Praise this day

entitlement

2008-08-02T21:17:00.002-05:00

I fully intended to write a blog whining about my past week. In a sense, I could justifiably do so, but more important topics are at hand.

Entitlement - we were fortunate enough to hear a wonderful sermon on the topic last week at Bethel Evangelical Free church here in Fargo. For an audio link to the sermon, click here and click on the link for "The Entitlement Myth."

There are three specific ways this sermon has impacted me this week, and I would like to share (read:confess) them here.

1. The Cell Phone - I was laid-off from my job this week. This was through no fault of my own, yet the company needed to reduce cash flow, so two positions were eliminated. Mine happened to be one of them. One of the other eight was the man who handled network infrastructure/cell-phones/desktop support (if this sounds like a role that shouldn't be eliminated, you're correct...and in fact they have been scrambling to replace his work with others in the meantime)...I digress. Anyways, he let me borrow a company phone for my wife to use on her line. It would have been easy to let it "fall in the cracks" (confess: I thought about it for a minute...ok, two.) Nevertheless I made the right choice and told my boss about it.
2. The Health Insurance - I recently turned in my health insurance information to Mayo Clinic. As my visits have been a mix of pre-existing condition and non pre-existing, I thought BCBS would "catch" the difference. It appears they haven't, and covered several items that total over $1,000. I thought for a few minutes about this one, and have decided to call Mayo and BCBS on Monday to see what happened.
3. The Other Employee - There were three people on my team: manager, worker 1 and worker 2 (me). Worker 1 is a slacker, shows up at 10, (we consider 9:30 early, 9 unheard of, 11 at times), takes long lunches, and leaves early. Worker one is going through some things in their life at the moment, and doesn't seem to care much about his job. I won't go into details, but it isn't looking good for him. For a long time, I rejoiced in this, thinking: "Finally, I'll get my job back!!!" or "Well they don't deserve the job, I do because of (insert all manner of reasons here)." or "I hope they fail and lose their job so I can get mine back". I was quite happy thinking of all these things, imaging returning, etc...then that darn sermon reminded me of...entitlement.

It's so easy to feel entitled to things, like we "earned" or "deserve" them. I fall into this trap all the time, and it's those little moments that strip our integrity for the other big moments. I don't write this so people can see how spiritual I am, I really hope that's not what people get from reading this.

What I sincerely hope and pray you see is my brokenness, and the sin in my life that God has been working on correcting. The fact that I even thought for a few seconds about the above three is reprehensible. I am deeply sorry for them and wish to confess it to all who happen to read this.

I owe my co-worker an apology. I'm challenged to pray that they use this time to change, grow, and thrive in whatever they do. I need to stop worrying about money and what position/pay I will get. I need to seek first His kingdom and righteousness...

continue to lift me and my family up in prayer this week.

Changes

2008-03-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

About this time five years ago, I was preparing to leave for the Dominican Republic. It was the week before Easter, Holy Week, and I had little idea of what to expect when I arrived. At the time I was freshly graduated from college, been fired from my first "real" job after school, and living with my brother and a friend in a house that I had purchased less than one year ago.

That first week in the DR had a profound impact on me. I remember the many events we had for Easter - the footwashing service on Thursday, our sunrise service and the wonderful breakfast that followed. I remember joining the housefathers in cutting fruit for the meal as I got to know people and grow accustomed to my new surroundings.

Easter this year was quite different. There was a Thursday evening service, but completely different than the one to which I was accustomed. We had a Good Friday service in a Lutheran church that I had been in twice - once for the funeral of my beloved High School science teacher and once to give a report on missions in the DR. This morning's service was a nice sunrise service, but different than anything I was used to...it's amazing how quickly you get used to things but never fully appreciate them until they are behind you.

I can't say what I saw this morning, but it made a profound impact on my day (not a positive one though).

It's strange - feeling a stranger in the world you grew up in. As I reflect on this time and compare it to five years ago, I'm amazed at how different some things are, and how eerily similar others remain. At the moment, I'm living in a house where my friend lived growing up. I was a regular guest here from the age of 6. We got into all sorts of trouble here. Then my grandparents bought the house and lived here until some years after my grandfather passed away. In a way, this house is part of me. Once again, I am living with my brother, although he now owns the house. I now live with a lovely wife, darling daughter and a lively dog.

There is snow on the ground. Easter greets us with new promises as we celebrate Christ, who overcame death so we might live. As wretched as we are, he endured unspeakable sufferings for us. I am overwhelmed.

viaje

2008-01-23T17:16:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow we leave for the final treatment of round one and to be honest, I have mixed emotions about it. It's exciting to be finished with this first set of infusions. The process has gone amazingly well, far exceeding my expectations! Other than a brief cold that I had several days ago, I have not gotten sick. This is a blessing, considering I'm on an immune suppressant in January (having just moved back to winterland!) I am, however, sad to leave my wife behind. On Saturday my dad and I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic for a missions trip...more mixed emotions. I'm happy to serve, looking forward to seeing my friends, etc...but I'm missing out on a week of work. To some that might seem like a blessing, but we're not exactly the most financially comfortable at the moment. Thus, losing a week's wages really puts a pinch on what we can do.

As I began to worry about this (I'm good at worrying) the thought "Do I trust you, Lord?" ran through my head. I thought it was a good, albeit annoying question. We talk about having faith, and it's fun to read verses that talk about it, or to laugh at some of the human errors that people make in the Bible, but when it really gets down to it in our lives, the pinch starts to hurt.

"Do I trust you, Lord?" Sometimes yes, othertimes, no. Sadly I think the no's outweigh the yes's.

I'm not writing this post as a way to ask for money. Faith is something that I think we all struggle with, and I think that even a non-Christian could agree with the idea that faith in something is hard, but it's important. I'm thankful that I have a God who loves me, and that I can cling to him. I'm even more thankful when I actually do cling.

Thinking of Abraham, it really struck me the other day when I was reading about him in Genesis. Here is a guy who took the biggest leap of faith I can imagine someone taking. God told him to pack up and go to the land that I will show you. And, he did! I can't even being to think of how much was involved in carrying out that decision, and he not even knowing where to go. Then later on, he is afraid of what Pharaoh might do, so he says that his wife is his sister. I mean you would think that this guy, who had the courage to say yes to such a large request would have the courage to trust God in something smaller. But, he didn't.

I think the important thing to realize and to chew on is this. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He knows we will doubt, and loves us (while holding us accountable) when we do doubt. This doesn't make it ok to doubt, but we can know that during those times God loves us and wants us back. Secondly, the "saints" of the Bible all messed up! They blew it big time, but God had a plan for them and they were used to glorify God even in the midst of their failure. Thus we shouldn't expect us (or others, for that matter) to be perfect. Think of the parable of the man who owed much to his master, but mistreated a man who owed him even less. If God can love us when we fail, then we ought to love others who sin!

People talk about the church becoming culturally relevant and communicating in a way that is meaningful and understandable to our culture. In some respects, I agree with this. We ought to reach people and the culture where they are at. But, more importantly, I think we should practice grace and humility with each other first! You know the old saying "They will know we are Christians by our love..." We ought to practice that, and if we do, I think our message to the culture will be relevant no matter what package it is in.

good medicine

2008-01-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

I had my first treatment at Mayo Clinic on Friday. Julie and I were nervous prior to the treatment, as we did not know what to expect. Of course we were familiar with the possible side effects of Rituximab, but were unsure how it would affect me.

Julie, Lara, and I arrived at Mayo Clinic on Friday morning at 8:05 a.m. I was admitted to the Clinical Research Unit (Charlton Building, 7th floor - if you happen to be in Rochester on one of the coming three Fridays). The nurse did some preliminary work, including giving me a Benedryl to help with any allergic reactions. The infusion started at approximately 9:30 a.m., after a steriod was administered via the IV. The nurse checked my vitals every 15 minutes, and increased the infusion rate periodically. At one point, I began to have a reaction to the medicine. My face became flushed, and my head itched quite a bit! The nurse stopped the infusion for 20 minutes, until the symptoms were gone. She then resumed the infusion and it went without any further complications. I felt quite normal the entire time.

Julie and I busied ourselves watching "The Office" and Lara explored the room. All things considered, it was a pleasant day.

My friend, Scott Offord, recently put together a request on my behalf to help with my medical expenses. I am humbled by this request and grateful for both his friendship and desire to help. He wrote up this:

I am a friend of Peter Schott. We worked together in the D.R. I have always been impressed with his commitment to helping others.

Recently, as you might know, peter was diagnosed with a form of Nephritis that decreases kidney function. He is currently involved in a research study that might help in Peter's treatment.

I would like to help Peter and his new family during this difficult time of transition in their life right now.

The smallest amount will help... will you offer your kindness by donating to Peter's medical expense fund today? Just click "ChipIn" and you can pay with your credit card or Paypal account.

Scott Offord
offordscott@gmail.com
www.scottofford.com
(262) 844-5773

If you are interested in helping or learning more, please go to: http://www.scottofford.com/z/peter.html

Feel free to share the link with your friends and family.

Julie and I will continue to keep you updated on this situation.

on faith, doubt, and the nature of God

2007-10-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

so recently I have been convinced that Julie and Lara will come to the USA when I go. I have not a shred of doubt about this...but the embassy hasn't called yet. The stress of life is building - preparing to move, say goodbye, adjust to a new life that we aren't sure of what it yet looks like...

my faith has been running dry. I've been filled will apathy, felt dejection, rejection, and in general sorry for myself.

This morning I was listening to music on the computer, and "How Great Thou Art" came on. Reflecting on the nature of God brought me to tears. "Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hands have made..."

expeditious...

2007-10-16T08:59:00.001-05:00

That's the manner in which the embassy is willing to handle Julie's visa. We received the following information from Congressman Pomeroy's office this morning:

Thank you for your e-mail dated October 11, 2007. Per correspondence from your office, the National Visa Center (NVC) forwarded an expedite request to the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The response from the Embassy indicates their willingness to process the case in an expeditious manner. The petition filed by Peter Barton Schott on behalf of Julia Dolores Julian De Schott will be forwarded to the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic shortly. Peter Barton Schott and Julian De Schott will than be notified.

So the application is being forwarded to the embassy, and we will receive an interview date shortly thereafter. Please continue to pray for this situation, and be sure to praise and thank God for this praise!

Enough...

2007-07-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

I was reading "My Utmost" again this morning and I learned something - I hate it when that happens. Oswald said, "We must never put our dreams of success as God's purpose for us; His purpose may be exactly the opposite." That flies in the face of my individualistic, goal-centered American upbringing! All too often I am focused on what is God's vision for my life, and even more so focused on what I want for my life.

What does God want? Obedience to him, utter and complete obedience in every way. What do we want? Obedience from God, that he would bend and bow to our every whim and fancy. For further reading, see Galatians 5:17.

After finishing my reading, I went "above and beyond" and read the Scripture passage that Oswald referenced. He referred to Mark 6:45-52. This passage talks about Jesus walking on water after feeding the 5,000. I went on to read the feeding of the 5000 segment, and was struck by something. (I learned two things in one day, I *really* hate that.) The people were and it was late in the day, so the disciples wanted to do the sensible thing - send them away to search for food. Jesus on the other hand, did not like that answer. He told them they should give them something to eat.

I'm a fan of sarcasm. At times it gets me in trouble, but when I see it I can appreciate it because it exposes a nastiness inside of me that gives me further proof that I need God. And yes, I do from time to time need proof. The disciples were being a bit sarcastic (in my opinion) when they responded: "Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?" Since two hundred denarii was equivalent to about eight months wages, I don't think this was a serious proposition.

Christ responded by asking them how many loaves they had. The grand total was five (and two fish). You all know the end of the story - Christ divided the people in groups, and began to feed them. Everyone was fed, with leftovers to spare. "They all ate and were satisfied."

Here is what I learned and some thoughts/reflections on this lesson:

We have physical and spiritual needs.
God is aware of these needs and desires to provide for us. In this story, Jesus took care of the spiritual needs first, but did not neglect the practical physical needs of the people.

God provides exactly what we need for any given situation.
There are many references to this in the bible. Daily he provided manna from heaven for the Israelites. In James he tells us that no temptation in front of us is greater than what we can withstand. Paul talked about being content and satisfied in all circumstances. The examples are too numerous to list them all.

Sometimes, God doesn't provide all the earthly means to satisfy, so he might be glorified.
Imagine if the disciples had prepared food for everyone, or had exceeding wealth in order to buy the bread. This miracle would not have happened, God would not have been glorified, and many would not have come to truly know him. Imagine the murmurs in the crowd that day, as they were being divided into groups. I'm sure rumors were floating through the crowd like "they only have five loaves, how will they feed us all?" or "Who is this madman that thinks he can provide for us all with such little food?" even possibly "I'll never be fed, he'll run out before it's my turn."

How many times do we ask these same questions in our own lives? We look at our budget and think there's never enough money for it all. The same goes for the size of our house, condition of our car (or lack thereof), etc, etc. Perhaps you are in a mission or non-profit, wondering how all the services will be provided. Maybe you get angry with God for not providing, wondering why he sent you, wondering if you failed.

None of this is true! God has called you to be right where you are. He provides you with just enough for each day. Think of the manna from heaven - the Israelites received just enough for that day, every day (with the exception of the Sabbath when they received enough the previous day.) Remain obedient to God. Each day wake up and proclaim your obedience to him, then live it out! Look to him (See: Col. 3:1-2; Matt. 6:25-34; Exodus 16:14-35).

Christianito and other thoughts

2007-07-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

I had several thoughts this morning that I felt are worth writing down...

This morning I woke up in a sleepy haze - my cousin and I played WoW last night. In a previous life as teenagers, tweens and below we would play computer games for hours upon end. At times we would go all night conquering the monsters or saving the universe. WoW has been a refreshing journey back to those days, allowing for us to reconnect - to talk, to play, and be spontaneous. Anyways as I woke up this morning, I sat on the side of the bed to collect my thoughts and make sure I didn't fall over when I stood (I'm a little slow for the first hour or so normally). Sitting on the side of the bed, I noticed my protruding belly and thought to myself "I am fat in all areas of my life." My discipline for prayer, studying the word, exercise, and more are all but non-existent. As I read "My Utmost For His Highest" I was reminded of sanctification and our purpose.

In American culture, we are very goal oriented. Job performance, church growth, etc are all measured with various metrics. We seek to quantify everything, reducing our pursuit of relationships, identity, career, etc. into "To Do" lists. It's only natural that this would spill over into the "spiritual component" of our lives. I believe this very idea to be a fallacy - compartmentalizing our spirituality into another area which is either partially or fully separate from our work or home "life".

My Utmost said this today:

The characteristic of a disciple is not that he does good things, but that he is good in his motives, having been made good by the supernatural grace of God. The only thing that exceeds right-doing is right-being.

We must seek to be holy, not act holy. We must be righteous, not act righteous or simply do righteous things. When our actions supersede our motive (which should be to glorify God and draw closer to him) we become like the Pharisees.

My challenge to you and me today is this: What are the pursuits, the passions of your life? Are you striving to be a good worker, husband, gamer, mother, etc but not striving to be righteous? If so any one of those pursuits has become an idol!

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
--Matthew 6:33 (NASB)

The title of the post is "Christianito" because I was called that by two wonderful elderly Dominicans today. Tobias stands at our gate during the day. He is in his 70s but walks up the hill to our campus every day. He always opens the door with a smile, friendly wave and "a su orden" (at your service). Maria (who called me Christianito first) is also in her 70s. She comes to the school several days a week to clean the campus, but each time I see her I am inspired. Maria is, without a doubt, the strongest woman and hardest worker I have ever met. It amazes me to watch her go above and beyond her duties to keep our campus clean. Though it is not part of her responsibilities, she will scrub the sidewalks to get rid of mold. I see her carrying large carpets, moving logs, and smiling with a strength that is not found in most people. You would never know it by looking at her, but she suffers from brain tumors. There are times they give her terrible headaches that bring tears to her eyes. But her lips and heart smile.

These two people are my little glimpses of Christ each day. They work with a humble spirit, cheerful heart, and dedication to their task. Unassuming, they would never call attention to the difficulty of their job. Maria and Tobias smile, they have joy in their circumstances, and they share that joy with others. I was honored to be called "Christianito" (little Christian, or inferred as being called Christian in an affectionate way) by them this morning.

Travel Plans

2007-07-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

For those of you interested, here are my travel plans:
11 August: Fly to Minneapolis
12 August: Possibly speak in Forest Lake
13 August: In Minneapolis, then travel to Rochester, MN
14-17 August: Rochester, MN then travel to Buffalo, MN
18 August: Travel to Kulm, BBQ for my HS class

to be continued...

Update from Mayo

2007-07-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

The Mayo clinic reviewed the results. They said some of the lab results are conflicting, and further evaluation is necessary. A kidney biopsy is likely, but they will not be sure until they evaluate me.

Thus, I requested an appointment for August 8th, and they are going to let me know if that works. If it does, I will fly into Minneapolis on August 6th and travel to Rochester on the 7th.

**Update** The earliest appointment at Mayo is on August 14th. This might affect my flight dates, but I will keep you posted.

I am excited and nervous at the same time. On one hand I'm anxious to see the Mayo clinic, spend time with family, and know what is going on. On the other hand, knowing what is going on is proving to be stressful. Please pray that I continue to rely on God for my strength.

Seeing the Dr. in the D.R.

2007-06-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

Let's face it...I'm used to the medical system in the U.S.A. Admittedly, it's not the best in the world, but it is what I'm accustomed to. So, for better or worse, I wade through the Dominican health care system.

Several months ago, I noticed that my legs were swelling. I would notice it at the end the day when I took my socks off. There would be an indentation around my leg at the top of where my sock was. I thought this was odd, but because I wasn't in any physical pain, I ignored it. Eight weeks later, I went home to the USA for my grandmother's funeral. My brother Andrew noticed this one night and recommended I go to the doctor to get it checked out. Here is a summary of that journey:

Visit #1 -
I went to a trusted doctor in Jarabacoa. She recommended doing some blood/urine analysis. The following day I went and peed/bled/waited for results.

Visit #2 -
We reviewed the results. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were high. They also found trace elements of blood in my urine in the microscopic exam. Combined with the blood pressure reading of 130/88, she recommended an ultrasound on my kidneys.

Visit #3 -
Went to get the ultrasound that afternoon. Found out I wasn't supposed to eat beforehand. Told to come back tomorrow.

Visit #4 -
Went again for the ultrasound. Found I had large kidneys (enlarged, the doctor said).

Visit #5 -
Follow up visit with the original doctor. Referred to a kidney specialist in Santiago.

Visit #6 -
First visit with kidney doctor. More bloodwork, urine sample, another ultrasound. One of the more exciting aspects of this visit was the up coming 24 hour urine sample (more on that later).

**24 hours of pee**

Basically I had a gallon jug given to me by the lab in Santiago. I was to pee in this everytime I had to go for 24 hours. It was to remain cold, thus it stayed in our fridge in between. Two ways my life was changed by this experience: 1) I've never had urine in my own fridge, sitting next to the OJ, etc. 2) I've never had to plan daily events around my pee schedule.

Visit #7 -
Brought the sample back to Santiago - in a cooler on ice. Went over other test results with doctor. Kidneys are normal size, cholesterol/triglycerides elevated, low protein in blood.

**In the meantime**
Test results came back for the 24 urine sample. In the DR when you get lab work done you:
1. Get a referral for the tests
2. Pay in advance for the work
3. Have the tests done
4. Wait 24-48 hours for the results
5. Go to the lab yourself, pick up the results (in an envelope), bring them to the doctor
6. Doctor hand copies them into her hand-written file for you (despite having a laptop on her desk)

Visit #8 -
Doctor had recommended biopsy. I called the Mayo clinic in Rochester (#2 kidney place in the USA, have relatives that work there), Mayo told me the doctor needed to make the referral. Doctor didn't want to make the referral call without me in the office, and oh - I needed to bring some phone cards so the doctor could call. So we came down to Santiago again. Waited for several hours, went in and made the call. They barely spoke to the doctor and spent most time getting my info.

*In the meantime up to present time*

We are waiting for the Mayo doctors to look at the results. Odds are I'll need a biopsy and will be flying back to the USA soon. Keep us in your prayers! God has been good to us throughout this ordeal, in spite of my hatred of doctor visits.

kidneys, cold jelly, and paper work.

2007-06-19T20:20:00.000-05:00

kidneys...

so my legs have been retaining liquid (edema, I believe it's called). I'm one of those "if it doesn't hurt I don't go to the Dr." kind of guys, but my brother who is a nurse talked me into it. One check up led to another...and another. First checkups said my blood pressure was high (130/88) and my kidneys were enlarged (found in a sonogram.) Also, my cholesterol is 222 and my triglyceride level is 270 (both high). Plus the fact that I'm about 40 lb. over my "ideal" weight...anyways the Doctor thought it was kidney stones (wasn't, as revealed by the sonogram), so she referred me to a kidney-ologist in Santiago.

Well you may or may not know...I *love* going to the Doctor's office. In my opinion, it's about as fun as cavities, paying taxes, and shopping for insurance. Nonetheless off we went for a fun-filled day at Union Medico in Santiago. We waited...and waited...and waited some more. All the while without eating, mind you, as I was going to get lab work done. The Doctor wanted further lab tests done (about 20 things in blood/urine).

Thankfully, this visit revealed several things: #1, my blood pressure is perfectly normal (120/80)

cold jelly...

after the lab work, we went to the sonografista's office. One thing I really, truly love (no sarcasm here...really) about this country is the price of medical care. A sonogram (ultrasound) is about 15 bucks. but, the jelly they put on your belly, is cold! I've been in many a time (7) for Julie to get ultrasounds of Lara, but never experienced it myself...so this week I had the honor of receiving two! Turns out, my kidneys are not enlarged as the jarabacoa doctor says...he's just comparing them to the average Dominican (who is, admittedly, much smaller than I).

paper work...

above all, I love bureaucracy, paper work, and waiting. I got my share of this preparing Lara's paper work. One would think having a child overseas would be easy. well, *having* the child is easy but making her an American is a bit more difficult. copy this, don't sign this (or this) yet., get the in extensa this, report all times out of country. prove you were in country, prove you are the father, prove you are the husband. et cetera, et cetera.

well, I dotted my i's and crossed my t's (twice) and, lo/behold, I did it right! (yay!) Lara'a paperwork was accepted, and we have an interview on September 28 to get her officially "American-made."

Keep that in prayer. In other news, Julie's paper work is trudging forward. We received some good news today, she only needs a police certificate from one place rather than three. other good news, she really isn't a criminal! her paperwork came back clean. :)

we'd love to hear from you. feel free to: comment! e-mail! call!

Immigration Reform

2007-06-12T13:46:00.000-05:00

*sigh* My wife has been waiting for over a year, and we are only in the middle of the visa process. She has been unable to see my hometown, missed my grandmother's funeral, and continues to miss out on family gatherings and the opportunity to see things and people that mean so much to me.

I ask that you take a moment and send a revised copy of this letter to your senators and representatives, on my behalf, and on behalf of all those American citizens who are stuck waiting for permission to bring their spouse home. Please send this letter on to those that you know so they can send a copy too. Let's bring this issue to the forefront of American politics!

To contact your senator, go to this page: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

--

Honorable Senator :

I am writing this letter to call to your attention the issue of immigration reform for American citizens who marry foreigners. This process is marred with inefficient procedures, a severe shortage of staff, and a large backlog of cases. It is my hopes that after reading this letter you will take the appropriate action, and raise this issue to the forefront on behalf of all the American citizens you serve.

Consider the example of Peter and Julie Schott (NVC Reference #: SDO2006705033):

Their paperwork arrived at the National Visa Center in August. They had to then wait six to eight weeks for the paperwork to arrive. Much of this information was redundant, and had already been given to the US government on previous paperwork. Several months after the NVC received the paperwork, Peter and Julie were notified that they required more information. The NVC would not tell them what this information was over the phone, fax, or e-mail! They were required to wait another six weeks to receive this information package!

Senator, the way American citizens and their foreign spouses are treated by this system is disgraceful. It disgusts me to think that American citizens should be required to wait several years before his/her spouse can travel to the USA. Recent attention has been given to countless Americans whose travel plans have been affected by the new passport requirements. However, Peter's wife recently missed his grandmother's funeral because she was unable to travel. Many of Peter's friends and family have yet to meet their newborn child, because his wife cannot travel to the USA.

Senator, I ask you to consider this for a moment. Imagine your wife was not able to leave her home state because she was waiting over a year for permission. Put yourself in those shoes and ask yourself if you would be outraged, and what you would do about it. Then I beg you to take those same actions on behalf of myself, the countless other American citizens who are wading through this hopeless and degrading system. Take this issue to the forefront, call for action in the following areas:
1. Improvement in the application process.
2. Decreased waiting times for completion.
3. Increased staffing levels to end the case backlog.

I appreciate your work as my state Senator. Your record reflects a commitment to the values of our state and a listening ear to its residents. Thank you for your attention to this letter.

Sincerely,

fatherhood

2007-05-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

People often ask me what it's like to be a father. While it is hard to put exactly into words, I will do my best to highlight a few of the emotions, etc. that come with being "Dad". Even as I try to write this now, I find myself stopping. This sense of heaviness, joy, gratitude, and responsibility fills my chest.

I love my daughter more than anyone or anything (with the exception of God.) It is humbling to know that God has entrusted you with one of his children. There is joy in her smiles, my heart breaks when she cries, and I am filled with pride and admiration for my wife as she becomes a mother (a darn good one, at that!)

I don't know what my daughter's future holds. She is healthy and thriving, and for that we have been blessed. On the other hand, if she had been sick and feeble, we would have been blessed in that, too. As I watch her grow I am amazed by how quickly she changes. I understand now why parents are so thrilled by the little developments made by children. I've felt the fear of sleeping half-awake during Lara's first days in case she choked. I'm beginning to understand the awesome responsibility of motherhood.

Being a father increases my awareness and understanding of God's love. I would gladly lay my life down for Lara, and have a small glimpse at the pain God must have felt in watching Jesus suffer.

I want my daughter to grow up fearing and loving the Lord. Being around her challenges me to live out my faith authentically. At the same time, I must be prepared for the thought that she may, for a season, rebel against faith and truth. In those moments, I must love her the same as when she is good. My humanity rebels against unconditional love (both giving and receiving) but being a father puts that issue right in the forefront of my life.

Total Surrender (My Utmost for His Highest, March 12)

2007-03-12T07:01:00.000-05:00

Our Lord replies to this statement of Peter by saying that this surrender is "for My sake and the gospel’s" (10:29). It was not for the purpose of what the disciples themselves would get out of it. Beware of surrender that is motivated by personal benefits that may result. For example, "I’m going to give myself to God because I want to be delivered from sin, because I want to be made holy." Being delivered from sin and being made holy are the result of being right with God, but surrender resulting from this kind of thinking is certainly not the true nature of Christianity. Our motive for surrender should not be for any personal gain at all. We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and not for God Himself. It is like saying, "No, Lord, I don’t want you; I want myself. But I do want You to clean me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to be on display in Your showcase so I can say, ’This is what God has done for me.’ " Gaining heaven, being delivered from sin, and being made useful to God are things that should never even be a consideration in real surrender. Genuine total surrender is a personal sovereign preference for Jesus Christ Himself.

Where does Jesus Christ figure in when we have a concern about our natural relationships? Most of us will desert Him with this excuse—"Yes, Lord, I heard you call me, but my family needs me and I have my own interests. I just can’t go any further" (see Luke 9:57-62 ). "Then," Jesus says, "you ’cannot be My disciple’ " (see Luke 14:26-33 ).

True surrender will always go beyond natural devotion. If we will only give up, God will surrender Himself to embrace all those around us and will meet their needs, which were created by our surrender. Beware of stopping anywhere short of total surrender to God. Most of us have only a vision of what this really means, but have never truly experienced it.

I read this selection from My Utmost for His Highest, and it put this simple truth of the Christian life into a completely new perspective. Please prayerfully consider how God might use this message to change your perspective too.

Happy BDay Lara Esther Schott!

2007-03-06T13:38:00.000-05:00

She was born today. I'll get to the details later, but I wanted to post some photos.
Lara Esther Schott
Born around 5 am (C-Section)
8 lb
22 inches long

a healthy screamer, fortunately she is consolable.

also check out her first video, taken when she was about 10 min old:

http://www.theschottfamily.org/movies/babyvid.mpg

prayer requests

2007-02-08T07:04:00.000-05:00

Please pray for:

Continued safety for Julie's pregnancy. Things have been fine thus far, and the baby appears healthy. We hope that continues! Pray for peace, rest, good relationship with her mother, and less pain on her back and stomach.
Blessings on the ND Prairie Partners. The trip has been fruitful, they have overcome challenges and are continuing to grow.
Peter's health and sanity. I have a lot going on! Don't pity me, though - I brought it all on myself. I'm taking a challenging Seminary class, working full-time, being a husband, preparing to be a father and much more! Please pray for my relationships with the children. I will write more about this later, but it has been very challenging lately.
Financial concerns - Please pray that God teaches us to use wisely the resources he has given us. This is a new perspective for me, I would previously pray for more support, etc. Now I want to be a better steward of what we have.

Feel free to e-mail or call us: peteyjulie@gmail.com or 701-526-3331

North Korea - Children of the Secret State

2006-12-19T09:19:00.000-05:00


This is a documentary I watched today about the conditions in North Korea. Take a moment and watch it...I dare you not to feel moved by it.

little blessings

2006-11-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

God's word has been such a blessing, first the Psalms I quoted earlier, then 1 Peter today. I read it from "The Message" and it was very encouraging.

I'll leave you with a brief quote from 1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

angst...part II

2006-11-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

Here is an e-mail I recently sent to a few friends, but it is fitting to share with all, as it relates to the struggle I am going through:

thank you for this. it is difficult to accept. I wish I could say I'm feeling better, but I'm not. hah...even as writing this, the song on the radio is "he will carry you." God's promises are everywhere.

sometimes I just want the obstacles out of the way so I don't need to grow or feel the hurt, but God anxiously waits to walk through the valleys with us, through the obstacles. they bring us closer to his presence, something of great comfort and fear.

I do wish we would communicate more...I would like to enter into a deeper fellowship of community with you and rivers, but that requires deliberate work. here in the DR I am surrounded by a community of believers - who live, worship, work, and struggle together. I grew up in a small town, but didn't even begin to understand what community is until I came here. I long for depth, investment, to be able to worship and weep with one another, tearing down all the walls we try to build and let the iron sharpen iron. What stops us as a body from doing so? Nothing can seperate us from God's love, yet at times the chasm seems as far as the east is from the wsst, so close yet seemingly unattainable. There is so much growth that God has for me in the coming months, I am eager and I resist.

I am deeply confused with where God is taking Vicente's project, and the relationship between Rivers and the Dominican Republic. There is so much that could be done! Yet I do not know clearly what is to be accomplished. "Be still and know that I am God" I hear...sometimes I just go and go and go, and not take time to stop and listen. busyness, stress, fear, and anxiety ensnare me, and I am tossed back and forth against these rocks like waves of the ocean against a rocky shore. my hands and body continue to be cut and bleed, and I continue to cling to those rocks of anxiety and busyness, yet the Rock that calms the storm waits.
Psalm 13:1-6
1 How long, O LORD? Will You forget R279 me forever? How long will R280 You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take R281 counsel in my soul, Having sorrow R282 in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider R283 and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten R284 my eyes, or I will sleep R285 the sleep of death, 4 And my enemy will say, R286 "I have overcome him," And my R287 adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted R288 in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice R289 in Your salvation. 6 I will sing R290 to the LORD, Because He has dealt R291 bountifully with me.

Psalm 6:1-7
1 O LORD, do R110 not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining R111 away; Heal R112 me, O LORD, for my R113 bones are dismayed. 3 And my soul R114 is greatly dismayed; But You, O LORD--how R115 long? 4 Return, O LORD, rescue R116 my soul; F51 Save me because of Your lovingkindness. 5 For there R117 is no mention F52 of You in death; In Sheol F53 who will give You thanks? 6 I am weary R118 with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my R119 tears. 7 My eye R120 has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries.

Psalm 35:17-28
17 Lord, how R1021 long will You look on? Rescue my soul from R1022 their ravages, My only R1023 life from the lions. 18 I will give R1024 You thanks in the great congregation; I will praise R1025 You among a mighty throng. 19 Do R1026 not let those who are wrongfully my R1027 enemies rejoice over me; Nor let those who R1028 hate me without cause wink R1029 F309 maliciously. 20 For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful R1030 words against those who are quiet in the land. 21 They opened R1031 their mouth wide against me; They said, "Aha, R1032 aha, our eyes have seen it!" 22 You R1033 have seen it, O LORD, do R1034 not keep silent; O Lord, do R1035 not be far from me. 23 Stir R1036 up Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord. 24 Judge R1037 me, O LORD my God, according to Your righteousness, And do R1038 not let them rejoice over me. 25 Do not let them say in their heart, "Aha, R1039 our desire!" Do not let them say, "We have swallowed R1040 him up!" 26 Let those R1041 be ashamed and humiliated altogether who rejoice at my distress; Let those be clothed R1042 with shame and dishonor who magnify R1043 themselves over me. 27 Let them shout R1044 for joy and rejoice, who favor my R1045 vindication; And let R1046 them say continually, "The LORD be magnified, Who delights R1047 in the prosperity of His servant." 28 And my R1048 tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long.

these verses echo the cry of my heart. I am also mindful of Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit"

that is all I have for now, may the God of mercy shower you with grace and love as you walk in the Spirit, now and forever, Amen.

angst...

2006-11-19T08:17:00.000-05:00

Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.

Refrain:

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right
http://www2.gol.com/users/quakers/simple_gifts.htm

Last night I awoke to my wife screaming because of a cockroach. I overreacted and treated her poorly. This display left me wide awake and I began to think about my wretched life. My priorities have fallen completely backwards! They have been:
(1) Work and Projects
(2) Myself
(3) My family
(4) God

How did this happen? I was trying to serve God and others, but made my focus on the things, not the relationship. My "walking with the Spirit" became a task, items on a checklist. Same goes with the relationship with my wife...Lord help and forgive me.

As I lay in bed, I pictured Vicente who was cleaning the garbage cans at work the other day, scooping garbage out with his bare hands. Now granted it's not part of his job and there are gloves, the image and idea brought me to tears. This man has received a vision from God to have an orphanage, take care of children, etc. He has a group committed to funding the construction of his new house which will one day become the orphanage. Yet no one will come over to build. Why, I ask. In tears, I beg God to send someone to build. I would if I knew how, but my hands have not been gifted in this area.

Life has no easy answers, and the concept of considering it pure joy when I face trials still baffles me at times.

It's a girl!

2006-10-21T15:30:00.000-05:00

We had our "twenty week" appointment on Friday. For less than $10, I found out that pigtails, makeup, dresses, suitors (*gasp*), and having a "daddy's girl" were in my future.

I couldn't possibly be happier. :)

all things are possible...

2006-08-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

So I'm teaching this Sunday school class on "The Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster, and we are currently going through a chapter on Solitude. During my prayer time last night, I asked God if he would wake me up this morning at 5:00 a.m. so I could spend some time in solitude with him and pray.

Well...this morning I woke to the noise of a dog barking outside. I was annoyed, wondering "Why is that stupid dog barking and not stopping?" I tried to ignore it but became more alert, and finally realized that I had asked God to wake me up at 5:00 a.m. I decided the prudent thing to do would be check the clock and see what time it was. Turned out it was 4:57 a.m., and God was giving me my wake up call! The dog kept barking until I got out of bed and was in the living room...it stopped and I didn't hear it the rest of the morning.

Thank you Lord for answering our silliest prayers in the most creative ways.

asking for help...

2006-08-15T07:56:00.000-05:00

why is it so difficult for me? How far will God stretch me before I simply break? I secretly hope he never stops, but at the same time it pains me to let go.

homesickness...

2006-06-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

...It's like a plague sometimes. I love life in Jarabacoa - the sun rises are amazing, the community we live in is like none other, life is so rich here yet a piece of my heart is yearning to be in North Dakota again. I long to spend a fall afternoon walking through sloughs hunting ducks. Or sledding at the dike in Fargo. I miss high school basketball, football games, Alive! practice, coffee with friends. Most of all, I miss my family. It hurts so much to be away for holidays or other celebrations like Micah's graduation (and both of Andrew's graduations...) Even more so just the day to day connectedness that I had with them. There are times I would give anything to snap my fingers and be 30 minutes into a three hour drive with one of my brothers, mom or dad. Perhaps to go golfing with dad and brothers on Fathers Day again.

It is a pain that never fully goes away. A scar that remains unclosed, and I desperatly cry out to God to heal it, but alas, he doesn't just take the pain away. There are times that I am thankful for that. Without this pain, without this longing, I would be severely lacking. I would take my family for granted. I would lose my dependence on God for my strength and peace. That would be a greater tragedy than the one I find myself amidst.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Immediacy...

2006-05-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the immediacy and "Get it now!" mentality of American culture. This is just a quick example that was frustrating to me...I was on the internet, looking for driving directions from san jose, CA to seattle, wa. I wanted a scenic route, etc but all the map services only had two options "quickest" or "shortest distance." What ever happened to a "Scenic Diversions" option or adding a few detours to the route?

"Random" Connections

2006-04-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

This past week has been an amazing array of connections and introductions. I want to post an overview of them all for you.

Holy Week - Having just finished talking with Jose Abreu (Habitat for Humanity officer at the national headquarters here) the week before about a possible trip to Santo Domingo to present our community to their office, I sat in front of a gentleman on the bus with a habitat hat on. Being the inquisitive one that I am, I asked him about the hat. Turns out him and his wife had just done a habitat trip here and are friends with Jose...Imagine that!

Denice Colson - She pioneered a type of therapy that we use at our school. There is little/no empirical data to support it (other than testimonials) so I wrote her asking if there was any research to support the therapy. She wrote back the same day and basically offered to:
1. Work with us/me on a research project to collect data, which could lead to published research!
2. Come down to our school and do a training. It turns out that her brother-in-law is Dominican. Imagine that!

Community Meeting in La Quebrada - Tonight we had our long-anticipated community meeting in La Quebrada, more of an introductory thing to get to know the community better. Two days ago, I got the idea to invite Martin and Noemi, two Columbians who live and work here. Their church is connected with my contact in the community, so I thought they might want to be involved. The meeting went splendidly! The community is excited to get to work and eager for the groups. They have a burden for a preschool, as there are approximately 35 young children (under age 5) who just run around all day (some of them without real families.) It was almost scary how quickly the pieces started falling into place: Noemi getting excited about the project, buildings available for the short-term to run the school, people in the community with education backgrounds and the desire to get teaching certificates. We will see what God does with it!

Rick Mackey - So about one month ago, my cousin Dan mentions that he knows this guy who will be a missionary in the DR and I should get in touch with him, here's his e-mail address, etc. I forget about it for a month, but finally write him back. Guess where he's going to be living? In Jarabacoa working as a pastor and will be here this fall...Imagine that!

The God we serve is a great and powerful God!!!

"Chance" Encounters of the God kind

2006-04-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

What we think of as funny "coincidence" or "chance" encounters are nothing of the sort in God's eyes. Our perspective is so limited, yet at times we (well, at least I) float along resolved to have a general idea of what is the big picture. This past week I have had two "chance" encounters of the God kind. You can read about encounter number one at my Dream of 50 blog.

Encounter number two began mid-morning yesterday. I was enjoying a leisurely morning, goofing around on the computer, reading the Bible, etc when the doorbell rang. Not expecting anyone, I was inclined to ignore it. However I tossed that notion aside and went to the door. There were two young (late teens to early 20s) Dominican ladies saying something about them being Christians, and having a service tonight in a house nearby. From their description it sounded like a house that I knew, but I was still pretty tired which made my mind a bit more hazy. I half-listened to what they were saying, said yes at times, took their invitation and said good-bye. Julie and I decided it might be fun to go, so at 6:30 we called them to confirm the directions.

Turns out the house is right across the street, and is affiliated with a man that I have met on two past occasions. His name, I believe, is Ron and works with, again I believe, World Gospel Missions. I met him when coordinating an activity for the missions group who came in January. There is a missionary family from Curacao here that has a literacy mission. Their son, Rovian (age 14) took it upon himself to start a "kids club" with the children in his neighborhood. The goal of the club is to give them activities to do that are positive, and teach them the saving love of Jesus! It's a wonderful goal, and a wonderful club. Ron's mission has been helping them, and he was here on two trips the two times I "happened" to go to the kids club - once in Christmas and also in January when the ND Missions group ran the kids club.

So there we were at the house. The group is from a church called "Iglesia de Dios" (Church of God) in Santo Domingo, that is starting a Christian church in Jarabacoa. This is an exploratory trip for them to learn more about the community. At the meeting they played Spanish praise music, did some wonderful dance routines to a few songs, preached a message, then had games and supper. Julie and I ended up staying until 11 p.m., having been there over 4 hours!

I had been looking for a video to keep the kids busy tomorrow while staff hid the Easter eggs. It looks like God had something better in mind, that is to have this group perform for the kids! Please pray that this idea is approved, and it builds a bridge in the hearts of men that already exists in the eyes of God.

Change of Address Update

2006-03-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

Greetings One and All!

Our address has changed, and I wanted you to be aware of that:

Peter & Julie Schott
Unit 3039 - ECDR
3170 Airmans Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

Phone Numbers:
USA > 701-526-3331
DR > (H) 809-574-4349 (C) 809-492-8142

E-mail: psalm1382@yahoo.com

God is good. (I really need not say more, but I'll explain why)

2006-01-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

Here's a recent conversation I had with a friend that sums up how God has been working lately and the glimpses I have had of it.

(09:29:37) Peter: hey shannon
(09:29:41) Peter: you can't possibly be on right now
(09:29:46) Peter: but if so hello :)
(09:29:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you can't!
(09:30:03) Shantasmagoria Wittow: hello :)
(09:30:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: how are you?
(09:30:10) Peter: goodness
(09:30:16) Peter: what time is it there?
(09:30:24) Peter: must be like 5:30 am
(09:30:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: 4:32?
(09:30:30) Peter: i'm doing well and yourself?
(09:30:40) Peter: it's 9:30 am here
(09:30:42) Shantasmagoria Wittow: good
(09:30:46) Peter: God is so good
(09:30:54) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :D
(09:31:00) Shantasmagoria Wittow: do you have a story?
(09:31:01) Peter: there are so many things to say
(09:31:03) Peter: oh yes
(09:31:13) Shantasmagoria Wittow: well, please tell
(09:31:16) Peter: do you ever read my blog? I may have put some of it on there
(09:31:19) Peter: I will tell though
(09:31:29) Peter: it started last july
(09:31:46) Shantasmagoria Wittow: okay :)
(09:31:47) Peter: i was thinking of vacation, not wanting to talk about myself and what I'm doing the whole time I was at home
(09:32:05) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh yes!!!
(09:32:10) Peter: so I asked God what I could do and he gave me the idea to make a dvd showcasing various missions here
(09:32:22) Peter: so a couple friends of mine and I put it together
(09:32:28) Shantasmagoria Wittow: :)
(09:32:46) Peter: had the song "his eye is on the sparrow" as the theme as we let each of these groups tell their story and needs
(09:33:05) Peter: anyways, I was determined to show it to anyone that would sit down for 10 mins and watch it, then see what God did
(09:33:18) Peter: well the first day home, I showed it to Pauline...good Pauline :)
(09:33:38) Shantasmagoria Wittow: she's great
(09:33:39) Peter: she is affiliated with a new non-profit group called "rivers of life"
(09:33:51) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and a connection was born
(09:33:59) Peter: my goal in this video was to connect people/churches to missions in need
(09:34:14) Peter: to build relationshipsand offer a way for people/churches to give to reliable sources
(09:34:26) Peter: or if they were thinking of doing a missions trip it would spur that on
(09:34:30) Peter: etc
(09:34:38) Peter: well this rivers of life group has the same heart and goal
(09:34:46) Peter: and they are doing that with people in madagascar
(09:34:57) Peter: anyways they were having a board meeting the next day
(09:35:09) Peter: Pauline said they would be interested in seeing this and offered to arrange it
(09:35:11) Shantasmagoria Wittow: and...
(09:35:13) Peter: I happily said yes
(09:35:20) Peter: went out there, showed the video
(09:35:26) Peter: they got excited, asked what I wanted from them
(09:35:36) Peter: told them I would like them to be a conduit for resources to the DR
(09:35:42) Peter: they said they would pray about it
(09:35:50) Shantasmagoria Wittow: you flew?
(09:36:08) Shantasmagoria Wittow: oh wow!
(09:36:08) Peter: they prayed for me, received visions that I was going to have a new perspective on the DR when I returned here, that God was going to pour out blessing on the DR
(09:36:23) Peter: 2 hr later they called me and told me the answer was yes
(09:36:25) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I heard a little bit, this is more, and more fantastic
(09:36:30) Peter: and this is where it gets exciting
(09:36:39) Peter: they wanted me to be their "field officer" down here
(09:36:45) Peter: eyes/ears open for opportunities
(09:37:07) Peter: have me as a joint signer on a checking account to disburse any funds that come in
(09:37:29) Peter: and they want to send a few people down here on an exploratory trip sometime (possibly this month by now)
(09:37:34) Peter: I was home in october btw
(09:37:41) Peter: there's funny thing about that too
(09:37:48) Peter: I was planning on coming 10 days later than I did
(09:38:05) Peter: but my drivers license was going to expire and I was going to lose my CDL certifications for bus driving, etc
(09:38:17) Peter: and I wanted to keep them, so I needed to come back by a certain time and take this test
(09:38:26) Peter: so I came home a week early, lining all this other stuff up
(09:38:34) Peter: it "just happened to work out"
(09:38:35) Peter: ;)
(09:38:38) Peter: anywhoo..
(09:38:49) Peter: I came back here, and have been sharing with them when I see needs
(09:38:59) Shantasmagoria Wittow: wow
(09:39:03) Peter: I'm on two committees with our church here, benevolence and missions
(09:39:15) Peter: benevolence distributes money/resources to people in need
(09:39:22) Peter: and missions helps with missionaries on the island
(09:39:29) Shantasmagoria Wittow: this is so awesome Peter
(09:39:30) Peter: a man came to the benevolence committee
(09:39:46) Peter: who wanted concrete for a floor on his house
(09:39:50) Peter: he was building a house
(09:39:59) Peter: renting an aprt at the same time for his family
(09:40:06) Peter: couldn't afford the rent anymore
(09:40:13) Peter: so they moved into this house early
(09:40:28) Peter: no concrete floor, just dirt covered with carpet
(09:40:33) Peter: we went out to examine the site
(09:41:23) Peter: the house, it's a wreck...building the walls with scrapwood(basically bark), the ground isn't level
(09:41:42) Peter: and on the way out, we saw 14 other houses that hadn't finished their construction
(09:41:49) Peter: half finished houses, lined up in rows
(09:41:59) Peter: I asked the man what was going on with those houses
(09:42:15) Peter: said the property was donated by the gov't, and that the people needed to build the house on their own
(09:42:32) Peter: while I was out there I kept getting the thought, "build 50 houses"
(09:42:39) Peter: "in one year"
(09:42:43) Peter: thinking this is crazy
(09:43:01) Peter: kept praying about it, received confirmation through prayer and other people committing to help with the project
(09:43:20) Peter: talked with habitat for humanity today, someone from habitat is going to come here to meet with me and look at the sites, etc
(09:43:26) Peter: to possibly partner with us
(09:43:33) Peter: like I said earlier, God is good!
(09:44:09) Peter: so how do you like them apples
(09:46:09) Shantasmagoria Wittow: I LOVE THEM APPLES!
(09:48:23) Peter: please pray for Habitat, for Jose Abreu (the man who is coming here to see the project)
(09:48:31) Peter: check out http://www.theschottfamily.org/missions
(09:48:36) Peter: and pray for Vicente
(09:48:59) Peter: pray for the 14 owners of the houses and others that are homeless or living in substandard housing

Luke 6 - bravery in action

2006-01-02T06:28:00.000-05:00

In Luke 6:8 Jesus sees a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath with a withered hand. The Pharisees were watching him to see if he might heal the man, breaking the law so they might accuse him. Jesus, in boldness, called the man forward (also helps that he knew what they were thinking!) He then responded to the Pharisees by asking in verse 9: "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or destroy it?" He then restored the man's hand.

What would we do in a similar situation? Not saying we are going to heal a withered hand, though I believe God has given us the power to ask him to provide physical healing for others. Situations like this are becoming more commonplace, where the "letter of the law" is diverting from Christian beliefs. I hear the debate all the time with prayer in school, children getting in trouble for telling their classmates about Jesus, and on and on...will we have the courage to stand boldly? Yesterday I watched the story of Daniel with the children for Sunday school. Daniel had the courage to pray publicly despite it being against the law. God protected him for his faithfulness. After all, I think Daniel knew he had nothing to lose! If he did die, he would be in heaven with his father. Look at Paul, he specifically requested to be seen by Caesar, even though he had the chance to be released. What lead to his eventual imprisonment and death became an opportunity to witness to many, including high government officials in Rome.

Would we have the same courage and faith?

You have got to be kidding me...

2006-01-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

For those of you who thought something like this would never happen...

Woman Weds Dolphin

Woman weds dolphin

Tel Aviv, Israel
December 30, 2005 - 6:34AM

British tourist Sharon Tendler has finally made her dream match - by "marrying" a dolphin she has been visiting for 15 years in the Israeli resort of Eilat, the mass-circulation Yediot Ahronot daily reported today.

Ms Tendler, 41, has been visiting the city on the Gulf of Aqaba two or three times a year to spend time with her 35-year-old underwater sweetheart.

"The peace and tranquility under water, and his love, would calm me down," the Israeli daily quoted her as saying.

Last week, Ms Tendler finally plucked up the courage to ask the dolphin's trainer for the mammal's fin in marriage.

The wedding took place on Wednesday, with the bride - wearing a white dress and watched by amazed spectators - walking down the dock to where the groom was waiting in the water.

She kissed him, to the cheers of the spectators and then, after the ceremony was sealed with some mackerels, was tossed into the water so she could swim away with her new husband.

"I'm the happiest girl on earth," the bride was quoted as saying.

"I made a dream come true. And I am not a pervert."

- DPA

Luke 5, New Year's Res (yes I'm actually doing one)

2006-01-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

So I was reading in Luke today, and got convicted. Funny thing about that darn Bible, it tends to do that to me from time to time (namely any time I open its cover.) The Pharasees were asking Jesus why he was eating with the sinners and tax collecters. Jesus eloquently responded: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Gosh how many times do I expect the kids I work with to be perfect, or not misbehave so much! Look past the kids and move on to my friends or my wife...the bar gets higher. (Shame on me.)

On to the New Year's Resolution...(my official one) is to read the bible through in one year! I'm using the online one at crosswalk.com to get the references, then read it in my bible. I find it better to read the word on paper rather than a computer screen.

My other res is to do an average of 25 pushups and situps each day.

Here's an unofficial toast (with a non-alcoholic sparkly grapejuice, of course) to New Year's Resolutions, and the God that will make it possible for us to fulfill them.

To him be the glory, now and forever. make this year a meaningful one, and when I say that it is my hope that the meaning be found in a deeper, more intimate relationship with your creator. speaking of which, a random closing thought. The other day I was walking to work and decided to pray for everyone I came across on that walk. It wasn't *too* bad right away (read:the first five mins) but started to become overwhelming. Even early in the A.m. in a small mountain town, there are a lot of people to pray for! Houses filled with people that I've never met, scraggly concho drivers, etc. I got to thinking (dangerous habit, by the way) that God knows each of these people in a way that is more intimate than I will ever know my wife. Amazing! Praise God for his power...hey I'm glad he's the one in charge, not me...though I do try to usurp his authority from time to time (read:too many times in a day to count.)

good night all, happy new year.

feel free to post comments sharing any new year's res or how you spent your new years eve and day!

We never did eat falafel... (and other news)

2005-12-31T12:07:00.000-05:00

Several weekends ago, a group of us embarked to Santo Domingo in the hopes of seeing Juan Luis Guerra in concert. He is a famous Dominican musician, is a christian, one a latin grammy, and is Julie's favorite singer (other than her dad, of course). Unfortunately for us the concert had been sold out for weeks (we discovered *after* arriving in Santo Domingo.) Our group began to make other plans that included a craft fair hosted by the Peace Corp in Zona Colonial, supper at "El Rey de Falafel" (The Falafel King) and some quality hang out time in the Zona Colonial at night. The day started with a lovely meal at Dragon House, a restaurant with a full Chinese and Japanese menu. I had miso soup, followed by "Cerdo Agridulce" (Sweet/Sour Pork), accompanied with a couple sushi rolls. mmm.... We went to the crafts fair, where I ran into a friend of mine from Concordia, and his girlfriend. Imagine that, three Cobbers reuniting in the Zona Colonial, DR by chance. We left there and wandered around some ruins of a castle, taking pictures, chatting, enjoying dusk, etc. After that we went to Acropolis (a mall) to check out the movies, in hopes of seeing one before getting falafel. Fortunately (in hindsight) there were no good movies, so we opted for a dessert at Fridays, then headed to Zona Colonial for falafel. En route, we happened upon a scalper. Jason encouraged us to check it out. 1,000 RD per ticket for ones that cost 600 RD in the shops! Darn scalpers, but fortunately for us the concert was about to start, he was desperate, etc...so we got the tickets for 500RD each. Perfect timing, we walked into the concert moments before Juan Luis sang! It was a beautiful concert, his band played different solos, there were AWESOME fireworks, and it rained...I love rain at an outdoor concert.

So, needless to say, we didn't get falafel. Not that anyone minded, I think.

Other news -

things to ask me about/write later:
50 houses
holidays (Julie and I's first christmas, family fireworks, etc)
how blessed we are
Rovian's christmas party
new neighbors
vonage
easel
julie painting

if you are curious about any of these things, e-mail (peteyjulie@gmail.com) or call 701-526-3331.

time for a healthy breakfast!

2005-12-04T08:32:00.000-05:00

Today for breakfast, I ate:

1 piece cold pizza (three cheese with pepperoni)
1 TollHouse cookie bar

considering making some coffee...

Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

Things I am thankful for:

The fact that God loves me and is interested in a relationship with me.
My wife - her sense of humor and adventure that we have recently joined together in life
My family - my dad's wisdom, my mom's encouragement, the love and humor of my two crazy brothers
Nina - the street dog who through providence found a place in my life and heart
Freedom
Rivers of Life - a wonderful group of Christian brothers and sisters in Fargo-Moorhead
Good books - currently in the midst of graduate studies but am reading a book about the life of Claude Monet
Knowledge of the fact that God will do a good work through me "I am the vine, you are the branches; If a man remains in me, and I am him he will bear much fruit. Apart from me he can do nothing" - John 15:5

current projects and musings

2005-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

poems and ideas I want to develop:

"love of a lifetime" - memoirs of an awkward teen
captures the memories of the high school dance, the awkwardness of that moment when the slow song comes on and people start forming alliances for the dance, for the song, not wanting to be the first one out but certainly not the last or the excuses made to avoid the song but to capture the tension the is reflective of the undercurrent of self-doubt and challenge that is adolescence.

"opener" - saw a concert in Minneapolis, and the opener (Davis, I believe) just thinking what that must be like to walk onto stage, playing for a crowd of strangers, hardly anyone knows your name, they don't know your lyrics, and it's your job to "warm up" the crowd? should be interesting, did some free writing about it today to capture ideas.

the cost of bread

2005-11-21T21:53:00.000-05:00

So last night was the maiden voyage for our new breadmaker. It was part of a group item purchase from Colby & Rachelle Ernest, friends of ours who are leaving soon. When I lived in Kulm, my family had a breadmaker. I loved putting that thing on timer, and waking up in the morning to a fresh loaf, some butter and honey! Eager as I was to embark, I set it up in the living room (our kitchen plugs aren't on the inverter...a bad thing if the power goes out). I plugged the breadmaker into a uninteruptable power supply, filled it with the ingredients for raisen bread, set the timer, and went to bed. During the night, the aroma of dough began to fill our apartment, and I even had a dream that two loaves were made (one white bread, and another was a lemon cake with frosting). These sweet dreams of hot bread shared with the neighbors, butter melting over a freshly cut slice were interrupted by...

THWACK!

THWACK!

*sigh* yes I had forgotten how loud the "knead" cycle is on those things. we couldn't shut our bedroom door because it would get too hot in there. So, from 3:30 a.m. (did I mention that I went to bed at 11:30?) to 4:00 a.m. I listened to:

THWACK!

THWACK!

Until falling blissfully asleep..until 5:00 A.M.

a long, shrill electronic noise pierced the air. It didn't stop. Julie and I both woke up, the UPS had tripped its breaker (it's a bad one, did it before with just a computer plugged in...don't ask me why I used it for the maiden voyage of the bread maker). Unfortunately, the power had cut on the UPS so we needed to reset the breadmaker. Fortunately it had made it through all the knead cycles (remember the THWACK!) and had risen...just needed to bake. There was a cycle that did 14 min of kneading, 20 rising, and 25 baking...perfect I thought. So I started it, waited 15 minutes for the knead to finish, then put the bread holder back in the machine, and went to bed for another blissful sleep (accompanied by some really weird dreams ranging from being kidnapped, to being at a leadership convention) ... until 5:55 a.m. yes folks, I brought my wristwatch in the bedroom which thankfully was still programed in housefather mode, and a "last minute" alarm of 5:55 to wake me up before getting the kids up at 6:00. Even more unfortunately I wasn't in the house and someone else was waking the kids up, therefore I had no business being up at 6:00, especially with how the night had gone. Shut it off, listened to Julie complain (rightfully so) and back to blissful sleep until...6:30 when the breadmaker beeped cheerfully to let me know it was done and warming. I didn't need to know this at that time. Fell back asleep blissfully until...7:00 a.m. until julie's alarm went off. THANK GOD I GOT OUT OF BED. otherwise it would have been a late morning.

I was in zombie bliss all day today.

next time, the bread maker is going in the spare bedroom..so the THWACK! minds its own darn biz.

until next time...

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST - My wife is sick

2005-11-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

Greetings all,

Living in a third world country lends itself to exposure of bad food, parasites, etc. I am married to a native dominican, and she got parasites from some food we recently ate. (Interestingly I didn't get any, though we ate the same food).

She has been really sick for one week now. The doctors finally discovered what it was (parasites, amoebas - specifically). If she isn't better in a few days they are going to hospitalize her. I can't say enough how concerned I am for her well-being at this point in time.

There is no "right time" for an illness to occur, but within the last weeks of a semester only compounds the stress that I am experiencing.

Please pray specifically for:

1. Julie's recovery, that God heals her and provides comfort along the way.
2. That I may be patient, and God's love pours out through me into her life
3. That God gives Julie a renewed strength each day
4. That God lets me focus on schoolwork when needed, but to recognize my priority is my wife

I know we all come from unique experiences that bring different stress and joy. I thank you for your prayers and know that God will be glorified in all our trials! Praise be to Jesus, now and forever, Amen.

In Him,

Peter Schott

actually heard something profound on TV... (and another thought)

2005-11-06T07:02:00.000-05:00

The other day I was watching "Dinner and a Movie" and the host made a comment that I felt was interesting, and had a lot of truth to it. He said, "Do you ever think that people watch TV to experience emotions they don't feel in their own lives?" How true this is! People living in fantasy, wanting to experience joy, sadness, or laughter but can't find those moments within their own lives. Praise God that he fills us in abundance with his love.

I saw a website the other day where a woman was selling her house, and herself with it as a bride! Again, how desperate are people to experience love, they will go to such great lengths to experience it. Yet the love of God is not an option for them. I find it interesting how there is such hard heartedness and resistance to God's love, it reminds me of Paul talking in Romans.

God's Grace, God's Love: Abundant, Overflowing, Invisible?

2005-10-25T07:34:00.000-05:00

You may be confused by the title, and in theory, the concept of God's grace and love being invisible seems a bit far fetched. After all, God is, was, and will be now and forever. The Bible speaks many times of the depths of his love, and though I know it is there, my humanity cannot fathom a love that runs so deep to care about the dregs of humanity (myself included!)

I was reading Ephesians 3:14-21 the other day, and it is a refreshing promise. Yet how many times do I in my own life wallow in self-pity and misery to ignore his love!

Picture a bright, sunny day, sitting on the beach. Standing there, you look at your companion who is shivering and whimpering. You ask them why they are crying and shivering. They reply, "the wind is freezing, and the clouds are covering the sun! Look how foggy it is!" It doesn't make much sense, as the sun is out, blazing, and there is no wind. Yet how many times in our own lives to we convince ourselves that we are freezing, when the sun is so hot our feet burn in the sun! I know in my own life, I tend to do this. Yet God's love is so powerful that to be fully exposed to it would overwhelm us.

¹⁴For this reason I ^(A)bow my knees before the Father,¹⁵from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, ¹⁶that He would grant you, according to ^(B)the riches of His glory, to be ^(C)strengthened with power through His Spirit in ^(D)the inner man, ¹⁷so that ^(E)Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being ^(F)rooted and ^(G)grounded in love, ¹⁸may be able to comprehend with ^(H)all the saints what is ^(I)the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know ^(J)the love of Christ which ^(K)surpasses knowledge, that you may be ^(L)filled up to all the ^(M)fullness of God. ²⁰^(N)Now to Him who is ^(O)able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, ^(P)according to the power that works within us, ²¹^(Q)to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NASB)

culture shock

2005-10-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago, I returned to the Dominican Republic from a vacation in the U.S.A. A funny aside - never thought I'd be taking vacations from the Caribbean to the USA, always thought it was the other way around...

At any rate, the culture shock, conflicting worlds, collided several days ago. Julie and I went to supper at a Dominican couple's house. It was a lovely supper, aside from their child throwing up because of the pasta sauce, but that's another story.

My estimation is that less than 50 words were spoken in English the entire night. Now I'm by no means fluent in Spanish, but I do OK conversationally in most situations. However that night, I threw in the towel and became a casual - albeit frustrated observer. It was the straw that broke Pete's back. *sigh* The last time I truly felt this way was 2 weeks after getting married, and the time before that was August of 2003. There are many "things" that factor into this:

seperation from family
no matter where you go, you are different than everyone else
having even a simple conversation is laborious and draining of your mental/emotional energy
island life is nice, but for a guy who grew up in the Plains it can make one feel claustrophobic and trapped at times.
little things become so frustrating - going to the store to buy a green pepper and you can't remember the name (aji, in case you were wondering), using sign language and saying "pimento verde" when I know that pimiento refers to the pepper in the shaker, it's just that I don't know another word...

But I must say "PTL" (Praise the Lord) for inverters! This little beauty converts 12V battery power to the 110 for our electrical system. So when the juice turns on and off at random or inconveniece, we hardly notice. Whereas before, we would groan, scramble for matches by the light of cell phone to ignite the kerosene lantern. Really put a damper on studying or any movie, cooking, etc that we might have been doing.

In other news, trip the states was great. Had some amazing food, and wonderful quality time with family. I'm so blessed to be a part of the family that God put me in.

expanse

2005-09-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river
pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw
land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all
that road going, all the people dreaming in the immensity of it...

--Jack Kerouac, On The Road, courtesy of: Wikiquote

Flying over North Dakota was a surreal experience. Once again seeing all that farm land, the unending jigsaw puzzle of square fields and road made me feel overwhelmed.

Today I was standing in a corn field with my dad, brother and several others. The wind blew across the Plains in a quiet rage, never ceasing. I stood amoung the rows for a moment of reflection, listening to the rustling leaves of the corn plants rubbing against each other in the wind. The stalks were so tall that my head could not be seen if I walked in far enough. For a brief moment I thought about "Children of the Corn" but then reminded myself about reality.

more to come later...

Driving

2005-09-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

If you thought driving in the DR was bad, check this out.

http://media.putfile.com/survive-saigon-short-movie

oddities...

2005-09-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

Things I have seen and experienced lately that remind me of the many differences to be found in DR living:

Majarete - Corn flavored ice cream. Yes, you read that correctly Corn flavored ice cream! I guess it has been around for awhile, but Friday was my first (and possibly last) experience with this culinary wonder. Surprisingly, the taste wasn't revolting but nothing I will want in my mouth again. Picture biting into a fresh piece of sweet corn, melted butter, except it is freezing cold and has the texture of ice cream.
Homeless, or night-shift security? The other day, I was taking an early morning walk. I came across a construction site with a Bobcat skid-steer loader. (I think I spelled that properly). To my surprise, a loud noise came from the cab once I was near. A man was wrapped up in a blanket, sleeping in the seat! If you have ever seen this equipment before, the cab is very small, and the seat is rigid, not very comfortable for sitting, let alone an entire night's sleep! Though I have noticed that construction workers here tend to spend a significant amount of time in the houses/building they are working on.
I'll try to get a picture of it, but I swear that the other day a dog was walking beside me who was a cross between a chiuaua and a black lab!

Sometimes I can't help but smile at how wonderfully diverse our world is! And to think that God knows each of us intimately, the complexity of that information simply blows a fuse in my mind.

Hymns are so beautiful

2005-08-07T17:21:00.000-05:00

A quote from Charles Wesley, heard on a broadcast by Ravi Zacharias:
O Thou who camest from above, the pure celestial fire to impart, kindle the flame of sacred love on the mean altar of my heart; and there let it for Thy glory burn with un-extinguishable blaze, and trembling to its source, return in humble prayer and fervent praise. Jesus confirmed my heart’s desire to work and speak for Thee, still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up Thy gifts in me. Ready for all Thy perfect will, my acts of faith and love repeat, til death Thy endless mercy seal and make my sacrifice complete.
Isaac Watts, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

William Cowper, There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood:

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

I'm famous! (Well, relatively speaking)...

2005-07-31T17:16:00.000-05:00

I've found my fame on the Presurfer. For those of you scratching your head, and something to the effect of:

"Huh?"

coming out of your mouth, no worries. Presurfer is a blog that collects interesting links, news bits, etc for the interested viewer. A recent post reminded me of a favorite site, Too Much Coffee Man, an internet based comic that is social, political, sarcastic and somewhat dark. (My type of humor)

Anyhoo I passed the link on to Señor Presurfer who liked and put it on his site. It may not be much to you, but means a lot to a fan. Here is the post:

----
Too Much Coffee Man (can there ever be too much coffee?) is a comic by cartoonist Shannon Wheeler. Presurfer reader Peter pointed me to the Coffee Man site after my post about INeedCoffee.

According to the author, Too Much Coffee Man started as a joke in 1992. Beginning as a weekly cartoon in the Austin American-Statesman, he now has been seen in such diverse locations as TV Guide, MTV, and an animated Converse shoe commercial. Too Much Coffee Man is about a manic-depressive,obsessive-compulsive, coffee-cup-headed anti-hero. It's not all about coffee, he likes to move into social and political areas as well.

Check out Too Much Coffee Man and take delight in his wisdom: If you can't be happy naturally, be unnaturally happy. Oh, and you don't have to be a coffee addict to enjoy Wheeler's comic.

(Thanks Peter)
----

Article can be found at: http://presurfer.meepzorp.com/archive/2005_07_01_archive.html#112280639751862410

sigh

2005-07-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

I remember the day I walked out of Old Main on Corncobia's (Concordia's) campus. Having turned in my last assignment of my undergraduate college career, a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders! The air was crisp that December day, the buildings and trees were blanketed by a gentle layer of fog. I stood for a moment in the courtyard, gazed upon the "Ole & Lena" statue as my lungs filled themselves of that clean, crisp air. "I'm done." I thought to myself as a smile creeped slowly upon my face. Four and one-half years work resulting in this very moment.

It was a good moment.

A great feeling.

But I'm ready for more. Starting on August 8th, 2005, I will be joining Joshua Redding for a "Distance Learning Adventure" courtesy of Liberty University. We will be pursuing a M.A. in Professional Counseling.

And the world would never be the same.

neverland

2005-07-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Sitting on the porch last night, I was watching two girls race on bikes and one boy popping wheelies on his "training wheels" bike. It inspired me to write a poem, I'll leave the interpretation to you. Feel free to share comments about it!

neverland

the dog's head peaks up for a momentary glimpse
then disappearing back into the tall grass
children race back and forth across the parking lot
on their bicycles
a young boy practicing "popping wheelies"
a fascination that will undoubtably continue past training wheels
to his future pasola or motorcycle

it is dusk and again there is no power
the horizon is marked by the silhouette of palm trees
pine trees and mountains - a pink sky dotted with
lazy grey clouds compose the backdrop
there are white horses in a neighboring field
they whinny, perhaps in conversation with
each other

llego la luz!
our fair town has power again
and so the people celebrate with a laugh and shout
several return inside from their porchesto their business -
others continue their conversation
talking excitedly over the click-clack
of dominoes
the precious few with inverters continue as though nothing happened

the faint rhythm of merengue
pulses in the distance

dusk grows deeper
the boy falls again - running home, though he will not cry
in town there are many boys dressed as men
who also refuse to cry but do not return
home

--11 July 05, Jarabacoa

a simple prayer and a simple poem

2005-07-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

The poem was written several years ago, the prayer yesterday. I think their
simplicity speaks volumes and will leave it for your interpretation/comment.

Prayer (10 July 2005) -

Lord, I want peace in my life...
...Lord, I really don't know what I want for my life
...Lord, I want you.

Poem (29 January 2001) -

a billowy cloud of white unfurling itself across the darkened
landscape
covers my fears and burdens in a blanket of white
lifting them
to the heavens,
burdens are mine no more!

rest child for I am with
you always.
--grace

running to humans...

2005-07-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

...is what I tend to do when I am stressed or faced with a problem. I am trying my darndest to do that in this situation as well, so I will leave the specifics unspoken. You may or may not have any clue how hard this is for me. I so desperately want to divulge every cry of my heart to any ear that will listen.

But God, in a still, quiet whisper speaks into my ear, "Turn to me, find your strength in me, let me guide you through."

Pray that I have the strength and humility to do this. Even now as I am about to publish the post I am thinking of who I can call to talk to about this situation.

Photos from our apartment...will take you to another site.

2005-06-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos I took the other day, in my attempts to:

Give people an idea of what our living space looks like
Capture the beauty of the mountains outside
Be artistic and take some evening shots.

Here are the results, they will take you to my photo gallery:

<-Inside apartment ||Mountain View ->

Nina...

2005-06-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is our dog. We "adopted" her (read: rescued) from our previous neighbor who was poking hard at her, when the dog had the misfortune of walking into her yard. Julie rescued her, we gave her food/water, and left to a friends house. When we returned that night, the dog had left, but was roaming in the yard below (rebellious dog... *wink*)

The next morning was our day off. I got up, started to make some coffee and thought to myself, "I'll bet that dog is sitting right outside our door." I opened it up and sure enough, she was lying down on a 5 inch concrete ledge between the wall and stairs. It took a tremendous amount of coaxing (and fresh meat) to lure her from her refuge. She quickly warmed up to Julie and I and thus began our mutual arrangement. We provided house, home, food, shelter, and love for the dog, and in return she was her happy self and stayed loyal to us.

Nina adjusted to the move into our new apartment quite well. It's been amazing to see her transformed from a battered, scared little thing who would run tail-tucked every time someone new came into the house to a confident (well, not all the times but she's improving) upbeat puppy who likes to play with others!

Nina has this hilarious new habit. She will run back and forth outside, find a seemingly random spot in the sand (maybe it's purposeful for her, but it sure seems random) and proceed to dig down about 4 inches. Once that is finished she sticks her nose in it as far as she possibly can, and with all the breath she can muster, sniffs the hole. This is only made more humorous when, after checking the hole for strange smells, she sprawls out on the ground, lifts her head up and looks at you with this big smile, tongue dangling, and her nose/chin splotched with sand.

Sound intrigued?

Come visit us and see for yourself.

random thought for the day

2005-06-20T14:18:00.000-05:00

What if people got as excited about Jesus as they did alcohol? Now I realize that the entire world isn't filled with boozehounds, and I'm not saying Christians are alcoholics. Just picture this scene:

Friday afternoon on a college campus. People are walking out of their last class, a buzz of excitement is in the air, two days of freedom! You hear people talking as the walk - face to face, on their phones, text messenging their plans.

Imagine thousands of people gearing up to spend a night talking about Jesus, praising him or hitting the streets to share him with others.

What if instead of bars, there were mini-churches or places for Christians to meet and spend the night talking about what God is doing in their lives?

It sounds hokey, but think about it. We expend so much energy into things that hurt us, gloss over insecurity, and only compound our problems, yet we don't want to have the full struggle of true faith and giving our lives over to Jesus.

It's like we're grasping onto razor wire with our bare hands, and we're resisting Jesus's outstretched arms. Our hands, our fingers get sliced up and we cry out in pain. We become angry for the scars and ask "Where is God?"

Sounds silly, but I can count many of the ways I have clung to the razor wire in my own life.

Be careful what you ask for...

2005-06-18T13:21:00.000-05:00

...you just may get it.

Recently I was reading a book called "Prayer" by Richard Foster. It was all I could do to make it through the first two chapters, I got so convicted. One of the excerpts from the chapter on Simple Prayer was a cry to God to help me want what I need.

Lord, help me want what I need.

The ironic piece of this puzzle is that when we ask for things in good faith, we receive them - though not in the way or time we expect. I recall times when I would pray that God would make me more patient, or teach me to be a more patient person. Did God open the heavens, shine a warm light down into my heart, and presto! patience is mine? Unfortunately, no. He put me in situations where my patience would be tested. I was given the opportunity to choose to learn patience or practice impatience.

Lord, help me want what I need.

Know what happens the moment I ask this? All the things I think that I need surface. I am surrounded with a montage of thoughts, images, and experiences that I want. Do I necessarily need them? The obvious answer is no. I don't necessarily need a car. Having extra support money isn't a need, I could manage quite fine on my current budget.

As I type this entry, KFNW is playing through my computer speakers. I love listening to familiar voices, radio format, and songs while away from my home. Stephen Curtis Chapman just got done singing "My Redeemer Is Faithful and True." A fair number of you have probably never heard it...the lyrics are something like this:

As I look back, on this road I travel, I see so many times he's carried me through. If there's one thing that I've learned in my life, is my Redeemer is faithful and true. My Redeemer is faithful and true, everything he has said, he will do.

There's more to it, a beautiful song with comforting message. Reminds me of my mother who first showed it to me so many years ago.

Throughout this pain and challenge, I have realized several things:

I am a selfish person.
There are many times I lack perseverance.
I become so consumed with my own desires! They take over my thought life and I am surrounded by fantasy of what things could be like that I lose track of what I ought to be doing.
Poor listening skills and selfishness interfere with me making a true heart connection with people.
I am very demanding of myself and of others, oftentimes in unreasonable ways.
My first impulse is to run to people for answers rather than God.

I had a real "jerk moment" this week. Another staff member in our department announced that she, her husband and their new daughter would be leaving in September to start a new ministry. My first thoughts - to be honest they were not of the family, but of myself. I began to think of myself in the husband's role here at NHYM, how I am fit for the job, etc. I began writing a note to my boss in my head asking her about the role.

Petty.
Selfish.

Fortunately for me I exhibited some self-control and did not send any message. I have been spending time in prayer about the subject, and asking forgiveness for being so selfish. My first thoughts should have been on the couple. They are entering into a new ministry, what an exciting and scary time!

If you are reading this, I want to extend my deepest and most sincere apologies. It is so awesome that you are following God's call in this way. It will be my prayer that your transition is showered with God's blessing and peace.

Lord, help me want what I need.

Malachi - More to Come

2005-06-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

We've all heard of it, Malachi. Mah la CHI as some may say. It's that last little book in the Old Testament, just a few short pages and chapters, words of a prophet then -

SILENCE

nothing more for 400 years until the New Testament came along, brought Jesus with it, and our lives would never be the same again.

Malachi is a great chapter for me to be reading right now, because it strikes me at my greatest and most profound sin - mediocracy. Being settled, comfortable with where I'm at brings with it a certain amount of pain and some joy, too. It's not the easiest, nor the best, but hey- it's comfortable.

What then becomes of me is a sluggard, a spiritual couch potato. Picture fat middle aged man sitting on a couch, wearing the A-Frame (read: wife beater undershirt). He's unshaven, potato chip crumbs on his chest while he slouches, remote control in hand with his arm draped over the side of the couch. The man flips through the channels, time passes. Admittedly he does become bored at times. He knows he *could* go for a walk, call a friend, or perhaps take a trip out of town, the man chooses not to.

Spiritually, I am that man right now. I confess it, in all the ugliness it entails. I need to become more spiritually disciplined, and intend to do so through the following:

Regular quiet time: I intend to get up at (don't laugh) 5:00 a.m. each day to pray, read the Bible, and do devotions. I successfully did this for the first time, this morning!
Re-think prayer: I am reading the book "Prayer" by Richard Foster in order to grow in this area.
Bible Study: I will be meeting with several men to go through the book "The Complete Husband" by Lou Priolo to gain more understanding of how to love and honor my wife.
Scripture Memorization: I want to go through the scripture memorization list that our students go through, in order. I will start with 1 John 1:5-10 (NIV).

Anyways, back to Malachi. There are eight questions we ask of God, and he gives his response. As I learn more of them, I will outline them here in the blog. The eight questions are:

"But you ask, 'How have you loved us?' (1:2)
"But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?' (1:6)
"But you ask, 'How have we defiled you?' (1:7)
You ask, "Why?" (2:14)
"How have we wearied him?" you ask. (2:17)
"But you ask, 'How are we to return?' (3:7)
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' (3:8)
"Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?' (3:13)

More to come soon. Read the book of Malachi for more information until then. Leave comments if you would like!

Confuddled

2005-05-28T09:08:00.000-05:00

*sigh*

My life is at a crossroads...or is it? Everyday I am faced with choices big and small - do I practice what I preach? In all honesty, the answer to that question is no. I encourage my students to seek discipleship and ask God for direction. Yet when I myself face problems or challenges, I oftentimes internalize them and make it about me and what I want rather than what God wants.

Recently I gave up something to God that was very important, and I am relieved to finally take the burden off my shoulders. From the day I arrived in the Dominican Republic, I carried the mind set that I would someday leave here for other things. You may find yourself asking what is wrong with that, as I myself have often done. The problem lies in when I try to put God on a timeline.
"Yes, I'll finish my two year contract then move back to the States."
"Well, this new position opened up, maybe I'll extend my contract for a year, start working on my Masters, and leave to finish it in the USA."
"Perhaps I'll finish my Masters here, then go back to the States and work."

AAAGGGGHHHH!!!!!

It is so stressful always having an end in sight, and for me it makes me lose track of the day to day in the meantime. I wrote a poem about it once, someday when I find the journal that it's written in, I will publish it here. As I was walking to the Supermercado several weeks ago, I realized what awful stress I was placing on my shoulders. Yes, I am the king of carrying imagined burdens. I told God that it didn't matter to me anymore when I left. Whether it was one year, five years, five weeks, or never, I would trust the decision to him. God would let me know in his own special way when it was time for me to move on. *phew*

Another thing that concerns me is the direction for my life. I am struggling with what I should be doing, am I following God's will, or simply doing what is falling into place. When I think about my passions, they are to group work/interaction, policy and internal action, and cooking. I've heard that you should turn your hobby into a career since that is what you love to do. Well, I enjoy cooking with a passion, should I enter into that career? Would it be a bold move towards my calling, or something I would regret in later years?

I don't see myself as being a counselor for my entire career. Is this just a stepping stone to something greater, and if so should I just persevere during this training time? I've always wanted to do something with teaching or social action. like community organizing. Is this where I'm headed? I feel so overwhelmed.

Psalm 131 comes to mind:

1 O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve
myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. 2 Surely I
have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child {rests} against his
mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. 3 O Israel, hope in
the LORD From this time forth and forever.

Please pray that I seek God's will, not mine in this situation. I so desperately need him in this hour for strength, assurance, and mercy.

Yea, I know...It's about time.

2005-01-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

Well, we finally made it back from that house trip, you see what happened was there was this bridge that had collapsed and we were forced to find another route to our destination, little did we know that a wormhole in the space-time continuum would send us on another adventure, much too wild and exotic for this story, it shall remain for another day. *sigh*

Well, all of that is true except for the wormhole part, I must confess. We did reroute our trip due to a bridge collapse, but made it to Santo Domingo on a beautiful, yet uneventful trip. I do like my alternative version much better though.

So many things happening, happened, and yet to happen that I do not know where to begin. Since my last post I have traveled the continents, waited for a plane delayed by "weather" (when other planes took off and landed during that time), spend a night in New York (well...Jamaica, NY 1/2 mile from JFK), experienced sub-zero weather, hit by a snowball, fireworks on New Years, my first wedding registry, laughed, cried, slept the occasional hour.

March 5th fast approaches, changing my life forever as for some reason I'm about to let someone else share it with me, let alone that they would consider spending it with a person like myself is beyond all reasonable boundaries of sanity. I guess if they are that crazy then by gosh I'll let them along for the ride and God only knows what will happen.

So many fantastic things to write about...

Please pray for the following: (pretty please, with sugar on top)
1. Graduate School: that the application process goes well, and that the financial aid comes together. I am planning on attending Asbury Theological Seminary for a dual degree Master of Counseling and a Master of Social Work.

2. Marriage: Yes folks, on March 5th I will become a husband. Please pray for Julie as she adjusts to my warped personality and way of life. Also that we can grow closer together spiritually, keeping God as the focus and reason for being.

3. Wedding: Yes similar to #2 but not a repeat, pray that the wedding goes smoothly, guest arrivals/departures, itinerary of the wedding, etc. It is a difficult time because Julie's mom/dad is taking next to no interest/involvement in the plans. In fact, we are uncertain as to whether or not her father will even attend.

4. Job transition: I am transitioning into a Counselor position, pray that all those adjustments are made through God's will and strength, not my own.

And as that feisty king from "The King and I" would say, "Et cetera, Et cetera...."

With that for now, I will close. Hope this day finds you singing, smiling, and knowing that, yes, God loves us in spite of ourselves.

Vacation time!

2004-11-09T04:53:00.000-05:00

Today I embark on a 5 day journey with nine teenagers, three other staff members and a driver. We will be camping two nights on a beautiful beach, then spending two days in Santo Domingo. First of all I am very excited to go, God has been blessing this trip by allowing all the details to simply fall together in one wonderful trip! The planning has been much work but a good experience. I feel as if my life has been fast-forwarded 15 years or so, planning the family trip. But I never thought I'd be be doing it for a group of nine troubled teens--Ahhh!!!!

Lord bless us and give us strength as we travel together on this journey, may this time open the hearts of each and every one of the guys, growing them closer to you. Pray that staff remain patient and loving as 5 days solid with these guys can be *very* draining. Lord I lift this trip up to you, may you always remain the center of it, in our hearts, our speech, and our actions.

Where do we find our comfort?

2004-11-03T10:08:00.000-05:00

I recently started a diet. Not necessarily for weight loss although I could stand to lose 5 pounds, but to cut back on the things I have found comfort in and begin leaning on God for my peace. I am not a firm believer in diets for long term weight loss, but the psychological impact of cutting back food is amazing! A friend is doing this with me and we have both noticed increased levels of irritability, short tempers and feeling anxious. Not to mention the people around us have noticed these changes as well.

It was interesting that I would read Psalm 40 as a devotion for the guys last night. With so many changes in my life, and upcoming events I constantly feel overwhelmed. Sadly through it all I have not been leaning on God much, but trying to make a go of it on my own, and the pressure is increasing. I would encourage you all to read Psalm 40 in your bible, or at http://www.crosswalk.com.

Please pray that I continue to let God be the ruler of my life, and continually give to him the earthly things I cling to instead of resting in him. These areas include: food, computers, reading, pride and self-reliance. I have many great desires in my heart for earthly possessions like a bike, new laptop, etc., but I continue to look away from God for my happiness. Pray that my soul finds rest in him alone.

I will leave you with a quote from Psalm 40:

11 You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; Make haste, O LORD, to help me.

Missions Trip - November 2004

2004-10-29T08:01:00.000-05:00

I have been blessed to discover that my family from Kulm is coming on a missions trip over Thanskgiving this year. I will post here a letter that I just wrote to the group, may it be a blessing and encouragement to you on this day:

Dear Friends and Family:

I am writing this letter in eager anticipation of your arrival on Thanksgiving Day. At times, it seems like it was only yesterday that I stepped on a plane early one chilly April morning, leaving the only life I knew for this adventure in the Dominican Republic. There are times when it feels like years have passed since my arrival, as God has taught me so much, growing my heart, my spirit, and my character into something completely new and different.

Several months ago, it looked like this trip was not in God's plan. The details were not coming together, and it was looking like God wanted us to wait on having a missions group from Kulm, ND travel to the DR. Perhaps the Dominican Republic was not ready for a group of hearty, strong-willed farmers to take the island by storm! But as time passed, I put the trip into God's hands and he said yes, they may come. You cannot begin to imagine the joy that filled my heart when I saw what seemed to be an impossibility fall into place in a week!

My work and life down here are very joyful and rewarding, but also extremely challenging and stressful. At times my life feels like it has been fast-forwarded 15 years or so. Imagine me, planning a 5 day trip for 9 or 10 children plus 4 adults, including budget, itinerary, etc! But it is so, as our house will be leaving on a house trip that I have put together in two weeks. Being a house father has brought me to a whole new level of character and accountability.

I used to play a lineman in football, responsible for holding back the defense so our quarterback could complete a pass, or make a way open so a running back could score a touchdown. Now instead of "playing"with my peers, I am God's lineman. The children are faced with temptations and trials every day, and with no self-control to say "No, that is wrong," I am now that wall for them. The pressure is intense, it is constant, and it comes in all areas.

God gives me the courage each day to face the pressure and say no to ungodliness
and worldly passions. You see, to be an example for these teenagers, it is
not enough just to say no for them. I must stand up and say no for myself
to the temptations which I face, including not spending enough time in prayer or
reading the Bible, building my relationship with God.

I miss each and everyone of you more than you will know, and perhaps more than I care to admit. Pretending to be a solid rock, a firm foundation is not always easy, and it is only through God's glory and strength that I can arise each morning and face the challenges of just that day. Paul was correct when he wrote that we should not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough challenges. Each word of encouragement that you give brings me such joy!

Thank you so much for every letter, every prayer, phone call, and also to those words that I never know about yet God hears them. I have been dreaming of this trip for many months, and cannot wait to see your smiling faces on Thanksgiving Day, for I will have much to be thankful for on November 25th, 2004. I love each and every one of you, thank you for taking this cup which God has laid out before you.

What really matters

2004-10-24T21:35:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a quick entry, to let everyone know I am taking a week away from my computer. This past week, I spent hours learning about web design, and created a really cool website. There is nothing wrong with learning web design or making a cool site, however it is one part of the distractions that take me away from God. Had I spent a portion of that time praying, reading God's word, or making myself open to growing closer to him, who knows what might have happened? I get down on myself for not spending personal devotions time, but make little effort to do so. Please pray that God teaches me all I need to learn from this experience, and I remain steadfast.

Seek you in one week, I'll let you know how it went.

Titus 2:11-14

2004-10-17T06:36:00.000-05:00

Last week's memory verse was Titus 2:11-14, which says:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem him from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
--Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

The thought came to me that I should do devotions on this verse for the guys, and so I did! We started by saying the verse from memory (having no idea what I was going to talk about after this), after which I began to discuss the meaning of the verse with them. God's wisdom is far beyond our own wisdom and understanding, thus I was able to say something with a bit of purpose and meaning.

The first part of the verse is clearly saying that God's salvation message has appeared to all men through his grace! That means each and everyone of us are presented with a choice in our lives: will we have the humility to accept his gift or reject the grace that can save us from ourselves?

It would be too easy to pass over the next part without questioning "Why?". Why does God's grace teach us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions? Even more importantly, how does it teach us to say no? The answer is in the nature of why we seek ungodliness and worldly passions. We seek them to fill a void in our lives, an emptiness created by the lack of God's grace and mercy. Satan deceives us with passions and pleasures of the world, as the "king of empty promises" he sets to point us on a path of death and destruction. So we pursue the things in our lives that will bring us to ruin.

God's grace, on the other hand, fills us far fuller and greater than we ever knew we needed! Not only that, it brings a focus to our lives that we didn't have before. When the storm of life surrounds us with doubt and temptation, we can look to God's grace, his promise as our anchor and our hope. It gives us the will and the knowledge to say no to temptation, we can say to ourselves that there is something greater we can reach to.

The next part of the verse outlines what is the hope, that the hope is in the coming of Jesus Christ. The glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a blessed hope, wonderful promise! The next time you are faced with trial and temptation, focus on God's salvation and the return of his Son, it will give you a new perspective and strength in a tough situation.

Two praises in one day, imagine that!

2004-10-10T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I have one more praise for the day. Julie found her passport! It had been missing for several years and she was about to buy a new passport. While in her house, she prayed that God would provide the money for her to get the new passport, as it is quite expensive. Shortly thereafter she found her old passport in a box! Praise God for providing in ways that we do not expect them to.

You reveal the path of life to me;
in Your presence is abundant joy;
in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
--PSALM 16:11

Starting today, I will choose to praise him

2004-10-10T15:01:00.000-05:00

Greetings everyone. I decided to start this blog today as a result of the spiritual retreat we had on our campus this past week. Working at a school for troubled teenagers can be very intense, draining and trying on one's spiritual life and character. Every day I rise and make a choice on what my attitude will be for that day and how it will be reflected to others. Sadly I make the choice more often than not to have an attitude of disheartenment, hopelessness in God's power to change lives (even my own!).

My hope is that this blog will impact my life by giving me an outlet for my thoughts, and keep me mindful of God's glorious work and the blessings he has for us all.

To start off I will discuss some of the praises I have from this past week:

Creative Writing Workshop: I had the opportunity to lead a creative writing workshop this past week, what a blessing! Working with seven enthusiasticly talented men and women not only inspired me to write more, it gave me a glimpse into creativity I had not seen before. More importantly I saw the kids in a different light and gave me hope for them.
"The Video": One of the houses on campus did a video skit for their house skit. Their aim was to poke fun at the school and how things are done here. I do not believe their intentions were in sin or rebellion, but a tounge-in-cheek look at the intensity here. Needless to say it did not go over well. Peoples' feelings were hurt, out bursts of emotion gave the room a heavy heart afterwards. Why is this a praise, you ask? It brought a blessing the next day! The outpouring of emotion from the night before made some of the students realize how much they cared for the staff here, specifically the Homelife director who was the focus of the video. Several kids stood in front of the church and publicly proclaimed their gratitude for his influence and love in their lives. It was a touching, emotional moment. Instances like this never cease to amaze me how God takes what could be such an ugly situation and bring joy, peace, and love into our hearts.
Hail! Why is hail so special, those who grew up in farms may ask? I know from personal experience that hail has destroyed the hopes and dreams of many farmers, as in an instant their entire crop is destroyed. During our staff devotions yesterday, a rain storm came upon us that I have never seen before in my time here. Sheets of rain burst from the sky onto our mountain side. I sat in the chapel watching the rain literally fly by from the window that is above our stage. Greyish-white sheets caused the palm trees to bend and bow to the wind which carried the sheets of rain across the horizon. The steady downpour fell upon the roof, which along with the darkness that came with the storm brought a sense of peace. Suddenly the sound was interrupted by the occasional knocking on the roof, as if someone were dropping a pebble or two. The sounds became more frequent and we began to look outside, only to see pellets of hail falling from the sky. This would not be so unordinary if we lived further north. However in a Caribbean climate, freezing water in the form of hail is very rare. We all took a moment to enjoy the hand of God moving through our valley.

Well, that will be enough for my first post! I hope I've kept your interest and if I have this far please enjoy this verse before you go on your way:

Train me, God, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.
PSALM 86:11 - The Message