tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19123310817241715442024-03-05T18:26:43.640-05:00In His Hands"We are in His hands and they are good hands." Dennis KinlawAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-78074614444385527222019-01-31T08:21:00.001-05:002019-01-31T08:21:50.908-05:00The Wonderfully Unexpected<center>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>The Wonderfully Unexpected</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Has
life ever surprised you with the unexpected? If not, expect it! :) The
last three years I have experienced many, mostly difficult, unexpected
things. However, 2018 surprised me in some wonderfully unexpected ways.
Jesus unexpectedly blessed me with a new relationship towards the start
of the year and a marriage proposal at the end of the year! Yes, you did
read that right! For those of you who have known me a long time you
will know how unexpected this is and yet this has been a God-story from
the start! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><br />
Let me start at the beginning...</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBHznNbBujCZGXiB2jCv7w3ckOyo4jX_gcNo0Gt-MobB6THa380hyVee7lMqPJSekb6H5GHk5iu67QddLt1mH3xI63GDhI99iWGI9M_BNhNJBKWIls-9cPNRL__SoBeJKEhqC9LbOk2-A/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBHznNbBujCZGXiB2jCv7w3ckOyo4jX_gcNo0Gt-MobB6THa380hyVee7lMqPJSekb6H5GHk5iu67QddLt1mH3xI63GDhI99iWGI9M_BNhNJBKWIls-9cPNRL__SoBeJKEhqC9LbOk2-A/s200/IMG_0247.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“I
think I just met your future husband!” was the surprising text that I
received from my sister roughly one year ago. Sarah, who has never once
tried to set me up, had just met a local doctor, Brian, and felt a
strong leading from the Lord that we should meet. She asked if I would
be open to that. I laughed and told her it was fine with me if she
shared my information with him but I couldn't imagine him ever following
through on it. So I didn't give it a second thought. Much to my
surprise he emailed me and shortly thereafter we started talking weekly
on the phone/Facetime. We did this for about four months as I finished
up the school year in Germany. This summer, after returning back to the
States we met for the first time and things moved forward from there.
Over the last few months we have had the opportunity to get to know each
other, meet each other’s families and seek the Lord. Each step on this
journey has been a step of faith for both of us and we have seen the
Lord’s hand in such clear, personal and meaningful ways. On December
30th Brian surprised me with a song he had written and on the last verse
got down on one knee, handed me his grandmother’s ring and asked me to
marry him. I said Yes! :) It was simple and perfect! </span></span>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Introductions</span></span></b><br />
<a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/758fb1d8-66e7-4d68-bcb9-28aa13929167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" data-file-id="2487921" height="200" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/758fb1d8-66e7-4d68-bcb9-28aa13929167.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 200px; margin-top: 15px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Let
me introduce you to my fiancé. :) We are one week apart in age. He grew
up outside of Detroit and is the youngest of three boys. He is an
internal medicine doctor and 3 years ago the Lord led him to Saint
Joseph, MI to work at a Christian clinic. It is here that he first met
Sarah. The thing that most drew me to Brian, however, is his love and
hunger for the Lord accompanied with his desire to use his God-given
gifts to serve the Lord. Last year he spent two months serving at Galmi
Hospital in Niger and is headed back there for the month of March. His
love for Jesus is apparent in every area of his life!</span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">What does this all mean?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Obviously,
this is an unexpected redirection not only in my personal life but in
my ministry. It has been almost a decade since the Lord first started
speaking to my heart about serving Him at Black Forest Academy. What a
journey it has been! I have been stretched and blessed in more ways that
I could have imagined. I unexpectedly fell in love with teaching and
middle school students! As this chapter of my life comes to a close I
feel so incredibly thankful to the Lord for the privilege of the last
eight years at BFA. I will return to BFA to say goodbye and pack up later this school year. This summer, after the wedding I will
be moving to Saint Joseph, MI to start a new season of my life! While it
is hard to say goodbye, Brian and I are excited to start life together.</span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We
don’t know what the Lord has for us in the future but He has been ever
so faithful in this journey and so we are joyfully putting our trust in
Him for the future. Would you pray for us as we prepare for marriage?
Would you pray that the Lord would be honored and glorified in this
season of transition?<br />
<br />
Your love and prayers mean so much! </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me! Psalm 13:6</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;">(Thanks
to a wonderful friend and colleague at BFA I got to surprise some of my
students from last year with the news of my engagement)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , "marker" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-76630590424222680052018-09-06T16:45:00.000-04:002018-09-06T16:45:25.675-04:00Looking Back...Looking Ahead<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img align="left" data-file-id="2380521" height="297" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/38c2c3d1-eb82-4ff2-8bfe-760cbf9bdc50.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 93px; margin: 1px 1.5px 0px 0px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-decoration: none; width: 125px;" width="400" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Recently I came across this picture, taken five years ago last month. We were all together for 24 hours before I left for Germany for a five year term. Much has changed since this picture was taken. Mom is now in a wheelchair and there are four sweet kids that have since joined our family. I now find myself back in the States for a year after completing that five year term. When I look back at the last five years (or even just the last two months) I stand amazed at all that has happened and all that the Lord has provided and done. And as I look ahead at the months to come I am comforted and encouraged to continue to trust Him fully!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><u><strong>Looking Back</strong></u><br />
<strong>Goodbyes</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: black; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/0d6169ed-6d5e-4621-8cce-9f308ff9db01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-file-id="2377789" height="132" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/0d6169ed-6d5e-4621-8cce-9f308ff9db01.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 132px; margin-top: 0px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The end of the school year brought the annual ceremonies, traditions, tears, goodbyes and transition. Every year I am blessed with such great students and this year was no exception. It was a joy to celebrate some of their </span></span>achievements and accomplishments at our Awards Ceremony. </span><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/75ce2224-cf15-41e1-b907-5999749d78c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-file-id="2377793" height="132" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/75ce2224-cf15-41e1-b907-5999749d78c7.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 132px; margin-top: 0px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span></span><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year was different however as I was one of the teachers transitioning back to the States for the coming school year. As I have mentioned in previous newsletters this coming school year I will be in the States for Totalization and for HMA. (Per German/US laws, every five years all US citizens must spend an entire year out of the country (Totalization). It is also part of a missionary term to serve for 4-5 years and then spend a year on Home Ministry Assignment (HMA).</span></span><br /><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequently, June was filled not only with end of the school year activities but also with lots of packing, sorting, paperwork, etc as I prepared to be away for the year. The Lord has provided wonderful teachers to fill in for me and I am so thankful to be leaving my classes and students in such capable hands! I was also able to sublet my apartment and car for the year to a fellow staff member. The last few weeks were filled with more goodbyes than I care to count as I said goodbye to those staying and those that are leaving BFA this year or the coming year. </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have le<img align="left" data-file-id="2377837" height="75" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/dbb33cd8-cc16-495c-8b77-496102a69998.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border: 0; height: 75px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 100px;" width="100" />arned over the years the importance of leaving well(even if only for a year). This includes making sure to intentionally say goodbye to the people in your life but also saying goodbye to places. The Lord provided a last little getaway in the Vosges mountains (only about an hour or so away) in France. It was a gift to spend a day hiking around lake Géradmer, spending some time with the Lord and saying goodbye to Europe for the year.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong><img align="left" data-file-id="2377845" height="84" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/bfbc595f-83ae-4655-b651-71c45e0beab2.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 1px; height: 84px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 100px;" width="100" />Unexpected goodbye -</strong> I said goodbye this summer to a dear friend and colleague from my years of living and working in MS over a decade ago. The Lord took her home this summer after a tragic car accident. I had been roommates with her daughter Jessica for 2 years and am so thankful for this precious family that treated me like family when I was over 1300 miles from home. What a gift it was to be State-side and able to attend her funeral and celebrate her life. She loved Jesus and others so well and that was evident to all who knew her. Thankful that because of Jesus it is not a final goodbye as we anticipate the glory of Heaven!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><strong>Hellos</strong></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I landed in Lexington, KY on July 2 and quickly unpacked and repacked for a week of meetings in Carol Stream, IL with TEAM. It was a privilege to meet some fellow missionaries who were also on HMA (Home Ministry Assignment) and hear about what God is doing all over the world! </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was also able to spend some time with my sisters and their families. Always a treat! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span> <img data-file-id="2377833" height="174" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/d73dc55c-d295-499d-8e37-9754e00ab5d1.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border: 0; height: 174px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /> <img data-file-id="2377797" height="237" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/655c8c15-e9b5-449e-b9ee-aad09be98a67.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px; height: 237px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /><img align="left" data-file-id="2377785" height="224" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/d0727b81-41c8-442e-a3f3-d31e98348af6.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 224px; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor none medium; text-decoration: none; width: 200px;" width="200" /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My Dad has had several speaking engagements this summer which has meant Mom and I have been able to spend some quality time together and I am thankful for the privilege of being able to be present in person and tangibly help out in this way.</span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong><u>Looking Ahead</u><br />
What exactly is HMA? </strong>First of all HMA stands for Home Ministry Assignment. Meaning that instead of being assigned to ministry overseas you are assigned for a year to ministry at ‘home’ in the US to supporters, friends and family. Historically a typical missionary ‘term’ was five years (four years on the field and one year of ‘furlough’ in the States). Things have changed over the years and depending on visas, funding, ministries, etc. this time frame will look different for different missionaries. For me and for BFA, it makes the most sense to spend five years teaching and then take a year off to fulfill totalization requirements, visit supporters and churches, do some fund-raising and connect with family and friends in the State<strong>s. </strong></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong>What will this year look like for me?</strong> While there is a lot yet to figure out about my year in the States these are the things that I believe the Lord has given to me as His priorities for my year: helping out at home, connecting with supporters/churches and taking some classes in order to renew my certification with ACSI. This has helped me focus my attention for the year and I am grateful for His leading. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though I will definitely miss my students and colleagues at BFA this year here are some things I am looking forward to…</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrating my first Thanksgiving in the States in over five years</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being within a days drive of my sisters and their families</span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being with my parents and able to help out</span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Connecting with so many of you! I will be in the Northeast in October and February of this school year. And I will be making some shorter trips here and there within this next school year. I hope to connect with as many of you as possible! </span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Growing as a teacher by having an opportunity to take some classes</span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ways you can pray…</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continue praying for BFA. Each year presents its own unique challenges and joys. This year a new director is stepping into the role - Dr. Bretteny. Pray for divine wisdom as he tackles a new role</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pray that the Lord would lead and guide me as I embark on this new and different year. Pray that I would hear His voice clearly and follow him joyfully. </span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time continues to march on. What a gift it is to know that Jesus works in time and space and we are blessed to be able to look back at His faithfulness through the years. That gives us courage to trust Him with today and all the days to follow. As the hymn <em>Be Still My Soul</em> says so beautifully: </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span></span></span></span><br />
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"In every change He faithful will remain...<br />
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake<br />
To guide the future, as He has the past."<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living Expectantly,</span><br />
Anna</span></span></span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-14430479103879944852018-05-06T14:17:00.001-04:002018-05-06T14:17:49.413-04:00Prayer<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-cb36ac8c-1cb6-922e-7cbe-23d66993eb91" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my favorite childhood memories is reading with my Dad. With two younger sisters, I was often my Dad’s side-kick while Mom cared for my sisters. And if you know my Dad at all you are not surprised that time with Dad included <img align="right" data-file-id="2320805" height="130" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/695d7a44-2067-4a5a-a045-2ca6e757efee.jpg" style="border: 0px none; height: 130px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px; outline: medium none currentcolor; text-decoration: none; width: 174px;" width="174" />books! He not only taught me how to read but instilled in me a love of books. English books were not easy to come by in France 30 some years ago yet we managed to work our way through many of the classics and many others. I cried when Bambi’s mother was killed and enjoyed the sweet story of Pollyanna and Heidi among many others. I remember Dad buying me an English children’s version of </span><em>Pilgrim's Progress</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (not an easy feat in the days before Amazon) and reading it to me as I poured over the pictures that captured my imagination. (I brought this book with me to BFA and have read it to my students).<br />
One series of books though stood out above the others,<em> </em><em>The Chronicles of Narnia </em>by CS Lewis. My Dad’s love for them was contagious! Rarely do I read a book more than once, however I am currently on my fifth time through </span><em>The Magician's Nephew</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the same number of years. I read it to my students each year. Lewis’ description of creation ties in beautifully when I teach on Genesis 1-2. My hope is to make a familiar story come to life in a new way through Lewis’ words.<br />
If asked I will tell you that my favorite book in the series is whichever one I am currently reading. However, I will say that </span><em>The Magician's Nephew</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is particularly great for reading to a class. And each year I am amazed at how students with short attention spans and boundless energy sit quietly and listen to every word. Every year I am amazed, encouraged and challenged by the simple story of Narnia’s beginnings.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thi<img align="left" data-file-id="2320809" height="160" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/c3f9a5c0-a3c2-4e43-a91b-4ec682b0e28b.jpeg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border: 0; height: 160px; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 106px;" width="106" />s week I read one of my favorite scenes (although I have several). Digory, a boy desperate to find a cure for his dying mother, overcomes his fears and approaches Aslan to ask for a miracle. After asking, he finally works up the courage to look Aslan in the eyes and to his surprise sees tears, larger than his own, in the lion’s eyes! Later, while traveling, a conversation happens that reveals that though Aslan does know everything, they get the distinct impression that He likes to be asked anyway.<br />
These are some of the characteristics of God that I love most. He is approachable, He weeps with us and He longs to hear from us. Jesus already knows the praises and the burdens that are on my heart and those that are on yours. But this story reminds me that He loves to hear from us!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On that note, can I share a few praises and requests?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Praises:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*The beauty of Spring in the Black Forest</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*The Lord's provision of a subletter for my apartment next year while I am in the States</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*I turned in my application to CIU online for the fall semester - I need 9-12 credit hours to renew my certification with ACSI</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*My students who challenge and encourage me</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*In this season of transition, I am thankful for the Lord’s steadfastness</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Requests:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*For all the details involved in returning to the States for the year</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*For wisdom as I wrap up all four of my classes and turn things over for the year.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Grace for all the goodbyes that are ahead (some goodbyes are only for a year but others are more permanent)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*For those raising funds to come join BFA in the fall and for the positions that have yet to be filled (</span><a href="http://bfacademy.com/staff/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: none;"><u style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://bfacademy.com/staff/</u></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*For BFA as we say goodbye to our Head of School and welcome in a new one (</span><a href="http://bfacademy.com/head/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: none;"><u style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://bfacademy.com/head/</u></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you all for your prayers! As a staff we are very aware of the large number of people that enable us to serve the students and their families here at BFA. We are also humbled by the large number of people who carry BFA and its staff, students and families in prayer. Thank you! We know the Lord hears those prayers and we see the fruit of those prayers!
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: comic\ sans\ ms,marker\ felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">**Photo of Digory and Aslan from https://www.sutori.com/story/the-magician-s-nephew-bcfd</span> </span></span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-32413886422868653882017-07-13T19:36:00.000-04:002017-07-13T19:36:53.186-04:00Seasons<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9a7d2f2c-347b-0a9c-0b9f-5e5b079aa833" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Summer is a wonderful season! Long days, warm weather, change of pace and time with family are just some of the reasons to love summer. It felt like I blinked and finals, graduation, goodbyes, a middle school move, packing up and flying back to be with family all happened.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Allow me to share some of the events of the last two months. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Experiential Learning Week. </b>It was a success for all grades. I, along with two other teachers, spent the week with the seventh graders. Multiple countries, public buses, trams, science museum,the zoo, hiking, egg drops, etc. A good time was had by all. Thank you to those who prayed for us this week! The Lord protected us and allowed us to have quality time with students outside of the classroom.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzKXmXpRKodwnXVv1i3FyCFuy7bjyb7HEkSEDEFLOuEFsBymkJ_hauFNov9F2d_XoJgE5nPcaqlsbrSVAlwuAuL7K_4lqYXkgBAiyZ2HhMP3j59dWkEvF3s9T2tammkL9Z_CliWECLeW3/s1600/File_000%25285%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzKXmXpRKodwnXVv1i3FyCFuy7bjyb7HEkSEDEFLOuEFsBymkJ_hauFNov9F2d_XoJgE5nPcaqlsbrSVAlwuAuL7K_4lqYXkgBAiyZ2HhMP3j59dWkEvF3s9T2tammkL9Z_CliWECLeW3/s320/File_000%25285%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparation for the egg drop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdfyOHS81_jnpnU9ADXKLBVvW4lvMIp05UdoVovYktVLNOCFRr2ILy8uS-jB8HdQ_dyq1_4-Q95dWFywHegAncrnyrO-q0GuoiqDlKPGtHWMyzKmL0Z-aE55R-LwyavuxBXXMDty7NAyu/s1600/File_001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdfyOHS81_jnpnU9ADXKLBVvW4lvMIp05UdoVovYktVLNOCFRr2ILy8uS-jB8HdQ_dyq1_4-Q95dWFywHegAncrnyrO-q0GuoiqDlKPGtHWMyzKmL0Z-aE55R-LwyavuxBXXMDty7NAyu/s320/File_001.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who will win the egg drop??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the science museum</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>8th grade Graduation.</b> The week before high school graduation we celebrate our eighth graders with a special dinner and ceremony. Each teacher reads a tribute and challenge to each eighth grade student. It is always a special evening but this year was extra special as I was able to give a tribute to Caleb. Caleb's family are dear family friends that we have known for 20 years. That kind of history is rare at a place like BFA and a real blessing to me. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Kleenex, Starbursts and Yearbooks</b><i>.</i> Three things that may not seem to have anything in common and yet all three were a significant part of our last day at the Middle School campus of Sitzenkirch. The last day of school brings much rejoicing, year book signing and even tears. At one point we had to laugh as one teacher was walking around passing out American candy as a fun treat and another teacher was passing out kleenex to those who needed to wipe away their tears. Lots of emotions as we say goodbye to many in our community and also to the Sitzenkirch campus which has been a part of BFA for 45 years and has been the middle school campus since 2011. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitzenkirch Campus</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Graduation.</b> Always a special occasion and a time to celebrate our seniors. I taught all three of these siblings and I have been privileged to mentor Naomi (the one graduating) for the last four years. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4IWYrGdsmipXTqc_difVCflhDzgXRwpu8wDgVAYrcs2v9bU-VMzUTZBU286dj1N2Kp6Kp8VZrmikKdN1RuXx5bZfwKCb7EGSk8Deodg_KTlXGY229ft5s2HccGA3dlRAb8p-4zPO42vU/s1600/BFA+Grad+2017+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1600" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4IWYrGdsmipXTqc_difVCflhDzgXRwpu8wDgVAYrcs2v9bU-VMzUTZBU286dj1N2Kp6Kp8VZrmikKdN1RuXx5bZfwKCb7EGSk8Deodg_KTlXGY229ft5s2HccGA3dlRAb8p-4zPO42vU/s320/BFA+Grad+2017+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Moving.</b> On the hottest week of the year (so far) our Middle School was moved from Sitzenkirch back to the main Kandern campus. Our movers were amazing as the heat was oppressive and we were moving into the fourth and fifth floor of a building with no AC or elevators. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving in Europe (the lift carried everything up to the top floors)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Family Time</b>. Recently it seems that our family times together involve funerals, sickness, etc. But over the July 4th weekend we were able to all gather at my sister and brother-in-laws house in MI and enjoy each other and beautiful Lake Michigan. Adam, Jaden and Noah (my brother-in-law and two of my nephews) helped make this special chair that enabled my Mom to join us at the beach. We made quite the entrance but what a gift that Mom could join us! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macie trying out Mom's special ride!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Next up</b> - Mom and I will join Dad at Indian Springs Campmeeting in GA and visit some family in the area. I leave the first week of August to return and will attend TEAM’s All Europe Conference and then help begin to unpack all the boxes that were moved in June from one BFA campus to another. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A line of an old hymn has been playing in my head recently - “<b>In every season he faithful will remain.</b>” There have been a lot of changes in the last year and a half and we are definitely in a new season, not just of summer but of life. But Jesus is the firm foundation on which we stand and He remains faithful whatever the season, whatever the change.</span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-6874373453801926502017-05-07T11:22:00.001-04:002017-05-07T11:22:26.837-04:00Numbers<span id="docs-internal-guid-e277a807-dee1-7a77-8057-9b3591e6fde9" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This
year I was asked to be in charge of our “Homework Club.” Basically, it
is an elective study hall for students who need some extra time or help.
A question that is often heard in that class is, “Miss Key, I know you
aren’t good at math but...can you try and help me with my math
homework?” Sadly, the kids know me too well! They rarely have French or
Bible questions, it tends to be math. Math was a struggle for me in
school and it is often a challenging subject for our students as they
come from such a variety of educational backgrounds. Math is taught
differently in different countries. For example, I was taught in French
schools one way of solving long division and another way once I returned
State-side.<br />
<br />
Even though numbers may not be my thing, I thought I would use numbers,
pictures, videos, etc. instead of just words to give you an update. For
no reason in particular I will start my countdown with the number
fourteen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>14</strong>
Months since we brought Mom home from rehab. Click on the link below to
read a post I wrote about that day. Thank you for your continued
prayers for my Mom and for our family. <a href="https://journeywithkaty.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/here-i-raise-my-ebenezer/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Click here">https://journeywithkaty.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/here-i-raise-my-ebenezer/</a></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>13</strong>
The age my grandfather turned his life over to Jesus and never looked
back! (And one of the reasons I love working with this age group!) On
April 10 he met His Savior face to face. We celebrated his life on
Easter Saturday. What a gift to be there with my family! Click the link
below to watch the memorial service. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHZ1uqy4juo" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHZ1uqy4juo</a><br />
<img data-file-id="2064917" height="357" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/_compresseds/53698766-4bef-49f2-8c88-773440596145.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: inline; height: 357px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 500px;" width="500" /></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>12</strong> The number of minor prophets. My students are in the midst of finishing up a project on the Minor Prophets.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>11</strong> Number of countries represented in my 7th grade classroom.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>10</strong> Teaching days left before my French students moving on to high school will take their placement exams.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>9 </strong>Countries visited by our staff and students on spring break service trips.<br />
<img data-file-id="2064925" height="233" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/0675315e-7ba2-4b83-9eed-bc435bba2f44.jpg" style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-image: none; border: 0; display: inline; height: 233px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 350px;" width="350" /><br />
<img data-file-id="2064901" height="231" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/b26778a7-a8f3-4be0-8a24-d73494a5adf8.jpg" style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-image: none; border: 0; display: inline; height: 231px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 350px;" width="350" /></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>8</strong>th grade. We are preparing to celebrate the 8th graders as they graduate from middle school.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>7</strong> This summer will mark 7 years since I first moved to Germany!</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>6</strong>
Number of middle school staff members leaving at the end of this school
year. With only 16 staff at the middle school they will be missed!</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>5</strong>K
The 7th graders organized a run to raise money and awareness for child
trafficking and to support the work that IJM (International Justice
Mission) does on behalf of these children.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><img data-file-id="2064921" height="166" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/f8231e22-9fdd-439d-a613-585c608dd676.jpg" style="-moz--moz--moz--moz-width: 250px; border: 0px; display: inline; height: 166px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" width="250" /><img align="right" data-file-id="2064905" height="235" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/94a73845-cacc-4d6e-ae29-a30ea92745c6.jpg" style="border: 0px none; display: inline; height: auto; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: medium none; text-decoration: none; width: 156px;" width="156" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4</strong> Number of teaching weeks left in the school year.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>3</strong>
The number of dorm parents needed for next school year. Will you join
BFA in praying for the Lord's provision for our school and our students?</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>2</strong>
The number of countries we will visit during our Experiential Learning
Week at the Middle School (May 22-26). We look forward to exploring our
area and learning outside of the classroom.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>1</strong>
month until our big move! The Middle School is moving back to the main
campus in Kandern. We have been in the neighboring village of
Sitzenkirch for the last six years (though BFA has had a presence in
that building for the last 45 years). Construction is almost finished
and excitement is building. The top two floors of the main building shown will
house the Middle School.<br />
<img align="none" data-file-id="2064913" height="224" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/65c6b2df-7334-479c-8b46-4d24faf24be4.jpg" style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-image: none; border: 0; display: inline; height: 224px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 300px;" width="300" /><br />
Click the link below to watch a wonderful short video on a day in the
life of the Middle School in our current facility in Sitzenkirch.<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/qJu7Ge2MGvU" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/qJu7Ge2MGvU</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Countless</strong> The number of times I have thanked the Lord
for each one of you reading this update! Thank you for your faithful
love, prayers and support. It means more than you will ever know.<br />
<br />
Allow me to close with our school verse for the year. Psalm 33:4 "For
the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."<br />
In all that these numbers represent, in all of the comings and goings,
the needs, the good and the hard, in all the transitions of life...He is
faithful! </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-91761842556215346762016-12-10T12:57:00.000-05:002016-12-10T12:57:32.887-05:00In every season<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6d172173-e537-40f7-3a68-82abc65a4c40" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Seasons.
They are a part of life. Our family learned to truly appreciate the
seasons while living in upstate NY. Here in Germany we have just
experienced a beautiful fall season. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Life is filled with seasons. Seasons filled with joy, transition and pain. Scripture tells us, "</span> <span class="Eccl-3-1 text">For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven</span>." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> In my own personal life I have felt many of those ups and downs in the last year. BFA has also experienced some ups and downs.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is a small peek into some of the ups and downs the last few weeks here at BFA:</span></div>
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</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img align="left" height="169" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/f6f2d759-a358-47c0-ad27-f1d96ea6f332.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: auto; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" width="227" /><strong>A time to dance/build </strong></em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
November 2, BFA celebrated its 60th anniversary. Each class dressed up
from a difference decade of the school’s existence and together we
celebrated what the Lord has done in and through this school for the
last 60 years. We ended the week with a concert of prayer during a
combined chapel (middle school and high school). What a wonderful way to
begin the next season. </span></div>
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<br />
<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>A time to mourn</strong> </em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
November 7 we received the devastating news that a precious little girl
born with a heart defect 7 weeks early to new staff members (one of
whom is a BFA alum) had been taken home to be with Jesus after a hard
fight! Please pray for this family as they navigate this season of
grief. </span></div>
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</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>A time to plant</strong></em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Due
to the loss in our community and a few of our student’s own personal
struggles, Jesus has given me and other staff members some wonderful
opportunities to help students process, ask some difficult questions and
grieve together the loss in our community. We pray that the seeds being
planted in their lives and hearts will bear fruit for the Kingdom. </span><br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img align="right" height="174" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/9d3fced5-59b2-46cb-a40c-dc9d9b5c9dc7.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: auto; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" width="272" /><strong>A time to laugh</strong></em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong> </strong><br />
The Middle School presented the play, </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. They did a wonderful job of presenting this funny yet poignant story.</span></div>
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</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>A time to speak</strong></em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On
the Friday after Thanksgiving I co-led our middle school chapel and had
the opportunity to present the Gospel and to encourage each student to
give themselves fully to Jesus!</span></div>
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</div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>A time to love/serve</strong></em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Each
year our 8th graders have an opportunity to serve the high school
students and staff at BFA's annual Christmas Banquet. For the third year
in a row I helped with the 8th graders. Helping fifteen 8th graders
serve over 300 people dinner is always an exhausting but fun adventure.
Thankful for a wonderful group of students, a great co-leader, and the
ability to serve together in this way.</span><br />
</div>
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<img align="none" height="201" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/c6ee6731-4ca0-4ed0-99ac-5e629b8a9b26.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 201px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 250px;" width="250" /><img align="right" height="187" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/a6b46bb3-ec9c-4c0a-9db0-d3cb50b1894d.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 187px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 250px;" width="250" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>A</em></strong><em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong> time to embrace</strong></em><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My
nephew, Jaden, was able to come visit me for a week and we were able to
celebrate his 13th birthday together! What an amazing gift to have him
with me and for him to experience part of my world here at BFA.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Christmas
is a season that is filled with joy and yet this side of heaven it is
also a season of pain as we become acutely aware of the things that are
not right in this world. The phrase that has been playing over and over
in my head this season is a line from a Christmas song written by Chris
Tomlin - </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Into our hopes, into our fears, the Savior of the world appears</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.
The Savior of the world enters into our seasons of hope and into our
seasons of fear. He willingly chooses to enter into every season of
life, and not only that He chooses to walk with us through each season
that life throws at us. I don't know what you or your family may be
facing this Christmas. But He does! And right in the middle of it, He
appears! I can now say from experience that whether you are celebrating
the picture perfect Christmas or whether you are spending Christmas in
the Neuro ICU like we did last year, HE IS THERE! And He promises to
make everything beautiful in His time! (Ecc. 3:11) May you see the
Savior of the world appear in whatever season of life you find yourself
in this Christmas.<br />
<br />
<em>In every change (or season) He faithful will remain. </em>(from the hymn "Be still, my soul")<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!<br />
<br />
</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-53074658716455822852016-10-13T14:36:00.000-04:002016-10-13T14:36:30.346-04:00Light for the next step<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: helvetica neue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaax6bKuCkVlO2WhhCI3VBfpF9iba8DmlR_nWLTjdHojYHLvbGBF14y9jhy1-xXD1M8rY_RgRbQICN6wM6ua8bVljuFzYIpwVf75cwke4n8U7yd0jWv-MRCVstDdEx7gNqJswa8PHPGSx/s1600/BFA+from+my+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaax6bKuCkVlO2WhhCI3VBfpF9iba8DmlR_nWLTjdHojYHLvbGBF14y9jhy1-xXD1M8rY_RgRbQICN6wM6ua8bVljuFzYIpwVf75cwke4n8U7yd0jWv-MRCVstDdEx7gNqJswa8PHPGSx/s320/BFA+from+my+balcony.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of BFA and my driveway from my balcony</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> As I walked up my driveway towards my apartment, I found myself struggling to see the road under my feet. I live across the street from BFA (high school) just at the edge of town and on the top floor of a stand alone house. While a bit unusual for this part of the world I have no immediate neighbors aside from my landlady. On cloudy nights with the forest in my backyard and no street lights to light the way one can feel almost blind trying to find their way up my driveway. It only takes one time of fumbling your way home in the dark, wondering what forest creature may be watching you, to learn to always carry a flashlight with you.<br /><br />But this night as I walked up my hill the darkness seemed particularly dark. Even with my flashlight I could only see enough to take the next step or maybe two. As I tried to focus on what I could see, and not on what might be hiding in the shadows, I felt the Lord remind me of the fact that He is the Light of the world!! And though we are living in dark days my job is to focus on the Light that He provides! Darkness can at times threaten to consume us and yet He faithfully gives us enough light to take the next step...and then the next...and then the next. What an important reminder!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a reminder I needed!! The last year has felt dark. The pathway that once felt brightly lit has grown dim or even invisible and I find myself unsure of what the future will or should look like. And the more I think about or try to look to the future the more uncertain and anxious I become! The Lord graciously reminded me in the midst of the darkness of night that I don't need to look far ahead. He has given me enough light for the next step and for now that is all I need and I am learning (or trying to learn) to be OK with just that.<br /><br />At times I must confess I want the light to shine brightly on the path ahead, making the path easy and my steps sure. And yet at each turn He keeps giving strength to press on and provides moments of rest when I am not sure if I can take the next step or what the next step might hold. <br /><br />Not too long ago my sister wrote a <a data-cke-saved-href="https://journeywithkaty.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/open-my-eyes-that-i-may-see/" href="https://journeywithkaty.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/open-my-eyes-that-i-may-see/" target="_blank">beautiful blog</a> on having eyes to see His hand even in the midst of grief, hardship and pain. I want His eyes! I don't want exhaustion, fear, anxiety or grief to keep me from seeing His mercies and grace extended to me in the midst of the losses of the past year. </span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So allow me to share some moments of grace this fall:</span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being back at BFA and experiencing my sixth opening ceremony</span></span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/33474334-7340-45ad-b1b9-61d53880dee8.jpg" height="133" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/33474334-7340-45ad-b1b9-61d53880dee8.jpg" style="height: 133px; margin: 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Students and colleagues who faithfully prayed for me and my family and welcomed me back</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Walking into a clean apartment and a stocked frig after being gone for 8 months thanks to dear friends</span></span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A day in the Alps with friends, the majesty of God displayed in His creation revives the soul<img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/afd60a4c-183f-4a11-b619-035e4cf8414b.jpg" height="240" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/afd60a4c-183f-4a11-b619-035e4cf8414b.jpg" style="height: 240px; margin: 0px; width: 180px;" width="180" /></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Seeing a former student get baptized</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Students who teach me about the world and so much more every day</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Colleagues that continue to sacrificially give of themselves by covering my classes so I could return to the States for a week to help out at home<br /><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/_compresseds/3d5ceb1d-84bb-4afe-8701-addefa04fbfd.jpg" height="165" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/_compresseds/3d5ceb1d-84bb-4afe-8701-addefa04fbfd.jpg" style="height: 165px; margin: 0px; width: 300px;" width="300" /></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The smoothest first month of school I have experienced </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Attending a special Sunday event where all the French churches in the area gathered together to worship!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img align="none" data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/c3b69e68-6d22-4cff-ae0f-0aeb258a4cfa.jpg" height="202" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/c3b69e68-6d22-4cff-ae0f-0aeb258a4cfa.jpg" style="height: 202px; margin: 0px; width: 180px;" width="180" /></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Amazing deals on airline tickets and smooth and uneventful trips to and from the States</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">My Dad's radiation treatments are over!</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A great week in the States with my Mom where we are able to accomplish a lot, enjoy being together and celebrate her birthday a little early! </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Seeing God's provision in the amazing people He has provided to care for my Mom</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Thank you to so many who have prayed for me as I transition back to BFA and try to continue to help from a distance with some of my mom's care. I have felt those prayers and am so thankful. I would ask for your continued prayers for physical and emotional strength as I try to juggle two worlds. Please also pray for our staff and students here at BFA that we would individually and collectively seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength! This year BFA is celebrating it's 60th year and the theme is <b>Faithful</b>! He is indeed Faithful even in the dark!</span></span></span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-64624236056499179462016-07-30T10:47:00.000-04:002016-07-30T10:47:37.662-04:00Return<img align="left" height="150" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/bd2612be-4edc-455c-8233-08da0f9ad370.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 150px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 150px;" width="150" />Six years ago today in Albany, NY, I weighed my three suitcases for the
seemingly countless time, anxiously watched the scale hit almost exactly
50 lbs for each one, thanked the Lord for a kind ticket agent who
waived the fee for one of my bags, shed tears as I hugged my family
goodbye, went through security and sat at my gate waiting to board my
flight and begin my journey to Germany.<br />
<br />
I was no stranger to goodbyes, moving, transition or travel and yet you
may never have seen a more reluctant or terrified traveler. <em>What was
I thinking? Who did I think I was going to teach students French in
Germany? Had I really heard Jesus correctly? Didn’t He know that I had
no teacher training or experience and had not use</em><em>d the French language in well over a decade?</em>
Never have I had a more blunt conversation with the Lord. In no
uncertain terms I let Him know that the ONLY reason I was getting on
that plane was because I knew in my heart it would be straight up
disobedience to stay. So I somewhat begrudgingly got on that plane.
Although I doubt I am the first missionary to feel this way it is not
the typical story that you send home to supporters. However, I am so
thankful for God’s grace and patience with me. As I tell my students, He
is big enough for all our fears and doubts. He graciously listened to
me and then very clearly led me to His Word (Psalm 28) and reminded me
that He who had called me would provide ALL that I needed as I stepped
out in obedience, even if it was reluctantly.<br />
<br />
I stand in awe remembering the million and one ways the Lord has
provided for me in the last six years! From giving me an unexpected love
for teaching middle schoolers, to providing faithful supporters who
have stood with me for six years, to amazing staff to mentor and help me
grow as a teacher, etc.<br />
<br />
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said that “Life can only be
understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.” God tells His
people over and over to REMEMBER! This message is one I am preaching to
myself these days as I need to remember His faithfulness, His provision,
His grace, His strength then in order to have the courage to live and
move forward and once again board a plane. This time the situation is
different. My reluctance is for very different reasons but the fact that
I can’t escape, the thing that is the same, is <strong>His call</strong>. To stay would be saying ‘no’ to His voice. I feel it as strongly as I felt His call to stay on December 14<sup>th</sup>
when my Mom suffered her stroke. What a gift and blessing it has been
to be here the last seven months and serve my parents in this way. These
months have been the hardest I have ever experienced. But the beautiful
thing is that I can look back to my childhood, I can look back to six
years ago, or I can look back at the last seven months and see His
faithfulness in the midst of stress, exhaustion, doubts and fears. He
has walked with me into the unknown, He has walked with me through the
valley of the shadow of death, and He will walk with me as I return to
Germany and ‘normal’ life.<br />
<br />
<em><img align="left" height="100" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/5941d2ff-5847-413e-84ef-828295627517.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 100px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 150px;" width="150" />Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forward</em>. And so I move forward on August 14<sup>th</sup>
and will once again board a plane. There are moments when I feel
excitement to return to my apartment, my students, my friends and
colleagues. And then there are moments when the thought of leaving Mom
(and Dad) feels unbearable. While Mom has made amazing progress she is
not where I had hoped she would be when I left. While leaving will be difficult, I am so thankful for my parent's whole-hearted support.<br />
<br />
Could I once again ask for your prayers?
<ul>
<li>Would you pray that I would lean on His strength and courage to board that plane?</li>
<li>Would you pray that as a family we would continue to trust Him even in the midst of the hardships of this year?</li>
<li>Would you pray for the Lord to provide just the right ones to care for my Mom after my departure?</li>
<li>Would you pray for my Dad as he juggles it all? Pray for physical
strength and health as he juggles work, therapy, doctors’ appointments
and Mom’s care?</li>
<li>Would you pray for me as I transition from the crisis and intensity of the last few months to ‘normal’ life again?</li>
<li>Would you keep praying for healing for my Mom? Pray that the Lord
would restore her left arm and leg so that she could have increased
mobility and independence?</li>
</ul>
Thank you for your love, support and prayers for me and for our family! You will never know what a gift it is and has been!!<br />
<br />
On July 28, 2010 Jesus gave me this Psalm and I cling to it once again on July 28, 2016.
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<em>To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me…</em><br />
<em>Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help…</em><br />
<em>Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for
mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts and
I am helped…</em><br />
<em>The LORD is the strength of his people, he is the saving refuge of
his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their
shepherd and carry them forever. </em>(excerpts of Psalm 28)<br />
<img align="middle" height="450" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/bae7ee5f-506c-46e2-a7d1-7c3f9d69f80d.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 450px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 600px;" width="600" /></div>
(Last weekend Jesus gave us a rare moment for the four of us to be
together before my return. We weren't in a hospital or a rehab center
and were able to truly enjoy being together. Thankful for my Mom and for
my sisters!)<span id="goog_576622212"></span><br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-92159906116987011942016-01-18T19:15:00.000-05:002016-01-18T19:15:23.145-05:00December 14th<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
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</xml><![endif]-->If you asked me today's date I would have to stop and really think. But I can tell you without blinking that
December 14<sup>th</sup> was five weeks ago today. Trauma and hospitals leave you in a sort of time warp and time for us is now marked by December 14th.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Early
that Monday morning five weeks ago today, right before we left for the hospital, I
posted a blog (<a href="http://annasadventuresingermany.blogspot.de/2015/12/unexpected-places.html" target="_blank">Unexpected Places)</a> that I had written on the plane the day before.
I had moved up my flight five days in order to be home for my Mom’s unexpected
lung surgery. The doctors were preparing us for a rough recovery and for the
real possibility of the nodule on her lung being malignant. The Lord spoke to
me on the plane about Unexpected Places in the Christmas story and in life.
Little did I know that He was gently preparing me for the next 48 hours that would prove to be the most unexpected
and difficult of my life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journeywithkaty.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_7008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://journeywithkaty.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_7008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unexpected Places: Christmas Day in the NeuroICU</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday afternoon on December 14th I drove home to take a nap as jet lag was
catching up with me. We were rejoicing as Mom had made it out of surgery and
the nodule was benign. A miracle even to our doctor! But that evening I laid in bed and
couldn’t sleep, I think I was close to a panic attack and had no clue why I was so anxious.What was wrong with me? We had received good news!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 8 pm my Dad called and I picked up on the first ring. In a shaky voice he told me that I needed to come back to the hospital right away, Mom had suffered
a ‘large complete stroke’ in the ICU while recovering from surgery. Never has a
drive felt so long! Our world started caving in but the journey had only begun.
The next day as we started to adjust to our new unexpected reality we received further devastating
news that my Mom’s brain was continuing to swell and if they did not perform a
craniotomy that afternoon she would likely die. We were told to call my sisters
and families and to be prepared. Two major surgeries and a large stroke in 30 hours…unexpected, unimaginable places!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I held my Mom’s hand, talked to her and prayed over her
as they prepped her for her second surgery I honestly wondered if I was saying
goodbye to her. I couldn’t imagine her weak and mostly unresponsive body surviving
another major surgery. And yet though her body had her completely trapped both
Dad and I saw very clear signs that she was still very present! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i2.wp.com/journeywithkaty.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_2362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://i2.wp.com/journeywithkaty.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/img_2362.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom holding on to the cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank the Lord she did survive! But the following 9 days in
the neuro ICU, followed by a week in the stroke unit and now starting our third
week at rehab have proven to be some of the hardest of my life. There is little
that is worse than watching someone you love suffer! And yet in the darkest of
places the veil between heaven and earth is pulled back and we get a glimpse of
ultimate reality and of a Savior who understands suffering. And without a doubt I can say that even in the valley of the
shadow of death…HE IS THERE! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can also unequivocally say that my Mom is my hero! I have
said this before but watching her press into Jesus during her darkest days and
trust Him with this has been life defining! Even in her grief over her new reality Jesus keeps shining through! She shared with us that she had always told Jesus that she
would follow Him no matter the cost and she asked us to pray for courage
and strength to take up her cross and follow Him through this journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God the Father never intended for us to journey alone so
consequently it is not just her journey, it has become all of ours. I have been privileged to walk through the last five weeks with my amazing Dad, sisters and brothers-in-law. God placed
us in families (whether it be a spiritual family or a physical one) and I feel strongly that God has called me to my family for this season. My parents
have given so much for me, I don’t want to miss this opportunity to honor and
serve them in this way. I realize that not everyone is privileged enough to be given that
opportunity and I do not take it for granted!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TEAM and BFA have blessed our family in
unspeakable ways by working to make that a possibility for me. I have
officially been granted a short term home assignment from TEAM and some staff
at BFA have graciously stepped up to fill in for my classes. Please pray for them as they take on this added responsibility. I would be lying
if I said that it was easy. I miss my students already and my world at BFA. But
this is not for forever, just for a season and what a privilege it is to walk this journey with my Mom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because a craniotomy necessitates a follow up surgery and
the recovery process is slow I do not have a
timetable at this point but I have been in contact with both TEAM and BFA and
will keep them posted as things develop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that we are thankful for the outpouring of love,
care and prayers is an understatement. We have truly felt carried and sustained
by the body of Christ around the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you would like to journey with our family, feel free to
check out <a href="https://journeywithkaty.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Journey with Katy</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. </div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-22731943735989237702015-12-16T22:23:00.001-05:002015-12-16T22:23:55.839-05:00Update on my MomWhen I wrote my last blog about the unexpected I had no idea how unexpected the path would actually be!And yet He is Immanuel, God with us!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is an update from my Dad. I am sure there are better places or ways to update everyone but I am too tired to think of it now so for tonight this will suffice. <br />
<br />
I am truly a blessed and proud daughter! My Mom is thinking of
others even in the midst of her own trauma (although why should I be
surprised??) and my Dad is leaning on and trusting in Jesus. This is the
hardest thing any of us have ever done but He is holding us on this unexpected journey!<br />
<br />
_____________________<br />
<br />
Friends and family,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, we feel
overwhelmed with an ocean of grace by the many emails, texts, voice
mails, visits, cards, etc. It is impossible to keep up with the
correspondence but please know that we read every one and each one is a
beautiful means of grace to our fragile souls. I find myself in tears
with almost each one I read. I've never had words touch me quite like
this. Thank you, thank you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
William Cowper wrote the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way". How I love these words: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,</div>
<div>
But trust him for his grace;</div>
<div>
Behind a frowning providence</div>
<div>
He hides a smiling face.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The
past 72 hours have been like none I've ever lived. Providence did
indeed seem to be frowning. For about 48 hours, it felt like we
were falling off a cliff, hitting on rocky ledge after another in our
descent. Where would it end? But even as the wheels were falling off
and life was spinning out of control, we caught glimpses, and at times, a
glorious vision of the "smiling face" behind the turbulence.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614439" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span>
morning, Katy and I faced one of the greatest challenges of our life as
she underwent surgery to remove a spiculated nodule from her
left lung. All signs had seemed to indicate cancer so when the doctor
said it was benign, we erupted in praise and sent a letter to all of
you saying that the battle was over and thanks for the prayers. Little
did we know that the battle had only begun! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614440" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span> afternoon about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614441" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:00</span></span>,
Katy had a "large stroke". A blood clot lodged in her right brain
leaving her left side paralyzed. Our surgeon said that in all his life
he had never experienced anything like this and is struggling to account
for the clot. Over the next 24 hours a series of CT scans showed that
the brain was swelling. Not good. We noticed that Katy was more and
more non-responsive and by late <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614442" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span> afternoon
a neurosurgeon had been called in. He explained that if he did not do
immediate surgery to relieve the pressure, Katy would probably die. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In
shock, we signed the papers and again (!) watched as Katy was wheeled
away behind closed doors for two hours of more surgery. A craniotomy
was performed, removing bone from the right side of her skull so the
brain could thus expand as it adjusted to the damage caused from the
stroke. Last night (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614443" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>) about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_891614444" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00</span></span>, the
neurosurgeon announced that the surgery had gone smoothly and Katy's
vital signs looked good. But he stressed that there would still be
about 48-72 hours of recovery in neuro-ICU which would be critical. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
are in that period of waiting now. Katy is responsive and her mental
capacities and personality seem to be present. She cannot talk well and
can barely keep her eyes open. This morning she indicated she wanted a
pen and paper and with eyes unable to open, wrote out in perfect script
(!) instructions about who we were to call to inform about her
condition! We laughed as we realized that beneath all the bandages and
tubes and medication and trauma of two surgeries, Katy was still
thinking of others and THEIR well being! As you know, I am married to a
saint.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is far too early to predict the
future but if recovery over these next few days goes well, I think we
will be looking at a lengthy rehabilitation. The medical staff has been
very helpful and have worked to keep our expectations realistic. Of
course, we are asking God for full recovery but know that it will likely
be a long and challenging journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, I
cannot begin to say how much the notes and prayers and verses and visits
have meant. We are incredibly blessed by a family of people who have
enriched our lives and blessed us in ways that make us feel like we are
swimming in an ocean of grace. The "frowning providence" is still a
reality and we recognize that this journey may still have difficult
challenges and pain and loss. But today.... I'm thanking God for his
smiling face, that we see so clearly through you! The worlds of FAS,
LCC, PAACS, OMS, WGM, Asbury, and Mt. Zion, continue to buoy us along in
a great current of grace! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A friend from LCC
(thanks M.H.!) gave Katy and me a Bible verse that has helped to hold us
steady during the past few days: "For I, the Lord your God, hold your
right hand (that is Katy's workable hand!); it is I who say to you
'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" (Isa, 41:13). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All
three daughters are with us: Anna from Germany, Sarah and Adam from
Michigan, and Elisabeth and Ben from Chicago. Needless to say, their
presence is better than any pharmaceutical concoction the doctors can
order.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How we love you! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trusting His face!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Stan Key </div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-59516880038371546332015-12-14T04:54:00.000-05:002015-12-14T04:54:39.219-05:00Unexpected Places<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.guychurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nativity-scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.guychurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nativity-scene.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<i>(I wrote this yesterday as I traveled) </i></div>
<div class="Body">
Unexpected places. Most of us have found ourselves at some point
in an unexpected place or facing unexpected news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last 72 hours my family has embarked
on an unexpected journey which has drawn me to the story of Mary and Joseph in new ways.</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Mary and Joseph were a 'normal' couple dreaming of getting
married, starting a family, running a carpenters shop but all of that changed
in a moment with a very unexpected visit and message from Gabriel. Although the
message was Good News for mankind, it was certainly unexpected and life
altering news for Mary and Joseph. It led them on a very unexpected journey.
One that neither of them could have ever dreamed of and maybe one that had they
known all that would be required may have caused them to ask Gabriel for some
time to think about it. Thankfully their faith was up to the test. When asked
to trust God with the impossible and the unexpected they said YES! When faced
with disapproving stares, looks, rumors they continued to trust God. </div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://jbarrows.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/mary-joseph-donkey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jbarrows.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/mary-joseph-donkey1.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a>Their journey continued to take unexpected turns as a pregnant Mary
found herself traveling to Bethlehem and giving birth in a stable far from family and friends. Was she scared? What all did she ponder as she nursed
and cared for the Savior of the world? Joseph is often overlooked in the
Christmas story yet his faith was such that he willingly joined this unexpected
journey. He must have felt the weight of caring for
and protecting Mary and this special baby. I tend to overlook those fears
and anxious moments, even miss their hopes and dreams and rush forward to the
fact that this baby was the Savior of all mankind and skip to the 'Good tidings of
great joy' of which the angels sang. And yet they
chose to trust God in the pain, the fear and in the joys of raising Jesus.
They trusted Him with the unexpected and the seemingly impossible. </div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
While it is impossible to really know what it was like for them, I do identify with seeking to trust God with the unexpected
and the impossible. No, an angel didn't bring me a message but I did receive a
phone call that changed everything and leaves me trusting Jesus with the
seemingly impossible. I unexpectedly find myself on a journey, not on a donkey
headed to Bethlehem but on a plane headed to KY to be with my parents as my Mom
faces major surgery early tomorrow to remove a likely malignant nodule on her
lung. I find myself like Mary traveling a road I did not expect, having no real
idea what the days ahead will hold for me or my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself facing anxious thoughts and
asking big questions, praying that we will faithfully walk through these days. </div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
But while only Mary knows what it is like to carry the Son of
God, His presence has been very real and very close these last few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have sensed his presence and provision as we
have had to process this news and quickly make plans during a very busy time of
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus made it possible for me to
change my ticket to fly home early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
provided fellow staff members who willingly stepped in to help cover my
classes. He provided clarity of mind to wrap up things quickly and pack. A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>nd I know he will continue to provide and be present! </div>
<div class="Body">
</div>
<div class="Body">
</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
Although we have no idea what tomorrow and the days after it will
hold, we know and trust in the One who holds all of our tomorrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels unexpected and impossible but
as the Christmas story reminds us so clearly: 'nothing is impossible with God.'
And while our journey like Mary and Joseph's may include pain, fear and joy, we
trust the One who willingly entered our upside down world knowing full
well that the cross was part of that plan. </div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
So today we chose to trust Him on this unexpected journey because Christmas proves that He is trustworthy and best of all He is
Immanuel! He is with us in all the unexpected moments of life!</div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
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</xml><![endif]-->Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-80492800442142839842015-11-15T15:48:00.000-05:002015-11-20T07:44:23.355-05:00Light in the darkness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wake up Saturday morning to the news. Paris has been the target of a coordinated terrorist attack. Paris is certainly not the first and already they
are not the last… but like so many of my students at <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Black Forest <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Academy</span></span>,
this to me was not just something to read about in the news. This feels close
and personal! This is a country and city that I called home for most of my
childhood. Both of my sisters were born there. This is a country that is
currently only a 20 minute drive from my apartment, several of my
students commute daily from France. This is a country and people that hold a
huge part of my heart. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFWMRpYmYXCyltZp5j2QWjj5TrP1bUQWZF-xA_skA_nfi6-eJz_N-BfhkzPZ6GvSSgbOy36h-Ds5Ah-9gIeMS0OBNAt7gImrEROBk1ps55Qq2jsmJOxWQ9-dMc89Up1gE8Lt0j7W9w1iK/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFWMRpYmYXCyltZp5j2QWjj5TrP1bUQWZF-xA_skA_nfi6-eJz_N-BfhkzPZ6GvSSgbOy36h-Ds5Ah-9gIeMS0OBNAt7gImrEROBk1ps55Qq2jsmJOxWQ9-dMc89Up1gE8Lt0j7W9w1iK/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Sunday morning I wake and feel compelled to drive to a nearby
French city to attend church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I end up through a series of events at a Catholic
cathedral in Colmar. It is named for Saint Martin and built in the mid
to late 13<sup>th</sup> century. Following the sounds of the ringing church bells
I am able to find the church through the maze of small streets. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I pass monuments, statues and street signs that
all serve to remind me that evil and suffering are not new even in this beautiful quiet
town in the eastern part of France. </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded of the evil and suffering in this world as I see a monument honoring those who
died fighting in the French resistance during the Second World War.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://media.holidaycheck.com/data/urlaubsbilder/images/31/1157758395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://media.holidaycheck.com/data/urlaubsbilder/images/31/1157758395.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded as I read the plaque
inside the church celebrating their deliverance from occupation.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded of it as I cross the border into France and for the first time in years there is a check point. Every car is
being stopped. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am reminded as I find my way to the cathedral only to find 6-8 fully armed soldiers surrounding the church.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBtyb1Nzgi77PuoT5NiMR3fdc94lSf544Tx8HxvYqhjY2R0Qm-HLOKdDhTOT1_kdS1IGlNwbTWUApwAqUBkqhbS25kzhSAPEQvrVa5NOhvou-6ZH4z1DUyeKXhXXI_2shO63Y8OtewLGB/s1600/PicTapGo-Image%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBtyb1Nzgi77PuoT5NiMR3fdc94lSf544Tx8HxvYqhjY2R0Qm-HLOKdDhTOT1_kdS1IGlNwbTWUApwAqUBkqhbS25kzhSAPEQvrVa5NOhvou-6ZH4z1DUyeKXhXXI_2shO63Y8OtewLGB/s320/PicTapGo-Image%25285%2529.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded as I
see a cathedral packed on a Sunday morning for probably the first time in a
long time, as people are grieving, fearful and hungry for hope and peace. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am reminded as I see heads bowed and people quietly wipe
away tears. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded as I watch one young
father who seems to be holding his little girl extra tight as I imagine he wonders what kind of world she will grow up in. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> One does not have to look far to be reminded of the evil
that does exist in this world and at times it threatens to consume us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>AND YET</b> as we approach the Christmas season I am
reminded of some other important truths. </span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded of the beauty of the fellowship of believers as I listen to hundreds recite the Lord’s Prayer and Nicene Creed, joining with believers throughout the world and the centuries in affirming our faith in a good and merciful God.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq-z5Lwfa6WNIofA7W54OufFHT1w9jPXqAyq08Jre6MBFJP7HkEXK2bVNn_n3yxxWRkFAmakEFRe0ElG0-88Ygba_4aHe-GdCRBISvI3ua_QE-ARupt3eo5_sI-vuqrm5-L8nbtrEd-nT/s1600/PicTapGo-Image%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq-z5Lwfa6WNIofA7W54OufFHT1w9jPXqAyq08Jre6MBFJP7HkEXK2bVNn_n3yxxWRkFAmakEFRe0ElG0-88Ygba_4aHe-GdCRBISvI3ua_QE-ARupt3eo5_sI-vuqrm5-L8nbtrEd-nT/s320/PicTapGo-Image%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded that when the darkness seems to be at its
greatest that is when the light shines brightest (Isaiah 9:2).</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded that our only hope is in the name of Jesus!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded of our Father’s heart that breaks not just
when terrorists attack but over EVERY soul that is lost.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded that it was into this messy, sinful world
that God sent His Son. Emmanuel, God with us!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am reminded that He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and that He will reign forevermore (Isaiah
9:6-7)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though it may feel at times that evil is winning, we know
the end of the story and we can rest in the knowledge that He is still on the
throne! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the meantime however, our work here is not done. Will you join me in
praying for the world? Will you ask Him for opportunities to share your faith? Will you pray for a spiritual awakening in
Europe and around the world? Will you pray for believers around the world who are persecuted simply for following Him? May He find us faithful!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thankful for the hope and peace that is found only in Him!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below are two links to help remind you to pray for France and the world and to remind us that "He shall reign forevermore". </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YLYPY7NX" target="_blank">http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YLYPY7NX</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://prayercast.com/france.html" target="_blank">http://prayercast.com/france.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-9774527196366261972015-08-26T15:52:00.000-04:002015-08-26T15:53:24.947-04:00The One who redeems, restores life, and sustains<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><i>“Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a <b>redeemer</b> today...May he also be to you a <b>restorer</b> of life, and a <b>sustainer</b> of your old age...” (Ruth 4:14-15)</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;">Ever
felt like you don't know where to begin? That is how I feel as I
attempt this long overdue update. So much has happened in the last three
months and as I tried to determine how best to recap what the Lord has
and is doing Jesus reminded me of this verse that I recently read in
Ruth. While I realize this verse is referring to Boaz and Obed, it is
also a foreshadowing of the ultimate kinsman-redeemer, Jesus Himself! I
would like to share some of the events of the last three months under
the three descriptions listed in this verse: the One who <b>redeems</b>, <b>restores life</b> and <b>sustains</b>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><b>Restorer of Life</b><br />
At times living overseas is difficult and on May 17 I received news that
made that ocean feel twice as big. My Dad had suffered a massive heart
attack that should have taken his life. But the Lord was so merciful and
RESTORED LIFE to him! We are so grateful and yet regardless of the
outcome there is such comfort in knowing that we can trust the One who
holds our tomorrows.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;">Just
yesterday, a week after my return to Germany, I received the hard news
that my sweet grandmother (my Dad's mom) had entered the presence of
Jesus after a brief hospital visit. How my heart longs to celebrate her
life lived for her Savior but it was not possible to return in time for
the funeral. Yet I feel so grateful for her legacy. She was adopted into
a Christian family at the age of 7 and spent her life in ministry to
her family and others, traveling in retirement with my grandfather
around the world to minister to others. But even though God did not
restore her life here on this earth, because of His REDEMPTION, He has
given her ultimate RESTORATION of LIFE! She is with Him in glory and I
can't wait to spend eternity with her. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><img align="none" height="216" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/542c033d-7281-4f83-9bf9-fcf78e4a0e0b.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 216px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 650px;" width="650" /></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><b>Sustainer</b><br />
How grateful I am for the Lord's SUSTAINING grace for the end of a very
full year here at BFA and for His SUSTAINING strength for an exhausting
yet wonderful summer, celebrating my grandfather's 94<sup>th</sup>
birthday, lots of travel, hearing my Dad preach, seeing loved ones,
speaking, taking an online summer class, helping my sister move, caring
for my grandfather, etc. I am so grateful that the Lord allows me the
privilege of just doing life with my family during the summer. I am
rarely home when needs arise but this summer He allowed me the blessing
of being able to help in different capacities and I am thankful for
daily SUSTAINING strength!</span><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><b>Redeemer</b><br />
I have seen His REDEEMING love as I received an email last week from one
of my students who shared with me that she had set a goal to read the
four Gospels this summer and had just completed John! My heart was so
blessed as this sweet girl has returned to the States after a year here
at BFA and will be missed. From the very first day the Lord had placed her on my heart and I continue to pray for her and all my students that they would come to fully know Him as their Redeemer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;">As
I begin my fifth year here at BFA and look ahead at a new school year
with the many changes that inevitably come each year at BFA, I find
myself as needy and dependent on Jesus as I was my first year. And you
know what? I am grateful. I think we are supposed to live there even
though it is hard! And YET with Naomi I want to declare that in the
midst of the hardships and the losses that He is our REDEEMER, our
RESTORER and our SUSTAINER and worth it all! What a mighty God we serve!</span></div>
<br />
<img align="none" height="216" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/6e804753-ef61-4a13-8b3c-56ecea012d70.png" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 216px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 650px;" width="650" /><br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-79647104700048643682015-03-27T15:52:00.000-04:002015-03-27T15:52:15.530-04:00Look Up!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://revdtabbs.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tomb-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://revdtabbs.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/tomb-image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I learned that reading
my Bible every day changes the way you see things that happen throughout the
day. I am more positive, optimistic.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I learned that I have
a lot of things in my life to be thankful for.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I learned a lot about
different countries around the world and how to pray for those countries.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I sat around a lunch table listening to a dozen or so
students reflecting on their participation in the Lent Challenge (see previous blog), I was
reminded that while I am technically their teacher, they often teach me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lent, I am embarrassed to admit, has
always been a season that tends to sneak up on me and I rarely end up following
through on my intentions. But there is nothing like a bunch of middle schoolers
to keep you accountable and to help remind you of your commitment. I have truly
been blessed to be praying for a different country every day and then hearing
my students talk about that country as they walk into my classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved hearing them make connections between
what we are learning about in Bible class and what they had read in Isaiah that
morning for their daily reading, or hearing them share what they were grateful for on that particular day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
As we celebrated the end of our Challenge (yesterday was the
last day of school) and broke bread together I shared briefly with them something that
the Lord has been teaching me recently: to <b>look up</b>! As we have been in a race
to the finish line (spring break!) this past week, my attention has been on grades, lesson
plans, taxes, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that my
natural tendency is for my gaze to be turned downward into the details of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly become overwhelmed by my ‘to do’
list, the events in the news, the weight of teaching, etc. But the daily
disciplines of our Challenge helped me to <b>look up</b>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
<i>looked up</i> this phrase in the Bible (pun intended). I knew that I would find it in Isaiah and the
Psalms but the two references that stood out to me where from
Genesis 22 and Mark 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Genesis 22,
it says that<span class="textgen-22-13"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <i>Abraham <b>looked up</b> and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horn (v13).</i></span></span> This ram meant salvation for Isaac and mercy for
Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if Abraham hadn’t looked up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Mark 16 tells us of the women who were approaching the tomb that
Sunday morning worrying about who would roll away the stone for them… but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">when they<b> looked up</b></i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they saw that the stone, which was very
large, had been rolled away (v.4).</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></i>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness they were not too bogged down with the details and
worries of life to <b>look up</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would
have missed the most amazing event in human history!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An empty tomb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we enter into this Holy Week, my prayer is
that I would keep my eyes on Him, on His sovereignty, majesty, love and
power.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May each of us take time this Holy week to <b>look up</b> and see the Lamb of God slain for us and for the sins of the world! But come Sunday morning, let's <b>look up</b> and see the stone rolled away and am empty tomb! He is risen! He is risen indeed!</div>
<br />
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-84988695362801052872015-03-02T15:07:00.000-05:002015-03-02T15:07:52.928-05:00Catching up<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="templateBody" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
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Life
is full! I know this is true for each one of you. For whatever reason
the transition back from Christmas in the States to life at BFA was
harder than normal. The jet lag hit harder than usual and there seem to
be more demands, activities, etc than I remember for this time of year.
But through it all the Lord has been faithful!<br />
<br />
Here is a brief recap of some of the events of the last two months:
<ul>
<li>Christmas with my family. We were blessed to spend five days as a whole family! What a gift!</li>
</ul>
<img align="none" height="363" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/1023897e-826a-4934-997e-d495561afe1c.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 363px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
<ul>
<li>Shortly after school started back we had a TEAM Germany retreat.
It was refreshing to be together (it only happens once a year) and to
hear how God is moving not just at BFA but around Germany! </li>
</ul>
<img align="none" height="333" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/97c60c87-6e47-412c-a438-039583214552.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 333px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 500px;" width="500" /><br />
<ul>
<li>The first weekend in Feb. I was able to attend a conference for
International Schools throughout Germany with four other colleagues. I
still feel quite new to the teaching profession and am always thankful
for any opportunity to learn.</li>
<li>Mid-February brought a lot of sickness to our school. Somehow I was
able to escape it but over one third of our student body did not. One
day I only had one student in French B. What does one do with just one
student in French class? Take a picture to record the event and watch
Ratatouille of course :)<img align="none" height="300" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/5e512c8e-dd1b-4319-9b8d-a429b942dcc9.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 300px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 400px;" width="400" /> </li>
<li>Over Valentine’s Day weekend I traveled to a small town on Lake
Constance to visit a Bible school there and most importantly Abi, a long
time family friend who attends there. What a joy it was to see a
school that I have heard much about and to have the privilege of having
Abi show me some of her favorite places.</li>
</ul>
<img align="none" height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/f59e5b81-af4a-4430-827e-d7eee1884dea.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 400px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 342px;" width="342" /><br />
<ul>
<li>For the start of Lent, we challenged our students and staff to
accept one of three challenges : The Word Challenge (daily Bible reading
plan); The World Challenge (praying for a different country of the
world each day)’ the Gratitude Challenge (keeping a daily journal of His
gifts to us). Will you pray with us that the Lord will meet each
student and staff member that chose to participate? Will you pray that
the Lord will prepare our hearts for Good Friday and Easter?</li>
</ul>
<img align="none" height="400" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/20f60cbf-36ec-4bf9-bf71-ded37f229269.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 400px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 386px;" width="386" /><br />
<ul>
<li>On Friday as the high schoolers left for high school retreat the
middle school had an activity day. This year it involved bowling. Even
though I came in second to last I still enjoyed playing and spending
time with students outside of the classroom.</li>
</ul>
<img align="none" height="350" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/4d4c998c-3ab3-492d-8cbe-879519cdeb1e.jpg" style="border: 0; display: inline; height: 350px; line-height: 100%; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 261px;" width="261" /><br />
<br />
I am thankful to the Lord for His many blessings in my life!<br />
<br />
Anna
<hr />
<strong><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;">Want to join the Middle School Challenge and pray for the world every day?</span> </strong>
<div style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Download the <em>Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Calendar</em> app for free to your phone OR check out <a href="http://prayercast.com/" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://prayercast.com</a></span></span></div>
</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-66489193935533427372014-12-25T11:55:00.001-05:002014-12-25T11:55:34.283-05:00Merry Christmas! God With us!<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Maiandra GD"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> At our closing
all school chapel the students presented a powerful skit featuring
the battle between Jesus and Satan and how Christmas is the beginning of the
end for the enemy. But as I listened to the students’ chuckle as it was
revealed which one of their fellow classmates was portraying Jesus, I was
struck anew with the mystery of the incarnation. Classmates and teachers alike
were thinking of the differences between this student and the person he was
playing. While this particular student is a good kid/student, he is not perfect.
But didn’t those around Jesus have a similar reaction? <i>Who does Jesus think
he is? He is my neighbor, friend, classmate. He is just a carpenter from Nazareth. He's a good kid
and all, but the Son of God...I don't think so. He looks and sounds like me, how
could He be the promised Messiah?</i> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.theologynetwork.org/Images/content/thumbnails/large/nativity3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theologynetwork.org/Images/content/thumbnails/large/nativity3.jpg" height="117" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Maiandra GD"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> While I realize
that my analogy quickly breaks down as the student portraying Jesus was
neither sinless nor the Son of God, it still revealed my own heart. I
have often wondered if I would have missed Jesus had I been there2000 yrs ago.
I hope not, but it made me keenly aware of how easily I could have.
This was not what anyone had expected. At one point in time the Son of
God, the Creator of the Universe was a teenage boy who looked much like one of
my students. The Word took on flesh and dwelt among us. What an
astounding reality!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Maiandra GD"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> My Christmas prayer is that I would have
the expectant faith of Simeon and Anna, who didn't miss it, didn't snicker at
the thought of the God of the universe being presented by poor parents as a
newborn in the Temple.
May we have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to respond to the
radical message of Christmas! Emmanuel! God with us!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Maiandra GD"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Love, Anna</span></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-48521339169293306162014-10-26T10:56:00.000-04:002014-10-26T10:56:58.785-04:00I am a wimp!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a confession to make. I am a
wimp! In the several weeks I have felt God calling me to truly intercede for
several situations (personal and worldwide events). None of these
situations involved me directly. My life, career, finances, health
were not, nor are they, in any jeopardy. His only call was (and is) to
intercede and share in carrying some of the things that are on His heart. And yet I must confess I found myself fighting this call. What a
wimp!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was confronted with my own sinful
heart. To be perfectly honest I didn't want to enter into the pain of these
situations. The cost was minimal to say the least. But it felt
heavy. I felt inadequate. And the situations felt hopeless.
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg/640px-Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg/640px-Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a>As only Jesus could have orchestrated,
I have been teaching my 6<sup>th</sup> graders about the
Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins His ministry in
the book of Matthew with these explosive teachings. Jesus enters in and
takes an upside down world and teaches us how to live right side up
again. Jesus teaches us that He has come do more than change my outward actions. He can transform my “want to” my
inner heart and my motives. What a glorious transforming Gospel! He
never promised it would be easy but He reveals to us who He is in
these chapters and He is a God who does the impossible. He is the
God of those who mourn and the God of the weak! And if we let Him,
He can come in and transform us to look more and more like Him. What
Good News! He doesn't wait for me to be courageous, fearless,
perfect. His invitation to me is the same as it was in
the Gospels...”Come, Follow me.”</div>
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<br />
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Oswald Chambers reminds us in his book
on the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus did not come to simply teach
us. He came to make us what He teaches we should be. “The
beatitudes are not mild and nice sayings but they contain the
dynamite of the Holy Spirit. They explode like spiritual mines when
the circumstances of life requires them to do.” The Sermon on the
Mount teaches us who He is and who we are, revealing the “Divine
Disproportion.” But isn't that the point? He alone can bridge
that gap and transform my heart. Why is it something that I always
think I can muster up in my own strength? Isn't this the very essence
of the Good News? He can transform my “want to,” my motives. He
can clean me from the inside out!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I am asking Him to do in me what I
can't do for myself. I am asking Him to give me the courage to enter
in and carry some of the things on His heart. And you know what? I
have seen Him work in incredible ways in situations that felt
impossible. I have seen in a new way that this God I love is a
personal God, One who mourns with those who mourn, One who cares for
those dying from ebola in West Africa, cares for those suffering for
His Name's sake around the world, cares about each one of His children.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqAUVTr9tdp5nzWV1Lp7q_txFlVSbxLeV3yPhN6Qn2Hg8Uk2wNjijYJjfLXH6f0wk9WRrMFMJz3IwaeiP8nmPatbsw9COjF5AMpC2q0x8LBZRlWO2kTGFG79ashPVI3sLq79hb33KSW2a/s320/Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqAUVTr9tdp5nzWV1Lp7q_txFlVSbxLeV3yPhN6Qn2Hg8Uk2wNjijYJjfLXH6f0wk9WRrMFMJz3IwaeiP8nmPatbsw9COjF5AMpC2q0x8LBZRlWO2kTGFG79ashPVI3sLq79hb33KSW2a/s320/Prayer.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I may be a wimp but through His
strength I can chose to enter into the very heart of God and be
transformed. And when I am doing it in His strength it is no longer a
burden but a privilege. Why would I settle for anything less when the
God I love chose to enter into my world, my sin and my mess?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For great resources on prayer check out <a href="http://www.prayercast.com/" target="_blank">www.prayercast.com</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">* Image from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg/640px-Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqAUVTr9tdp5nzWV1Lp7q_txFlVSbxLeV3yPhN6Qn2Hg8Uk2wNjijYJjfLXH6f0wk9WRrMFMJz3IwaeiP8nmPatbsw9COjF5AMpC2q0x8LBZRlWO2kTGFG79ashPVI3sLq79hb33KSW2a/s320/Prayer.jpg</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-31003620335576891862014-06-13T16:47:00.001-04:002014-06-13T16:47:50.303-04:00Lasts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVF9Hm1HzO6aRo1aCdIjli79gNui6dMDdSwcYJTTZN9J24NF6iOQHgLF1MUtYc7A74hv-yI0t2PQT95m7Qg7JkwgM1vCK8QZ4VuIm4xPw2Z_uG0VHG6X_WgbWRqCxiWwo5HnIAnp1UgGs/s1600/2014+Where+are+you+going.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVF9Hm1HzO6aRo1aCdIjli79gNui6dMDdSwcYJTTZN9J24NF6iOQHgLF1MUtYc7A74hv-yI0t2PQT95m7Qg7JkwgM1vCK8QZ4VuIm4xPw2Z_uG0VHG6X_WgbWRqCxiWwo5HnIAnp1UgGs/s1600/2014+Where+are+you+going.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"When are you flying out?" That is a question that has been heard echoing throughout the halls of BFA recently. Everyone is wrapping things up, grading, cleaning and packing in anticipation of graduation tomorrow followed by travel for most of our community. For some it is travel to visit family and friends, for others it is traveling to raise support to return to BFA and for others it is packing everything up and saying goodbye to life at BFA and Germany and walking through the next door the Lord has opened for them. It is amazing to hear the places that not only our students are headed to but also our staff. At our recent staff appreciation dinner, (an opportunity to say goodbye to those who will not be returning) we heard of those who were returning to North America and of those who were going to serve at schools in central Asia, South America and in other parts of Europe. What a privilege to get to work with people who are not looking to settle down and find security but continually asking the Lord what He has next for them, regardless of the phase of life in which they find themselves. From the widow who courageously chose to return to BFA alone to the retired couple who could be enjoying the beach and their grandchildren to the recent college grad who instead of starting a career is giving tirelessly of themselves to high school students...these are my co-workers. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido_4F8z4_PcbwRBmVhOnTyAF0IZtIirpL3OgX2SrZNNsrzQp5M3sKvnSuKmzG7sHTa3tqD8K0ALp3qA9zVscJ99trl-77MgBRbbm0JcIDFcRlKCpg5n_z7xKrrSxeeMkiCDM3Yojxh8RS/s1600/Middle+school+staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido_4F8z4_PcbwRBmVhOnTyAF0IZtIirpL3OgX2SrZNNsrzQp5M3sKvnSuKmzG7sHTa3tqD8K0ALp3qA9zVscJ99trl-77MgBRbbm0JcIDFcRlKCpg5n_z7xKrrSxeeMkiCDM3Yojxh8RS/s1600/Middle+school+staff.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My middle school co-workers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Graduation is now upon us and once again the goodbyes are more than I care to admit. My days have been filled with "lasts." So many colleagues and students are leaving. Some precious time with a girl that I have mentored this past year at the senior girls' tea. Some of the girls are able to have their moms there but I was able to step into that role for the afternoon and what a privilege sitting next to Elise who is Dutch and grew up in Asia and across from another senior who is Australian and grew up in the middle east. Both of these girls are beautiful on the inside and outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_UbSrcVMssDd2fWtCChgw4-LegITZvtgjSvEOVd5KLgNViEcn4naE1HPz8pZ_zBEGABNd1k3AXjhxQGvDZyD09WMcoOspbcmu-fo38kboiUoM7cbWNjbPE1PahHCrsgAj0aAYeCwyUNz/s1600/elise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_UbSrcVMssDd2fWtCChgw4-LegITZvtgjSvEOVd5KLgNViEcn4naE1HPz8pZ_zBEGABNd1k3AXjhxQGvDZyD09WMcoOspbcmu-fo38kboiUoM7cbWNjbPE1PahHCrsgAj0aAYeCwyUNz/s1600/elise.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One last small group meeting. These 7 women welcomed me into their group this year and were a huge blessing to me. Four of them will not be returning next year and will be greatly missed! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSKqxgdMm6-qQOuhVkPfuDygosycbNlUh9cZYg508vl-7d0BQdDnBaK5ta7BLzzo6WHMj958uuuU_t-Wh-E1giVwPjAjpSWaKCfhbaIadtcyXeGuvKIkh0O51xjrV8gSLirEocoETmsXV/s1600/Small+Group+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSKqxgdMm6-qQOuhVkPfuDygosycbNlUh9cZYg508vl-7d0BQdDnBaK5ta7BLzzo6WHMj958uuuU_t-Wh-E1giVwPjAjpSWaKCfhbaIadtcyXeGuvKIkh0O51xjrV8gSLirEocoETmsXV/s1600/Small+Group+Girls.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half our small group - so thankful for these women!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One last time for the middle school staff to be together and say goodbye
to those who are leaving (out of 10 full time teachers, 5 are
leaving). Saying goodbye to our 8th graders with a banquet and awards ceremony. Some of them are leaving and others are just moving up to the high school campus. Last classes, last staff meetings, and the list goes on. I am so very thankful to not be moving out or transitioning this year but the reality is that even for those left behind transition is involved. Thank you for praying for BFA and for the staff and students! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFYUzHPrdtt_DBSsEiEAHP60LKlKUPoHfGN-To9EJc5MQeuZ1XzYK7h42_vOYiyFdUzO-wlZEnMGEROpNCj0rtynDZq9HB4J2-NoPt29QQvKMKQpjM7PDJVYbcYuPM8a9IW8TNjiqWsfn/s1600/French+B+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFYUzHPrdtt_DBSsEiEAHP60LKlKUPoHfGN-To9EJc5MQeuZ1XzYK7h42_vOYiyFdUzO-wlZEnMGEROpNCj0rtynDZq9HB4J2-NoPt29QQvKMKQpjM7PDJVYbcYuPM8a9IW8TNjiqWsfn/s1600/French+B+2014.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my 8th graders - boys will be boys :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-3358307780353556732014-05-31T14:04:00.001-04:002014-05-31T14:04:19.015-04:00Are we there yet?
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Are we there yet?”</div>
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“When can we eat?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I have to go to the bathroom." </div>
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“Can we pick our own groups?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Do we <i>have</i> to have a teacher in our
group? Can't we just explore on our own?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you have ever led a field trip or if
you are a parent, you have heard either these exact questions or
similar ones. This week was ELW (Experiential
Learning Week) at the middle school. I was one of the team leaders for the 7<sup>th</sup>
grade and over the course of four field trip days I heard all of
these questions multiple times. In many ways, our kids are just like
every other kid. But then you have those moments that remind you
that they have experienced a lot more than many their age. From
having the the current crisis in Thailand explained to me in detail, to being told
that they had been to a very similar museum in Dubai, my students continue to teach me! While the week was exhausting, it was good to
connect with these students outside of the classroom. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5XxTzobbUmVwMOr3lNJUvTw6F14JPmiCfjga43OMWxTcbUJlCPmm1GfHiEtgOUNyhGAJH7dOJjN7RodSPSSpcAwLsBMhZYj2bCac51CxzHLcuMANEwBXRzoA2t4OA5pd1iEmHAePchwl/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5XxTzobbUmVwMOr3lNJUvTw6F14JPmiCfjga43OMWxTcbUJlCPmm1GfHiEtgOUNyhGAJH7dOJjN7RodSPSSpcAwLsBMhZYj2bCac51CxzHLcuMANEwBXRzoA2t4OA5pd1iEmHAePchwl/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our crew for the week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Monday we visited the Basel zoo and
traveled on public transportation, which turned into quite an adventure.
Although we had called ahead and told them that a bigger bus would be required, the message did not seem to have been received. We ended up
standing for well over an hour trying not to crush 1<sup>st</sup> and
3<sup>rd</sup> graders (who were also standing) traveling with us. Our kids were great sports but needless to say, it
was a long ride. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally made it to Basel - headed to the Zoo</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splitting a McFlurry three ways and enjoying every bite with these two!</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Tuesday we spend a day at the high school. They
were able to enjoy some of the perks of the high school campus:
ceramics class, chemistry lab, and a full sized gym. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65_ON4lbml88N8I8cfzTgoVAKbVz6hmpy_P2IrIbRxaL054sGDW9uTvVD6RCXh1yZ6bPvsiLGy1-aA1HMLGGOkF_06gO5-NWJ29AyWokq4kkpCbdmGpEQkKHQKlzsR45CIz2Cmq1KN2Jv/s1600/ELW+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65_ON4lbml88N8I8cfzTgoVAKbVz6hmpy_P2IrIbRxaL054sGDW9uTvVD6RCXh1yZ6bPvsiLGy1-aA1HMLGGOkF_06gO5-NWJ29AyWokq4kkpCbdmGpEQkKHQKlzsR45CIz2Cmq1KN2Jv/s1600/ELW+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their egg survived a four story drop!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Wednesday we
traveled an hour and a half away to a very nice children's museum
outside of Zurich. We spent four full hours exploring and could have
stayed longer. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On Friday we visited a local castle and they did the
ropes course in a nearby town. (Thursday was Ascension Day – a
national holiday). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1_ndMS2ZiPFdNM3KUun6IgWZ25WAQGj-3yY3zBtgAMp8twqlXntKcS2ipU1WV7VNi9vFv2aviotCNgLxbk69YuNicPA7nkTRjNFRXtMCbH-sIzJZwOZ9fu96ZO3GlKFK2ddAIAxp3l9m/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1_ndMS2ZiPFdNM3KUun6IgWZ25WAQGj-3yY3zBtgAMp8twqlXntKcS2ipU1WV7VNi9vFv2aviotCNgLxbk69YuNicPA7nkTRjNFRXtMCbH-sIzJZwOZ9fu96ZO3GlKFK2ddAIAxp3l9m/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYutvz9IskrFznL67kVekIwp48HrXPEWa1SoH7ciz0StW10PFfghw8GMGDzOgIB1WlJCfz_I8_dlVT4OUlcv7w5tA2-5zba8leY50O0WNILZt6n8Q847ujAt5MSBzMIbJLtKz3F-RHO5u/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYutvz9IskrFznL67kVekIwp48HrXPEWa1SoH7ciz0StW10PFfghw8GMGDzOgIB1WlJCfz_I8_dlVT4OUlcv7w5tA2-5zba8leY50O0WNILZt6n8Q847ujAt5MSBzMIbJLtKz3F-RHO5u/s1600/IMG_2952.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to have at least one silly picture. :) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zZetIMG1NkXkAShyttAMeKAJqbHmsbhkvN33JzGfiom_k_07QFzJqfHxnxA-IYn9D_mpV9NR_errN3eorGCKnjEgEePS6i0ULy5ait_07Y6s6k2jsYJJblkJGpB3qC3ISdkxoTexWljA/s1600/2014-05-30+12.37.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zZetIMG1NkXkAShyttAMeKAJqbHmsbhkvN33JzGfiom_k_07QFzJqfHxnxA-IYn9D_mpV9NR_errN3eorGCKnjEgEePS6i0ULy5ait_07Y6s6k2jsYJJblkJGpB3qC3ISdkxoTexWljA/s1600/2014-05-30+12.37.10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to conquer the ropes course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufpOBlnpXD7q8b8kqiyXhi2djJSUpn7aAVEGYf8tPmyBlRpb0STnnyOFOPGqld3Kl54yQi5cP1HoR5QHkf3CVRIV48fQdmeVuU2KlKOQP5lIf9vCuJSr4siM4aVLBFdl_h-w8IJsytSec/s1600/2014-05-30+12.36.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufpOBlnpXD7q8b8kqiyXhi2djJSUpn7aAVEGYf8tPmyBlRpb0STnnyOFOPGqld3Kl54yQi5cP1HoR5QHkf3CVRIV48fQdmeVuU2KlKOQP5lIf9vCuJSr4siM4aVLBFdl_h-w8IJsytSec/s1600/2014-05-30+12.36.58.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing their muscles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Monday begins our last full week of
classes. Final exams are the following week followed by graduation
and more goodbyes than any of us wish to say (to staff and students
who will not be returning next year). But even in the midst of the
sadness that can come with the end of the year, there is also a sense
of amazement at all God has done this year. And I see that in the
faces of my students and colleagues and in my own heart and life. He
has been faithful in allowing me to return to BFA, in helping me jump back into teaching French and teaching the Old Testament for the
first time. He has been faithful in providing for my every need!</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-660926579445307762014-03-22T16:14:00.001-04:002015-05-10T05:39:53.465-04:00Pictures as Memorial Stones<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a simple task - delete pictures from my camera to
free up space to record my student’s performing their French play. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this simple task led me to a sacred
moment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I scrolled through the
pictures, I found myself smiling and tearing up at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pictures were from the last year or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I had already forgotten what a year it
had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was scrolling through
pictures of nature and places that I hold dear and even better faces of people
who are very close to my heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all know that a picture only captures a moment, it is one
very small part of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a larger story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I scrolled through the pictures I realized
I was remembering the stories around each picture. A picture is much like a
symbol, it is not the reality but reminds us of that deeper reality. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These glimpses into the past year left me feeling something
far more than sentimentality. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may
sound strange but I started to feel like I was on holy ground. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each picture was like a memorial stone, a
testimony of God’s faithfulness: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here I am visiting the gravesite of my namesake and
great-grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jesus – how you have
blessed me beyond what I deserve through my family.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFsPmtR07U5mx1u0aJv5hET83-sQGfCen4fjIJ-Luuv8CpNQ5NC8fgAZGeE58J033iyXmK9z3zuMOqEpSiQZfXk6MCgCY3P7XKwEsVTExheSY5dWNrQvBFhv1vseFdhBzIm3aDqNXKHVo/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFsPmtR07U5mx1u0aJv5hET83-sQGfCen4fjIJ-Luuv8CpNQ5NC8fgAZGeE58J033iyXmK9z3zuMOqEpSiQZfXk6MCgCY3P7XKwEsVTExheSY5dWNrQvBFhv1vseFdhBzIm3aDqNXKHVo/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
And that was the picture of the spectacular sunset Jesus
surprised us with on the last night at our house in Albany, NY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Thank you Jesus for the gift of that house and for the gift of that sunset!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmXqsKAUyM3oLg3PYnxKGm7v4b6ERpLKWxQLVidCi7rpefi1EsB2wNe7tm7M5sHGp5ZfmAcE0oWandXXNexc4m-oGX1t9kDpmEcyRMwx5YKQ_p8DiBt297gHjNmivh6svkU-QO1-d2Kx3/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmXqsKAUyM3oLg3PYnxKGm7v4b6ERpLKWxQLVidCi7rpefi1EsB2wNe7tm7M5sHGp5ZfmAcE0oWandXXNexc4m-oGX1t9kDpmEcyRMwx5YKQ_p8DiBt297gHjNmivh6svkU-QO1-d2Kx3/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the Inn that my Mom and I stopped at on our move from NY to KY. This Inn holds some special memories for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jesus, thank you for precious memories and for protecting us as we drove through snow and ice, with Mom recovering from surgery!</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXOBHw6SuwfWV-GmyWjaopw5JdOyn8Ibn82UXf7SwfOQfpd1vXl5c7hDWao87TqCbKICuX-wKztU2nCZHoZV_E0Haarg2DwVlD36J-P7i5HPizhJvmyR_jEUDfDLut_TQOZEP7zA1F_sI/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXOBHw6SuwfWV-GmyWjaopw5JdOyn8Ibn82UXf7SwfOQfpd1vXl5c7hDWao87TqCbKICuX-wKztU2nCZHoZV_E0Haarg2DwVlD36J-P7i5HPizhJvmyR_jEUDfDLut_TQOZEP7zA1F_sI/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
A beautiful full rainbow on a KY evening shortly after
having moved there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jesus, what a
reminder that you are always true to your promises!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_olQBdm1W2rj7kUv9maCv2kDpTuPFEz7dNXounfcKIdCdlCr8yA59Vvm4lJJlJ3kS-leX2ijjJ5zaI6gAUuQq4dkATopIs2DsaOlynNGPco5d6xbKBBI6qLKR0Z-4tfF3Rz-zWwTS8DXA/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_olQBdm1W2rj7kUv9maCv2kDpTuPFEz7dNXounfcKIdCdlCr8yA59Vvm4lJJlJ3kS-leX2ijjJ5zaI6gAUuQq4dkATopIs2DsaOlynNGPco5d6xbKBBI6qLKR0Z-4tfF3Rz-zWwTS8DXA/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here I am on my birthday almost exactly a year ago. I was able to meet my new niece and nephew for the first time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jesus, who
could have imagined a better way to celebrate my birthday than meeting Liam and Samara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now a year later I get to
share my birthday week with my newest niece!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You truly spoil me Jesus!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy1SFug_tKtzyYDaMxnKZoy4xHoqwD787XbOYdV-KIRb04XuPMFczJqioAQY_rBM0TI67pJt37snfYTKbrCW-XB0u2GIyXS2V00j8TH7X7yDxebbi2dfHQ4Id8dmjboNZMh-4Bo42zNh4/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy1SFug_tKtzyYDaMxnKZoy4xHoqwD787XbOYdV-KIRb04XuPMFczJqioAQY_rBM0TI67pJt37snfYTKbrCW-XB0u2GIyXS2V00j8TH7X7yDxebbi2dfHQ4Id8dmjboNZMh-4Bo42zNh4/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here we are celebrating Samara’s 4<sup>th</sup> birthday
(our first with her) and rejoicing that on her special day we found out the
adoption had been finalized! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>What a
privilege to be a part of her forever family!</i></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PqoWEm7i_gITeHYjNc3odw_d8BYpG5aKdRhG_PHAs2YEaA30mVoMlw6ljAKg9GqSiMUxWaORROHGA1L3oakRm_zG1iNruSiSWniJqh2O2h8sA0hey-R1Fg184-S5Yxhql6mBtplFt_k5/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PqoWEm7i_gITeHYjNc3odw_d8BYpG5aKdRhG_PHAs2YEaA30mVoMlw6ljAKg9GqSiMUxWaORROHGA1L3oakRm_zG1iNruSiSWniJqh2O2h8sA0hey-R1Fg184-S5Yxhql6mBtplFt_k5/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
And here I am sharing with a group of people about BFA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jesus, I was nervous that night and you helped! I also wondered if it was possible to return funded and you did it through the generosity of your people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you! </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzn0MoEJ8JSUB1JxNDx7DGgTMUY70TtYmCArz0idWtZAAVWrXrf9lvEMoSU8MPOG81oMLrxFJGjsxFZ6MmKhSfCh8nhLR1PFC_SRU7bnAZco1-SdfwVz128VUO-oIoXMZSB3OhzZ20PmV/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzn0MoEJ8JSUB1JxNDx7DGgTMUY70TtYmCArz0idWtZAAVWrXrf9lvEMoSU8MPOG81oMLrxFJGjsxFZ6MmKhSfCh8nhLR1PFC_SRU7bnAZco1-SdfwVz128VUO-oIoXMZSB3OhzZ20PmV/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
And here I am watching the sunrise over the Atlantic just a few days before moving back to Germany with some precious friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <i> </i></span><i>Jesus, what a reminder of your faithfulness
and your mercies that are new every morning no matter where you go!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmhw1wVvpruxpaIRe7bUdqzwCdx62l4i5Y1BWbHrrJhjD2C_4nQGfI7eNJpXvTV5NmZS2HCiPutArqdpJPUEUtxqF2F22jTGEKlBLYhZe2KjG1HVWlxpX3hiAuY2haIlAZr6i-YV160B/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fmhw1wVvpruxpaIRe7bUdqzwCdx62l4i5Y1BWbHrrJhjD2C_4nQGfI7eNJpXvTV5NmZS2HCiPutArqdpJPUEUtxqF2F22jTGEKlBLYhZe2KjG1HVWlxpX3hiAuY2haIlAZr6i-YV160B/s1600/IMG_2602.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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A hike to a beautiful frozen alpine lake with some of my colleagues on faculty retreat. <i>Jesus, I am in awe of your creation and in awe of the people that you have allowed me to serve with here at BFA!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5rlPs65KCmuFlIsvM_Px9WjONT4eGyv0q8m5y_PtZ2IpLSDXxyEEZIRwFzXeXWdilZ_GunoCDh2Fd_RY_zPFC3bMWlXsVDcI-GqgrvVP2_a2e19RRz-245CtsJA9pruCfGIoF-HI3Ld6/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5rlPs65KCmuFlIsvM_Px9WjONT4eGyv0q8m5y_PtZ2IpLSDXxyEEZIRwFzXeXWdilZ_GunoCDh2Fd_RY_zPFC3bMWlXsVDcI-GqgrvVP2_a2e19RRz-245CtsJA9pruCfGIoF-HI3Ld6/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div>
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And finally, watching my students perform a fun version of <i>Little Red Riding Hood</i> in French to a classroom full of parents and other students. <i>How blessed I am to have the privilege of serving these students and their families. They are each a blessing to me. </i></div>
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I got to the end of the pictures and realized that I had
just experienced worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These pictures were my memorial stones, allowing me to look back
and remember the faithfulness of God through the last year. It left me with a
sense of wonder and awe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And these are
just a few events in the last year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I were to take the time to recollect what He has done throughout
my lifetime, how he has provided and been faithful not just to me but to my
parents, grand-parents, great-grandparents, etc.</div>
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<br />
I am grateful for these memorial stones. As I celebrate another birthday and look toward the new year ahead I am thankful for this reminder that He walks with me through ALL of life. Whatever may come this I know - He is good and I can rest secure in His hands.<br />
<br />
I Chronicles 16:11-12: <i>Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done.</i></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-58038990093116424412014-02-15T07:22:00.000-05:002014-02-15T07:22:33.366-05:00Olympic Spirit<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p526x296/12102_10202310690401883_1608551318_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p526x296/12102_10202310690401883_1608551318_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulletin board at the Middle School keeping track of medals</td></tr>
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The Olympic spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It seems that no matter where I turn these days there is talk of the
Olympics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our students and staff
are cheering for multiple countries which makes it even more exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example – should I cheer for the US? For France?
For Germany?
Whether it is hearing which athlete(s) or which countries are making the news
that day or watching events in our staff room during breaks or having friendly
competitions between Canadian, American, Austrian, German, etc fans the Olympic
spirit seems to have taken over our school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t help
but want to enter in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What country will
get the most medals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which competitors
will make their dreams come true and which ones will see them end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world is watching and it is hard to
remain distant or uninterested, even when you know you should be grading or
writing lesson plans. :)</div>
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Or what about the contagious school spirit at the last home
basketball game of the season? After a very close and tense game, our BFA
Falcons won by one point in the last seconds of the game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to not get caught up in the spirit
of the moment! (Thank you to Lexi for the video!)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1JbG1ljV06g6jrOm8bw9HErNk2ZAQJTZ38morzcsc1sNSw66Lg9xEzt-fj04chzc4FwuW4EVVYMHOMgyX' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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This past week in my Bible 7 class, while talking about the
story of Moses sending the 12 spies into the land of Canaan,
we learned about a different kind of spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This spirit is also contagious but instead of pushing people upward to
pursue their dreams, it is a spirit that contaminates and poisons those around
them. </div>
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God had made a promise to Abraham that his descendants would
be as numerous as the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now here
were the people of God, delivered from the bondage of slavery,
led by Moses through the Red Sea to the
borders of the Promised Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
about to win the gold medal of all gold medals, to enter into everything God
had promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an amazing and
exciting moment it should have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those who had been enslaved were free and looking to conquer the land
that had been promised to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
before marching into enemy territory Moses sent 12 spies to see what they were
up against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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You know the story – the 12 spies came back and 10 of
them only had one thing to report – there were giants in the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the other two saw opportunity and
the amazing promises of God being fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I used to focus on the fact that there were only TWO who saw the
promises of God and TEN (the number used to always seem big to me) who saw
giants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean what chance did Joshua
and Caleb have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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But this time I saw it in a new light. Based on the word of
ONLY ten men, an entire nation was convinced to not go for the gold, the
Promised Land. The land promised by none other than God Himself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These ten men convinced hundreds of thousands
of men and their families to disqualify themselves from the race before they
even made an attempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture gives
us no indication that anyone except Joshua and Caleb questioned the report of
these ten men. Instead we are told that they began weeping and grumbling
against Moses and Aaron, pining for the “good ole days” of Egypt and even
trying to stone Joshua and Caleb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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What a tragic story!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were so close to getting the gold, so close to entering into the
full promises of God, but they let a poisonous spirit seep in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a spirit that can still take over a
classroom, a family, an office, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see
too much of my own sinful heart in these cowardly men but by and through His
power, I pray that I will make the courageous choice and always go for the
gold, following in the footsteps of Joshua and Caleb, knowing that victory
(winning the gold) is not based on my own ability but on the character and
promises of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-10195751387500970882013-12-21T13:22:00.000-05:002013-12-21T13:22:43.808-05:00Merry Christmas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/Creche8f7782.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/0b840c5056191cb0a09397a8c/images/Creche8f7782.1.jpg" /></a>Recently, I have found myself asking the question – “What is
it that makes an institution/ministry healthy?” I have often looked at Black Forest Academy and been impressed by the
leadership and the inherent health of the organization despite the transient
community and lack of major funding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have been around ministry circles, churches and Christian institutions my
entire life and am painfully aware of what an incredible blessing this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While BFA is far from perfect there is an
overall health that intrigues me. What brings about this kind of health? What
are the leadership characteristics that are being modeled and most importantly what
can I learn from them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The Sunday School answer is “Jesus” and of course this is
true BUT the leadership of any institution has to be willing to put Him first,
not just in word but in deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I believe that part of what makes BFA so unique is the fact
that no one is paid and we are all dependent on a foreign government to allow
us the opportunity of serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe
me, it is something that I have often wished weren’t true but I have come to the
conclusion that this is one of the primary reasons for the health of BFA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each staff member has a call and has chosen
to live dependent on Jesus and the generosity of others to follow that
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it forces us to do,
hopefully, is to live with our hands wide open, not grasping at security, pay
checks, or positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
misunderstand me, I am NOT saying that this can’t happen with a paycheck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen it, and am so thankful for those
examples, but sadly it is rare. </div>
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Support raising alone, however, does not necessarily make
for a healthy institution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At BFA every staff
member knows that the longest they will be there is five years and then they
will have to leave for a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
person is valuable and yet each person can and will be replaced at some
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This reality is hard at times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our staff invests so much to get there and
then so much once they arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while
we know the investment is eternal, let’s be honest, we all like to think of
ourselves as irreplaceable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year
for example there is a large number of new staff that don’t know the impact and
legacy of those that have left but had invested 10 or more years at BFA. I
believe this reality is crucial in keeping each one of us humble and reminding
us that God allows us the privilege of “partnering” with him but His work is
not dependent on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the one hand
this is a hard pill to swallow, on the other hand it is incredible freeing!
This reality preempts any self preservation or promoting and allows the focus
to remain on following our Savior and being a support system for the families
that are on the front lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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This question has led me directly to the Christmas
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the days we are living in seem
to grow darker and evil often appears to be winning, I think it is normal and
even human to look for security in these uncertain times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t believe this response to be
Biblical or part of the Christmas spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the most uncertain of all times, God sent His One and Only Son to
earth as a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about radical
living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shows us what it means to
live, not grasping, but open-handed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Willing
to do whatever it is the Father asks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not seeking position, security or recognition but living in absolute
surrender to the One who sent Him so that you and I could know true freedom in
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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This Christmas, I am thankful for a Savior who “though he
was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the
likeness of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And being found in human
form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death
on a cross.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Phil. 2:6-8)</span></div>
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This is the meaning of Christmas, our Savior did not hold on
to position or security because of his love for YOU and for ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that obedience and love cost Him
everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I offer Him
anything less than my all this Christmas season?</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-24395646448418809832013-11-03T10:54:00.001-05:002013-11-03T10:54:58.319-05:00Remembering With a Grateful Heart<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The month of November provides us with multiple
opportunities to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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November 1 is overlooked by most in the States but in Europe it is a holiday, All Saints Day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day set aside to remember those that have
gone before us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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November 11 is Remembrance Day in many parts of the world, a
day set aside to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our
freedom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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And then (for those of us from the States) there is Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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At first glance it feels like it doesn’t
fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But look again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you really be grateful if you don’t
remember?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a command that is
repeated over and over in Scripture. </div>
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<a href="http://www.google.de/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/files/2010/10/Luther-nailing-theses-560x538.jpg&sa=X&ei=dm52UtnhAc_Rsgbeq4G4DA&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHDPuTiD_5gnD5jJ250B3h8XosI3Q" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://www.google.de/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/files/2010/10/Luther-nailing-theses-560x538.jpg&sa=X&ei=dm52UtnhAc_Rsgbeq4G4DA&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHDPuTiD_5gnD5jJ250B3h8XosI3Q" width="200" /></a></div>
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This week I have had multiple opportunities to <i>remember with a grateful heart</i>. October 31 marked the 496th anniversary of Martin Luther bravely
nailing his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, sparking a firestorm that set the Western world on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One man, who was obedient
and courageous enough to stand for truth changed the course of history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the reality is that he was standing on
the shoulders of many who had gone before and was followed by many other
courageous men and women. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_ug-mDf9NxcdtqioArTH8fKkrQIXBjmDHc_nkszz4IBCUc_1hUcXA-dL4dot0E7Din5i3RkIyZsf8tDONgSoZnek_anPohL8l3RTZkLyWmMi6fzfOOS7zWsUbmAGxK5xcxcyt7FvaMl/s1600/Calvin%2527s+Church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_ug-mDf9NxcdtqioArTH8fKkrQIXBjmDHc_nkszz4IBCUc_1hUcXA-dL4dot0E7Din5i3RkIyZsf8tDONgSoZnek_anPohL8l3RTZkLyWmMi6fzfOOS7zWsUbmAGxK5xcxcyt7FvaMl/s200/Calvin%2527s+Church.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calvin's Church, Geneva, St. Pierre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the last
month I have had the amazing privilege of worshiping in John Calvin’s church in
Geneva with a friend from NY and last Sunday our
middle school staff was able to worship at Ulrich Zwingli’s church after
attending a conference for international schools held in Zurich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What an incredible opportunity to <i>remember with a thankful heart</i> God’s faithfulness through
the centuries!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.de/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Grossmunster_church.jpg&sa=X&ei=D292UsPaI4KbtQb3xIG4Bg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNGfSKaTi9gQ8QsVPXCowhdW_kVpqg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.google.de/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Grossmunster_church.jpg&sa=X&ei=D292UsPaI4KbtQb3xIG4Bg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNGfSKaTi9gQ8QsVPXCowhdW_kVpqg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zwingli's Church, Zurich, Gross<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Calvin’s church I found myself singing hymns that to me
were “old” but then realizing that they were written roughly 200 years after
Calvin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Grossm<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">ü</span>nster (Zwingli’s church) was commissioned by
Charlemagne and construction was finished around 1220.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zwingli became the pastor a year after Martin
Luther nailed the 95 theses to the church door and helped bring the Reformation
to Switzerland.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a rich legacy these three men left
behind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was able to <i>remember with gratitude</i> this week the life and legacy of Abraham, a friend of God, as we studied him in Bible class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was able to <i>remember with gratitude</i> the missionaries who have gone before as my 7th graders presented their missionary biographies to our class. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was able to <i>remember with gratitude</i> that the God of Abraham, Luther and William Carey is the same God that I worship. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was able to <i>remember with gratitude</i> those whose shoulders I am privileged to stand on, those who have challenged me to courageously obey Jesus in all areas of my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also <i>reminded with a grateful heart</i> that it does not stop with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that one of the greatest lies we
can believe is that it is our life and our choices don’t have consequences
that reach far beyond us. In reality our choices have an incredible ripple
effect for good or for bad. I pray that I can live a life of gratitude and can courageously obey Jesus. I pray that
my life will be lived in such a way that others will see Him and seek to know
Him more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need or want the
“fame” of being a Luther, Calvin or Zwingli but what about one of the nameless
men and women who made it possible for them to change the course of
history?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could Jesus use me in that way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I pray that I will always <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">remember with gratitude</i> and that my
obedience will challenge those He has brought into my classroom and into my life
to courageously follow Him with their whole hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no greater calling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When once God’s Redemption comes to the point of obedience
in a human soul, it always creates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
obey Jesus Christ, the Redemption of God will rush through me to other lives,
because behind the deed of obedience is the Reality of the Almighty God. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Utmost for His Highest</i> by Oswald
Chambers, November 2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Martin Luther Picture - http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/files/2010/10/Luther-nailing-theses-560x538.jpg</i> </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-15681577730511310772013-09-29T09:46:00.001-04:002013-09-29T09:46:45.430-04:00Locker Irony<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6VxblhH8JYQByqLzACXH__2_dFYdGv9iZ2NJgbanmR8uNO166imtf0ijN-k79DrTYXreX2XRm-afxzFi5vKMalynzsodf_7vUhB3MxTJe3DeoblM5pCvSYoazP0Z0A98MrBYkD7crCrc/s1600/Lockers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6VxblhH8JYQByqLzACXH__2_dFYdGv9iZ2NJgbanmR8uNO166imtf0ijN-k79DrTYXreX2XRm-afxzFi5vKMalynzsodf_7vUhB3MxTJe3DeoblM5pCvSYoazP0Z0A98MrBYkD7crCrc/s320/Lockers.JPG" width="213" /></a>“Miss Key, will you help me with my locker?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a refrain I heard daily the first two weeks of school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, I earned a reputation as the
locker-opener (I now know several of their combinations by heart <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span>).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our staff room is just outside the six
grade lockers and hearing the stress in their
voices between classes the first few days of school took me straight back to my
middle school days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t remember
the stress of being a new student in a new school? While helping a student open
up their locker may not seem like a big deal to you, the irony of my new
reputation has made me smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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As a 7<sup>th</sup> grade missionary kid (who fit the
stereotypes) straight off the field attending a private school (on scholarship)
my culture shock and adjustment were huge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I struggled to find my place among kids who had name brand clothes (name
brands I didn’t even know, let alone owned), knew all the current pop culture
(I was a good 4 years behind), and had all the right friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things that I never was able to
figure out was my locker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have
them in my school in France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried and tried and finally gave up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my entire 7<sup>th</sup> grade year I
never once opened my locker and lugged my text books from class to class and
then home at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was too shy and
too much out of my element to ask for help and if anyone did notice, they
didn’t offer to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a joy it is to be able to help these students adjusting
to middle school, some of them adjusting to Germany for the first time, do a
simple task like opening their locker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fun thing is to see that the question has been asked less and less
as the kids figure it out and learn how to do it for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When/if they return to North
America that will be one less stress/adjustment they have to
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These moments remind me of
His care and faithfulness, even in the little details of life. And the fact
that He can use me to help in this small way is truly a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912331081724171544.post-76763319228269109072013-08-13T22:58:00.000-04:002013-08-13T22:58:17.842-04:00Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<![endif]--><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Worship</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a word that we, as Christians, use a
lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what does it really mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where/When does it happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who participates in it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does one go about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
In no way am I prepared to answer these questions
but they are questions worth asking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Merriam-Webster defines <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worship </i>as
"honoring or revering a divine being or to regard with great or extravagant
respect, honor or devotion."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes
from the Middle English <em>worshipe</em>: worthiness, respect, reverence paid
to a divine being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just this week I have <i>worshipped</i>
in a variety of settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I worshipped at a camp meeting in NJ
that is 144 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sjchristianevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/malagacamptabernacle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sjchristianevents.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/malagacamptabernacle.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaga Camp, NJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I worshipped at a wedding that
truly honored God in every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0HRFDCtJpDFjauEdM0tcq836818NqyqaLKPbHanYh0Gez4kK86hJqCkMv0RlWfP1TrQiS7Cd-jekF3V9ST_WTpAAwMmajgTH_NMUQpTMYCKu5LPB1IwLVlxvyY3YXFXLHUcIifb9Ggqi/s1600/michelle+and+tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0HRFDCtJpDFjauEdM0tcq836818NqyqaLKPbHanYh0Gez4kK86hJqCkMv0RlWfP1TrQiS7Cd-jekF3V9ST_WTpAAwMmajgTH_NMUQpTMYCKu5LPB1IwLVlxvyY3YXFXLHUcIifb9Ggqi/s320/michelle+and+tim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim & Michelle's wedding at LCC, NY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I worshipped at a boys camp in the
heart of the Adirondacks run by dear family
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFcE16d7DwM/TeUOCzfL7II/AAAAAAAA4v0/jsIp85qgDo4/w688-h459-no/IMG_5887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFcE16d7DwM/TeUOCzfL7II/AAAAAAAA4v0/jsIp85qgDo4/w688-h459-no/IMG_5887.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deerfoot Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I worshipped on the Jersey shore at a Bible conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/574521_10151042747428925_877866395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/574521_10151042747428925_877866395_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, NJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of these settings are very different, from the age
group to the setting, but all have shown "extravagant respect and honor," not just
for some divine being, but for the One true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I quickly associate the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worship </i>with Sunday morning in a church building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it can happen anywhere, anytime! Because
the God that we worship is not confined to the four walls of a church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
This Sunday (August 18) I will worship Him as I board a plane
for Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By stepping on that plane, I am declaring my
respect, honor and devotion to the One who called me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By saying goodbye once again and stepping out
in faith I am acknowledging that He alone is worthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This thought comforts me. Instead of seeing my departure as a <i>have to</i>
or <i>ought to</i> or even <i>want to</i>, I desire to see it as my spiritual act of worship (Rom 12:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
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What is He asking of you? Whatever it is...He is worthy of
your obedience and of your worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is
not owed worship simply because He is a divine being but because HE IS WORTHY! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other god/person/thing can claim that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of things and people that can
be worshipped but there is only ONE who is worthy of our worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I love this quote by William Temple (Archbishop of
Canterbury)</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To worship is to
quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth
of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the
love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God. </i></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028924143215047832noreply@blogger.com0