The Tooth Fairy

We have been so busy I can't believe it's been over 2 weeks since I last wrote. We have had such an awesome time catching up with so many friends and family. We are grateful and feel very encouraged. Funny, Words of Encouragement is my love language (for those who have read The 5 Love Languages - Chapman). It has been so encouraging to be around people we miss a ton and who know and love us and to hear your words of encouragement. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're one of those people.

So, we had an appointment today for Bianca to have her 2 front bottom teeth pulled (the permanent ones started coming in behind them and she reminded me of a double-blade razor (you know, that you shave with). Anyway, yesterday, she was looking forward to today's appointment and she said, "Daddy, if I take a nap tomorrow after getting my teeth pulled, do you think the Tooth Fairy will come?" Now that's one smart girl. She hasn't taken a nap, with the exception of being sick, in at least a couple years. But since she hasn't lost any teeth yet, she is really excited to cashing in on these first teeth. I love the way she thinks!

Let It Snow...

Well, the weather outside is frightful. And Dunn Brother's Coffee, is so delightful. Sorry, I got swepted away in the fact that I spent the first 2 minutes sitting down at my laptop and mobile office clutching my freshly brewed and poured hot cup of Jo. It's amazing how missing a few MN winters can de-aclimate you to weather changes.

Cuerna What? Meeting #1

Today marks a significant day in our lives and the life of a future YWAM ministry in Cuernavaca, Morelos. We held our first, "Informational," meeting. It was awesome and there were 14 people in attendance. Those attending are at varying levels of commitment and certainty around their future participation in pioneering a YWAM Missions base in Cuernavaca. The turnout was awesome, the fellowship was great and Sandra and I were truly blessed to know that there is a tentative team of 14 people interested in partnering with us in this endeavor.

The names of those interested are in the front row (from L to R): Ron, Sandra Wilson, Leo & Carolyn Campero. Back row (L to R): Jill Sippel, Josh Bergmann, Jon Bauman, Laura Adame, Kelly & Levi Hoyt, Dan and Carey Graf, Tina and Raul Vazquez.

As we prayed for this future ministry and what our part in it may be, one of the team members reflected on the fact that today marks the start of the base in Cuernavaca. While there's no building and official ministry, the process is beginning and today marks a day where we got together to seek God's will for us and to declare our willingness to co-create with Him in this ministry.

Look for more to come!

My Achin' Back

Today I woke up with an unusually sharp pain in my back. Whenever I would take a deep breath, it hurt worse. I think I either slepted funny or strained it somehow. Regardless, there's a lot I've been needing to pray about and I think it might have been God's way of slowing me down long enough to spend some extended time with Him. While it was challenging to not feel like I could breathe well, the time in His presence was needed. We are having a meeting this weekend with several people interested in helping us out in Cuernavaca (the place where we plan to open a base) and I think there's been a lot of spiritual attack going on relative to that. God is awesome and faithful and met me where I was at (flat on my back trying to get comfortable).

It's All Dunn

Ok, after my last post, I have to say that I have since come to my senses. While I do like Caribou, I forgot about my other favorite, Dunn Brothers, as my good friend Leo pointed out in his comment. Let me tell you about Dunn Brothers. Most of them actually have a roaster in the store and the beans are, you guessed it, fresh roasted. Free internet, unlimited, and generally a great atmosphere with local artwork. So here I sit, today, at the mobile office at Dunn Brothers, making phone calls, checking e-mails, revising documents, planning, etc. While I always enjoyed coffee shops, I never imagined I'd be doing so much work from them. Oh well, you might as well be someplace you enjoy.

God has really been laying Commitment on my heart lately (inspired by an experienced missionary in Puebla, Mexico). What am I committed to? There are the obvious things like, my wife, children, etc. and those should be at the top of my list, but after those, what am I really committed to, and does my life line up with it? In other words, if you look at my checkbook or expense account, if you look at the where I go, spend my time, etc., does it all line up with what I'm committed to? What are you committed to? Does your life line up with it? I'd love to hear about it.