A Country Wedding

As soon as we got back from California, we attended the wedding of our good friends: Melissa Wiley and Adip D'Souza. It was a home-town, country wedding with a little cross-cultural charisma. Adip is from India and Melissa chose a more traditional Indian atire for her wedding dress. It was beautiful! Our bartender kept the drinks flowing, dinner was a buffet of the the best family recipes, and after much dancing we camped out under the stars! We had such a blast and couldn't be more happy for the two of them!

Birthday In the California Sun (and Snow)

Nick and I flew to California (thank you, airline miles!) and stayed with his Uncle Richard (his mom's brother, very generous heart) and Aunt Sharon (hillarious!) who live and work in Sacremento, CA. It was an amazing, blessing-filled adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his family.

Day 1/Aug 25: Downtown Sacremento, Blue Diamond Almonds Plant (Mmmm almond tasting), Solar Cooker International Annual Fundraising Dinner (cool stuff being done through their organization to bring clean water and sustainable cooking potential to 3rd world countries so I refrained from calling them "weird hippies" outloud).

Day 2/Aug 26: Napa Valley wineries starting with champagne at Chandon. Sipping champagne and viewing the vineyards I thought, "Can it get any better than this?" We also had a picnic after tasting at Satui (most drinkable), & visited and tasted at Del Dotto (most expensive wines i've ever tasted, a throw back to Italy, Nick and I danced on the marble) and Sterling Wineries (most beautiful views of the valley).

Day 3/Aug 27th: Amador Wine Country. A beautiful drive up into the mountains and valleys. The sky was a bold contrast against the yellowed tall grasses. We stopped at an antique store, tasted a few wines in town, and then to the back country for more wine tasting. A serendipitous moment led us to Bocanato's....the best meal I've ever eaten in my life!!! There is no menu. The chef has you choose a course and he fixes you something based on the ingredients he has gotten fresh that day! Seriously, the best meal I've ever eaten! (the trip had gotten even better!). We ended our time there with the Fitzpatrick winery and then had dinner at a Sushi resturaunt which, despite wanting to deny it, was the best sushi I've ever had (sorry, Naked Chopstix....you're still dear to my heart). Missing my family and wishing they could have been there, too.

Day 4/Aug 28: San Franscisco, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatrez, Farmer's Market, and Artist's Market. Favorite discovery of the day: lobster mushrooms which actually look and smell like lobsters! And I ate a fresh date for the first time in my life. Yum!

Day 5/Aug 29: Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous! Relaxing! Breathtaking. Snow. Rainbow. Coffee with Bailey's and cream. Nap.

What a trip!! I was completely exhausted, but very, very blessed! Thanks to Nick and his family for a wonderful 30th~

Lordy, Lordy...I'm turning Thirty!

In 23 short days I will be turning 30 years old. Good Lord, how did I get here so fast? Good thing my husband and pets aren't keeping count lol

Celebrating One Year of Marriage!

July 25th, 2010. It seems odd to be so darn excited about one year of marriage especially when Nick and I look to my parents-married 27 years, my grandparents-married 53 years, his parents-married 27years. What's one year in comparison? Nonetheless, it feels good to celebrate! To take time out to honor each other and the day we said those two special words, "I do." To celebrate our year of commitment toward each other and toward the Father.

It doesn't feel like a year, though. But I guess that's what great marriages are like....enjoying each other so much that time flies by and you can't wait for what the next year will bring. To celebrate, Nick planned a surprise night at the Dallas Nasher Sculpture Museum: A live Tom Petty tribute band played under the stars! Later, he surprised me with a dozen white roses and 8 huge pink lillies. I took Nick to the Ft. Worth Stockyards to celebrate the Texan in him. We got to pet goats, watch a Wild West show, see history come alive in the museum, and have a picnic. What an exciting adventure! Looking forward to what lies ahead for us.

Fun with Family & Friends!

June 29-July 30. Tipton, IN. Nick and I ventured North to Tipton, IN. We were able to hang out with family for almost a week! We got to celebrate at my Aunt's surprise birthday party and spend some quality time with friends. Lisa Taflinger visited with her two cute munchkins, Caleb and Micah. I can't believe how big they both are and listening to Caleb sing songs was just too cute! Tara Eytcheson came for some one on one time, wine and homemade pizza! And Richelle Smith came with her boyfriend (& her big pregger belly). There's nothing like just relaxing with friends and family, blowing bubbles with your neice and nephew, having Chinese take out with your grandparents and aunt and cousins and going to small town church with the whole family on Sunday. Pam the Paraplegic even found a new home! My cousin Madison was so excited to have her new college roommate! Oh, how I miss home! BUT, I was missing my own comfy bed, too. Nick and I were glad to be back in our own bed, but wish it was closer to IN. Unfortunately we didn't spend July 4th with everyone as we had to drive back to TX. We heard the fireworks and saw a few flashes from the Olive Garden lot where we ate dinner at the halfway point of our journey.

Bloomin' Bloomington

June 29, 2010. I love Bloomington! Hands down, my favorite city in the world that most closely resembles my favorite country I've lived in (Germany). Full of culture, arts, great food, friends, and unique stores on every corner. The excited energy of youth and learning is always abuzz in B-town. Thankfully, Nick and I were able to make a short trip there on the way to Tipton. Even better: 4 friends who were able to meet us out for lunch at Village Deli! Mmmmm! Jessica Reed & her bf Marc, Aleks, and Sheryl McGlory, a dear friend from Camp Fairlee Manor (a graduate internship placement of mine in Chesterton, MD). After a great lunch we headed to Oliver Winery. Can't beat the scenery there!

Hoosier Court Roommate Reunion pt2

June 27-28, 2010. I absolutely love Stacey & Aleks. They're two of my most favorite women in the world. Each an unplanned/unforseen college roommate, each a lifelong friend. The ladies and I spent time lounging around poolside with their kiddos while Nick explored the Williams' massive property, playing National Geographic Photographer for the day. Charlie had a great time running around chasing bugs and balls.

" Love is in the Air" Meaghan Topper's Wedding

June 25th, 2010. Nick drove. Charlie slept. I read. "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon kept me entertained for the 16 hour trip. Charlie loved his temporary home at the Holiday Inn Express where he got treats upon arrival, yum. Being a bridesmaid, I realized once again, is a lot less stressful than being the bride. After a full Catholic mass where the beautiful bride and her groom said "I do" (thankfully we got to sit and no one fell over lol), Nick and I danced the night away at the reception.

Back home again in Indiana

Nick and I have experienced yet another cross country road trip together! My good friend Meaghan Topper married Matt Novotny this Saturday and I was honored to be a bridesmaid to witness their vows and love for eachother. The event gave Nick and I an excuse to visit with family and friends for a week. In Seymour, IN now with Stacey Williams waiting for our 3rd to round out the 3 amigas (Aleks). Bloomington, IN tomorrow and then on to Tipton! Pics to follow shortly!

Healing prayer

As many of you know I have been having abdomen pain since our miscarriage in February. The doctors have done lots of tests (blood work, urinalysis, CT scan, sonogram, etc) and have not found out what's causing the pain yet. I have another Dr. appt with the OBGYN on Friday the 21st of this month. The pain has become minimal, I know wholeheartedly because of all the prayer that has been prayed on behalf of my healing! I ask that you would continue to pray for healing and that if a complete miraculous recovery is not God's will, that the Dr's would find what the source of pain is and be able to treat it. Nick and I would like to begin starting our family this summer (yea, babies!) but we need to postpone that until I am well.

Thanks again for all your prayers! God Bless

The Komar Happenings

We've had a busy several weeks and I haven't been able to post much so I thought I'd do a brief snapshot of our world:
-FELLOWSHIP:
Two of my best friends who were in my wedding, Aleks Snowden and Stacey Williams, both moms and former college roommates of mine came to visit me in Texas in the beginning of April. We had a blast trying to recapture the energy of our youth! And we found a new favorite drink the Moscow Moose, or was it donkey? Ha! We shopped till we dropped and I fixed turkey in about 8 gourmet ways to keep our waistlines slim. Lots of laughter and lots of love; it was a blessed weekend!

(I look so short next to Nick)


I was able to attend a Christian women's conference, PINK IMPACT, where Christine Caine spoke (AMAZING) and Dove Award winner Kari Jobe and Hillsong's Miriam Webster led worship. Pink Impact is renowned for providing women with an opportunity to hear from the most dynamic and inspiring Christian leaders of our generation. Along with gifted communicators, there's anointed worship, Prophetic Word, talented performers, special surprises and lots of fun. It was an amazing time of fellowship with the girls from my lifegroup. It was so impactful we encouraged our hubby's to attend the men's conference, Alpha Summit. Nick will be going next weekend so lets pray for God's work in him during that time.

(I felt super tall. I need to stand near women more often!)

Nick and I also got to hang out with local friends & host dinner at our place several times for Stephanie Barr whose friend was in from California this month. I got to learn all kinds of amazing things about the movie industry including how they have about a $1500 daily budget for snacks. I also learned how to play Texas Hold Em and taught three people from three different states how to play euchre!

--SERVICE:
Nick and I had the opportunity to serve side by side during the CARES Spring dinner which honors current CARES teams. We had a great time serving dinner, drinks, and clearing away the tables for this event. It also gave us a great chance to meet the CARES corporate staff and our placement agent, Marie. We also have gone through our first training session GO CARES! this past weekend. We can't wait to be placed on the mission field!

--FUN:
Nick and I learned how to make sushi and had a fun sushi date at home!


And joined friends this month for a seafood broil! I brought deviled eggs (who knew they'd be such a hit?!?) but the cornbread and sausage were my favorites!


--WORK: Summer months are upon us and my private practice caseload is slowing down while the workload of the section 8 housing complex is beginning to pick up, there were 15 kids creating scrapbook pages for mom last week. I've also developed my very own website which should be finished this week and then published on the www! Nick has been hard at work, as always, trying to save his company big bucks by providing 24/7 IT coverage for all of their accounts. He's a genius to say the least.

-ON OUR NIGHTSTAND: Nick's reading "Wild at Heart" by J.Eldredge and the latest Dresden Files (Butcher); I'm reading "God Chasers" by T. Tenney and have "The Pursuit of God" by Tozer up next.

-PRAY FOR:1)our CARES placement--that the Lord prepare the residents and management staff's hearts, that we be placed in a wonderful community where we will be well received, for Nick and I as we prepare our hearts for serving others together, that the apartment we're placed in is large enough (1300sqft) and allows pets! 2)My client caseload at both CCA and Burson counseling to pick up 3) Healing. My body is still running amuck and after a multitude of costly tests (CT, Sonogram, blood, urine, etc) they still don't know what is wrong with my abdomen or what is the source of the pain. We want to start getting pregnant soon, but have to postpone until my health is 100%. Please keep us in your prayers! 4) That Nick would continue to have favor in the eyes of his employer 5)That Nick have a blessed time at Alpha Summit; pray for the speakers and the worship team who are delivering a Word from the Lord and for the attendees to be blessed and ministered to. 6)For safe travels in June when we go to INDIANA!!!!!!

A Knowledge that Saves!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; foods despise knowledge and wisdom” (Psalm 1:7)

The Lord has been pressing on my heart the matter of knowledge, of knowing Him more intimately, and I’d like to share a little bit about what He’s been teaching me in this season.

In our culture, we are esteemed for knowledge, for being specialists in one area or another. We pay large amounts of money to obtain degrees in these specialty areas and then press on for continuing knowledge as we work in that field. We watch television shows where the experts of specific knowledge on cooking, cleaning, crafts, anthropology, crime, or home improvement inform us on their expert topics. We pursue knowledge with a passion While we pursue all of these earthly realms, the Lord is calling out to us: “Pursue ME, know ME.”

Biblical knowledge and the pursuit of knowing the Lord intimately is the best way any one of us could ever spend our time (and at times I kick myself in the butt for not doing more of it in my youth). The Bible contains life saving information that we absolutely need to know not only because we will be held accountable for our life based on the information in this one book, but also because it helps us to live joy-filled lives while we are here!

I read recently in Hosea a verse that stirred my spirit, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6).

When we accept Christ as a sacrifice for our sins and ask God to take the throne of our hearts, He immediately appoints us saints, High Priests. Woah! What an honorable distinction! And huge responsibility! Think about it: As His appointed priest He gives us a job to do here on earth: to represent Him and share the Good News. How can we share the news if we do not know it fully? We are destroyed by a severe lack of knowing the Word of God and are unable to be effective God-appointed kingdom workers. We can not live our Christian lives on the shirt tails of our salvation with only a basic understanding of our God. That would be like me taking basic psychology 101 in college and claiming to be a clinical counselor. That just wouldn’t fly!

As I watch the news and view new television series and new movie releases, I see the truth of the Lord’s words in Hosea being played out on the screen. Our culture is destroying itself. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 19 million new STD infections occur every year. And, even more alarming, is that nearly 50 percent of these new cases happen to young people between the ages of 15 and 24 (2010, cdc.gov). Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24, in the United States while homicide rates as the second leading cause of death for the same age group (Shalala, 1999). Both of these rates have tripled since 1950 (Shalala, 1999). Recent studies find that anxiety has increased so much that typical school children report more anxiety than child psychiatric patients did during the 1950's (Twenge, 2000).

Our youth do not know the Lord! They are being raised up by generations of believers who are content to know of God, after having accepted Christ have not pursued an intimate knowledge of their King. This intimate, life-saving knowledge must be passionately pursued and shared with our children. As a Christian counselor who specializes in working with youth these statistics sadden me for obvious reasons. But I am encouraged because there is hope in the Lord! As I work each day at CCA, I am challenged to know more of the Word because I find my counseling "knowledge" just isn't good enough to heal permanently, only Jesus can do that!

I’ve been reflecting on own childhood. My parents took us to church and we prayed around the dinner table, but we never studied God’s word together. The Word was never written “upon my heart” or “bound on my hands and forehead” (Deuteronomy 11:18). As I read through the proverbs I realize my lack of knowledge led me down very destructive paths as a teen and young adult. I do not blame my parents, because once I accepted Christ, I too had a responsibility, according to Hosea to know the Word. However, as parents we have an enormous responsibility on raising our children to know the Lord according to His Word.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 says “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Parents, we must take great measures in raising our children so that the Word of the Lord goes with them everywhere they are so when they enter this sin-filled world, they have Hope. Had 1 Corinthians 15:33 been written on my heart, I may have avoided some influential acquaintances. Had Proverbs 3:5 been written on my heart, I may have consulted the Bible more often for God’s understanding of situations. Had Hosea 14:9 been bound upon my forehead, I may have stumbled through my faith less often.

We can not change our past (which can been completely forgiven if you ask for it), bu we have an amazing opportunity to change our future and to bring our own children up knowing the Lord, studying and memorizing His word, so that as a family of High priests we can be effective in our witness to the world.

I am so blessed to witness Christian friends who are raising their children up to know the Lord. As my husband and I don't have that example from either of our childhoods it's been an encouragement to see how it is done.

I am also blessed to have the amazing opportunity to share the Word of the Lord with my clients so that they can know the deep calm that comes from trusting in the Lord with all your heart. So, “Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth.” (Hosea 6:3).

The Lord is the only constant in this ever changing world. Stand on His Word and you will not fail! I encourage you to read 1 chapter of Proverbs a day and ask the Lord to show you what He needs you to memorize. Be open to Him leading you to other books of the Bible. Then, memorize His word upon your heart so that He can effectively use you in your position of High Priest. Take time with your children and help them memorize scripture. Use life, the news, school situations, etc as teaching moments with your children: Ask them, well, what does the Bible say? Let’s look and see what God wants us to know about this situation.

God Bless you as you pursue knowing our Father, the King!

“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)

“Turn to my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you, I will make my words made known to you” (Psalm 1:23)



References:
Centers for Disease Control. (2010). Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Interactive Data 1996-2008. Retreived May 11, 2010 from http://wonder.cdc.gov/std-std-v2008-race-age.html
Shalala, D. E. (September 14, 1999). U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Testimony of Youth Initiative. Retrieved May 11, 2010 from http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/t990914a.html

Twenge, J. The Age of Anxiety? Birth Cohort Change in Anxiety and Neuroticism, 1952-1993. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. December 2000 Vol. 79, No. 6, 1007-1021.

Brush with Death

We had a beautiful weekend here in North Dallas: The sun was shining, birds were singing a new spring song, the breeze caught your hair and the underside of your shirt and pulled them up toward blue skies. After a morning of shotgun/clay shooting with his dad, Nick had lunch with me at The Hope Center (where I was attending a Biblical Counseling Institute seminar on suicide prevention). He was so pumped up about the morning of shooting, about the weather, and he had an itch to test drive motorcycles. I didn't see the point as we would not be able to afford one for several more years, but he was so excited I didn't want to steal his joy of the ride.

I finished up my conference at 5pm. I thought about swinging by the mall to treat myself to a pedicure and manicure: the weather was calling out for a pair of flops and cute, pastel painted toes! Something told me, "no, go home." So, I did. I got home excited to hear about the rest of my husbands fun-filled man day. When I got home, I saw him on the couch with the first aid kit out. I could tell something was wrong, but I joked, "what, did you fall down the stairs?" "No," he said, "I wrecked!"

I can't begin to tell you all of the thoughts and emotions that went through my mind! As he recounted the story of how the bike threw him, how he watched as the concrete came to meet his face, and of how onlookers just sat by, I was so grateful for his life, for each breath he took as he retold his story! My husband just had a brush with death!! I could have been a widow 8 months into marriage! We could have so quickly lost our dreams of a long life together, of raising a family together. But I wasn't widowed. There was still hope of our future. Thank God he is alive!

Psalm 91:9-16: The LORD Most High is your fortress. Run to him for safety, and no terrible disasters will strike you or your home. God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones. You will overpower the strongest lions and the most deadly snakes. The Lord says, "If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. You will live a long life and see my saving power."

I am so thankful that my husband knows Jesus as his personal savior. Had he died this weekend, I know he'd be in heaven awaiting my arrival, praising the King of Kings for all eternity! I'm so grateful, that the Lord spared his life, though, that angels softened the blow of the concrete, that not a bone was broken in that wreck! The Lord has great plans for Nick, of this I am sure (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.").

We have been accepted to the CARES team and will be placed in an apartment community in order to build relationships, build community, and share the gospel of Christ. I am sure God has a great harvest in store for Nick and I and I look forward to what our future holds.

Over the next few months, please pray for us in the following ways:
1) That the Lord would be preparing an apartment community for us where we can build our ministry and build our family. Specifically, we need a 3 BR apartment in a community that accepts large pets (for Charlie the dog)
2) That the Lord would be preparing a harvest, preparing the hearts of those who are there at the apartment community. That the Holy Spirit would be moving in their hearts, that they would be open to building relationship and hearing the good news
3) That the Lord would be preparing Nick and I's hearts and fortifying us as we venture into a new and exciting ministry opportunity--I am so wanting MORE of the Holy Spirit, of the Lord, of church and of fellowship. I am so thirsty right now!
4)That the expenses of the motorcycle crash not be more than what we can bear financially, emotionally, etc
5) That my caseload at Christian Counseling Associates and Burson Counseling continue to grow and expand so that they would be able support our financial need without my having to keep this 3rd job (Activities Coordinator at Skyway Villas)
6) That the Lord would be healing my body/mind/heart and preparing my body/mind/heart for pregnancy; that we would be blessed with a healthy, happy baby (babies) in the Lord's perfect timing!

Thanks friends! We love you and are so thankful for you! (1 Thess. 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers)

First Day of Spring? Seriously?

I woke up this morning to find 8 inches of snow on the ground. Do I need to remind everyone, I live in Plano, TX? Snow? On the first day of Spring? In Texas? According to the weatherman, tomorrow's outlook is sunny with a high of 65! I guess Texas is more like Indiana than I would have imagined!Our cat Sam is just as confused as we are!

A sweet surprise!

I was so excited that my brother Josh was coming for a visit! We'd planned it for a couple months, and despite my uneasiness about his request, we kept his trip a secret from my dad, who Josh believed would be upset for not saving his money. Nick took me to the airport and we both waited in anticipation! My brother came, lots of hugs, smiles, and excitement as he described airline stories of people who tried to stuff their too big luggage into the too small upper bin. As I'm listening, an arm reaches around my neck! I was being attacked! I turned around to face whoever it was and found the sweetest surprise! My mom and dad standing there in the Dallas airport! My mom and Josh had been planning this all along--surprise my dad (he didn't know he was coming to Dallas until they got to the Indy airport) and surprise me! What a blessing the trip was!





Friday: Nick & I took the fam to Perot Systems/Dell for the official tour--it's like a museum in that place! Then off to Central Market for lunch and grocery shopping. We stocked up on artisan cheeses, salami, ciabata and french breads, and some chianti to make sangria. That evening we headed to Urban Crust for dinner and drinks. Later that night we broke out the guitars and jammed out. Even Charlie joined in!





Saturday: Dressed in St. Patty's Day green, we headed to Downtown Plano's train stop and rode the train to Mockingbird station. Then, we spent the morning and afternoon enjoying the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Greenville Ave. We even met up with Stephanie, Jason, and Joel! Sunday we enjoyed a dinner with Nick's parents (pics to come), Monday we threw a massive cookout (no pics) and Tuesday we lounged around, enjoying the last moment's of family time. I did not want to take them back to the airport! Thanks Nick, Mom, and Josh for a great surprise! Dad and I were definitely surprised!

Coming Soon.....Joshua Greene!

That's right! My little bro is spending his Spring Break in Dallas, TX visiting me! I am so pumped! Visit soon to see pics and posting about the visit!

Do not let your heart envy...ouch, that's rough!

I was sitting in church on Sunday and, though I hate to admit it, I wasn't paying complete attention to the preaching. It was on parenting, and because of my field, I've done a lot of work with parenting and wasn't feeling all that captivated or motivated to focus. Also, I must admit, I was starting to throw myself a little pity party, complete with hats, noisemakers, balloons and streamers, over my recent miscarriage. It seemed, in that moment, like all the world's unwed women were getting pregnant, but I wasn't despite being in a marriage that was God honoring.

The Lord immediately led me to Proverbs 23:17 (which sat across the page from some verse the rest of the congregation was reading on parenting) which reads "Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off."

Wow! Exactly what I needed to hear! Surely there is a future and the Lord will not cut off my hope (of having a family, complete with little babies to raise up with Nick) as long as I am living in fear of Him. And I'm pretty sure in this instance the "fear" of the Lord is referring to the Hebrew word "yirah", which denotes piety, awe, and reverence rather than abject terror, as mentioned in Isaiah 2:10, 19 and 21. So, thank you Jesus, for meeting me where I'm at!

When it rains, it pours...Ephesians 3:14-20

Be careful what you pray--God answers prayers! In January, when I realized that client's were not flocking to my private practice (I'm a mental health counselor and had signed a contract with a Christian Counseling agency/private practice...but no clients since I signed on in Oct and I was to begin paying them monthly rent for the office space! according to the contract). In my desire to help my husband financially I have been praying and claiming the prayers of Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I prayed the Lord would grow my private practice, that He would do more than I could ask for or imagine for myself. That He would provide a steady stream of income, and a way for Nick and I to save for our future family. PRAYER ANSWERED! The LORD PROVIDED!


This Monday, March 1, I had an interview in McKinney, TX for an Activity Coordinator position through a faith-based non-profit (Texas Interfaith) who ministers to the needs of impoverished persons by giving them affordable housing and providing on-site programs like resume/cover letter workshops, after school tutoring, etc. Well, I GOT THE JOB and started training that very same day! The next day, I got a call from Christian Counseling Associates and scheduled 2 more clients. The next day, I got a call from Burson Counseling (I work there too, but had no clients) and was scheduled with another client. So in 3 days I went from nothing....to 3 money producing jobs! I rushed to Office Depot and bought a day planner to keep it all straight!

AND on top of all of this, Nick and I had an interview on March 5, for a ministry opportunity. We interviewed for a CARES Team position (Apartment Life, Christian non-profit) which would allow us to plan events and activities for an apartment community with the goal to share the gospel and bring people into a saving, or deeper, relationship with Jesus Christ. It requires 10 hours/week from each of us fir at least 2 years, with the possibility to extend a third year. In exchange, we would be given a 2-3 bedroom apartment to live in at minimal cost (under $500/month), giving us the opportunity to save the difference! The interview went very well! We got the job! And, we should hear about apartment communities that have openings for a CARES team within the next month or so.

We decided against the first time homebuyer's incentive ($8,000) and stepped out on faith. God met us there and has given us the opportunity to be a missionary team in our own country! We're not clear on God's long term plans for us, but we know He has prepared a place for us and we continue to trust in Him!

Talk about God's provision!!! I am totally overwhelmed by His blessings! When it rains, it pours! And thank the Lord for this pouring out of His love! When I claimed the Ephesians 3 passage, I didn't realize I would go from no job to 4 jobs within a week's time and be encouraged by 3/4 of them to share Christ's love! How cool!

My season of rest and growth

As many of you know, I (Brooke) have been unemployed since July 12, 2009. In the season of unemployment, the Lord has taught me so many valuable lessons:

First, He helped me through my job loss by identifying my true identity as that of a Child of His, a saint in His Kingdom, a sister to Christ. He reminded me that my identity is not my profession/position, my possessions, or to the pleasures of this earth as many would have us believe (See Matthew 4:1–10). He drew me closer to Himself and kept me in an uncomfortable place of dependence on my husband and on Him until I was resting peacefully in His Truth, and relying on Him, rather than myself, for my provisions (Ezekial 16:19, Jonah 4:6).

Second, He revealed to me His plans and intentions for how we are to handle our anger, hurt feelings, and conflicts. This was difficult as most who know me would tell you that I'm the first to get fired up and directly confront (*directly approaching is biblical) and tell the world about it (not biblical)! But, in the pain and grief of a lost relationship, the Lord brought me to a place of peace through his Word and He helped me to keep my mouth shut, despite wanting to defend myself or blame the other person. While asking friends, family, and others for advice are the standard in this world, I found I needed to recognize that the Lord is the source of true wisdom. We need to filter everything through the truth of Scripture. (Read Matthew 18:15-35, Romans 12:1-17, Jeremiah 9:24, & Lamentations 3:22-24, Ephesians 4:26, Psalm 4:4-5, Matthew 5:44).

In January, Nick and I discovered we were pregnant, only later to lose the baby (at about 6 weeks); I've never experienced something more heartbreaking! But the Lord, again was faithful and met me with His peace (Phillipians 4:7)...and it did completely surpass my understanding! He also reminded me in Jeremiah 29 that only He knows "the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD." He has spoken words of encouragement through Nick on so many occasions. The sadness comes and goes in waves, the feeling of loss is still there, but God's peace is bigger and takes up more room in my heart now. The Lord is healing my body, and we pray that in His timing, He will bless us with children whom we can raise up to know Him and impact their world for the Kingdom!

Lastly, Nick and I have been living very tightly since our wedding day. Many wedding details (and honeymoon) were put on a credit card (uh oh) and the reality of that debt, as well as wedding vendor's "final bills," hit about September (wawahwah). We have been faithfully frugal, and have not withheld the Lord's portion (10% of our first! Dueteronomy 14:22, Leviticus 27:30) from Him, despite having to pull from savings, and make the hard choice of not participating in the giving of gifts--to ourselves, our family, and friends during the holiday (and birthday and valentine's and...) season. Plus, we're living on just one income! It's hard to trust "the Lord will provide" when you're eating Ramen noodles! lol. But, He does provide! A late wedding gift paid for unexpected bills in the Fall. Our tax return paid for our car's repairs. And in this fallow season, I've learned the art of cutting coupons, shopping at 2-3 stores for the best deals, and how to say no to luxuries like Feta Cheese and pine nuts.

And, now, having brought me to this place of trusting in Him fully, the Lord has closed the door on this season of rest. Be careful what you pray for--He answers prayers! In my desire to help my husband financially I have been praying and claiming the prayers of Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

I prayed the Lord would grow my private practice, that He would do more than I could ask for or imagine for myself. That He would provide a steady stream of income, and a way for Nick and I to save for our future family. PRAYER ANSWERED! The LORD PROVIDED! (see my blog note, when it rains, it pours!)

I'm so blessed! Not because of what I have, or what I do, but because the Lord loves me, and provides for me, and will never leave or forsake me despite my stubborn ways and despite it taking me longer to learn these lessons than most.

Our First 6 months

Nick and I celebrated our first 6 months of marriage on January 25th and then 2 weeks later our 1st Valentine's Day as a married couple. Interestingly enough, Valentine's Day seemed just another day, not because it wasn't lovely and romantic, but because that's how most of our days turn out to be! Nick and I took a relaxing drive in the Texas countryside, his gift to me as he knows I miss the Indiana landscape. Then, we came home to eat a meal made with love: marinated steaks, wild rice, and grilled asparagus, and homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake, a gift to Nick as that's his favorite from the Cheesecake factory. That cheesecake was a labor of love--10 hours to make, but worth every bite!

I'm so thankful to have a marriage that is such a blessing!! I'd much prefer having my Valentine's Day be like every other day, rather than only getting romanced once a year ;)