Sorry for the Hiatus...

So I admit, I am a blog stocker, but not the best blogger.... I was thinking of a few of the things we have done since my last blog and my top five were...
(well..maybe 6. i just couldn't narrow it down...in no specific order)

1. Going to ALASKA for our Commissioning as Nehemiah Church Planters
2. Going back to Kentucky to spend much needed time with my in-laws and growing nephew!
3. Having an amazing mission team come up and be an incredible encouragement from KY
4. Having Baby Julia's 1st Birthday Party!
5. The McNeals in Fargo!
6. Going on an Anniversary Get Away to Sioux Falls SD to celebrate 2 years with Jeremy

Good times indeed. Alaska is amazingly beautiful and although we went in the middle of January, it was actually warmer than Fargo :) It humbled me at the work of Creator God in the midst of absolutely breaktaking scenery. I will admit, when I first heard Alaska and January in the same sentence, I was not at all excited. Boy was I wrong. Amazing trip for sure. New friends, challenging messages (particularly for me on the power of prayer) and encouragement from the natives.

Kentucky was excellent as well. When I go to my in-laws it is true rest. We spend most of the time around the house and enjoy conversations, games nights (of course!) and now running after sweet (on the go) Sawyer. Jeremy and I got to enjoy 50-60 degree weather in February! and went on a muddy 4 wheelin ride. It was great to see my preggo sister n law and brother n law, as well as surprise "Grandaddy" with his 80th bday party. We are getting ready for the arrival of our first niece in just a few weeks!

And I will elaborate on the next three maybe in another post...but in the meantime share some BIG news !
On May 3rd, if all unfolds (and your prayers are appreciated) we will be BUYING our first home!

When the tax rebate got extended, Jeremy and I started considering a home. Our apt lease would be up in May and we were seeking out our next step. We started looking. We went to quite a few open houses, saw a red house we liked but were not satisfied with it having no full bathroom, so we went to more open houses. Then we saw the red house again. Then we went to a few more houses with the realtor. Then the realtor told us he had been doing his homework and a remodel of the bathroom would not be out of reach and that he thought we could get the price down significantly. And within two days we had an offer on the house. And then counteroffer and then an agreement! It all went quite fast and now we are somewhat patiently awaiting our close. Just trying to get all the items together for the bank in the meantime. Pics to come...we have some updating to do..so probably some fun before and afters! In the meantime...here are a couple photos of our top 5s.

Jeremy and I at one of the Trails in Eagle River..about 15 mins from Anchorage

the sunset on Seward Hwy coming back into Anchorage

scenary out the car window...

just goofing off in Toys R Us with the ONE year old :)Happy Bday Jules! ...despite what the face says, we are BFF!Surprise Party at O'Charleys...of which we do not have in FargoGrowing Nephew Sawyer--19 months now!At "Falls Park" in Sioux Fall, SDFirst sighting of grass!! And full flip flop weekend :)again at the FallsK comes to town!our next church planters for Sojourn :) ..with the flood in the background....

A Taste of Christmas...

Jeremy's Excited Face after seeing his new PS3!

Me and Jules in our matching, new Christmas coats!
I definitely came home to Jeremy in his KY sweatershirt using my Snuggie :)
Baby Jules in her new scarf and hat that Gma Ruthie made her..too cute!

We had a super fun Christmas! Jeremy started bugging me as usual about what he was getting for Christmas and even said a couple nights before, am I getting a ps3? Furious that he might have guessed his gift, I had decided he would get his present at like 11:59pm on Christmas night. So we opened up presents from our families at our house and then went to the Fishers where some of our "big" presents lied. So we got over there and watched Jules open presents and play for a while.. Then the Fishers and Robinson exchanged presents. I got my fabulous green coat!! And I got Jules one to match. We got Abs some fabulous kitchen accessories and JF Harry Potter books. We saved Jeremys for last and John had gotten him a Blu Ray movie and PS3 movie. Jeremy had a very confused face. I said, well would you like another present :) It was SUPER fun!! He was SO SO SO SO surprised. He said he was totally kidding guessing that night and it was wonderful! I got lots of fun things as well.... A new camera, camera accessories, fun house accessories, jeans, new tops, Gator snuggie, and much more! Bottom line we are spoiled rotten---- or just deeply loved!

White Christmas...

Pictures above and below are from out our front door

This is our assigned parking spot....in the very right middle you can see the reflective signs and it says "101". Definitely working on getting the snow removal crew out!

Jeremy's poor Civic... And the picture below shows our fancy Jeep Cherokee in the background compliments of my father n law! (Good Bye Ole Faithful Camry--I do miss you (maybe not in the snow)

walking through this snow in our parking lot was a bit of a challenge! But we did it and made it over to the Fishers for a Christmas Day Slumber Party!

Above and Below: Island Park in the Winter

Last but certainly not least....the most hideous yard Christmas decoration I have ever seen. it is an angel and this picture does not begin to do it justice!

While we missed family FOR SURE, we had a great time developing our own little traditions.... Christmas Eve service (well Jeremy was working but I made it off work just in time), Reading of the Christmas story as a couple, followed by a Christmas movie! (Christmas with the Kranks this year). Woke up to Christmas morning opening family presents, just the two of us, and then headed over to the Fishers before the roads got real bad, for more Christmas fun with the presents are parents sent there to hide (things like PlayStation 3 and Cameras and a whole lot more!). We made an amazing brunch of sausage balls, hashbrown casserole, fruit and I dont remember what else :) and had a blast all night long (who says you cant have slumber parties at 27!) watching Julia play and having movie marathon! Good Times.

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 :)