There's Something About Mary

To Catch Up...

2012-01-31T23:58:00.000Z

Oh my word...its been way to long since my last update. Where do I begin? As I write this I am curious how all of you are doing...what you've been up to. Make sure to write me a note...I would love to hear from you.

Now...let's get this party started...and speaking of...

I had a birthday since my last post. The honey took me out for a treat at the Fried Pickle...and I'll give you 3 guesses (the first 2 don't count)...as to what their specialty is. That's right yummy...not so good for you...but again I'll say yummy...fried pickles!

And the weather for my special day couldn't have been better...71 F!!! That's 22 C for all my European friends. WOW!

And the honey gave me a pair of shoes that I had been wanting for well over a year. See I gave away almost my entire shoe collection between moving international here and there...so I am slowly but surely beginning a new collection. These are so cute!

Then we went for a stroll in the small downtown area of Roswell. This is such a picture of American life to me...what do you think?

Then we visited Whole Foods for the first time. I LOVED it. Oh my...I could spend some serious money in there...so we have to be careful. I also love the fact that they offer coupons. Some great deals...check em out!

For the rest of December we took some time to hang out with friends. We have been gone a while so we are very keen on building up existing and new friendships. Wanna be our friend?! :)

We are very thankful that our friends for the most part are very well traveled and love ethnic food. So far we've been taking to the likes of Israel...

...and India...well food places that is. And we couldn't be happier. YUM!

Then it was time to spend quality time with one of my besties. She was a bridesmaid of mine in our wedding and continues to serve in Ireland as a missionary. When she came home for Christmas break we decided to treat her to a little Starbucks...

...and what girl wouldn't want a pedicure? J and I just love this girl and it was our joy to bless her. We hope to do this more in the future for other missionaries home on furlough. We know first hand how special it is for someone to bless you like this. :)

Then it was Christmas. I mean...it felt like it just snuck up on me. We spent Christmas eve doing our annual tradition of shopping for each other for stocking stuffers. Then Christmas day we went over to my brother's house for a meal.

J really loved the tree with the McDonald's ornament. Welcome to America! :)

Although we were stuffed from our Christmas meal...there was no rest for the weary...as we headed out to Xtreme 2011 the day after Christmas. It is an annual Christian conference/concert for teens...simultaneously happening in several locations throughout the country. We were part of the organizing crew that went to Branson Missouri. And the best part...J got to ride on his very first "proper" tour bus!

Here is a picture of our bus...from the back lounge...yes I said lounge.

Then it was time to hit the road...and hang with some very cool peeps. We just fell in love with these people...

Here we are lounging on the couches watching the next great baker...and our friend Faith certainly was watching with excitement as she could very well be the next great baker soon! Check her out:

www.freshbakedbyfaith.com

And here is J getting all cozy in the bunk...we drove overnight to get to MS.

When we woke...we were here...this BEAUTIFUL Hilton hotel...where the conference was being held. Oh my...needless to say...we were NOT suffering!

Here is the conference center...we throughly enjoyed the speakers and getting a chance to hang around with Switchfoot, Toby Mac, and the David Crowder Band.

And this was my view for most of the conference...and I LOVED it! See that iPhone...its hooked up to a wireless credit card machine...so one of my main jobs was to be in charge of the credit card sales...that and registration. Oh I loved it and want one of my own...although not sure what I would use it for...but its just so stinking cool!

We so loved being part of this...and "doing ministry" together...something that we as a couple had longed for since I had first been diagnosed in England...and had to stop working. So needless to say it was very special.

Then it was time for the bus ride home...which turned out to be even more of a blessing when we had the awesome privilege to sit with our Pastor...just to talk with him and share our hearts of where we have been...and to be encouraged. It was just what we needed.

Then it was New Years Day...and what other meal would you fix but ham, collard greens, and black eyed peas (an American tradition)...but oh so good! Collard greens aren't pictured because they were already eaten!

After the beginning of the New year...we decided to be more intentional with spending time with our family.

We enjoy our "Monday Date Nights" with my niece and nephew. They are little stinkers and hard to beat at the Wii...here J is intently watching to see how they get those high scores...

...and later on in the week I will find him doing this...trying to beat their scores!

Sorry honey you are good...but they are just little experts. :)

We also have enjoyed spending time with them on Wednesday nights at our home church. Below is a picture of FBCW middle school Pastor Rick Young...bringing a great message to the Kids from God's Word. Us adults were getting a lot out of it too!

We are settling in more and more to life here in America. We've been blessed and the Father is looking after us. These beautiful winter skies don't seem to hurt either!

Bella the cat is settling well also. Just these past few weeks she has started her old routine again of sitting on my lap while I have my morning quite time.

She is such a pretty girl!

And she has definitely gotten her frisky self back...she loves to play...especially with any form of string!

January was also a month for my honey's 31st birthday! Below is the snickers cheesecake I made for him...per his request...and yes all of that stuff on top are loads of snickers!

Speaking of honey...he has been volunteering to run camera for church services...

Here is one of his shots...sorry its blurry from me taking the picture...but this is a great shot of him panning the crowd from a wide shot and then closing in on the stage.

Now I am going to brag on him a little...this past week the director made sure to tell me that "he is Sooooooo good at what he does!". Yes he is...and I am so proud of him!

We've both been volunteering to help with another ministry near and dear to our heart...iVOW...and just this past week wrote, directed, edited, and produced a short trailer for the ministry. We hope that it will air at church soon! More to come on this...but if you are a young couple who are engaged or thinking about becoming engaged and live in the Atlanta area...you need to check them out!

People ask how I am doing. I am doing well. I have been praying that I would get back into a pastime I used to love...reading. I've been reading a lot of books lately...but this is one of my favorites along with most challenging.

Its called Safe People and it is an eye opener. I also have been loving Max Lucado's Fearless and the devotional book Jesus Calling. I just sense the Lord has said in my heart that this is the year of FREEDOM for me...in many ways...more to come on that later too...

Physically I have good days...

...and not so good days.

I've been getting more and more settled with transferring all my medications Stateside as well as getting to know my doctors. I've been blessed that J has been right by my side!

I've also been asked to be part of an upcoming portrait book for patients on chemo. Its to share their story...so needless to say I am honored. Here I am getting my make up done for the photo shoot...

Here I am again...and you can really see how my hair is thinning. I've not had total hair loss...as the chemo pill I am on does not tend to make people lose all of their hair...but it definitely thins it out drastically. I have bald patches showing up...thinking of going short...what do you think?

And the coolest part is that we did the shoot at the Third Day Studio. Wow...it was amazing!

Here I am sharing my story...

Smile pretty for the camera! Notice my cute new shoes?

And J and I both decided we would love to have this urban look in our future home...I mean I LOVED the decor!

Well that is about all...and I know you are thinking "all...I just read a novel!" Sorry...I will try to not spread the time out too far next time before I do another update. Hope you are having a blessed day...love you dear ones!

Overdue...

2011-12-10T20:06:00.001Z

Um yes, yes...it has been a loooong time since I've updated a little something about us...but that can only mean one thing...life has been hectic to say the least!

As you know we made our trek to America this past October...and arrived at the most beautiful time of the year in Atlanta...where the fall colors were so bright that you could literally see a gold reflection through the windows. This picture does not do it justice but in my half stupor of walking up our first morning in America...I had enough wits about me to take this photo.

Then after only a short day of rest...we did a big no no...we took our "list" to Wal-Mart and spent the next 3 hours bewildered by the shear mass of the store and the overwhelming selection of things. Towards the end poor honey even had a manager come to him and ask if he was okay! We must have looked a mess and by the time we left...we were headed home to take a nap. I know...lightweights.

After our big fiasco in Wally world...we decided we needed to slow things down a bit and took it easy for a few days. I loved being able to sit out on the porch with my bare feet...soaking in the sunshine...all the while we are in the month of November!

The hubs quite enjoyed himself out on the deck as well.

Then it was time to head to church...oh how amazing it was to spend time with our church family again.

Our friends have really blessed us as well...by throwing us a re entry shower to replace some of the things we had to leave behind in England. We also had a lovely couple donate a couch to us!

However...it was quite the show to fit it upstairs in our apartment. But the finished product was worth it!

Then it was time for my favorite American holiday...Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for this year...in particularly...reuniting with family. They have blessed us by allowing us to stay in a one room flat in their home.

It was great to have 3 generations in the kitchen again!

Then it was time for a freakish event that comes only once per year...called BLACK FRIDAY. Its a one day mega sale for all the retail shops across America. For that one day only...stores open at crazy hours...like 12am...and for only a few short hours you can get crazy deals on items.

For example...Best Buy...an electronics shop...had HDTVs 42" for 50% off! But this was the line..yes those are people actually camping out 2 days prior to doors opening to ensure they got the deal. Crazy!

So we did get one Black Friday deal...but chose to do it on line instead of waiting in the insane lines. Honey got a battery drill 50% off and then we had a gift card from our re entry shower that we used...which brought the drill to over 80% off! Talk about a deal! Now if we only had our own home to use it on...

Then it was onto other matters...we had been in the country for over 4 weeks at this point...and STILL hadn't been able to get our cell phones sorted. My parents also were waiting on us to get home...because mom wanted herself an iPhone! Yes that's right...my little mommy is a proud owner of one...and I am so proud of her how quickly she has learned to use it. She's so cute!

Then we were just trying to get back into the swing of things living in a new country. But had to chuckle when we came across adds like these...

Or even better...just seeing the massive difference in size of things available here verses in England or Holland. Like this...

As overwhelmed as we were at the time...J received a letter from the US Government that helped us feel a bit more settled....it was his Permanent Residency Card. Woo Hoo! He can now legally live and work in the States. Now to just find a job...

After some meetings and doctor appointments here and there...it was off to a time of rest and relaxation to a small town called Slapout Alabama...as we were going to visit one of our supporting churches and good friends.

The town gets its name from the local town grocer who back in the day when asked if he had a certain food item...would famously say "I'm slap out of that!".

We were staying in a cabin on the lake that the sweet church provided for us. It was so peaceful. We loved waking up every morning to this...

We also enjoyed taking walks on a country mile road...nothing better. J really enjoyed just the peace and quite. I loved the sunshine...one thing I had terribly missed

while living in England...sunshine year round!

We also spent some time catching up with good friends and were able to take some sweet family pictures. We just love this little family!

Here we took some shots at an old abandoned farm house. Made for a very cool vintage backdrop...don't you think?

Then it was time to make our way back to Atlanta...and to celebrate a Dutch holiday...Sinterklass. Its a dutch tradition where kids fill their wooden shoes with hay and carrots for the horse that Sinterklass rides in on and in return he fills the shoes with candy...if they have been good.

That catches us up to date..and as I type this...the song that I am listening to sums this time up..."Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas"...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The One with the "Stuff"...

2011-10-27T19:28:00.000+01:00

Hello friends and family...is it time already for another week in review? Wow. Time is flying for us now as we prepare to move to the States in only 4 days!

This week started with final packing of our bits...and oh my word...how did we get so much stuff? I'm pretty sure that if we were moving our house in a truck...it would look like this. I love the cat in the picture...can you find it?

Speaking of a cat...Bella the cat has been doing well...thanks to our good friend and vet Laura. She has been given a mild...all natural calming supplement that we sprinkle over her food in the mornings. I've seriously thought about taking some of it myself at times!

Like...

...when I became a little...how shall we put this..."upset" when I handed over my slow cooker to its new owner. I'm pretty sure I looked like this...

So after a few "it will be okay honey" from the hubs...I came back to my senses and was reminded it was only "stuff". After getting rid of most of our "stuff"...we began to pack what was left. Mainly our bare necessities we would need for the next possible 6 months to a year (our stuff when it arrives in the States will be going directly into a storage until we are able to get our own place).

And get this...we ONLY USED 4 BAGS for ALL of our stuff. So needless to say I thought it would be impossible to fit it all but we we were pushing and shoving to make it all fit. I'm pretty sure we looked something like this...

Then it was off to finish more things which included...collecting final medical records...closing accounts...cleaning...going to this appointment then that appointment...etc etc. By the end of each day I am pretty sure I was looking like this...

And I'm pretty sure I could have used a Starbucks injection like this in place of my chemo treatments. Wonder if the Docs would have gone for that?

Then it was on to say our goodbyes. We had a lovely send off with our office full with cakes and goodies...they must know me really well! We also had a great send off from our home church here in England. It was such a sweet time of the entire church praying over us!

Speaking of...their prayers and your prayers must be working! The very next day we heard our final report from our docs here in England. My inflammation rate is down from 31 to 9! (Keep in mind a healthy person is considered to be at 5). WOW. I have noticed a bit more energy...which has been such a God send with all that has been going on with the move. So needless to say we are over the moon right now!

Then it was on to say goodbye to neighbors, who many of you will get to meet when they come to the ATL sometime next year! He is from England and she is from Hong Kong...so we both have a lot in common
with the whole living in a country that is not your own thing.

They took us out for a final British meal complete with roast beef, roasted potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. It was so yummy. We love them and our little neighborhood...which...

...reminded me of when we first came here. It was around Easter of 2010...pictured above we are just out front of our house...

Here we are again with our first meal in our home. Sniff Sniff...I am going to miss it and have been told by many who have been married much longer than we have...that you will never forget your first place together. Sniff Sniff...

So many people have asked us just in recent weeks "How have you grown in your walk with the Lord throughout this journey with my illness.

The biggest thing has to be our level of TRUST with Him! Oh my word...I've

never been so stretched in my life...but He has shown me that if I just TRUST Him...He has a good plan. His plans are perfect and full of peace no matter the storm that is surrounding you.

And one more in particularly for me...I've learned to "LET GO"! Something this planner by heart never thought she could do. I've had to just sit back and watch Him unfold what all was going to happen.

Now it doesn't mean that I did nothing. I read something this week that sums it up..."Work as if everything depends on you. Pray as if everything depends on Him!" Enough said.

So many of you have also asked what we will do once we get to the States? Well...the first week or two...

A-B-S-O-L-U-T-L-Y nothing! Oh yes...I see some relaxation in both J man's and my future.

Soon after arriving in the States, however, we will begin our transition re-entry time with OM. This will last until the end of January 2012. During this time we will be re-acclimating to life in the States, debriefing with OM, finding permanent work for J, and getting me sorted with new Doctors. I'm sure it will keep us VERY busy!

Well that's about it for now. Hope to see you all very soon. We will, Lord willing, be home after October 31st. We'll see you a couple of weeks after that.

America...here we come!

The One With the U.S. Embassy

2011-10-16T14:13:00.001+01:00

Well hello there friends and family. Welcome to another MOJO week in review. One HUGE praise happened this week...ready...drumroll....

J got approved for Permanent Residence Status to the United States of America!!!!! Whooo Hooo! After six long months of agonizing and seeming endless paperwork and red tape...we made it. Needless to say this was a huge relief to us so thank you for your prayers!

Many of you have asked if this means J will be a US Citizen and the answer is no...not yet. This Permanent Residency Status simply allows J to live and work in the States indefinitely. We will, however start the road to citizenship for J man just after coming to America...but the entire process will take about 3 years time. One thing we have learned with dealing with the government and visas...it takes a long time so you must be patient!

This picture was taken just as we were leaving the Embassy...oops...don't think they liked us doing that as we were escorted off the property by men wearing suits...meaning business!

We also used this time of being in London to reunite with two of my besties... Leena & Andrea. We all lived together at one time in Ireland as housemates and have made it our goal to reunite every few years...no matter where we all are. I just love these two girls and their heart for God!

J and I were exhausted from the Embassy interview so the girls continued on in the city site seeing (it was Andrea's first time there)...while J and I took a train back to rest for a bit. We had been up since 4am at that point!

So just as we were about to board our train we saw a glorious sign...a sign that said Krispy Kreme! If you are an American living abroad...this is a BIG deal...and you would stop for one as well.

We were good and only had one each...and score...they were giving away free hot drinks that day to go along with it! They were oh so yummy...and we both had to laugh as all we could think of while we ate it were the words of Christian Comedian Tim Hawkins when he refers to them as "little baby angels melting in your mouth." Oh yeah...that's about true!

Then later on in the evening we all gathered back together at an Irish Pub for dinner...and met up with our friend Orla and her fiance and little precious baby boy.

Orla was our neighbor in Ireland...who lovingly took us "immigrants" in and showed us the ropes of living abroad. Without her we would have been lost and certainly would have never learned how to make a proper "cuppa" (cup of tea)! We love you Orla!

Then it was back to reality only a day later as me and the hubs started the final stages of us departing...PACKING! Oh my word. Although we are taking as much as we can with us...there is still so much we are having to leave behind...mostly electrical items since they won't work in America.

But God is good and our sweet friends Kerri and Michael back in Atlanta will be hosting a "re entry" couple's shower for J and I to replace some of the things we had to leave behind.

It is going to be an amazing blessing and we are looking forward to it. Plus it is the first time we as a couple have actually registered somewhere...so we felt like newlyweds again!

We are having many mixed emotions now with getting so close to the end of our time here in England. Only 15 more days to go! So to offset what we will miss...we have been talking about what we are looking forward to in moving to one of the greatest cities in the world.

Where is that you may ask? ATLANTA!!!!!!

Our first stop will be here...Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Home of Delta Airlines and one of the word's busiest airports.

This will be us in only a couple of weeks as we are herded like livestock into the immigration lines. Although we don't mind...I am thinking tears of joy will be rolling down both our cheeks as we hear "Welcome to the United States of America."

Now back to Atlanta...many of you may not be familiar with this great city so let me tell you a few things about it. Atlanta is the home of CNN Headquarters...here is a picture of the CNN building. People work, eat, shop, live, and even park their cars in this one building...it is huge!

Atlanta is also the home of the Coca Cola Headquarters. The hubs has not yet visited the World of Coke Museum...pictured here...so I have a feeling we will be making a visit soon to taste the over 100 different flavors of coke! Well J will be tasting them considering I haven't had a coke in almost 2 years!

And we will of course have to stop at a Chick Fil A! Can I get a witness. Oh my...my mouth is watering just thinking about this. Again...if you are an American...in particularly a southern American living abroad...you know what I am talking about.

Can't you just taste that juicy chicken sandwich right now? So sorry to all my American friends living overseas who have looked at this picture and started salivating only to realize there is no Chck Fil A in site! :(

And finally...what we are looking forward to the most is to be reunited with our family and friends at our home church in America...First Baptist Church Woodstock.

Oh how we long to be there. And don't be surprised that in the first few Sundays you see me and J man just busting it out in song...we've really missed the praise and worship team who do such an amazing job in leading us to worship Him.

But until then...we will wait for Him here a little longer and just enjoy our last 15 days in England. Great...there I go crying again...oh what an emotional time this is. Pray for us...and send loads of kleenex our way! :)

How was your week?

The One with the Beautiful Video...

2011-10-02T18:27:00.002+01:00

Well hello wonderful friends and family...glad that you are stopping back by. We are grateful that you take an interest in our lives and pray for us. A lot happened this week but we are choosing to focus on only a few highlights. So with out further a-dew...here is our week in review.

One major thing happened this week...and that is...DRUMROLL...We have an appointment with the US Embassy in London for J's Permanent Residence Visa interview! After a long seven months, we finally got this great news! Our appointment is on October 12 and that is so incredible because...

...that date will be almost exactly one year since when I received my residence visa to stay here in England. Of course a lot has happened since then...like my diagnosis...which has changed our plans a bit.

Just goes to show you that you can NEVER fully anticipate the journey the Lord will take you on in this life. But we obediently and humbly choose to follow Him...and for now...He is leading us back to America!

As we prepare for a new journey, I can't help but look at God's hand in our lives over these past almost 2 years. In reminiscing...one thing that has been so prevalent in my own personal life...is God's changing me from the inside out.

At first I was really upset that my physical appearance changed so much (due to part of the illness and also treatments). But God has been so good to show me that His Grace is sufficient when I am weak...and that He is TRANSFORMING ME INTO HIS IMAGE. And that is Beautiful thing!

I have a real heart to share this with other women...in all stages of life. So many times as women we tend to compare ourselves to other women or think we don't measure up in some way. Sometimes we even do crazy things to try and make ourselves beautiful...without realizing what true beauty in Christ is. I hope to live my life as an example in this area.

Below is a little video I've put together of my "Journey with Lupus". I hope it blesses you!

Till next week...keep being transformed into His image...because He and YOU are beautiful!

The One With the Burnt Toast...

2011-09-25T19:28:00.000+01:00

Hello sweet friends and family and welcome to another fabulous week in review with MOJO! This was a week full of many unexpected things...but also many beautiful things too! So lets get started...

First of all you may notice a different look to my blog...I changed it around just a bit and integrated the new interface...yes I did that all by my little lonesome...proud of me????

But had the biggest scare when I got a message from Google saying my blog had been deleted! Turns out it was a security measure as I was rearranging so many things...just goes to prove that this blogging stuff is tough!

Now a little update on J...you may remember he had a blocked mucous membrane surgically removed last week. He is doing much better after a round of antibiotics and his stitches are dissolving quickly. He'll be up to singing his heart out (in the shower) again real soon!

The beginning of our week we were so blessed to meet with this crazy Alabama man...Marvin. He is from the OM USA office and serves as our member care contact. We just love him and felt so encouraged by his visit! We even took him to see his very first castle and to eat some fish and chips. It was just what we needed and was great to hear a "hey ya'll" from someone else...other than from my own lips!

Boy of boy did we need that encouragement...as the week proved to be very difficult physically for me. But first the good news...we found out that my liver function had dropped back to normal and that my c-reation rate (the test done to show how much inflammation is in your body) was down from 31 to 21!

Now for some perspective...the normal healthy person's would be around 5. The amount of inflammation in my body at these levels (21 or higher) is the same as someone who has severe burns all over their body. Not a pretty picture but a good visual to explain to someone about an "invisible" illness such as Lupus. You may "look good"...but you could easily feel as much pain as a burned victim. YIKES!

So we were praising God that the treatments I have been on (for one month now) seem to be working! But then it was on to the hard stuff...we now were at the mark in my treatment...to start to increase the dosage.

Okay...so for those of you who don't know...yes...I am on a mild form of Chemo called 6-MP. The hopes are that this treatment will dial down my over hyper active immune system just enough to be "normal". Remember...with Lupus your immune system is in overdrive and starts to attack healthy tissue such as skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.

So this tiny little pill...was given at a bigger dosage which then led to me feeling the first negative side effects of the treatment. BLAH! Let's just say that it was good for me to be able to dress myself. The poor hubs was doing EVERYTHING. I am so thankful he is able to take care of me!

One fun story to lighten the mood...J-man was making us dinner (tea and toast by my request). As I heard him scuffling around in the kitchen and the sound of banging pots and pans everywhere... I went in to see what all was going on. It was like a scene from Mr. Mom...without the kids. :)

Me: "Honey the toast is burning."
J-man: "Yeah...I'm not the toast master like you...I'm more like the solar eclipse toast master. Sometimes I get it right but its rare." I love him for trying though!

So yeah...it was a rough few days as I was dealing with the phsycial and emotional side of things. And I did have some more than normal hair coming out in the tub. So needless to say I started to have a little pitty party...which was not made better for sure with looking for cute options to cover my head should things go that way.

I mean have a look below at what is called "Chemo head gear". But good news...the Doctors think that since I am on such a low dose that I most likely won't have substantial hair loss. PTL...I mean look at these things.

So I did what any girl who wanted to feel pretty would do...I mustard up the energy and went and got a whole new do!

That's right...I went full fringe and LOVE it! Someone asked me how I could do such a drastic cut...I say...its just hair...it will grow back...I mean after going through so many drastic changes over these past 2 years...I figure I can do just about anything!

But ain't I cute?!?!

Then we had a fright of our lives when we woke up Sunday morning to the sound of something very loud and what seemed very heavy falling off our roof!

Yep...that's right...our chimney...that we have told our landlord about 4 times now...finally starting to come tumbling down.

And it came crashing down "like a ton of bricks" onto our bathroom's roof...breaking through the tile! Its all good and the landlord is coming tomorrow...but for now I feel like wearing a hard hat every time I go outdoors.

Thinking of making one for bella the cat too. Would that be cute or what?

Then it was on to watch the season premiere of Grey's. We've seen all 7 seasons so we were super excited to watch the 2 hour premiere of what we are hearing will be the final season. That was until...

...until these peoples went all crazy and such! I mean come on Grey's...you got people stealing babies like they done lost their minds. And by the way...I'm guessing no one at Seattle Grace has ever read the book Boundaries. Just sayin'....

Then it was off to take Bella for a little spin in her cute kitty transporter. I mean we have to get her ready for that 9 hour flight somehow.

This photo was taken at the beginning of our trip. By the end she managed to get herself totally underneath the blanket. Poor Bella boo!

Then I was feeling quite crafty...and was pretty much homebound...so what did I do? I made a 31 day personalized prayer journal for us. We had been using this poor system of sticky notes all over the place so I decided we needed to step it up a notch!

It's a 5/7' 3 ring notebook...and I added clear page protectors for the prayer (I typed out) and for pictures of people. We like to have a name with a face. So look out...prayers heading your way soon!

Then it was a big ole surprise (imagine me doing the happy dance) when I found out that "Getto Netto"...our local grocery store on the corner...was bought out by ASDA (Super Wal-mart) and is set to open next week!!! Before we had to drive like 20 minutes in traffic...yes I know this sounds so spoiled! :)

And in case your wondering...no word yet as to when J's appointment will be with the US Embassy in London. We are thinking it will be the end of October some time...but praying for sooner! As soon as we get his permanent residency approved (Green Card)...we can be in the States...Lord willing about 2 weeks later!

And by the way...we laugh that they call it a green card...it actually looks like this...and most of them we have heard are pink. Does anyone know why they call it a green card?

Now its time to start wrapping things up. So I will end on something that happened today. I was and am so honored to be asked to share my testimony of how God has been my rock through my illness with a group of teenage girls from our church here in Carlisle! As soon as I was asked I knew what I would speak on...

"Don't Let Comparison Steal your Joy".

So often...especially as young girls...we tend to compare ourselves with other girls. This can get us into trouble quickly. One thing God has taught me through my illness is that even if you change on the outside...you are still SO BEAUTIFUL to Him.

So I hope to share that and encourage the girls to look ultimately to HIM for love and acceptance. I will let you know how that goes...it will be mid October...so please be praying over that!

Well that's all for this week. Tune in next week to see how MOJO is getting on...and in the mean time...remember...whatever hurt you are going through as a person, a couple, or a family...God can take your broken-ness and mend it. Keep trusting Him because Life and all its quirkiness is truly a beautiful thing!

Live for Today...Our week in Review

2011-09-17T16:01:00.018+01:00

Hello dear friends and family. We meet once again...and we are so happy that you are sitting down to spend some time with us. We want to give you a peek into our little lives in the hopes that it encourages you...makes you laugh...perhaps cry...but in all...show that we are just normal people living out this extraordinary life that our Father has given us hear on Earth. So thanks for stopping by and here we go!

The week started off very somber as we recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Seeing all the Facebook comments and youtube videos...the emotions came flooding back. It was a terrible thing that happened but God used it for good in so many ways.

J and I were blessed to hear of one such story called "In My Seat"...the story of Steve Schibner, the pilot who was supposed to be on the flight that hit one of the towers.

One thing he said that really struck a cord with me was "Live everyday as if you are living on borrowed time". Little did I know that this theme of living for today would be the theme for my week. No spoilers...but make sure you watch his testimony. POWERFUL!

Later on that day I began having good energy levels..something you take advantage of when you suffer from chronic fatigue. So we "lived for the moment" and called up some friends of ours to come round for some fellowship, food, and of course...some family photos!

The MacKenna family have become such precious friends of ours. This is one of my favorites of the photo shoot.

Jenny and I, in particularly have become close as she is an American living overseas too! She has really helped me to settle well here in England...just in time to leave! Ha! We just love them to bits...but hope to see them soon when they come for a visit in the States!

The next day we were off to a prayer meeting at OM. When it came our turn to share...I just piped right up and started going down the list of where I'm at with my treatments etc. As I was talking it became so surreal that this is part of my life right now...and yes...I did have my pity party for a few hours afterwards. But then God reminded me that His Grace is sufficient for TODAY! Funny how God prepares your heart for what's coming next...

So they hubs...ain't he cute?...developed a lump on his lip about 2 months ago. We saw our regular GP about it...and after it not going away on its own...J was sent to see an Oral surgeon. I was super tired the morning of his appointment so J told me to stay home and rest...that "it will be fine". Hmm.

They next thing I know...J walks through the door and says that he has a blocked mucous membrane that has to be removed pronto...like TODAY! So I got myself around and back we went to the hospital for his afternoon appointment.

What was supposed to be a small incision ended up being a deep one...needing 4 stitches. He is much better now...but it has taken him a few days of antibiotics and pain pills to get through it. Poor honey!

But him being sick made me realize two things. One...how much J does for me...and two how the Lord gives His SUFFICIENT GRACE when we need it! Praise the Lord I had abundant energy (not the norm for me) to be able to take care of my husband!

Speaking of Grace...I was going to still need more...as I went for my weekly bloods check the very next day. They were able to get the blood with no problems this time...unlike last week where it took many tries over a two day period. Part of the treatment I am on can do weird things to my veins...think of the movie Steel Magnolias and "Shelby are you driving nails?!" I know gross...welcome to my world.

But please be praying over my liver as my enzymes seem to be a bit high...which could just be a reaction to some of the treatments. Please pray its not permanent and that I can continue the treatments as scheduled.

We'll let you know more about that after our Doctor appointment next week. And on a more positive note: J thinks I may have a bit more energy than normal. I don't really see a big difference yet...but I am hopeful...and plan to keep on "living for today".

But putting the medical stuff aside... most of my week was full of wonderful things. Like...

I made my first Chocolate Cream Pie for a friend's birthday and it was a hit! And I was so good and only had 2 small slivers over the course of the week...I mean come on...should I deprive myself when we are talking about chocolate???

Also Parenthood Season 3 premiered. J and I LOVE this TV show...we laugh...we cry...and even though we don't have children yet...we relate with a lot of what is portrayed. If you haven't seen it...its worth a gander!

And the highlight of my week came when I was blessed to teach blogging to a 65 year old precious lady on her birthday. Just goes to show you that you are never too old to learn. I am so excited for her!

Well that's about all for this week. I hope you are blessed and encouraged as you read this and remember to "Live everyday as if you are on borrowed time"!

London, Shipping Containers, Do You Remember...

2011-09-03T18:24:00.017+01:00

Well back by popular demand...its our week in review. Hope you are doing well as you read this. Let me just say...I can't believe it's already September. WOW. The trees here in England are starting to sport their new colors.

And on that note I thought I would start off with a little bit of music. I-E-I...dancing in September...I-E-I...do you remember... the 21st night of September...

Now that you have that in your head...your welcome...here we go!

Our week started in a frenzy with a trip to London. We had to go for the medical exam part of J's visa requirements. So we hopped on the train and off we went. It was so neat to see the beautiful country side and then the big city as we approached! Above is honey with our awesome luggage waiting for the train at Carlisle Station.

Me enjoying the scenery.

It was so stunning going through the Lake District.

While I was enjoying the sights, the hubs spent most of his time mixing...a new hobby he has taken up...and is really good at! We're working on his DJ name and will get back to you.

So we arrived 3 hours later... safe and sound in London. It is so neat there with all the classic big red buses (and yes made me think of OM Ireland).

We got unpacked at the B&B and then went out for some dinner. We were surprised to see a line of about 400 teenagers waiting to get into a club. Come to find out it was someone's sweet sixteen party. The cops were all over it though...rightly so with what had happened in the past weeks with the riots.

Notice the Evangelical Church in the background. As we past we were praying for the young people to come to know Him and not get swallowed up by the world. As I saw the girls dressed to the hills...it touched a nerve as I can remember back in the day... being all about keeping up appearances and not knowing a thing about my Heavenly Father. My heart went out to these young girls.

Then it was back to the B&B for a good nights rest...I was exhausted by this time. We woke early the next morning to take the train on in to the city for J's medical exam.

Little did we know we would be right in the middle of morning rush hour. OH MY WORD! This was the mad scene...where people were pushing their way onto the trains...at one point we even saw people being held inside the train by others so the door would close!

So we finally made it to the medical exam appointment. As part of J's visa requirement for permanent residence to the US...he has to undergo this exam...and get a bunch of jabs (British term for shots).

I didn't take any pictures inside as the Embassy folks don't mess around. But as I sat waiting for J I was surrounded by all these people...hoping to become immigrants. I really imagined myself back in time at Ellis Island...and hearing all the new immigrants talk about how they were going to have a new life in America. It brought tears to my eyes...I know...I'm a sap.

After drying the tears it was off to do a little sight seeing. This was my first time to London so J was eager to show me around. I felt like a queen! Speaking of...

No...we didn't get to meet her like you may have been thinking...silly you! But we did get see where she lived. Here is us outside Buckingham Palace.

Here is J at the Tower of London. Glad they didn't keep him! By this time we were both so tired that we called it a day and went back to the B&B.

The next day it was a train trip home... where we kept the ball rolling...and we were off to about a billion and one medical appointments.

Oh...and our cat Bella was super happy to see us again. She had a good kitty sitter to keep her occupied while we were gone though. Thanks Miss Helen!

I think she loves her daddy...especially when she gets to lay on his laptop!

Kisses for mommy...or not...

Then it was off to the Dentist for my final appointment. As I was saying my goodbyes I began to tear up...it was a sad moment... a realization that many of the medical staff have become like family.

So I kept a stiff upper lip as much as I could...remember me telling you I was a sap?

Also remember me telling you last week I now have to wear a night guard because I supposedly grind my teeth. The Dentist said it was due to stress. Speaking of stress...

We saw this photo while waiting in the Doctors office. I was there for a blood check for a treatment I started last week. When we saw this poster on how to avoid stress we had to laugh. If you can't read it...it says "Avoid too many changes at any one time-new house...new job...new partner." Ha!

We rounded out the week with several hours on phone calls and emails...trying to sort out some of our transitioning. One huge thing...being our shipping. We were able to share a container with another person...however it is still pricy. If you would like to know how to help with this...please let us know. :)

Then for a bit of retail therapy the hubs took me to Debenhams...its like a Dillards or Macy's compared to the US. The reason I REALLY REALLY wanted to go there was...they were having a 70% sale. OH MY WORD! And score...I got a really cool blazer...originally £50 for only £5! Gotta love a good deal like that!

And yes...I envision myself looking as cool as this when I wear it. Speaking of cool...

Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how your week was...we are just as interested in cyber stalking others as they are us! :) Have a good week!

Week in Review-Cold Water, Teeth, & Mustard Seeds...

2011-08-21T09:27:00.019+01:00

Well we had such a positive response to our last RANDOM update of our life's happenings that we thought we would do it again! Thanks for tuning in...and being interested in our totally crazy, sometimes funny, but lovely life...a little bit weird that people would like it so much...but nonetheless...here it goes...

The week started off like normal...getting our weekly church on. Well we had to tune in on line to FBCW because I (Mary) was a little unwell. Great sermon from Pastor Johnny Hunt on Kingdom Living...and even greater reminder how we are all called to be "Missionaries"...wherever the Lord puts us. That means whether living overseas like us or in your school or work. And by the way...we love us some Pastor Johnny!

Then it was time to begin a week long of test & check ups for me (Mary). We had taken a bit of a holiday (10) glorious days...and specifically stayed away from anything medial. First up we did a random check of my kidneys. I had been having some pain and with my illness (LUPUS) there sometimes can be some kidney involvement. But all was good...just some scar tissue from when I had kidney stones in the past.

Then it was movie night...where we finally got to watch Soul Surfer...based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton. It had a lot of positive Christian influences through out the movie. We really enjoyed it...well except the bit with the shark attack!

The Real Bethany Hamilton

The next morning we awoke to prepare for medical appointments for both of us. But we had a very unpleasant start to our day when our lovely hot water boiler decide to go wonkers on us! This is how it felt when I (Mary) got a blast of ice cold water every two minutes! J was much better at keeping his composure! :)

Next stop...the dentist for me (Mary). Well glory...come to find out a few weeks back at a previous appointment that I am a teeth grinder. So bad as a matter of fact that I am grinding them away to little nubs. The dentist said it is most likely due to stress...hmm...now what could I be stressed about? :)

So I am getting fitted for a night guard. For joy! But at least this explains why I wake up with a sore jaw in the mornings!

Then it was poor honey's turn and he had to get some jabs (British term for shots). He has to show proof of all of his inoculations as part of his visa process requirements...and because his childhood records are missing...he's going to have to get them all over again and have one sore arm! I did the proper wife duty and cuddled him with many "poor little bunny" comments. He said this was his version of the man flu.

Speaking of the visa process...we are a few steps closer as we booked our trip to London for the medical exam part of the requirement. Below is a picture of the US Embassy in London...J's been there before and says it looks like a fort!

After a few days of running to appointments here and there I took a breather and began a new challenge...food journaling. I am trying to connect what I eat by how it makes me feel. Its already been a year since J and I have started down the road of better eating (more organic, natural...less dairy...less meat, etc). But we are wanting to step it up.

So this is the next step which will hopefully lead to some new foods...like more raw foods and different dairy alternatives to try. One of my favorites I have to say is Almond milk. It has tons of fiber and nutrients...low calorie (about 60 cal for 8oz glass)...and really helps the muscles to absorb protein for energy. Something I (Mary) desperately need!

Also going to try for the first time diary cheese alternatives. Hmm. I will let you know how this turns out. One thing I've learned...just because it is healthy...if it taste like garbage I'm not going to stick with it! So our advice...take your time and find things that are healthy and that you actually enjoy!

Speaking of food...really loved being reminded of having faith like a mustard seed. Not faith of a GIANT...but just small faith that is living and growing...is all you need to see God at work in your life. Don't know about you but we sure are praying in faith for a lot of things...sometimes we wonder if He hears us...but this week...we got that assurance again through His blessed Word! Read Luke 17:6.

Look how tiny that thing is!

We ended our week with a date night. It happened to be our 18 month anniversary!

So we went out for a movie...a treat for us. I (Mary) was also having a good energy day so actually was able to enjoy myself...well kind of. Honey and I have been wanting to see Cowboys and Aliens. The hubs loves sci fi and I love westerns so we thought it would be a great choice for us. Hmm. Let's just say that it was about one of the goriest and violent films we've seen in a while...which didn't help my stress level...good thing I'm getting that night guard for my teeth!

But nonetheless...we enjoyed just being together. How was your week?

Productivity...Our Week in Pictures

2011-07-30T09:12:00.016+01:00

Whew! I don't know about you but this week has flown by for me. I'm just now sitting down to recap all that we accomplished/did this week and all I can say is that we certainly took on the motto "get er' done"!

The week started like any other...heading off to church. But this week was a little different as I delivered a promo DVD I've been working on for their Ladies Retreat. It turned out really good if I do say so myself and like I told them...they can use it for at least the next few years...or until the clothes go out of style!

The next day we went on a date day to a nearby town called Penrith...such a quaint little town with really neat shops. My heart did overtime when we spotted this famous British print from the 1950's called Mother's Pride. And score...got it at a charity shop for only £3 ($5)! You can just imagine the two ladies gossiping while hanging their laundry and the little boy wanting some attention. This is a very common scene even today in our neighborhood!

Then came our normal doctor visits...this week they took what seemed like a pint of blood! And then we had to hand deliver it ourselves within 1 hour's time to the local lab. We felt like we were in a movie where the heros rush to deliver the life saving blood to the person in need. Yeah...we're cool like that...you have to make light of a heavy situation somehow! :)

Next stop was our town's grand opening of the new garden center...yes this is a big deal. We enjoyed the free wifi and sipped a fab caramel latte...and of course people watched!

Also bought this fab sign for only £5! Love it! Think it will look really good in our future hallway!

Also have enjoyed going for walks this week in the beautiful sunshine. Yes...it is this beautiful here!

Then my hubby invited me to the new google plus (like facebook but you can do video chats more easily). He has been using that more than me...while I have been getting addicted to...

Oh yes...Pinterest! Warning...once you are on it you will spend HOURS researching. Within 2 days I've started 13 boards and have 89 pins! The idea is that it is like a virtual cork board that you pin ideas on...like menu ideas, decorating ideas, etc.

You have to be invited to both of these so let me know if you are interested. Super fun! Check out the funny "truth" about Pinterest above! :)

Then my passport came back! Yeah! I had to send it off to the US embassy in London to get extra visa pages as I only had 2 left. Supposedly you can be denied entry to the US if you only have 2 pages. Wouldn't that be something if J got in and I didn't! But all is sorted now!

It was also time for us to update our newsletter and website. Something that has been on our to do list for a while. We got the newsletter out...hope you enjoyed it...and are almost finished with updating the website...we think you will like it too! Let us know if you are not signed up...and we'll sort it out.

Here is the link:

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=26ca2b03fd15b8067f189790c&id=2c78f1f149&e=[UNIQID]

Then my hubby was called to save the day when his crew (who are at an event in Germany) called to say that they had forgotten a very important part of a specific camera...called the Jib (the tall thing that pans over a crowd). Anyhoo...he was able to help sort out getting it and shipping it to them just in time! Yes...he is a hero in many ways!

Then it was off to our neighbors for dinner and darts night! We had such a great time...really going to miss them. I loved playing darts again...something my brother taught me many years ago. Guess I still have "it"...I won 2 out of the 3 games! J managed to split a dart with a second one...throwing it directly on the dart itself...that is not common! He has good aim! We have decided to buy a dart board when we move to the States. Anyone up for a game?

Then we ended our week doing a little grocery shopping. My honey spotted this new pen and bought it for me! It is called the Stabilo pen and it is designed to allow you to have better hand writing...something I desperately need! Also is easier to use...especially when you have arthritis in your hands. I highly recommend it! Of course he bought me the pink one!

Over all it was a great week...productive...fun...and gorgeous weather to boot. How was your week?

Sweet Words...

2011-06-16T09:01:00.008+01:00

Have you ever noticed how God is the ultimate sweet talker? He gives you just what you need...just when you need it. Every word that flows from His mouth to your heart is like stepping into a bakery shop and smelling that sweet aroma of all the goodies. Can't you just smell it?

This past week in particular...God certainly gave me some "goodies" while we were in Holland saying our goodbyes to family and our home church. It was such a unique time to have both our parents and extended families together on the same continent!

We had the privilege of sharing with the church about God's leading us to the States. We also took the time to acknowledge and thank our home front committee on stage.

It was an emotional time...and once our team leader started the tears rolling...I don't think we saw one dry eye in that church. It was just a real precious time.

As we stood there...reviewing our life in missions like a flash of a movie reel in our minds...we both felt so heavy...so sad...but also so excited because we know that God has a good plan for us in the States. There were many mixed emotions we were struggling to understand fully.

Just when it was too much to take...the Elder came up to pray over us. Before praying he handed me a small note that said "voor Jacco en Mary Oldenkamp" (for Jacco and Mary O). Then he began to read what was written on that note.

The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

-Numbers 6:24-26

Now you may say...well that's a nice verse and stop there. But let me tell you...that was the PERFECT verse...one that God knew would touch my heart! Why you may ask? Well...that very verse...was the same one that God gave me when I first went into missions.

We felt it was very appropriate...no PERFECT...that He would give us that same verse as we are leaving this mission and heading to our next.

God is so cool like that...the Dutch word that describes it is "Prima"...excellent. He uses His sweet words...the Bible... to speak over us...to give us peace....to allow us to know that He cares. It just so blessed us.

I now have the note on a special place on our mantle...to remind me of the intimate relationship we have together. I know that no matter what is going on in my life...I can trust Him...He is reminding me by His sweet words!

Application:

You may be in a similar situation...where your world seems upside down. Maybe you have had something unexpected to come into your life and are wondering if God has forgotten you down here. Take heart...remember that God is always watching and taking care of you. There is not one thing He doesn't know about...and there is no situation that He can't handle. TRUST in Him...get into your Bible and ask Him to reveal to you what you need to hear. And then wait for those "sweet words" to coming flooding over you. They will!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

2011-05-26T11:38:00.012+01:00

Hello friends! So glad to be with you on this glorious day. As I write this I am reminded of a few of my favorite things...one of which is photography. Just this past year we were blessed with a fabulous deal on a VERY nice camera...which developed into a new hobby for me...of capturing "LIFE".

Every chance I get I am taking pictures of people...in their natural surroundings...doing the things they love...and being around the people that are most dear to them. Below are examples of my passion. Take a peak with me through my lens and see the world as I do...

Falling in Love

Intrigued...

Belly Love...

Reading...

Pondering...

Standing out...

Heading somewhere...

Take on the World...

Father and Son...

If this bench could talk...

Cottage life...

A day out...

Little feet...

All the kids...

A winter's walk...

Lonely...

I hear you...

Ride in Style...

Daddy love...

Walk a mile...

Family life...

Pink...

Soft Beauty...

His presence...

British pride...

A day in the park...

Mommy love...

Fireballs...

And I end with this picture...as sometimes...as in life...you just have to laugh!

The ROYAL Wedding

2011-04-21T08:34:00.010+01:00

Photo curtesy of devrese.com

Being in England at such a historic time to be able to witness the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is so exciting to say the least. Everywhere you go you find shop windows adoring pictures of the couple and the Union Jack is flying high on just about every street corner. With one week away the excitement is building!

Photo curtesy realradio-scotland.co.uk

The people of the UK are welcoming this sweet couple's union with cheers of joy...and being that the public will be given a "bank holiday" (national holiday) every year from here on out on April 29th to commemorate the special event...that is just icing on the cake!

People are encouraged to have street parties, as is custom here when a Royal is wed. Almost every grociery store has the Union Jack adorning just about everything from lawn chairs to paper plates! You can't help but become patriotic!

Photo curtesy theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com

Photo curtesy aroundtownwales.co.uk

For us, we will be joining the all the crowds in the city centre to watch the couple tie the knot on the huge jumbo screen. Also we have heard there will be a Beatles tribute band to entertain us. Needless to say I can't wait!

Photo Curtesy apps.detnews.com

But I can't help but think of "THE WEDDING"...the reunion one day I will have with the Bridegroom, Jesus. He is coming...and we are going to have the biggest feast you will ever see...the tables will be adorned with the most beautiful things you could ever imagine!

Photo curtesy tolucantimes.com

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. -John 14:2-3

Thought to ponder...Do we anticipate Christ's return in our hearts with joy...adorning the shop windows of our hearts with excitement? Or do we simply acknowledge He is to come... but have made our choice to stay away from the crowds of "joy"...too wrapped up in our own little world to realize the excitement of what is to come?

Too Late to Turn Back Now...

2011-03-09T10:02:00.012Z

You've heard the phrase "If you told me I would be doing _____ five years ago...I wouldn't have believed you!". I'm sure you could fill in the blank with many things such as..."met the person I was going to marry"...or "working in this job"...or "living in this country". For me personally...I would have never guessed I would be married and living in a foreign country. I certainly wouldn't be able to predict that I would have been living with an incurable illness...that one still continues to shock me, but with the grace of God, I am learning to live with it.

When you think about the future it can do one of two things. It can excite you or it can scare you. When you get into the thicket of life, when electronics tend to break, marriages go through struggles, children get sick, or even your own securities of a home and finances are stripped away you can tend to want to turn back. But for those of us who know Christ Jesus as our Lord, we must continue on the road He has paved for us...always trusting in Him, despite our circumstances. It is a CHOICE to BELIEVE that God has a good plan. Now that does not mean a bed of roses all the time, but it will still be good because He is good and He has a purpose for us (Romans 8:28).

I can so feel Peter's heartfelt words when he is asked if he too would walk away from Jesus. Can't you just imagine big ole Peter with tears welling up in his eyes saying...

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God." (Read below John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)

When we are going through struggles in our life...are we going to turn back and go our own way or are we going to continue on BELIEVING...that God has a good plan for us...TRUSTING...that even though we can't see where we are going...He is guiding?

I personally can learn a lot from this scripture and it is a great reminder that I've come too far to turn back now! I am trusting in Him to take me the rest of the way...and in 5 years from now...I pray that I will say "Father if you told me that I would be doing _______ I DID believe that!

After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me? Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God. -John 6:66-69 (Amplified Bible)

Bearing Fruit

2011-02-26T21:27:00.006Z

Lately I've had the biggest craving for fruit popsicles. So my hubby being the blessing he is, drives me to the store and patiently waits as I pick out the perfect one...all natural and full of 100% fruit of course. Then as I unwrap that pretty little paper... a juicy, delicious fruit sickle is revealed and with one taste my craving is satisfied.

Its funny that I've been craving fruit...let me explain. The Bible tells us that if we "remain in Him we will bear much fruit". (John 15:5) This is a verse that is very near and dear to my heart as it is my life verse. No wonder it has been coming to light with recent difficult roads I've been forced to walk. Roads that could easily lead to discouragement and even a stinky defeated attitude that could totally leave my little tree dried up. So I've been asking God to show me the fruit that He has placed around me. In particular to the city...the country...the culture of England that He has called me and my husband to.

This morning I read an interesting article on the front page of the BBC entitled "British Sangfroid: An Outdated Stereotype". (I had to look up the meaning of sangfroid...which means "coolness and composure, especially in trying circumstances.") The article talked about how the British culture seems to be changing from the "stiff upper lip"-mentioned in my last post...to a now more emotional based culture. I found it most interesting...as I do sometimes struggle with the lack of emotions people seem to have...but I do keep it in perspective that I tend to be just a bit over emotional...a bit I said!

Now back to the fruit thing...so I was asking God to show me the fruits around me. After reading the article I realized that it was an answer to prayer...you see I've been very open with many around me about my difficult roads...and in return many have been open with me as well. We have been praying that those around us would see us as different and be challenged and changed by that. What is more different than an emotional American girl who talks a mile a minute? Me and hubs have seen this just recently...that people around us are opening up...and emotions are flowing. I for one think that is a great thing! And then to read on the front page that it seems to be a general change in culture arising...it just sat well in my heart. People seem to be dried up in life here...but so yearning for some water...and eventually some good, wholesome fruit! I instantly praised the Father for showing me this.

Its been said that during times of famine tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. Let's pray that those that are lost and hurting here in England will turn to the loving Father...dig deep...and eventually bear fruit for Him!

Keep Calm and Carry On...

2011-01-28T09:36:00.010Z

Photo curtesy of keepcalmandcarryon.com

During WWII a series of propaganda posters were created and distributed all over the UK. Just about every shop window proudly displayed them. The most famous being a simple 5 word phrase... "Keep Calm and Carry On". It was meant to encourage the British to stay calm and try to go about life as normal, despite the bombing taking place all around them from enemy forces. The British to this day seem to still have this attitude of "keeping a stiff upper lip" and carrying on through tough times. I must say in some ways it is inspirational and you can really see the strength and courage of the people.

Photo curtesy of decorativeliving.com

Lately I have been humbled with the fact that I have a long ways to go before I am where Jesus wants me to be with my life. There are many "bombs" the enemy drops...especially that of discouragement. Many times I think to myself..."it would be so much easier just to give up and go into my bunker for safety and hiding"!

But I know that Jesus would want me to keep on "carrying on" striving with my entire being...to be more like Him everyday. I can so relate with Paul when he writes to the Philippians and says

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own." -Philippians 3:12

Paul's goal was simple: Become more like Jesus. He did this by getting to know Him more, trusting in Him, and then being open and obedient for the choices He had made for Paul's life. We all know the difficulties Paul faced...but he "Kept Calm and Carried On". He was and is an example for all of us to follow.

One thing is for certain...there is a battle raging. It may not be something that we can see...but it is there...a spiritual battle! (Ephesians 6:10-18) But take heart...this battle is not ours and for those of us who are IN Christ Jesus...he is right there with us whispering every so gently "Keep Calm and Carry On!"

Application:

Is there something happening in your life right now that has you consumed? Remember "Panic is Manic" in the words of Beth Moore!

Maybe you have often found yourself wanting to know more of God but not sure how? His Word is a good place to start. (Those who seek me will find me... Proverbs 8:17)

Maybe you have trouble with trusting God...especially with the plans that He has for your life. Remember that He has "good plans for your life"...Jeremiah 29:11.

Ask God to give you the courage and tools to" Keep Calm and Carry On"...

Photo curtesy of Wiklipedia.com

After a fierce attack from the enemies, Londoners soon were out on the streets "Carrying On".

Friends Make a Difference...

2011-01-17T15:55:00.004Z

Yesterday we had some new friends over for lunch. One of them asked me, "So is it difficult being away from the States...do you really like it here?" I could honestly answer "yes...I love it here!" Sure there are things I miss about the States (mostly convenience sake things and eating out more often)...and of course my family and friends.

But for the most part...I love that we are making new friends here...it really helps to make this our home! Below are some great friends...that are making a difference for Him over here!

Paul and Laura

Esther and Andy (A&E)

Things have certainly changed since moving here almost 10 months ago...when I only knew a few people in the office and had no clue how to get around town. I now know where to walk on my own...I know the "English" way of saying things like dessert (pudding) or "I'm going to the surgery" (I'm going to the Doctors), and of course found myself naturally saying "trousers" now instead of pants (which is a really good thing as they are considered undies here).

Belly laugh time...imagine me saying "My pants are wet" to someone here. Oh yes I have done that!

My friend Jenny below (red head) is from the States as well (Arizona) and has really helped me with what to say and not to say! :)

Jenny and Davina

Overall I feel that we are finally making this place our home...and I love where God has brought us. One of the main reasons is all the new friends He is bringing into our lives.

Below is a picture of our Bible Study group having a Thanksgiving meal. One friend brought an American flag to make me feel at home. :)

I recently read a quote from Andy Stanley. He said "Your friends have the ability to influence you...choose wisely". This is a wise word...and I pray that God continues to lead us in our friend relationships. We love nothing more than to hang out with fun loving people that just love Jesus as much as we do!

Below are Andy and Rho...he is the leader of our church...pray for them as they lead us in what God is doing here in the city!

Question? Have you asked the Lord lately to continue guiding you in your friendships? Remember we all need friends in our lives for sharing, loving, laughing, encouraging, challenging, and helping to keep us accountable...

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17

Dear 2010...

2010-12-31T11:29:00.006Z

Me and my love on our wedding day (Feb 20, 2010)

Me and my love being commissioned to our work in England

Me and honey arriving in England to celebrate our first Easter. "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."

Getting settled in married life and getting involved in the community. Excited for what God has in store!

Started to feel unwell...and had to cut back from working. At the same time dealing with some very real hurts from the past. Thank you Father for allowing me to learn to forgive and that you are still teaching me this!

In the thicket of my illness...but such a sweet walk with the Father! He was always there.One day in particular as I was crying out to Him to help me feel better...I felt Him saying "You are my child and I love you". It was like a wave of peace had come over me....and it was what I needed to get through that day!

Bella entered our life...such a blessing from God! And yes...this is the kitty I would "talk to" on my loneliest days...she was a good listener! :)

Me and my love celebrating my remission. Now we can eagerly look forward to what God has in store for us. We feel so energized and on FIRE for Him!

Peaceful-happy to be coming out of what seems to have been a storm... and looking forward to 2011!

There is a song where the chorus goes like this: "Joy and Pain...Like Sunshine and Rain". If I had to only pick two words that described you 2010 it would have to be "Joy" and "Pain". In some ways I am sad that we are about to say goodbye but in other ways I couldn't be happier!

You have brought me incredible joy with the uniting of me and my love J. But you have also have brought your share of hard blows and intense pains. One in particular...even over an unexpected illness...has been the deepest pain I have ever felt. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to make it and feel whole again...but then I think of the sovereignty of God.

God knew what you would look like for me 2010...and He never left me on my own. Reading journals I see His hand guiding me and softly speaking to me to let me know that He knew my hurts...and He was dealing with them. He also showed Himself true in leading us to the right paths. For that I am so thankful!

I must say that I have learned a lot...a lot about how things don't always seem fare and the fact that people will let you down, but also a lot about who I am in Christ...and a deeper rich walk with Him. I truly get what David is saying in Psalms 23...

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Father may we continue to be surrendered to your will...and experience joy through the pain...looking up to you in the midst of it all for the comfort, and love, and direction only you can give. Thank you for 2010...and I am now ready to follow you into 2011! Amen.

Reality Check for 2011...

2010-12-02T13:03:00.006Z

Today I am staring out the window to a snowy wonderland. It has been snowing for the past few days...a rare occurrence this time of the year here in England. Each day the snow gets all sludgy with tire marks or shoe prints going through it. But through the night another layer drifts down from the sky...allowing me to wake to a beautiful new blanket of snow. Snow makes everything look so beautiful-and gives a "new" look to things.

I've been thinking a lot this week about having a new look...not so much with my hair or make up.. but more so with my "outlook". You see this week has been a week full of ups and downs...from meeting new people (which is always exciting to me as I am a people person) to having to deal with physical pain after a procedure.

As a matter of fact, this whole year has been full of ups and downs...from marrying the love of my life... to learning to forgive very deep hurts brought on by others...to struggling physically and emotionally through a difficult illness. So in many ways I can't wait for 2010 to be over and get a fresh new outlook in 2011. And let me just clue anyone out there that is wondering...my FAITH has never faltered and my walk has never been more sweeter than it has over this past year...to HIM ONLY be the glory!

I look forward to the next year with excited anticipation...but am also ready for whatever may come our way. According to the Bible we are not guaranteed a prospering life in our health, our work or anything else for that matter. Can God bless us abundantly in anyone or all of this things if He chooses...absolutely...but stating that He is obligated to do it as if He was a geinie in a bottle is not what the Bible teaches. Nor does it teach that if you don't receive good things...that your faith is not strong enough. In the words of Job..."the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!" -Job 1:21

So what ARE we promised then? We are promised that one day...for those of us that know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior ...we will live for ever with Him in a NEW HEAVEN and a NEW EARTH. (Rev 21:1-5). (btw-reality check: salvation is the greatest gift and if He gave me no other gift than that...I am blessed beyond measure!) We will one day be free from pain and God will wipe every tear from our eyes. Talk about a fresh start! I look forward to that day, but in the mean time, I will still choose to praise my Heavanly Father...no matter what may come...good or bad in 2011.

The question to ask yourself: are you obligating God to do good things for you in 2011 or are you asking God to do good things for you in 2011...prepared either way to PRAISE HIM? There is a big difference in the two questions.

If you are struggling and find yourself on the "obligating" side (and I have to admit that I sometimes have done this)...ask God to forgive you and give you a fresh "newness" in His word that HE....no one else...not me...not some man who is great with words on TV...but GOD HIMSELF...that He will speak the truth of His Word into your heart. Only then can you really feel grace and have a fresh new look or "outlook". Did I mention I love snow???? :)

Heading Towards the Finish Line!

2010-10-18T15:42:00.009+01:00

"Hello Dr. (P), this is Mary O. We wanted to call you and let you know that I seem to be having a lot less symptoms lately. We know that our next appointment we are to discuss chemo treatments...but we wondered if we could just do one more blood test to see if my markers are in deed showing some improvement with my disease."

This was our desperate plea phone call to our specialist several week ago as we were about to face what seemed to be inevitable...months of chemo. We had been praying along with so many others that I would get better and not have to start the chemo treatments.

GOD ANSWERED PRAYERS!

Well I'll just come out and say it: I'm in REMISSION!!!!!!!

Now is there anybody out there that is doing a little jig with me right now? Yep, after 7 long months...my doctors have informed me that they believe I am getting better. If all goes well I should be off all medications and showing no symptoms (total remission)...by the end of the year. I am already feeling much better and getting more strength and energy every single day.

The day we were to go to the specialist and discuss treatment options...we instead heard "Mrs. Oldenkamp...we believe you are heading towards remission. Your blood work shows remarkable improvement of your disease. So therefore, not only do we recommend no new treatments for your disease at this time...we also recommend that you start coming off all of your current medications."

Wow...we couldn't believe it. And as a matter of fact...we were a little shell shocked when we left the office. Instead of jumping up and down...we equate it to what it must feel like being a prisoner of war. For so long we were "locked up and in the prison" of my disease and finally we were being "set free". So we walked out of that room with a little apprehension of "is this for real...are we really free?" This lasted for a few weeks...but every day as I began to show improvement and from the loving nudge of our Father...our fears fell away...and now we are doing the happy dance!!!

So what is next? If I am able to continue lowering my dosages of medications and my blood work and symptoms keep improving...I should...LORD willing...be in complete remission by the end of the year. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

We do have a little bit of not so good news...but hey wanted to share the really good news first. There are a few aftermaths with the Lupus...the lining around the retina of right eye was affected. They are looking to possibly do a minor operation with a laser to sort of "weld" the lining back to normal to prevent the retina from detaching.

So getting back to the good news...this couldn't have come at a better time as this is National Lupus Awareness Month here in the UK. The tag line with Lupus is "Everyone knows someone who has it." What used to seem a quite rare and deadly disease has now become much more prevalent...but also many advances have been made to give hope that a cure is on its way!

There is currently no cure for Lupus and the main stream of medications available to treat are very harsh. RIGHT NOW there is a new medication called Benlysta that is currently being reviewed by the FDA in the States which looks to be the first medication specifically for Lupus that has been developed in over 50 years! If it is approved...it will be available the beginning of 2011!

Here is a personal photo journal of my journey with Lupus. I would not normally post such pictures of myself, but I think it is important for people to realize the devastation of the disease.

Just shortly after being diagnosed-I was having severe joint pains and could sleep for 14 hours per day!

Then came the lovely swollen lips that would appear on random occasions, along with the famous butterfly rash across my cheeks and nose...a classic sign of Lupus.

The hives were more than I could bare at times...I would literally lay in the tub soaking in baking soda and just crying as I tried not to scratch! My hair also began to fall out rapidly.

Here there was a severe adverse reaction to a medication. J and I spent so much time in and out of hospitals.

This was definitely my low point. My kidneys were starting to take a hit and we were being informed that chemo was the only option. We were also told at this point that children in the future would most likely NOT be possible if I were to go on the chemo. But we both just kept crying out to God for help!

What can YOU do to help spread the news about Lupus? Please follow the links to these two videos from St. Thomas Trust here in the UK. It will explain what Lupus is and share a story of a woman trying to start a family with the disease (something very near and dear to my heart).

PLEASE WATCH!

Here is the video telling what Lupus is:

http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/a/u/0/KdAFElp00ko

Here is the video of a woman having lupus and wanting to start a family:

http://www.youtube.com/user/stthomaslupustrust#p/u/8/CEQgfAVemfo

Please continue to pray over us:

Pray that I will continue to show improvement
Pray that my energy will increase
Pray for the "aftermaths" that are showing up (my right eye)-that if surgery is the solution that all will go smooth
Pray for J and I as we have been informed to attempt to "get in the best shape as possible" while I am in remission to make my body stronger if/when the next flare comes. (the average remission time is around 3-4 years).
Pray for J and I, and OM Leaders to make decisions in regards to what I will be doing in the ministry-what capacity I will be able to maintain. (Lord willing shooting for January 2011 to start back).

We want to THANK YOU for all of your prayers, letters, emails, FB messages...it was overwhelming to know how many people have been lifting us up in prayer! You have blessed us so much!

We look forward to telling you more exciting news in the near future...Lord willing! Keep checking back here and at our website (www.voicebehindyou.com) for blog and video updates. Also, if you live in the Atlanta area and would are interested in upcoming prayer meetings please respond to this update.

We love you all deeply and are so thankful that YOU are in our lives!!!

Getting Restored in the Valley...

2010-10-03T07:38:00.008+01:00

Most of us would say that "the view from the top is great"! You can see so much more...all the valleys below...and you feel great! You could stay there all day long. But what happens when you start your decent into the valley? Does your attitude seem to change for the worse? And is the view really better on the mountain top than down in the valley?

When we are in the valley...although we can only see what is in front of us...we can actually see things in so much more detail than we could looking down from the mountain...much more clarity if you will. What once looked like little spots...now come into full view as a beautiful flower patch or even cute wooly sheep!

The valley forces you to keep "looking up" to see where you are going. If you only look down you could eventually hurt yourself by running into a wall or falling into a lake. Sure there may be some obstacles to face once you are in the valley...some rock walls you must climb and you may injure yourself on some bob wire along your journey, but in the end...it leads to beautiful paths. The valley allows you to see things in detail that you most likely wouldn't have seen on the mountain top...it brings "clarity and direction...which can lead to the ultimate...RESTORATION.

You very well may have just come down from a mountain top only to be facing your own valley right now...valleys of loneliness, discouragement...unexpected health issues...circumstances at work. Are you moaning and groaning and wishing you were back on that mountain? Did you know that our Heavenly Father is waiting to "restore us in that valley"?

The question to ask yourself is "what direction am I looking"? Are you looking down...grumbling the entire way? If so...be careful...you might fall into that lake pretty soon...and that could be very unpleasant...especially with winter coming! Look up...see your surroundings and ask your Father to show you beauty along your path...the fine details...and let Him restore your soul. You will be amazed by what all you will see!

You restore my soul. You guide me in the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:3-4

He Loves Me...He Loves Me Not...God's Real Promises...

2010-09-14T17:13:00.006+01:00

"He Loves Me...He loves me not"...I am sure at one point in our teenage lives we have all picked the petals of a flower until the last one was left...telling our fate of where our recent crush stood with us. If the one left was "he loves me not"...we would be so devastated...and if you were like me...you would just throw that flower out and begin again with a new one! :)

But I wonder how many of us do this same thing with God...maybe you get that He loves you...but maybe some of you...like me struggle with God actually coming through on His promises. You have faith but in the bottom of your heart you have that flower...just a picking away and saying "He will do this...He won't do this". Ladies...if God gives you a promise...you can take it to the bank! All we are called to do is TRUST in Him...his Word...and His promises He gives us through His Word.

To be quite honest...I was almost to the point of started to doubt one particular promise God had given me through scripture with my recent illness. It had been a long and difficult road and the constant pain and struggles were getting the best of me. But God in His mercy didn't let me go flower picking all too soon...and stepped in just in the nick of time.

Just recently I was asked by my friend Shelley Hendrix to guest write a devotion for her ministry's blog site. It was a total honor and little did I know how it would bless my socks off.

When I wrote the devotion...I had no idea when it would be published. The devotion was on how God has so sweetly spoken promises to me over the course of my illness...one of which I felt the Lord would "restore" my health...maybe not completely heal...but at least I knew that better days were coming!

This past Monday I was scheduled to see my specialist about possible future treatments of chemo...as up until that point I had not been improving as they had hoped. When I arrived to that appointment...I had been feeling somewhat better the past few days...but did not know the official results of my tests. Needless to say...God's promise came through in a very big way...when the Doctor told me that my test show improvement...meaning that I did not have to start the chemo treatment!!!

As we drove home I was checking my email and saw that my devotion had been published that morning...and began to tear up. On the very same day that I was telling people about His promises...God decided to SHOW me His promise to me did come true! He is restoring my health...I am getting better! So if God tells you something...get ready...because it is going to happen. You may not know when...or exactly how...but it will come to be! It is all about TRUST people!

Okay...well...have a read (see link below)...I hope you enjoy it and I would LOVE to hear from you all on how God has revealed His promises to you! Love to you all!

http://www.shelleyhendrix.org/2010/09/blog-party-continues-with-shout-shout.html

Latest Video MoJo Update

2010-08-31T14:38:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone...hope you are doing well...below you will find a link to our latest video update! We want to take a moment and DEEPLY THANK YOU for your prayers...they are so preciously received!!! We would love to hear from you and how we can pray for you too...so please respond!!!

http://www.voicebehindyou.com/mojo/latest_update/Entries/2010/8/31_Tour_of_Carlisle.html

Me and my love on a random adventure day of driving around the Scottish Highlands!

J in front of our Church (Hebron Evangelical Church). We will be leading 2 Bible studies this coming Fall and are so excited to share what God has put on our hearts!

Love how people keep their "garden" here in the UK...which could mean just the front of the house. Beautiful!

Me at the local Market Day...where they sell everything from food to plants to accessories. So cool and very affordable!

My husband being funny-some of the English doors are just a bit too short for my tall Dutchie!!

Our cat Bella...or should I say dog? She plays fetch...hides things...digs them back up...and comes to you when you call her. I've never seen a cat like that before...she is such a blessing!

LUPUS 101

2010-07-29T15:03:00.006+01:00

Hello precious friends and family and greetings from the UK! J and I have really adjusted to life here...and...

We have a new family member...meet Bella! She literally was a blessing from the Lord. We were praying for a pet if He wanted us to have one...but didn't want to go out and look for one. She literally showed up on our doorstep...all alone and very hungry. Needless to say we took her in and after final approval from our landlord...she is all ours! And getting a big tummy!!! :)

Now...this update is more of a recap to some...but also the first time many of you may be reading about my illness... SLE LUPUS. After being diagnosed I have had so many people come to me who have similar illnesses and it has been a blessing to minister to them! I am learning so much from the Lord...and want to share that and the knowledge of what I am also learning "medically" with others. My heart is to educate others and make them aware of this disease. So here we go... (most information below found via web: www.dolanarthritis.com

So what is SLE Lupus?

(Lupus – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (also called SLE or lupus) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and/or other organs of the body. The most common symptoms include skin rashes and arthritis, often accompanied by fatigue and fever. The clinical course of SLE varies from mild to severe, and typically involves alternating periods of remission and relapse. The picture above shows the various ways Lupus affects the body.

For me my first tale tale signs were the rash across my face...extreme fatigue...hives...and extreme muscle and joint aches...to the point I could not lift myself out of bed. I also began to lose my hair.

They symbol for Lupus is the butterfly...which resembles the famous "butterfly rash" or "Malar rash" that is usually the first tell tell sign of someone with the disease.

Probably the most famous person with Lupus is Seal...where it is not normal for the rash to scar...his unfortunately did.

Here is a picture showing the first signs of my malar rash. Often I would have swollen lips as well.

What Causes Lupus?

SLE is an autoimmune disorder which develops when the body’s own immune system, which normally protects against cancers and invading infections, begins to attack the patient’s own tissues (known medically as a “loss of self-tolerance”). This occurs first through the production of “auto-antibodies” (antibodies are immune system cells that attack foreign microbes; auto-antibodies attack a person’s own cells). As the attack continues, other immune system cells join the fight. This leads to inflammation, blood vessel abnormalities (vasculitis) and deposition of immune system cells in organs which causes tissue damage.

Lupus affects 10 times as many women as men.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms you experience.

For me the treatment started with a high dose of steroids. The side effects are usually very unpleasant...especially for women as they almost certainly will make you gain weight...mostly water weight. You will notice how swollen my face had become. This is effect of the steroid is called "Moon Face"...nice huh?

While there is no cure for Lupus...there are many maintenance medications available. The idea is that they will sustain your body so that it will not flare in overdrive and affect major organs. The hope is to try to get the patient's body calm and into remission.

Above is an unfortunate result of trial and error of the medication. Here Hydroxychloroquine was administered...which led to a major drug reaction.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) estimates between 1.5 – 2 million Americans have a form of lupus, but the actual number may be higher. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women. Symptoms and diagnosis occur most often when women are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 and 45.

Time for a laugh...I realize this is a heavy topic...so I thought this would releive some tension. I LOVE this quote from HOUSE. You have to watch the show to understand...but it is funny. I have a t-shirt that says "Finally it was lupus!"

One of the biggest struggles I find that people with chronic illnesses face is how other people relate to them. Some of them pitty them...most sincerely care and want to help...but some avoid you all together simply because they do not know what to say. In dealing with that subject...there are some you WISH would avoid you because of what they say...not meaning to... but usually saying something very hurtful. So I thought I would list some things NOT to say to someone with a chronic illness...some from my own experience...

10: I've seen all the diet cokes you drink...you should stop that!

Please don't judge...remember for Lupus in particular there is no known cause.

9: My cousin has what you have and she was cured by...

Please know that each patient is different. For us...we believe that God has surrounded us with wonderful Doctors who are so tender towards us...and that He will give them the wisdom to be able to help me to the best of their ability.

8: I've heard about this miracle natural herb...

Been there...done that...

7: I've been doing some research on your "lupy"

First of all...if you don't even know how to pronounce it...you probably should not be giving any advice... :)

6: We believe that your disease is caused by stress...temporary...and that you need to get professional counseling for the stress in your life.

Big NO NO. Again...no known cause for Lupus as with many chronic illnesses...it is definitely NOT temporary but unfortunately life long...and stating that someone needs professional help is a slap in the face and could make a person with a very life- threatening disease think it is all in their head and not go and seek the medical attention they should.

5. If you would just do this or that it will get your mind off of it.

Please stop bringing things for us to do...it just makes us feel bad when we are unable to do it! If we want something we will ask...promise! :)

4. If you did more physical exercise...

Stop...most of the time people with chronic illness have enough of a time just getting out of bed.

3. If you had more faith...you would be healed...because Jesus has already overcome disease at the cross.

Yes...He has overcome death...disease..it all at the cross...but in our sin fallen world...here on earth...there is death and disease. But Hallelujah...because I put my faith in Him...this world is not my home and one day I will be in Heaven with him...in a new and perfect body. Until then...I will carry whatever cross he bestows on me...even pain and suffering...because the Bible tells us that will happen in this life here on earth.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

—2 Corinthians 12:10

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16

2: Where are you in your walk with the Lord?

Ummmm...don't go there...unless God tells you a direct word to confront someone. Please make sure you've had your quite time...don't make me remind you of the story of Job and his friends. Love you all though! :)

1: But you look good!

Okay this is the number one thing I get...especially that with Lupus...you don't always have the hives or rashes...they come and go. Now I found this on a website...but I had to laugh because I could so relate to someone's answer...well probably something they wanted to say out loud but instead they were screaming it in their head while putting on the prettiest grin you ever did see!

Here is their response:

THANKS! It took me 3 hours to get out of bed, 1 hour soaking in a hot bath, 3 pills, 2 hours waiting for the medication to take effect, 2 hours doing my hair and make-up to cover up the physical effects of getting on average 2-3 hours of sleep a night, and then 2 more pills before I left the house…. but THANKS for letting me know how good I look! I guess all my hard work today paid off!)

But...I will say that my diet change has seemed to help. I know that it can't hurt to eat healthy anyway! So I am just starting to research and learn just how to do that. Here are some of my "favorite things". For lupus...omega 3 is vital for healthy joints and heart...both of which are affected. So I use flaxseed and a product called Food Doctor seeds...that I sprinkle at least once per day into either my porridge, smoothie...or on top of salads. I also have been recommend by my specialists to take high doses of calcium (steroids suck calcium out of the bones) and vitamin D (since I cannot go into the sun-with Lupus...sunlight flares up symptoms).

I also have tried to go more organic and non processed. I will admit it limits you to some foods as well as is much more pricer. But we are still learning...so more updates to come on this. I love to flavor my food with organic soy sauce. I also replaced all artificial sweetener and regular sugar with honey...and haven't skipped a beat. I also don't eat enough raw fruits so I get my 5 a day in by drinking smoothies I make or a great brand I found at Tesco (a UK store)-non processed. I also have started to drink Goat's milk and use Goat's butter...I can't tell the difference!!! Anything from a cow will most likely have steroids or other medicine...which guess what...will go straight into your body when you consume them. We also cook with only extra virgin olive oil...taste yummy and good for you!

Well thanks for stopping by...I hope to have more information via this blogsite soon! But I would be ad mist if I did not say the ONLY thing that gets me through this terrible disease is the fact that my wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ gives me strength to get through it all!! He is the reason I live and breath...and the hope I have in a life after this one!

The "Way of the Cross"- A Faith Check...

2010-07-24T12:29:00.005+01:00

What's your way of the cross? In other words, what situation comes to mind when you think of the cross...in your own personal walk with the Father. For some it is heartbreak-rejection of the opposite sex...loss of a loved one. For others it is letting go... giving up all that they know to be comfortable and moving into the most remote jungles to plant seeds of God's love. And for others...it is illness-suffering real tangible pain that comes to stay for a while...with no warning...or no train ticket set for departure date in the for-seeable future. For me...well I have to be honest and say that I have felt all of the above mentioned (minus the remote jungle-insert Europe for that :). But still I can relate to all of these.

Recently I have been thinking a lot about the story, Beyond the Gates of Splendor. This is the story where 5 families all set out for the jungles of Ecuador to minister and share the love of Christ to a remote tribe called the Waodani...the fearsest tribe known at that time...and mainly known for their ruthless killings by way of spear. As God would have it-5 precious souls who were attempting to share about Jesus... were killed on the shores of a riverbank-speared to death by the very tribe they came to love. Death and suffering was their way of the Cross. But what happened after was nothing short of God's Glory revealed.

Shortly after the killings-the sister of one of the men..along with a tribe woman who had escaped many years earlier...and Elisabeth Elliot and her blonde, pig-tailed little girl all set out to join and live with the tribe in the jungle. Of course they must have had fear-but they must also have had complete faith that the Father was there.

Elliot in her book, The Path of Loneliness...speaks about a day where God met her on a boat on the side of a riverbank. She writes "I remember waking up very early one morning in a tiny reed-and leaf shelter on the banks of the Curaray River. My three-year-old and I had spent the night there with some Indians on our way home to a clearing about a day's journey beyond. Rain was sweeping over the river and the sandy beach in great waving sheets, and with the rain a huge LONELINESS seemed about to drown me. I felt that I could not face a day like that in a dugout canoe, nor did I have the least desire to get back to that clearing. Civilization was what I wanted that moment, not adventure, but I had no choice. God met me there that morning, and strengthened me with an It is written, reminding me of His promises, I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you always.

She goes onto write "We may be earnestly desiring to be obedient and holy. But we may be missing the fact that it is here, where we happen to be at this moment and not in another place or another time, that we may learn to love Him-here where it seems He is not at work, where His will seems obscure or frightening, where He is not doing what we expected Him to do, where He is most absent. Here and nowhere else is the appointed place. If faith does not go to work here, it will not go to work at all." She refers to this time as "The Oil of Joy".

Wow is all I could think when I read this. I thought...okay my situation seems pretty bad...and I keep looking to the "future days" when I hope to be better. Or I am looking back at a time when I was healthy and wishing I could do the things I used to do. Then it dawned on me...I very well may be getting the richest blessing of all RIGHT NOW- a very special time to trust my Father, even though I don't understand why I am going through this...and a chance to increase my FAITH...and what about this joy thing.

Joy you may ask? If you have been anything like me and had any one of the way of the cross moments mentioned at the beginning...you very well may feel like hitting me upside my head right now. You may say to me "How in the world can you talk to me about joy...you might as well pour salt in my wound!" Trust me...I have been there...and a little advise...when someone has just recently started their journey of their own personal way of the cross situation...it might not be the best time to "preach to them about how joyful they ought to be". : )

BUT-stay with me here and don't miss this...joy does not always mean to be happy...but it can also mean to simply enjoy God's presence....knowing that you have a loving Father who IS there for you and has a plan for what you are going through for your good and His glory. The Bible tells us very clearly to be joyful when we are in hard times:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4

There is just something about that...that brings me security. It gets me through another "bad" day-healthwise. It gets me through those days that I would rather be out working in my previous state...then stuck inside unable to get off the couch. It sustains me to know that God has a plan for what I am suffering through-for my good...and His glory! So in that I will take the "faith test".

The fact is that most of you reading this have either experienced "a way of the cross situation" either in the past or are currently right smack dab in the middle of one. And you may be asking yourself...just like I did..."why"? But let me challenge you to stop asking why for now...and start asking-"Father...what am I to get out of this...how can this bring YOU glory". I will tell you from experience...it gets you off your pitty party with balloons and streamers and set you on a whole new level with Him...a precious gift...a way of the cross that He is walking with you...holding your hand...and asking you to walk simply by faith. Are you willing to walk that path?

New way to support us!!!

2010-07-09T09:27:00.004+01:00

Recent Picture of J and I-at a 4th of July BBQ. I love my husband...he can always make me laugh! We have been blessed with great weather all summer!

One of our walks in the country side.

Picture from TeenStreet last year-we are praying that we will get to go (see prayer request about my passport below).

J is gearing up for all the summer conferences! And I am supporting him 100%!

Now for all you techie people (J asked me to post pictures of what he has been working on to get ready for these conferences...the MEDIA truck!)

A gift from In Touch Ministries! It allows us to do so much more high quality event cover!

Some of the inside of the truck that my honey is responsible for!

More of what Honey is responsible for...all these wires have to connect to something...so glad he is gifted in this area...I would have no clue!

Two of our fleet of vehicles. The blue van or our "tour" bus is what we travel around Europe on. Super fun! Pray for our protection though..recently while going to a conference in Ireland, the van was vandalized...someone threw a rock through the back window!

Me-having a tour of the truck...just smiling and pretending I know what they are talking about! :)

Hello Friends and Family!

Many of you have asked if you could be sent monthly reminders for your giving towards the Ministry work that J and I are involved in with OM International-Omnivision. OM has now set up a way to do just that! Please visit the link below and sign up for monthly automated giving!!! As always we so appreciate you supporting us so we can be "about the Father's business" here in England and around the world.

https://usa.om.org/GiveOnline/

Quick update on health:

Just saw the Doctor this past week. I am still very much in a flare (the illness is quite active)-but they have started me on a new medicine which basically in time will allow me to go from 5 medicines per day to only 1! It also has a lot less ill side-effects. When people ask how we are doing we say "We are broken...we are almost out of emotions...but we are so blessed! We have never felt so close to our Father! Our hearts are on FIRE For HIM!!!!! :)

Quick prayer request:

Please pray for J and I as we are about to go on the road to start our conferencing season (a total of 7 weeks we will be gone). I of course will be staying with J's family in Holland and not working the events due to my illness...but we will never be more than 2 hours away from each other!

Pray that our passports come back before the 19th of THIS MONTH! J can still go on as he has a european card which serves just like a passport. But for me...not so much. If we do not get the passports back by the 19th... I will not be able to travel on with the team and will have to make other arrangements to get over to Holland by myself. Traveling by myself in my condition would not be great! So please pray a miracle in this situation!!!

Love to you all...MoJo

No More Wiggle Room-Learning to Be Still and Know that He is God!

2010-06-22T14:21:00.002+01:00

The most favorite time of mine in Ireland was not the events I did...but my time spent on the Logos Hope...just sharing about Jesus with others face to face!

Me at the GO conference-just before officially starting work with Ireland. I remember being so tired in this picture it was insane! But I kept telling myself to "push through the pain".

I was ready to take on the world and take what I had learned about events to Ireland and beyond!

I became "busy" straight away...and was planning "good things" despite my lack of total reliance on God!

I am now learning the true meaning of "Being Still" and I am so at peace for the first time in a very long time!

As a young child I loved to “plan” things. I can remember getting ready to go on vacation with my family and insisting on taking a little extra time in packing my Barbie’s so that I could plan a perfect vacation for them as well. I would think about what parties they would need to attend, what they would need to cook, wear, drive (a convertible of course if we were going to the beach). Needless to say I about drove my mom and everyone else nuts…but still I remember just feeling I had to plan things out for my faithful friends….and worked and worked until I had a box packed up and ready to go for our trip.

I also remember as a young girl watching my mom plan and coordinate the local high school’s prom each year. She was the home economics teacher of the school and was very skilled at what she did. I would sit in amazement as she picked out the decorations based on the theme, planned the menu, and coordinate teams to execute with precision how to make it all happen. She was delegating left and right and people were well prepared and excited to do what they were doing. Every person had a little part to do which meant they could handle it and not be too burdened. At the end of the day with everyone doing their little part…the “big part” was done and there stood a room decorated from floor to ceiling with the most sparkling beautiful things you would ever see….it sent a rush through my body. I remember just sitting on the floor looking around and thinking…I want to do this one day!

Fast forward twenty-five years later…I am now an accomplished Event planner with many events under my belt. I have worked for major corporations in the States where I had half-million dollar budgets to plan with at my fingertips. Shortly after becoming a believer at age 28, I moved from the cooperate world to Ministry. It was a new world for me…but just the same I transferred “my knowledge” of how to plan events right on over…but in the beginning really sought God’s wisdom and relied on Him…and things were happening in a big way. I was part of major Christian conferences and concerts that touched thousands around the world…I was sought after by many Christian organizations to plan their events as well.

I remember even being so excited to use my skills that I surrendered to full time mission work…thinking “there are many skilled people here in the States that can do what I do for Him here…but not so many over seas. That is where I can serve Him best”. It was the beginning of my downfall. Not the part about going into missions…I know that was in deed a calling in my life…but the part about “what I could do for Him”.

You see by this time…I thought I knew it all…and did know quite a bit by industry standards. I still felt the rush of calling together those productions meetings and delegating all the little things to people… and them walking away feeling pumped and equipped that they could do their part. I had learned well from my mama. I also loved the excitement of what I referred to as “game day”…the day the event was actually happening. The adrenaline would rush through my body as I made sure every detail was in place and was there for any last minute “oops” that would come my way…batting it away like an annoying fly as I came up with a solution. I was in my element.

But things started to fall apart…sitting in a bedroom all alone in a foreign country…I was miserable. Now there were some other factors or arrows I like to call them…that the enemy threw in and opened up the crack in the door and let himself in. Although it was a sweet pioneering ministry I was part of overseas, it lacked on many areas of accountability, resources, ability to put people in an area God gifted them over just putting a body in a position because it needed to get done…and rest…there just wasn’t enough people to do the work…which we kept generating. Notice I said “we”…and I mean “me” as the chief culprit a lot of the times. Now I am not blaming this ministry…I take my own responsibility…but it paints a picture of the door that was open for the enemy to do his work and set his bait traps…which I of course took!

Many pioneering ministries strive to get out there and become a known resource to the public…they tend to have many activities. I love how one person put it. “You can do many things good or a few things great”. We were doing many things…and much of the time, for me at least…in my own strength. So needless to say…burnout was a town I was about to drive through and did. By the end of my first year in this ministry, I was wanting out all together, bruised and battered…leery of anyone who had “another great idea for something big for God”. I was done…and ready to pack up my planning tools.

But God through His grace did not let me fall flat on my face…yet. I did have a wonderful surprise as I did meet the man I would marry at one of these conferences. To this day he is such a helpmate and good gage of the “Mary is doing this in her own strength” reader. I thank God for this gift…it was and is a good gift from Him! But once again…I thought…okay…now we are getting married…and since we both are in events (J does camera work for events)…I thought surely we can now do MORE for the Lord as we come together. It temporarily gave me a high to want to continue on doing events. And the best part…now I would be doing them for the international office of our ministry (as that is where J was working).

Of course my brain started firing about how I could become a trainer and even equip others to do what I do. I could start a central coordinating team to go and reach out to the other fields within our ministries (over 110 countries). “This will be such a help to everyone it just HAS to be a good plan!”…I thought to myself. Well it all sounded good and exciting at the time…but looking back…I was still in “I” mode…I was making a plan and then asking the Lord to bless it! I remember reading over versus at the time like… To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. –Proverbs 16:1 and… Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. –Proverbs 19:21 I would always cringe a little inside when I read these versus…as I look back…probably was the Holy Spirit screaming “um did you consult God” or “watch out!”. But never the less…I was back in my room “packing up my plans” for future ministry…one that would make my work for Him even bigger than before. It was the beginning of me crawling to the top of a steep set of stairs…in which I would eventually fall down…and God would and did let it happen eventually.

Right after getting married I moved with my new husband to the UK…and started working to develop a new international event-planning ministry. We did everything they say not to do…we had just got married, moved countries, and started a new job…all within a 3 month span. I started feeling tired…not your normal oh I just moved houses…so I am tired…but more the “I can’t get out of bed tired”. My joints and body ached so bad I could not lift my arms at times…literally. I became inadated every morning with hives head to toe and headaches so bad that I could not even open my eyes. Strangely I had similar symptoms three years earlier…during another very busy time in my life…but they subsided after about six months so I never really thought much more about it. But this time it was back with a vengeance. A new symptom but very visible and embarrassing one for me…my hair was falling out and I a bright red and raised rash across my cheeks and nose! Not exactly an ego booster when you are a newly wed and wanting to look your best for your new husband!

So off to the Doctor I went. After many test and doctor visits to specialist…and from past symptoms I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus. This is an autoimmune disease where the antibodies in your body that are there to protect you from bad cells such as germs…are confused for some unknown reason and they attack other healthy cells such as skin, hair, joints, and in some cases even the organs such as your heart, lungs, and kidneys. There is no cure for Lupus, however it is a manageable disease…with use of medication to treat the symptoms only…which meant I would have to be on medicines for potentially the rest of my life. It also requires that you try to eliminate as much stress in your life and rest…even though stress is not the cause for the disease (meaning I did not do this to myself…although some seemed to hint towards this…which you will get by the way when you have any lifelong disease (people knowing how you got it more than you, the doctors, and God… and judging you)…don’t get me started. But stress does seem to escalate it.

So we informed the leaders and after much discussion and prayer we all decided it would be better for me to take a break…a leave of absence to try to heal. Keep in mind there is no cure…but to just try and rest. My final meeting with the bosses I was informed to “stop wiggling” and “be still and Know that He is God”. I was uneasy…as I didn ‘t know how to be still…I had been working for so many years in my own strength. But I was confused. I thought…Lord…didn’t you want me to do this great work for you…and now I can’t even get out of bed to go to work to do anything!

My disease may have had me temporarily side lined…but the bigger battle I was facing was that of learning how to be Still and listening to God. I had many pity parties and went through all the stages of grief…as I was losing so much…my old self…how I could go for days without rest working an event…now I couldn’t even go a day without a long nap. I was grieving the get up and go spontaneous person I once was. I was grieving the reliable person I was to do whatever someone asked…no matter if it was about to kill me. I went through anger…now never blaming God but asking “why”? I went through denial…no this isn’t happening…if I push through the pain…eat this type of diet…do this type of exercise…I should be back on track by this date and ready to continue with my plans.

Finally I ran out of emotions…that is the only way I can describe it. I ran out of desires…I was finally coming to a place of rest…and it took a while…several months…even still learning. But I was coming to the realization that I was doing so much in my own strength…that I wasn’t relying on God nor taking the time to hear from Him as to what it was he wanted Him to do through me. I had put all my eggs in one basket in the ministry world and so much pressure on myself to do big things for God…that He never asked me to do. I was placing the things I could do for Him above just being with Him and resting in Him. I had made my own idol and it was to my own wants and desires…although good…they weren’t God’s ultimate desire for me. I was dying…not of the disease…but of myself.

Suddenly His word starting having new meaning to me…it was if I was visiting an old friend. I started having a heart to read prayer email…something I must admit in my frantic times, I did not do…as I was “too busy”. I took time to pray over the requests…I took the time to contact people just because and let them know I was thinking of them. Before I had very little time for people…and remember getting voicemails which most started off by saying “Mary I know you are extremely busy…but if you could call me back”.

Another scary but freeing thing also happened…I started to lose the desire to plan events. The thought of keeping this special intimate time with just me and God was so overwhelmingly a part of the new me…that I didn’t want anything else to take the place of it. I remember listening to a story of Phil Vischer the creator of Veggie Tales…and how his company had fallen apart after many poor business decisions and ultimately a law suite that sent them into bankruptcy. He said it was bad decision but God also allowed him to see it was his own idols of self-desires to do good for Him that led him there as well. The part that just sent a dagger to my heart was when he said “Until you are ready to do NOTHING for God and rest in your relationship with Him alone...you really aren't ready to do anything for God" I thought…wow…that is where I am. So I knew that healing was on the way...I was in a good place…a place of brokenness where the Maker could fill me again with good things and His desires.

That is where I am today…healing…in more than one way. I don’t know if He will give me back my dreams…not sure if I even want them anymore. All I know is I just want to “be with Him”…wherever that is…whether one day perhaps building that ministry to train others to do events…or just sitting in my home…leading a life of intercessory prayer for others. I am learning a new “Mary” and feel in many ways I am starting over. But I like this Mary…she is more like the Mary in the Bible that sat at Jesus’ feet to listen. See I used to be the “Martha”…busy, busy, busy….too busy to even hear God. Now I know I am in a good place…and I don’t know what the future holds…but that is okay. I am sitting still at the feet of Jesus…I have stopped wiggling…and just listening to the Father.