In His Grip

You Gotta Love Him!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-07-10T09:25:06-07:00

This week I have been on vacation at lake Vermillon in Minnesota. However, most of my time has been spent in Duluth with my folks at the hospital, as my Dad has undergone open heart surgery. It has been a week of ups and downs. He seems to progress well only to have another set back. Although he is in good spirits I know that this is difficult for him as he had no control over how his body is reacting. This is a man who has been a very successful, over achiever all of his life, and to have something not go his way or be the "best" that it can be is a hard pill to swallow. Needless to say, we have grown to expect that as well, if Dad is doing it you know that is will be not only be successful, but the best, and maybe a little bit over the top. I love this about my Dad, because he has always made me believe I could do whatever I wanted and even be the "best" at it. He was moved out of ICU yesterday so I returned to the lake when my sister Lori came to be with Mom. But this morning there has been one more set back, I would appreciate all of your prayers as he is on an 18 hour drug treatment to bring his heart back into a regular rhythm.

Blueberry Crisp for Dad

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-07-05T10:12:32-07:00

I needed an easy, quick dessert that said "Summer" but didn't require a huge amount of effort after all I am on vacation and I wanted it to be one of my Dad's favorites so the obvious choice is Blueberry Crisp. Besides, I had to use the blueberries that I sacrificed my finger for earlier this week.

Filling

8 cups of blueberries

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

Crust

1 1/4 cup flour

1 cup instant oats

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

Filling -- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish; set aside. In a medium bowl, toss blueberries with 1/2 cup flour, the granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly.

Crust -- combine sugars with softened butter and mix until well blended. Stir in the flour. Add oats and mix until crust resembles coarse crumbs. Crumble evenly on top of fruit. Cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 325 and bake for 45 - 50 more minutes. I usually make 1 and a half times the recipe of the crust so that we have a lot of crispies on our fruit.

The result is an excellent and very crispy, sugary topping over sweet, tart, gooey blueberry guts. With a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, it is an effortless way to end any dinner and one last hurray before Dad goes on a strict diet following his surgery tomorrow.

Bite Me!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-07-04T12:47:29-07:00

The adventure of my spider bite all started on Thursday when my friends Sheri, Erin and I went blueberry picking. I was reaching in for a very large bunch of blueberries and felt a "zing" to my finger and look down to find a spider in my blueberry bucket. Figuring the spider was the culprit to my pain I got it out of my bucket and took care of the little sucker the only way a tennis shoe can. It really did not hurt more than a really bad misquote bite and as the day progress you could not even see where the little guy had bitten me. We left for the lake early the next morning and I noticed that my finger was a little swollen and as the day went on the swelling just kept getting worse. We stopped in at a Wal-Mart and the pharmacist said to take some Benadryle and that should take care of it. I woke up in the night with numbness in my finger and now into my hand by morning my hand and other fingers were swollen too. We made a trip to the ER into the hospital of Cook, Minnesota (population 600). They diagnosed that I did in fact have a spider bite and it was infected. They gave me some antibiotics and sent me on my way. What a way to start my vacation.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-07-02T01:30:00-07:00

To the lake!!!!!!!

Speak to Me in Terms I know

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-07-01T07:29:10-07:00

When I am in the kitchen and following a recipe I hate it when they tell you to use 16 oz. of something and then on the label the product is listed in pounds. Now I know in my head that 16 oz equals one pound, but it would be nice just to confirn to me that I am remembering my elementary school weights and measures training properly. And what if the recipe is calling for some other random ounce mearsurement that is not right on the top of my head? The number of grams in the product is just not helpful to me. Anyway, who out there is using grams and why do I need to know that?

If You Knew Her You Loved Her

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-27T13:32:55-07:00

This is a sad day for all of us that knew Miss Valera, but I know in my head that it should be a day of celebration, however my heart is heavy. This is the day that she is in the arms of the one who she has loved and worshiped for so long, Jesus. She was able to be reunited with her friends and loved ones that have been cheering her on as she encouraged, taught, and loved all those around her. If you knew Miss Valera at all, you knew that she was a prayer warrior, you gave her something or someone to pray for and she was on it and would always ask for updates as to how the situation was changing. Her encouragement and prayer have gotten me personally through several tough times and she was always there to celebrate the victory as well. She will be missed by us all. My friend Sheri said to me as we learned of the news, "I am so happy for her." What a difference we as followers Christ have on the perspective of leaving this life on earth behind. Heaven is our real home, and perfection won't be ours until we get there. God made us to spend eternity with Him and although we get a little peek here of His presence, someday we will see Him face to face. Now, that will be life at its best. Congratulations, Miss Valera, you are perfection and you now know the BEST of life!!!!

Rays of Sun

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-26T06:50:49-07:00

This morning the air was so thick with humidity that you could see it. I took this picture in our backyard and you can see the rays of sun coming through the trees that even my cheapy camera was able to catch. I love it when you can actually see the rays of sun light like in this picture or up in the sky when you see rays of sun shining through the clouds. It reminds me that there is a God out there that is much bigger than me and I know Him and He knows me. Cool, isn't it?

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-25T05:23:15-07:00

Freedom to change

The Hole in Our Gospel

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-24T08:32:38-07:00

There are things in my life that just keep coming up everywhere I look. I find it when I am searching for it and when I am not searching for it. This thing that keeps showing up everywhere is poverty. God seems to be continuing to show me that there is poverty in His world and it is all around me. I can chose to ignore it and it will disappear into the landscape of my world or I can pay attention to it and do what I can to help. Now the question is, what can "I" do? There is the inadequacy thing where I am sure that there is nothing I can do to change such a large problem; and the; Why even try, I mean, I am just one gal?, Or God has the perfect person to help, I am sure I am not it. But I do know that if God were only going to use the perfect person nothing in the world would get done. God will use those who make themselves available to Him. I read this book, The Hole in Our Gospel, a couple of weeks ago and I have not been able to get it off my mind since. I am making myself available to help change the poverty in this world. Today, I can help with the needs of school children in our area by donating to the backpack and school supply drive at Indian Creek Community Church, I can bring can goods to the Johnson County Parade in Gardner on Saturday, August 8th and place them in the Indian Creek grocery carts as they go by in the parade. I can do something right now and I will continue to see the poor and under resourced in my world and not look away hoping someone else will help. I will get invovled!

Camping Weekend

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-22T11:31:43-07:00

Jeff and I headed out on Friday morning on our inaugural camping weekend with our new vacation home in tow. Towing our vacation home was not our trouble, it was the canoe on top of Jeff's vehicle that kept giving us problems. We had to stop a couple of times to make sure all was up on top safe and sound and then we would be on our way again. We arrive at Pamona by noon and in no time had our camp set up. Our plan was to call the kids and tell them where we were in the campground, as they were coming after they got off work, but we had no cell phone service. I had to drive back in about 5 miles until I found service and gave them a call with our campsite location. We had great weekend even with the pouring down rain on part of Saturday. With our tent trailer, we were all dry inside with electricity even. This was my first time camping with electricity, what a concept, we even had air conditioning at night. Can this really be called camping?

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-18T06:30:10-07:00

Vacation home weekend!!!!!!!

In The Garden

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-17T09:44:23-07:00

This my clematis in our garden that I have been trying to grow for the last four years now. I have babied it along and tried everything to help it grow, but it just did not seem to get any bigger than a couple of small sprouts each season. However, last Fall I decided to cut it way back. And this year look how great it has become in the few short weeks of this year's growing season. I love this vine and hope it will one day cover this arbor. Vines always reminds me of this passage in the Bible;

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone dose not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8

Indian Creek Gradner Campus Picnic

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-16T08:12:46-07:00

Last Sunday was the first ever Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner campus picnic. After church, we all headed out to Celebration Park were we had great food and fun. The weather before church looked very questionable, but by the time church let out we had a great sunny day. There were over 100 people in attendance. There was a water balloon fight, boccie ball, and we passed out pop ice to everyone at the park whether they were with Indian Creek or not. The kids as well as the adults had a great time on the play ground while we all enjoyed the pop ice. It was so much fun and I look forward to more picnics in the future. You just can't beat hanging out with great people.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-11T06:53:05-07:00

Create or destory

Only in a Small Town

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-10T07:21:56-07:00

When you travel to different places you realize that there are just somethings that you will never see anywhere else. Yard Birds is one of those places that just cannot be replicated. It is a local store in Chehalis, Washington, that has been around for years and back in the day there was not only this "small" yard bird but a very large yard bird that you drove through to get to the parking lot. Sometime back there was a fire that took the "big" bird out. Only in a small town would such a sign like this even exist. It kind of reminds me of the old pictures you see of a burger place that is shaped like a hamburger or the ice cream store with giant ice cream cone on top. We just don't have these kinds of things around any more. Yard Birds was a department store back in the day that was similar to Wal-Mart and the story is that people came from miles around to shop there. Now, it is a very large second hand, junk/antique mall. It is like there is a garage sale going on in there everyday. You really have to be there to get the full enjoyment.

Finding Treasures

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-07T23:00:00-07:00

It is so much fun to find these little treasures for such little money. I bought all of this and spent only $2.50. Now I know what you are thinking, "What the heck are you going to do with this junk?" Well, just so you know I will do something very creative and I will post the results here. I have been wanting to do some altered art that uses old photos and ephemera (I have picked up some of the professional junkin' terms since I have been with my sister). Look at all those buttons, I have a real liking for buttons, I am not sure why, but I just can't get enough of them. I had better come up with something to do with all my buttons because my personal button collection seems to be growing every week.

Junkin' with my Sister Yesterday, Shootin' with the Brother-in-law Today

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-07T00:00:00-07:00

My brother-in-law is your typical outdoors kind of guy. He enjoys hunting and fishing, and I was talking about my hunting escapades with the little critters near our home. He took me out into the woods up the road from their house to do some target practice. I have not ever shot a gun other than a be be gun. He gave me a little lesson on how to hold the gun, load the chamber, aim, release the saftey and then fire. Wow, that was fun. What a rush! I love that smell after you fire. We started out with a 22 and then we shot something bigger with a scope that made a huge BOOM! Actaully, I don't think that I did that bad. What a great time.

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Junking with My Sister

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-06T09:13:34-07:00

There is one thing that I love to do with my sister Lori and that is going to junk shops. The way that she looks at old items and can see a new and creative use for them and is so inspiring. She has a space in a junk store in her town where she sells her creations. You should see the basement of her home. It is full up with all kinds of things in all states of disrepair waiting for their turn to be made in to something new. Lori's business name is Cinnabarblue.

A Blue Life

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-05T07:18:40-07:00

I am in the beautiful Northwest, near Seattle, Washington. What brings me here you ask? Well, one of my nieces is graduating from high school and my sister and her family have lived in the Pacific Northwest since my parents and my younger sister moved away to Kansas, oh, some 28 years ago. Wow, it has been that long? If you know me at all you know that I prefer pink to any other color. My saying is, "when in doubt, pink is always the right choice." Now my sister, Lori is very different than me in this color thing. She as always been a blue girl. Her wedding was blue, her cars have been blue, and whenever I see something blue I think of her. Here are some pictures of the blue in her life.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-04T01:25:00-07:00

What if? Worship!!!!!

Newest Pink Porch Designs

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-02T07:54:34-07:00

These are some of The Pink Porch's newest designs. I have really enjoyed not only designing new pendants and soldered charms. But I am also learning more and more about Photoshop and how to manipulate pictures and designs to work for my uses. I am starting to feel very technically creativity. I have never thought of myself as very technical but I am enjoying this new skill and the endless avenues for creativity. Each of these designs are custom and made with love and care. If you want to order something for a special someone or you just need something a little special for yourself, just leave a comment here and I will get back with you.

Serve Day!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-06-01T05:45:30-07:00

Saturday was filled with some hard work and a great time at the What if the Church? serve day. We met some great new people, and worked with some old friends too and got a lot of work done for the Urban Scholastic Center. We had just over 100 people working at our sight with around 19 of them from the Indian Creek Gardner campus. The jobs we did ranged from painting, to cleaning, and removing and planting shrubs. It was so fun to see how much was accomplished in this one day and if we continue to work together as churches we can change the city, the country, and ultimately our world. Isn't that what the "great commission" is all about? I am looking forward to the city-wide worship event on June 3rd at Shawnee Mission Theater in the park at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there.

gBay Treasures

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-29T14:43:50-07:00

Look at the wonderful treasures my hubby found on gBay for me. gBay is what they call the on-line bulletin board for the employees at Garmin. Jeff has always said that you can buy and sell anything on gBay and now I believe him. I purchased these buttons from an mechanical engineer, and I always thought engineer types weren't crafty. He of course explained that he had purchased them as part of a box that he bought some years ago at an auction. But being the engineer that he is, he researched them, engineers just can't help themselves they have to research everything, and found that they are vintage 1930 - 1940's. I have some big plans for these buttons and will share them here when I have completed my project.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-28T06:39:14-07:00

You can help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Global Orphan Project from The Global Orphan Project on Vimeo.

What If The Church? Serve Day

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-27T01:50:00-07:00

If you have not yet signed up for the What if the Church? Serve day event you need to do it today. Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner Campus will be serving at the Urban Scholastic Center. To registar, click here, and follow the instructions. We will be meeting at Wheatridge Middle School at 7:30 am on May 30th and will be riding together as well as sharing coffee and donuts on the way. I look forward to serving in the urban core of Kansas City with all of you.

Grilled Peanut Butter Banana Boat

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-26T01:00:00-07:00

We tried this great new dessert yesterday. It was a trial run to see if it will make our new camping menu for the trips we plan to make in our vacation home this summer. It was defiantly a winner and we will be making these at our campfires along with our standard Peep S'mores. I just had to get a picture of our own Anna banana trying the Grilled Peanut Butter Banana Boat. Here is the recipe if you too want to try this great grilled dessert.

Grilled Peanut Butter Banana Boat

4 bananas

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup peanut butter chips

2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped

With a sharp knife, make a deep cut along the inside curve of each banana. Press ends of peel open. Fill each banana evenly with chocolate and peanut butter chips. Wrap each banana in heavy-duty foil. Place in campfire coals or on a barbecue. Heat 5 minutes or until bananas are tender and chips are melted. Sprinkle with peanuts. Enjoy!

Great Extra Long Weekend

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-25T09:06:53-07:00

I love the start of summer. This weekend we made our first trip to the neighborhood pool, my yard looks great after spending a good part of Saturday making it a place to relax for the rest of the season, and our fridge is full of fresh watermelon. I have to say I do love a good summer read in the hammock with a bowl of watermelon. Now I just need to find that great summer read.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-21T01:39:00-07:00

Make a difference!

Great Baby Gifts for Mom

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-20T06:57:54-07:00

This week I have been busy making up some baby gifts for the new Mommies that I know. Although the baby is the one that needs the new things, Mommy also needs a pick me up as well. Here is one of the custom pendants made by The Pink Porch. Hoping this new Mommy likes her new fashion accessory.

Summer Has Arrived At My House

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-19T13:53:30-07:00

I know that Summer has arrived as we have gone from empty nesters to a full house. Now that Ryan has moved back to town and has not found a place to live yet, he is at home and both of the girls have completed their classes for the year and are home now too. We have made a schedule for the use of the laundry room and are getting some help around the the house. But you really know that summer has arrived is when the bath beauties show up in the back yard.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-14T07:07:35-07:00

Flowers are here!!!!!

Handmade Mother's Day

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-11T14:44:18-07:00

This is one of the gifts that my kids gave me for Mother's Day. If you know me at all, you know I love to garden and not only that, I like to have ornaments in my garden. Jeff always wants to keep the ornaments to a minimum but sometimes he just gives in and chooses to loose that battle. The three kids went together to Mad About Mosaics where you can come in and make your own mosaics and they made this wonderful stepping stone for me. If you look close you will see the scripture reference of Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Wow, do my kids know me or what? Not only did I get one of the best presents ever, handmade, they gave me something to hide in my heart as well. Thanks, for a great Mother's Day!!!!

Cute Custom Soldered Charms

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-07T15:41:13-07:00

This week I received my first custom order for The Pink Porch. Okay, it was one of my closest friends who placed the order, but she still needed some gifts for Teacher Appreciation week and thought of the cute soldered charms that I make and had me make three of them to give away. There are some lucky gals at Prairie Creek Elementary School getting a great gift from a rock star parent this week. You too can can be an owner of one of these great charms if you go to The Pink Porch and place an order or email me and you can get something custom for that special someone.

New Small Groups -- Gotta Love 'em!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-05T20:09:28-07:00

For the next 8 weeks or so some gals from Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner campus will be meeting together for small group. This will be the book we will be reading, Searching for God in a Bottomless Purse. We had our first meeting tonight and I can't believe how fun this group of gals is going to be. We range from a couple of us being around Indian Creek for a while to those who are brand new with the campus launch. I cannot wait to get to know these women and go on this new adventure together getting to know each other and growing in our faith journeys. If you would like to join us it is not too late. We meet from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays in Gardner. For more info on how you too can be a part, just comment here or email me and I can help get you connected. Wow, I cannot believe how much this new campus thing jazzes me. What a great boost to get me through the rest of my crazy week.

Haiti Video

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-05-04T19:01:57-07:00

Last night we went to a dinner with all of our team from our Haiti trip. We were able to share with our friends and families about our trip. Here is the video that was made to commemorate our trip.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-30T01:14:00-07:00

God is not . . . .

Hope Lives

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-28T12:38:54-07:00

Today I began a five-week journey reading the book Hope Lives. My desire is to be challenged to become what God is calling me to be. I believe that there has got to be a reason that I keep finding myself faced with the poverty of the world. I know that God keeps interrupting my life to help me see these people, who He loves, and view them through His eyes. I know that God values the poor and there has to be a reason that He repeatedly keeps asking me to serve them. I will post here of what, if anything, that God reveals to me as is go through this study seeking the purpose God has for me in these opportunities that keep finding me here in Kansas. At this point, I have no idea what will come of this, but I am open to what I discover.

Best Friends

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-26T19:45:23-07:00

Do you have a best friend? During our lifetime we have many best friends. Some share our lives during times when we are in the same life station and are sharing similar experiences, some share our good times and our bad. But what about those friends that seem to be in a totally different part of life than you? Can they really be your "best" friend? My girls have two "best" friends one that is many years behind them in life experience that they are sharing life with and hope to be a part of her growing and developing for many years to come. They intentionally spend time with her and look forward to seeing her whenever they can. They also have a "best" friend that is years ahead of them in life experience that they also love to spend time with and look up to. She is sharing life with them and giving them an example of what it looks like to pursue God with a passion that is out there for all to see. Who is your best friend that you are sharing life with and giving in a way that will never be prepaid? I thank God for those best friends that are willing to not only share life with me but pour into my girls as well. Words can never be enough for the gratitude that I feel for the best friends in my life.

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-23T06:47:15-07:00

God loves everyone!

My Favorite Day In Haiti

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-22T05:52:05-07:00

Sunday had to be my favorite day in Haiti. Our team had the great privilege of attending church with our new little friends. Each team member was surrounded by the children we had met previously. These kids could not sit close enough to us. And I have to say it truly made me feel loved by them. Then in the afternoon I was so honored to be there for the church dedication of the Cavaillion, Haiti church that Restore Community Church built. Back in October Restore was in a teaching series about generosity, the plan was to give one Sunday's offering toward the building of a church in Haiti. Restore proved that they are a church of generosity and that Sunday the offering was over $60,0000, WOW! Not only were they able to build a church but the orphanage as well and children will be moving in the next couple of weeks. The dedication service began with a handful of people inside the church and then the people literally started to pour in. You could see streams of people coming down the road to the church. Within a couple of minutes the church was packed out with people standing shoulder to shoulder. Our guess was there were between 300 and 400 people in attendance both inside and outside the building. And these are not "pastor" numbers I was there. The opportunity to be there for this dedication in knowing that this church is there to make a difference in the community, is such a privilege and one I will not soon forget. The emotion of it was overwhelming. I had chill bumps and could not stop the tears in knowing the generosity of one brand new church in Kansas City, was not only making a difference in the community in which they live but helping a group of people make a difference in Haiti as well. God is so good!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-21T06:40:32-07:00

We are home from Haiti. Although it is great to be home, a part of my heart has been left behind with the children that we played with for three days. I experienced a whole new kind of love. I have never doubted that God loved me, but have not really stepped back and seen how much God loves others. God loves these children through so many people. The amount of details that have to come together in order to care for these children can only be attributed to the love of God for His own. I do not believe they want or need our pity, because they are willing to show love to all that come a visit them. I watched them make sure we were comfortable, the older ones cared for the younger ones, and they made sure that no one was left out of any of the small gifts that we brought them. Each of the team members, 14 in all, sat in church on Sunday surround by these loving children. Think of being in a church service with 200 children under the age of 12. You would have been amazed. They were all very well behaved and worshiped God along with the adults. It will take me a couple of days to process all that I experienced, but I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to experience His love through these children. They will be in my heart forever and I have been changed.

Another Day in Haiti

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-18T21:15:28-07:00

Im back, Guest blogger Lindsey,

Here is a little video from our loved ones in Cavallion, Haiti! They look like they are having a great time!

Here is one more video of the dresses made by the Restore sewing group!

Check them both out!

Haiti Day One

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-18T08:26:09-07:00

Hi all from guest blogger Lindsey,

Here are a couple of pictures from my mom (Judy). Looks like her and her friend Sheri have arrived safely and are already lovin' on the kids. Today they are headed out to visit three other orphanages with all their goodies, they say thanks to all who contributed!

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-16T01:00:00-07:00

Living it out!

Mission Emoitions

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-14T10:38:09-07:00

Whenever I leave for a mission trip there are feelings that come up that I just don't expect. It does not matter how many times I have gone in the past, every trip brings these emotions. There is the anxiousness of going somewhere you have never been before, leaving the the familiar for the unfamiliar, and just not knowing what you really are getting yourself into. I also know that once I arrive in Haiti, there will be the overwhelming feeling of how unfair life seems to be, that I was born in the U.S. in a middle class, christian family, and did nothing to deserve this privilege. I never even realized what a privilege it was until I found myself on that first trip to India three years ago. Just as the people in third world countries, did nothing to deserve to live where they do, in the conditions they find themselves. I know that I can easily be blinded by the immensity of the need and paralyzed by thinking I can make any kind of difference. My focus needs to stay on Jesus and reason I am going, to love on His children, one child at a time.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

This is the work that God has prepared for me in advance and He knows that I can do it when I depend on Him.

Oh My Heck, More Bird Poo!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-13T06:43:54-07:00

Last week I told you about how there was a bird that had decided to sit above our front window and make a mess all over it. Well, needless to say we actually saw the little sucker sitting there when some friends were leaving our house last Thursday. Without going into detail, because I had promised a certain someone that I would not post about it, we took care of the problem in a permanent way, if you know what I mean. However, this morning I got up to more poo on the window. Are you kidding me? I think there is a bird conspiracy and they are waiting in line to poo on my window. We have lived in this house for over five years and never had a bird hang on our porch. They only have 1/2 inch or so to sit. There is no way that is comfortable, so I think they are now plotting against me and our murderous act towards their friend. Hmmmm?

Ryan's Moving Back To KC!!!

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-10T05:57:31-07:00

We just got the phone call last night and it is official. Ryan's company is moving him back to the Kansas City area. In fact, he will be moving here next week. When I get back from Haiti Ryan will be living here, woo hoo. He has not lived here since the summer of his Freshmen year of college. He said he is looking forward to having time to hang out with the family that isn't rushed knowing he had to leave in a day or two. He will be staying with us for a couple of weeks until he finds a place of his own. So we could in fact be going from empty nest to full house in a matter of weeks. It is only four weeks before the girls are off for summer. Wow, how time flies. I never knew how much I wanted my kids to be near by until Ryan mentioned the possibility a month or so ago. I cannot be more thankful for prayers answered. Thank you, Jesus!!!!

Three Word Thursday

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-09T01:00:00-07:00

I will go!

Haiti in 7 Days

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-08T07:40:01-07:00

I am so excited as the time grows closer that I will be leaving for Haiti. My great friend Sheri and I will be going to Haiti on a mission trip with Restore Community Church who is partnering C3 Missions. There are so many ways in which this trip will be like no other I have been on before. First of all, this is my first trip where we will be traveling with men. I have only been on women only trips in the past. Secondly, I have no preparation as far as teaching goes, we will be going to orphanages and playing with the children. In our meetings, they keep saying that this trip is about the children. How fun is that? And third, we will be only gone for five days. Wow, I cannot wait to see how C3 and Restore is impacting the community in which they have built a church and are in the process of building an orphanage. I know that I never go on trip where God does not have something specific just for me. Part of the adventure for me is finding that purpose and making the most of it!

Who Keeps Pooing on My Window?

Judy @ In His Grip — 2009-04-07T06:13:55-07:00

For the last week, I wake up each morning with more poo on my window. And this is not just any window it is the big window above the front door. You can see this poo as you walk up to the porch from outside, and when you are coming down the stairs from the inside. I keep checking to see if there is a nest inside the porch, but there is no where for a nest to hide. Why is a bird just sitting above my window and making its mess? There is not only poo on the window but here is the door mat as you come into the front door. Now this is just gross and I have designers that come to Stitches By Sturman everyday and have to step over this bird poo. I do not know what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this bird off of my porch? I am really done with poo.