Crews Family

One Call, Many Jobs

2012-02-27T10:02:00.004-08:00

This was a devotion I read last week and it really spoke to me. I often wonder how my experience in banking, real estate, lending, managing, organization, etc. will configure into the ministry in Arizona. I can't wait to see how God has prepared me to fit in. Please read and see if it speaks to you ~ Liz

"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”- (Ps 16:5-6).

Most of us will have many jobs over our lifetime. As I look back over my past, I've had quite a varied history of jobs that included being a waiter, retail clerk, golf pro, advertising sales executive, ad agency executive, and ad agency owner. Today, I am a writer and lead an international workplace ministry. All of these jobs were important because they gave me a level of experience from which I now express God's ministry. I am able to relate to those in the workplace because of my varied work experience throughout my career.

With each of our jobs, God is building something in us that will be used for His purposes now and in the future. Oswald Chambers says "In the beginning we do not train for God, we train for work, for our own aims; but as we go on with God we lose all our own aims and are trained into God's purpose. Unless practical work is appointed by God, it will prove a curse."

Jesus was prepared for His ultimate calling by working with His father in his carpentry shop until He was thirty years old. More than 54% of Jesus' teaching arose out of issues in daily life experience. Joseph was prepared to be head of a nation by serving prison time and being a slave in Potiphar's house. Moses was prepared to lead a nation out of slavery by serving in Pharoah's house and later working forty years as a shepherd.

Do not despise the small jobs-for they are stepping stones to a greater purpose in God's plan for your life and for God's preparation for your ultimate destiny. Some of these jobs are necessary for the message He is forming in you.

Daily Workplace Inspiration by Os Hillman

Live Life on Purpose

2012-01-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

We are currently reading the book Live Life on Purpose by Claude Hickman in our Church. It is a book helping people to find God’s purpose for their life.
It has caused us to look back over our journey for the past few years and wonder what would be different if we had chosen to move 4 years ago when we felt God pulling at us?
· Our house was worth much more - we calculated we had enough to sell it, payoff what we owed, including credit cards and cars, with a little extra for a down payment on a new place in AZ.
· Our kids were younger and most likely would have moved with us – at least 2 (not saying which ones), how would they feel changing their lives in the middle of their teen age years.
· Unsure of the team we were planning on joining.
Instead, we felt we needed time to really listen to God, really pray and seek Him. Here is some of what we experienced –
· With my job loss, collapse of the housing market, all our savings/retirement gone, we nearly lost our house as well. We had to do a government modification on it to try and save it; we are upside down currently.
· Our oldest is married; our middle child received a job promotion and our youngest starts college this fall.
· A new ministry formed with our dear friends doing what we feel God wants us to do, 3:18 Ministries.
· We finished the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class, I completed a 2 1/2 year study as well as continuing our studies in Bible classes.
· Daily prayer and reading of the Bible.
I feel confident God had us wait. We weren’t ready. We learned to earnestly pursue Him daily. He has stripped away from us all we did not need, and has taught us to truly trust in Him and His provision. Though a lot of it has been quite painful, He provides all we need. Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Philippians 4:6-8 tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Liz

Mourning

2012-01-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

So...

I read a couple articles that got me to thinking.

One was about an eighth grader who was shot and killed by police while he was at school. The article was really one sided. They portrayed the kid as a good kid who was doing well and the parents couldn't understand why the police would use such brutal force to stop this poor kid. This poor kid had gone into school punched a kid in the face and pulled a gun. The police confronted the kid and he refused to drop the gun, it turns out it was a pellet gun, so they shot him 3 times and killed him.

My first reaction was the police were justified because he was a threat to everyone. Plus it is difficult to tell it was a pellet gun. The police had to make a decision on the spot. Here take a look. Can you tell which one is a pellet gun and which one is a real gun? So I just knew I was on the cop's side on this one. Btw...the the kid's pellet gun is on the left.

The second story is about a woman who went to have an abortion. She was having twins and one of them had a heart defect so the doctors said she should abort the child. She agreed but they aborted the wrong one. Then they had to do a C-section to remove the other. So this woman lost both of her children. This article was also written with a bias. It was written as such a terrible tragedy. The doctors made a huge mistake and this family is devastated. Me? I was angry, my first thought was what is going on here. How could the doctors do such an awful thing?

Then I heard the story of a 15 year old girl who was being "bullied" by other kids at school and on Face Book. She was so distraught that she wrote a suicide note and stepped in front of a bus. The article said she killed herself because she was bullied. They actually said the cause of her death was the bullying.

These three articles got me to thinking. And here is the conclusion I came to. It is our fault. We as a society have devalued human life. I didn't mourn for an eight grader who was so messed up he took a pellet gun to school. I could only think it was his own fault. That his life meant nothing.

Women get "legal" abortions all the time. We as a society don't value human life. I know some will say that it isn't a life yet. That it's just a piece of tissue. If that's the case then why are we upset that this woman lost both pieces of tissue. We are upset because the doctors made a mistake by killing the wrong "CHILD." We should be upset that we as a society don't care about human life.

And this 15 year old didn't kill herself because she was bullied. She killed herself because we as a society taught her that human life isn't important. If we tell her that an eight grader deserves to die and a child with a heart defect deserves to die then how can she ever know how important her own life is?

I know I've stepped on a lot of toes. That was not my intention. This is something that I have been struggling with for the last couple of days. So today I will mourn for and eighth grader who died when he didn't have to, I will mourn for Two children who died when they didn't have to, I will mourn a 15 year old girl who stepped in front of a bus and died when she didn't have to and I will mourn for all of as we have all allowed this to happen right in front of our eyes and have done nothing about it.

Robert

2012

2011-12-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

CREWS FAMILY 2011
Beginnings and Endings…
I don’t know about you but 2011 has moved at lightning speed for us. This year had some major, life changing moments, some good, some not so good. It is a year we will always remember for many different reasons.

The year began with Robert and I signing up for the World Perspectives class offered at Church. A mind and heart altering class, to be sure. We found ourselves pushed beyond what we thought we could handle both in stacks of homework and papers but in our understanding of God’s plan for us, for all of us.
Liz was part of a short-term mission team that went to Toronto, Canada to work with Churchill Meadows Christian Church. It was a great time of learning about the cultural diversity in Canada. We spent time with a Polish Church plant, Portuguese start up church, and of course Churchill Meadows.
Then later that summer, Robert and Liz returned at Churchill Meadows request for Robert to perform some gospel illusions for a youth camp there and a little R & R for the two of them. Robert did an incredible job sharing the gospel through his sleight of hand and speaking skills. The adults were just as captivated as the kids.
We then moved into full wedding mode. Wayne married his beautiful bride Jamie November 5th, 2011 on an incredibly lovely day sandwiched between 2 days of pouring rain. The outdoor wedding was gorgeous, as were the bride and groom. Kathryn was promoted at Kohl’s to the store admin and truly loves her job. They count on her for so much and she loves the responsibility. Shelby has been studying, taking her SAT’s and applying at colleges; deciding where she will study Youth Ministry. Our children are all moving into the next season of their lives.

Among these unbelievable joys we have experienced, there have been some sad and heavier moments to deal with as well. Our sweet dog Ginger, we have had as a member of our family over 5 years got out of our backyard and ran away. She has not been found. We were and still are devastated, especially 2 days before the wedding. Our other dog, Toby, who ran away with her was located and returned to us. He was pretty shaken up and he still misses his best friend deeply; as we all do.
That same day, 2 days prior to the wedding, I received word that my former boss passed away. Gary was a kind, generous, funny man both Robert and I got to know well. He allowed us many opportunities to share Christ with him. Gary was Jewish, but questioned so much in his life. He was honest and direct and asked tough questions. He and Robert had many conversations about who Christ is. We spent lots of time sharing with him and encouraging him to question and seek who God is and what He did for him. It is difficult not knowing what was in his heart before he met with Christ, but we continue praying for his family as they grieve; he will truly be missed. Then, December 12, 2011 our Uncle David passed away of lung failure; an unexpected shock for the family, especially for his beloved wife Catherine. They were in love, true love and best friends.
Of course with Life’s ups and downs, it continues to march on…2012 looks to be a year of change and movement for the Crews’. As our kids are settling into the next period of their lives, we are getting ready for ours. We are preparing to move to Arizona at the end of 2012. The time has come for us to hand our lives completely over and take our next step. We are settling our kids into their lives, college, and packing (or getting rid of) our belongings and going. In this time, would you please pray for our family? Your prayers have sustained us through many difficult and tumultuous seasons and we are beyond grateful. There is much more news to come so stay tuned as we take the next Leap of Faith!

May God’s love bring you and yours peace, love and joy in the New Year!

Robert and Liz Crews

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks Ken!

2011-10-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

Last week Steve Jobs died because of cancer. He touched people all over the world. Newspapers, blogs, Twitter, Facebook and any other social media you can think of was abuzz. They all hailed him as a great innovator, as an amazing inventor. Really. I read one guy's FB post comparing him to Albert Einstein. I think there are a lot of people who idolized him.
No disrespect intended but he wasn't the only person who died.

Today I found out a great man died. Ken Jones.
There wont be all the news headlines. There should.
Twitter and Facebook won't be abuzz. They should.
People all over the world will never know who Ken was or what he meant to a bunch of kids on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. They should.
You see Ken was on the Board of Directors for Arizona Reservation Ministries. He also volunteered his time on the Rez. He also loved the Apache people. He made a difference for the kids on the Rez. He made a difference for the adults on the Rez. But most importantly, He made a difference for the Kingdom!
No, you won't see or hear CNN or Fox News or any other news organization speak of Ken Jones. They won't broadcast a picture showing him surrounded by a bunch of kids.
This world lost a wonderful man, a kind man, an inspiration.
Right now Ken is walking with the Lord. There is no more pain.
I know when he stood before the Lord, He said to Ken, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
By the way, that is better than any news article/story/post from anyone.
I will miss Ken Jones, but I will see him again.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Please pray for his wife Frances.

In Him,
Robert

The Center of the Falls

2011-10-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I was fortunate and blessed to travel to Canada twice this summer. The first was a planned, intentional trip to Mississauga, Canada to work with Impact Canada’s flagship plant, Churchill Meadows Christian Church in May. We attended and helped with 2 weekend services, delivered door to door thousands (OK maybe hundreds) of flyer's for a community BBQ, visited and experienced a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a mosque. We also got to do a couple of “touristy” things like going to the top of the CN Tower and visit Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls was a “bucket list” item for me. I was so excited to get out of the car and run to see it! (Yes, the team kept looking at me strangely) They were more than I imagined, God’s handiwork could not be questioned standing in front of this marvel! As I peered over the railing, a small boat was heading to the middle of the Horseshoe Falls. For those who have not been there, the Horseshoe is named appropriately. The falls on the Canadian side are shaped like a horseshoe. You can walk along one side of it, but the center and other side are not accessible by land. This small boat, the Maid of the Mist, was headed into the center of the horseshoe. It sat there fighting the raging waters swirling in the center, the massive mist that covered the view of the falls from time to time with its power, battling to stay in the center. I looked at our team and said “let’s go!” Well, we didn’t make it that day on the boat but that was OK, God was using us all in incredible ways, and I did get to see the falls.
Then in August, through countless blessings and generosity of loved ones, Robert and I went to Canada to work with Churchill Meadows. They had been looking for a magician for their summer Quest camp for kids, and I mentioned my husband does that. We spent 5 unforgettable days in Canada, sharing at Churchill Meadows and having some true quality time alone together we have not had before. Robert had been to Canada before, but not to Niagara Falls.Before we went, I asked if he would be interested in going on the Maid of the Mist the day we planned on seeing Niagara Falls. He had a very enthusiastic, YES!
Just like me, he was excited, overjoyed and in awe of the sight God placed before us. We enjoyed the view, and then headed to the dock of the Maid of the Mist. We could hardly contain ourselves as we slipped on our blue rain coats and waited to board. We made our way to the very front, top deck of the boat, on the railing not wanting to miss anything. The boat went to the American falls first and stopped for a few minutes as we were sprayed with water and loving the view so close to the waterfall. The boat slowly turned and headed toward the Horseshoe Falls. We raised the hood on our blue rain coat and held on as the plastic coats whipped in the wind. The closer we got to the center, the current was rougher, the wind stronger, the water poured on us, not mist, full on water pouring so hard I had to fight to keep my eyes open. But I fought; I did not want to miss a thing. The beauty was incredible and indescribable, to experience it all around you, everywhere you looked. We were surrounded by God's power and beauty.

Have you ever been in the center of God’s will? Are we living in the calm of our lives, watching from the sidelines saying wow, this is great. I am here looking in and I am safe right where I am. I have a great view from here God; I don’t need to move any closer. I don’t need to go on that Mission trip, I can pray from here. I don’t need to share with my non-Christian friends; they already know where I stand. When I first felt a tug to step out and truly give everything up for Him, I fought it. Guess what, when I started to give into the idea, moving into His will and not mine own, I entered a storm. It wasn’t a calm step; here I am Lord now it’s easy from here. It is tough, it is difficult, it is challenging and taxing and I felt like giving up. I questioned whether I really wanted to do this? Like the small boat fighting the currents and wind in the center of the falls, I feel like that boat some days. Struggling for the center, fighting against the waves; but I am actually fighting myself, my desires, my selfishness. My desire is to be in the center of God’s will for me, wherever that may be. It may be rough, it may be difficult, dangerous, completely not what I had planned, but I want to be in the center!

Canada Part 2

2011-09-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from our trip and so much to tell...

2011-08-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Journey –
1. a trip somewhere: A trip or expedition from one place to another
2. Process of development: a gradual passing from one state to another regarded as more advanced, e.g. from innocence to mature awareness
• A spiritual journey
This morning I felt the need to look up this word in the Encarta dictionary. As I speak of our lives these days, this word comes to mind. I love what it says to me. While it may say something different to you, what I see is the difficulties in this life are moving me to a “mature awareness.” As a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up. All I ever wanted to be was a grown up. I had my life perfectly planned out. I would become an English teacher with summers off, a big wedding to the man of my dreams, 2.5 kids, a dog, a house with a white picket fence, sipping lemonade on my front porch in my rocking chair listening to the crickets chirp. This was my idea of maturity. Sounds perfect right? Well perfection in my immature mind.

So it leaves me with the question, what does maturity look like to me now? I’m not sure; I’ll let you know when I get there. "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~ James 1:4 In the meantime, we are moving forward in our journey.

While Robert was unable to go back to Australia this year, God blessed us with an amazing opportunity to go to Canada. Though it was not in our plans, it was obviously in Gods. The church in Canada I visited with our church in May, asked Robert to come and perform magic at their annual kids camp. We prayed. They were looking for volunteers, and we simply did not have the means to work it out, we said we truly appreciated the offer but needed to say no. Several people who had heard this started offering money for us to go, even though we had turned the church down. Robert was offered some random side jobs to help friends with work, to perform magic at my work, various offers for money we didn’t count on. A few days later, the church asked again with a small offer of pay. We listened.
Friday we leave for Canada. Robert is performing at the camp and we are getting a couple of days away by ourselves. God always amazes me, I love that moment. I did not believe we could work this trip out, and I was right…we couldn’t.
Please pray for our time in Canada with our friends at Churchill Meadows Christian Church and the kids coming to camp, and the time we get to reconnect, rest and rejuvenate.

Serving Him,

Liz

What's it worth?

2011-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

I watched a video of a guy tying his shoe in 1 second. He actually showed how to do it. Of course he had to do that over under thing we all do to start it. That didn't count in his time.

So I tried to tie my shoe as fast as I could and I did it in just under 2 seconds. I'm actually pretty good at it. I would put my shoe tying skills up against anyone. I'm that good at it.

Anyway, I did the math and I think I would have saved something like 14 hours. Now that assumes an average of 2 shoe ties a day for 45 years per foot. I'll put the first 5 years on my mom. Also I'm not counting the times I tied my kid's shoes. I'll let Liz take those. So that's 2(avg.times per day) times 365(days in a year) times 45(years) divided by 60(number of seconds in a minute) divided by 60(number of minutes in an hour) = 9.125 hours divided by (actually you have to multiply) .75 = 6.8 hours times 2 (number of feet) and the grand total is 13.6 hours I would have saved if I had learned how to tie my shoes in a second.

What would I do with an extra 13.6 hours? What would I do with an extra 13.6 hours?

Probably just sleep. Oh well I guess I will just keep tying my shoes the same old way. Because after all it's my 13.6 hours and I will spend it any way I want.

If you had my day today, you would understand this so much more.

Have a good day,

Robert

What the...?!

2011-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday started out as a pretty good day.
I got a lot done in the morning.
Mike and the team arrived home safely from Australia.
A guy I know got out of prison and found a room at a sober living facility. He still needs work, but at least he's trying.
I went to lunch with Edgar and Jamie. We went had 85 cent tacos. I had 2 al pastor and 2 chorizo.
I mean a pretty good day.
There were around 50 people in line for Community Assistance and we had a bunch of volunteers.
Then all of a sudden things changed, and not for the better.
One of our volunteers came in and said "Can you talk to this woman?" "Her boyfriend beat her pretty bad." I said sure. I don't know what I was expecting. I mean I've talked to women who have been abused. Bruises, swelling, tears. I figured I would be ready. My plan was to make sure that she had called the police. If she hadn't I was going to, no matter what.
I walked into the room and sat down. I was at a total loss.
This woman had a dark purple, I mean almost black, bruise from the neckline of her shirt to her hairline. Both eyes were swollen, one almost closed. Her lip was swollen. She had scrapes all over her face. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do. Then I realized that I was angry. I skipped right past compassion and flashed to anger. "for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." James 1:20
I took a deep breath and talked to her. I told her how sorry I was. I asked and she had called the police. She met with them and they had taken pictures. They assured her that he would be arrested.
I asked her if I could pray for her. She smiled at me and said "The other guy did already. But I could always use more." I prayed with her.
I told her that she could come by anytime and speak with our Woman's Pastor. She said she was given the name of the counselor who has an office here at KACC. She got up and got some food.
I walked out.
I went back to my office.
I finished my day.
I went home.
I hugged my wife.
I cried.
Ephesians 4:26 says " BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,"
Apparently I don't know how to do that. 'Cause I'm still angry. I guess I have to work on that.

Robert

Canada Eh?

2011-06-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Seems to be the one thing everyone says to me, "how was Canada, eh?" My family has caught me a couple of times saying "eh" in a conversation as well. However, I came back with a lot more than an accent :).

First let me say thank you so much for your prayers. We felt them at every turn, God really used us and stretched us in ways we didn't imagine. We found ourselves in the most culturally diverse city in the world (yes the world) and got to see first hand how the Christian Churches are reaching out to those around them.

We were with Churchill Meadows Christian Church (CMCC) in the Greater Toronto Area. A mega church and flagship church plant from Impact Canada. We were blessed by spending time with a Polish Church plant, sharing, listening and encouraging them. A Brazilian/Portuguese Church plant just forming - we walked thru "little Portugal" in downtown Toronto with Jose, the new Pastor and Jerry a gentleman feeling led to help them, handing out flyers, placing them in store windows, etc. Of course we stopped and had lunch in a Brazilian restaurant, so good!

We visited a Buddhist Temple, a Hindu Temple but the most memorable was our visit at a mosque with a young imam, Munir, who was very open with us and allowed us to ask any questions we had. While he explained Islam to us, we were able to ask some tough questions of him, some he admitted he did not have answers for. Please pray for him as he continues to seek the truth, as we all agreed to do as we left.

CMCC has 46 different ethnicity's/people groups represented in the congregation. We saw this as a tiny glimpse of heaven, "every tribe, tongue and nation..."

Canada has a great need for Christ. With the diversity came a huge influx of different religions and tolerance. Though the tolerance doesn't seem to extend to Christianity. We sat in a meeting with the Christian Church Pastors from the Greater Toronto area, 8 of them. (I believe 2 could not make it). 10, yes 10 Christian Churches for approximately 2.5 million people. Please do not stop praying!!

My heart remains heavy for this part of our world. As Jim Tune (pastor at CMCC and president of Impact Canada) expressed, while Canada is a first world country economically, spiritually they are a third world country.

We attended Life Groups, classes, movie night, hung close to 2000 door hangers on various homes around the church; anything we could to encourage our brothers and sisters.

Mike spoke at CMCC on our last Sunday there, and 3 people came forward to give their lives to Christ!

My life is forever changed by a small 10 day trip. My prayers are focused and numerous for the family there placing tracks in front of the train coming, as fast as they can.

My heart overflows, and there is so much more to tell. Please keep these warriors in your prayers and those they are reaching for Christ!

Liz

Time for a swim.

2011-06-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

When you have three kids and a pool the same thing happens each year. The weather starts to warm up and they want to go swimming. This is what inevitably happens.
One kid jumps straight in, pops his head up and yells "whoa that's cold."
The second one wants to just sit near the pool minding her own business. Choosing to not even go in.
The third one puts her feet in and says it's too cold. So she says she will get in eventually, "I'm trying to get used to it first." This only serves to frustrate the dad. I say...err I mean he says, "Just go all in. You'll get used to it faster that way." "NO! It's too cold." The first kid says, "I'm fine, I'm already feeling warmer." She says, "You're lying you just want me to be cold." The dad says, "Either get in or get out." She says, "What about her? You aren't making her get in?" "That's because she never said she wanted to go swimming. Besides this is about you. You are making me cold just looking at you stand there. Seriously are you going all the way in or not?" "Yes, but not yet." "Fine." "Fine."
This goes on every year. Every stinking year. I'm getting frustrated even now. I wish she would just jump in with both feet or just sit on the side and not put me..err her dad through this.

Makes me stop and think though.
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3: 15&16
I think it's time we all "Jumped in with both feet." Don't you?

In Him,
Robert

Our son is engaged!!

2011-05-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

check out Wayne and Jamie's engagement pictures from an amazing photographer! Eyefull Photography and our friend Dawniele Castellanos.

When did this become ok?

2011-04-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

After returning from a short visit to Arizona, my head spins as I try and catch up with what we experienced. I struggle with taking it from my head and heart and putting it into words...
After arriving at 2:00am we got up later that morning so Robert could go out to the Reservation with our good friend Tory and help prep a house for a ministry team coming next week. This house, maybe 20 x 30, has 2 rooms and a tiny bathroom. It is Mary’s house, an 84 year old Apache woman living in 2 small rooms and a bathroom. But she was not living alone, no the house was also occupied by roaches. More roaches than I think you can imagine (it was more than my brain could wrap around). They had literally taken over her house, walls, floors, ceiling, etc…. along with the scorpions. This 84 year old woman had nowhere else to go, because when this is your reality, it just seems normal. It was her home, so why would she leave? Instead she slept with cotton in her ears every night so they would not crawl in. While this is graphic for some, it was her certainty, her actuality every day. Where were her family, friends? I am not sure. When did this become ok?
She was finally forced to move into a tribal run Shelter care facility, where she is clean and fed and sleeping without cotton in her ears. However, she wants to go home, it is her home. It is in the middle of a gang infested street, shoes strung over power lines, 2 doors away from a house that sells alcohol and who knows what, but it is her home. Almost all of the income she has now goes to the shelter care to provide for her, leaving her not much every month; she wants to go home. So we tore down walls, dug up floor tiles amongst the thousands (literally) of dead roaches and various “substances” they and the scorpions left behind. The smell was appalling, the dust covered us (by the way it was not “normal” dust). Yet the 7 of us worked in conditions most would consider inhumane. We had masks on and work clothing and protective eyewear, in the same place she lived and ate and watched TV in. When did this become ok? It never did! I know I do not have the answers, and perhaps it is not for me to know. What I do know is what my response should, no will be. So 2 guys and 5 girls, did things we never thought we could. Some of us terrified of a small spider or tiny fly at home, worked among bugs I cannot begin to describe and conditions that were heart-wrenching, and did so without grumbling, whining or one complaint. We did what God enabled us to do, no doubt. We never could have done this on our own. Isaiah 41:10 says: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”So my response today was to do whatever God asked of me, and tomorrow will hopefully be the same. I asked God to break my heart for what breaks His…and He did.
Liz

Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

2011-04-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

I'm sure you have heard that story a million times. I know I have. And each time it makes me think. So...

re-read that story again. But this time think of our Apache brothers and sisters and their need for Christ.

In Him,
Robert

Thoughts

2011-04-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Perspectives class Robert and I have been taking has allowed me to step back and look at what God has called us, well me to do. We (my husband and I) have been called to work with the San Carlos Apache Indian Nation in Arizona. Throughout this class I have struggled with the idea that perhaps we were to go to a far off land, another country or into the jungles where they have not heard yet. Is that the only task left? I have learned the difference between a regular mission and a frontier mission, defining people groups and what the task at hand is. We read how there is a large imbalance in the work to be done and where missionaries currently are; we need workers in the fields! Yet I can clearly see that the people close by, in our own backyard do not have a viable, indigenous church planting movement. Do they have the bible in their heart language? Is it truly about the geographical distance? Would God lay such a burden on my heart if there wasn’t anything more to do here or there? Questions I struggle with and pray about. Liz

Getting Perspective

2011-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Robert and I have been taking a class together for the past 6 weeks entitled Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. We have been listening to some amazing speaker's share of their experiences in the field and here at home. We have been challenged with homework (it has been a long time!) reading assignments, study guides, and a midterm coming up. Yet, no matter how tired I am, I love going to this class! The living God is a missionary God, from the beginning of time, His desire is for the nations, all nations to come to Him in worship. We are blessed to be a blessing. "Let the peoples praise You, O God, Let all the peoples praise You." Psalm 67:3. Missions exists because worship doesn't. My heart and mind are overflowing with the things I have been learning. For us, it all leads back to the Apache people, how much they need Christ and how much He longs for them. I am so excited to see what is coming next...

SO MUCH!

2011-02-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Day in and day out we look at the plight of the Apache people. Why are things so desperate on the Reservation? Why is unemployment so high? Why is there so much gang activity and violence? Why are children going hungry? What can we do?

I think the first thing we must do, OK the second thing, because the first thing is pray, and pray and pray some more. The second thing we must do is ask ourselves, why we are doing anything at all? Does what we do make any difference?

I mean, what is our ultimate goal? Are we trying to make sure everyone has a place to live? Are we trying to make sure that everyone eats? That everyone has a job? Because if that’s our goal, we are destined to fail. We will never build enough houses. We will never supply enough food, paint enough playgrounds. We will look at the task and just crumble, burn out, with no light at the end of the tunnel.

So what is the purpose? Our goal must be to declare the Glory of the LORD to all the nations. Our “job” is to share Jesus with every fiber of our being. Everything we do MUST be done to spread the Glory of the Lord. We can do that by building houses or feeding people. But that isn’t the goal.

Let me paraphrase P.T. Forsythe. We think the things we need to fix are greater than what Christ has already done. The greatest “need” on the reservation is less than Christ’s great victory.

Let’s work together so the Glory of the Lord will shine on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

Robert Crews

Three things. Saturday, December 18, 2010

2011-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Early on Saturday, December 18, 2010 Wayne was still asleep it was 6:00 a.m. He was supposed to be at work at 6:15, he was going to be late. After I woke him up he got ready and left by 6:15. (Don't worry, he called work.)

Liz, Shelby and I headed out to Knott Avenue to distribute Christmas gifts to kids from the local schools. As we drove we noticed that the street was blocked off so we had to take the long way. At the Church we started to set up for Operation Christmas Love. It's our opportunity to reach out to the people in our neighborhood. We handed out gifts to almost 100 kids who weren't going to much of a Christmas. It was an amazing time. We sang Christmas Carols, watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas", Mike and Jerry spoke to everyone. It was awesome.

When we were done we went to lunch. On the way to Hoff's we drove by the corner that was blocked off earlier. There was evidence of an accident, but for the most part is was all cleaned up.

Around 5:00 a.m. Steven Uselton is talking to his 17 year old son Douglas, you see Doug was going to a speech and debate tournament and his dad didn't want him driving in the rain. So He decided to drive him to the debate. As he was crossing Crescent at Knott Ave. an 18 year old kid was drunk and ran a red light hitting and killing both Steven and Doug.

A few days later we drove to the spot where Steven and Doug were killed. We place a bouquet of flowers on the sidewalk. When we got back to the house Liz told me Wayne was pretty upset. He said that that should have been him that morning. He had overslept, his alarm never went off.

It got me to thinking. I know God loves us and protects us each and every day. I truly believe that God protected my son on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 5:30 a.m. I believe he made sure Wayne was nowhere near that corner.

It was a great day, a terrible day and a miraculous day.

But any way you look at it God is in control.

In Him,

Robert

2011-01-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

Is 2010 really coming to an end? Seems like yesterday I was writing our year end newsletter and now, here it is again. I looked back on our letter for reference and again realize this is not where we had hoped to be at this time, but the comforting thought is that this is where our heavenly Father knew we would be.
It’s funny while most people loathe change, we are craving it. But still we are here, waiting patiently for His perfect timing for us. Yet, this year did have a lot of change, perhaps not what we had wanted, but change none the less.
Shelby is now a junior in High School and has taken on some leadership roles including working with and leading a life group of Jr High girls at our church. She has been debating her future which looks like it may include some culinary arts skills.
Kathryn is still working part time at Kohl’s department store and attending Goldenwest College. She keeps herself quite busy with work, school, and teaching in Children’s Ministry, dating a nice young man, serving on the worship team, etc.
Wayne has probably gone through the most changes this year. He started a new job with his favorite place in the world, Disneyland. He is driving the submarines helping families looking for Nemo. He has always loved Disney and now that he works there he sees a future for himself. So much so, he asked his girlfriend, Jamie, to marry him with all of our family’s blessings. They have set their date for November 5 next year and we could not be happier to officially have another daughter in our family.
Liz continues working at CDF and loving being able to work with the people there and the churches they serve. She completed her Certificate program in Christian Counseling after 2 ½ years as well. Her shoulder had been causing her a lot of pain and after a manipulation that didn’t last long; she finally had surgery in May to relieve some of the pain. After almost 2 years of hurting, physical therapy, 2 surgeries, she has total motion and is 95% pain free.
Robert has kept quite busy working at Knott Ave with our missionaries all over the world and benevolence needs right here in our town, refereeing hockey on weekends, working on his T-Shirt design/screening business, coordinating the annual Operation Christmas Love event where our church provides gifts for families at Christmas who otherwise would have none.
This year did have some special highlights for our family besides the impending nuptials. Some very good friends of ours started a new ministry at the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. We have been honored to walk alongside them, praying weekly with them, supporting their new God inspired venture. We joined them in August to help with a team from Long Beach, California that was there to work with them. It is exciting to see them working so hard at following God’s desires for them, and in return experiencing the blessings that come with it. Please take a moment and check out what they are doing http://www.3-18ministries.com/ or on Facebook (search for 3:18 Ministries).
But our highlight of the year had to be our 25th wedding anniversary. July 3, 2010 marked a quarter century of marriage for us. We were given an amazing timeshare condo in Las Vegas for a week by Robert’s generous parents, and the whole family was able to be there at least part of the time. We swam, went sightseeing, ate some amazing food and saw some extraordinary hotels. We saw Phantom of the Opera while there; drove through Red Rock ate at the Bellagio and overall had an incredible time together with our family.
We have been truly blessed with each other, our families, friends, all of you…we are so grateful for your prayers and support. God’s plan for us is coming together; we can all see it and feel it. God is preparing each of us for our futures in very different ways. Our kids are finding their places on what they want to do and where they want to be. As for us, pieces of our puzzle are coming together as well. Knott Ave is offering a class in the New Year which will get us one step closer to Arizona. It is Perspectives in World Missions, a 14 week class that can be taken for college credits. We are praying about attending and the finances to be able to do it.
You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10a)
We are holding on, preparing and waiting. Thank you for making the journey with us. We are praying God’s must abundant blessings for each of you in this New Year!

The Crews Family

Point of view.

2010-11-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

As I sit here wondering what to get everyone for Christmas. I mean there just isn't the money there was the last few years. The economy is bad we know. But I mean we don't make nearly as much as three years ago. We are struggling. Just the whole thought of money sometimes consumes me. It really stresses me.
Then I get a call from a woman who just got over a case of scabies, she has hives; she needs to get to Hemet, because in Orange County you can only live in a motel for 28 days (straight) then you must move out. So she's going to Hemet to stay with her sister but needs $10 for the bus trip. When she gets back she is going to be one day short for her rent as she will not get her check until the 3rd.
CRAP!!!
I think I'll let Christmas take care of itself.

Robert

Sisyphus

2010-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the word Sisyphus kept running through my head. That's all I could think of...Sisyphus...Sisyphus. What does it mean?...Sisyphus...I know I heard it before...Sisyphus...Was it in High School?...Sisyphus...No matter what I was working on...Sisyphus...A woman called to ask me to send her some CDs of the weekend services...Sisyphus...
So I looked it up. According to Wikipedia, Sisyphus was a king punished in Tartarus by being cursed to roll a huge boulder up a hill in Greek mythology.
I thought that is exactly how I feel. Everyday I come into work and push this huge boulder up a huge hill only to come back to work the next day and do it all over again. I'm tired every day. I don't sleep well and I'm emotionally drained. Every single day.
Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy my job. It's just I don't feel this is where I'm supposed to be right now. I feel God's call to be in Arizona.
I told Liz I have this feeling of wanting to be out on the Reservation doing What God wants me to do.
But for now I will keep pushing the boulder up that stinking hill...Sisyphus...I just wish it didn't roll over the top of me each day.

Robert

ADD Haiku

2010-10-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Oh what will I do
I can't seem to stay focused
Oh look, an airplane

I know it seems silly...but hey, that is what was on my mind. Sorry

Robert

The world is coming to an end...I know it!

2010-10-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

As I was driving into work today, traffic was terrible it took me two whole minutes,I saw Robert Rosa sitting against Big 5 sporting goods, a block away from the Church.
Robert is one of the homeless men we work with. I have known him for 5 or 6 years. In all that time I have seen him get worse and worse. He drinks to forget his problems. At one time he worked in the aerospace industry. He was married and has children. His wife cheated on him. His life went right down the tubes because he started drinking to forget. He lost his wife, job and family. Everyday he wakes up and drinks because he is in so much pain. I think it's because he never faced the mess with his ex-wife.
He has been on the streets for close to 20 years.
I talk to him about Christ every time I get the chance to talk to him. He always says he isn't ready , yet.
I'll keep praying for him and I hope you will too.
Anyway, I saw him this morning sitting against a wall reading the newspaper. I actually laughed out loud. I wondered, Was he reading about sports? The comics? I could see the paper from the street and it wasn't the comics, it wasn't the sports either. It was the front page! Was he reading about the election this year? Was he interested in the economy?
There he was, a homeless man wearing 4 hats, dirty clothes, filthy shoes, a long beard and long dirty gray hair.(trust me he is not a clean man) But there he was reading about current events. All I could think was the world is coming to an end...I know it!

Robert

Truly proud.

2010-09-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

So many times we see that a person makes a mistake then compounds it with another and another and so on until they don’t have anywhere to turn.
I see this all the time. Young girls come to the Church looking for help. Single mothers with 2 or 3 young children, abandoned by the kid’s father/s, bridges with their parents burnt, wondering what they are going to do. They are usually in tears by the time they decide to come to the Church. They feel so alone, so helpless, so hopeless.
I often wonder what leads up to this. I wonder how this can happen.
Let me tell you a pretty amazing story. (Look this is gonna be real short so a lot of details are being left out. But, you will understand my point when you get to the end.)
There was this girl, we’ll call her “J”, she was unhappy with her parents, unhappy with her life. She couldn’t understand her parents. Quite frankly they couldn’t understand her. So she decided she was leaving the house. Suffice it to say she didn’t leave under good circumstances. (leaving…mistake)
She moved in with a friend’s family. She felt this would be her new ”family”. Her mother and father were hurt. I couldn’t even imagine the pain they were going through. (compound mistake)
Very soon she found out she was pregnant. The “family “she so desperately wanted felt they didn’t sign up for this. (They didn’t)
What to do now? This is where the girls that come to the Church make their biggest mistake. They either get married or decide they will show everyone that they can take care of themselves. They don’t need anyone else. And the parents, they decide they don’t want to enable these girls so they tell them basically…”You made your bed now you have to lie in it”…By the Way, not a good plan.
Back to “J”, what does she do? She wants to go back home. What do the parents do? They take her back in. Look I’m not saying there still aren’t problems. What I’m saying is that this family realized something very important…No matter what has happened in the past, they have to move forward as a family. They have to stick together.
All I have to say is I am very proud of “J” and her parents. I wish more families were like them.
To the parents, I love you guys. You are going to struggle but I believe you are doing the right thing
To “J” If you ever need anything I will be here for you. I love you.
Robert

I'm rambling a bit...so what?

2010-09-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

In the middle of my day yesterday I set up the "Prayer Tent" on the sidewalk outside the Church. (KACC in Anaheim) The people who are usually there weren't able to be there. As I sat there with no one asking for prayer I wondered, "why am I sitting here?" I actually said out loud, mockingly, "I have this great idea for YOU!" I mean I didn't have this idea. That guy should be here not me. I have a lot of things I could be doing.
I had to leave for a few minutes to pick Shelby up from school. I asked Our Children's Pastor Jamie if he would sit there for 15- 20 minutes. He said sure. As I was pulling out of the parking lot I saw Jamie praying with a woman. I was gone for 30 seconds and someone walked up. Maybe it was my attitude. Maybe God didn't think I was ready to pray for someone. Maybe He was right.
When I got back no one came.
As I was starting to get things ready to pack up a guy came up in tears. His wife had asked for a divorce. They have been married for 13 years and have 2 children. She said she is in love with another woman. I sat there with a totally blank mind. What on earth am I going to say to this guy to make him feel better. God was right I wasn't prepared to pray for someone. He proceeded to tell me the whole story. Suffice it to say that bringing a third party into your...um...well let's say life isn't a very good idea.
As he was talking, I was praying that I would say the right thing. So I told him that he needed to get his relationship with Jesus right. Whatever was going to happen with his wife, his relationship with Christ had to come first.
That was the extent of my advice. I know it sounds kinda hollow now, but the reality is God will take care of this guy.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28
That isn't to say that all things are good. But God can use them for good.
I prayed for him, packed up the tent and realized that God had me right where He wanted me and at the exact right time.

I wonder if anyone will show up next Wednesday...

In Him,
Robert

Haiku for Liz!

2010-09-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

I wake and see you.
If I didn't have my love,
Where is the sunshine?

I love you Liz,
Robert

Two things

2010-08-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

C.T. Studd wrote...
"Some wish to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell"
From "In a Pit with a Lion on a snowy day"...
"Has the Church turned into a bunker where we seek shelter when we're actually called to storm the gates of hell?"
I read those today and it got me thinking. Am I within a yard of hell going forward? Or am I hiding, out of the line of fire?

If I'm being honest I'm hiding.

Look we're told to put on the full armor of God. Warriors didn't put on armor to sit back and wait for something to happen. They were attacking, advancing.
That's what I want to do. I'm tired of sitting in the bunker.
I WANT TO STORM THE GATES OF HELL!!!!!

It's time!
Who's with me?!

In Him,
Robert

2010-08-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

We just returned from an incredible trip to AZ to work with 3:18 Ministries on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Here are some pictures of our trip...

Between balloon animals, painting outdoors in 112° heat, water games, sharing with a man deep in depression, spraying our hair orange, talking with a teen who has no one to talk to, playing on playgrounds, keeping promises...It was a great trip. If you are not signed up to get our e-mail updates, comment and let us know! Please keep our family and these faces in your prayers! We are all seeking...

What a day...

2010-08-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I posted this on Facebook.
"A man[Manuel] came to the door looking for help. He lost his job, the person he was renting a room from up and moved and took/threw out his belongings, his daughter is on Sec. 8 housing so he can't stay with her without jeopardizing her housing.
He needed a place to stay for the night. I sent him to a motel to find out if they had a room. On the way back he put an application at the .99 cent store. When he came back, they did have a room, we paid for a night.
He was so happy he started to cry. He wanted to shake my hand and when I did he grabbed it and kissed it.
He said he talked to some other Churches but they couldn't help.
He sat down, looked up at the sky and prayed for help. A guy came up and told him to go to Knott Ave. Christian Church because "they Care there."
Today was a good day"

Well here is an update on Manuel.
He came to Community Assistance to get food and when Jim talked to him, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior.
A good day indeed!

Later in the afternoon I got a phone call from a friend who is a missionary on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. He told me that a kid, Donny, I knew from a few years ago. Actually I taught him how to do a magic trick. Was hit by a car and killed this morning. Donny was deaf and involved in gangs.
The day isn't so good any more.

Kids like Donny are the reason Liz and I are being called to the Reservation. And guys like Manuel are the reason I'm here at Knott Ave. now.

Robert

Enable vs. Help

2010-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

In my job I have to decide between help and enable, every day. I'll give you a couple examples from today:

I get a call from one of our Community Assistance volunteers (From here on we will refer to it as C.A. and him as Michael) OK, Community Assistance is where we give out groceries and try to connect people with the right agencies to help with their problems. Anyway I get a call saying that there is a woman who needs food because her boyfriend has just been arrested and she doesn't know what she is going to do. He asked If I could give her food and talk to her. I told him we give food on Monday and Thursday. But I would be happy to talk to her. He said she really needs food. Look, I have no intention of letting someone go hungry. But this woman comes to our C.A. and she knows the rules and she was here yesterday. If someone comes for the first time I will of course give them a little food. Anyway she came by smelling of alcohol and cigarettes. She said Michael said I would give her food. I told her that I could only give food on Mondays and Thursdays. She said OK and walked off. If she got food from us yesterday, can afford cigarettes and beer and I give her food today, that would be enabling her. Right?

Earlier a guy came to talk. He said he has a couple job interviews and needed a haircut. He was hungry but didn't ask for food. He is unemployed but didn't ask for money. He was out of gas but didn't ask for a gas voucher. He had to move from his room because he couldn't pay rent but didn't ask for a motel voucher. I asked him if he needed a shirt and pants for his interviews. And he said no. He was able to do laundry at his friends house. He asked me to tell him a place to get a haircut. That's all he wanted. nothing more. By the way Great Clips in Cypress has $4.99 haircuts. I gave him $10 and told him to put the extra towards gas. I think I helped him. Right?

OK, This woman came by and said she needed help with rent. She is only working part time. She has two teenage boys who fight all the time and a ten month old daughter. I couldn't pay $40.25 for a night. She was going to have to sleep in her car for the night, at least one night. If she doesn't find a place to stay for the weekend she'll be in her car with her 3 kids.

I don't know about you, but for me, telling the first woman no wasn't hard. Neither was giving someone $10 for a haircut. Sometimes I help, I usually try not to enable and sometimes I cry.

Today I did all three.

If you are in Buena Park tonight stop by. I could use a hug. Trust me that would be "help."

Robert

Happy 25th!

2010-07-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

On July 3, 2010 Robert and I had been married for 25 years, a silver wedding anniversary, a quarter of a century, 2 and a half decades, more than half of my life on this earth. If I were to look back 25 years ago, would I imagine we would be where we are today, no. Do I wish things were different, sometimes? Would I trade any of the hard, difficult times we have been through, never (well maybe that one year in Modesto)
The truth is, we have been through a lot, more than some, not as much as most. We are in the midst of a tempest now, and there are many more in store for us in the future. But I know that the more severe the storm, the more trying and difficult the circumstances, it means something big is at the other end awaiting us. God has a plan for us as promised, Jeremiah 29:11.

Our family vacation was great! The 5 of us piled into our car and headed to Las Vegas. We had an amazing condo complete with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and a master suite with a king size bed and huge whirlpool tub. (Courtesy of Robert’s parents) We swam, cooked meals, soaked in the tub, watched movies and just laughed and relaxed. In between we saw some incredible hotels/casinos (the architecture and decorating is astounding). We participated in a time share presentation where we were staying and received a meal voucher for Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill restaurant – we all were pretty excited. We drove out to Red Rock Canyon State Park and drove the 13 mile scenic route. We saw The Phantom at the Venetian (I believe my favorite hotel)and for our anniversary; we enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Bellagio-which has a fabulous water show to some of my favorite Frank Sinatra tunes! God gave us a week to get away from everything and spend quality time with each other, something we desperately needed. In those moments, we are again reminded of what is truly important, our Lord and Savior dying on the cross so we can live. Thank you for your prayers!
Now, it is back to reality, but that's OK. We are refreshed and ready! Back to business, God's business.
Enjoy the pictures to the right!
Liz

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Go Kings!

2010-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

So,
My Monday started with me sitting at the hospital with my best friend as he was waiting for his wife to go through cancer surgery.
I got to work around 10:30 and a girl, let's call her M, was waiting to talk to me. Her boyfriend, let's call him R, left her. She slept on the street the night before. They had both had been shooting heroin for a few days, and they started fighting. So I tried to find a shelter that would take a 21 year old pregnant girl hooked on heroin. Before I knew it, Edgar came to get me because a guy, R, was yelling at a girl, M, outside. I went out and found R stalking, like a caged animal. After talking to him I realized what was going on with him. Heroin. Well, to be honest he told me, he said he wanted to get into a program to get clean. I called James from Come To Him Ministries and he agreed to come talk to him. James said he would be there in an hour. For the next hour R and M argued and then they talked, argued, talked, argued and talked.
After an hour James showed up and talked to R. He informed R that no place would take him unless he tested clean. As James talked, I was amazed how compassionate and loving he was. R seemed to understand. R and M packed up everything they had into a couple of backpacks and left with their arms around each other.
1:15 I went to lunch. 1:30 I get a call from the office that they are back yelling at each other. Pastor Rick told R that he would have to leave because he was yelling, screaming actually, at M.
When I got back to the office R was yelling at everyone, M, me, James, Amy and some poor woman who was looking for rental assistance. I asked Amy to take the woman, who looked like she was shell shocked, into the office. R screamed "I can't get any food or a bus pass?" "F- you, F-your god" to M, "F-your god" to me and "F-your god" to James. "He never did anything for me". He picked up his backpack that had everything he owned in his whole life and left.
M started praying and crying. She asked God to help her to get clean. I talked to her for another 1/2 hour. I gave her a bus pass so she could go to a facility in Long Beach. I don't know if she went or what will happen to her and her baby.
I walked into the office to find a woman, let's call her S, sitting in the hallway, in a chair crying. She still looked frightened. She told me her story. She owed the bank $300 because of overdraft fees. They would take it out in installments if she would use direct deposit for her SSI check. She said they charge her $48 a month for fees along with the money she owes. That leaves her $50 short for rent this week. This Friday is her daughters birthday and she was afraid she would have to use any money she received as a birthday present. She knows she needs to be in church but her daughter was sick during spring break so she couldn't come.
A couple of months ago this same woman came to talk to me about needing help. She had the same story, right down to the next Friday being her daughters birthday. I told her we couldn't help her. I walked into my office to find my phone ringing. Oh, by the way my computer has a virus. It hijacked everything. I can't even use it as a nightlight. Back to the phone. R was on the phone to apologize. I told him he had crossed the line and he couldn't come back for a while. He said OK and started to cry then immediately said he didn't care. That he was going to have to steal to eat and if he went back to prison he didn't care. He hung up.
A little while later I looked at the clock and it was 4:30, time to go home. As I was leaving the parking lot R was pacing back and forth in front of the Church looking at every car that was driving by because he had called M's father on the phone and threatened him. Her dad said he would come down there and kick his rear end. R was waiting for him to show up. I told him he had to move on. He said OK and picked up his whole life in that little backpack and walked off.
What's for dinner? Tears.

Don't worry, I'll be OK.
The Kings are up 2-1.

Robert

The Widow's Gift

2010-03-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

The other day a man in a powered wheelchair came to the door and asked to speak with someone. So naturally, I get a call.

I go out to talk to him. His name is Robert. We sit for about 25 minutes and I listen to him. He doesn't have teeth (he mumbled) and is hard of hearing (he whispered) so it was tough to hear him. I don't think he cared all that much. He is a very lonely man and just wanted to talk to someone. After a while he was done talking, so I asked him if I could pray for him and he said sure. After we prayed he said he would like to give me some money for the homeless. He also said he didn't have much as he only gets $35 a week for expenses. The rest of his money goes to the facility he's in. He pulled $1.63 from a bag (he lost his wallet). I told him he didn't have to give us the money. I said he may need it and it would be OK for him to keep it. He insisted and handed me a 1 dollar bill (crumpled up) 2 quarters, two nickels and 3 pennies. I thanked him and told him we would give it to someone who needed it. I walked into the office and told Rebecca (our receptionist) about Robert. We both almost cried.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.
And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.
And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them;
for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."

Luke 21: 1-4

I saw Robert driving his wheelchair across the street the other day. I just looked at him and smiled. The gift he gave me that day was more than money can buy. I thank you Robert.

In Him,

Robert

Drive to work

2010-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

This morning driving into work, same route I always take: I got off the freeway, in the same place I always do, though something was different today. As I exited there were several police cars and flares scattered on the road blocking 2 of the 3 lanes. As I slowly turned down the street I noticed right away what all the commotion was. There was a car precariously balanced on the center divider! Yes, somehow this car managed to work its way up onto the grassy divider, facing the wrong way, with the front tires almost touching the pavement, back tires on the divider. What was more interesting to me was, as I drove slowly by, there was a woman seated in the car on the driver’s side looking at me. As we made eye contact, the look wasn’t amusement or annoyance at what had happened, it wasn’t fear or shock, it was I have no idea what to do next, won’t you help me? You know that look. We all see it in people’s faces every day; in the grocery store, at restaurants, work places, even stopped at a light. The question in my mind was, is she asking me for help? How can I help? There are police, I’m sure a fire truck was on its way, possibly paramedics, and lots of people standing around. I had to get to work, if I stopped I couldn’t possibly be any more help than what she was already surrounded by. So as I pulled into my parking lot, the vision of her still in my mind I realized the one thing I could do of course, pray. While she did not appear to be injured or in any danger, there was a reason our eyes met. God had a reason to bring me to that place at that time. So even though I did not know what her specific needs were, other than the obvious, I felt she was crying out for more. I sat in my car and prayed for her. I prayed that even though I don’t know what she needs, her Heavenly Father does. How much more should I be praying for those whom I am close to and love dearly and know their hurts and cries? My mornings are full of requests on behalf of others now. I fill my drive to work with prayer. So many of my friends & family are in need of prayer, please know that I am praying…

Liz

That's why!

2010-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

One of my responsibilities at work is to work with the people in our neighborhood who need assistance. That could mean food, rent, utilities or just listening to them talk.

I'm not able to give everyone what the ask for. Sometimes I can only listen.

About a year ago a woman came to the office in tears. Her boyfriend left her and her son. (Junior High age) He took all the money and she didn't know what she was going to do. Her son was an angry young man, not doing well at school. She asked for help with rent. I wasn't able to give her any money. I sat with her for almost an hour. Listening. I wanted to help her but there wasn't anything I could do.

During our conversation she mentioned her need for "medical marijuana". After a couple seconds I realised there wasn't a medical reason for her smoking. I asked her if she was really surprised her son was so angry when he saw the things going on in the house, drug abuse and fighting with her boyfriend. She only cried.

Before she left I prayed with and for her. I prayed God would comfort her and draw her to Him. I prayed God would help her.

Over the the last year I talked with her son when he came by to pick up a bus pass. I always asked how he and his mom were doing. Sometimes he would say "good" and other times he would just shrug his shoulders. Usually he would shrug his shoulders.

Last Sunday at Church she came up to me and asked if I remembered her. I said I did (expecting her to ask for help). She said she wanted to thank me for the time I spent with her that day. She said that it meant everything to her that I would spend the time to listen and pray for her.

Her son is getting straight A's. She has a job and has stopped smoking. They are getting ready to move to a better apartment. Things are looking up.

Some have asked me why do I want to do what I do.

I can honestly say...That's why.

Robert

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

click on document to enlarge

Someone make it stop...

2009-10-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

They say life is a roller coaster, not good…I don’t particularly enjoy roller coasters! In fact, I do not enjoy the feeling of not being in control. Yes, I have control issues, I know but mine tend to be over the edge strong issues. I don’t like skiing, the feeling of going super fast down a mountain and not knowing for sure I can stop before I break something. I don’t like river rafting, knowing any moment the boat can tip over and I am helpless in the water, and there is nothing I can do to control it. I don’t care for roller coasters, especially the ones that go almost straight down, the feeling of not being in control…
That feeling translates to our life right now. I look back 2 years ago and we knew “the plan.” We would get Kathryn through high school, and into college. We would sell our house with enough equity to pay off all of our debt, house, cars and credit cards with extra for a down payment on a cute little place in Globe. We had even gone so far to make an offer on a place there, so sure of “the plan.” We told everyone our “plan” and thanked God for what was to come.
Our 2 year turbulent, E ticket ride does not seem to be coming to an end anytime soon. As you know the economy has taken its toll on our families lives, jobs, and our home. Some say it is coming back, some say we have not seen the worst of it. Our bills have gone the opposite direction than what we had hoped, and there seems to be no end in sight. Our home has also gone so low that we cannot sell it now for even what we owe on it. The pay cut suffered through this whole process, placed a burden on us that has been heavier than imagined. So why am I being a Debbie Downer? Why am I recapping 2 years worth of pain and suffering? Am I concerned there are 38 more years to come wandering around in this desert? You BET I am!!
I can’t help but be human and admit that to God. I hurt and I feel pain and I am not perfect and I have made some huge mistakes and continue to do so. I am still seeking God’s direction, His purpose for us. I just want to follow; it is exhausting to be in the lead. This morning I read an e-mail from a church that friends of ours planted. Pastor Patrick Norris is speaking on Proverbs 16:9 “in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” He suggests there are choices to be made: try harder, pushing against closed doors, get discouraged, feel sorry for ourselves or blame others for our misfortune. All things I have done. Wish I were in NC to hear in person but I think I will watch online. (The next best thing)
I have a friend who is battling cancer and his wife said to me she felt so awful because the other night she was crying and so distraught she could not pray and it bothered her. I got the verse out Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” I love that when I have bad days and cry and groan and can’t form the thoughts or words I want to say, He hears me. He knows my thoughts, feelings, hurts, pains; He knows my heart. So what I am remembering today is “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.

Praising God!

*Kathryn is working at Kohl's and doing very well. She is dating a wonderful, Godly young man.

*Wayne just got a second job at Knott's Berry Farm working on the ferris wheel in Camp Snoopy, he loves kids and still dating Jamie who we all adore.

*Shelby is a sophmore and loving being in Choir and her life group at church.

We all are so sure of where we desire to be, in Arizona...
Your prayers for our family over the past 2 years have sustained us; Thank you will never be enough. Please continue with us in prayer on this journey. Let us know how we can be praying for you.

Liz

Birthdays, Birthdays...

2009-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Our 2 October babies just celebrated their birthdays this week! Wayne 21 and Shelby 15. (I was a child bride :), OK no I wasn't but I now feel very old. I remember when Wayne was a baby, holding him in my arms and rocking him to sleep. Shelby grew up so fast before my eyes I wanted to stop those baby years and hold onto them forever. Then they begin to grow into the loving, caring adults they are meant to be. I watched Robert baptize Wayne, and I baptized Shelby. They love the Lord and are such a blessing to us. God has truly blessed us with some amazing kids and a family I could never imagine! Happy Birthday Wayne and Shelby! Love Mom and Dad

I love this quote, it says it all...

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
~Barbara Bush

time...

2009-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

It seems that hours turn into days, days to months, etc. Time moves so slowly and yet so fast. I look back to a year ago and remember the plans we had and where we thought we would be. Yet, I understand why we are still here and how God has continued to lead us and how we have to continue to submit to Him, daily. Though it was not our plan to still be in Buena Park, it was God's. I was reading Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Have I been doing this? Some days I know I know I am not. My mind is in desperate need of renewal. It has been a long, hard year for us. I praise God for the good days and the bad ones. I struggle with presenting myself a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing, because I know I am not. Yet I heard a great explanation from Pastor Shane for Grace and Mercy, Mercy-not giving you what you deserve, Grace - giving you what you don't deserve... This is such a great picture of God's love...
So, still here and still seeking God's timing and perfect will...
Liz

Good Bye Nan

2009-09-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

I am reposting something I wrote when I returned from a trip to Australia in summer 2008. This past month we received word that Nan had passed away. We had been praying for her health for quite some time now, but the time finally came for her to go home. I feel so blessed to have met this special woman and so much of her family. Robert and KC spent time with her this last trip and I am so grateful for that as well. She will be greatly missed here on earth but I rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord forever!

From July 2008-

So much is on our minds and hearts that this may be jumbled at times, but isn't that what a blog is about?
Upon our return to Brisbane from Eidsvold we spent one of our evenings doing "home visits." Ann Street Church of Christ schedules visits at home from the leadership of the church, just to get to know the members better-what an awesome idea! Several of us went to Nan's house. She is an amazing Christian Aboriginal woman who has raised 10 kids, some she took in and adopted, I believe the grand kids numbered in the 50's and many great grand kids. She is 72, which is quite old for an aboriginal woman. Since the couch was full I sat on the floor at her feet and listened to her talk of family and the pride she has in them. She showed pictures of her kids, her husband (who was killed in a car accident), her parents, grandparents. She talked of her life in Cherbourg where she was born and some of her experiences there including seeing her sister be sent to Palm Island with Annie in my previous write up. We were honored by having one of her family members, Jon joined us on our journey to Cherbourg and Eidsvold. We were blessed by his testimony and his desire to serve our Lord. He also really wants to come to America on a trip the Church is planning to take here to work with Knott Ave and ARM. Sitting at her feet was such a blessing for me. I understand how important it is to really know about the people you share Christ with. Everyone will hear the gospel but it is more than the "turn or burn" or beating them over the head with the Bible, it is about relationships. It is about earning the right to be heard for some, that is where I feel drawn. The next night we went to Nan's son Daniel's church and Mike spoke. He spoke of getting right with God and laying our hidden sins and struggles at the feet of Jesus. He asked if anyone wanted to come forward for prayer and Mike and Robert prayed with two men that night. One young man sobbed at his seat and Robert spoke with him and prayed with him later that evening. We were treated to some awesome worship and an amazing dinner. I was told that Nan asked to see me that night at Church, so I went and sat next to her and hugged her. She said she had something for me and took my hand and put in it a small pin. It has the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islanders flag on it, representing 2 of the indigenous people groups. She is aboriginal and her husband Torres Strait Islander. I started to cry and hugged her and thanked her for her generosity. She said it was small but it was so I would not forget, how could I? How can you forget any experience in your life such as this? It was amazing! Liz

There will be a day...

2009-09-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Memories and Faces from our trip in August...enjoy!

Remember

2009-09-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know where I was eight years ago today.
I was setting up chairs listening to the radio. At 6:00 I heard that an airplane crashed into the World Trade Center. I turned on a TV, actually I had to set it up. I had to run a wire from the antenna on the roof of our Fellowship Hall to the TV. Not hard just took a little time. as I continued to set up I watched in horror as I saw the second plane hit. Up until then no one was sure what was happening. As soon as it hit I knew we were being attacked.
"We are America, this doesn't happen to us."
After my immediate disbelief subsided I wondered, like everybody else, why?
After a few days I think I understood more. We are viewed as a Christian nation by most of the world, I'm not so sure about that, and we are the enemy. The Muslim world sees us as the Infidel, the Great Evil. This is a spiritual battle. This was really an attack on God.
In the years since then I see our country more and more turning away from God.
Our own citizens are turning against each other and against God.
Maybe the attack worked.
How do we as Christians change this trend? I don't have the answer I'm just asking the question. I do know how we can start.
Prayer, prayer and more prayer.
I can't change peoples hearts. God can.
Prayer, prayer and more prayer.

In Him,
Robert

Each time I go...

2009-08-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Each time we go to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, I learn something new; experience something new, God always has something there for me. This trip was no exception. Sharing the experience with “newbie’s” or people there for the first time is so awesome. Either they get it or they don’t, really no in between. It is not a criticism but an observation. I have seen people deeply moved by what they have seen and others who may have enjoyed the trip, but it does not affect them the same. The first day we were taken on a prayer journey through the neighborhoods in San Carlos, stopping in several to pray for the areas and specific requests shared by Diana Lawrence, one of the Directors of A.R.M. (http://www.azrez.org/). It is an eye opening, heart wrenching experience hearing some of the stories of abuse, pain, suicides, etc. Then, that afternoon we went out on the bus and sang songs, did a bible lesson and played with over 45 kids in one of the neighborhoods we had just prayed over. That night, when we debriefed, our team was left speechless. It is difficult to comprehend what happens there and then to spend time with the kids who are directly affected by it. We talked and prayed and talked some more, late into the night. Tom and Connie (pictured above left) dove right in and played with the kids, did more than we asked, they were amazing. God was so faithful on this trip, through some painful times for Tom, we all prayed and God held back the pain.
The second day we went to the San Carlos Apache Cultural Center run by Herb, a very interesting Apache man who allowed us to ask tons of questions and talked to us for a long time. The Cultural center takes you on a small tour of the history of the Apache people you don’t find in our history books. How they were placed on reservations, different tribes who were enemies, so there was suspicion and distrust among themselves. They were given rations, not enough for all of them and they waited in huge lines seen (pictured here to the right) just to get them. We saw such similar pictures and stories to things we saw in Australia with the Aboriginal people, so very sad. The next afternoon was out on the bus again but a different area, different kids. There was a young mom (I’m guessing 16-17) who brought her 3 month old daughter on the bus. While mom made a bracelet (the craft for the week), we took care of the baby.
Tom and Connie were both overwhelmed by what they saw and learned about, and are praying for how God will use them and change them due to this trip. Robert and I, both certain that God wants us there, working on that reservation, with His people. Still patiently waiting on His perfect timing…
Your prayers sustain us; we could not do this alone. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”

the Bus

2009-08-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

Change is inevitable

2009-08-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

In my professional career change has always been a constant, and something I have learned to embrace and teach/help others through that process. I have been through mergers, layoffs, disappointment, failure, successes and CHANGE.
However, in my personal life, it is harder (surprise!). I like having a plan, knowing what is going to happen or even suppose to happen I am OK with. I like making lists and checking things off, I drive my kids and husband crazy, but I figure one of us has to be like this right?
Well, God has a way of forcing me to let go of these things, I say force because I am stubborn and don’t usually yield willingly.
Wayne, our son about to turn 21, is starting a Police Academy preparation class. It is something that never, ever crossed my mind that he would be interested in, but apparently after lots of thought and prayer he really wants to try it. I cannot express how frightening this is to me as a parent, but if this is what God wants for him, I am in full support.
Kathryn just got her first job and is more than excited about it. She is saving and planning on starting cosmetology school in January. She is becoming a confident young woman and stretching her wings, but trying to find her place in what God has for her.
Shelby starts her sophomore year in High School next week. She is working a couple of nights a week helping out with child care at church. She just got back from an amazing retreat with the High School group at our church. She was inspired to come up with plans to change the world, and her group is planning on putting their plan into action. The Youth Pastor she had last year had left and her Jr. High Pastor took over the group, she couldn’t be happier. We just learned that he is now moving to Ohio to accept a new Youth Position. She is close to his wife and was really excited about this year; she is now struggling with yet another change.
Robert and I are struggling with our own issues and dilemmas. Life never seems to go as I plan, though I know God has a better plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11). Right now, all I can do is take each day as it comes, know that God is in charge and purposely give to Him all of my daily stress and fears. Please pray for our family...
Moving forward on the journey, and following God on the path…
Liz

Cabin

2009-07-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Our weekend of rest and relaxation was very nice; I wanted to share some pics and thank you all for your prayers! It was way, way too short; we will need to do it again. Each morning I was the first one up, which gave me a perfect quiet time with God. So I took my cup of coffee and my bible and sat on the deck of the cabin to have some one on one time. As I read and was still, begging God for answers to all of my problems, the birds in the trees kept breaking my peace and quiet. Blue Jays jumping from branch to branch, pouncing on the crumbs in the dirt below; a woodpecker, tapping on every branch in search of his next meal-which he indeed found. The noise was loud and bothersome. I watched that woodpecker bounce around tapping noisily on every branch, seeking his treasure. And while at first I was annoyed by the break in my quiet time, I realized that God got my attention and was speaking to me.
“Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” - Matthew 6:25-27
I have heard this verse and read this verse many times in my life, because I am a worrier. I worry about everything and everyone. Even when things seem smooth in our life, there is always someone I can worry about. I feel like God has to hit me over the head sometimes and say “let this one go, I will take it.” He brings people into our lives that are hurting more, and losing more and suffering so much more than me. I am blessed beyond what I deserve, and have difficulty keeping that in perspective. Every day, before the Throne of Christ, I have to lay down my burdens…everyday.
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Liz

Australia.

2009-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

So it's been a couple of week since we got back from Brisbane, Australia. I have a couple of observations about the trip.

First. For the first time I could see a look of hope on some of the kid's faces in Eidsvold. Considering the lack of someone at the Christian Centre this is good news. I can see the work the people from Ann Street Church of Christ are doing there is working. I can understand how they don't see much change, but I see it. It's like the Rez. Each time I go back I can see little changes on the faces of the Apache kids. God is at work on the Rez and in Eidsvold.

Second. I can see that God is at work at Ann Street. The worship team is awesome and the preaching the two weeks we were there was awesome. Well one week anyway. I could listen to Mike every day and not get tired of him. Anyway, the leadership has banded together to make things work in the aftermath of the Senior Pastor leaving, and if the two week we were there is any indication then they are moving in the right direction.

While I was there I got to hang out with Carlos. What a great guy. He invited me into his house and treated me like I was family. I think he is an amazing person. If you ever go on one of our GO!Teams to Australia I hope you get to meet Carlos. I don't think you can stay at his house as I will be there.

It seems like such a long time ago that we went to Brizzy. I have a ton of stories to tell but after a while it only sounds like bragging. If you want to know more I will be happy to tell you. Just let me know.

I would like to thank everyone who helped KC and I go to Australia. I know these memories will be with me always.

And finally I would like to thank Tim and Kylie. You two are an inspiration to me. The way you two love not only each other but others makes me long to be like you. You have three wonderful boys. I love each one like they were mine. What? Yes I said "MINE". I don't know if you knew this, but the Saturday we went to the Lions game I was able to spend about an hour walking and talking with Hayden. He is such a joy to be around. If all Christian children were like him this would be an awesome world. Thank you for being you, I love you guys like family.

I'm sure I will want to tell you more in the future, so I reserve the right to revisit this subject again.

Thanks for your time,

Robert

Aussie 09

2009-07-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Let me explain, there is too much. Let me sum up.

2009-07-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

We flew into Brisbane.
We went to Brisbane and got to hang out with the kids from Ann St.
We went to Logan and cleaned up around the Christian Centre.
We went to Ann Street Church of Christ and had a Community BBQ.
We got to see Aboriginal Dancers dance for the Coming of the Light celebration.
We went to Ann Street COC and listened to Mike preach.
We went to Eidsvold and got to hang out with the kids there.
We went to Musgrave park for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal Islander Day Of Celebration).
We went to Ann Street COC and had a prayer walk.
We went to the Gabba to see a Lions (Aussie rules Football) game.
We went to Ann Street COC and I had... I mean got to preach.
We had lunch at Ann St. and watched Aboriginal dancers.
We went to Church at Musgrave Park and I preached again.
We flew home.

Well that is the summary of what we did while in Australia. But that doesn't even tell part of the story of our two weeks.
Each time I go to Australia I am amazed at the way we are accepted into the community. It seems the more we go to Australia the more the people at Ann St. treat us like family. They feed us and this trip they danced for us. This is special because the dances were put together just for us. They spent several hours on Saturday just so they could dance for us on Sunday. Amazing!
Before I finish for today I wanted to tell you one story.
While we were in Eidsvold, we stayed up to around 12:00 playing games and sitting around the bon fire with the teens in Eidsvold. I know this sounds like a small thing but these kids are hungry for relationships. The more I travel the more I realize how much relationships are a part of presenting the Gospel. It seems like we should know that instinctively but the truth is we usually don't. There is one girl in particular, who was there the first time we went to Eidsvold four years ago, she has been around each time we've been back and this time she responded to an invitation after Carlos spoke. The leadership of Ann St. has promised to send her Bible studies and follow up with her. This shows how important our trips to Eidsvold are, and how important relationships are.
I will blog again in a few days as there is a ton of things on my mind.
Talk to you soon,
Robert

How about "I'm sorry."

2009-07-10T09:20:00.002-07:00

This morning we went to Europcar car hire (rental). We had a reservation for two 8 passenger vans and one car. They called this morning to say there was a problem. Kia had recalled their mini vans and we couldn't get them. They said we could have a 12 passenger van, a seven seater and one car.

After voicing our displeasure, Daun S. said fine we'll take it. Then they said the only problem is the 7 passenger won't be there until 9 or 9:30. We were supposed to pick them up at 8:00.

So we wait around Tim's house and wait and wait and wait.

We go to Europcar, 9:15, and they said it will be only about 15 minutes. As Daun talks to the woman (We'll call her Allison because that was her name) at the counter she explains that too many people have extended their rental. Daun tells her the story told to her on the phone and she says she can't understand why she would be told that. Turns out the guy (we'll call him Jamie- his name) is sitting right there. Daun was not happy. Me? No I wasn't happy either. We were supposed to be at Family Fun Day at Musgrave park at 9:00 for NAIDOC. We sign for the 12 passenger and the car. Daun takes Tim's Tarago (8 passenger Toyota minivan). Tim takes the 12 passenger and Tim's wife Kylie takes the Camry (rental). Carlos and I stay to wait for the 7 passenger. 10:00, only 2 hours late. As you can tell our 15 minutes has been almost an hour. At 10:37 I ask "What are the chances we are going to get out of there in the next half hour?" Jamie gets on the phone and talks to the guy driving the car and tells us "he's almost here. 10 minutes or so." "Or so" always gets you in trouble.

I say to Allison, "You gotta know this isn't right". She says "There is nothing I can do". Me-"I understand that but you know this isn't right." A- "We only have so many cars and when some people extend (their rental) there is nothing we can do." Me- "The other people who don't get a car are not my concern." A- "I'm sorry" "but..." This word can only lead to trouble in a situation like this. "There's nothing I can do." She should have stopped at "I'm sorry".

I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry is renting a car and they don't have the model he ordered. He tells them they know how to take a reservation they just don't know how to keep a reservation. By the way...I took the insurance!

Anyway I go off to the toilet, I know but the bathroom is where you take a bath and the restroom is...well they don't call it that here in Australia, and when I get back there it is an almost brand new Mitsubishi Pajero, (only 2000 K's on it, don't ask me, I wouldn't know what a Kilometer was if it jumped up and bit me) RED. I look at Carlos and say, "We can't have a red one, it's bad luck." He looks at me with a confused look and I just smiled at him. He smiles at me and tells Jamie, "We have to have a black one." Allison and Jamie look puzzled. Me- "Red is bad luck." C-"We have to have a black one." J- "If you are waiting for a black one you are SOL." Only he actually said it. We all laughed.

The tank on the Pajero is only on 7/8 of a tank. Allison tells us to go to the petrol station and fill it up and she will meet us there and pay. Me- "Look, don't worry about it. I don't care I will fill it up I just want to go." A- "I insist." I was surprised she didn't say, "It's the least I can do."

I get in look at Carlos and say we are going to the petrol station because she insists. We both just laughed. 11:22.

Musgrave park was Awesome. I got to see Ruth Ghee and introduce KC to her. She grabbed KC and hugged her like she knew her all her life. I wanted to cry. I will blog on that in the next day or two. Just so you know even after the morning we had it was a great day today. You should all come to Australia next year.

In Him,

Robert

It's just me...

2009-07-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I know you are waiting to hear more about the Australia Team from Robert (me too!) but I know they have been extremely busy, so hopefully soon. Daun has given them a full schedule as usual! It has been much harder for me being at home this trip than any other, why you ask? I've been asking myself the same thing. It may be that for our past 8 wedding anniversary's, Robert has been out of the country. I have been with him for 3, 2 in Australia and 1 in Mexico City, and quite frankly it is NOT the same being on a mission trip then being on say vacation, but at least we were together for a few. This last Friday was our 24Th anniversary, I wonder where we will be on our 25Th? (or if we will even be on the same continent) It may be that KC went for the first time, and she and I have grown really close and I miss talking to her, cooking with her and even driving with her. It may be that I'm use to having my best friend and husband here with me to eat dinner with, talk over problems that come up, help make decisions, hug, etc. Or it may be that I wish I was there, playing skittles with Bonnie, Boyo, Lennie, St John, Wayne, Jessma, sitting by the fire with Ayeesha, Peydon, Nita and India, seeing how big Hayden, Sam and Tysin have gotten, scratching and sniffing Tim's shoulder, having some serious girl time with Daun and Kylie and Regina and Lena, enjoying the company of the friends at Ann Street and listening to my husband preach and sharing my testimony, listening to amazing stories from Elizabeth, Lyle and Hazel, Nan, Jon, having deep late night conversations with Daun, and...

I wonder...

Liz

"Do you think he wants some cheese?"

2009-07-03T15:37:00.001-07:00

If you didn't know I have this mental aversion to cheese. It all started when I was going to school in Long Beach. Suffice it to say I literally cant swallow when I try to eat melted cheese. I've tried. Liz and I go to Northwoods for a nice steak dinner and they serve this cheese bread, it looks really good. Each time I go there I tell myself to try it. I pick it up and boom my brain says no. So I give it to Liz all the while feeling like a failure.

So our first night here in Australia I'm sitting at the table having an awesome conversation about Jesus and relationships. They were having a youth group over and we were really having a good time. Then it came time for dinner and guess what we were having. NACHOS! What was I going to do. They were all made and ready to go. One of the kids brought me a plate. I was done for. I knew if they served it I had to eat it. So I asked God to get me through it. I ate the whole plate and didn't get sick. Thank you God. Without Him I wouldn't have made it.

This is the seventh year I've spent my anniversary in Australia. (Happy anniversary Liz. I love you with all my heart.) Two of them Liz came with me. So when i get home I'm taking her to Northwoods for our anniversary dinner and have me a piece of cheese bread. Maybe.

From down under,

Robert

And they're off...

2009-06-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Go Team Australia 2009 took off late last night, and as of this post are still in the air on their way to Brisbane, Australia.
I had such a hard day yesterday saying good-bye to Robert and Kathryn, not sure if it was missing them or not being able to go with them. When you are the traveler, you forget how difficult it is for the one’s left behind. The easy and difficult decisions made daily in a family, are left with the one and our lives are definitely running through ups and downs…good thing God is in charge, not me! (I just have to keep remembering that)

Please keep this team in your prayers as they travel. Check out the links attached to this list for more info.

Here is the Aussie Teams prayer schedule:

6/28-29 – Travel time-safety
6/30 – meeting with their host families (those who have volunteered to house our team)
7/1-2 – connecting with Ann Street Church of Christ members and Youth-including an all church dinner
7/3 – travel to Logan, connecting with the Aboriginal Community leaders there, cleaning the Christian Centre
7/4- Studying Aboriginal history and Ann St Community BBQ (modeled after our own KACC Community Suppers)
7/5 –Worship at Ann St, Mike preaching, team testimonies, travel to Eidsvold
7/6-Mike returns to the US for son’s wedding
7/6-7/9- team builds relationships with youth in Eidsvold, kids programming, BBQ, etc.
7/10- NAIDOC celebration
7/11 –day with host families, evening at Brisbane Lions game
7/12-Worship at Ann St, Robert preaching, team testimonies, farewell lunch
7/13-saying their good bye’s, debriefing and heading home

Thank you for your support, prayers and love...Liz

High School

2009-06-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

So Kathryn graduated. Not a surprise, we knew she would. But it got me to thinking about my time in high school 30 years ago.
All the people I knew, and how they affected my life. I remember thinking around my 20th reunion (I didn't go) how I saw the people I really want to see all the time. Now I don't think that's true. I mean there were a lot of people who have influenced me. I think I would like to see some of them again.
Look I know I would have got through school without the people I knew but I am thankful for Kurt Weidman for helping me during my sophomore year. He was a senior and he was willing to hang out with me. He didn't have to. He wanted to. I haven't heard from him in over 30 years. Guess what? That's right "Facebook". I've also been in contact with alot of people from my past. and I just want to say thanks to a few. Andrea Heisler, Steve Filippini, Ed Morrisey, Mark Promer, Chris England, Brenda Van Den Bosch, Clay Weatherfield, Bob Patterson, Dwayne Epstein, John Escobar, Ty Elliot, Sherry Denton and anyone whose name I've forgotten. And most importantly Liz Crews. My life wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you all.
I think I'll see some of you at the reunion.

Robert

Kathryn 2009

2009-06-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Robert made this video for Kathryn's graduation, enjoy...

My heart is full...

2009-06-03T14:16:00.001-07:00

Our kids have come a long way, and as I feel the pains of getting older, I also get the joy of seeing my children become the adults God has created them to be.

Last night Kathryn had her Senior Awards night. She received a nice check for college and she was also the recipient of the "medallion" award for Choir. It is the highest award given in that area, and she received a very nice medallion she will wear with her cap and gown in 2 weeks at graduation. She was beaming at the end of the evening.

Isn't there a song, "the road is long, with many a winding turn. That leads us to who knows where, who knows where." Kathryn is right there, but with one difference, God knows where! Her friends may come and go, boyfriends, schools, jobs, etc. But helping her to understand that no matter what, God is always there, will always be there, has always been there; has been one of the joys (and struggles) of my life. This verse has brought her through many a difficult time and she clings to it daily. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Through the heartaches and the pain, the joy and the laughter; she is such a beautiful, special person. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her! My heart is full...

Liz

I hate the Rolling Stones

2009-05-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

As I was taking my shower this morning I reached for a bottle of shampoo. I couldn't read it. My glasses were in the bedroom. I remember when I took an eye test in the late 80's. My eyes were hurting pretty bad. So I go see the doctor and he said to me "Your vision is 20/20 in one eye and 20/10 in the other. You don't need glasses." I don't remember which eye was which. I think my left eye was 20/10. No it was the right...wait I can't remember. Any way Dr. Ikeda (I remember his name. OK, I still see him so that's how I remember his name.) said I only needed to wear good sunglasses. Those days are long gone. Every day Liz will say something and then get upset because I didn't respond. It's not that I'm ignoring her it's just that I don't hear her. I used to have great hearing. Too many years of being around machinery has damaged my hearing.
So, I got out of the shower and started to shave and I saw all the grey hair on my face and on my head. I thought ...
(Wait for it) "What a drag it is getting old."
Thanks Mick. I hate the Rolling Stones!

Robert

Hard Lesson to Learn

2009-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we experienced a 4.7 earthquake here in lovely Southern California. Earthquakes are such a mystery to me, and a source of fear. As a child I was terrified of them, and on Sunday afternoon realized my daughter Shelby is too. But as I got older, you learn to accept them as part of the trade off of amazingly beautiful weather almost year round. But, earthquakes stir up different memories for me now:
On my very first Mission trip to Australia we went shopping one day at a local outdoor market. There were booths set up lining the walkway with vendors selling their wares. I stopped at one booth that had a lot of beaded jewelry and hair items. Robert, Mike and I got to talking to the woman whose work I was admiring. She was from Europe (I believe) but now living in Australia making jewelry. Her grown daughter was getting married soon in the US and she was planning on going and was asking us a lot about California. She was a very sweet woman and I really enjoyed talking to her. I remember asking God how I can bring Him up in the conversation; I wanted Him to show me an opening. (Mike has always told us that our trip starts as soon as we leave the church. You never know who you might be sitting next to on the plane, driving your shuttle, etc. They need Jesus too) She was admiring the jeweled clips I had in my hair, she had never seen anything like them. She then asked how we could live in California with all those earthquakes. My mind started racing, this was it wasn’t it? I can live with the fear because I know where I am going should I die. But; how to say it? Wait; was that the way to say it? I must analyze the situation, making sure not to say too much or too little. I need to think this through and say just the right thing to not scare her off… as my mind was searching for the perfect words (which seemed like hours), Mike Carman (our pastor and friend)broke the silence and said “well, we know that if the time comes for us to go, we know exactly where we are going.” Hey! Did I say that out loud? No, I didn’t, he did. She asked of course how we knew that and he began to share with her what Christ had done for her, and all of us. I added in here and there but what was stuck in my mind, didn’t make it out. We had a wonderful conversation with her, and told her when she was in California to look us up. I took the beaded clip out of my hair and gave it to her, she was so touched. I have never spoken to her again, however, 4 years later I am still praying for her.
I missed an opportunity, I allowed my brain to take over my heart and thought too much about what to say, how to say it, instead of letting the Holy Spirit lead me. He has never let me down, but I let myself down. It is one of those defining moments for me; I pray that I will not miss another opportunity. I have shared a lot since then, random people I meet, several kids on that same trip in Eidsvold, but I will not get that moment back. I thank God that Mike stepped up when I froze. I let fear take hold of me; I may not say the right thing, do the right thing, what should I do, etc. I don’t ever want to do that again.
So this earthquake was a good reminder for me, 1Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…”

Liz

Work In Progress

2009-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Each day we wake up and get ready to go to work. We work all day just so we can go home and relax…for the next day’s work. We do this every day so we can get to the weekend. So what then do we do on the weekend? Try to get enough rest so we can go to work on Monday. It seems to be an endless cycle.

Yet, in the middle of all that we try to fit in “God”. Aren’t we doing it backwards? Shouldn’t we be focused on God every day and then fit in work? Seems great in an ideal world, doesn’t it? Yet how would we pay our bills? How would we eat? How do we make the house payment? Unfortunately, I don’t have that answer.

Matthew 6:25 says “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Sometimes, I wish I were rich. Then I would have time to do all the things I’ve always wanted to do. Travel around the world. See Europe. I’ve always wanted to visit Israel. Wait, if I were a rich man (I know, I thought of that as soon as I wrote it) would I put God first and then “fit” in everything else? Probably not, I would just put those “things” first and be right in the same rut.

Matthew 19:24 “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

No I don’t think being rich is a priority to me. (If you have any extra money lying around though I would be more than happy to take it off your hands) And yes, I do worry about the day to day issues in our lives. Good thing I am still a work in progress.

But I think today, I will stop everything that I am doing, and put God first. Then I will finish my day here at work, go home and get some rest so I can go to work tomorrow. Then try and rest on the weekend and be back here at work on Monday.

Robert

Arizona 4/2009

2009-05-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hope...

2009-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a quick but powerful trip to Arizona to again work with ARM (Arizona Reservation Ministries) and the San Carlos Apache Indians. It is always amazing how God opens my eyes and my heart to new things each time I go. I love experiencing the trip with first timers (newbies) because they are always full of questions and thoughts and struggling with what they have seen and heard. It seems that inevitably, there is always someone who says "I want to come back, I need to come back, there must be more we can do than this, how can this be happening so close to home?" All good questions…
So while we did worship and stories on the bus with the kids, played afterward on the playground, and said our goodbyes. We also swung hammers (ok shot a nail gun), installed plumbing, shower surrounds, toilets, faucets, doors, and painted like there was no tomorrow…
For me, it’s the faces I encountered there that are haunting me here at home. I took a lot of the pictures this time and what I came back with and see all the time, are the faces of children; desperate for love, acceptance and hope. That word, “Hope” I try to never use lightly; because I have seen, in these faces, hopelessness. The Encarta dictionary says that Hope is to “want or expect something”. For some of these kids, the reality is they no longer want or expect something different than what they see. They see generations of family members who have been through exactly what they are going through. How can it be different? How do you break the cycle? Prayer, isn’t that the place to start? On my knees, begging, pleading and wrestling with God. I have a picture of one of the kids from the reservation on my desktop (on my computer) at work. I am praying for her every day. While I do not know her name, God does. While I do not know what circumstances she is going through, God does. While I do not know much, I know that God hears my prayers for her, and her family, and her friends, and the San Carlos Apache people-I am praying that they will know and feel the love of Christ, that He will become real to them in a very personal way and in turn break the cycles of pain and abuse and living without Christ in their lives. I am praying they find the Hope we all desperately need-the Hope in Christ and His eternal love.

I am changing out the picture often and continually, praying for everyone I see. My prayers make a difference, so do yours. “Sympathy is no substitute for action “said by David Livingstone, a missionary in Africa. It simply is not enough to feel bad. So while I can’t be there on the reservation daily to hug these kids and show them Christ’s love physically, I can pray earnestly here.
and I am bringing my umbrella…

Liz

The Faces on the Bus!

2009-04-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

These are the some of my favorite pictures from this weekend. Please pray for these kids to come to know Christ. They can be the next generation to end the cycles of pain and hopelessness and be the soldiers for Christ on the reservation! Though we may not know all of their names, God does and I know He cares for them even more than I do.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14

Thank you for your prayers...Liz

A home of their own

2009-04-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? Today started out with an early breakfast and then off to the reservation. Half of our group did a prayer journey, stopping in different locations, praying for each area they stopped in. The other half went out to a house under construction.(top photo is the current house) We spent the morning, painting, electrical work, installing a tub surround, hanging doors, cutting the kitchen countertop and preparing the sink and faucet for installation. There is so much work to be done in such a short amount of time. (the picture below is the new house under construction)In the afternoon we all headed to the Youth home only to find out at the last second that the kids there were headed out. It was frustrating because we were making real progress on the house we were working on and stopped to head out to the Youth Home. There was not enough time to go back to the house and restart our work so we decided to treat the team to Fry Bread! It is soooooo good! A new cafe opened on the reservation so we stopped in. God always has a plan! The waitress who took our order said “are you the one’s building houses?” That started an amazing conversation of how desperately she wanted a home. She was living with her father in his small house, with her 3 children, her sister and her sister’s children, and several other family members. She didn’t want to be the only one working and paying the bills for all of them and wanted a place where she could raise her girls. After hearing her story, I would have given her a home today.
The staff at ARM has to go through many, many applications and make tough decisions, choices that can be heart wrenching. Please pray for the staff here as they go through this process, pray for wisdom and discernment, please pray for those who desire a home of their own, please pray that we will accomplish the tasks God has for us here and at home, please pray for the Apache people who do not know Christ, please pray.....
Liz

San Carlos

2009-04-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it safe and sound. It was a long drive on top of an early morning. Having said that, it was an amazing day. We got to play with the kids at the same park we got to paint the playground equipment at. WOW, what a strange sentence that was...Anyway the paint was peeled off almost as soon as we painted it over a year and a half ago. When we got there we saw it was painted again, by a group of high school kids from San Carlos High. This time it has lasted over three months. Awesome!
It just goes to show how God can change hearts and lives. I know he has opened my eyes. For the first time I can see a hope in the eyes of some of these kids, not all of them, but there is definitely a change.
Thank you God for opening my eyes.

Robert

It's time to GO! Teams

2009-04-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's time, this Thursday Robert, Liz, KC and Shelby are heading out to AZ with a team (15 in all) to again work with A.R.M. and the San Carlos Apache people. Please keep us in your prayers this weekend. Here is a video we thought you might enjoy of past trips our family has made. Check out other videos we have done, including the last trip to the right-----> We will keep you updated on prayer requests!!

Lie to Me

2009-04-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

I started watching a new show a few weeks ago "Lie to Me". It stars Tim Roth, he has been in a couple of Quentin Tarantino films, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, and Kelli Williams, she was on one of those laywer shows the Practice I think. Anyway, the show is about Dr Lightman(Roth) who solves crime by looking at the facial movements to see if someone is lying. It's a pretty good show. He is like "House light" He is as arrogant but not as mean.
So I was watching last week and the show ended with the following dialog.

Dr.Foster (Kelli Williams)-
"Why do people think they are the only ones with secrets"
Dr. Lightman (Roth) -
"Human nature, I suppose"

Dr. F-
"If the Mayor had told the truth or Blunt was honest about his illness, None of this would have happened" "If the lies hadn't come together"
Dr. L-
"They always do"

You know what? They always do.The Bible puts it this way.

Numbers 32:23
23b "and you may be sure that your sin will find you out."

Why do we continue to lie? Is it human nature? I think it is. But we must constantly be aware of our actions. We must always be on our guard. Satan is the father of lies. We must remember that. 1 John 2:21 says it cleary. "because no lie comes from truth"

So the next time you are tempted to tell that one little lie that you know no-one will ever find out..."They always do."

Robert

Worship Team!

2009-04-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week Robert, Kathryn, and I were on the worship team at church. I have been so excited to have Robert there with me on the worship team! What a blessing for us to worship together! Kathryn has such an amazingly sweet voice; it was wonderful to have her sing with us! She was a little nervous, as she explained, it is easy to do her choir show solo’s because she can be someone else up there. Here, you are yourself. Now I do not have the best voice, but the truth is I love to sing; in the car, the shower, around the house, but not in front of people. So, how do you join the worship team and sing 5 services a weekend, in front of over 2000 people? Only by God’s grace! I have never felt nervous or afraid because it is the one place I feel like I can all out worship God with all my heart. It is among friends and brothers and sisters, where I can simply worship Him in song. I can’t fully put into words the difference, but I feel so close to God when I am singing, whether on the stage or in the church seats or at home in the kitchen. Music is truly a gift from God so whether you feel like you are an amazing singer, or just someone who loves to sing, God wants to hear from you! Psalm 100:1-2 “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” He understands we are not perfect!(Better than anyone) He does not expect us to have perfect tone and pitch, this is not American Idol. He asks for a “joyful noise.” I can do that, and if I can so can you!
The first time I was at the reservation on my first trip there, we painted a church. I was outside painting on a ladder by myself. The rest of the team were doing different things around the building. I felt as though "someone" was staring at me from behind, yet every time I turned around...nothing. Though I could not see the evil, I felt it. I began to sing every worship song I could think of. I felt at peace and calm and happy.
This is one of the songs we sang this weekend, absolutely, hands down one of my favorites! The lyrics speak to my heart every time… though my strength is small; I find in Him everything I need. I owe everything to Him, the sins I have done, He washes away. Such beautiful and stark imagery to me. Crimson vs. White as snow, cleaning the Leper's spots and melting a heart of stone.

I hear the Savior say, Thy strength indeed is small!
Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
Lord, now indeed I find Thy power, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots and melt the heart of stone.
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin has left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
And when before the throne I stand in Him complete.
Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin has left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

If you would like to see our service, we broadcast them now on Blip TV. Here is the link: http://blip.tv/file/1958542/ or go to Bliptv.com and search for KACC (Knott Avenue Christian Church). This particular service in entitled “The Burial of Jesus” music and be sure and check out the great message “The Burial of Jesus” sermon. -- Liz

"Woman, I can hardly express"

2009-03-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

So,
I was sitting up last week listening to "Woman" by John Lennon and it hit me.
John not only loved her he was in love with her. He wanted to be with her all the time. I can understand that. I feel that way and more for Liz. I love her more now than at any time in my life.
Have a listen

Woman I can hardly express,
My mixed emotion at my thoughtlessness,
After all I'm forever in your debt,
And woman I will try express,
My inner feelings and thankfullness,
For showing me the meaning of succsess,
oooh well, well,
oooh well, well,

Woman I know you understand
The little child inside the man,
Please remember my life is in your hands,
And woman hold me close to your heart,
However, distant don't keep us apart,
After all it is written in the stars,
oooh well, well,
oooh well, well,

Woman please let me explain,
I never mean(t) to cause you sorrow or pain,
So let me tell you again and again and again,
I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,
I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,
I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,
I love you (yeah, yeah)....

This is really how I feel.
I Love You Liz.
Robert

“The Power of Real Prayer”

2009-03-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up our week in prayer, such a great way to end things. Mike spoke about the persecuted church, and we looked at Acts Chapter 12:1-17. How they “earnestly” prayed, when Peter was in jail they earnestly prayed for him; Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Earnest –in a determined and purposeful way, serious and sincere; is that how I pray to God? Mike posed the question, when is the last time you really wrestled with God? In Colossians 4:12 it says “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Few times in my life, I have wrestled with God. Yet looking back on those times, I see the powerful result of my prayers, the life changing events when I cried on my knees, and begged God to answer my prayers. When I didn’t give up praying until I heard God clearly, and He answered my prayers. There are so many unanswered questions in my life right now, why have I not earnestly being praying? My brothers and sisters all around this world struggle daily; why am I not on my knees earnestly for them? Even when their prayers were answered, and Peter was released from prison by an angel, they did not believe it.
I believe being a prayer warrior is not something you are born into, but a conscience decision, something you work at, strive for, and battle with every day. Many of my friends put their lives on the line daily for Christ. They live by prayer; I thank God that they do and ask that I can too, we all need to live by prayer. A friend of mine wrote on her blog her impressions after Mike spoke. You can read them here: Jomama's Village titled “bring your umbrella.” Mike’s blog can be found here: Mike's blog . Please be sure and take a look.

My prayers are purposefully different. It can’t just be when I can squeeze them in, right before I go to bed (when I am half asleep) or even in the 40 minute drive to work. My quiet times, I am rearranging and rethinking the way I do things, and I am “bringing my umbrella” expecting God sized results! Liz

Follow Up...

2009-03-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

So as I attempt to pull my thoughts and feelings together from this past week it is difficult to put it all in words. Wednesday night we had the In N Out truck at church serving up burgers-followed by Mike Carman (our Cross Cultural Pastor) speaking about prayer. There was an international children's choir, followed by a time of prayer for our missionaries. Thursday morning our Women's Ministry hosted a brunch for the women missionaries. It was a special time as Joy from Hyderabad, India shared with the women of our church some of her amazing stories and struggles. I was asked to share at my table our intention to move and why we were doing this. I was asked a lot of really good, hard questions. It was a special time for me to share why God is calling me.
Our table was the last to eat because we were so involved in the conversation, I am so grateful God gave me that time to share. Saturday evening was our annual dinner for the missionaries. We had great Lebanese food, each Missionary was given a few minutes to share what they do and prayer requests. Then each member of our Missions team, elder and pastor there was given the honor of washing the feet of one of these special people. As the example given to us by Jesus when He washed His disciples feet, we wished to share in this with our Missionaries. It was an emotional and overwhelming time of humbleness for me. To do this for someone who places their lives out there every day for the sake of the Gospel, I was honored. It still is being talked about what an incredible time this was for all of us. More to come... Liz

Lost Generation...

2009-03-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

“A House of Prayer for All Nations” Isaiah 56:7

2009-03-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

We are off and running at church this week. Beyond is in full swing with services this weekend, including prayer every night in the lobby of our church for our Missionaries around the world. We have set up stations for 6 continents and prayer requests from missions in each area. You can really focus and cry out to God! I have such clarity and peace and focus in this atmosphere. You can then place a small note on our map for the prayer you lifted up. We are hoping to "cover the world" in prayer by the end of the week.

Monday there was breakfast for anyone who wanted to come. If you are in the area, here is a schedule of the events for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, March 10-
- Our Young at Heart, Women's and Men's Bible Studies will have missionary guest speakers.
Wednesday, March 11-
- We’ll host our annual All-Church Missions Gathering under the pepper tree! At 5:30 pm, the In-N-Out truck will be here to serve a great burger dinner ($3 cost). Our program will include a special performance of the International Children’s Choir of Long Beach, as well as introduction of, and prayer for our missionaries. Focus will be given to our local workers.
Thursday, March 12-
- A special Women's Ministries meeting/brunch honoring our female missionaries.
Friday, March 13-
- 7:00 p.m. Friday Night at the Movies, a time to share a great movie and snacks with family and friends.
Saturday /Sunday, March 14/15-
- Services with our missionaries or representatives present, along with their displays and information. We will have prayer for them at each service.
Come join us or stay tuned for more...

Beyond...9 days in March!

2009-03-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

We are moving into our churches celebration time for the Missionaries we support. It is called “Beyond…9 days in March” We spend 9 days in the life of our church, once a year, to really recognize, support, pray for and spend time with our Missionaries. They come in from all over the world (if able) to be with us and share their stories. Robert has been working long hours helping plan and bring to life these 9 days. One of the things we are doing this year is using different quotes from various people that really open your eyes and heart to what it means to be a missionary, and yet aren’t we all missionaries? I thought I would share a few of my personal favorites…

“Not every believer has the missionary gift, but every Christian is called to some kind of involvement in missions. We are called to advance the gospel in some way and to participate in the fulfilling of God’s purposes in our generation”-David Shibley

“God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him” – Hudson Taylor

"Sympathy is no substitute for action." -- David Livingstone, missionary to Africa

"Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." -- C.T. Studd

"The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity." -- Mike Stachura

"Go, send, or disobey." -- John Piper

"We can reach our world, if we will. The greatest lack today is not people or funds. The greatest need is prayer." -- Wesley Duewel, head of OMS International

“Anyone who can help 100 missionaries to the field is more important than one missionary on the field. In fact, mission mobilization activity is more crucial than field missionary activity.”-Phil Parshall

“Obedience to the call of Christ nearly always costs everything to two people- the one who is called, and the one who loves that one.”- Oswald Chambers

We seem to be learning that last one intimately right now.
Liz

Valentine's Day

2009-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

As our life continues to be a big question mark, God continues to provide and amaze me! Valentine’s Day is normally spent with Robert and I going out to a favorite restaurant, which usually means “pricey,” and exchange of gifts, flowers, etc. Robert was asked to perform magic at a “Sweetheart Banquet” at church in exchange for a “free” dinner at the banquet. He did a small presentation, and was wonderful (as he always is). We sat with some old friends and had a really nice evening.

That being said, we have turned out to be a Nascar Family (who knew?) While Robert has watched and liked Jeff Gordon for many, many years, it has only been the past 4 years or so that I started watching with him. Soon, he was no longer going to the race here in Fontana, CA with his friend (sorry Jason) but with me. The first time you stand there and hear the presenter say “gentlemen start your engines” and the thunderous boom of cars starting the loudest engines I have ever heard, well it is quite a rush! But then, they do a few laps around the track and when they actually get up to speed and start, the sound and feeling is incredible! Let’s just say, watching on TV was OK, but in person is the way to go. I of course had to choose a driver that I liked, so after walking around my first time, I chose Jimmie Johnson. He happened to win the championship that year, and every year since then! (Three in a row) We took our kids once, and we are now a family divided, KC and Robert – Jeff Gordon, Shelby and I – Jimmie Johnson, and Wayne chose Dale Earnhardt Jr. At least we are all part of the Hendrick family, they all drive for the same team.
We have gone to several races, had amazing seats, I actually won a contest where we sat on top of a large motor home in the infield at the beginning of Pit Row and enjoyed Pit Passes, kicking Jeff Gordon’s tires, and signing our names on the start finish line. So, as Valentine’s Day approached, I struggled with trying to find something small yet meaningful to give to Robert. I thought perhaps a new Jeff Gordon shirt, since he was really missing going to the race (as I was). We decided to remain on a tight budget this Valentine’s Day, so as I shopped for a shirt I came across a special deal on tickets to the race. For the price of a new shirt, we could go to the race! We sat in the 3rd row, only able to view the front stretch of track, and the seats were tight and the gas smell was horribly strong and the sound was louder than ever before, because we were so close to the track…yet it was a great day! We packed water and ate before we left (thanks Mike!) We went through the lines of vendors that had free samples of food, walked around and enjoyed the day, just the 2 of us. We had a quick lunch and sat in our cozy seats and saw a pretty exciting race! Jeff wound up in second, Jimmie 9Th. While I have never really enjoyed football or basketball (well when Magic and Kareem played I admit I watched the Lakers and Celtics) I really enjoy Nascar. I mean, they start every race with a prayer to God; does any other sport do that?
We had a wonderful day. We walked, and talked and enjoyed time for just the 2 of us. I love going to the race with him and sharing that part of his life with him. So while Valentine’s day was not the most traditional we have ever had, it was one of the best for me! I love you Robert, Happy Valentine's Day!

Cowboy

2009-02-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

One part of my job is to talk to and listen to some of the homeless people in our neighborhood. Over the years one of my favorites was David "Cowboy" Hervert. He was an amazing man. I remember early on he would come for assistance with his pal Tom. Cowboy always had a smile for you. He didn't have teeth, but he had a smile.
He lost both of his legs to an infection. He was in a "coma" for a few months. The doctors didn't think he would make it but he fooled them. He woke up and said "Where the hell am I?" "Where the hell is Mike?" For those of you that don't know. Mike is the Pastor I work for. Cowboy got out of the hospital and spent time at a convalescent home. He then moved to the El Dorado Motel. He lived on his own for quite a while. While there he copied the Bible to pass the days. You should see it. I think I want to get it published as the "Homeless Bible". Anyway around 6 months ago he want back to St. Edna's rehab center. He's been there feeling lonely and sad. Mike and I went to see him a couple of weeks ago and brought him a vanilla Shake. He loved it. We talked to him for a good 15 minutes then we had to leave. We prayed with him and told him we loved him. He looked at us through tears and said he loved us. I hugged him, he smiled that big toothless smile and we were off.
Well, this morning we found out Cowboy passed away yesterday. Today is a sad day for me. For Cowboy, things are better. He is with Jesus. Mike baptized him several years back. He came to church every Saturday until he was no longer able and he loved the Lord.
So today I celebrate the life of David 'Cowboy" Hervert. Rest in Peace.

Robert

Liz, I Love You

2009-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

complaint?

2009-02-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

I started writing this out several times saying "I am tried of complaining and feeling like I am drowning." I want to praise Him in any circumstances. Well, I then began to list the tough circumstances, just so you would have a frame of reference, or maybe to help me vent more and more. But doesn't that really defeat my purpose in praise? I will praise Him in the darkest of times and when the sun is shining on me. Psalm 146:1-2 says "Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

- My family is healthy and we love each other

- I have an amazing husband I love more today than any other day (except tomorrow)

- I have 3 wonderful kids who know God and seek Him

- I am forgiven for my sins

- I live in a country where I can openly speak and worship Jesus

- I am loved by Christ who died for me

I saw this quote the other day and it really spoke to my heart.

“I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light”– Ion Keith Falconer

Liz

That 70’s show

2009-01-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

I was watching “That 70’s Show” the other night. (OK, I watch it most nights) Since I grew up in the 70’s I thought about my friends growing up. We had our “Hyde” his name is Mark. You could say Steve was “Kelso.” I mean he did jump out his bedroom (second story) window into the pool. It was awesome cause his mom came home right before he jumped and asked where he was and I said, “He’s up in his room.” She goes upstairs just as Steve jumps into the pool. As soon as he pops his head out of the water his mom appears in his window. She looks right at me and says, “I think you need to go home now.” I laughed like crazy. Kelso was always falling off the water tower, so Steve was Kelso. Ed would be “Fez.” Just like Fez, Ed wore black “Angel’s Flight” polyester pants with black boots. (Sorry Ed.) I would be “Eric.” I did have the good-looking girlfriend and she does have red hair, well she does now.
So as I watch the show I like to think back on those days, but the reality is; Steve, Ed and I were all a little bit Eric, Kelso and Fez. We all were a little goofy, nerdy and interested in girls just like the guys on “That 70’s Show.” By the way there is no doubt Mark was Hyde. Ask Ed and Steve and they will tell you the same, I’m sure. So, as I look back, that is how I like to see us. I miss those days. I miss hanging out with Steve, Ed and Mark.
The scary thing is I look at that show and realize that now I’m really “Red Foreman.”
I mean I have kids now and I really do want to nail their windows shut.
I really do miss those days.

Robert.

Running home...

2009-01-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

In the midst of the turmoil and battle in our lives I felt a deep desire to run home to mom and dad. On New Years Eve we drove over 300 miles so I could do just that (isn't my husband a good man).

I can't tell you what a good trip it was, we all had quality time with my parents. I got to cry on my mom's shoulder and hug her and tell her I love her. I got to talk with my dad about retirement (he is well overdue!) and slowing his life down, and about our desire to move to AZ. My mom is in chronic pain most days now making travel near impossible. Our hectic schedule doesn't make it much easier for all of us to get away either. Thankfully this trip worked out and was a blessing to all. Kathryn, my mom and I started a puzzle together, sang showtunes and just laughed! I have not seen my mom like that in many years. It was good to have that "unconditional" love that comes from your parents, that no matter what we have done, they still look at us with a deep, unfailing love and see us - not our mistakes. (Hebrews 8:12 "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.") Just the way that God sees each of us; not a list of our sins, not a look of disgust or unbelief but of pure love and grace. (John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")

The same way I feel for my children when they make mistakes, love and grace. Though they break our hearts time and time again, just as we do to Our Heavenly Father, I will always take them back in my arms. I can't change the consequences they have to go through or the pain, but I can be with them through it all, just as Christ is with us. The battle is not over for us, but I already know who won!

Hard life lessons to learn, but so good to know we can run home to our Heavenly Father...

Liz

Robert Rosa

2009-01-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

On Sunday night my son Wayne called me from work, he also works at Knott Ave. Christian Church, and said there was a homeless guy sleeping outside the offices and he wouldn’t leave. He asked if I would come down and take care of the situation. Of course I said I would. Besides I was pretty sure I knew who it was.

When I get there I see Robert Rosa not only sleeping outside the office but right below my office window. Look if I’ve told him once I’ve told him a thousand times you can’t sleep on the property, especially out in the open. He got real mad and started arguing with me. “Why do I have to leave? I’m not bothering anyone.” OK, it really wasn’t a question. It was his way of getting into the “would Jesus kick me out of here” and “you Christians are hypocrites” debate. We have it every time I have to kick him out. If he were sleeping behind the bushes I probably would have let him sleep there. He knew that. Suffice it to say he left with a big smile on his face. He really loves to argue.

Look he knows if I let him sleep there in the open, where he can be seen, then after a few days we would have two people sleeping there, then four, then six, then were a homeless shelter. He knows this he just likes to argue.

That got me to thinking. There has to be more we, as Christians, can do to help the homeless. I just don’t know what that is. HELP!

Robert

Turmoil

2008-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Warfare hit home this weekend for our family. Without a lot of detail we are in a battle like no other we have faced. It is much more painful to watch your children battle than just yourself. You are helpless and hurt and angry and terrified of the adult decisions they make with their adolescent minds. They do not understand the consequences of their actions and choices, even though we have shared the bible and our own experiences with them. Sin is so far reaching, it never affects just the individual, it affects families, friends, loved ones, strangers.

I was singing in my car yesterday the song by Casting Crowns "Praise You in this Storm."The lyrics spoke to my heart.

"I was sure by now God You would have reached down,
And wiped our tears away, Stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls, I barely hear Your whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand
You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm"

Our family is in desperate need of your prayers right now, please. We need guidance, wisdom and strength to endure.

Romans 5:3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance

...a time to heal...

2008-12-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday and Friday thanks to a "free" hotel room Robert and I took a well overdue mini-vacation to Solvang, CA. If you have never heard of it Solvang is a small, quaint Danish town just outside of Santa Barbara in the mountains. There are shops and wineries, an Ostrich farm and one of California's famous Missions. The true appeal for us was a little down time. At home it seems we are always running, Robert has been busy at work with trips and our "Operation Christmas Love" (our church is helping local families who are having difficulty this Christmas by providing gifts for their children). It was nice to have 2 days for just the 2 of us to spend time together. We walked around the town, had sausages and ableskivers (small little pancake balls with powdered sugar and raspberry jam)!! I think we both realize that what the new year has in store for us is going to keep us very busy. A time of change for our whole family. A push on our schooling, starting to fund raise, getting KC ready for graduation, etc. We are taking this holiday season slow and easy, ready to hit the ground running come Jan 1, 2009.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-5
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.

Haiku II

2008-12-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

OK! here is my second attempt at Haiku.

The desert is stark
There is darkness on the Rez
Will they see the light

Robert

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Robert and I cooked up a fabulous turkey (he said he thought it was out best one ever), his best mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dressing, etc. More importantly we gave thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ in our lives. He has truly blessed us with 3 amazing kids, Wayne's girlfriend Jamie and Mom, Cathy; an incredible family. I so missed my parents who were suppose to come down from the central valley but were unable to make it.

Robert and I have been so blessed in our lives as you can see.

My 45Th birthday was the week before Thanksgiving and Robert gave me at my surprise party the best gift he has ever given me. 23 years ago we asked for a song to be sang at our wedding and were told the night before that she could not do it. So for my birthday Robert sang it to me! (it is called "without your love") It was the sweetest most heart felt gift, I was overwhelmed. He is an amazing man, I love him so much and thank God daily for him.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

HAIKU

2008-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

For the last couple of weeks something inside of me has been saying "haiku". I don't know why. I didn't even know what a haiku was. So I looked it up. A haiku is an un-rhyming verse form, conveying a complete image or feeling in three lines of syllables, and are usually about nature or natural things.

OK, now what? What am I supposed to do now. So today I asked KC about it and she said she likes sonnets better. We looked up some of Shakespeare's sonnets. For the first time I really read them. Holy cow are they awesome. So I started thinking, maybe I should try and write one. But "haiku, haiku" kept running through my head. So as I was watching TV, the following words kept running through my head.

"The sun sure does shine
look at the sky getting black
it's starting to rain"

So that's it. what do you think?

Robert

OK!

2008-11-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

So it's been a couple of weeks since we went to Arizona. I think I have my thoughts together.

I get back from this trip each time and know this is where God wants me and my family. To look around and see a once proud people living the way they do breaks my heart. My head says what difference can you make? What difference can 10 people make? What difference can 21 people make? The answer? I don't know. How is that for an answer?

I know, I know. I really don't know what can be done for the thousands of people struggling just to survive. Look, we worked on a house for a guy named Ricky. Pretty soon he will be in a house instead of sleeping in a tent in the back "yard".(it's just dirt) I know it will make a difference for him. It will also give us the opportunity to share Christ with the entire family. After all isn't that the point?

Our government could throw money at the situation and we know all that would happen is more drugs and alcohol. What they need is Jesus. It sounds simple but the reality is the real problem is the spiritual darkness on the Reservation. And for the few people I can spend time with and show Jesus to, that is how I can make a difference. show them the love of Christ through my actions

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Robert

Calling...

2008-11-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

So as the days pass, and the trip is behind us-the permanent move ahead, I have been very reflective about this trip. So many blessings in each persons life who went.

I have had someone tell me that she needed to see for herself why God was calling us there when there is so much to do where we are. And now, she understands and sees where God can use her there as well, in constant prayer. Thank you Wendy.

One team member has decided to start collecting items on ARM's wish list (http://www.azrez.com/) and sort and store and drive them to AZ herself. She is making flyer's to hand out to each bible study in our church to ask for their help. Thank you Joell.

An amazing couple who recently moved from our church to Phoenix joined us and now plan on getting involved with ARM on their own! As well as offering their home to us when we move if we ever need to get away. Thank you Dick and Lee.

Shelby is more convicted than ever that God needs her and can use her there. It also looks like her best friend Sarah will be spending summers (and any extra time she can convince her parents of) with us. - Sorry Rob and Jeanne:) Thank you Shelby and Sarah.

Kathryn, still undecided but said these words to Robert and I our last night there, "I think I understand why you need to come here." Needless to say I cried. Thank you God.

We were joined by two women from Pennsylvania who were there checking things out for their congregation and making a video to take home and show. They asked us (Robert, Mike, Anthony and myself) to speak about our experiences there and why we go in their video. Thank you Anthony, Mike, Sue and Sandy.

Many other stories similar to these happen on a trip like this. I have been blessed by this team and the giving of their time and hearts. I continue to pray that God will stir them to respond to Him, in whatever manner that is. Not everyone is called to go, but we all are called to serve Him in ways we never imagined. Serving a warm meal to someone who is hungry, praying for those hurting, smiling at a stranger living on the streets, a change in our hearts, what is God calling you to do for His Kingdom?

Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners..."

Liz

KC's day at the Youth Home

2008-11-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a small snapshot from Kathryn's viewpoint when our group went to the Youth Home on the reservation. This is where kids are sent who are removed from their homes either temporarily or permanently.

"Hello everyone,
Its K.C. here and I wanted to talk about the trip my family (excluding Wayne) had just gone on to Globe, Arizona. Every time I go there, I just want to cry. Not only because of how the Apaches are treated but because I cannot fix it on my own. I was privileged to go to the children’s home on Friday the 7Th. All of the kids ran out and I wished that I could play all day with each of them, but it just was not possible. A little girl, Celeste, was swinging as high as she could and I asked if I could swing with her. At first, she did not want to talk to me, which, I understood because I do not like talking to strangers either but, she let me swing with her. I know it was not much but, it meant a lot to me that she would let me be near her. We started to swing at the same time and she would count down to when we would start and it was the cutest thing ever! She smiled when I could not stop and I got dirt everywhere, which made my day because normally, I would have called home from wherever I was so my mom could drive over to give me new clothes (she probably wouldn’t but that’s how weird I am) but it did not matter to me that my shoes were ruined and I had huge ants crawling all over me or that I was sweating and dirt was sticking everywhere. All that mattered was that Celeste and I were having fun.
After we swung backwards, forwards, at the same time, at different times, on different swings for what seemed like an eternity, Celeste wanted to look for her friend. I thought that this was the end of our fun and I had a great time but still, I wish I could do more. Then, she got up and looked at me and said, “We need to look either on the bus or in her room. Where do you think?” I was so happy that I was included and I ran with her to the bus. We went inside and saw her friend building with legos trying to reach the top of the bus. Now, I have played with legos about a million times in my life, but I have never seen a more beautiful tower before, ever. A little boy was trying to put legos on top of the tower but could not reach it, so he just kept building support on the bottom and still was excited about it. Right when we reached the top of the bus, (with the help of standing on chairs) it was time to go. I could not believe it. I didn’t want to go. The swings were empty, there was a whole box full of legos, there was so much more time in the day, in the week, in the year that could be spent with these children, but I couldn’t do it. I had to go. And that was the worst part of the trip: saying bye."

First Day...

2008-11-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

Our amazing team of 21 did a great job working together, laughing together and crying together. The first day we had orientation and then half of us went on the bus and the other half to a work site on the reservation. I was suppose to be on the work site but at the last minute got shifted to the bus. (God blessed me because the next day when the other half visited the youth home (where I was to go), I was in bed with a pretty nasty flu.) We picked up several kids on the way and stopped at a park for some worship time, a story about Joseph and forgiveness, and then playtime! There was a sweet girl, very shy who wanted to skate so I asked her if I could help her put her skates on. Naomi and I became fast friends after that! She asked me to help her and hold her hand while she skated on the basketball court covered in trash and broken glass, how could I resist! She has all of about 6 teeth and the most beautiful smile I have seen. Our time there is so short, I long for the time when we are there everyday with Naomi and the other kids. When we are there with the adults sharing our lives and Jesus with them, when we are there...

Home again

2008-11-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

I just want to say Arizona was awesome.

We spent a lot of time working on two houses. One was for an Apache man who is living in the back yard. I posted about it the other day, I just wanted you to see where he is living. It really breaks my heart when I see something like this. The good news is he will be in a house very very soon. Liz and I are trying to figure out a way to be there for the dedication. What a great day that will be.

The other house was an existing house that is being upgraded. The family will also be moving in soon. It's a two bedroom house with a new bathroom and kitchen. It feels good to know they will be in a home soon.

I haven't mentioned the kids on the bus or at the "Youth Home" because I don't know where to start. I went to the youth home on Friday and played basketball with a couple of Apache kids. I don't know who had a better time me or them, probably me. KC spent her time with the younger kids and came back almost in tears because she couldn't spend more time with them. It truly was an amazing time.

Liz went on the bus Thursday so I will let her tell you about that later.

When I first sat down to write tonight I was going to tell you about what happened on the airplane when we landed at John Wayne airport. But I think I'll save that for another time. Suffice it to say I didn't punch him in the face like I wanted to. He deserved it, but I didn't do it. If you are really interested you can call me or wait a couple of days and I will write about it.

Robert

Arizona

2008-11-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

Every time I come to Arizona I am heartbroken. I see the poverty, the hopelessness and anger and I know I am supposed to be here.

This time we were able to work on a house for a man named Ricky. As you can see by the picture it is almost finished. Some paint, a floor, some cabinets and a toilet and Ricky will have a home. And not a minute too soon. You see he is living in a tent in the back "yard" of his sisters house. He can't live inside because she already has her entire family inside. It isn't uncommon to have 20 people in a house on the Reservation. His tent is under a small lean-to. Last night it was around 40 degrees.

Please pray for Ricky. I know I will.

Every time I come to Arizona I am heartbroken. I know I am supposed to be here.

Robert

AZ Trip!

2008-11-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

As we prepare to GO! please keep our team in your prayers. Robert, Liz, Kathryn, Shelby, Mike, Joell, Wendy, Gypsy, Rob, Jeanne, Sarah, Emily, Anthony, Anthony Jr., Raymond, Chris, Susan, Barb, Ira, Dick, and Lee.

We will be serving Nov 6-9Th with ARM (http://www.azrez.org/.). Watch our blog for updates. Also check out Knott Avenues GO Team website http://kaccgoteams.blogspot.com/ for team updates. We are so grateful for your prayers and partnership with us!

Proud moments!

2008-10-30T20:16:00.000-07:00

There are few prouder moments for a parent than sitting back and watching your children do something they truly love and do it well.

This last Friday and Saturday night I sat in the audience of Kennedy High School's Choir concert and watched both of my daughters sing and dance their hearts out. Shelby, being in her freshman year, participated in her first concert. Every moment she was on stage appeared to be pure joy for her!

Kathryn is in her last shows as a Senior. She has been doing this for 3 years now and loves every second. She took 3 classes this year so she was in almost every number. However, for the first time she had a solo. She sang one of my favorite songs from my favorite show, Les Miserables. She sang "On my own." Hearing her amazing voice singing such an emotional song brought tears to my eyes.

I miss the days of Wayne's band concerts, football half time shows and competitions.

(Shelby is in the first row of purple shirts, second from the left)

The good news? The moments just keep getting better and better.

I'll miss you Dan.

2008-10-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Each Monday and Thursday we have what we call "Community Assistance." We sit and talk to anyone from the neighborhood around Knott Ave. We get to speak to a lot of homeless people.

There isn't a day that goes by that one of our homeless friends doesn't ask "Where is that one guy?" At first I had to try and figure out who they meant. They said "You know that one guy!" "He used to be here all the time." "He was about this tall." They would raise their hand and hold it right about head high. They would be sitting down. I would say, "do you mean Dan?" I knew who they meant. I told them he had cancer and was going through treatment. Each time they would seem like they were about to cry. They would say I really miss him, he was a great guy.

I would see Dan on Sundays and he would tell me he couldn't wait to get back to helping out on Mondays and Thursdays.

Today I had to tell them that Dan passed away this morning.

Now I think I'm gonna cry, I'm really gonna miss him, he was a great guy.

Today Dan isn't in pain anymore. Today Dan's cancer is gone. Today Dan is with Jesus.

Today things seem a little more in focus. Liz, I'm sorry.

Today my pride seems less important. Liz, I'm sorry.

Dan, everyone who knew you will miss you.

Heal our Land!

2008-10-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

Some days I feel like crying out to God! I cannot remember a time of such turmoil and uncertainty in the financial stability of our country. Every day I read more and more about the desperation of people to save their investment portfolios, save their retirement accounts, save their homes from foreclosure, what about saving themselves? It is heartbreaking the stories I have read, a man k illed his family-wife, 3 sons and mother in law, then himself because of his financial loss? and then another man killed his family to spare them the "disgrace" of financial ruin but failed to hang himself in Vienna.

Every day I need to read more and more of God's word. Here is what I read today: 1Timothy 6:17-19 "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

These people do not know nor understand what is "truly" life, living for Christ and not for ourselves. Their hope was not in God. I need to say it more, show it more, pray more. Please help me!

2 Chronicles 7:14

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. "

I hate the Red Sox!

2008-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

This past week I have had a real bad headache. I haven't been able to sleep. I had last week off and didn't do anything except paint the back door and install a doggie door. (Toby likes it, Ginger, not so much.) I was sweating like a pig. When I got done I was exhausted. I don't feel so good.

We went to Shakey's Pizza for Wayne's 20 birthday dinner last night. During dinner I watched the Angels vs Boston game. Angels were down 2-0 and during the 8th they tied it up, the place went crazy. Rooooaaaarr! It was kinda cool. Well, we left and I got home just in time to see Aybar miss a suicide squeeze. Willits tagged out at third. (Don't even get me started on if it should have been an out or not.)

Bottom of the 9th Angels lose. I was upset. As a matter of fact I felt a little depressed. I don't feel so good.

So, I come into work today and get two e-mails. Here are a couple of snippets from both of them. (I have removed the names)

"Spoke with *** this morning - she discovered a new lump on her breast and they are now testing it....Need your prayers"

This man's wife has terminal cancer and is undergoing experimental treatment. All of it painful.

The other e-mail:

"Just as things were beginning to look better at work, my son ******* was admitted to the hospital. On the morning of what would have been his second day as a high school freshman, and just 3 days short of his 14th birthday, he was diagnosed with type one diabetes. He was to be admitted to the children’s diabetic wing where he would undergo emergency treatment to lower his blood sugar which was dangerously high, somewhere above 600! We were told the hospital didn’t have a bed for him, to go home, gather his things and be ready when they called."

"finally almost 6 hours after he was admitted, our prayers were answered and his blood glucose dropped to a treatable 499."

"Just a week following ******'s unexpected diagnoses and a week in the hospital, **** (his daughter) was scheduled for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy which were so enlarged they were obstructing her breathing at night, causing an interruption in her breathing as well as loss of ‘sound’ sleep and resulted in some daytime sleeping even in classes."

I want to say something profound. But, all I can think of is...well "CRAP!" Doggie doors and baseball don't seem all that important, do they?

I think I'm gonna go home and cry. I don't feel so good.

2008-10-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Belts are tightening, stress is mounting, pressure building, the months are getting tougher. Our family has really had to stretch our budget since my job loss in March. While I love my current job, it does not pay close to what I was earning before. I knew that going in, but we prayed and believed God was opening this door for a reason.

My schedule is 7:30am-3:30pm with a paid lunch. I am home by 4 which means I have time to cook with my girls and prepare a nice meal for our family. Something I have neglected for a long time. We have been sitting all together at our dinner table more the past 6 months than we ever have in the past. We really comparison shop for things we need and try to cut back on the things we want. Yet, we still are coming up short every month.

I have prayed about working a second job to help make ends meet, and started last week to work 2 nights a week at our church doing child care. I forgot how much I miss having little babies and toddlers around, I am definitely going to get my “baby” fix. I held a one month old last night in my arms until he fell asleep. Remember that GREAT smell babies have! (no not that one!) I missed the trip to AZ in April because I had just started my new job. I knew we simply could not afford for me to go this November. Robert asked me to attend the first meeting for the trip. Although I did not feel I should go to the meeting, fairly certain I was not going on the trip, I went at his request. I found out I am a secondary leader, which means KACC pays half my trip, and an "anonymous" check was given for my trip the same day. I guess I am supposed to go.

So many life lessons I am learning, how God is preparing us to live on less and find joy in His love and grace for us. So, as the season of our lives gets in full swing, I am praising God for his provision.