Over the last couple of months, our church in Sacramento has been going through a revision of it's Constitution and Bylaws which has provoked a great deal of delving into the Word by both Carrie and myself. I found myself talking to our former pastor and great friend of mine, Mike Nevarr from Virginia, and we were discussing some of the issues I have regarding the "revised Constitution/Bylaws" that is being considered by our congregation and elders.
With that being said, I have visited and attended many churches in my life and know that Carrie and I are truly blessed to have found a church where the church body and the elders, we believe, are trying to wholly follow the mandate "Sola scriptura". We do live in a world of imperfect men though we serve a perfect God.
May we continually pray for each other and those tasked to shepherd the flock! This task/responsibility is not to be taken lightly as they are held more accountable before the Lord which is why the qualifications for elders in I Timothy 3 and Titus are so stringent and are not to be taken lightly. May we not be like the Pharisees of old and take only the letter of the law but rather the spirit of the law and examine ourselves constantly in light of Scripture.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
So blessed...
I was remembering on Sunday about the different houses that Joshua and I wanted to buy in Sacramento when we first started looking to buy last spring. There were four homes that we really liked. The first one was out of our price range, but it was a great looking home, and we could picture ourselves living there for several years. It had a big backyard and the charm of an older home. Plus, it had been remodeled, and it had everything we wanted. We thought we had found our home. However, God said no to that house, and we didn't understand.
Then we found a home, smaller than the first one, but at a price that we could remodel the home ourselves. We were indecisive - it was smaller than we wanted, and it needed a lot of work. We asked some friends from church about it on a Sunday, and they suggested that we buy it, especially since the price was so good, and it was in a desirable neighborhood. So, we planned on making an offer on Monday, but before we could, the sellers accepted another offer. Again, we wondered why. It seemed like it would be great for us.
By this time, Joshua started looking at anything new that popped on the market. He called me at work about another home that had just listed, and it looked promising. So, we met with our realtor to check it out, and even though it was smaller than the second house, I wanted to make an offer right away. As it turned out, the seller had accepted an offer that afternoon. We knew the Lord was in control of the situation, but it really didn't make sense. Why was it so hard to find a house near our church?
The fourth house we found was being remodeled when we saw it. It needed a lot of work on the outside, and the landscaping was overgrown. What was done of the inside look great, and we made an offer. We were excited when our offer was accepted, and we started planning on moving. All the while, Joshua and I knew the sale could fall through. About 15 days after the contract was accepted, issues with the title to the house arose. We knew the Lord could be telling us no once again, or it could just be difficulties that would need to be worked through. Eventually, after being in contract for two months, we realized the Lord was closing the door. Thankfully, we were able to break the contract.
As this was all going on, Joshua was looking for another job. His current teaching position was ending, and he was investigating pharmaceutical sales as well as eduction possibilities. The doors seemed to be opening very slowly, and then at the end of June, the strongest possibility disappeared. We knew the Lord had brought us to California, and we knew that He is sovereign over every situation. So, when all job opportunities were gone, and we were no closer to finding a house, all we could do was trust.
About three weeks later, the job opportunity that had disappeared presented itself again but as a much better position. Joshua was offered the job with Eli Lilly in the middle of July, and we both recognized the hand of God. Since the job would involve driving, and the territory was south of Sacramento, we quickly looked a new home in Elk Grove. We had been interested in a particular homebuilder for over a year, and the company had one home left of the style we liked in Elk Grove! In God's amazing timing, He brought Joshua's job and our home in a matter of a couple of days! Joshua started his job in August, and we moved Labor Day weekend. We are truly blessed, and hopefully we never forget the lessons the Lord taught us about His sovereignty.
So, now we know why all of those homes were not the right ones for us. God had something better!
Then we found a home, smaller than the first one, but at a price that we could remodel the home ourselves. We were indecisive - it was smaller than we wanted, and it needed a lot of work. We asked some friends from church about it on a Sunday, and they suggested that we buy it, especially since the price was so good, and it was in a desirable neighborhood. So, we planned on making an offer on Monday, but before we could, the sellers accepted another offer. Again, we wondered why. It seemed like it would be great for us.
By this time, Joshua started looking at anything new that popped on the market. He called me at work about another home that had just listed, and it looked promising. So, we met with our realtor to check it out, and even though it was smaller than the second house, I wanted to make an offer right away. As it turned out, the seller had accepted an offer that afternoon. We knew the Lord was in control of the situation, but it really didn't make sense. Why was it so hard to find a house near our church?
The fourth house we found was being remodeled when we saw it. It needed a lot of work on the outside, and the landscaping was overgrown. What was done of the inside look great, and we made an offer. We were excited when our offer was accepted, and we started planning on moving. All the while, Joshua and I knew the sale could fall through. About 15 days after the contract was accepted, issues with the title to the house arose. We knew the Lord could be telling us no once again, or it could just be difficulties that would need to be worked through. Eventually, after being in contract for two months, we realized the Lord was closing the door. Thankfully, we were able to break the contract.
As this was all going on, Joshua was looking for another job. His current teaching position was ending, and he was investigating pharmaceutical sales as well as eduction possibilities. The doors seemed to be opening very slowly, and then at the end of June, the strongest possibility disappeared. We knew the Lord had brought us to California, and we knew that He is sovereign over every situation. So, when all job opportunities were gone, and we were no closer to finding a house, all we could do was trust.
About three weeks later, the job opportunity that had disappeared presented itself again but as a much better position. Joshua was offered the job with Eli Lilly in the middle of July, and we both recognized the hand of God. Since the job would involve driving, and the territory was south of Sacramento, we quickly looked a new home in Elk Grove. We had been interested in a particular homebuilder for over a year, and the company had one home left of the style we liked in Elk Grove! In God's amazing timing, He brought Joshua's job and our home in a matter of a couple of days! Joshua started his job in August, and we moved Labor Day weekend. We are truly blessed, and hopefully we never forget the lessons the Lord taught us about His sovereignty.
So, now we know why all of those homes were not the right ones for us. God had something better!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Car no more...
Praise the Lord, we sold the Honda Accord this morning. Though it was difficult to let go because it was such a great vehicle, we are glad to be back down to a two vehicle household. The funny thing was that after driving the Accord around this morning and then jumping back into my company car (Chevy Impala), I quickly had fond memories of the Accord and what a pleasure it was to drive. :)
The Lord continues to amaze us at His perfect timing and His provisions for us!
The Lord continues to amaze us at His perfect timing and His provisions for us!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Nephew and niece...
Tonight, Carrie and I had the privilege of hosting my sister and her family for dinner at our house. My nephew Isaac feel instantly in love with our dog Harrison and Mozart, the cat, promptly hide in the guest bathroom for the remainder of the night. :) Hannah, our 4 month old niece, decided to sleep for the majority of the time and then grace us with her awakened presence at the end of their visit. She is such a happy baby giving smiles to everyone. Julie and Russ said that she only fusses for specific things...feeding, sleeping and changing.
Isaac was very excited about following Harrison around, feeding Harrison treats for tricks though he was disappointed that Harrison wouldn't chase him. Russ and I were very thankful that Harrison opted out of "Tag, your it."
Being around family is such a blessing and I feel so blest to live within driving distance of two of my siblings and their respective families and also my godly parents.
Have a blest evening and Sunday in the House of the Lord wherever you may worship, truly worship our Lord!
Isaac was very excited about following Harrison around, feeding Harrison treats for tricks though he was disappointed that Harrison wouldn't chase him. Russ and I were very thankful that Harrison opted out of "Tag, your it."
Being around family is such a blessing and I feel so blest to live within driving distance of two of my siblings and their respective families and also my godly parents.
Have a blest evening and Sunday in the House of the Lord wherever you may worship, truly worship our Lord!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Beauty of God's creation...
This last week, I went down to Pismo Beach, CA for a team meeting. I had a great time with the team and am extremely thankful that God has placed me at Lilly and with the team that I am on. The waves crashing on the cliffs and the pounding surf were truly relaxing.
On the drive back up Highway 101, I was amazed at the beauty of nature that God has provided us. While driving by vineyards and fields growing lettuce, strawberries, artichoke, etc. I was continually amazed and the awesome granduer of His work. While driving, I was able to speak with Carrie's Grandma Ottis who is 91 years old and lives in Fargo, ND. Carrie's grandparents were North Dakota farmers and so it was very interesting to tell her what I was driving by and it amazed her that fields were still producing in January.
Then, I went through the garlic fields of Gilroy, crossed over the foothills and into the Central Valley where Carrie and I live. It is very interesting seeing the change in topography and yet, how God has manifested His greatness and grace through it all.
Wherever you are in the world, take a moment to absorb the natural beauty of the world the Lord has given us!
On the drive back up Highway 101, I was amazed at the beauty of nature that God has provided us. While driving by vineyards and fields growing lettuce, strawberries, artichoke, etc. I was continually amazed and the awesome granduer of His work. While driving, I was able to speak with Carrie's Grandma Ottis who is 91 years old and lives in Fargo, ND. Carrie's grandparents were North Dakota farmers and so it was very interesting to tell her what I was driving by and it amazed her that fields were still producing in January.
Then, I went through the garlic fields of Gilroy, crossed over the foothills and into the Central Valley where Carrie and I live. It is very interesting seeing the change in topography and yet, how God has manifested His greatness and grace through it all.
Wherever you are in the world, take a moment to absorb the natural beauty of the world the Lord has given us!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
More photos of the new house...
Here are some pictures of the office:
Here are some pictures of the other bedrooms (one guest/other music):
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Nearly finished landscaping for the new house...
Well, here are some pictures of the nearly complete landscaping for the new house. I still need to put down the mulch as well as plant a Kwanzan or Yoshino flowering cherry tree next year.
Enjoy!
Photos of the Backyard:
Enjoy!
Photos of the Backyard:
Photos of the front yard:
Christmas Party 2006
Carrie and I had a wonderful time hosting our annual Christmas party, Saturday, December 9th. We had over 65 people show up over the course of the party. We were blessed to have people from church, work (Lilly and old school), family, old friends from Virginia and even Carrie's Aunt Barbara from Minnesota.
Mozart, our poor cat who is afraid of strangers, chose the wrong room to hide in because the majority of the kids who came chose that room to jump up and down on the futon which the cat was hiding underneath. Since then, he has miraculously decided that strangers are OK! :)
Of course, Harrison was in heaven with all of the attention!
We felt tremendously blest to have a home to entertain friends and family!
Blessing to everyone this season as we remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas!
Joshua and Carrie
Friday, December 08, 2006
Day trip to Monterey Bay and Carmel
Aunt Barbara arrived yesterday morning, and we had a nice relaxing day. In the evening, she helped with dinner so we had a spinich souffle, chicken, and lemon pudding cakes. Yum! Today, since Joshua and I both had the day off, the three of us drove over to Monterey Bay and Carmel.
Our trip was wonderful! We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is literally on the bay, and we saw sea otters, blackfooted penguins, a great white shark, a sun fish which is 500 pounds and just a year old, and a lot of other fish!
The building itself is unique since it is a refurbished building from Cannery Row. I had forgotten how neat the building is. Joshua and I were at the aquarium the day we got engaged, so it holds special memories for me. We all loved the exhibits.
Then, we drove to the Highlands Inn in Carmel for a late lunch. One of Joshua's coworkers suggested it for the view of the ocean, and it was breathtaking! The hotel is built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. We sat up in the lounge (a room full of windows) and ate our lunch as we gazed onto the ocean. It was raining at this point, but the rain added to the view. Amazing! We'll definitely go back to Carmel and spend more time. Again, we were in Carmel the day we got engaged, and it was a beautiful town. I now know why a certain friend of ours visits her uncle and aunt in Carmel all the time!
Tonight, once we got home, Joshua made fudge for our party tomorrow. We have over 60 people planning on stopping by! It's going to be crazy!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Time flies...
Yes, we are still alive, and yes, I still want to blog. However, our schedules haven't allowed us much leisure time. We had a wonderful time in Virginia, saw my family and several of our friends, and now we're busily preparing the house for my cool Aunt Barbara to come visit this Thursday and for our traditional Christmas party this Saturday! On top of that, I played catch up at work last week, so we're not quite back to a normal routine. But, it will be great to have Aunt Barbara as our first house guest in our new home, and we're looking forward to having a house full of people on Saturday!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Update
Well, it is obvious that I haven't had time to blog for a while. Both of us are staying very busy. It's hard to believe October is almost over.
Joshua is loving his new job! He is driving all over parts of Northern California visiting doctors, and he is very thankful for his position. Joshua enjoys the interaction with the doctors and office staff, and occasionally with the animals at the doctor's office as well! One office had three dogs and 10-11 birds! He's learned a lot about diabetes (his area) and loves representing his company.
We're still in the process of settling in. After dinner is done and lunches are prepared for the next day, we don't have a lot of time in the evening to work on our home, but we have made progress. Joshua has added plants and trees to our lot, and it looks great! The inside is coming along slowly, and hopefully this weekend, we'll be able to upack and organize a lot.
By the way, we did book our tickets for visiting Virginia at Thanksgiving! Yeah!
Joshua is loving his new job! He is driving all over parts of Northern California visiting doctors, and he is very thankful for his position. Joshua enjoys the interaction with the doctors and office staff, and occasionally with the animals at the doctor's office as well! One office had three dogs and 10-11 birds! He's learned a lot about diabetes (his area) and loves representing his company.
We're still in the process of settling in. After dinner is done and lunches are prepared for the next day, we don't have a lot of time in the evening to work on our home, but we have made progress. Joshua has added plants and trees to our lot, and it looks great! The inside is coming along slowly, and hopefully this weekend, we'll be able to upack and organize a lot.
By the way, we did book our tickets for visiting Virginia at Thanksgiving! Yeah!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
New home...still settling in.
Joshua and I moved over Labor day weekend into our new home! We have so much space, and it is beautiful. The house is truly a blessing from the Lord. Now, I'm working on adjusting to my new commute and unpacking. The unpacking is going quite slowly. Part of the slowness is due to the fact that almost all of our boxes are in the garage. So, it makes finding specific boxes difficult. But, it will get done in time. Also, since Joshua and I have decided that we have too much stuff, we're planning on going through them together. However, he is away right now at training in Indianapolis (he's planning on seeing Kevin and Amy on Sunday). So, a lot of the unpacking is on hold.
The other reason the unpacking is going slower is that I now have a commute. When we lived in Folsom, my job was 10 minutes from our apartment. Now, my drive is about 50 minutes! But, I am thankful for our house, so the commute is worth it.
I'm hoping I can get a lot done with the house before Joshua returns. We'll see...
The other reason the unpacking is going slower is that I now have a commute. When we lived in Folsom, my job was 10 minutes from our apartment. Now, my drive is about 50 minutes! But, I am thankful for our house, so the commute is worth it.
I'm hoping I can get a lot done with the house before Joshua returns. We'll see...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sculpting, creating....landscaping :)
Over the last two weeks, I was able to design and implement with the assistance of the Stoever kids - Lindsay, Zach, Jordan, and Tyler - the redesign and freshening up of Pastor Greg and his family's front yard. I appreciate their willingness to let me kind of run things while at the same time, create landscaping mini-me's of the Stoever mixed quartet.
Here are some pictures of the finished product:
Here are some pictures of the finished product:
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