Fall Mash Up

I love fall. 

I love the scent of crisp, autumn leaves crunching under my feet and the 

warmth of a caramel apple cider between my fingers. 

I have no complaints about being stuck inside under a blanket, nose deep in a book. 

There is a sense of pressure to get all the outside activities completed before the months long of rain settles. The kids have had their first teacher conferences and I'm happy to report all grades and assignments are right up in the A's. Charlie is starting his AA basketball and continues to take guitar lessons. Addison enlightens us daily with her artistic abilities as she always has a sketch in process. Myriam gains more awards weekly with the most recent of being "the quietest kid" at The Good News Club. As far as Baylee goes, well, she's counting up to 60, telling me her phonic sounds to letters and still refuses to be potty trained. We recently sold The Mill Inn to YWAM North Cascades which is a huge win for both parties. We are thrilled to see the local base expand and grow as God cultivates a generation of Jesus followers providing more space to house 

missionaries coming to town. 

Here's a little more insight into what's been happening in our home:

Addison had a class hike up at Chain Lakes which turned out to be a little wet and quite a bit chilly. I'm not sure I've gained a trail buddy but Addi did great as she was groups ahead with her friends leaving Mom to chat with others in the back. You really can't fail on any hike up at Mt. Baker!

{ Lynden Dutch Treat: Myriam Princess Belle & Charlie a runner }

 I hate Halloween. I grew up not being involved in anything outside of handing out candy to the older kids coming to the door with pillow cases full of cavities. Once in a while our parents would lend their firefighter, nurse or sports player outfits to knock on a few doors up and down our street. I think out of punishment for not getting along or attempts to save money, my parents bought my sister and I one clown outfit as Traci was in one leg and myself in the other. We didn't get very far but certainly lends to a good laugh now! 

While Addison was hanging out with her friends this year, Charlie and Myriam took to the downtown shops for a little harvest fun. 

{ Sweetest m & m ever. }

 

It pays for Daddy to have good relationships with all his sub contractors and customers in places where they do Chicago deep dish style pizza the right way. What a treat to receive two frozen Giordano's pizzas from Doug! One piece alone and you think you were about to burst from the intake of cheesy deliciousness. Needless to say, the kids have been having leftover pizza for lunch all week. 

4 Gals, 3 Floaties, & A Few Pina Colada's

Ladies only boys. 

Yep, that means husbands, it's time to shine while the wives and eldest daughter take to the beaches and take a dive. 

A trip that has been postponed and rescheduled many a times in attempt to get all the sisters on board; to have our health well enough to withstand travel. 

My sister never made it to our much talked about girls trip. The location changed many times over to accommodate her failing health. With plenty of pushing, nudging and talking ourselves into going, we finally took this trip that has been in the works for almost two years. 

Mom, my sister-in-law Lindsay, Addison and I flew out last week to Kona, Hawaii, where we remembered, laughed, cried and relished in the presence of each other. 

It felt wrong to not have Traci with us; the process of grief that ebbs and flows much like the waves that crashed on the shoreline. A different memory with every wave; the lasting pink in the sunsets that spoke to the legacy left behind. 

{ Toting. }

I had the privilege to hear Francis Chan speak at the University of the Nations (YWAM Kona) the night we arrived. My girlfriend, Catherine, picked me up while the other three found dinner on the Kona strip. The anxiousness of doing this trip without my sister slowly eased as the worship began in the open air auditorium filled with all ages. I could sense God calm the longings that torment and tease my heart to hear or touch my sweet sister. This opportunity to be refreshed in worship and learn from Chan, was the perfect way to begin this girls trip. 

{ Loved these moments. }

Our Twenty Fifteen Recap

What was the best part of this past year?
Charlie - Family (being Auntie's cheerleader)
Addison - This Christmas. (no reason; just loves this time of year)
Myriam - Playing with toys (Pet Shops, Olaf)
Tim - Cambodia with his bride & getting to know our pastor on a personal level; watching the depth of community & family grow in our church.
Stephanie - Physical & spiritual stretching through injuries, trips & situations that brought both tears and laughter. Completing the online college course was pretty cool too.

January

After ten years of driving the Tahoe, we upgraded to a 2007 Suburban. I'm pretty fond of the heated seats.
Completed our training for our foster license. 
Game night with the ladies at NCCTK.
Shaved my grandma's hair off due to chemotherapy.

February

Myriam had her EEG to rule out any seizure disorders.
Tim and I celebrated one year from our renewal and baptism celebrations.
Ran my first trail race.

March

Tim traveled to Cambodia with Brian Davidson.
We took a family trip to Disneyland with Grandpa John & Grandma Judy.
Shaved my other grandma's hair off due to chemotherapy.

April

Easter celebrations.
Spring Break entertainment of friend play dates, Tulip fields & organization.
Became a certified foster family.

May

My dad blew himself up on the boat.
Tim and I took an anniversary trip to senior town up north.
We had our first and only s'mores of the season.
Daddy dates running errands with Grandpa Doug in the plane & having treats with Addi.

June

I ran the Deception Pass Half Marathon.
Kids had the end of the year art show at the library.
Hiked Galbraith Mountain with Uncle Jason, Auntie Traci & the cousins.

July

Make Jesus Famous YWAM launch.
Tim sang with Realtime for the ten year reunion of winning gold.
Multiple Birch Bay sand dates. 

August

Tristan came to stay with us for a few days of respite care.
Pool party at Auntie Traci's.
Cooling off in the creek with neighbor friends. 
Family trip to Hefley Lake.

September

I ran a 10k & walked 5 miles with my mom in the North County Road Run.

All Day Campus Classes begun for Addison and Charlie. 

I started my first online college course at CCEF.

The highlight of the year was the trip to Cambodia with My Love. 

October

Ran the Milkshake Run up and over Stewart Mountain.
A family trip to Great Wolf Lodge with Papa and Nana.

We took our last trip to Stoney Ridge Farms gathering pumpkins and fall treats.

Tore my calf muscle resulting in an eight week recovery process.

November

Jacob Dean, Myriam's biological brother, was born. 

Myriam started Preschool.
I took the girls to Frozen on Ice. 

Tim and I enjoyed an overnight at Snug Harbor Marina Resort with some Element Friends.
We celebrated Papa retiring after 40 years on the job.

December

Finally was given clearance to slowly start running again.

Addison had a girls sleepover with friends from school while Charlie had a sleepover with Auntie Traci.
Impromptu New Year's Eve party with the Ellis and VanderPol families. 

Well, that's a wrap. Goodbye 2015. 

Nice to meet you 2016. 

Launching YWAM Into Action

There are few words to describe what happened 

Saturday night in the streets of Lynden. 

From local turmoil of crime and death, to the protests and violence across our nation; we need Jesus more than ever to be vividly present, extremely bold and our faith more steadfast.

This is what was witnessed as many launched YWAM Lynden into mission. 

When you looked across the street, you saw people of young and old, Reformed to Non-Denomination and those of no faith drawn into worship as the contagious joy was spread sidewalk to sidewalk. There were 2000 fed as the Make Jesus Famous worship team led the crowd, singing praises, followed by the founders of YWAM speaking truth about the progress in the mission field. 

There are countless stories of how this came to be, but also how the devil tried with all his might to shut this down. This was a divine event that had God's powerful Hand covering every detail as things fell perfectly into place. 

Tim and I caught ourselves many times wiping tears from our eyes being witness to the power of the Holy Spirit moving through Front Street. Emotions from seeing people allowing God to break the barriers between church names as we worshipped One King. It was incredibly moving to be there at this event and more blessed that we were asked to have 

our hands be apart of helping make it happen. 

Our home was used as a "home" to two girls all week adding three more over the weekend. Heidi J. originated from Finland which made it a must to have pulla, a Finnish coffee time treat, an absolute introducing her to our family which has it's own Finnish connections. Terhi thoroughly enjoyed entertaining Heidi with Finnish chocolates and sharing conversations in her native tongue. 

What a treat that was!

Myriam also enjoyed the early mornings with Jordan who stayed with a family around the corner. He would show up to have a cup of tea while the house would slowly wake up. Myriam was fascinated by his beard. Thankfully, Jordan was a patient guest making best friends with our youngest. Together they would eat breakfast, color, play games, decorate his beard and chat up the morning hours. 

Friday night our Salem friends made their way here as we kicked the kids out of their beds to make room for the guests. With the help from our neighbors at the Lynden Dutch Bakery, we were able to supply everyone with full tummies before heading downtown to hand out fliers, pick up garbage and assist in the mini golf that many took advantage of during the hot afternoons at the Raspberry Festival. 

Many hands made the day go by without glitches as they set up the stage, plugged power in and got the night going. 

Tim and I had the opportunity to privately meet and pray with Loren and Darlene Cunningham as we prepared for the evening. We should have prayed for sunscreen to magically appear on 

Tim's dome which has a nice glow about itself now!

I was personally touched by the entire day. It was contagious with the happenings at 7th and Front Street. No one person made this happen. No one person had this idea. This truly was a vision seen and heard by many who continued to pray until action was sought. If you go back many years, you can see God strategically putting this giant puzzle together and I myself, can't wait to see the bigger picture in years to come. Tim and I have gained new friends in this journey, found more motivation and passion for ministries and have had intimate moments of serving God together. We have no connection to YWAM personally besides Tim's sisters participating in a DTS in Maui and Australia, but we are thrilled to support and stand behind this new base right here in our very own berry-enthusiastic, dairy-loving Dutch hometown: 

YWAM Lynden...Welcome. 

{ Loren and Darlene Cunningham, founders of YWAM }

 { My date for the day. }

{ Moving the stage coach with NCCTK's worship warrior: Joel. }

 { Heidi J. was a HUGE help to Jeremy & Jen. We loved having her around! }

{ Thank you Lynden Door & Elements for providing food for the crowds. }

 
 { Giving a blessing and commissioning the YWAM Lynden base leaders:
Jeremy & Jen Dorrough }

{ Pastor Ryan Bajema sharing his YWAM experience. }

{ One God; One Voice. Freedom of worship in the streets. }

 { Hannah M. became family for the week with her
fiance', Jordan, a visitor by day. }

 { Our Salem, OR friends who joined us for the weekend:
Benjamin K. and Bennett & Tiffany C. }

{ Check out the video; start getting involved by sending a prayer of God's favor over this community and mission. }

It's TIME to Worship!

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him.

Praise the Lord with harp; make music to Him on the ten stringed lyre.

Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the work of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.

Psalm 33:1-4

The Make Jesus Famous event is in full swing as the community joins in launching YWAM Lynden into action. The mini golf is ready for many to strike a hole in one, short films edited for everyone to see the vision, stage organized and songs rehearsed to lead hundreds into worship tomorrow night. There is an amazing team of over 100 volunteers with willing hands to clean, pick up trash, spread the word throughout the Raspberry Festival and share the joy in serving. 

We've had the pleasure of hosting a few YWAM staff this past week allowing Myriam to make some new best friends. Double Ditch Street is about to turn into base camp as many neighbors have also opened their doors for out-of-owners to find a place to rest over the weekend. Thank you to all who have prepared their homes for people to stay over!

There will be a massive grill ready to feed thousands along with free coffee, blue berries and other drinks. It's the perfect combination for a free date night; free food, free activities (miniature golf) and awesome worship! 

You really don't want to miss this!

 { Errands have all been ran, the fridges all stocked and volunteers informed. }

See you tomorrow at 4pm!

No Perfect Size

In all my life, I can't say honestly, that I've ever purchased a piece of clothing that has had a perfect fit...ever. 

Yes, it may feel great, look great and be as close to perfect as humanly possible, but never as it would, say you had a custom sewer, making everything tailored to your ever-changing body. Give it a time or two wearing or the first time through the wash and what was close to perfection has now shrunk or been stretched out. 

This was the case yesterday when Addison needed yet another new swimming suit since the ones purchased just over a month ago ALREADY don't fit her teeny body. This girl has been growing what seems like inches per day. Frustrating really when she's going up and not wide. This makes shopping all the more irritating as most items come in sets. 

Poor thing tried on so many different sizes and styles which most had all too much material for her tween body. 

The solution...two suits; two sizes. Ugh. 

And of course, me taking this a bit further and thinking about it some more this morning, got me thinking about life, families, styles of opinions and choices. There's no one way parenting method, relationship pattern or faith style that ultimately serves One King. We all live life differently, love more loudly and serve in many opposite ways from even those in the same home and family. 

How boring would life be if it was all a one size fits all world? How stagnate would loving and serving Jesus be if it was all monotone? It's the differences that make this world interesting and colorful. I love that our home church worships with a drum set, guitars and keyboard. I love that my parents church still uses the organ and hymnals tossing in a new chorus here and there. Some serve through wallets funding those that serve on the mission field. Some do both. We are told to serve. To be His Hands and His Feet. How we do that may look, and should look, different from your neighbor!

The methods we used to discipline our oldest certainly don't work for our youngest. The ways I taught Addison don't click for Charlie and can guarantee won't pan out for Myriam. Just like our hair and skin looks different, so do the ways we serve, live and love especially in our faith journeys. 

I remember a few weeks after a devastating transition in our marriage, Tim was Johnny-On-It to get me to read the Bible first thing before drinking coffee or going the bathroom. Problem was that what worked for him certainly didn't work me. That's the beauty of most relationships. More often than not, two will compliment each other. Some gain closeness to God through worship; some through meditation. Doesn't mean one is better than the other. 

This weekend YWAM Lynden is launching it's local DTS base with a night of worship and inspirational speaking from the founders of the mission organization. The most beautiful thing about all of this is how multiple churches of different sizes and styles are coming together, as one, to serve the One. It has been a collaborated effort from community pastors praying for this into action. 

Faith is not one color.
Communities are not one style.
Churches should not be one size.
Families different sizes.

Hands raised or folded in your lap...
One purpose.
One faith.
One God.
One mission.

I love witnessing our daughter change daily from little, timid Addi to mature, compassionate sweet Addi. (Not gonna lie...I'm struggling terribly with the purchase of deodorant and a lightly padded swim suit top! I'm not ready for this.) I love that she is not a one size fits most. So what if we need to stretch the wallet a bit to make things fit best. I'd do anything to let her know how beautiful she is, how precious her life is in our eyes and God's. According to the hanger she may not be the perfect size, but why go with the flow? Shake it up a bit.

A little from this church, some prayers from there and holy hand raisers from others. 

The beauty of community is that exact thing. We are all different, but together we make it something beautiful. 

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him."

Romans 10:12

Make Jesus Famous

Mark your calendars for July 18th...we are Making Jesus Famous under the Windmill as we launch YWAM Lynden into action!!!

Not only will there be free food for those in attendance, but amazing worship from multiple local churches joining forces to lift His name up high on Front Street!!!

The real bonus is the blessing of listening to YWAM founders 

Loren & Darlene Cunningham 

share what's going on with YWAM, where, who and why so many youth are fired up for God!!!

Bring a lawn chair if you wish or jump to your feet as we want to force the shut down of Front Street due to people of Whatcom County worshipping and celebrating what God is doing locally and globally!!!

For more information or if you'd like to volunteer for this event, check out the website or you can find YWAM Lynden on Facebook as well!!!

http://www.ywamlynden.com/