy. And being a female I really shouldn't put myself in a vulnerable situation. Granted, it was broad daylight out and there were plenty of people around, but I was digging for an excuse. Once my tank was full I got in the car, looked over at the man one last time and said, "Nah, I'll just pray for him instead... that's 'safer'.

I drove off, heading back to the college, but I kept thinking about the homeless man. "Why don't I stop? Wouldn't Jesus have stopped to talk with him?"

Yeah, he would've.

So I headed back to the gas station, parked my car, and sat next to Billy for the next half hour of my lunch break. He told me about how he loves the Lord with all his heart, and the Bible is the true Word of God. He even took his Bible out and started reading it to me. We talked about nature and how we both love it, and how the Creator of ALL things is our God. I found out that Billy lives in a tent and plays his guitar for tips so he can provide for himself. You can tell he's out in the sun a lot because his skin is weathered and I think he looks older than he really is. He smokes and likely drinks, and doesn't like satellites- he's pretty much against all technology because he thinks it's destroying us. We talked about how the Lord will return and this world will come to an end.
He believes he's doing what he's supposed to be doing while here on earth, although many of his decisions are different from what the Bible calls us to be.
He did have some crazy ideas about the mark of the beast, and we disagreed, but I left my time with him thanking God that He was the judge of our hearts and He knew if Billy was really genuine. It was cool to know that the Lord's persistence on my heart allowed me to gain a new friend... and one I hope to see again.

my lil bro

2007-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

this is my lil bro, Spenny.
he's really cool.
watch him do the tootsie roll.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amXpzIjNjNA

trust me... i love you

2007-01-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

There have been countless times just this week, that I have been reminded never to give up in my perseverance of knowing God and to see Him be glorified.
This email from Brian Colmery is about Shoreline- the church that he and our brother-in-law Scott Mehl started October 2005. It is just one of the many ways that our holy and righteous God reminds us that we need Him, and that He works all things out for His good and perfect will.

Hey guys,
I remember the weekend before I was supposed to speak at Cornerstone church. Francis got up and gave his best message all year. He used this illustration that I’ve stolen – several times—about how life is like a balance beam, and the only way to truly find joy it is to stretch out, grab God’s hand, and start doing backflips, trusting He’s the only thing you need to hold on to.About an hour ago I received an email from the nice lady who provided the warehouse where Shoreline has met for the past four months. She’s going out of business, and after this Sunday, we have nowhere to hold our Sunday services.My feet can’t feel the balance beam anymore.I think most of you see where I’m going with this, and, yes, I do really want you to pray that God would bless us with a place to meet next weekend. But more than that, I want us all to remember that our greatest joy in life is trusting in a God who loves to do the impossible – from saving sinners like us to walking on water. And that’s why we pray. See, I know that one day this church will probably be “established,” and we’ll have a consistent place to meet and a consistent congregation and a consistent financial picture. We’ll have more than Scott’s kid in our children’s ministry, and a full worship band, and a place to put our stuff that isn’t a trailer. But I’m hoping we will never, ever, be a place that has nothing at risk, that has no mountain to move, that has no need only God can provide. I hope we’ll never be a church that forgets the impossibilities God has overcome to love us, and the glory He gets when we look to Him alone as our strength.As we pray for this moment, let's pray that moments like it never, ever stop until we’re home, and we can finally thank our Savior in person.

Thanks and blessings,
Brian

The Lord is good! it didn't even take a full week for Shoreline to have a new location. They will now be meeting at the Regent Theatre in Westwood. If you want to see the exciting new things God is doing with his people there, go check it out! http://www.shorelinewest.org/

My delight is in you

2007-01-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 1 year my love... thanks for Solvang

meet judah

2006-12-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Meet Judah Gundersen. This little Ugandan boy will one day- God willing- be adopted by some very good friends of ours, Gunner and Cindi Gundersen.

These parents have waited almost a year to hold, love, and play with their son. It's been a painfully long process with the Ugandan government, but there are still hopes and prayers that he will one day be theirs.

He will make you smile... even if you're having a rough day.

Amal Update

2006-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your prayers. Amal is back in California! She arrived last Friday, Dec 8.

Her mother came out of the coma last week, which was unexpected by everyone. They found out the result of her coma was that the doctors had given her the wrong medication for her nerves the last 3 months. She is now on the right medication and recovering well at home.

When Amal returned on Friday, we knew she had been hurt by her uncle. Her right knee and left shoulder were badly injured, but she was taken to a doctor immediately. She is in a lot of pain both physically and emotionally, but she rejoices that she was able to share the Gospel with so many in Tunesia.

Even though it’s great to have her back at the college, so much happened while she was in Tunesia that there’s just a lot going through her head right now. Please continue to pray for her family’s salvation in Jesus Christ, as well as her recovery from these injuries.

*shaken faith

2006-12-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Jenn works for The Master’s College International Office, and since the start of this semester all of us on staff have been in prayer for one of our first year International students from Tunesia, Amal. (She is pictured in the center of all of us, dark zip up hoodie.) If you don’t know anything about Tunesia, it is a secular country where prostelization of any religion is illegal. However there are many different religions and Amal’s family is Arab Muslim.
Amal became a believer in Christ just over a year ago while studying as a foreign exchange student in the US her senior year of high school. When she returned to Tunesia and shared her faith with her family, she was disowned and asked to never return. Her plan from there was to come back to the States so she could study at The Master’s College, and she has been with us since this past September.
I share this with you to ask for prayer and to encourage you with one girls faith.

Amal left for Tunesia a week ago after having received an email from one of her sisters back home. She was told that her mother was in a coma and the doctors said she only had a couple of days to live. Amal quickly contacted some of her trusted friends back in Tunesia to confirm if this news was true, and all agreed it was. As of Nov 30, when Amal left us, we had no idea of what the outcome of this situation would be like. Last we heard, Amal's uncle had threatened her life upon hearing of her return.

We've been in brief contact with Amal since and have received news that her mother is out of the coma. Due to this amazing improvement with her mother we hope to have Amal back in the States by the end of this week. However, more than anything, we trust that God will do with her life however he see's best. He is faithful and true...

why blog?

2006-12-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

As popular as blogging is these days, Christian and I didn't jump on as quickly as most. When the topic of a blog was brought up, we actually spent some long nights discussing why we would even have one in the first place. We realize people use blogs for all sorts of things, to connect with family and friends, discuss thoughts, talk about their achievements, post pictures of their cat named Woo, or simply to say things like, "5 minutes ago I was clipping my toe nails but now I am up to get a cold glass of pink lemonade"... read my blog! I'm so interesting...
Hence, our long nights of discussion... and I have a very analytical husband.
So why blog?
Well, one reason is Jenn's from the east coast, Fairfax, VA. The parents comes out to visit fairly often with 3 of their 4 kids living in Southern CA now, but there's still so much missed out on. Not only that, but we are firm believers of communication. We hope this blog will communicate the importance of thinking and writing, as we do a lot of that. And what we write about we hope to be purposeful.
So enjoy if you're a blog reader... and think about why we do things...