Summer: 18th day over 100 & it's flying by

Yes, you read the headline right - I heard on the news this morning that today is the 18th day - in a row - that we have been over 100 degrees in North Texas. Man, it is hot! Our training for the White Rock 1/2 Marathon is definitely hard in this heat. Johnny and I left the house at 7:20 AM both days this week to try to beat the heat. Yesterday, we got back to the house and jumped into the pool - in our running clothes - just to try to cool off.

The summer has been super crazy so far. If you've been reading then you know we did back-to-back weeks on mission trips. We got home from the second one on a Thursday and left 3 days later, on Sunday, for our vacation. We've been home a week and a half and I think something has been going on every single day since then. Nertz night, Bible study, kids in and out and in and out. Last Wednesday I was trying to do some work and the doorbell kept ringing and kids just kept coming over. I wake up in the morning and check to see who's here - if all 3 of mine are and if there some others as well.

So, it has been a really great summer so far. Really great. Johnny and I just got back from setting up our lake house for the week. Well, it's the Wildwood (our travel trailer) at the campground on the nearby lake. We are about to take the boat out there. I'll be back home tonight for Bible study but I think there will be some fellas out there later. They run in packs these days.

One month from today is the day we will take Jessica to college - pack up her stuff and move her off for the first time. Josh will move back a day or so before that since he's a small group leader for SWAT (student welcome & transition week). It will be so strange to only have one child at home.

Gotta go, Johnny's waiting.... Jeanette

Here I Raise My Ebenezer

I took this picture at Yosemite National Park last week. It was the second uphill hike of the day and I was not sure if I would make it. Plus, I am really scared of heights and it was a steep walk up the side of a huge rock mountain. The view was magnificent and so totally worth it. In the distance were snow-covered mountains and waterfalls. God's creation reminds me that He is glorious and the ultimate Creator.

I saw this pile of rocks and had to take a picture. I immediately thought of that old hymn, Come Thy Fount of Every Blessing, and the verse that contains the phrase in my title. The story is from 1 Samuel 7:10-12. Basically, the Israelites were in a battle with the Philistines and God caused a storm that allowed the Israelites to defeat the Philistines. Then Samuel, the prophet and leader, set up a stone, a stone of remembrance, and named it Ebenezer and said, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."

I don't know why I am repeatedly surprised by God. He is amazing and He does amazing stuff. That's who He is. But, still, sometimes He blows me away. Like today. I'm working on a new project for our i68 missions ministry and have received so much positive feedback and offers to help that I have felt truly blessed and affirmed with the direction we're headed. Then today a friend called to tell me about something God has put on her heart. She didn't know about the new project because (1) I've been away for the last 3 weeks and (2) I'm just now really spreading the word & telling others about what's going on - besides our missions committee, which I told them at their last meeting. Anyway, it seems as though God was telling my friend on His own before I could. Because He's like that and He does what He wants. Incredible.

How do I forget at times, thus far the Lord has helped me? I need to put my own rock pile somewhere around here, I guess. He is faithful. And I am blown away.

Serving the King,

Jeanette

California Vacation

I typed the following in Yosemite National Park when I didn't have internet, cellphone service or even tv:

My calves were screaming as we made the descent. I was completely soaked – every article of clothing I was wearing as well as my shoes. Even though we were well below the waterfall the roar of the river made conversation difficult – particularly because we mostly walked single-file as a result of all the other people going up and down. A three mile round trip with a 1,000 foot ascent (that’s one thousand feet up and one thousand feet down) to the top of Vernal Falls and the Emerald Pool. When we drove into Yosemite National Park the day before the park attendant asked if it was our first trip to the park. Yes, we told her. She then reported that we picked a great year to come – the waterfalls were still flowing strongly as a result of the excellent snowfall of the winter. We found that to be true when the overspray from the falls on the trail made us look like we had gone for a swim. Even now I know I will be sore in the morning but it was so worth it to get to the top and see that amazing site. On the way down I told God how amazed I was at His creation. I had already been thinking such thoughts the day we went to the aquarium on the bay in San Francisco. I’ve never seen an orange fish with a perfect fuchsia square on it before. In fact, I’ve been to aquariums before and I am always amazed at the variety of fish and other underwater creatures. They even had this one shallow pool where visitors can touch some rays and small sharks. One little ray kept poking his head up. The aquarium girl said he was trying to get his eyes above water so he could see but I so think he just wanted out. Freedom!


We ended the day with another hike. Yeah, because one 3-mile hike up to a waterfall and back was not enough for one day. (I’m super thankful I’m in training for a half-marathon or I would have never made it!) This one was just 2.2 miles round-trip but ended on the top of a huge, exposed rock that seems like it’s the top of the world. Well, maybe the top of Yosemite. We could see waterfalls and snow-covered mountains in the distance. We looked down on Yosemite Valley and, again, I just felt amazed. And, unbelievably happy that I had a chance to see the beauty of God’s creation.

It’s almost time to head home from our California vacation. We’ve made some great memories and seen some amazing sights. From the Go-Car adventure in San Francisco to the little cabin in the woods, I feel blessed beyond measure. And rested in a weird way since every part of my body aches. I just hope I can get out of the bed in the morning…

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Partnerships in the Gospel

I am sitting in my hotel room in Laredo, Texas, while the rest of our mission team is spread out to 6 locations over the city today. My younger son is down by the river, almost in Mexico, playing soccer while his dad is just up the road painting the exterior of a church. He hates that they are painting the edges of the roof, however, because the boards are rotten and the entire roof really needs to be replaced. Maybe that's a project for another day.

I am the hotel because I feel awful. Maybe it's a result of our misadventure trying to get home from Peru. We finally landed at DFW (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport) after a day and a half trying to get out of Peru. I was supposed to leave for Laredo Monday morning but Johnny got our tickets changed to the evening flight. We landed here in Laredo just 24 hours after landing at DFW the night before. The weather is in complete contrast to the weather we had last week - the truth is, it's stinkin' hot down here near the Rio Grand.

I've been reading and pondering the New Testament letter of Philippians over the last few weeks and started over at the beginning this morning:

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

I love that idea of partnerships. What a great responsibility we have as believers and followers of Christ to make the name of Jesus famous to the nations. I have been so privileged to see folks at work in different places around the world doing just that. I love how we join together - how God puts people together - for a common purpose and a common goal. All the way from organizations like World Vision or the IMB & NAMB to the 2 young women living and working in Peru independently. Paul's reminder to me is to be diligent in praying for people with whom I have partnered and to do all I can to support what they are doing for the glory of the Kingdom.

Which leaves me feeling lack a slacker for staying at the hotel this morning. I'll be back out there later today, though, at the block party. Then I'm headed back home tomorrow. Vacation is just days away - and, yes, I'll be flying again but am feeling ok about it! Oh, I forgot to mention that when I got to the airport Monday I was told the flight to Laredo was oversold & I didn't have a seat. Then, we were sitting on the airplane and the flight was delayed. It made me feel a little anxious after all we went through in Peru but we made here safely nonetheless. And, only 30 minutes late! I'll take that after a day & a half late any ol' time!

Serving the King,

Jeanette   

In Peru with 2 of My Kids

According to my itinerary I should be home right now but, yet, here I am sitting at a hotel in MiraFlores, Peru. Our flight got cancelled last night (electrical problem) and, well, it was actually a big fiasco and more than 24 hours after we initially got to the airport last night we are about to head back over there. The above picture was taken yesterday - our tourist day - at a restaurant near the presidential palace in Lima. We were enjoying a good meal and a good time of fellowship with the American missionaries and new Peruvian friends after a week of hard work. And what an unbelievable week it was. Our main project was going into several schools and sharing the Gospel as well as some fun activities. We came into contact with literally thousands of children this past week. It was a great week but I am still processing it all. One person that our missionary friends have been specifically praying for came to know Jesus while we have been here. It was glorious!

I keep typing sentences and then deleting them. I guess I have too many tangled thoughts but am mostly thinking about getting home to my man and that place where I feel most comfortable. The place where I get rejuvinated so I can go out again and do what God has called me to do. Yeah, home sweet home ... excited to be there!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

Two Mission Trips in Two Weeks

I am leaving in about a day and a half for a mission trip to Peru. The thing is, I'll get home and leave for mission trip number two 2 days after I get home. What in the world was I thinking all those months ago? Thankfully, I have really great people helping plan #2 and feel fully confident that everything that needs to be taken care of WILL be taken care of while I am away. Besides that, our Student Pastor is doing most of the planning for #2 so I really didn't have that much to do anyway!

I was meeting with our missions committee last week and, even though I'm leaving for 2 trips shortly, I don't even think I brought them up. On to other things... I laughingly said I wake up at night thinking about missions. But I do. Something is always brewing around in my head. So many people want to be involved - want to help, want to go, want to support. It is an indescribable and unbelievable blessing to work with so many great people. I am continually amazed that I have the privilege to do such things.

Well, I've got to get laundry out, run to the store, and I'm still working on part of the 6,000 armbands that I'm taking along. I'll covet your prayers on behalf of our team and those we will work with and those we will encounter!

Serving the King,

Jeanette

It's My Birthday

I've had such an interesting week. No, nothing exciting or big is going on but I am perplexed by people's expectations. I don't even know what else to type about that so I'll move on. The week started with Memorial Day on Monday. Johnny and I ran in the American Heroes 5k in Arlington. The race was kicked off by a BlackHawk helicopter flying down the street, right at us. We are training for a half-marathon, the White Rock in Dallas in December, so the 5k was a great way to keep our training on track. I hope to find a 10k around September or October that fits our schedule. We are running the half this year because I really want to run a marathon before 50. You know, one of those bucket list things. With my birthday today I am fully aware that 50 is not that far away. Yikes, I can remember when 50 sounded so old and I most definitely don't feel old. Well, except for the soreness in my legs after the 5k and, well, a few other minor things like not being able to read without the drugstore reading glasses.  That is frustrating - to look at a page and just see blurry images. Or, trying to read my twitter or fb on my cellphone without the reading glasses. Ugh! (Yes, I tried the multifocal contacts but they just didn't work for me.)

I am looking forward to today. I picked family game night for my birthday. That's what I value the most other than the awesome privilege of serving God and being His child -the time with my husband and kids is precious, especially with 2 going to college this year. I don't take it for granted at all anymore.

I gotta run - literally, I'm training for a race! Live your dream, pursue God, love your family!

Serving the King,

Jeanette