Malachi & More

Malachi's first trip to Florida

2010-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love vacation!! We were able to bring Malachi on his first trip to Florida for Thanksgiving! While flying alone with him to Florida was daunting, prayers were answered as he was a gem the entire way down! He slept the first flight. The second flight he seemed to be on speed or something as he was jumping up and down, up and down, squealing, cooing and making everyone laugh around us for about an hour. Then, within a couple of minutes, he snuggled his face into mine and fell fast asleep...crashed is more like it...for the next hour and a half! It was wonderful!
We were able to meet up with my parents at the airport and spend the first few days in LaBelle with my grandparents. I can not say enough good about my grandparents. They are the sweetest grandparents anyone could ask for as their love for the Lord, generosity, love for us, service, hospitality and humor pour out of them. I cherish the life time of memories gathered from spending time with them. It was so fun to share Malachi with them and laugh how it seems like just yesterday I was a little runt, running around their house, jumping in the pool and acting crazy. How time flies!

It's also so special to share Malachi with our parents. I'm sure it has got to be strange for them to see us with a baby. Actually, it's still kind of strange for me too...Either way, we just love him and love sharing him with Grandma and Grandpa Stoller & Rocke (how funny that sounds!). Not to mention, how WONDERFUL it was to have the extra help with caring for and entertaining Malachi! It's exciting to think of all the memories we'll be developing with Malachi and the grandparents/ mom & dad!! Thanks mom and dad for flying down from GA to see us!!
Upon the arrival of the Rockes to LaBelle, Malachi was quite a hit! He was certainly not lacking attention! We are so proud of him:) Grandpa gave everyone a horticultural tour around the yard prior to the big trip to the grove...Malachi's first trip to the grove:)
Next, was Malachi's first trip to Marco! Boy howdy, was he smothered with attention and he loved it! At times it was like playing hot potato as he was passed all around to the point of me wondering where exactly my son had gone. Time by the pool, walking on the beach with him, boat rides, fun family time and lots of good food packed the week. I can't wait until the next trip!

2010-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Time has flown by. As I was just getting better at blogging, life sure got busy. We've been able to have both moms down for a visit, have the Marti's visit on the way back from Mexico, and take Malachi on his first flight down to Florida! So many good times and now I find myself with Christmas just around the corner! How does time go so quickly!
During this time Malachi has continued to keep life interesting as he's had a few firsts. about 3 weeks ago, he discovered his toes and they have become his favorite new toy. That boy is flexible! Seeing him suck on his toes makes me laugh every time!
Our first night in Florida, he also started to sleep through the night between 8-9 hours without a middle of the night feed!! He has ever since, which makes me think that we just may need to go on vacation more! Maybe next vacation he'll start sleeping 10-12 hours...maybe I'm asking too much. Either way, it makes for one happy momma!
Teething has begun! While in Florida, many people told me that Malachi looking like he was teething. Upon our return, I asked the doctor to look while she was doing his 4 month physical. She let me know it was highly unlikely, but then started laughing as she looked and exclaimed he did in fact have 2 teeth! One has broken through and the other one is just about to! Craziness! He's handled it well and I hope he continues to do so!
Grab, grab, grab...anything that comes close he tries to grap and put in his mouth! Yesterday, I was trying to eat a snack while holding him. Every chip that came close to my mouth initiated a knock-down drag-out for who's mouth was going to get it. He's quick! Needless to say, that snack didn't last long as he showed his skills were too close for comfort. Next, we went to the office so I could work on the computer. He was in his bumbo, reached way out, picked up a huge mug of coffee (cooled) and poured it all over brent's desk! I had no idea he was that strong! He keeps life interesting!

Fall Fun

2010-10-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

We had our first "Fall Cookout" last Saturday. It was a blast! God blessed us with perfectly beautiful weather and a wonderful group of friends to share it with. What started out as me asking Brent if it would be ok if I had a few people over for dinner, ended up as 24 total (including kids) for dinner. Woops! We had crochet, grilled out food, foot ball, little boys playing with legos, toy cars and chasing each other around the yard, sweet conversation, yummy food and wonderful memories made.
The night was absolutely fabulous and a true blessing for me. I was thrilled to have an evening to host such an event and more importantly such wonderful people to share it with. While Malachi had a COMPLETE melt down for the first 30 min, he finally fell asleep and awoke a happy baby. Brent was a wonderful hubby as he carried Malachi around for the rest of the evening in the Bjorn (a must have item!!). By the end of the evening, Malachi was worn out and we realized he had fallen asleep in the Bjorn. It was sooo cute! He was a trooper!

After the night, we were able to reflect on how wonderfully God has provided. We absolutely love where He has us right now. While Brent's call schedule is seemingly torture at times, I can't help but smile at the rest: our marriage, a man that loves me even though my continual failings and flaws, our wonderful church and it's amazing community it provides, our dear friends, wonderful women in my life that love God, sweet son, great home and more. I am blessed. Thank you Lord.

Here are a few more images from the night. Unfortunately, I was too busy to take more, which I was disappointed in myself, but oh well...next time.

Toilet Seat or High Chair?

2010-10-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

Food for thought:

Would you rather eat of a toilet seat or high chair?

As gross as it sounds, I guess I'd rather eat off a toilet seat. After seeing the research that compared how dirty both are in restaurants, toilet seats are found to be much cleaner! Can you believe it?!? N.A.S.T.Y!!!! NASTY...NASTYYYY!!

The study found the following:
"Toilets had an average of eight bacteria per square centimeter. High chairs had 147. Ready for the kicker? The study was done in the United States, not England."

While I don't think I'll find myself feeding Malachi off the toilet seat (rest assured mom and Eva), I do think I'll be buying one of those high chair covers from etsy that I can bring along and wash after. Wow! I understand that people say you can't be too clean for your baby, but really?...I think this is just too far!

If you want to read the article, here it is:
http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/food-safety/high-chair-bacteria-toilet/

I think I'll go wash my hands, just for the sake of it now!

How Church History Can Enrich Our Faith

2010-10-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Brent showed me the article that I'm about to link you to. I'll admit I was a bit leery of thinking I'd find it interesting. I'm terrible. I say that I think history is important, but I'm often not a fan of reading and to get me through a history course was grueling to say the least. I'm growing into the desire to read. My mom said that I'd probably like it when I grew up...I guess I'm still growing up, but getting closer none the less:)
After reading this article, I am motivated to learn more of church history...something else to put on my plate. Hope Malachi likes to listen to it because it sounds like this will enter into our reading list together:)

Check it out:
http://www.rickandsusanna.com/2010/10/6-reasons-to-love-church-history.html

new wave of urbanization

2010-10-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

"The human future is an urban future. In one of the greatest social shifts of all human history, over half of all living humans now inhabit cities...
Will the church rise to this challenge?"

“The twenty-first century will not be dominated by America or China, Brazil or India, but by the city,” writes Parag Khanna of the New America Foundation. “In an age that appears increasingly unmanageable, cities rather than states are becoming the islands of governance on which the future world order will be built.”

As this occurs, how and where does that impact our lives of ministry, our responsibility to reach the lost and the distribution of the gospel? The following is a great, thought provoking article.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/09/10/mission-and-metropolis-the-church-and-the-city/

"The grass is always greener...where you water it"

2010-10-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

While we've all heard the saying, " the grass is always greener on the other side." How does that correlate to marital problems? It's kinda obvious that one could look at it as the rampage of and problem with our society's infidelity. Today, however, Brent and I were discussing ways to strengthen our marriage, how to better communication when times get rough...i.e. he's on call and there's minimal time to communicate. We thought of and we found some good questions to frequently ask our selves and each other to reflect on our marriage, our attitudes and state of our hearts.

One point we read was similar to the cliche phrase previously quoted, but this time it said, "The grass is always greener where you water it". This is common sense and we know this in a concrete sense all too well. Here, in Texas, the blazing heat can take a tole on the yard!! If you neglect the grass for just a few days it quickly starts to brown, die, become weak, unfruitful and the battle to strengthen it is a hard one. This is similar to a marriage. If we neglect to water or care for our marriage it too can become weak quickly. It's so true that we must be continually proactive to pursue, love and work at our marriage. Marriage is a wonderful gift, a deep responsibility and a blessing to be able to cherish. I love Brent so much and I'm thankful that he continues to pursue me and want to continually enrich and work at our marriage. I am blessed.

This is one of the more common sense points, but I thought it was a good reminder and stated creatively. If you want to see the point and questions to ask yourself and your spouse, check out this website. It's a good, quick read:

http://www.crossway.org/blog/2010/09/the-problem-of-kingdom-in-our-marriages/

Why all Good Christians Should Celebrate Halloween...

2010-10-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

You're probably thinking that I've lost my mind since I've moved to Texas:)
I read an article with the above title. One of it's main points was

" The reason I propose that good Christians celebrate Halloween and stay home from the “Christian alternatives” is that Halloween is the only night of the year in our culture where lost people actually go door-to-door to saved people’s homes . . . and you’re down at the church hanging out with all your other good Christian friends having clean fellowship with the non-pagans."

It's a catchy title and it's made me think...How am I being intentional with relationships? Am I just hanging out with fellow believers because it's comfortable and not feeling I have time to explain & share the gospel to those that wouldn't agree? Am I getting inward focused and only thinking about my busy days, my family, Malachi, my friends? Or, am I concerned/broken hearted over the lost? I sadly find myself often in the prior. As the title is eye catching, it was a good reminder for me to step beyond what's comfortable and reach out to the lost around me: my neighbors, co-workers and those at the gym that I see consistently, but never really take time to see where they stand and invest in those that too easily slip by.

You should leave my blog and go to the following article that I referred to:

http://betweenthetimes.com/2010/09/28/why-all-good-christians-should-celebrate-halloween/

I hope it challenges you to be creative and invest in those around you too.
Blessings~

2010-10-06T16:40:00.001-07:00

He's getting to be such a big boy!
Malachi is showing off how he's starting to push up with his arms.
studying with daddy
coffee house date with mommy & daddy
showing off the cutest little dimple I've ever seen

I've failed again. I can't seem to stay consistent at this blogging thing. In, efforts to keep family or even friends updated with sweet Malachi's life while away from everyone....I'm going to turn into that mom...that person I never thought I would...
I now baby talk. Not only baby talk, but I do it almost all day. I even find myself doing it to Brent. Or, worse off, I find myself baby talking to Malachi in first person only as I'm really talking to Brent...even more confusing. I've even accidentally taked baby talk on the phone to a couple friends...woops! sorry! (that's when I realize I really need to get out!)
I'm also realizing that Malachi is most of my life. I love him, love his smile, love his coos, his milestones that he's conquering and the excitement that entails!
I'm also that person that I never thought I'd be...I'm turning this blog into a blog pretty much about Malachi and our daily events since that's really what's going on. So, as I've heard many people say...many think it's crazy when a mom just blogs about her kids, well... I'm that mom.
I have found that I love reading other mom's blogs about their kids!! It's a weird bond almost I have found comfort in. I love reading of their victories, funny sayings and seeing them grow. So, if you're not into that...I think this blog will soon be very boring:) Just thought I'd warn you:)

Malachi, I'm so proud of you!! You have one proud momma that LOVES LOVES LOVES you sooo much!
You started making eye contact and smiling at us at about a month... the exact day I'll have to edit in later. You cried a lot at the beginning, but then one day, you woke up and smiled at me for over an hour! You'd never done that, but then all day between every nap you smiled at your momma for almost an hour. It was one of the best days of my life!!
You started raising your head during tummy time at about 7 weeks, but last week, at 10 weeks, you have started pushing up with your arms and bringing your arms in front of you!!! Your momma and daddy squeal in delight, cheer, clap, smile, say "yaaaaay!!!!!" constantly when you do! Seeing you push up and smile never gets old!
You also can bear all your weight and mommy & daddy just balance you. That started at mid week 9. I'm afraid you want to skip the crawling stage and just start running:) You are too cute!
Your smile makes your mommy melt! You are tricky in that you have learned to often smile, wink and flirt when put down for a nap to wooo your mommy into picking you back up. It is tooo cute, but unfortunately mommy loves you too much to do that all the time:) You take about an hour- hour 1/2 nap between feeds and typically stay up between feeds once during the day.
The coo-ing and sounds are precious! That started about week 6 and has been more and more fun every day!
Diaper changing time and right after feeding is the most hysterical time as you are so verbal! Those are mommy's favorite times of the day! You are so full of smiles that sometimes your nose twitches and your right cheek gets a dimple as your smile is so big and lasts for so long.
I love you soooo much Malachi!

Right now, he's taking a nap. He was a good boy as he had his first babysitting today for about an hour from one of my girl friends. She watched him as I signed back up to work some in the ER again. I'm not sure how long I'll work for, but I signed up for a week so far:) It was good to see everyone at work, but at the same time...the smells, the psychiatric meltdown from the lady behind me, the lady hearing voices and screaming back at them around the corner, the terrible smelling urine on the counter beside me, backed up waiting room and flem-filled smokers/TB/pneumonia/ nasty hacking cough of the man I passed just didn't fill me with glee either....
Who knows...but we're going to try it again and see how working a little here and there works out:) Fortunately, Brent is so sweet and supportive that he is behind me either way and encourages me also to stay home with Malachi, so...we'll see in a few weeks how that turns out:)

A few pics of what's going on:)

2010-08-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

My days with Malachi are full of feeding, changing diapers, changing his outfits after messes, one way conversations, singing songs for which I realize I typically only know a couple of lines so I either make up the rest or just repeat those, lots of crying fits (totally not my favorite part of the day!!)....and taking lots of pictures of him. The first couple days of his life, he would get startled almost every time he heard the camera click. Now, it doesn't phase him a bit! Poor guy is going to think that the camera is just a part of me. I think Malachi may be getting cuter every day. Here's a few from yesterday as we were waiting for his daddy to come home.

2010-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's been about 3 weeks since Malachi has been born and about that long since I feel like I've had my head on straight, had more than 3 hrs of consecutive sleep, or known at what time to brush my teeth since I no long her have a "night" or "bed time" or normal "meal time" or really any time of my own. (don't worry, I still brush my teeth 2 or more times a day...I just have to figure out a time to do it or how to do it while holding a screaming baby. Oh, the skills I have already learned!).
His birth day was eventful to say the least. I believe I was told it was about 4 1/2 hours of labor. I'd say that was enough for him and me. He didn't like my over active uterus from which his heart rate decelerated several times and I didn't like the crazy contractions, but both worked out beautifully. His heart rate would bounce back every time the staff would run into the room, throw an oxygen mask on me and make me get in all sorts of interesting positions. The doctors were wonderful and of course Brent was the best supporter, coach, encourager, husband EVER imaginable through the whole thing. I knew Brent would want to be a strong supporter through it all and would try his best, but as he always does, he did better than I could have ever asked! It's true that you do kinda forget about the pain and I'm glad of that. I do remember saying " Brent I'm never doing this again! This is too much. I'm seriously never doing this again!"...but I think I would. I never thought I could fall so in love with a little baby so quickly. Malachi, even in his crying fits, is such a blessing. Malachi, you are simply an adorable, precious little boy!
Things that I love about him right now...
-That he's sleeping:) so I can type a blog real quick
-His pouty lip that he often follows with the cutest little grin ( I think that may get the best of me later)
-How cute his fingers and toes are
-How every time he wakes up he goes through a several minute stretching routine to wake up...Seriously, it's adorable and soooo funny.
-How he can pee all over as I'm changing his diaper and it for some reason it makes me laugh (especially when he does that to his daddy as he's changing his diaper before running out to work!)
-That he's starting to make eye contact with us and interact with us a little more

So we could go on and on, but that's where we are today. Thank you for your prayers throughout the labor and encouragement since! I'm excited for you all to meet Malachi! He says hello too!

Pages turned into a new chapter

2010-07-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

While I've now had 41 weeks to process the fact that the Lord has blessed us with a child, I still find it hard to believe and wrap my brain around. Yes, it seems like it should be easy as I have a huge, hard, protruding abdominal mass that makes it difficult to sleep and even do what seems should be a simple task....breathing. But still how can one really be fully prepared for the awesome life change of welcoming a child into her life. I've decided that no number of books, people's advice or audio can really prepare me.
Brent and I have had 2+ amazing years of our relationship. God has provided beyond measure, beyond what we could ever hope for or image. He continually loved us through our failings, grew us, sanctified us and now brought us to this new chapter in our lives. While it is exciting, I'll admit I'm definitely nervous, and find myself waking all through the night just praying for him, praying for us as parents, for wisdom, that he would grow to know, love and serve the Lord whole heartily. Feel free to pray with us concerning those matters.
We thank you for all the prayers throughout the pregnancy, the encouragement and thoughts. We look forward to having you meet him on Thursday!
As I've reflected over Brent and my life together, I think I'll include a few random sweet moments (although I want to spend hours posting my favorites-I will not bore you) as our independent chapter of life is soon to close. Oh, what adventures life brings! We praise God and wait expectantly for His awesome handiwork in this new time in our lives!

Morton: P-Fest

PTC: engagement

Rome, GA: wedding
Switzerland

India

Petite St. Vincent

Peoria: hiking

July 4th

40 weeks

2010-07-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we have said hello to our due date and now it's about time to tell it goodnight as there are only a few hours until it passes us by. I must admit that I'm a bit surprised that our little man has not come out to say hello yet, but today I have found comfort in reflecting on how our loving savior already knows his birthday, has numbered his days and knows the plans for him. The waiting game is a little more awkward because of the complete unknown, but I guess that's exciting too. I'm still feeling great- not even uncomfortable, which I am thankful for but led to believe that he may be a bit too comfortable in there and in no urgency to make his debut. Oh well, we'll see and we will rejoice in his arrival!
These are sweet, wonderful truths that I have often thought for you, our little man, (whom we shall announce the name later)--

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

2010-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'd say it's about time to start updating again. It's been over a year and the idea of starting this blog back up is a bit daunting. I think this time I'm going to keep it short in hopes that I can be more frequently brief, instead of staring the computer overwhelmed by everything or lack of everything happening in our lives and rarely updating.
Over the past year, to be extremely brief, we have bought a home, been nomads/homeless for a couple months (started to master that skill), moved to Texas, become active in an incredible church with a great community of those that love the Lord, each started new jobs, gone on a few wonderful trips, a cruise, celebrated 2 years of marital bliss, become pregnant, finished an entire year of residency and started ophthalmology!!!! God is good! He has brought us literally around the world and provided in ways beyond what we could have even imagined. What an awesome God we serve!
Now, in a few days we're due to have our little boy! Our nursery is almost done (thanks to the Rocke family!!). We have our bags packed and it's simply a waiting game now. I have loved pregnancy, felt great and had a wonderful time during this stage! It's such an incredible time and even more amazing miracle!
We took a few maternity pics the other day with some friends. Here's to 39 weeks of God's handy work:

2009-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

We have failed to write about a lot of our experiences, but we must tell you about one in particular. Our time in Haridwar was unique. We gained answers to many questions we had from the previous 5 weeks about the culture and Hindu religion. It was difficult for us to even formulate questions or know how to respond to what we saw and experienced. Even after knowing a little about Hinduism and previously spending five weeks in India, the time was far from what we could have previously imagined or prepared for.
Haridwar was probably the most spiritually dark place we have ever been. It seemed you could sense it in every way. Millions of people annually come to this city. We are told that thousands of seekers gather around to attend a nightly ritual to worship the Ganga River along its shores. Every twelve years a particular ritual occurs at the Ganga River that hosts about 20 million Hindus attempting to entering the water at a particular time to wash away there sins. We attended the nightly ritual, called Arti, to observe thousands of lost souls earnestly seeking and participating in the worship.
The following morning, we went around town and saw the many rituals that people perform. Particularly, we witnessed many who have traveled for the purpose of performing rituals for their deceased family members. The rituals range from shaving of their body hair, to rolling dough into balls, wrapping string around their wrists, repeating words and more. The importance isn’t in how or why you do something, but simply about doing the ritual.
One neat thing we saw was Historical documents that are updated each time family members come to Haridwar. The documents contain thousands of years of a family’s significant events.
In Haridwar, there are two major employment opportunities: a factory and spiritual tourism. Whether it’s selling rupees to throw into the Ganga River, to gathering up the rupees from the Ganga River that were just thrown in or selling flowers to offer to the idols, people seek to extract every last rupee out of the Hindu pilgrims and others that may be blindly searching. We saw so much idolatry, worshiping the creation rather than creator. The women will poor out the last of their food or milk into the Ganga river leaving there child hungry because of there belief that they will receive more in return. If only they would drink of the living water.
The weekend was such a blessing and eye opening to the needs of this people group.

Writers Block

2009-04-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since the last real post that it's hard to know where to start. Now that I've stared at the computer and wasted a significant amount of time, I've decided to start with a few pictures and write later. That way, if a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll be way ahead.

back to Delhi

2009-04-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

We are so far behind in our blog. For those of you that are patiently awaiting....I'm so sorry! The Internet was touch and go prior to our departure to Delhi and now we've been away traveling India with Mom and Dad Rocke. Prior to our time traveling, we visited Rishikesh and were blessed to spend a weekend with Stan and Andrea in Haridwar. We will certainly have to write another blog about that experience! It is certainly going to be so meager and insufficient knowing that words can't come close to adequately describing the experience,but I'll try.
Now, we have returned to Delhi after traveling to Agra, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Jaipur, Neemrana. There are so many stories to tell, laughs to share, and images to show. All this is to come. Yes, I'm sure you are totally on the edge of your seats :-) But I'm also sure that everyone else that's waiting for the computer behind me is also on the edge of their seats in anticipation of me putting a close to this tid-bit.

Weekend with the kids

2009-03-20T05:24:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Brent and I were able to watch the Jeff and Janet's kids. We had a very smooth first hour, then suddenly high pitch screaming came echoing through the house. We ran inside to find blood coming out of Cozy's mouth and a large lump on Conner's head! The peace was short lived as they accidently collided, but Calvin soon came to the rescue as he went between the two kids instinctively giving repeated wet kisses to both of them. It was adorable to see as they all fell into uncontrollable giggling.
The rest of the weekend was a blast with few further casualties. It was an energetic weekend full of arts and crafts, jump rope, double dutch, bird watching, walks around the area, card games and some intense dutch blitz! We had a fabulous time and are so blessed to have the opportunity to be with the Lemans. It's so hard to believe that we only have a couple weeks more here. Time has flown!
We look forward to the arrival of Mom and Dad Rocke!! They will be here in four days and we can't wait to see them! We love you all! Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Day!

Pictures from Janet's Collection

2009-03-15T01:12:00.000-07:00

I've been able to look at some of Janet's picture collection for India and here are a few of my favorites. (I DIDN'T take these pictures). Someone else skillfully took them, so I can't take the credit:) Never-the-less, enjoy the anonomous artist's work!

The Prodigal Sons

2009-03-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

We spent the previous weekend in Mussouri, the foothills of the Himalayas. The weekend was a beautiful get away as we were able to experience God’s creation with hours of trekking all around the area. The place we stayed was located on a high bluff that provided a beautiful panoramic view of the sunrise.
After hiking the mountain and several intensely steep hills that took our breath away and made us feel incredibly out of shape, we reached a lookout with breathtaking view. We were blessed with two delightfully clear days that enabled a vivid display of the snow capped Himalayas, a variety of vegetation and vibrant flowers. On Sunday, Brent and I hiked up the mountain and found another open area to have church. We were able to have some great teaching this weekend as we listened to a pastor from NYC. He spoke on the Prodigal Son, rather instructing that is should be called the Prodigal Sons.
Three types of people:
The younger brother, the older brother , and how we should be.
The parable illustrates two ways humans try to make themselves right:
moral conformity-(older brother)people work hard/ make themselves submit. To the older brother type/Pharisee, Jesus may be a rewarded, protector, but not saviour bc the other brother type is his own savior by avoiding sin, he tries to control God through his obedience...doing all the good and moral things to get what he wants out of God, but not God Himself. He believes God owes him bc of his goodness.
self discovery- (younger brother) people live how they want to live.

Both sons were acting how they were wanting the things of the father, but not the father to point of wishing the father dead. Both wrong. The original hears would have been astounded. If one had two sons and died, the other brother would get 2/3 and the younger would get 1/3. The oldest got a double portion of all the other kids, but that happened upon the death of the father. So, when the younger brother asked for his portion, it was as if he was wishing his father dead---“I want the father’s things, but not the father”.
In v 29, the older son doesn’t call his father “father”, but rather “look”...no direct address to father, but “look you”...publicly insulting his father by not going to the biggest feast his father has ever thrown and publicly humiliates his father by refusing to call him father related the disgust of his father’s displayed love to the younger brother and the cost of the party.

It all comes down to motivation:
The Pharisees/ religious people obey to get things
The Christian/gospel person obeys God to get God

Jesus says we need three things.
1. We need the initiating love of the father: father goes out to both sons to bring them in. The father kisses the younger son before repentance. The kiss initiates repentance, not the repentance initiating the kiss. God seeks us first.
Father goes out to the older brother and pleads him to come in.

2. We need to learn how to repent for more than sin, but also for the reasons we do right
3. We need to be melted and moved by what it costs to bring us home. It costs a lot for the younger brother to be back in the family. The older brother had to pay a lot for the little brother to come back into the family. (all the riches left were technically his, so all the party given to the younger son had to be pain by the older brother). Someone always has to pay for the salvation. A true older brother would have seen the father’s agony and longing for the lost son and gone out to look for the younger brother, even at his own expense. Our true older brother, Jesus, came from heaven to earth to save us. We need an older brother that will come for us for more than the cost of his wallet, but at the cost of His life. On the cross Jesus Christ willingly offered Himself. He was stripped so we could be clothed with a robe of honor that we don’t deserve. He brings us home to the enormous expense of himself.

Jesus redefines God:
God the Father. Jesus is the first person to call God “Father”. Jesus addresses God as “Father” every time in the Bible except once. The one time Jesus doesn’t is when He is hanging on the cross. He then calls Him “My God, My God” because He was not treated as a son so that we could be. There, He paid the debt we know we owe. He, Jesus, had everything that the Father, God, had, but gave it up, bringing us home at His enormous expense.

Sorry so long, but I just loved the description of the Parable and wanted to share it. Compared to my previous knowledge of the parable, it was such an amazing light to the story. What a blessing to have free access to the living Word.

2009-03-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

While in India, the encounters of daily life have brought up and brought new light to previously pondered issues. The practical challenges have developed from the numerous beggars we encountered (especially in Delhi) and our the daily life at Herbertpur. The beggars that we have encountered have us rehash the struggle of similar situations that often occurred in the streets of Chicago, Atlanta or other travels. Often, we are found trying to figure out how to truely love those people. They want money and we have no way of communicating with them. The need seems endless. While we were in Delhi I had to think of the persistent widow before the judge in Christ’s teaching on prayer and I felt like the judge.
In the past, evangelism has often seemed the chief goal. I confess seeing preaching as the highest purpose and everything else I do with that goal in mind. Whether it is service or social action that we’ve been involved in, evangelism has been the goal in mind. An interesting quote by Gandi stated “ I hold that proselytizing under the cloak of humanitarian work is, to say the least, unhealthy..why should I change my religion because a doctor who professes Christianity as his religion has cured me of some disease..?” It has taken me, what seems like a long time, to see social action and evangelism as simultaneously important, but still it’s puzzling how they will fuse in the mission field before us.
I have read a few pages out of a book by John Stott that deals with this issue (it was sitting in our shared living space) and as he articulates social action should be a partner of evangelism. Neither being the purpose to accomplish the other. In this way, the Great Commission (which at first appears to emphasizes evangelism) should be understood to include both social and evangelistic responsibilities.
I have often read this commission while forgetting Jesus’ prayer, “As though didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” The statement begs to answer the question how did the Father send the Son? He came to serve. The Great Commission does not supersede but adds to the requirement of the second of the greatest Commandments, to love my neighbor including enemies. I have encountered many beggars and struggled in how to lovingly respond. I came hoping to get a greater glimpse of the things God wants us this education I have pursued. I entered medicine with the purpose of international missions yet I have less of a idea what that would consist of than I did when I started.
Staci and I are having a great time. I have been learning a lot in multiple areas including medicine, spiritual and cultural practices. We hope to travel with some friends from Holland this weekend to a National Park and if we are fortunate enough see some animals.
Internet was down so this didn’t get posted earlier. We already went to Rajaji National Park which will be posted separately.

Rajaji Park & Indian Safari

2009-03-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

Love Like Jesus'

2009-02-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

I wish I could share the many different patients I have seen. My first day here was a TB clinic day. Three people every second die from TB in the world. I had heard of these devastating statistic but its different seeing the faces.
This evening we went to a concert that hospital staff organized to raise support and provide awareness to the local community for poor patients that come to the clinic. There is a discounted clinic here where the poor patients only pay 5 rupees ($0.10), but sadly the poorest of the poor can’t afford even that. Jeff shared a story of a patient that had been suffering from TB for years and had spent money on treatment that turned out being insufficient and incorrect. When this 32 y/o lady arrived at this hospital’s clinic she weighted only 25kg (55lbs). This is not rare, might I add. I have seen many patients that weight near that weight and one that only weighted 22kg. Months of treatment went by and she was not gaining weight so she was asked why. She responded by sharing that beyond the cost of the medication and transportation to the hospital, her family was only able to afford a meal a day and shared five ways between her, her husband and three children. This is only a glimpse of what is seen at this hospital. I hope to share more of both the pain we see as well as the exciting things happening here that will dramatically help these patients’ cost decrease and improve their care as lives are transformed through continued caring. From the hospital wards to the clinic, in the midst of such devastated lives, I get to see such incredible Christian care showed to these people who God made in his image and passionately loves. I sadly have seen how I would have denied it at home, how tightly I have held on to my own wealth, time, reputation, health, and family that I continually must surrender to the Lord. “He is no fool who gives up what he can not keep to gain what He can not loose” (Jim Elliot).
“How blessed is he who considers the poor, The Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble.” Psalm 41:1
Just so you know we are at an EHA hospital in Herpertpur. www.eha-health.org

Days and lessons from India

2009-02-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

Picture of the day...The way these people can balance things on their head amazes me...Too bad she caught me taking her picture. Woops! Oh well!

We are doing well, still healthy(Praise God) and now understanding a bit more how things work here. God has surely provided in more was than we could have even thought to pray for. When he arrived, I'm pretty sure they were not aware of our arrival and unsure where to put us. We had no orientation, but God provided others to help us most of the way. Our new friends from Holland showed us all around the campus, how to get food and when it's served, where to get clean water, where and when to show up for required events, how to do laundry and so much more. Praise the Lord for his provisions and protection.
We had a movie night with them and two others from India here. We watched Slumdog Millionaire. It was so interesting as we would get the play by play of what all the scenes were/the background and what was really going on from the Indian perspective. That was surely a fun night.
I have also become the "PE teacher" for Jeff and Janet's kids. We had our first PE today. It was full of jump roping and double dutch. Such fun and I believe successful as they all left quite sweaty. I look forward to more time with them for sure!
God has surely been teaching me so much about my own sinful nature and a new realization of the love and grace that He freely offers. While I was saddened to see the Hindu life and the fear that rules the lives of the followers, I have see how I too allow fear to rule times of my life. I become selfish, disillusioned and fear to surrender. I've often overlooked God's loving nature and that He truly has a plan for us, help, hope and future...not to harm or take away/destitute me with anything I fear to surrender. This is one thing that God has shown me and I continue pray through.
Being here has open my eyes to a whole new world. We have seen the reality of the battle of not flesh and blood, but powers of darkness and Satan's powerful work. On the flipside, we have seen and heard amazing stories of God's power over darkness and stories of people's conversions like never before. I have been blessed to see, in new ways, what a mighty God we serve.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
We love you all dearly~
staci

A Glimps of India

2009-02-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

Before church in Darha dun

Grounds worker at the hospital

Off to the "Department Store"...small grocery store

My Valentine...A dozen roses from Brent

A local tailor at the bizarre

electric coil + water

2009-02-20T01:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was again a day of first time experiences. I did my first hand wash load of laundry. With language barrier and the people's explanations/directions being different, it leads us to my mistake. Brent and I were given two plastic buckets to fill with water for bathing and washing clothes. We were also given a piece of coiled metal. While I didn't really understand how this could be remotely safe or even work, I asked for explanation several times. She kept repeating that you stick the coil into the bucket of water to heat it as you plug it in the wall. Simple enough, right? We have two guys living in the same "apartment" and one of the guys was sitting at the computer and walked me through it one more time from across the room. I somehow stuck in the coil without electrifying myself, but after a while we were sitting in the common room and he looks confused at me and asks what a noise was. I'm thinking it's a normal noise for this strange contraption, but we jump up, see smoke rising. I had melted two large holes through the bucket and melted the plastic all over the back of the coil. He couldn't believe that I mangled the bucket and heater like that and that, nor why I didn't put it in the designated metal pail...My thoughts exactly...we weren't ever given such a pail to begin with...Well,learning the hard way, but eventually finished the laundry in his pail, hung it out to dry on the roof and breathed a sigh of relief (and hoped the monkeys wouldn't come back on the roof and steal it)
Another day in India...another adventure

Arrival at Herbertpur

2009-02-18T07:39:00.001-08:00

We have had some difficulties getting Internet. The local cafe has not been open and we have to wait until Dr. Jeff is back for a password so updates may be sparse. We took a taxi from Lon & Sarah's and were not sure where to go when we "arrived." All we knew was two names to ask for and that I was not sure of because I couldn't understand them very well over the phone earlier in the day. Eventually we were taken to our "plush" accommodations including 2 twin beds, 2 buckets and a small cup to assist in the "shower." In addition we have some electrical heating device to plug in to warm the water. Staci is very excited because we have a space heater. So far the food has been good. We thought we might initially loose weight on this trip but it is not looking like it so far.
Our first day was quite ruff, we like to refer to it as culture shock to make us feel better. We weren't sure if anyone knew what to do with us. Staci and I were split up and were later able to comfort each other with similar mornings of confusion, grief and frustrations during a 2 hour walk through the tea garden. We continue to return to the tea garden which is quite beautiful. We are doing better now as we are quickly adjusting. Today we took a run through the tea garden followed by a frigged bucket bath. Our survival, guidance and orientation to what in the world is going on here has been completely provided by some new friends of ours from Holland.
Hopefully we will able to use the Internet more in the future and post pictures. We are trying to plan a weekend trip to the Himalayan foothills this weekend.

Namasta (Hello in Hindi)

2009-02-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

We are now at Lon and Sarah's in Duradam (or something like that). We had a incredible 5-6 hr train ride there from Delhi. Incredible in that I, staci, felt like a 5yr old with my nose stuck to the window...never have I see such poverty, extreme slums in masses, such brilliant color, dichotomy in socioeconomic class, idolatry, and randomness and trash. I am not able to come close to describe the sights. From early, 5am, to late into the night, streets are packed with people pushing carts of produce, strange trinkets etc to sleeping in the middle of sidewalks all over, beggars in plagues, cows walking freely all over and incessant honking of horns. Today, we even saw a massive elephant carrying a large load of small trees on it's back with a rider. The stranger thing about it was that the elephant was slowly walking down a major "highway/perimeter" of Delhi...like it had all the rights to be there that a car would have. Needless today, it has been an eye opening experience.
Since at Lon and Sarah's, it's been so nice to hear how God has been working in their lives and those around them. It has been such so neat to hear their stories. We had a nice Indian food lunch, went on a scooter ride with Lon into town. Sarah and I were at home and the boys went out and came back with a dozen roses for each of us girls to celebrate Valentines.(very sweet! red roses with glitter) This evening we went to a market and bought fabric for another "Indian dress/suit" and then went out for drinks at a cafe.
And...to end off...we had hot showers! ahhhh, incredible! That about it for today. I'll have to do a retro update for the first couple days in Delhi.
we love you much and are so grateful for your prayers. They have surely been felt as things have gone so smoothly, peacefully and without problems.
P.S. What would have taken 5 minutes has now taken over an hour. Got to enjoy the world wide web especially in rural India.

A not so black belt in packing

2009-01-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

The official start of our blog...I figured there was no time like the present to start...In the comforts of our first home together. As I was packing up today, I was quickly reminded that I actually never fully unpacked from my last place. For instance, I found a check written to me from 2007 (sorry mom, but I'd love to have that check written to us again:) ), long lost sweaters, and dishes that I hadn't actually unpacked from two moves ago in Georgia. This goes to validate my seemingly nomadic life since moving to Illinois. With that said, I wouldn't want it any other way! There's nobody I'd rather be a nomad for than Christ and to spend it with Brent! Life is full of adventures, but I never new it could be this full until marrying Brent and going through away rotations and interview season! Wow, over 30 flights later for me...I'm now at the Brink of our time in India!
For those who have never made it here, I think I'll include our latest fine decoration...The Christmas tree that still stands bc there's nowhere to put it, so I thought I'd decorate it for Brent's birthday.