Crews Family

What a day...

2010-08-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I posted this on Facebook.
"A man[Manuel] came to the door looking for help. He lost his job, the person he was renting a room from up and moved and took/threw out his belongings, his daughter is on Sec. 8 housing so he can't stay with her without jeopardizing her housing.
He needed a place to stay for the night. I sent him to a motel to find out if they had a room. On the way back he put an application at the .99 cent store. When he came back, they did have a room, we paid for a night.
He was so happy he started to cry. He wanted to shake my hand and when I did he grabbed it and kissed it.
He said he talked to some other Churches but they couldn't help.
He sat down, looked up at the sky and prayed for help. A guy came up and told him to go to Knott Ave. Christian Church because "they Care there."
Today was a good day"

Well here is an update on Manuel.
He came to Community Assistance to get food and when Jim talked to him, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior.
A good day indeed!

Later in the afternoon I got a phone call from a friend who is a missionary on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. He told me that a kid, Donny, I knew from a few years ago. Actually I taught him how to do a magic trick. Was hit by a car and killed this morning. Donny was deaf and involved in gangs.
The day isn't so good any more.

Kids like Donny are the reason Liz and I are being called to the Reservation. And guys like Manuel are the reason I'm here at Knott Ave. now.

Robert

Enable vs. Help

2010-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

In my job I have to decide between help and enable, every day. I'll give you a couple examples from today:

I get a call from one of our Community Assistance volunteers (From here on we will refer to it as C.A. and him as Michael) OK, Community Assistance is where we give out groceries and try to connect people with the right agencies to help with their problems. Anyway I get a call saying that there is a woman who needs food because her boyfriend has just been arrested and she doesn't know what she is going to do. He asked If I could give her food and talk to her. I told him we give food on Monday and Thursday. But I would be happy to talk to her. He said she really needs food. Look, I have no intention of letting someone go hungry. But this woman comes to our C.A. and she knows the rules and she was here yesterday. If someone comes for the first time I will of course give them a little food. Anyway she came by smelling of alcohol and cigarettes. She said Michael said I would give her food. I told her that I could only give food on Mondays and Thursdays. She said OK and walked off. If she got food from us yesterday, can afford cigarettes and beer and I give her food today, that would be enabling her. Right?

Earlier a guy came to talk. He said he has a couple job interviews and needed a haircut. He was hungry but didn't ask for food. He is unemployed but didn't ask for money. He was out of gas but didn't ask for a gas voucher. He had to move from his room because he couldn't pay rent but didn't ask for a motel voucher. I asked him if he needed a shirt and pants for his interviews. And he said no. He was able to do laundry at his friends house. He asked me to tell him a place to get a haircut. That's all he wanted. nothing more. By the way Great Clips in Cypress has $4.99 haircuts. I gave him $10 and told him to put the extra towards gas. I think I helped him. Right?

OK, This woman came by and said she needed help with rent. She is only working part time. She has two teenage boys who fight all the time and a ten month old daughter. I couldn't pay $40.25 for a night. She was going to have to sleep in her car for the night, at least one night. If she doesn't find a place to stay for the weekend she'll be in her car with her 3 kids.

I don't know about you, but for me, telling the first woman no wasn't hard. Neither was giving someone $10 for a haircut. Sometimes I help, I usually try not to enable and sometimes I cry.

Today I did all three.

If you are in Buena Park tonight stop by. I could use a hug. Trust me that would be "help."

Robert

Happy 25th!

2010-07-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

On July 3, 2010 Robert and I had been married for 25 years, a silver wedding anniversary, a quarter of a century, 2 and a half decades, more than half of my life on this earth. If I were to look back 25 years ago, would I imagine we would be where we are today, no. Do I wish things were different, sometimes? Would I trade any of the hard, difficult times we have been through, never (well maybe that one year in Modesto)
The truth is, we have been through a lot, more than some, not as much as most. We are in the midst of a tempest now, and there are many more in store for us in the future. But I know that the more severe the storm, the more trying and difficult the circumstances, it means something big is at the other end awaiting us. God has a plan for us as promised, Jeremiah 29:11.

Our family vacation was great! The 5 of us piled into our car and headed to Las Vegas. We had an amazing condo complete with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and a master suite with a king size bed and huge whirlpool tub. (Courtesy of Robert’s parents) We swam, cooked meals, soaked in the tub, watched movies and just laughed and relaxed. In between we saw some incredible hotels/casinos (the architecture and decorating is astounding). We participated in a time share presentation where we were staying and received a meal voucher for Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill restaurant – we all were pretty excited. We drove out to Red Rock Canyon State Park and drove the 13 mile scenic route. We saw The Phantom at the Venetian (I believe my favorite hotel)and for our anniversary; we enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Bellagio-which has a fabulous water show to some of my favorite Frank Sinatra tunes! God gave us a week to get away from everything and spend quality time with each other, something we desperately needed. In those moments, we are again reminded of what is truly important, our Lord and Savior dying on the cross so we can live. Thank you for your prayers!
Now, it is back to reality, but that's OK. We are refreshed and ready! Back to business, God's business.
Enjoy the pictures to the right!
Liz

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Go Kings!

2010-04-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

So,
My Monday started with me sitting at the hospital with my best friend as he was waiting for his wife to go through cancer surgery.
I got to work around 10:30 and a girl, let's call her M, was waiting to talk to me. Her boyfriend, let's call him R, left her. She slept on the street the night before. They had both had been shooting heroin for a few days, and they started fighting. So I tried to find a shelter that would take a 21 year old pregnant girl hooked on heroin. Before I knew it, Edgar came to get me because a guy, R, was yelling at a girl, M, outside. I went out and found R stalking, like a caged animal. After talking to him I realized what was going on with him. Heroin. Well, to be honest he told me, he said he wanted to get into a program to get clean. I called James from Come To Him Ministries and he agreed to come talk to him. James said he would be there in an hour. For the next hour R and M argued and then they talked, argued, talked, argued and talked.
After an hour James showed up and talked to R. He informed R that no place would take him unless he tested clean. As James talked, I was amazed how compassionate and loving he was. R seemed to understand. R and M packed up everything they had into a couple of backpacks and left with their arms around each other.
1:15 I went to lunch. 1:30 I get a call from the office that they are back yelling at each other. Pastor Rick told R that he would have to leave because he was yelling, screaming actually, at M.
When I got back to the office R was yelling at everyone, M, me, James, Amy and some poor woman who was looking for rental assistance. I asked Amy to take the woman, who looked like she was shell shocked, into the office. R screamed "I can't get any food or a bus pass?" "F- you, F-your god" to M, "F-your god" to me and "F-your god" to James. "He never did anything for me". He picked up his backpack that had everything he owned in his whole life and left.
M started praying and crying. She asked God to help her to get clean. I talked to her for another 1/2 hour. I gave her a bus pass so she could go to a facility in Long Beach. I don't know if she went or what will happen to her and her baby.
I walked into the office to find a woman, let's call her S, sitting in the hallway, in a chair crying. She still looked frightened. She told me her story. She owed the bank $300 because of overdraft fees. They would take it out in installments if she would use direct deposit for her SSI check. She said they charge her $48 a month for fees along with the money she owes. That leaves her $50 short for rent this week. This Friday is her daughters birthday and she was afraid she would have to use any money she received as a birthday present. She knows she needs to be in church but her daughter was sick during spring break so she couldn't come.
A couple of months ago this same woman came to talk to me about needing help. She had the same story, right down to the next Friday being her daughters birthday. I told her we couldn't help her. I walked into my office to find my phone ringing. Oh, by the way my computer has a virus. It hijacked everything. I can't even use it as a nightlight. Back to the phone. R was on the phone to apologize. I told him he had crossed the line and he couldn't come back for a while. He said OK and started to cry then immediately said he didn't care. That he was going to have to steal to eat and if he went back to prison he didn't care. He hung up.
A little while later I looked at the clock and it was 4:30, time to go home. As I was leaving the parking lot R was pacing back and forth in front of the Church looking at every car that was driving by because he had called M's father on the phone and threatened him. Her dad said he would come down there and kick his rear end. R was waiting for him to show up. I told him he had to move on. He said OK and picked up his whole life in that little backpack and walked off.
What's for dinner? Tears.

Don't worry, I'll be OK.
The Kings are up 2-1.

Robert

The Widow's Gift

2010-03-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

The other day a man in a powered wheelchair came to the door and asked to speak with someone. So naturally, I get a call.

I go out to talk to him. His name is Robert. We sit for about 25 minutes and I listen to him. He doesn't have teeth (he mumbled) and is hard of hearing (he whispered) so it was tough to hear him. I don't think he cared all that much. He is a very lonely man and just wanted to talk to someone. After a while he was done talking, so I asked him if I could pray for him and he said sure. After we prayed he said he would like to give me some money for the homeless. He also said he didn't have much as he only gets $35 a week for expenses. The rest of his money goes to the facility he's in. He pulled $1.63 from a bag (he lost his wallet). I told him he didn't have to give us the money. I said he may need it and it would be OK for him to keep it. He insisted and handed me a 1 dollar bill (crumpled up) 2 quarters, two nickels and 3 pennies. I thanked him and told him we would give it to someone who needed it. I walked into the office and told Rebecca (our receptionist) about Robert. We both almost cried.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.
And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.
And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them;
for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."

Luke 21: 1-4

I saw Robert driving his wheelchair across the street the other day. I just looked at him and smiled. The gift he gave me that day was more than money can buy. I thank you Robert.

In Him,

Robert

Drive to work

2010-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

This morning driving into work, same route I always take: I got off the freeway, in the same place I always do, though something was different today. As I exited there were several police cars and flares scattered on the road blocking 2 of the 3 lanes. As I slowly turned down the street I noticed right away what all the commotion was. There was a car precariously balanced on the center divider! Yes, somehow this car managed to work its way up onto the grassy divider, facing the wrong way, with the front tires almost touching the pavement, back tires on the divider. What was more interesting to me was, as I drove slowly by, there was a woman seated in the car on the driver’s side looking at me. As we made eye contact, the look wasn’t amusement or annoyance at what had happened, it wasn’t fear or shock, it was I have no idea what to do next, won’t you help me? You know that look. We all see it in people’s faces every day; in the grocery store, at restaurants, work places, even stopped at a light. The question in my mind was, is she asking me for help? How can I help? There are police, I’m sure a fire truck was on its way, possibly paramedics, and lots of people standing around. I had to get to work, if I stopped I couldn’t possibly be any more help than what she was already surrounded by. So as I pulled into my parking lot, the vision of her still in my mind I realized the one thing I could do of course, pray. While she did not appear to be injured or in any danger, there was a reason our eyes met. God had a reason to bring me to that place at that time. So even though I did not know what her specific needs were, other than the obvious, I felt she was crying out for more. I sat in my car and prayed for her. I prayed that even though I don’t know what she needs, her Heavenly Father does. How much more should I be praying for those whom I am close to and love dearly and know their hurts and cries? My mornings are full of requests on behalf of others now. I fill my drive to work with prayer. So many of my friends & family are in need of prayer, please know that I am praying…

Liz

That's why!

2010-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

One of my responsibilities at work is to work with the people in our neighborhood who need assistance. That could mean food, rent, utilities or just listening to them talk.

I'm not able to give everyone what the ask for. Sometimes I can only listen.

About a year ago a woman came to the office in tears. Her boyfriend left her and her son. (Junior High age) He took all the money and she didn't know what she was going to do. Her son was an angry young man, not doing well at school. She asked for help with rent. I wasn't able to give her any money. I sat with her for almost an hour. Listening. I wanted to help her but there wasn't anything I could do.

During our conversation she mentioned her need for "medical marijuana". After a couple seconds I realised there wasn't a medical reason for her smoking. I asked her if she was really surprised her son was so angry when he saw the things going on in the house, drug abuse and fighting with her boyfriend. She only cried.

Before she left I prayed with and for her. I prayed God would comfort her and draw her to Him. I prayed God would help her.

Over the the last year I talked with her son when he came by to pick up a bus pass. I always asked how he and his mom were doing. Sometimes he would say "good" and other times he would just shrug his shoulders. Usually he would shrug his shoulders.

Last Sunday at Church she came up to me and asked if I remembered her. I said I did (expecting her to ask for help). She said she wanted to thank me for the time I spent with her that day. She said that it meant everything to her that I would spend the time to listen and pray for her.

Her son is getting straight A's. She has a job and has stopped smoking. They are getting ready to move to a better apartment. Things are looking up.

Some have asked me why do I want to do what I do.

I can honestly say...That's why.

Robert

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

click on document to enlarge

Someone make it stop...

2009-10-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

They say life is a roller coaster, not good…I don’t particularly enjoy roller coasters! In fact, I do not enjoy the feeling of not being in control. Yes, I have control issues, I know but mine tend to be over the edge strong issues. I don’t like skiing, the feeling of going super fast down a mountain and not knowing for sure I can stop before I break something. I don’t like river rafting, knowing any moment the boat can tip over and I am helpless in the water, and there is nothing I can do to control it. I don’t care for roller coasters, especially the ones that go almost straight down, the feeling of not being in control…
That feeling translates to our life right now. I look back 2 years ago and we knew “the plan.” We would get Kathryn through high school, and into college. We would sell our house with enough equity to pay off all of our debt, house, cars and credit cards with extra for a down payment on a cute little place in Globe. We had even gone so far to make an offer on a place there, so sure of “the plan.” We told everyone our “plan” and thanked God for what was to come.
Our 2 year turbulent, E ticket ride does not seem to be coming to an end anytime soon. As you know the economy has taken its toll on our families lives, jobs, and our home. Some say it is coming back, some say we have not seen the worst of it. Our bills have gone the opposite direction than what we had hoped, and there seems to be no end in sight. Our home has also gone so low that we cannot sell it now for even what we owe on it. The pay cut suffered through this whole process, placed a burden on us that has been heavier than imagined. So why am I being a Debbie Downer? Why am I recapping 2 years worth of pain and suffering? Am I concerned there are 38 more years to come wandering around in this desert? You BET I am!!
I can’t help but be human and admit that to God. I hurt and I feel pain and I am not perfect and I have made some huge mistakes and continue to do so. I am still seeking God’s direction, His purpose for us. I just want to follow; it is exhausting to be in the lead. This morning I read an e-mail from a church that friends of ours planted. Pastor Patrick Norris is speaking on Proverbs 16:9 “in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” He suggests there are choices to be made: try harder, pushing against closed doors, get discouraged, feel sorry for ourselves or blame others for our misfortune. All things I have done. Wish I were in NC to hear in person but I think I will watch online. (The next best thing)
I have a friend who is battling cancer and his wife said to me she felt so awful because the other night she was crying and so distraught she could not pray and it bothered her. I got the verse out Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” I love that when I have bad days and cry and groan and can’t form the thoughts or words I want to say, He hears me. He knows my thoughts, feelings, hurts, pains; He knows my heart. So what I am remembering today is “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.

Praising God!

*Kathryn is working at Kohl's and doing very well. She is dating a wonderful, Godly young man.

*Wayne just got a second job at Knott's Berry Farm working on the ferris wheel in Camp Snoopy, he loves kids and still dating Jamie who we all adore.

*Shelby is a sophmore and loving being in Choir and her life group at church.

We all are so sure of where we desire to be, in Arizona...
Your prayers for our family over the past 2 years have sustained us; Thank you will never be enough. Please continue with us in prayer on this journey. Let us know how we can be praying for you.

Liz

Birthdays, Birthdays...

2009-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Our 2 October babies just celebrated their birthdays this week! Wayne 21 and Shelby 15. (I was a child bride :), OK no I wasn't but I now feel very old. I remember when Wayne was a baby, holding him in my arms and rocking him to sleep. Shelby grew up so fast before my eyes I wanted to stop those baby years and hold onto them forever. Then they begin to grow into the loving, caring adults they are meant to be. I watched Robert baptize Wayne, and I baptized Shelby. They love the Lord and are such a blessing to us. God has truly blessed us with some amazing kids and a family I could never imagine! Happy Birthday Wayne and Shelby! Love Mom and Dad

I love this quote, it says it all...

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
~Barbara Bush

time...

2009-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

It seems that hours turn into days, days to months, etc. Time moves so slowly and yet so fast. I look back to a year ago and remember the plans we had and where we thought we would be. Yet, I understand why we are still here and how God has continued to lead us and how we have to continue to submit to Him, daily. Though it was not our plan to still be in Buena Park, it was God's. I was reading Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Have I been doing this? Some days I know I know I am not. My mind is in desperate need of renewal. It has been a long, hard year for us. I praise God for the good days and the bad ones. I struggle with presenting myself a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing, because I know I am not. Yet I heard a great explanation from Pastor Shane for Grace and Mercy, Mercy-not giving you what you deserve, Grace - giving you what you don't deserve... This is such a great picture of God's love...
So, still here and still seeking God's timing and perfect will...
Liz

Good Bye Nan

2009-09-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

I am reposting something I wrote when I returned from a trip to Australia in summer 2008. This past month we received word that Nan had passed away. We had been praying for her health for quite some time now, but the time finally came for her to go home. I feel so blessed to have met this special woman and so much of her family. Robert and KC spent time with her this last trip and I am so grateful for that as well. She will be greatly missed here on earth but I rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord forever!

From July 2008-

So much is on our minds and hearts that this may be jumbled at times, but isn't that what a blog is about?
Upon our return to Brisbane from Eidsvold we spent one of our evenings doing "home visits." Ann Street Church of Christ schedules visits at home from the leadership of the church, just to get to know the members better-what an awesome idea! Several of us went to Nan's house. She is an amazing Christian Aboriginal woman who has raised 10 kids, some she took in and adopted, I believe the grand kids numbered in the 50's and many great grand kids. She is 72, which is quite old for an aboriginal woman. Since the couch was full I sat on the floor at her feet and listened to her talk of family and the pride she has in them. She showed pictures of her kids, her husband (who was killed in a car accident), her parents, grandparents. She talked of her life in Cherbourg where she was born and some of her experiences there including seeing her sister be sent to Palm Island with Annie in my previous write up. We were honored by having one of her family members, Jon joined us on our journey to Cherbourg and Eidsvold. We were blessed by his testimony and his desire to serve our Lord. He also really wants to come to America on a trip the Church is planning to take here to work with Knott Ave and ARM. Sitting at her feet was such a blessing for me. I understand how important it is to really know about the people you share Christ with. Everyone will hear the gospel but it is more than the "turn or burn" or beating them over the head with the Bible, it is about relationships. It is about earning the right to be heard for some, that is where I feel drawn. The next night we went to Nan's son Daniel's church and Mike spoke. He spoke of getting right with God and laying our hidden sins and struggles at the feet of Jesus. He asked if anyone wanted to come forward for prayer and Mike and Robert prayed with two men that night. One young man sobbed at his seat and Robert spoke with him and prayed with him later that evening. We were treated to some awesome worship and an amazing dinner. I was told that Nan asked to see me that night at Church, so I went and sat next to her and hugged her. She said she had something for me and took my hand and put in it a small pin. It has the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islanders flag on it, representing 2 of the indigenous people groups. She is aboriginal and her husband Torres Strait Islander. I started to cry and hugged her and thanked her for her generosity. She said it was small but it was so I would not forget, how could I? How can you forget any experience in your life such as this? It was amazing! Liz

There will be a day...

2009-09-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Memories and Faces from our trip in August...enjoy!

Remember

2009-09-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

I know where I was eight years ago today.
I was setting up chairs listening to the radio. At 6:00 I heard that an airplane crashed into the World Trade Center. I turned on a TV, actually I had to set it up. I had to run a wire from the antenna on the roof of our Fellowship Hall to the TV. Not hard just took a little time. as I continued to set up I watched in horror as I saw the second plane hit. Up until then no one was sure what was happening. As soon as it hit I knew we were being attacked.
"We are America, this doesn't happen to us."
After my immediate disbelief subsided I wondered, like everybody else, why?
After a few days I think I understood more. We are viewed as a Christian nation by most of the world, I'm not so sure about that, and we are the enemy. The Muslim world sees us as the Infidel, the Great Evil. This is a spiritual battle. This was really an attack on God.
In the years since then I see our country more and more turning away from God.
Our own citizens are turning against each other and against God.
Maybe the attack worked.
How do we as Christians change this trend? I don't have the answer I'm just asking the question. I do know how we can start.
Prayer, prayer and more prayer.
I can't change peoples hearts. God can.
Prayer, prayer and more prayer.

In Him,
Robert

Each time I go...

2009-08-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Each time we go to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, I learn something new; experience something new, God always has something there for me. This trip was no exception. Sharing the experience with “newbie’s” or people there for the first time is so awesome. Either they get it or they don’t, really no in between. It is not a criticism but an observation. I have seen people deeply moved by what they have seen and others who may have enjoyed the trip, but it does not affect them the same. The first day we were taken on a prayer journey through the neighborhoods in San Carlos, stopping in several to pray for the areas and specific requests shared by Diana Lawrence, one of the Directors of A.R.M. (http://www.azrez.org/). It is an eye opening, heart wrenching experience hearing some of the stories of abuse, pain, suicides, etc. Then, that afternoon we went out on the bus and sang songs, did a bible lesson and played with over 45 kids in one of the neighborhoods we had just prayed over. That night, when we debriefed, our team was left speechless. It is difficult to comprehend what happens there and then to spend time with the kids who are directly affected by it. We talked and prayed and talked some more, late into the night. Tom and Connie (pictured above left) dove right in and played with the kids, did more than we asked, they were amazing. God was so faithful on this trip, through some painful times for Tom, we all prayed and God held back the pain.
The second day we went to the San Carlos Apache Cultural Center run by Herb, a very interesting Apache man who allowed us to ask tons of questions and talked to us for a long time. The Cultural center takes you on a small tour of the history of the Apache people you don’t find in our history books. How they were placed on reservations, different tribes who were enemies, so there was suspicion and distrust among themselves. They were given rations, not enough for all of them and they waited in huge lines seen (pictured here to the right) just to get them. We saw such similar pictures and stories to things we saw in Australia with the Aboriginal people, so very sad. The next afternoon was out on the bus again but a different area, different kids. There was a young mom (I’m guessing 16-17) who brought her 3 month old daughter on the bus. While mom made a bracelet (the craft for the week), we took care of the baby.
Tom and Connie were both overwhelmed by what they saw and learned about, and are praying for how God will use them and change them due to this trip. Robert and I, both certain that God wants us there, working on that reservation, with His people. Still patiently waiting on His perfect timing…
Your prayers sustain us; we could not do this alone. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”

the Bus

2009-08-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

Change is inevitable

2009-08-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

In my professional career change has always been a constant, and something I have learned to embrace and teach/help others through that process. I have been through mergers, layoffs, disappointment, failure, successes and CHANGE.
However, in my personal life, it is harder (surprise!). I like having a plan, knowing what is going to happen or even suppose to happen I am OK with. I like making lists and checking things off, I drive my kids and husband crazy, but I figure one of us has to be like this right?
Well, God has a way of forcing me to let go of these things, I say force because I am stubborn and don’t usually yield willingly.
Wayne, our son about to turn 21, is starting a Police Academy preparation class. It is something that never, ever crossed my mind that he would be interested in, but apparently after lots of thought and prayer he really wants to try it. I cannot express how frightening this is to me as a parent, but if this is what God wants for him, I am in full support.
Kathryn just got her first job and is more than excited about it. She is saving and planning on starting cosmetology school in January. She is becoming a confident young woman and stretching her wings, but trying to find her place in what God has for her.
Shelby starts her sophomore year in High School next week. She is working a couple of nights a week helping out with child care at church. She just got back from an amazing retreat with the High School group at our church. She was inspired to come up with plans to change the world, and her group is planning on putting their plan into action. The Youth Pastor she had last year had left and her Jr. High Pastor took over the group, she couldn’t be happier. We just learned that he is now moving to Ohio to accept a new Youth Position. She is close to his wife and was really excited about this year; she is now struggling with yet another change.
Robert and I are struggling with our own issues and dilemmas. Life never seems to go as I plan, though I know God has a better plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11). Right now, all I can do is take each day as it comes, know that God is in charge and purposely give to Him all of my daily stress and fears. Please pray for our family...
Moving forward on the journey, and following God on the path…
Liz

Cabin

2009-07-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Our weekend of rest and relaxation was very nice; I wanted to share some pics and thank you all for your prayers! It was way, way too short; we will need to do it again. Each morning I was the first one up, which gave me a perfect quiet time with God. So I took my cup of coffee and my bible and sat on the deck of the cabin to have some one on one time. As I read and was still, begging God for answers to all of my problems, the birds in the trees kept breaking my peace and quiet. Blue Jays jumping from branch to branch, pouncing on the crumbs in the dirt below; a woodpecker, tapping on every branch in search of his next meal-which he indeed found. The noise was loud and bothersome. I watched that woodpecker bounce around tapping noisily on every branch, seeking his treasure. And while at first I was annoyed by the break in my quiet time, I realized that God got my attention and was speaking to me.
“Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” - Matthew 6:25-27
I have heard this verse and read this verse many times in my life, because I am a worrier. I worry about everything and everyone. Even when things seem smooth in our life, there is always someone I can worry about. I feel like God has to hit me over the head sometimes and say “let this one go, I will take it.” He brings people into our lives that are hurting more, and losing more and suffering so much more than me. I am blessed beyond what I deserve, and have difficulty keeping that in perspective. Every day, before the Throne of Christ, I have to lay down my burdens…everyday.
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Liz

Australia.

2009-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

So it's been a couple of week since we got back from Brisbane, Australia. I have a couple of observations about the trip.

First. For the first time I could see a look of hope on some of the kid's faces in Eidsvold. Considering the lack of someone at the Christian Centre this is good news. I can see the work the people from Ann Street Church of Christ are doing there is working. I can understand how they don't see much change, but I see it. It's like the Rez. Each time I go back I can see little changes on the faces of the Apache kids. God is at work on the Rez and in Eidsvold.

Second. I can see that God is at work at Ann Street. The worship team is awesome and the preaching the two weeks we were there was awesome. Well one week anyway. I could listen to Mike every day and not get tired of him. Anyway, the leadership has banded together to make things work in the aftermath of the Senior Pastor leaving, and if the two week we were there is any indication then they are moving in the right direction.

While I was there I got to hang out with Carlos. What a great guy. He invited me into his house and treated me like I was family. I think he is an amazing person. If you ever go on one of our GO!Teams to Australia I hope you get to meet Carlos. I don't think you can stay at his house as I will be there.

It seems like such a long time ago that we went to Brizzy. I have a ton of stories to tell but after a while it only sounds like bragging. If you want to know more I will be happy to tell you. Just let me know.

I would like to thank everyone who helped KC and I go to Australia. I know these memories will be with me always.

And finally I would like to thank Tim and Kylie. You two are an inspiration to me. The way you two love not only each other but others makes me long to be like you. You have three wonderful boys. I love each one like they were mine. What? Yes I said "MINE". I don't know if you knew this, but the Saturday we went to the Lions game I was able to spend about an hour walking and talking with Hayden. He is such a joy to be around. If all Christian children were like him this would be an awesome world. Thank you for being you, I love you guys like family.

I'm sure I will want to tell you more in the future, so I reserve the right to revisit this subject again.

Thanks for your time,

Robert

Aussie 09

2009-07-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Let me explain, there is too much. Let me sum up.

2009-07-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

We flew into Brisbane.
We went to Brisbane and got to hang out with the kids from Ann St.
We went to Logan and cleaned up around the Christian Centre.
We went to Ann Street Church of Christ and had a Community BBQ.
We got to see Aboriginal Dancers dance for the Coming of the Light celebration.
We went to Ann Street COC and listened to Mike preach.
We went to Eidsvold and got to hang out with the kids there.
We went to Musgrave park for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal Islander Day Of Celebration).
We went to Ann Street COC and had a prayer walk.
We went to the Gabba to see a Lions (Aussie rules Football) game.
We went to Ann Street COC and I had... I mean got to preach.
We had lunch at Ann St. and watched Aboriginal dancers.
We went to Church at Musgrave Park and I preached again.
We flew home.

Well that is the summary of what we did while in Australia. But that doesn't even tell part of the story of our two weeks.
Each time I go to Australia I am amazed at the way we are accepted into the community. It seems the more we go to Australia the more the people at Ann St. treat us like family. They feed us and this trip they danced for us. This is special because the dances were put together just for us. They spent several hours on Saturday just so they could dance for us on Sunday. Amazing!
Before I finish for today I wanted to tell you one story.
While we were in Eidsvold, we stayed up to around 12:00 playing games and sitting around the bon fire with the teens in Eidsvold. I know this sounds like a small thing but these kids are hungry for relationships. The more I travel the more I realize how much relationships are a part of presenting the Gospel. It seems like we should know that instinctively but the truth is we usually don't. There is one girl in particular, who was there the first time we went to Eidsvold four years ago, she has been around each time we've been back and this time she responded to an invitation after Carlos spoke. The leadership of Ann St. has promised to send her Bible studies and follow up with her. This shows how important our trips to Eidsvold are, and how important relationships are.
I will blog again in a few days as there is a ton of things on my mind.
Talk to you soon,
Robert

How about "I'm sorry."

2009-07-10T09:20:00.002-07:00

This morning we went to Europcar car hire (rental). We had a reservation for two 8 passenger vans and one car. They called this morning to say there was a problem. Kia had recalled their mini vans and we couldn't get them. They said we could have a 12 passenger van, a seven seater and one car.

After voicing our displeasure, Daun S. said fine we'll take it. Then they said the only problem is the 7 passenger won't be there until 9 or 9:30. We were supposed to pick them up at 8:00.

So we wait around Tim's house and wait and wait and wait.

We go to Europcar, 9:15, and they said it will be only about 15 minutes. As Daun talks to the woman (We'll call her Allison because that was her name) at the counter she explains that too many people have extended their rental. Daun tells her the story told to her on the phone and she says she can't understand why she would be told that. Turns out the guy (we'll call him Jamie- his name) is sitting right there. Daun was not happy. Me? No I wasn't happy either. We were supposed to be at Family Fun Day at Musgrave park at 9:00 for NAIDOC. We sign for the 12 passenger and the car. Daun takes Tim's Tarago (8 passenger Toyota minivan). Tim takes the 12 passenger and Tim's wife Kylie takes the Camry (rental). Carlos and I stay to wait for the 7 passenger. 10:00, only 2 hours late. As you can tell our 15 minutes has been almost an hour. At 10:37 I ask "What are the chances we are going to get out of there in the next half hour?" Jamie gets on the phone and talks to the guy driving the car and tells us "he's almost here. 10 minutes or so." "Or so" always gets you in trouble.

I say to Allison, "You gotta know this isn't right". She says "There is nothing I can do". Me-"I understand that but you know this isn't right." A- "We only have so many cars and when some people extend (their rental) there is nothing we can do." Me- "The other people who don't get a car are not my concern." A- "I'm sorry" "but..." This word can only lead to trouble in a situation like this. "There's nothing I can do." She should have stopped at "I'm sorry".

I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry is renting a car and they don't have the model he ordered. He tells them they know how to take a reservation they just don't know how to keep a reservation. By the way...I took the insurance!

Anyway I go off to the toilet, I know but the bathroom is where you take a bath and the restroom is...well they don't call it that here in Australia, and when I get back there it is an almost brand new Mitsubishi Pajero, (only 2000 K's on it, don't ask me, I wouldn't know what a Kilometer was if it jumped up and bit me) RED. I look at Carlos and say, "We can't have a red one, it's bad luck." He looks at me with a confused look and I just smiled at him. He smiles at me and tells Jamie, "We have to have a black one." Allison and Jamie look puzzled. Me- "Red is bad luck." C-"We have to have a black one." J- "If you are waiting for a black one you are SOL." Only he actually said it. We all laughed.

The tank on the Pajero is only on 7/8 of a tank. Allison tells us to go to the petrol station and fill it up and she will meet us there and pay. Me- "Look, don't worry about it. I don't care I will fill it up I just want to go." A- "I insist." I was surprised she didn't say, "It's the least I can do."

I get in look at Carlos and say we are going to the petrol station because she insists. We both just laughed. 11:22.

Musgrave park was Awesome. I got to see Ruth Ghee and introduce KC to her. She grabbed KC and hugged her like she knew her all her life. I wanted to cry. I will blog on that in the next day or two. Just so you know even after the morning we had it was a great day today. You should all come to Australia next year.

In Him,

Robert

It's just me...

2009-07-08T20:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I know you are waiting to hear more about the Australia Team from Robert (me too!) but I know they have been extremely busy, so hopefully soon. Daun has given them a full schedule as usual! It has been much harder for me being at home this trip than any other, why you ask? I've been asking myself the same thing. It may be that for our past 8 wedding anniversary's, Robert has been out of the country. I have been with him for 3, 2 in Australia and 1 in Mexico City, and quite frankly it is NOT the same being on a mission trip then being on say vacation, but at least we were together for a few. This last Friday was our 24Th anniversary, I wonder where we will be on our 25Th? (or if we will even be on the same continent) It may be that KC went for the first time, and she and I have grown really close and I miss talking to her, cooking with her and even driving with her. It may be that I'm use to having my best friend and husband here with me to eat dinner with, talk over problems that come up, help make decisions, hug, etc. Or it may be that I wish I was there, playing skittles with Bonnie, Boyo, Lennie, St John, Wayne, Jessma, sitting by the fire with Ayeesha, Peydon, Nita and India, seeing how big Hayden, Sam and Tysin have gotten, scratching and sniffing Tim's shoulder, having some serious girl time with Daun and Kylie and Regina and Lena, enjoying the company of the friends at Ann Street and listening to my husband preach and sharing my testimony, listening to amazing stories from Elizabeth, Lyle and Hazel, Nan, Jon, having deep late night conversations with Daun, and...

I wonder...

Liz

"Do you think he wants some cheese?"

2009-07-03T15:37:00.001-07:00

If you didn't know I have this mental aversion to cheese. It all started when I was going to school in Long Beach. Suffice it to say I literally cant swallow when I try to eat melted cheese. I've tried. Liz and I go to Northwoods for a nice steak dinner and they serve this cheese bread, it looks really good. Each time I go there I tell myself to try it. I pick it up and boom my brain says no. So I give it to Liz all the while feeling like a failure.

So our first night here in Australia I'm sitting at the table having an awesome conversation about Jesus and relationships. They were having a youth group over and we were really having a good time. Then it came time for dinner and guess what we were having. NACHOS! What was I going to do. They were all made and ready to go. One of the kids brought me a plate. I was done for. I knew if they served it I had to eat it. So I asked God to get me through it. I ate the whole plate and didn't get sick. Thank you God. Without Him I wouldn't have made it.

This is the seventh year I've spent my anniversary in Australia. (Happy anniversary Liz. I love you with all my heart.) Two of them Liz came with me. So when i get home I'm taking her to Northwoods for our anniversary dinner and have me a piece of cheese bread. Maybe.

From down under,

Robert