Merry Christmas

For some reason God's timing has been on my mind a lot during this Christmas Season. I was listening to a CD the other day called Child of the Promise. It is a musical drama that features the voices of many well-known artists to tell the Christmas Story. The part I have found myself focusing on though is the first song, "That's the Way It Will Be" that recounts the prophecies of Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Micah about the Messiah. These prophets lived 500-700 years before Jesus was born yet they fully believed the promises and prophecies God had given them would come true. 700 years is a long time! It made me start thinking how God has planned and knew everything that would happen from the very beginning. His timing might be different than mine but He is the Creator and Author of life, including yours and mine. 

Last year at this time I had imagined that by now I would have already left and be serving in Indonesia. God had different timing in mind. To be honest I don't know exactly why but I am learning once again to trust Him and His plan. I wonder if it is because there is someone I need to meet or a lesson I need to learn. I don't know and may never know. I do know that each day is worth living to the fullest, enjoying moments with people and the places I go. 

This Christmas I will be with my family in Hood River. All of us together! And my grandparents (mom's parents) will also be joining us. For the first time in four years I don't work any part of the Christmas holidays. I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends like the Stenbergs. 

Merry Christmas! I pray that you have special moments with family and friends and safe travel. 

Here is a video of the song I mentioned above from YouTube. I highly recommend the whole CD. For a little fun check out the song "Nothing Ever Happens to a Shepherd."

A November to Remember

I had two special events happen in November that I wanted to share about...

The first was a week long trip to Mexico with all of my sisters. This was a much dreamed about, planned for and saved for vacation for all of us. We wanted to celebrate Laura's graduation from college and spend some time together knowing I would be leaving soon for Indonesia. I went to college when my youngest sister, Laura, was in 2nd grade so other than a few vacations and summers it has been years since we all spent a full week together.

It was nice because we avoided the tourist scene by staying in a house in a small town. This allowed us to cook some of our own meals. Thank goodness I have to two sisters who can cook! Our schedule had us sleeping in, eating breakfast at home, heading to the beach for a few hours, taking a siesta in the late afternoon and then either cooking or going out for dinner followed by a movie or a game of cards. I have to admit it could have been a complete disaster with our different personalities and in such close contact for the week but we had some great talk time and lots of laughter. Here are a few pictures...

On the beach in Mexico

Enjoying Breakfast Out

Getting ready to go out in the evening

Taking a break from shopping in a nearby town

Final night in Mexico

The second event was the first annual New Hope Christian Church Missions Conference (my church) here in Everett. It was fun to share my story and plans with my church family, including with the kids during the evening service. I was especially blessed by a time of prayer at the end. Someone once suggested that during those times of prayer I open my eyes and look around at those who are praying for me. Then in the future when I am serving and having a rough day to remember that moment and be encouraged. It is incredibly powerful to feel the weight of the hands being laid on me, hear the words of the prayers, and look at the faces of those uplifting me in prayer. Definitely something I will remember and take with me.