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.