Old Memories, New Traditions...

(warning: its a long post :)

It has been WAY too long since I have updated. Although we have been in Fargo for 6 months now, I still feel the busyness of settling in. I am now working part time at Bethany (instead of On Call) and it has been quite the adjustment trying to bring my "clinical" brain back from my Vanderbilt days four years ago. I have also been really enjoying the Y and working quite a bit of hours there. This month, thankfully, I am getting my work hours a little more "set" and am enjoying developing a little bit of a routine.

My family has been wanting an update of the Fargo winter...So i thought i would do a little post on my new memories of winter and holidays thus far, and then past memories of my grandma who passed away one year ago today.

Honestly, Fargo winter has been very mild so far. My coworker reminded me however that "winter" doesn't officially begin until the 21st or somewhere close to that. The Lord has grace on us and we had the second warmest November in Fargo history. Not much snow and no coat needed (for the most part). We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at the Fishers house filled with crab legs, meatballs, turkey, bacon wrapped shrimp, corn casserole, hashbrown casserole, broccoli casserole, and sweet potato casserole. And cant forget the homemade blueberry and pecan pies thanks to a new friend Sam here in Fargo and my families cookies and cream recipe. We played a game, got google eyed over Jules, and just had a great time relaxing and enjoying time together. I definitely missed not being with my immediate family, as well as extended, but I am thankful for the telephone and being able to share conversations that way!

This week the cold has arrived, and so far we are holding up quite well! (yes i understand we have many more months of cold, but one step at a time). It all the sudden went from the 40s to the teens/single digits in a week. Snow is on the ground and winter is in the air! Me and Jeremy have had a great time this week making new memories and traditions. Going out last night and picking out our first Christmas tree together was one of them (we didnt decorate at all last year with the quick passing of grandma and then Christmas with the fam). When it is 8 degrees and the Boys Scouts tree farm is outside, it makes picking out a Christmas tree quite easy. The first one we saw looked REAL nice! We actually went with the Fishers and it was a nice little outing together. Today, Jeremy and I enjoyed the day home together, putting on the lights, wrapping the tree with ribbon and putting on the ornaments while having the curtains pulled back and snow just a falling outside. We had to decorate the tree today because the branches were frozen yesterday :) But it is all thawed. I have a quick picture of the tree and the view from outdoors. Sadly, we put all the lights and went to take a pictures and the bottom set of brand new lights just died...but a picture none the less. We will work on replacing those this week!


(a look out the window)


(our first Christmas Tree!)

As we decorated...I couldnt help but remember Christmas traditions with grandma. I really cant believe it has been a year since she passed away. Me and my sisters, aunts, mom, and cousins would sit down on Thanksgiving and circle what we wanted in the sale ads. Then come Christmas, we would drive to Ocala after our own Christmas and there they would be. Piles upon Piles of presents for everyone, many of those presents circled from the ads(and definitely some that were not :). Man, I love her so much! Funny looking back how I can be so thankful for some of the most random gifts she gave as well, clothes that were always a few sizes too big and house items I didnt quite know what to do with. All a sacrifice and with love! I was reading my sisters blog full of memories and thought I would do some as well. I know one day I will look back at this and be able to smile of the things we did together.

Memories of "Granny"
1. Socks and more socks! If I liked them one year, I liked them for every year to come :)
2. Our trip to the precious moments house.
3. Her grabbing my wrist, not my hand, but my wrist when we were crossing the road
4. KOA camp ground and lathering on the sunscreen
5. "Be pretty girls....."
6. Her willingness to travel anywhere to be there for big events... and staying for about 24 hours :) (Most recently my wedding in Nashville)
7. Trip to MO--apple butter makin days and to see some big bear in a store in Branson MO
8. Watching her sit down on the floor and play with her grandchildren. Board games, little action figures, it didnt really matter--whatever we wanted to play
9. My nickname "Pammie Poo"
10. Going bowling
11. Birthdays--- she NEVER missed one
12. Going through the McDonalds drive thru.
13. Her and grandpa holding hands
14. Family dinners--- butter noodles for Aunt Annie, the classic rolls that Carla and I loved and just enough for everyone
15. Pinata and "the numbers"
16. Garage Sales
17. Packages at the Holidays (Easter, Halloween) with socks included..of course :)
18. Fudge and peanut butter kisses cookies at Christmas time
19. Utter selflessness
20. Love and Sacrifice

I loved my Granny and am thankful for the hope I can have of being reunited with her again. Praying especially for Gpa as he journeys life without her. I am sure he still hears "Gene..." as she always had something for grandpa to do!

I Wonder Why....

Growing up in church, there is one verse that stands out in my mind as a verse that was learned and recited quite often. If you have a similar upbringing, you know the one I am talking about. Whether we fully understood the implications at that time, I am unsure. But you know it. John 3:16 that is.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son that whosoever believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

And what a powerful verse it is.

But tonight as I read through John Chapter 3 I had to wonder. Wonder what you may ask? I began to wonder, who decided that we should stop at John 3:16 and neglect verse 17 in memorization. I mean, come on, we are smart kids we can handle a few more words :)

John 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."

And maybe I would not have appreciated that verse as much when I was a kid. I dont know. But as I look around the city that the Lord has surrounded me in at this moment, it sure is my desire to know that truth and share it with the people here. Christ does not seek to condemn but save. He does not seek to sell you short of what seem to be the ultimate pleasures--those of this world that is. Ohh that people here would know the love and grace of Christ alone. The love and grace that release the guilt, shame, addiction, failure. Not religion that can be suffocating. But Christ and the freedom that He grants. Ohh that I would seek passionately for that freedom and love on my own journey. To understand it more clearly.

Part of the Adventure...

Top Two Things I Love About Moving Across Country....
1. Visitors
2. New Adventures!

Jeremy and I have had a full house lately, with my parents visiting over Labor Day weekend, my sister coming a few days later, and then my in-laws left on Monday. Whew! Good Times indeed!! We love visitors and are ohh soo thankful for a new futon that just blows the air mattress out of the water :)

Mom and Dad are amazing. They took a large part of there vacation to come see what we were doing. Have I mentioned my parents, and family in general, are some of the most selfless, wonderfully encouraging people I know?! I love you guys!

While, we had a lot of good Sequences matches, lazy mornings lounging with the windows open, and of course me and mom did a little shopping, we also took a new little adventure to Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, MN. After a two hour drive that included bison sitings, and not much else :), we made our way to where the Mississippi River all begins. Thats right, a 32000+ acre park which includes a little swimming hole, also known as the mouth of the Mississippi. It was pretty neat! Pics Below.

Then, My sister Amy had some very important interviews (woo hoo!) in Omaha, NE and since she was already in Omaha why not come on up 6 exciting hours to Fargo, right?! So she did :) And it was fabulous! While it went by super, super fast, she got to be part of the new adventure of church planting, as we had a dinner social to talk about the upcoming events of Mission Fargo. She helped us turn a drab basement into an Italian dining room and it looked great! Thanks Amy for all your help! John would like you to rethink Peru and come join the team :)!

Did I mention I love my family?!? Thank you Jesus for 4 people that love you utmost and are examples to me. Thank you Jesus for two parents that support a daughter that is seeking after your will. Thank you Jesus for two sisters that pray, support, and come to join in the efforts here in Fargo! I am grateful.





apparently he did not think Itasca was that exciting :)

Amy and Baby Jules

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy Birthday to my sweet nephew Sawyer McGrew!! He is ONE year old today and just as fun as ever. While we have to be apart on his birthday, we are thankful the McGrew family got to visit about a month ago here in Fargo and we are super excited that he enjoyed his package we sent in the mail. Check out the link from my sister n law Crystal on her blog:

http://myownrealityshow.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much Brandon and Crystal for capturing the moments! It seriously seems like yesterday that we were in the hospital overnight waiting patiently for the bundle of joy to arrive. And what joy he has added! We love yall and definitely want you both to know how much we would have loved to have been in KY. We were both thinking about the three of you today (and yesterday)!

In other news, I started my training for my oncall dietitian position today. While I think it will be a great opportunity, it is a little overwhelming reentering the clinical-ish setting after being away from it for 4 years. And then not to mention Long Term Care is a little different than that. BUT hopefully it will all be clicking by the end of the week! I will also be picking up about 4 hours tues-thurs at the Y each day so please pray for endurance this week!

And Happy 6 Month Birthday to sweet Julia Fisher.
Where has this year gone?!?

First Day Jitters...

Well, not really, but that is what first came to mind as I share about my second job I just recently accepted :)

Two jobs and church planting? are you crazy?

Have no worries-- I will be the new "on call" registered dietitian for a fabulous retirement living facility. Not one of those sad, I hate walking down the aisle kind of places. This one is cheery.

My first experience at Bethany: I walk in the door and get all checked in for my interview. I sit down by a sweet looking OLD man. In comes a stylish OLD lady on her walker. She says "Well hello Alfred. How are you these days?". The reply: "Well I am holding up great except my eyes have seem to stop working. Who are you anyway?" (pam chuckles) Good times...she was 94 herself but just a kickin :)

So, tomorrow is just my general orientation to the company, and then I will get my training schedule. I will only work when one of there other 3 dietitians is on vacation or sick leave. And for the most part they will be able to tell me my schedule about a month in advance. So I could just work once every 3 months or so, maybe a little more or a little less. I felt like it would be a good opportunity to keep my fingers in the field, earn a little extra income here and there, and they have agreed that I could leave by 2:30 when I am working, so that I could have plenty of time to make it to the Y!

Did I mention I would be working early evenings to close at the Y? Good thing I am a night owl and Jeremy has crazy hours as well ! And did I mention that when I talked to the Y about taking this second position my boss was all about it and just so encouraging! Thank you Jesus.

Hope you are having a great start to the week....

I Love My N-Laws...

I believe Jeremy and I would both say, we are incredibly blessed to have two amazing families who are loving and supportive--even when we say the Lord is calling us 1000s of miles away! They are so different it is funny; but both would do anything for us and we are so so grateful for the role they have played in shaping our lives to this point.

I got thinking about N-laws because today it my father n laws birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love this man. He is ALWAYS good for a laugh and can love a person better than most anyone I know!

And also speaking of "N Laws" last week our nephew took his very first plane ride to come to Fargo to see us. It was so great to have Brandon, Crystal and Sawyer from Louisville! We got to take them around town to see Fargos finest, spending a good time in one of my personal favorite places-- Island Park. Sawyer is 11 months and learning how to walk. The boy has no fear and had a blast going up and down slides, swinging, and eating any stick/mulch he could put in his mouth before we got a hold of it! It has been SO SO fun watching Crystal and Brandon take on the role of parenthood as well. They are incredible! Enjoy a few pics of Sawyer at the park...

Da Da Da Da...

Ohh the joy of weddings!

Attending them of course, definitely not planning them :) Weddings have seem to take on even more of a special meaning since Jeremy and I planned our own. I absolutely loved that day. A special occasion in which the beauty of Christ can be glorified through two undeserving individuals. Amazing.

August 8th was a big day for weddings, as two of my closest friends decided to choose the same day to become the "Mrs.". While I would have LOVED to be a part of both, unfortunately I could not be in Dallas and Mobile within two hours..

But Congratulations Becki and Krystle!! you both were AMAZINGly beautiful brides and it was so great to be a part of the preparation and actual day!

It's Fun to Stay at the...

YMCA--which is my new place of employment!

As of Monday, I have been training in the Member Services Department at the YMCA. This is a fancy term for saying I will be working at the front desk of the Y West, being the customer service for our guests and registering for new memberships and programs. And believe you me, I am finding it is quite a busy job!!

But wait, I thought you got your degree to be a dietitian?? Yes, that is what I said at first too and yes, I am still going to maintain my license. I am also still seeking out nutrition opportunities, but after wrestling with and seeking the Lord, and being attentive to the doors that were opening, I have a huge peace about working at the YMCA.

I will be honest, it did take some wrestling, as I really had to lay down my pride of boasting in a unique, somewhat prestigious RD position, doing what i dreamed and making a salary for it. I am thankful the Lord gave me this opportunity for sure and know it was Him blessing Jeremy and I and preparing us for Fargo. But now, the YMCA has opened up a much different door of opportunity-- being in a strategic place in the community to meet SO many people in hopes of building relationships that will lead to relationships with Christ. I cannot tell you how many people I have been able to see in just the three days I have been working and now think of how I can connect with them as time continues. That is basically my sole responsibility-- connecting with members. As I stated in my last post, this is largely what Mission Fargo is seeking out-- relationships. Humm :)...I pray the Lord is up to something and that I can be vulnerable to speak and pursue people for community.

AND what is really neat... while I thought I was having to "give up" nutrition altogether, my second day there one of the new members asked about what sort of
nutrition opportunities we have. Interesting--they do not have any right now. Who knows..maybe an opportunity will present that I may be able to consult as well! But I better spend a little time getting my head wrapped around what programs we do have to offer...

God is so faithful.

In other news...Jeremy also has a job working at Office Max. He is really enjoying it thus far. Who would have known though, that it is one of the top 10 selling stores in the country. So it has been busy! But we are praying for opportunities for him to connect with his staff, many of which are of college age or young professionals.

I am so thankful for these opportunities to get involved in the community.

What is the Future and When is the Launch Date...

Mission Fargo is currently focusing on the downtown area in which to build relationships that Lord willing, would lead to evangelism and lives changed. There is a vision for the future as well. The motto around here is "evangelism that leads to new churches". While it is a process and will likely take quite a bit of time, Jeremy and John are always casting vision for the future while focusing on the present.

Presently, we are seeking to be intentional in our every day life and get involved in the community to build relationships with individuals and allow the love of Christ in our lifes to bear on their life situations. Jeremy and I are seeking to get jobs in the community (which thankfully we have!!! Woo hOO! another blog soon to come :) and also frequent the same places often in effort to get to know others. So far we have our favorite coffee shop, Fargo Coffee Company/Red Raven and Applesbees as places we seek to go at least weekly.

What about the church starting you may ask? ...And many people have asked me lately, so when is your "launch date" for the church. (one of the most popular questions on my recent trip to the south) While we are eager to get the church up and running, processes work a little differently up here and we are trying to take an approach that would be appropriate for the community. Needless to say, putting up a sign advertising a Southern Baptist Church starting may not draw a big crowd. People think you are trying to bring "the south" to them (and yes, while it seems there is no better place than the south and college football, people here beg to differ :), that you are the snake people, you are one of those churches that only wears dresses and reads the KJV etc etc. Hence, the relationship approach.

But, to try to provide the best answer to your question, we are prayerfully seeking to begin a Bible Study in the fall at our home and see where the Lord takes us! We are seeking to start this Bible Study with majority of non Christians. It is a vision to see Christ revolutionize lifes and have this Bible study grow into a community of believers in the downtown Fargo area. Once the Lord establishes the downtown community of believer, it is our desire to start multiple churches in the city and the surrounding areas of Fargo. I believe John would love to begin a new mission in Moorhead MN, which is just over the River from Fargo and where the Fishers are currently living. Long term, at least this point in time, Jeremy and John would love to see Mission Fargo expand even along the I-29 corridor, possibly even to Grand Forks, ND.

A few weekends ago, we took our summer missionaries on a little retreat and went through a couple of these towns, dreaming and accessing the current communities as related to the churches present and predominant religions. We definitely also made this a pleasure trip as well and checked out some attractions. Enjoy a few picures!

One of our last big hoorahs before the summer missionaries departed for home ;(

downtown in Grand Forks

"home of the fighting Sioux... hockey arena

introducing Jenny to Village Inn Pie :).. and starting a trend for the rest of the team that evening

if you know John Fisher--you know you get a little scaried when he makes the hotel reservation. he actually did make this hotel reservation and it was definitely picture worthy! the Holidy Inn happen to be brand new--hooray! the last place we stayed was the Knights Inn where I slept in my clothes on top of the sheets--but it was cheap :)


our (and when i say our...i really mean the fishers :) little girl is getting big!

And I was very bummed to miss getting a picture of one of the markees of a Baptist Church in Grand Forks which stated, "Visitors Welcome, Members Expected". Really?!? Man does this area need the freedom that comes from the love and grace of Jesus Christ!

Ohh How I Enjoy Sports....

While Fargo has many of fabulous things, I must admit I am a little sad that sports are not on the top of their lists. Well, maybe some sports are, but the most important (college football of course) does not seem to have the same fame as down south. Sad days I know. But, have no fear. I have scouted out a few restaurants that have plenty of tvs of which I have been assured wont let me down. Go Gators! In the meantime, Jeremy and I, with our summer interns and a few of Randall's work friends he made this summer, did enjoy some good ole' Redhawks baseball last week. It was one of our last events for the week before they left last Thursday, and man do we miss them!! Enjoy a few pictures and I will be posting soon on more of what has been going on in Fargo (and places I have been in between).

(if you are wondering...the Redhawks are in the "Northern" league...with no connection to the MLB.
but it was a great game--walk off 9th inning win)

Fun times with the Jenny!! we picked Simon (below) as our fav player to cheer on. I am pretty sure we were on only ones yelling loudly.


right on the first base line..great n ight!
baseball is not actually his favorite sport :)

Humbled...

Last week we had another FABULOUS mission team encourage, serve alongside us, and really just humble us once again with their graciousness and willingness to do. This is our second mission team that Mission Fargo has had come and serve the church planting efforts this summer. Since we are so new, serving looks like:

--Spending the mornings serving some community outreach services in town (salvation army, dakota boys ranch, new life)
--Serving the three other SBC churches
--Surveying and Prayer walking the downtown area we seek to minister too
--Holding a Community Picnic for Mission Fargo to get to meet their neighbors

While all have been great outlets, bringing favor to the name of Mission Fargo, the picnic has been the highlight each time. Spending three days praying by streets and sticking fliers on doors, to see who may respond. Needless to say, we have been humbled each time. And there is no way we could have done it without the AMAZING mission teams we have had! THANK YOU "The Bridge" and Richpond"!!

Over the course of the two picnics we have been able to meet over 200 of our neighbors. We held these picnics with the primary purpose being to meet our neighbors, and the second picnic we definitely emphasized the new church that would be beginning and gave out our information. We have been overwhelmed by the response and the thought of how the interest may translate into church planting. Enjoy a few pictures from last week!

my (and Abbys :) sweet baby Julia at Temple Baptist VBSme and Jenny havin a little fun while sorting massive amounts of Target overstock!bein goofy..my body fit in one pant leg

good times...

Richie...our fabulous cook!community picnic!Mission Team with our Neighbor

More Visitors... And A Quick Update

Well not exactly MY visitors...but pretty close :)
Abby and I have been college roommates and the best of friends for about 6+ years now. Given that I lived 8-10 hours from home, whether it be Birmingham or Nashville, and Abby only lived 1-4 hours we would frequent her house more than mine. Actually, she has never been to my house and we might have to fix that one day! But digressing. I have spent many a holidays and weekends with the sweet Callahans, so when her sister and brother made the trek, I felt like it was family. Here are a few pictures of our journey to the Red River Zoo. It is other wise known as the "petting zoo" :) but it does have wolves and a Chinese Red Panada! After all, it was Julia's very first trip to the zoo... you can tell how amused she was!

the "fam" ...Julia is SO excitedI guess Julia and the goat have the same enthusiam for each other... in defense of the goat, she was three weeks overdue!
Pretty!(Jeremys Favorite--the bison clearly shedding off the winter coat)

Wolves

In other news, Jeremy and I are still on the job search. We could definitely use your prayer for patience. We are doing a pretty good job at waiting to see the place the Lord has for us, but there are some points of frustration along the way. I am still waiting to hear back from WIC about a Nutritionist position- that was the interview last Tuesday. This is the position that gets me the most excited, but we shall see. I also have an interview for a programs position at the Great Plains Food Bank this Friday. I have also contacted a staffing company for jobs in the meantime, if need, so pray the proper door will open. I am pretty excited about the Food Bank job, but their may be a little travel associated around the state. I will find out more Friday. This may be a factor, considering I am a FL girl experiencing her first true winter :) Jeremy is also going through the staffing company and applied for a job as a leasing agent with an apt, and a few others I believe. He had an interview last Monday as well, but we havent heard anything yet. We feel like we are doing what we can! I will keep you posted.

From Beatings to Best Friends...

It is amazing how our relationship has evolved. I am sure my parents never thought it would come to be. As for my granny, I am sure she was so excited when she didnt have to say "girls, you be pretty now" any longer. We pulled hair, we threw punches, we could never ride in the car while "keeping our hands to ourselves." But now, these girls are my best of friends! and definitely one of the highlights of my time in Fargo thus far. (the other being momma and momma n law spending time together and then our jouneys up!).

I mean really... one takes vacation days and the other decides a summer off school means a perfect time to spend her closely budgeted money on a trip to Fargo. I LOVE you girls!!
So in true blog fashion, and in line with how I have followed both of their actions throughout life...I will do:

TOP 5 Reasons Why My Sisters Are the Best
(ps..there are MANY more than 5, but it is getting late ... )

5. They put up with the most brattiest (is that a word?!?) youngest sibling, "the baby" and still love me! I likely did way too much wrong, blamed it on one of them far too many times, and got off the hook on punishment more than not. Sorry about that!
4. They were built in company and provided many of amazingly fun-ny memories on all the family vaca's...esp the conferences! Late night pizza and cards on the cruise ship, water slides in Bahamas, car games to Boston.....
3. They are fabulous game players, and keep playing over and over until I can at least win one game!
2. They have always let me tag along with their friends throughout the years, giving me the reputation of the "mature" one at Hogan. Thanks!
1. They have shown me Christ, pointed me to His love, and provided amazing examples of what it looks like to follow after Him. Carla-- you live each step of your life, the little and big, in such reverance and reliance on the Lord. From summer after summer to finances to relationships, it is such a beautiful picture of life in Christ. Amy--I love the freedom you have found in the Lord and the community in which you strive for and encourage me to seek after. I love your passion for people, and the selflessness in which you pursue each relationship. I am always watching and am so blessed to have such amazing sisters to look up too!

All to say, we had a blast. Very relaxing! From many photo-opts beside brick walls downtown Fargo, to a great cookout with the Fishers, to the grand tour with their brother n law, to movie, and game/coffee night at FCC, it was a great time! Here are a few pictures to highlight...

One of the many Brick Wall Times :)

Gelato!

(adding a little entertainment to one of many amy inspired photo sessions)

Definitely didnt win this game...

Carla walked to MN in heels!! sometimes i think we couldnt be from the same genes :)

(she decided to pose to amuse Amy :)(Amy was the paparrazi outside the Fargo Theathe..a little Billy Crytal action)

One of my fav restaurants--OB. Sweet Potato Fries..yum!