New Year

So much is changing right now. I feel as though our entire lives are in constant shifting and I can't keep up with all of it!

I've been trying to get a grasp on my studies, figuring out how many classes and all I need to finish, on top of working on all my studies. Jesse was also recently in a car accident, no injuries, PTL. Unfortunately this means the car is totaled and no more. :( It's a major bummer, but in a way, a blessing. It relieves some of the monthly financial stress, and, get this.... the debt! Jesse and I have been diligently praying that the Lord would move heavily on our finances in the way of debt. We truly believe it is good to "owe no man" and would sincerely like to live a debt-free life. This isn't the way we expected or wanted to really eliminate some of the debt, but we are grateful to be free of it. Now, to make the school debt vamoose and we will really be free! Currently, since I am not working it's fine to be down to one car, it just means I'm cooped up in the house all day. Pray for my sanity! I get a little stir crazy. I plan to start going to work with Jesse one day a week just for a change in scenery. We'll see how it goes.

Also, we are totally stoked to be a part of a new little Christian community that's just formed, called the Flame. I like to think of it as an experiment in revival. We have only a vague understanding of where it's going, we just show up and seek the face of the Lord, and every week He takes it in a new direction. Basically, our desire as a leadership team is to move towards a 24 hour prayer/worship room. Right now it's only a few hours every week, but it's clear that with time and more worship leaders it will expand! It's so exciting to be right at the start of a brand new work of the Spirit in this dry and weary land. One of the major things we have been seeking is the awakening of lost souls and the rekindling of love and desire for the Lord in the believers in the area. Also, the room we currently have faces the back of a newly planted abortion clinic, so there have been meetings and many prayers said for the abolishment of the establishment. I hope to connect with this group soon and see where I can get involved.

Meanwhile, the ladies Bible study has been moving forward in our studies on what it means to be a woman of God. It has so blessed me to prepare a weekly study and I am always so challenged by His word. We've covered an array of topics from work, marriage, resting, priestly ministry and next week we will be talking about our speech.

Dear friends and family, I miss you. I pray the love of Christ is dwelling in you all richly and that you are hearing Him daily. May we lay down our lives to receive the wonderful true Life He has for us.

Ode to Sulfur.

I love how your hair reflects the rosy glow, but I can't stand the smell no mo...
nothing more dost i do dread, then inhaling such fumes until I am dead.


Oh to stroll hand in hand down the river walk path, to kiss your cheek would be lovely, please lift you hazmat mask


From the top floor of St. Ritas hospital i gander,
looking south to the fire and smoke my mind doth wander.


What fumes through yon window seep?
That maketh me heart go to a deep sleep.


With words of wit, we love the flame
That gives to Lima all that fame
And someday when that flame goes BOOM
All that remains, will be the fumes


Breathe deeply, then, that Lima fog
That changes taste, of gruel and nog
Alas, the fires and smoke will pass
When we no longer need the gas.


So tis the end of this great tale,
of gas, of fire and penned by no ale.
Of a lima refinery, in a small little dell.


(This poem was inspired by the stench of the local Refinery, our finest attribute. ha. If any of you have been to my town, you know what we're talking about. So, thanks to John, Connie, Bob and Sheri we know have our own little sonnet. )