Tagged Again

So Becks told me that we have been tagged (again) by Rose. I am not sure what I have to write exactly, but I think in general it's 7 facts about myself. Sorry if I happen to not be playing by the rules. Hey, Rose, I think I deserve an award too - you can make the check out to...

1. I LIKE to sleep. But in general I really only NEED 5-6 hours of sleep per night. As long as it's consistent times (i.e. - midnight to 6.00 am everyday) and consistent lengths (not 5 hrs 1 night, 8 hrs next night, 4 hrs the next, etc. - 6 hrs every night is perfect). Unfortunately with crazy schedules, a crazy cat and crazy kids, it doesn't always work this way. ;-)

2. I DETEST seafood (sorry Rose). I can maybe do fishsticks once in a while, like every other year or two. Best is only on leap years. Once in a blue moon I can handle a tuna salad - but with tons of onions, pickles and mayo. But I have been known to eat some not-so-fishy-tasting fish, especially when I am on a date with my wifey. Now, Mexican food on the other hand...ummmm, my mouth is watering already.

3. I LIKE physical labor. I like tinkering around on household projects, garden work, car repairs, etc. Unfortunately I just don't have the time most of the time. But hey, that's what wives are for! Just kidding! Ok, I know I am sleeping on the sofa tonight!

4. I DETEST waiting for anything. Yes, very impatient. But it's usually just with my extended phamily. When it's others, I don't seem so antsy. Hmmm, I think maybe I need to let go of this one - especially with 4 kids. You would think it would take only 4 times as long to put on coats, shoes, go pee, eat, brush teeth, etc. - all the normal daily stuff. WRONG - not 4 times as long but to the power of 4! So if something takes 5 minutes w/o kids, it will take (not 5x4=20 min) but 5x5x5x5=625 min (10.4 hrs). For example - it takes me 5 minutes (or so) to brush teeth, wash face, etc. With 4 kids that's like 10 hrs! Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating but that's how long it feels to me!

5. I LIKE root beer, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew. Well, I would say I love them! Unfortunately I can't get that stuff here in Germany so easily. So I have been in withdrawal for the last 2 years since our last furlough (although I did get a Barq's Root Beer last week from a couple that just came back from the USA - tanx J & J!).

6. I DETEST sand. Well, ok, maybe that's too strong - I dislike sand. I dislike sand in my eyes, hair, ears and mouth. I dislike sand on my skin. I dislike wet sand on any part of me. And I detest walking barefoot on sand in our livingroom, after the kids have tracked it all over the house. So I guess what I am saying is sand belongs at the beach, desert, sandbox. Period. Not on or in me or in my house.

7. I LIKE order and cleanliness and everything in its place. I know what you're thinking - neat-freak. Yep, that's me. But alas, I have 4 kids. So I have to adjust, right? Oh well, gotta go pick up the livingroom for the millionth time, again.

Ok, was that 7 facts about me? Now I tag The 4 Harts, Luca, Jamie, Mattfelds, Heather S., Merlot (yes you too) and Sha S - share 7 facts about yourself and tag 7 others. Can you guys also link back to this post so I know you got it? Hope to hear from you all! Hint, Hint.

Tagged Again

So Becks told me that we have been tagged (again) by Rose. I am not sure what I have to write exactly, but I think in general it's 7 facts about myself. Sorry if I happen to not be playing by the rules. Hey, Rose, I think I deserve an award too - you can make the check out to...

1. I LIKE to sleep. But in general I really only NEED 5-6 hours of sleep per night. As long as it's consistent times (i.e. - midnight to 6.00 am everyday) and consistent lengths (not 5 hrs 1 night, 8 hrs next night, 4 hrs the next, etc. - 6 hrs every night is perfect). Unfortunately with crazy schedules, a crazy cat and crazy kids, it doesn't always work this way. ;-)

2. I DETEST seafood (sorry Rose). I can maybe do fishsticks once in a while, like every other year or two. Best is only on leap years. Once in a blue moon I can handle a tuna salad - but with tons of onions, pickles and mayo. But I have been known to eat some not-so-fishy-tasting fish, especially when I am on a date with my wifey. Now, Mexican food on the other hand...ummmm, my mouth is watering already.

3. I LIKE physical labor. I like tinkering around on household projects, garden work, car repairs, etc. Unfortunately I just don't have the time most of the time. But hey, that's what wives are for! Just kidding! Ok, I know I am sleeping on the sofa tonight!

4. I DETEST waiting for anything. Yes, very impatient. But it's usually just with my extended phamily. When it's others, I don't seem so antsy. Hmmm, I think maybe I need to let go of this one - especially with 4 kids. You would think it would take only 4 times as long to put on coats, shoes, go pee, eat, brush teeth, etc. - all the normal daily stuff. WRONG - not 4 times as long but to the power of 4! So if something takes 5 minutes w/o kids, it will take (not 5x4=20 min) but 5x5x5x5=625 min (10.4 hrs). For example - it takes me 5 minutes (or so) to brush teeth, wash face, etc. With 4 kids that's like 10 hrs! Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating but that's how long it feels to me!

5. I LIKE root beer, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew. Well, I would say I love them! Unfortunately I can't get that stuff here in Germany so easily. So I have been in withdrawal for the last 2 years since our last furlough (although I did get a Barq's Root Beer last week from a couple that just came back from the USA - tanx J & J!).

6. I DETEST sand. Well, ok, maybe that's too strong - I dislike sand. I dislike sand in my eyes, hair, ears and mouth. I dislike sand on my skin. I dislike wet sand on any part of me. And I detest walking barefoot on sand in our livingroom, after the kids have tracked it all over the house. So I guess what I am saying is sand belongs at the beach, desert, sandbox. Period. Not on or in me or in my house.

7. I LIKE order and cleanliness and everything in its place. I know what you're thinking - neat-freak. Yep, that's me. But alas, I have 4 kids. So I have to adjust, right? Oh well, gotta go pick up the livingroom for the millionth time, again.

Ok, was that 7 facts about me? Now I tag The 4 Harts, Luca, Jamie, Mattfelds, Heather S., Merlot (yes you too) and Sha S - share 7 facts about yourself and tag 7 others. Can you guys also link back to this post so I know you got it? Hope to hear from you all! Hint, Hint.

Happy Birthday Dariah!

My how time flies! Dariah is one year old already! We had a few people over for coffee and cake to celebrate the big day. She is beginning to try and walk, she can get a few steps before she crumbles. She thinks it's hillarious to stand up and plop down on her bottom! She has already got quite the personality. She is a lot of fun, at a fun age!
It's been so long since I posted any pictures, I just put a bunch into a slide show. Some from Dariah's birthday and other just random shots.

Tagged

I have a ton of things to post right now, but I will begin with the 4x9 meme that my friend Rose tagged us with. (Davey will cover the other one Rose :) ) I am assuming that I stick to her subjects, so here it goes!

Four jobs I've had:
1. My first job was a little mini-mart/restaraunt called Humphrey's station in the foothills outside of Fresno California. I was a cashier, waitress, dishwasher, sometimes cook, a little of everything!
2. I worked at Sea World of California, more than once. My first position was in food service, then I went to Park Operations, after a break of a few years. In Park Ops I worked turnstiles and other various positions, including bathroom duty. After awhile I got a class B drivers licesence and started driving trams in the parking lot and 15 passenger vans, among other parking lot duties. It was fun, that was the first place I was able to use my German that I had been learning in college.
3. I worked for a very short time in a Christian bookstore in San Diego, I don't even remember the name of it...bad I know!
4. While going to college in San Diego I worked for an Environmental testing lab for a few years where I started off with just photo copying, and numbering large books of data. I hand numbered books,with a stamp, that were sometimes more than 300 pages long! I could be heard stamping page numbers throughout the lobby! After a while I started learning data entry. It was a great learning experience...until we were all escorted from the building by federal marshals because the company was bankrupt and was unable to make rent. That was exciting!

Four movies I'd watch over and over again:
in no particular order
1. On the Town with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
2. Up in Arms with Danny Kaye, if I could find a copy of it! I love the crazy songs that he sings, and they were written by his wife!
3. Star Wars, the original trilogy.
4. The Lord of the Rings (I'm with you there Rose!)

Four places I've lived:
1. Eufaula, Oklahoma until 1985(born in McAlester)
2. Selma, California
3. Clovis, California
4. Tollhouse, California (foothills outside of Clovis/Fresno)
5. San Diego, California
6. Murrieta, California
7. and Freiburg, Germany (I've lived longer here than in any of the other places!)
Okay, that was more than four...I won't go into how many times I went back and forth between some of these places!

Four TV shows I watch:
1. Navy CIS
2. Crossing Jordan
3. Schmekt Nicht Gibts Nicht (hard to translate...it's a cooking show...he uses pretty simple ingrediants to make yummy, quick, meals)
4. 24 (on DVD with my hubby)

Four places I've been:
1. Rome Italy (for our first anniversary)
2. Swiss alps (only about 2 hours from us)
3. Australia (twice to visit my sis)
4. Schloss Heroldeck in Austria (in the Austrian Alps)

Four Websites I visit daily:
1. Fox News, to get the news in English.
2. Our blog, to see if anyone has commented
3. Freinds blogs
I really don't visit any other sites daily...

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Steak and potatoes
2. Carne Asada burriutos (or Mexican food in general. We don't get it here unless I make it myself)
3. Käse Spätzle (A German noodle, covered in cheese and baked)
4. Chicken Ceaser salad (something I really only get in California)
(ok, now I'm hungry! and homesick! ;) j/k, but I think I will make tortillas tomorrow!)

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Perth, Australia (to visit my sis)
2. Anywhere with a fireplace to curl up in front of with a good book.
3. Freiburg
4. Freiburg
There isn't really anywhere else I'd rather be for any amount of time!

Four bloggers I've tagged:
1. you
2. you
3. you
4. and you
You know who you are! ; ) heeheehee

Well I look forward to reading some meme's from some other bloggers!
I will get around to my other posts in the next couple of days, hopefully, before we hit the road again this weekend!

Happy Birthday Dariah!

My how time flies! Dariah is one year old already! We had a few people over for coffee and cake to celebrate the big day. She is beginning to try and walk, she can get a few steps before she crumbles. She thinks it's hillarious to stand up and plop down on her bottom! She has already got quite the personality. She is a lot of fun, at a fun age!
It's been so long since I posted any pictures, I just put a bunch into a slide show. Some from Dariah's birthday and other just random shots.

Tagged

I have a ton of things to post right now, but I will begin with the 4x9 meme that my friend Rose tagged us with. (Davey will cover the other one Rose :) ) I am assuming that I stick to her subjects, so here it goes!

Four jobs I've had:
1. My first job was a little mini-mart/restaraunt called Humphrey's station in the foothills outside of Fresno California. I was a cashier, waitress, dishwasher, sometimes cook, a little of everything!
2. I worked at Sea World of California, more than once. My first position was in food service, then I went to Park Operations, after a break of a few years. In Park Ops I worked turnstiles and other various positions, including bathroom duty. After awhile I got a class B drivers licesence and started driving trams in the parking lot and 15 passenger vans, among other parking lot duties. It was fun, that was the first place I was able to use my German that I had been learning in college.
3. I worked for a very short time in a Christian bookstore in San Diego, I don't even remember the name of it...bad I know!
4. While going to college in San Diego I worked for an Environmental testing lab for a few years where I started off with just photo copying, and numbering large books of data. I hand numbered books,with a stamp, that were sometimes more than 300 pages long! I could be heard stamping page numbers throughout the lobby! After a while I started learning data entry. It was a great learning experience...until we were all escorted from the building by federal marshals because the company was bankrupt and was unable to make rent. That was exciting!

Four movies I'd watch over and over again:
in no particular order
1. On the Town with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
2. Up in Arms with Danny Kaye, if I could find a copy of it! I love the crazy songs that he sings, and they were written by his wife!
3. Star Wars, the original trilogy.
4. The Lord of the Rings (I'm with you there Rose!)

Four places I've lived:
1. Eufaula, Oklahoma until 1985(born in McAlester)
2. Selma, California
3. Clovis, California
4. Tollhouse, California (foothills outside of Clovis/Fresno)
5. San Diego, California
6. Murrieta, California
7. and Freiburg, Germany (I've lived longer here than in any of the other places!)
Okay, that was more than four...I won't go into how many times I went back and forth between some of these places!

Four TV shows I watch:
1. Navy CIS
2. Crossing Jordan
3. Schmekt Nicht Gibts Nicht (hard to translate...it's a cooking show...he uses pretty simple ingrediants to make yummy, quick, meals)
4. 24 (on DVD with my hubby)

Four places I've been:
1. Rome Italy (for our first anniversary)
2. Swiss alps (only about 2 hours from us)
3. Australia (twice to visit my sis)
4. Schloss Heroldeck in Austria (in the Austrian Alps)

Four Websites I visit daily:
1. Fox News, to get the news in English.
2. Our blog, to see if anyone has commented
3. Freinds blogs
I really don't visit any other sites daily...

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Steak and potatoes
2. Carne Asada burriutos (or Mexican food in general. We don't get it here unless I make it myself)
3. Käse Spätzle (A German noodle, covered in cheese and baked)
4. Chicken Ceaser salad (something I really only get in California)
(ok, now I'm hungry! and homesick! ;) j/k, but I think I will make tortillas tomorrow!)

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Perth, Australia (to visit my sis)
2. Anywhere with a fireplace to curl up in front of with a good book.
3. Freiburg
4. Freiburg
There isn't really anywhere else I'd rather be for any amount of time!

Four bloggers I've tagged:
1. you
2. you
3. you
4. and you
You know who you are! ; ) heeheehee

Well I look forward to reading some meme's from some other bloggers!
I will get around to my other posts in the next couple of days, hopefully, before we hit the road again this weekend!

Many Faces of Zachie

This is for Zachie's 'aunties' (godmothers). Here are a few fotos of our/your Zachie-Boy aka 'The Ham' or 'The Long-Haired Hippie' or 'Bubbas' or 'Buddy-Boy'. You can get the individual fotos here if you wish.

David's Mighty Men (and Women)

Well, we are back now from our Leadership Retreat this past weekend up in the Black Forest. Each year all the leaders get away for a weekend of focused teaching, prayer and fellowship. It was an awesome retreat - I would have to say one of the best in the last few years. We had Pastor Kevin Fitzgerald from Crosspointe in Dublin, Ireland come and share his heart - he taught a series on the 'Mighty Men of David'. We were so blessed and very much challenged by God's Word through Kevin. On top of that, we had amazing times of praise and worship and prayer and overall it was a great time of fellowship with 'my mighty men and women'. We truly sensed God's hand upon us all and His Spirit moving mightily throughout the whole weekend.

Speaking of retreats - you can pray for me as I will be the guest speaker for the church retreat for CC Heidelberg and another church in Sinsheim. That will be in a week and a half, so pray that I am able to get everything ready for that. And for us as a Phamily, as we will be on the road yet again!

Many Faces of Zachie

This is for Zachie's 'aunties' (godmothers). Here are a few fotos of our/your Zachie-Boy aka 'The Ham' or 'The Long-Haired Hippie' or 'Bubbas' or 'Buddy-Boy'. You can get the individual fotos here if you wish.

David's Mighty Men (and Women)

Well, we are back now from our Leadership Retreat this past weekend up in the Black Forest. Each year all the leaders get away for a weekend of focused teaching, prayer and fellowship. It was an awesome retreat - I would have to say one of the best in the last few years. We had Pastor Kevin Fitzgerald from Crosspointe in Dublin, Ireland come and share his heart - he taught a series on the 'Mighty Men of David'. We were so blessed and very much challenged by God's Word through Kevin. On top of that, we had amazing times of praise and worship and prayer and overall it was a great time of fellowship with 'my mighty men and women'. We truly sensed God's hand upon us all and His Spirit moving mightily throughout the whole weekend.

Speaking of retreats - you can pray for me as I will be the guest speaker for the church retreat for CC Heidelberg and another church in Sinsheim. That will be in a week and a half, so pray that I am able to get everything ready for that. And for us as a Phamily, as we will be on the road yet again!

Phamily, Phriends and Phun

We had a friend from Calvary Chapel Heidelberg with us this weekend and we had a lot of fun. I got to know Fiona on the outreach team to the Ukraine and we hit it off - especially as she is one of the few Europeans who understand my weird, sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek Ammie humor. On our day off we (along with another visitor from Down Under) went to the local animal park - it was a great time of phellowship and phun.

Phamily, Phriends and Phun

We had a friend from Calvary Chapel Heidelberg with us this weekend and we had a lot of fun. I got to know Fiona on the outreach team to the Ukraine and we hit it off - especially as she is one of the few Europeans who understand my weird, sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek Ammie humor. On our day off we (along with another visitor from Down Under) went to the local animal park - it was a great time of phellowship and phun.

How to Be Optimistic :-)

Here's another cool read - 'how to be optimistic'. It's from a non-Christian perspective but it actually is pretty biblical (well most of it). Isn't it kinda telling that with all the pyschology and counseling 'methods' and directions in the world, they 'discover' a method that actually God has already detailed in His Word?! Good read, very helpful - at least for those who tend to be pessimistic or often depressed or just plain grumpy (schlecht gelaunt for you Deutsche)! ;-) Was very helpful for me as a reminder.

Here are the main points of the article (you can find the full article here). I took the liberty of adding some bible verses that I think fit (again, not all in the article is directly biblical). If the Spirit shows you other verses - add them in your comments.

1. Let go of the assumption that the world is against you....
Rom 8.31 - 'What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?'

2. Look for the source of your pessimism.
Rom 8.5-6 - 'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.'

3. Understand that the past does not equal the future.
2Cor 5.17 - 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'

4. See yourself as a cause, not an effect.
Matt 7.12 - 'Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'

5. Accept pain, failure and disappointment as a part of life, not the entirety of it.
1Pet 4.19 - 'Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.'
Rom 8.28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.'

6. Be thankful.
1Thess 5.17 - 'in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'

7. Use positive affirmations.
Phil 4.8 - 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.'

8. Remember that life is short.
Ps 90.10,12 - 'The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years...So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.'
1Tim 6.17b - '...but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.'

9. Be a balanced optimist.
Neh 8.10 - 'Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." '

How to Be Optimistic :-)

Here's another cool read - 'how to be optimistic'. It's from a non-Christian perspective but it actually is pretty biblical (well most of it). Isn't it kinda telling that with all the pyschology and counseling 'methods' and directions in the world, they 'discover' a method that actually God has already detailed in His Word?! Good read, very helpful - at least for those who tend to be pessimistic or often depressed or just plain grumpy (schlecht gelaunt for you Deutsche)! ;-) Was very helpful for me as a reminder.

Here are the main points of the article (you can find the full article here). I took the liberty of adding some bible verses that I think fit (again, not all in the article is directly biblical). If the Spirit shows you other verses - add them in your comments.

1. Let go of the assumption that the world is against you....
Rom 8.31 - 'What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?'

2. Look for the source of your pessimism.
Rom 8.5-6 - 'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.'

3. Understand that the past does not equal the future.
2Cor 5.17 - 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'

4. See yourself as a cause, not an effect.
Matt 7.12 - 'Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'

5. Accept pain, failure and disappointment as a part of life, not the entirety of it.
1Pet 4.19 - 'Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.'
Rom 8.28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.'

6. Be thankful.
1Thess 5.17 - 'in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'

7. Use positive affirmations.
Phil 4.8 - 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.'

8. Remember that life is short.
Ps 90.10,12 - 'The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years...So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.'
1Tim 6.17b - '...but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.'

9. Be a balanced optimist.
Neh 8.10 - 'Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." '

Need Duct Tape?

Ok, I know this is kinda borderline, but I just had to post it. This gets my vote for the best use of duct tape ever! It speaks for itself.

But if you still can't read the caption below the foto, it says - '3M Duct tape. Making the world a prettier place.'

Need Duct Tape?

Ok, I know this is kinda borderline, but I just had to post it. This gets my vote for the best use of duct tape ever! It speaks for itself.

But if you still can't read the caption below the foto, it says - '3M Duct tape. Making the world a prettier place.'

And We Know...

We have all read this verse 100 times. We have it memorized perhaps. But I think most of us read this verse so - 'all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose' Rom 8.28. That was how I learned it at first.

But that is not what it actually says in this verse. There is a very important phrase that most of us leave out. Probably most of us don't think much of this phrase. Go back and read your Bible - I'll wait. Here's a link to this verse from Blue Letter Bible if you want to open it in another window. Ok, have you read it yet? What is that phrase?

The all important phrase at the beginning says - 'and we know that all things...'! Why do we leave that out when we quote this verse? To me over the last few years this phrase has become more and more meaningful. In fact, the rest of this verse doesn't have the same impact if we take out this phrase. See,the FACT is we CAN KNOW that God is working all things out for good. It is 100% fact - a fact that we can rely upon. It is a fact that brings comfort, encouragement, hope and meaning into every situation - good ones but especially the 'bad' ones.

Over the years as pastor, I have counseled people who were undergoing tremendous trials and suffering. And I admit often (most of the time) I don't have an answer for them. Often I don't know why they have cancer, I don't know why their child is suffering healthwise, I don't know why their parents reject them. There are many things I don't know. But this I do know - I know that I know God. And I KNOW that He is in the process of working out their situation for good. His Word says so. I believe it.

Anyways, here's an exercise that will bring the point of this post home. Take the negatve of that verse - read it like this...'and we CANNOT EVER KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.' Now do you see what I mean? So next time you're in a trial, read ALL of Romans 8.28.

And We Know...

We have all read this verse 100 times. We have it memorized perhaps. But I think most of us read this verse so - 'all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose' Rom 8.28. That was how I learned it at first.

But that is not what it actually says in this verse. There is a very important phrase that most of us leave out. Probably most of us don't think much of this phrase. Go back and read your Bible - I'll wait. Here's a link to this verse from Blue Letter Bible if you want to open it in another window. Ok, have you read it yet? What is that phrase?

The all important phrase at the beginning says - 'and we know that all things...'! Why do we leave that out when we quote this verse? To me over the last few years this phrase has become more and more meaningful. In fact, the rest of this verse doesn't have the same impact if we take out this phrase. See,the FACT is we CAN KNOW that God is working all things out for good. It is 100% fact - a fact that we can rely upon. It is a fact that brings comfort, encouragement, hope and meaning into every situation - good ones but especially the 'bad' ones.

Over the years as pastor, I have counseled people who were undergoing tremendous trials and suffering. And I admit often (most of the time) I don't have an answer for them. Often I don't know why they have cancer, I don't know why their child is suffering healthwise, I don't know why their parents reject them. There are many things I don't know. But this I do know - I know that I know God. And I KNOW that He is in the process of working out their situation for good. His Word says so. I believe it.

Anyways, here's an exercise that will bring the point of this post home. Take the negatve of that verse - read it like this...'and we CANNOT EVER KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.' Now do you see what I mean? So next time you're in a trial, read ALL of Romans 8.28.

The Joy of the Lord

Ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Or just burdened by something? A person or situation or circumstance. Or a thought, an idea? And it just feels like it might overwhelm you? Well, that's where I am at the moment - burdened, beaten down.

But I have to admit, even though I am burdened, there is still the joy of the Lord that fills my heart (Neh 8.10). It is this joy that strengthens me. It is this joy that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. It is with this joy that I can rejoice when trials and tribulations come my way (James 1.2).

It is the sandpaper God uses to polish me. First He uses the coarse sandpaper to get rid of all the roughness. Then He uses the fine sandpaper to smooth and polish. It hurts. But in the end, guess what - smooth as silk! In the end, we all shine and reflect the glory of God. Ahhhhh....

So be encouraged, no matter what trials we are in, will be in, have gone through - know God is using it. For the death of our flesh/self. For our growth. For His glory.

My brethren count it all joy when you fall into varius trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complee, lacking nothing. James 1.2-4


We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. 2Cor 4.8-12

The Joy of the Lord

Ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Or just burdened by something? A person or situation or circumstance. Or a thought, an idea? And it just feels like it might overwhelm you? Well, that's where I am at the moment - burdened, beaten down.

But I have to admit, even though I am burdened, there is still the joy of the Lord that fills my heart (Neh 8.10). It is this joy that strengthens me. It is this joy that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other. It is with this joy that I can rejoice when trials and tribulations come my way (James 1.2).

It is the sandpaper God uses to polish me. First He uses the coarse sandpaper to get rid of all the roughness. Then He uses the fine sandpaper to smooth and polish. It hurts. But in the end, guess what - smooth as silk! In the end, we all shine and reflect the glory of God. Ahhhhh....

So be encouraged, no matter what trials we are in, will be in, have gone through - know God is using it. For the death of our flesh/self. For our growth. For His glory.

My brethren count it all joy when you fall into varius trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complee, lacking nothing. James 1.2-4


We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. 2Cor 4.8-12

Waiting Room 'Appointments'

I had to take Dariah to the doctor today for her 1 year old healthy baby check-up (yes she is almost 1 year old already! I can't believe it!). The appointment was made weeks ago, so of course I can't plan the unexpected stuff, like Jesaiah getting out of school earlier than usual or Davey having to be at the office earlier than usual. So due to 'scheduling conflicts' I called the doctor this morning and asked if we could come earlier or later, I just couldn't do 11:30 since Jesaiah was getting out at 12. So they said I could come right then. At least we were all ready to go! I dropped Davey at the office and Zachy, Dariah and I headed to the Dr's office.

I pretty much always speak English to my kids, where ever we are, especially Zachy because he doesn't understand much German yet. I've had people comment (or ask, about the language, what it is, and if our kids are growing up bilingual) at the playground or places like that where the kids are playing together. But never, in the ten years that we have lived here, has a perfect stranger overheard me speaking English to the kids and asked if she can call and come over so the kids can play together!

I've had aquantinces ask if their kids can come over and play and maybe pick up a bit of English, but this was a complete stranger in the waiting room of the Dr.'s office. She even apologized that she was so forward, but I told her not to be sorry, I would never know she wanted English contact if she didn't ask!! We only got to talk briefly before we were called in, but her family (husband and 2 kids - 4 years old and 1-ish) lived in London for a while and the four year old went to kindergarten there and got pretty fluent in English, and they would like to keep that up. So I gave her my number and told her to call anytime, so that we can get together and the kids can play.

I love though how God arranges it all, if I had kept my original appointment I never would have met this woman. I don't know anything about her, but God obviously had a reason for me meeting her and I look forward to finding out (maybe) what it is!

Waiting Room 'Appointments'

I had to take Dariah to the doctor today for her 1 year old healthy baby check-up (yes she is almost 1 year old already! I can't believe it!). The appointment was made weeks ago, so of course I can't plan the unexpected stuff, like Jesaiah getting out of school earlier than usual or Davey having to be at the office earlier than usual. So due to 'scheduling conflicts' I called the doctor this morning and asked if we could come earlier or later, I just couldn't do 11:30 since Jesaiah was getting out at 12. So they said I could come right then. At least we were all ready to go! I dropped Davey at the office and Zachy, Dariah and I headed to the Dr's office.

I pretty much always speak English to my kids, where ever we are, especially Zachy because he doesn't understand much German yet. I've had people comment (or ask, about the language, what it is, and if our kids are growing up bilingual) at the playground or places like that where the kids are playing together. But never, in the ten years that we have lived here, has a perfect stranger overheard me speaking English to the kids and asked if she can call and come over so the kids can play together!

I've had aquantinces ask if their kids can come over and play and maybe pick up a bit of English, but this was a complete stranger in the waiting room of the Dr.'s office. She even apologized that she was so forward, but I told her not to be sorry, I would never know she wanted English contact if she didn't ask!! We only got to talk briefly before we were called in, but her family (husband and 2 kids - 4 years old and 1-ish) lived in London for a while and the four year old went to kindergarten there and got pretty fluent in English, and they would like to keep that up. So I gave her my number and told her to call anytime, so that we can get together and the kids can play.

I love though how God arranges it all, if I had kept my original appointment I never would have met this woman. I don't know anything about her, but God obviously had a reason for me meeting her and I look forward to finding out (maybe) what it is!

Donate / Support

You might have noticed that (after almost a year) we have added a couple ways for you to support us as a Phamily (see top of column on the right of this website). We went back and forth on this topic - should we include it or not, yes or no, would it stumble people? But since this blog is supposed to replace our printed newsletters, we decided to add the info. Thanks for your understanding.

ps - if you choose to donate thru PayPal, you'll be taken to PayPal's secure website. Just enter the amount to donate, enter your credit /debit card info and that's it. I don't think you need a PayPal account to donate. But you can start one easily, safely and securely if you want.

pps - for those in Europe/outsde the USA, email us and we can give you our international bank info.

Yellow Power!

Well, I think I found my long lost Asian brother! Ok, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but check this out - I was just clicking through blogger.com to read a few other blogs and came across a blog of ANOTHER Pham boy who is a MISSIONARY to Lima, Peru (but in Costa Rica now to learn Spanish). Not only that, but his 'Phamily' is very similar to ours - 4 kids, similar in ages to ours. In fact, there are quite a few similarities. Now what are the chances of that?!

Isn't it amazing to see the fingerprints of God on our lives? Anyways, take a peek over at their blog - http://www.phamilyof6.blogspot.com/. Say hello (leave a comment or sign their guestbook if you want) and pray for them as they begin this adventure called missionary life!

Donate / Support

You might have noticed that (after almost a year) we have added a couple ways for you to support us as a Phamily (see top of column on the right of this website). We went back and forth on this topic - should we include it or not, yes or no, would it stumble people? But since this blog is supposed to replace our printed newsletters, we decided to add the info. Thanks for your understanding.

ps - if you choose to donate thru PayPal, you'll be taken to PayPal's secure website. Just enter the amount to donate, enter your credit /debit card info and that's it. I don't think you need a PayPal account to donate. But you can start one easily, safely and securely if you want.

pps - for those in Europe/outsde the USA, email us and we can give you our international bank info.

REALLY Bad Day??

Had a really bad day? Well, take a look at some people (and a dog) who had worse days. And thank God for yours!

ps - check out the names of some of the fotos (especially the car in the wire! lol ;-) ). remember, I didn't name these fotos, just pulled them from a few website!

Yellow Power!

Well, I think I found my long lost Asian brother! Ok, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but check this out - I was just clicking through blogger.com to read a few other blogs and came across a blog of ANOTHER Pham boy who is a MISSIONARY to Lima, Peru (but in Costa Rica now to learn Spanish). Not only that, but his 'Phamily' is very similar to ours - 4 kids, similar in ages to ours. In fact, there are quite a few similarities. Now what are the chances of that?!

Isn't it amazing to see the fingerprints of God on our lives? Anyways, take a peek over at their blog - http://www.phamilyof6.blogspot.com/. Say hello (leave a comment or sign their guestbook if you want) and pray for them as they begin this adventure called missionary life!

REALLY Bad Day??

Had a really bad day? Well, take a look at some people (and a dog) who had worse days. And thank God for yours!

ps - check out the names of some of the fotos (especially the car in the wire! lol ;-) ). remember, I didn't name these fotos, just pulled them from a few website!

Little Asian Friend

Well, it's been fun posting some 'blast from the past' fotos of the kids, Becks and friends. But I thought I would join the party with a few fotos of me - when I was just a wee lad. Check out these 'blast from the really really far past' pics...

ps - you can get up off the floor and wipe your tears now, that really is me.

Little Asian Friend

Well, it's been fun posting some 'blast from the past' fotos of the kids, Becks and friends. But I thought I would join the party with a few fotos of me - when I was just a wee lad. Check out these 'blast from the really really far past' pics...

ps - you can get up off the floor and wipe your tears now, that really is me.