1. Fruit is a special treat.
2. Kids can play outside in 20 degrees, and that's considered warm.
3. After 3 months, unpacked is still something yet to be achieved.
4. Even in the middle of nowhere, there are way too many things to busy ourselves with.
5. Hot chocolate is a necessity...whipped cream is a bonus.
6. If you're not careful, when you feed the chickens on a muddy, wet, day, you may fall and have chicken poop all over yourself.
7. Mud comes out easily if rubbed in the snow (if you can find any) then immediately put in the wash.
8. Grocery shopping is making a list and calling your mother-in-law.
9. Don't forget to add flour to the list.
10. Wearing your snowpants under your dress at church is normal.
11. Snowmachines are a blast...I need to get one!
12. Shopping online is overrated...especially when it takes almost a month for it to get here.
13. Watching airplanes come and go is still exciting.
14. Don't attempt to drive a snowmachine on ice...you may crash.
15. It's normal to see stocking feet in church on Sunday morning.
16. Home is where your family is.
17. God is still working and using people even way out here!
It is hard to believe that it's been a little over 3 months since we first came out here. God is continuing to show Himself to us in so many ways. We are feeling more and more settled and we are so thankful that God has put us in a place where we can be stretched and molded to become more like Him. He has blessed us with surrounding beauty and worship comes easily. We are grateful for what He is teaching us and for what is to come. I feel like the surface is just being scratched and there is a long way to go for what God has planned for us. What an exciting time!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Changing seasons
Do you ever stop to think what all goes through your mind in a single day? Well, I recently had one of those days. As a mom, there's lots for me to think about. Having recently moved to a new environment and in the process of changing seasons, there is even more for me to think about. Things I've never really had to think about came to mind. For example, I've thought,"How muddy can one child really get, and how will I get him clean, not to mention the clothes clean." Or,"I never thought mud could get there!" Another thought that came to mind is, "Will the four wheeler really make it though this slush and slime of mud?"
It has occurred to me, that we are entering a new season here. Most people refer to this time of year as spring. However, here, it is referred to as "break up". The dreaded season. It is the season where the snow has begun to melt, and there is nothing left but mud and slush. Eventually it will dry and become dirt, but for now, and for about a month more, it will be melting snow, slush and mud. What a mess! Although, it is sunny and nice out, it is not ideal "mom" weather. "Mom" weather being that sort of weather where mom doesn't have to worry about how many stains she is going to have to try to remove after allowing her kids time outside to play. But, the more I think about it, the more I realize, I don't think there really is a season like that here. In winter, they come in wet, "spring" they come in muddy, summer they come in dusty and dirty and fall, well a little of everything, I suppose. So, I will take a sigh...smile a little and enjoy watching my kids play outside, get dirty and have a ball. I imagine in the end, it won't really matter whether or not I've gotten the stains out. Chances are, they will just make new ones where the older ones were to begin with!
Water running down to the bay
More than one use for sleds!
What the road outside our yard looks like right now.
It has occurred to me, that we are entering a new season here. Most people refer to this time of year as spring. However, here, it is referred to as "break up". The dreaded season. It is the season where the snow has begun to melt, and there is nothing left but mud and slush. Eventually it will dry and become dirt, but for now, and for about a month more, it will be melting snow, slush and mud. What a mess! Although, it is sunny and nice out, it is not ideal "mom" weather. "Mom" weather being that sort of weather where mom doesn't have to worry about how many stains she is going to have to try to remove after allowing her kids time outside to play. But, the more I think about it, the more I realize, I don't think there really is a season like that here. In winter, they come in wet, "spring" they come in muddy, summer they come in dusty and dirty and fall, well a little of everything, I suppose. So, I will take a sigh...smile a little and enjoy watching my kids play outside, get dirty and have a ball. I imagine in the end, it won't really matter whether or not I've gotten the stains out. Chances are, they will just make new ones where the older ones were to begin with!
Water running down to the bay
More than one use for sleds!
What the road outside our yard looks like right now.Monday, April 13, 2009
He is Risen!
This Easter was particularly special this year. It was the first time for us to celebrate here in Alaska. We had some new traditions and some old and it was a very blessed Easter. We started the weekend with an egg hunt on Saturday. It was so fun. I'm constantly amazed at where we live and in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. The kids got to hunt for eggs in their snowsuits, on the bay. The younger ones along the bay and the older ones riding snowmachines to their destination to search for the more cleverly hidden eggs. It was a treat!
Then, on Sunday morning, we awoke early for a sunrise service. Again, full snowsuits on, we were on the back side of the church which is another area of the bay. Breathtaking. It was snowing and just beautiful. And of course, there was a snowpit with a little fire going. Then, we had our regular services and ate way too much and enjoyed more egg hunts. It was a fun filled day.
What struck me the most, was the fact that all over the world, people were celebrating our risen Savior. It dawned on me, at the sunrise service, that people all over the world, whether on a snowy bay, or sunny beaches, or anywhere in between, were all celebrating the same thing. We have a risen Savior who died to take the punishment for yours and my sins and He did this so we could live eternally with Him. Then, He rose again because He is the Almighty, and I look forward to the day when I can see Him face to face, bow down at His feet and thank Him for the sacrifice He made just for me and you.
It was a good day. A day of worshiping my Lord. He has risen...He has risen indeed!!
Then, on Sunday morning, we awoke early for a sunrise service. Again, full snowsuits on, we were on the back side of the church which is another area of the bay. Breathtaking. It was snowing and just beautiful. And of course, there was a snowpit with a little fire going. Then, we had our regular services and ate way too much and enjoyed more egg hunts. It was a fun filled day.
What struck me the most, was the fact that all over the world, people were celebrating our risen Savior. It dawned on me, at the sunrise service, that people all over the world, whether on a snowy bay, or sunny beaches, or anywhere in between, were all celebrating the same thing. We have a risen Savior who died to take the punishment for yours and my sins and He did this so we could live eternally with Him. Then, He rose again because He is the Almighty, and I look forward to the day when I can see Him face to face, bow down at His feet and thank Him for the sacrifice He made just for me and you.
It was a good day. A day of worshiping my Lord. He has risen...He has risen indeed!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Through a Child's Eyes
Yesterday I had my oldest daughter (5 yrs old) run an errand for me. As I watched her leave and walk down the path, I couldn't help but smile. She first left and stopped part way and just looked around. Taking in the sunshine and smiling. Then, as she continued to go she didn't just walk, she bounced, full of life and energy. Her arms were swinging, there was a skip to her walk, and if I know my daughter, I'm sure she was singing the whole way down the path. Such a beautiful sight!
I thought, as I watched her go, that's how I should be living my life. Through the eyes of a child. Skipping, not walking through life. Head up and enjoying every piece of beauty that comes along the way. I need to have a happy attitude and enjoy life, even when "running errands". My life here on earth is but a tiny speck compared to what my heavenly life will be, so I should truly live it to it's fullest. Children are such a good reminder of what that means. We should all live like that.
When my daughter finally came home, she still had that sweet smile on her face and then went to her room and played, enjoying life once again. My hope and prayer is that I can take advantage of the beauty in life and cherish every moment. If only to stop, look up and see life through a child's eyes every now and then.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Love to run
A big part of my life has been running. I love it. I love to hate it sometimes, but it is a love of mine. It also is nice to keep up with so that I can maintain my diet of yummy food! I used to run very frequently in Kansas, but being in Alaska it has been more difficult. The weather is a BIG factor. Call me a wimp, but running in -25 degrees isn't an option for me. So, I've been trying to take advantage of any nice day there is to go for a run. I've only been out about 4 times! My first run out here was unforgettable, however. It was what made me feel like I was at home. I was settling in. It was my way of putting down some roots. It was also rather hilarious to watch me try to maintain my balance while running in the snow. I would lift a foot and where it would land I wouldn't know, until it sunk deep into the snow! It was also memorable because of the beautiful view. Just gorgeous. I just have to remember to look up and enjoy it every now and then, while at the same time not lose my footing. Running is so therapeutic for me, it gives me a peace, and sense of accomplishment. It is where I spend my time with the Lord in prayer or praise. I'm so thankful He gave me the ability to run and enjoy His creation and worship Him while I'm doing it. Whether in Kansas (where I NEVER ran in snow) or in Alaska. As long as I have my shoes, I'm good to go!
Monday, March 30, 2009
New Home
I intended to start this blog about 2 months ago, but I figure, better late than never. I look forward to taking you along with me on my journey of life as a mother of 3 living in the bush of Alaska, having just moved from small town, Kansas. I'm going to share a post with you from the 3rd day we arrived here. I might as well start from the "beginning".
Today is day 3 in our new home and up until now I have felt completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with our many, many boxes; overwhelmed with the true seclusion of being in the bush of Alaska; overwhelmed with a new home, new school, new way of life; overwhelmed with meeting new people and just overwhelmed over all the overwhelming things! There has been a ladies retreat going on at the church here, which I had not attended (due to my problem of being overwhelmed) but was invited by a sweet friend to attend tonight. I "boldly" offered to drive, since our "vehicle" is more covered. It was a riot!! She was patient with me, but I'm sure she feared for her life, and all I had to do was get us across the runway! We survived and lived to tell about it.
The speaker, Anne Barbour, was great. She is a very talented woman, using her gifts to glorify the Lord. We happened to fly in with her when we came so I got to meet her prior to tonight. She spoke on The Gift of His Presence and tonight she specifically spoke on Worship through Abiding. Abide...now there's a word for you. The dictionary says it means"v.v.1. to stay;remain; wait. 2. to continue to live(in a place); reside; swell 3. to continue (in some state or action) 4. to continue in existence; endure" She spoke on what it truly means to abide in Christ. Like Peter on the water who chose to completely focus on Jesus and walk on water. Not because he wanted to prove something, but because he followed a command from Jesus. So focused was he that God allowed him to defy gravity and everything human and walk on the water. That's true devotion and a beautiful picture of what it means to abide in Him. This , however, is not the end of the story. Because Peter is human, he lost focus for a split second, and immediately he was struggling to stay above water and struggling for life. But, as soon as he refocused, Jesus was there to pick him up. Jesus was always there and never left him. In all the craziness of moving and letting myself get overwhelmed I seem to have lost my focus. Tonight I feel like my eyes are once again turning the right direction and refocusing on Him. Abide...what a word! My focus should be, not on my earthly home (or it's insane amount of contents), but on my heavenly Father. Where else can I truly dwell and be comforted and loved and forgiven? I am reminded I must abide in Him.
My grandmother recently passed on from her earthy home to her heavenly home. Where she is abiding in Him. I am saddened at losing her and not being here with me on Earth, but I know she is home. Home. I too feel as if I am home, my earthly home. Now, I must just learn to ABIDE.
Today is day 3 in our new home and up until now I have felt completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with our many, many boxes; overwhelmed with the true seclusion of being in the bush of Alaska; overwhelmed with a new home, new school, new way of life; overwhelmed with meeting new people and just overwhelmed over all the overwhelming things! There has been a ladies retreat going on at the church here, which I had not attended (due to my problem of being overwhelmed) but was invited by a sweet friend to attend tonight. I "boldly" offered to drive, since our "vehicle" is more covered. It was a riot!! She was patient with me, but I'm sure she feared for her life, and all I had to do was get us across the runway! We survived and lived to tell about it.
The speaker, Anne Barbour, was great. She is a very talented woman, using her gifts to glorify the Lord. We happened to fly in with her when we came so I got to meet her prior to tonight. She spoke on The Gift of His Presence and tonight she specifically spoke on Worship through Abiding. Abide...now there's a word for you. The dictionary says it means"v.v.1. to stay;remain; wait. 2. to continue to live(in a place); reside; swell 3. to continue (in some state or action) 4. to continue in existence; endure" She spoke on what it truly means to abide in Christ. Like Peter on the water who chose to completely focus on Jesus and walk on water. Not because he wanted to prove something, but because he followed a command from Jesus. So focused was he that God allowed him to defy gravity and everything human and walk on the water. That's true devotion and a beautiful picture of what it means to abide in Him. This , however, is not the end of the story. Because Peter is human, he lost focus for a split second, and immediately he was struggling to stay above water and struggling for life. But, as soon as he refocused, Jesus was there to pick him up. Jesus was always there and never left him. In all the craziness of moving and letting myself get overwhelmed I seem to have lost my focus. Tonight I feel like my eyes are once again turning the right direction and refocusing on Him. Abide...what a word! My focus should be, not on my earthly home (or it's insane amount of contents), but on my heavenly Father. Where else can I truly dwell and be comforted and loved and forgiven? I am reminded I must abide in Him.
My grandmother recently passed on from her earthy home to her heavenly home. Where she is abiding in Him. I am saddened at losing her and not being here with me on Earth, but I know she is home. Home. I too feel as if I am home, my earthly home. Now, I must just learn to ABIDE.
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