Operation Christmas Child

Today Emma, Claire and I delivered the Operation Christmas Child boxes that we collected at Cool River. The total was 41 - not bad for a church of 120. It was a lot of fun to watch Emma and Claire unload the van and carry the boxes in one by one. Lord, I really do pray that as we continue to teach them and stress the importance of giving to others that they will get it. I have 3 little girls that are extremely blessed. They have family that loves them and would do anything to take care of them. They have toys and computers and books and friends. They have more than enough clothes to wear and shoes to keep their feet warm even in the coldest of winter. They are happy children.

Sometimes I just really don't get why God allows some people to have so much and some to have so little - especially children. It makes me think back to the children I have met in Vietnam. They are some of the happiest kids I have ever seen - and their happiness is different from Emma, Claire and Olivia's. Their happiness is dependent upon nothing else than the love and care of their family. They don't have toys and Gameboys and battery operated Barbie Hummers. They have each other. They find value in helping the family. They experience nature and God's surroundings daily. Sure, they have it tough - in our eyes. But they don't even know it. Their own life is all they know and they are content. It's all about perspective.

Lord, help Kevin and I during this holiday season to teach our kids more and more about caring for others and being happy just because they belong to a family and they belong to you. It is such a huge uphill battle - this holiday season that we have commercialized so much. I really want our girls to see the "true meaning" of the holidays. Make me wise in how to assist in bringing that about for them.

Merry Christmas to the kids who receive our three little shoe boxes! It's not much, but they are filled with love.

Emma's Special Day

For about the last year Kevin and I have been having spiritual conversations with Emma. It all started when she began seeing her friends get baptized. She all of a sudden wanted to do it, too. But I think it was all about the novelty of getting to hop into a hot tub at church. Still, this led us on a journey of teaching and talking with her more and more about sin, Heaven, Hell, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Every day we have been doing our Bible lessons in school. Emma has become quite the whiz at looking up scripture. And lately I had started noticing a spark in her eyes and a lift in her voice, as if when she read her Bible out loud it really meant something to her. It was like she was truly trying to understand what it was saying and not just get her school work done.

Just last Sunday a man spoke to the children at church. He was an illusionist and ventriliquist. And in the middle of his performance I heard that he shared the Gospel a number of times. And that, I believe, was the event that brought about a moment of understanding for Emma. The pieces started to connect. Somehow this week all of her head knowledge about Jesus dying on the cross to save her from her sins and make it possible for her to have eternal life in Heaven made its way down into her heart.

As one event led to another, today Kevin told Emma that soon we would be having another baptism at Cool River. They talked and once again she told him that she wanted to be baptized. Then tonight as I was reading to her before bedtime (an absolutely incredible book called "Leading Little Ones to God" that we have been reading for about a month now) I asked her if she had ever prayed the prayer to ask Jesus into her heart. She said "yes." - though she couldn't give me any details as to what she said.

Up until today I have been very skeptical that she truly understood the whole salvation and baptism thing. But today, I know. My own spirit is confident that as much as her little mind can comprehend right now, she gets it. She loves God and Jesus and wants to be with God in Heaven forever. She knows that her sin separated her from God. And tonight, as I sat on her bed and helped her to pray once again, she asked Jesus into her heart. Granted, I did not hear her words. She did not want to say them out loud. But I "heard" them. They were real. And her face lit up afterwards, knowing that something very special and important had just occured.

And as she ran downstairs to tell her Daddy that she had just prayed "the Jesus prayer" I knew once again that God had been faithful. For it is by nothing that I did that drew Emma's heart to God. Kevin and I gave her lots of head knowledge, but it was the Holy Spirit who drew her little 7 year old heart to his today.

So Emma's journey has just begun. . .

Significance

The last few days have been a whirlwind. We have had friends visiting from Texas and a weekend away in the Springs. Then on top of it all (and the best part), it was church as usual today. Lord, thank you for the stamina to lead the life that you have placed before me.

So often it seeems as if we as Americans almost thrive on the stress and busyness of our lives. It's like we almost feel less significant in some way if we don't have a million things on our "to do list" to juggle and talk about. We complain about busyness, and yet we live for it.

I fall into this catagory way too often. I say that I wish life would slow down. I am mindful of days when life was more simplistic. But when it comes down to it, is it slowing down that I really want? No. I tend to think that it is significance - the knowing that all of the wheel spinning has been worthwhile. The pace of life has become the norm. But at the end of the day, have I truly done something of significance? Some days, yes. Many - no. . .

Luckily, this weekend I was reminded once again of the significance of starting Cool River. As I sat in a room filled with many other couples from Colorado who are doing the life of church planting just as Kevin and I are, I was reminded of God's purpose and call and vision. I was reminded of the significance of the daily hustle and bustle of developing a community of faith in Superior. I was reminded of the eternal lives at stake. I gained perspective once again.

We stayed at a castle when we were with all of these other church planters. It was a beautiful place nestled in the mountains. And we were surrounded for 2 days by people who were much like Kevin and myself and at the same time, as different as night and day from us. It was very interesting. We all had the same "call" from the Lord - to help to bring others into the Kingdom, to make disciples and bring a community of faith to the location that God had called us. But much of the commonality stopped there.

These days there are so many different genres of "church" happening that the average person's head might be sent swimming into confusion. I say that because I am average and I have a headache. There is the ever traditional church (that one is now being called "legacy" style church, by the way). There is contemporary church and seeker sensitive church and cell church and house church. There is good old Southern Baptist hymn singing church all the way to church that is so much on the edge of style that I don't even know what they call it. Churches meet in schools and buildings and crystal cathedrals and homes. Then to top it all off, you take all of those different types of communities of Christian faith and pair them up with the people that God created so uniquely different to lead them. . .and you really do have huge ball of confusion. And yet, it can be a beautiful confusion if we are careful not to think too highly of ourselves and our own preferences and realize that God's church is just as unique as God's creation.

And the really cool part of it all is that there is significance to be found in them all. I get so tired of one practitioner trying to convince me that his style is truly the most holy and biblical of them all. I get so tired of the complaining that comes from the person set so much in their own ways that they can't imagine God ever moving anywhere outside of where their brains might be able to comprehend. The way I see it is if at the end of the day the presence of the Holy Spirit was known and people are coming to know the Lord in a truely relational way that brings about life transformation, then it can't matter how or when or where "church" was done. The significance is found in the fruit of the labor. If God can bless and use a man like Billy Graham as well as a rock star like Bono and a 25 year old little Vietnamese guy in the Northern mountains Vietnam - all who are radically different - to spread the truth of the saving grace of God, then I should assume that he can use any style of church to do the same.

Now I am no scholar on this matter - thank God. I'm sure that some would try their best to shoot holes in all of my thoughts. But aren't you glad that God chooses to give significance and honor to all of those who are striving with the purest heart possible to serve him, even though they might be different from us?

You know, I got frustrated a lot this weekend as pastors with good hearts took perch upon their soapboxes to rally the troops over to their side of the fence. Many (not all) house church people think that they have recovered an approach that will truly bring us back to the roots of the first century church in it's purest form and everyone else is chugging down the wrong path to true disciple making. Organized church people can't fathom letting go of their systems that they have known for so many years. All are doing phenominal things for the Kingdom. All are flawed. All stand testimony to the diversity of God the Father. There is significance in them all. If done by the leading of the Holy Spirit, all play their part in God's divine plan to draw his creation to himself.

So, is all this daily wheel spinning significant? Absolutely. Do we ever get off track? Absolutely. Is there room for complaining about our fellow worker in Christ and lobbying for people called of God to start a church to jump on board with the latest new trend? No way! Eternity is at stake. God's creation is diverse. God's call is unique to each individual. The world is full of many different people. Thank goodness that significance is not granted by sinful people like me. The blessing is given at the end of the day when our heads hit the pillow and we hear the Holy Spirit quietly whisper "well done."

WOW!

So I left Kevin home alone with the girls for about 30 minutes on Friday. . .
Yep, that's blue fingernail polish. . .AGAIN! (This time I learned my lesson and threw it away.)

Saturday

Pumpkins from Katie and
Minnie at the mall. . .

Where do you "find" God?

What kind of question is that? Where do you find God? God is with us everywhere we go, right? That is the good Sunday school answer. But often it is as if he is just along for the ride and I seem to forget more times than I should that he is there. Can you relate? If so, maybe you can also relate to that feeling that can come to the pit of your stomach when you just know that it is time to slow down, catch your breath, relax and just be with the Lord. So where do you go? Where do you find God?

I know that some people find him in the early morning when the world seems to still be asleep. Some find him in the mountains while taking a hike or on the lake while fishing. Other people just like to take a ride with him in the car while going basically nowhere. That used to be one of my favorites until gas prices became so ridiculous. Starbucks with a journal, Bible and good book is also on the top of my list. But if you want to know my favorite place to sit quietly with God, it would be. . .get this. . . the Omni Hotel. Yep, that's right. Now don't steal my spot! I don't want to see you the next time I go loitering there on a late night. But that's where I go. That is where I find Him.

Big comfy couches, a fireplace, pretty music playing in the background (and a Starbucks that I pick up on the way) . . . this is my idea of relaxation. This is my idea of sitting with God. This is the environment where I hear God and learn from God the best. I'm such a yuppie, aren't I!? Yup!

Why do I feel compelled to write about this? I have absolutely no idea. Maybe you need to find your place to hang out with God, too.

Today

I woke up this morning at 6:00am. That has not been the norm as of late. But today I was given a boost of energy that took me out of my bed and into the basement for an early morning workout. If I could get into the habit again, this is what I would like every morning to look like. By 7:30 I was exercised, showered and I had already had my quiet time with the Lord. My day had already started and the house was still quiet. aahhh, yes! Snuggled up to read a book until the madness began, the phone rang.

You know that feeling? It was way too early for anyone to call unless there was an emergency. My heart stopped beating for a second as I said "hello?" And who was it? My friend, Nikki, from Texas. "Amy, what time is it there - 7:30 or 9:30?" "7:30." "O Amy, I'm so sorry!! Let me call you back later. . ." Later, are you kidding? Later there would be kids running through the house and laundry to wash. Oddly enough, she had perfect timing.

And an hour later as we said goodbye, do you know what? The house was STILL quiet. What a fantastic gift God gave me this morning to start off my week! And do you want to know what one of the big things that we talked about was? The Amazing Race. Did you see it last night on tv? (picture above) They were in Hanoi! No, better than that, they were at the Melia Hotel where we stay in Hanoi. And better than that - Nikki and Bob were there when they were filming it this summer. It was so much fun to watch that show last night with my girls. The streets and the people and the choas of Vietnam. . . I asked Emma, "Would you like to go there with me some day?" She said, "I haven't decided just yet." Claire, on the other hand, chimed in quickly saying, "Mommy, I want to go! Can I go???" "Absolutely." What a fun experience it will be to one day share that place with them and introduce them to our friends.

I'm just so blessed. Thanks, God, for reminding me of that just exactly when I need it. Thanks for unexpected phone calls and children to share dreams and life with. Thanks for opportunities. Thanks for the support that you send my way, whether it is through a daily time with you or from a caring friend who might be states away. Thanks for energizing me when I need it desperately. Thanks for today.

Olivia is 3!

I am very sad to report that I failed to take any digital pictures of Olivia's party. Gran used her camera - the ancient kind with the film you actually have to develop!!(haha Mom) So all I can do is report that the "Curious George Party" was a success. The best part was that a three year old still does not care who is invited and how spectacular an event it might be. So, it was just a family party - sisters, parents, grandparents and gifts from other family in KY. And of course, Olivia had a blast. The hit of the party was a little metal shopping cart that she received. She has already pushed that thing for miles around our house.
Thanks, God, for the blessing of our little Olivia.

Old Pictures Just for Fun

Today I realized that I didn't have a picture of Kevin on my blog. So. . .I decided to look through the family picture archive. . . and look what I found! He's gonna love this!!! :-)

A Day in the Mountains with Gran and Pop

Back to Normal

Normal! What is that? It seems as if there have been only a few moments in my adult life that have seemed anywhere close to what someone might call "normal." But for now, at least our family is back together again. And even though reality has hit with the daily routine of laundry and errands, there is a certain comfort in knowing what to expect for today and tomorrow. Beyond tomorrow, who knows!?

Kevin is back from Vietnam. It was a hugely successful trip. You can read more about it on his blog that is linked on this page. Mom and Dad have come and gone. We had a great time! Dad taught Emma how to ride her bike without training wheels and attempted to teach me how to drive Kevin's Toyota that is a stick shift. Let's just say that he had much more success with Emma. We spent a day in the mountains and experienced one of the first days of the beautiful Colorado autumn season. And Mom and I successfully pulled off Olivia's third birthday party. It sounds as if I have many pictures to post. . .

So the summer is officially over for the Colon family. We have traveled more since April of this year than I ever planned. From Texas to Kentucky, New Mexico to Vietnam and Vietnam once again, we made it through. Truly, it was a blast! Our girls have been extremely flexible through it all. But as the cool weather begins, I find myself starting to get that cozy feeling that you can only really satisfy at home - looking out the window at the changing leaves and snow on the ground - drinking a good cup of coffee and reading a great book. I hope that the next few months look a little more like that in my home than the "exploded suitcase look" that we have become so fond of in past months.

Prayer Works!

Today was leaps and bounds better than the last two. Not only did we make it through, but we made it through well. It was Labor Day so the girls and I started the day at the parade in Louisville. Next, we were off to the mall to shop for tennis shoes. We ended the day with a playdate and dinner with friends. Yes, the girls were still grumpy. But I was so calm!!!!! Before I put my feet to the ground this morning I begged God to help me to be calm and gentle and quiet today. How about that - it worked!!
Thanks, God!

Emma is 7

Here are a few pictures that I forgot to post earlier. Emma's birthday was August 10.

Complaining

I have heard more complaining in the last 48 hours than a person should ever have to listen to in a lifetime! Seven year old, Emma, 4 1/2 year old, Claire, and 3 year old (this week), Olivia, have obviously teamed up on this "single mom." They have without a doubt, when I was not around, formed a conspiracy to bring as much havoc upon Mom's life as they possibly can by the time the days without Dad come to an end.

I am hoping and praying that I am not going bonkers. Surely others have experienced this feeling of despair and they just don't share it for fear of someone thinking them a terrible parent. Today I feel like a terrible parent. I know that is false. But today it feels very much like reality. I have never been a gentle, sweet, "Leave it to Beaver" kind of Mom. Though I have prayed for the ability to parent with such grace and quietness many times, it seems as if that prayer is not one to be answered. And that is okay. But good grief! What is a mom to do?!

There has been more crying and screaming today in this household by very loud, determined children than I care to share in full. Emma wants breakfast but can't seem to find anything that suits - so she pouts. She wants her hair blown straight for church instead of curly, so she cries. She does not want Qdoba for lunch, so she whines. Her sister took her spot in front of the TV, so she cries AND hits. It's bedtime and she is not tired, so she crosses her arms and with much indignation sits on her bed to COMPLAIN!

Claire wakes up and needs a hug. I hug her and she screams because I squeezed too tight. She can't find her shoes for church and she stomps her foot in anger. Olivia bumps into her and she pushes her out of the way. The snack bar that she insisted on getting at Safeway is "yucky" and she throws it on the ground. Her gown is too tight and her pillow is too soft. She goes to bed MAD.

Olivia just whines. She is such an easygoing kid that she really can't even come up with a reason to whine. It just seems like the thing to do, so she joins in. O yeah, and then Emma pulls her too hard while leading her through Safeway parking lot and makes her fall and get bloody knees. So then she CRIES! Mom chooses the Sesame Street Band-Aid instead of Strawberry Shortcake and her world falls apart.

This was a brif summary of my day.

But the house is quiet now - except for the sound of the dog that is crying to go ouside - guess I should take care of one last crisis before saying "goodnight."

You may laugh at my day as you read. That's fine. For anyone on the outside looking in, I'm sure it would have been quite humorous. But for this mom, I am EXHAUSTED! Emotionally I am ready to sell my kids to the circus. But it was just a day and this is just a short inconvenience of life when I stand back and look at the whole picture. Yes, there are many, many things about myself and the way that I fail to handle my children correctly that I need to work on very hard. I'm just glad that when night comes and they all look so sweet, sleeping in their beds, that I have the hope of another day and another chance tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll do better. Please, God, tomorrow let me be better. I know that when I am "better" - more on top of my game and less self centered- they respond likewise.

Goodnight.
(O, and please, God, don't let a mouse find its way into my room tonight. :-)

AAAHHH!

I have lived in Texas with their gigantic flying roaches. These roaches found their way into our old, little seminary housing apartment on a daily basis. And each morning I would make Kevin get up and go downstairs to kill and remove every last one before I would even consider placing my feet to the ground. But I have never (at least not to my knowledge) lived in a house with mice. Until now!

Yesterday morning I was working upstairs only to hear my youngest, Olivia, run screaming up the stairs from the basement. She was innocently on her way to her dress up box in search of her princess "cloppy shoes." But before she could get there she was obviously met by a new addition to our home - a small black mouse.

And when does this all have to happen? When Kevin is gone. You know, I traveled all the way around the world to Vietnam - a 3rd world country - a few weeks ago, and I never once saw a creature of any kind in my room. Now I am back to US suburbia and here they are - my new guests.

These mice are truly not welcomed guests at all. I am on a quest to rid us of them as soon as possible. I mean, someday I have to be able to send my children back into the basement to play. And at this point, they are not budging in that direction.

Last night I successfully caught 2. Today I decided to involve some backup, and my friend, Scott, is coming over to empty the traps that I am too much of a chicken to touch, and set new ones. The bottom line is that they must go - they must leave before they have babies in my basement!!!

Kevin has now been gone for 8 days. We are only halfway to the day of his return. What humor you have, God! Couldn't this invasion have happened at a better time!?

Friendship

I have never felt the need to fill my life with lots of friends. I know that it is biblical to "do life together." I know that community is important. But I have always been the kind of person that thrives much more on alone time than pouring my life into more relationship.

Now I don't mean this the way it may seem. I am not a recluse. I do have good friends whom I like to have coffee or spend the day with. We do share life together. We listen and encourage one another. We connect because we are at the same stage in life or maybe because we have similar interests. But these relationships have never been such that I feel as if I would cease to function without them.

Today I had a conversation with a friend that I know I would truly suffocate (for lack of a better word) without. You see, the really cool thing is that God knows me so well that he has graciously given me one or two very special "heart friends" to carry me through this life. This one particular friend does not live near me. I have the opportunity to see her about once a year. But we have phone conversations that mean the world to me. There is absolutely no one that "gets" me and my life like Nikki.

Now I know that Nikki would be embarassed to hear me say too many wonderful things about her. She would humbly remind me that she has many faults that she is yet to overcome. But that is the great thing about her, you see. She is real. She is ahead of me in the game of life and ministry and faith and parenting and marriage. Yet, she is always there to walk right beside of me. And she allows me to be her friend even though we are at different stages in life.

Some would say that she is my mentor. I would agree with that. But I would also like to believe that she is so much more. She is a gift that God has given to this young mom and pastor's wife who tends to shy away from intimate relationships. Some might also say that they would love to have lots of friends just like Nikki in their lives. I would not. I am thrilled and blessed to have just one.

God, thank you for knowing me so well that you created a relationship that perfectly suits the "me" that you made. Thanks for a person who is willing to pour into my life. Thanks for giving me someone to trust to speak Truth into my life. Thanks for a friend who is a joy to call mine.

I am amazed at how you knit life together, God. Even as I write this, Kevin is in Vietnam with Bob, Nikki's husband. How ironic that you have not only given me a friend but you have given Kevin and I a married couple to do life with. Kevin and Bob's relationship is a bit different. Life and purpose moves much faster for them and they don't have a lot of just "talk time" anymore. But of all the people that have crossed our paths as a couple, we will forever cherish these two probably above all. Without their influence on our lives and marriage and family we would not be who or where we are today.

Thanks so much!

FYI about Amy

Tonight I was thinking about this interesting fact about Amy that very few people know. Many people are clueless about this fact because it is more than likely quite irrelevent to anyone else but me. It is nothing earth shattering. Yet, as a young girl and even as an adult, this little known fact is possibly the marker in my life that helped to form me into the person that I am today.

You see the guy over there on the left? He's not an old boyfriend or a past youth pastor. He is not even a personal friend - though I have bought him dinner at Cracker Barrel before (long story). His name is Steven Curtis Chapman. "O yeah!," some of you might say. If you are a good church going teenager from the late 80's and 90's your mind might start singing to the tune of. . ."saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze. . .this is the great adventure." Or maybe you have wedding memories of the song, "I will be here when the laughter turns to crying. . . ." Maybe you are thinking right about now, "what the heck is she talking about??!!" Please forgive my rambling.

Some people were raised on U2, Cindy Lauper and Guns and Roses. Others of us were sheltered in the Christian Contemporary music world of 4 Him, Amy Grant, Rich Mullins and Steven Curtis Chapman. Maybe it was because I lived so close to Nashville as a kid and college student that I was drawn to these Christian artists (and country heroes as well, if you must know). Maybe it's because on my first day in youth choir with Wayne Causey he plopped a red and white book in front of me with this guys name on it and made us sing every song time and time again. But my best guess is that God had a plan even in the music that was to come out of a teenagers tape player or a youth choir's Sunday night special. It was a plan that would serve to change the heart of a young believer. It was a purpose to disciple a young girl who had never really had that awesome Sunday school teacher or mentor to guide her in the right direction.

I remember so many nights when I sat at the crossroads of life changing decisions and God allowed the word's of SCChapman's music fill my mind and my heart. Those words touch me even today. He has discipled me and taught me more about God and life and love and risk and stillness, the ride and the adventure of life, than absolutely anyone else. Or should I say that God has taught me those things through him.

And he's a guy who does not even know my name. Sure, I have met Steven Curtis Chapman before. I have been to numerous concerts. I have followed his life and watched as God has used him in so many ways. But he is just a guy. He is a voice once wound up in my tape player and now stored away neatly in my ipod. But that voice will always be such a sweet comfort over me and my life. I listen to his music and I discover myself again. I once found the "Amy" that God created me to be in the midst of his songs. It almost seems crazy, but it is there that I can find her every single time - even today.

Today I Bought Sweatshirts!

I am so excited that fall is just around the corner. It is as if my summer has been a chaotic blur and everything within me is ready to shut down and settle into the coziness of fall. I noticed the first maple tree beginning to turn it's beautiful shade of crimson today. The night's are coming sooner and the crispness in the air that I am beginning to feel is so refreshing. School has begun and routine is here once again. aaahhh. . .it feels like relief.

But will life truly slow down for the Colon family? I seriously doubt it. Isn't there always something? As I write, Kevin is on the other side of the world involved in a huge world event. The Vietnamese government is discussing freedom of religion for the first time ever as a communist country. I would be crazy to think that this event will not have it's effects on the future of our church and family - who have both committed to share God's love in Vietnam. In some sense that I can't even fathom right now, it is going to be huge. And in the hugeness, I have no doubt that our family will continue to move through unexpected waters and uncharted territory.

Cool River is growing numerically. With growth comes change and with change comes challenges and with challenges come personal growth and formation. Wouldn't it be nice to think that one day we might "arrive" at some destination and just be able to sit back and breathe, saying, "wow, this is it!" But that is not reality. Life is fluid and ever-changing because God is always waiting to take us to the next level of his plan and purpose. Cool River is at a crossroads. It's not slowing down anytime soon.

So in the middle of it all, what is my greatest challenge? My greatest challenge is living in the moment. I so want to breathe slowly and "smell the flowers" with my children. I want to savour and truly celebrate Claire's victories of breaking through her shyness. I want to laugh with Olivia as she comes running to me with her Curious George panties on her head. I want to sit with Emma and share with her about the simple wonders of God's creation. I want to relax in the backyard with Kevin and dream about the future and be thankful for the blessings. In the middle of the craziness that we call life, I want to make sure that I don't miss the most important things - smiles and laughter and hugs and tickles. I want to read a good book just because it's enjoyable and not because I'm trying to learn something. I want to take a drive into the mountains with no particular destination in mind - just to stop along the way and enjoy the view. I want to spend time with God when there is no agenda that needs to be discussed.

Such simple desires - yet they are so often difficult to attain in the middle of the chaos. Lord, it's not necessarily that I want life to slow down. It's extremely exciting to be on this road that you have placed me. I just pray that as life happens that it does not pass by so rapidly that I miss you and all of the important things throughout the journey.

Today I bought sweatshirts for my girls. I can't believe it is already time to think about fall and winter being just around the corner. Buying warm clothes is just one thing that I can do to prepare us for the next season. Please, God, continue to prepare my heart for the next season of life that is coming up as well. Whatever I need to do to get ready - beyond just hanging on tightly for the ride - please let me know.

Day One

Today was day 1 of 15 that Kevin will be gone to Vietnam. As I write, he is probably getting ready to land in Hanoi. Only a few weeks ago I was the one on the other side of the world and he was alone with our girls. Now the roles have reversed and I am a single mom for a time.

I have no idea how Mom's that have husbands who travel regularly do it. I know that there is a point where you get used to the fact that Dad is away. Life adapts. But I have no desire to ever make this separation a regular part of our family's life. Though. . .that may be just the direction that life is taking us.

A year ago I would have never imagined that both Kevin and myself would be traveling to Vietnam so much. Until now, it was only a dream, a desire. And because I never believed that these opportunities would present themselves so quickly, I think I failed to mentally prepare for it all. Family time has always been extremely important to us. Kevin is always around. His office is at home. Whether he is playing with the girls or on a work related phone call, his voice is always echoing through the walls. But today, it has been quiet.

Today there have been no garage door noises signaling Daddy's return home or cell phones ringing in the middle of dinner. And tonight there will be no snoring - okay, so maybe one good thing will come out of his absense. But in 15 days I have a feeling that even the snoring will be a welcomed sound. All of the sounds will mean one thing - that Kevin is here with us again. And life will once again be as it should.

Until then, God, be near Daddy. We already miss him.

Happy Birthday!

The end of year 30 is fast approaching. In 3 days I will officially be "30-something."But this year's birthday is not painful like last. Three hundred and sixty two days into it, I have decided that I am going to enjoy my 30's. Granted, a few wrikles are quietly beginning to appear. I have discovered a few dreaded gray hairs and calories seem to stick to my middle with less effort than before. But despite all of those things, the really cool part is that life has more meaning to it than ever before. All of a sudden I have a life - a life that is about more than sleepless nights and dirty diapers, studying for school, moving, or holding my breath to see if Cool River will make it off the ground.

As I stand on the doorstep and get ready to enter into the world of "30-something," I find myself breathing easier. I see a future of actually using the gifts and knowledge God has given to me. I see a glimpse of opportunities never experienced. I see an exciting life with children whom I get to show the world. I see a marriage that is nine years strong and growing. I am beginning to see the fruits and blessings of our labor in Colorado and Cool River. And the anticipation of what is yet to come is terrific.

As I bring a close to year 30 I can do nothing but praise God for all he has done and continues to do. I had no idea that life was going to bring me to this place. In only the last month I have had opportunities only dreamed of. I have shared my church planting wife story with people from both the Colorado state convention as well as a large, new church planting team from Boulder County. - Lord, I am so blessed to have a successful story to share. - I shared with my family a terrific time in Glorietta, NM. I watched Emma, Claire and Olivia become more independent little people and found such joy in the fun that they had. - Lord, thanks for a family beyond my hopes and dreams. - I traveled to the other side of the world just to love on the Vietnamese people. How can I ever view my life in the same way again? - Father, I'm amazed at how you can cause a heart to love a people that it barely even knows! - I have celebrated with Kevin 9 years of bumpy (at times), beautiful marriage and my oldest daughter, Emma, turned 7 years old and started 2nd grade. WOW! This was one month. And I get a sense that the best is yet to come.

Lord, I pray that the journey has just begun. Please lead me your way into this next year. You have been so good to me! I can't wait to see where this 30-something road leads.