thoughts of late...mostly about money

In true "adrienne" fashion I got a group commenting on a facebook status update I posted yesterday that left me wanting to say more.... but not on my facebook page! So my comment and then the responses are as follows:



"Did you know that you can spend $150 on a hairbrush? Seriously? There are seriously people dying of starvation everyday and you can spend Did you know you can spend $150 on a hairbrush??? Seriously? There are seriously people starving to death every day and you can spend $150 on a hairbrush?!? That's ludicrus. Just sayin'.


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MCP: Remember this is relative, Adrienne. It seems exorbitant to me but to an even poorer person than I, spending $5-15 on a brush might seem frivolous.

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EM: I had a similar thought on my bike ride downtown this morning as I passed numerous "luxury cars". Talk about a waste of money! But as Monna said, I suppose it is all relative. If you are rich, maybe a $40,000+ SUV seems like no big deal.
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JC: Maybe if you have hair to your ankles you need this. Or if you have a hair brushing business....which sounds like a good way to spread lice!

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KR: But you get free shipping so... :)

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JV: to the idea that it is 'relative'... isn't that really part of the problem with the segregation in this country? that the rich isolate themselves from the poor to the point where they never have to see or experience or care about their suffering and can meanwhile live in a bubble where a $150 hairbrush becomes normal?

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MCP:‎@JV - there are also rich people who contribute significantly to those in need and still have enough to buy a ridiculously expensive hair brush. I just don't happen to be one of them. LOL.
13 hours ago · LikeUnlike
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ME: JV- you summed up my feelings so eloquently. Thanks!





I couldn't stop thinking about the comment on relativity last night.I know this is a common thought about money and spending. Money can be such a taboo subject. As long as people are being generous with their money, that's all that matters, right? So if you make $150,000/year and give away $20,000 then you are being more than generous and how you spend the other $130,000 should be up to you... right?

I am just not sure I agree with that. Now before I go on... remember I am talking about the CHRISTIAN... just for clarity.

So we know that all things belong to God.... including our money. And we know that we are to be generous and that "to those whom much is given, much is expected."

So I just wonder if those who make more money aren't supposed to have a greater contribution to poverty, etc..

The reality is that even some of our jobs are not paid equally. And so if you make over 6 figures as a doctor, but my friend makes $40,000 as a teacher.... both are called to be generous, but I think the doctor who makes more money has a greater opportunity to share his/her wealth.

I just get so tired of seeing people drive around really expensive cars or wearing expensive clothing or buying an expensive home and then justifying it. I wonder if you had the opportunity to live among the poverty in Kibuye, Burundi or even Detroit, MI- would you spend your money the same? After watching a child die because his mother couldn't get him to a hospital fast enough on foot- would you really spend your money the same?

I might seem like a pharisee- but I think someone needs to bring up this topic. And the truth is as I am writing this I am not thinking of anyone that I wish would live differently because I get that I don't really know what checks you write in private. But I just want to keep it on our minds and hearts that there are a lot of people in need and there are a lot of organizations in place to help those people. And there is a lot of opportunity to reach out to the needy in your area.

So I urge us to stop justifying our spending (myself included!) and look at how we are spending our money in connection with the condition of our world. Are we ever justified to overspend?

Anyway, thankfully we serve a God who offers us grace through Christ Jesus. So through grace and out of worship may we allow our money to be spent as if we actually believe it's all God's anyway.

Love you all.


Oh and read, "Giving to God" by Mark Allan Powell

on relationships

Well we are getting settled into our new house. It takes a long time when you know you're gonna be at a place for awhile... I want to find a place for everything to go... and I am definitely NOT there YET!! I absolutely LOVE our house though. I love the lay out. I love the yard. I love that we have space to have people over a lot. These past few days have been so great as people have come over daily and been able to enjoy this place God has provided for us.

However, I do greatly miss our neighbors on Van Dyke Place. We lived there over 2 years and were able to form some really great friendships with people on our block. I remember when we first moved in our friend Matt had everyone in our small group draw a map of their block and write the names of the people who live there. By the time we left I had almost every house named! The Thursday night potlucks allowed us to have deeper friendships with our neighbor Keisha and her kids Kiki, Kimani and Kashila. Even though we are only 1.5 miles away, it seems soooo far! They don't have a car so either we all walk or I drive over there. It has to much more planned than me hearing the kids running around outside and coming out to see them play.

This week we are doing the summer camp at church and Kiki has been walking up her siblings and 2 other neighbor kids daily and volunteering. She has been such a GREAT help! She's 16 and going to be a junior at Martin Luther King High School down the street. Since we have known her so long and so well we have decided to ask her to babysit the boys weekly during our Bible study group and pay her a small amount.

This is really significant for a few reasons. First, I don't trust just anyone with my kids. ;) So for that reason, I am so thankful that God has allowed us to grow close to this family where we are able to offer one another love and assistance. It's not just us moving in and doing this for people, but us moving in and really neighboring and becoming friends with people here. When I first moved to Detroit I had no idea what to expect and if I'd ever be close to anyone because it's such a foreign culture, but God is faithful and we have made some amazing friends. The other significance is in that is just another sign of God's faithfulness and love and ability to transcend people who might not have ever come into contact with one another and join us brothers and sisters in Christ.
I'll try to get a picture of her on here soon!

vacation with my hubby

David and I had a GREAT time with the boys up North! Here are some pics from our time.

David's graduation

Here are some pictures from David's graduation! We had a great time! He had a big crew from the family come to support him including his grandma Johnson, Crawford grandparents, Aunt Ginger, Aunt Linda, Uncle Roger, Mom, and then more were able to come join us for the dinner in Mexicantown, Detroit!
What a great day!

on 4th of July

I am definitely the scrooge of 4th of July. I've never been a into celebrating it. I spent many summers in Spain or out of country somewhere... so I am sure that's part of it.
As much as I love Detroit, I HATE certain holidays here because it literally sounds like a war zone for a few days... and when you're shooting off guns along with fireworks it's not exactly safe. The last 2 nights our neighbors shot off the loudest fireworks I've ever heard until after midnight... David and Scott are working crazy hours and haven't been able to sleep well. Poor guys!
So even though I am the scrooge of 4th of July, I think I am justified. Did you know in 2010 the US spent $952 million dollars on fireworks for 4th of July? So while 8 million people will die this year (or 20,000 yesterday) from poverty we are out spending almost a billion dollars on fireworks for what? A weekend? A day?
My other problem lies directly with my neighbors here in Detroit. I'd say that 95% of my friends that are from Detroit receive some type of public assistance- food stamps, housing allowance, monthly money, etc... I know my neighbors struggle to pay for field trips, uniforms, etc... So explain to me where they got the money to light up the street for 2 days???
There is a lot of nostalgia involved in how we celebrate 4th of July. I think we like to do what our families have always done. So my hope is to raise my children to enjoy the day with some delicious BBQ and lawn games, but definitely skip the fireworks....
I guess the more that I realize that we spent an exorbitant amount of money on unnecessary things (Super Bowl commercials, fireworks, war, etc...) I just don't want to be involved. One of our pastors gave an excellent sermon last week that discussed some of these very issues... as in when we sin and don't know and what we do when we become aware of it... You can listen to it here.
Anyway, don't go too hard on me if you disagree, I am exhausted and my emotions are high in pregnancy!!!

Just think about it. :)

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your kingdom come

I wrote this post up North in my journal and totally forgot to put it on my blog.
(6.15.11)

There's a group called, Enter the Worship Circle (ETWC) and I really like them. When I was in college I received a CD in my mailbox anonymously and it was a mix of ETWC and a group called Speed Thy Servant. The music has been a continued sources of inspiration for over 10 years. ETWC, has put out several albums since, which I continue to enjoy! So on the album, "4th circle" there's a song called, Never Again and I have been thinking about this song a lot lately. The lyrics begin with the reality that the Lord's children are suffering. If you've ever sat with someone who suffers or experienced a culture infused with suffering you'll really understand what I am thinking about today and if you haven't had that experience, I urge you to reach out to someone or a people who suffer. I don't feel the need to describe what I mean right now because I want you to come up with the person/people based on what God puts on your heart and not my interpretation. :) I will get there though- so think about it! In my life I have endured a couple situations that were painful, but through the Lord and His using people I made it through. And I definitely needed those people to help me through those trying times. But what is really on my heart are those who suffer daily without hope of a rapid intervention. Detroit is a really broken city with generational poverty, lack of education, affordable housing, dignity, stability, etc... I have learned over the last 2.5 years that most women from this community have sold their bodies at one time or another... and it has been expressed that this is a normal way of life and many expect that I (or any woman) has done this at one time or another. Seriously. Currently I have heard that we graduate about 17% of seniors from HS. The life of many children in Detroit experience is one of suffering. Divorced or never married parents. Half siblings. Bad education. Poor diet. Absence of Dad. A stressed mom. A littered city. Danger. Drugs. Gun fights. Theft. Exposure to sex at a young age. Etc... This is a result of generational sin. both in the choices of those who live here and sins that others committed against them (think about the history: slavery, racial tensions, white flight, laws against blacks, etc...).
Burundi was also a time God revealed suffering to me. War. No money. Little food. Witchcraft. Disease. Death. Lack of education. Lack of clean water. Lack of resources. Etc...
In both places I feel live I have been given an aerial view into the realm of suffering, but I definitely have a long way to go before I understand it more. Many urban "relocaters" (meaning people who move into the inner city who were not from those areas) who have done what we are trying to do in Detroit did it for over a decade- or 2 or 3 decades- and suggest that you stay where you are for at least a decade because that's the amount of time it really takes people to trust you and let you in.
Point being- I get the suffering piece from an academic standpoint, but I really haven't entered into the suffering of those around me in a way that I hope to someday. So I am not an expert, but I still have thoughts to share!!
So I was listening to that song and I was thinking a lot of things. First, we are comforted by the reality that God hears the prayers of his suffering children and His presence is there.
But the following line from the song is what got me:
"Wake up God. Move yourself. Wicked men crush your children. We pray. We wait. how long will you say... NEVER AGAIN!?!?"
It really reminded me of the Lord's prayer where Jesus has us pray,
"Your kingdom come" (matthew 6:10).

So often I. want. life. This life. Not the eternal life God promises to those who believe... this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the prayer Jesus taught me to pray doesn't say that. When God's Kingdom comes there will be no more suffering (Isaiah 25:8-9, 65: 17-25). And as a believer my desires should:
1. Be God honoring. 2. Be good for all believers.
This reality really has me thinking not only about what I pray for, but how I pray. As I mentioned it's OK to to like life, as long as it's longing for a life that honors God, and at the same time longing for God's will to be done. And for His Kingdom to come. And the beauty of what will happen is in many ways a mystery.... but we can try to imagine the wiping away of suffering and how incredible that is.

I guess the point is, that when we move past the academics of poverty and pain and suffering and you actually feel-even a little bit- for another person- and see into the life of poverty you can't help, but want that to end.

So I long to pray more for those who suffer and pray: your. kingdom. come.

This You Tube video plays the song behind a random slide show. You don't have to watch the slideshow, but listen to the song. :)

the end of an era

Many of you may remember when I posted this to give my readers a glimpse into our preparation for communal living. Well, two years later I am happy to say that this experience has been one of the best ones I have ever had. Many wonder if a group of married and single adults can live together under one roof. They can. And it can be really rewarding.
The past two years have been a time of great growth for me. Communal living is not easy and requires lots of time and energy poured into the relationships where you live. I feel like the first year was a bit house focused. We had a lot of kinks to work through... a lot of roles to figure out. Who am I in this mix of people and what do I have to offer? Why is everyone asking me all these questions about my life? I'd say it was a good first year, but definitely not as good as the second year.
A little over a year ago David pulled the BBQ onto the front sidewalk and invited all of our neighbors- I think almost everyone stopped by, but many stayed until dark to hang out. This was a pivotal moment in the mission of our house. A need was expressed from our neighbors for community. They wanted to do a potluck together every week! So for the past year every Thursday we have had our neighbors in our home for a community meal. It has been so special. And I am really gonna miss it.
This past year all of the mates in this house have really come out of their shells. The walls of privacy began to slowly fall and our lives were openly shared with one another. Tears of joy and sadness were openly shared. We were able to endure some really tough stuff... Three grandparents died while living in this house, three pregnancies have happened here- one of which didn't come without some scares. New relationships have started here- Scott found the woman of his dreams, and Micah is now dating an incredible woman from Ann Arbor named Jess. The boys really only know living in this house full of people who love, adore, and take care of them. The list of life experiences that happen among 8 people in two years goes on and on and on.
I'd say the biggest answer to prayer and proof of the Lord's faithfulness was my relationship with Leigh. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges in communal living is the relationships among women. We can be sort of territorial. Also, she was working and I was home. She didn't have kids. I do. She likes things really really clean and orderly, I am a little messy. ;) I can say with a bit of confidence that if we had gone to the same high school or college we probably wouldn't have been friends. By no means would we have been enemies. We just would've been into totally opposite things (I think). But our husbands became good friends and then we moved in together!! With great prayer and hope God renewed a friendship within us that really grew over the past year. Leigh actually loves a lot of the same things I do. Some of our greatest times were leaving the boys (little and big!) and heading off to dinner and a movie, or pedicures, or shopping. We had some great times just doing girly girl stuff. Also we became stronger sisters in the Lord- praying for one another and caring for one anther's spiritual well being.
So by the title and because you probably know what's going on in our lives you also know that Chris and Leigh moved back to Grand Rapids last week. Both their families live in Grand Rapids and they are having a baby that they want to be near family.
When you spend as much time as we did with others you begin to really love them and they become a very significant part of your life. It was really difficult for me to let them go. I kept hoping they would stay in Detroit and buy a house near us. ;) But one of the things I know about life is that you have to let people go, even when it hurts.
I have no idea what kind of relationship we will have with Chris and Leigh over the years... I hope way stay intimately connected, but I don't know what will happen. At any rate I will never forget the two years we did communal living with a group of random people in a place that God made holy and a light for others to see.

everybody p**ps

It's finally spring here in Detroit, MI and it is BEAUTIFUL. David's dad has always said, "There's nothing like spring in Michigan." And I always thought, "It's not really that great." Well, after 4 winters I completely agree now. The reminder that God has not forgotten us and still gives us beautiful little things that spring up like small flowers and buds on the trees. Then all the sudden I look around and green, pinks, oranges, purples, whites, blues, are all I can see. It's quite beautiful. And for once, Detroit smells amazing.

The house is coming along slowly. We had a couple set backs... so we're looking at a 2 week delay at this point. However, David and Scott have been working diligently on projects. They built the back fence today so it's not open to the alley anymore. They have been working very hard.

I was really bummed tonight that our babysitter fell through and so I had to take the boys to our small group. It only took 45 min. for me to realize that was a horrible idea. So I hauled them home disappointed. When we got home I began the bed time routine... brushed teeth and plopped Bentley on his toilet seat on the toilet. He has been sitting on his little seat on the toilet for several days now... with nothing. Tonight I heard a little tinkle and screamed! I ran downstairs and grabbed the first sweet thing I could find... a chocolate cookie from Trader Joe's. I ran up and handed him the treat. I couldn't stop praising him. Next thing I know he has "the face" followed by 5 more minutes of bathroom movement. Well, it only takes the title of this post for you to figure out what my little boy did!!! He p**ped!!!!! I just can't bear to spell the word. ;) Because of the low muscle tone children with Down syndrome typically take a while to potty train... usually they're 5 years old. Bentley is at this really special stage where he wants to do everything that I am doing.... he mimics everything. So David and I decided we really need to work on potty training before we miss the window. How encouraging that he actually went today!

Chris, David, and Scott leave for Grand Rapids on their bikes tomorrow. It's about 170 miles. It's supposed to rain the next 2 days. I doubt they'll get far if it's cold and rainy. Kristen, Leigh, and I will join them on Friday night.

Potluck is tomorrow night, but since it's just us girls we've invited the neighbors to do a girl's night. It should be fun. I am gonna make a chocolate cake.

So that's all the news here.

The Human Experience and Easter

So this is a big weekend for Christians. It is a weekend of remembering and recognizing the foundation of our faith. The weekend often begins on Thursday where we celebrate Maundy Thursday- which is a time of remembering the last supper Jesus had with his disciples. There are a lot of important conversations that are recorded in the Bible around that table. It was also the night that Jesus and the disciples shared communion.... the place where Jesus commanded them and us to take the bread representing his body to be broken and the wine- his blood to be poured out and to take, eat, and do it to remember Him. Friday marks the crucifixion. Good Friday. It is a time that churches often leave space for members to come and reflect... a place to confess sin and reflect on the pain Jesus endured for us. Our church is using Saturday as a day of outreach. We are doing the traditional easter egg hunt to draw in children and families from the community and hope they'll not only join us on Easter Sunday, but every Sunday... and every day... as we seek to live our lives for Christ. Finally, Sunday is the big celebration day- the day that marks our sin being cast away by Christ's resurrection from the grave. It marks His deep deep love for us.

A couple years ago David and I went to a special viewing of the film, The Human Experience. I randomly found it on Netflix's view it now and so I watched it again. So this movie is about 2 brothers who come from a broken family in New York and their desire to experience life in other cultures. First, they go to the streets of NY city in the winter and live among the homeless. Second, they go to Peru in a car and work at a place called the Lost Children of Peru. They work with children with physical and mental handicaps. The experience of working with the untouchables changes them and they grow a deep compassion for these innocent children. Finally, they travel to Ghana where they interact with 2 colonies- one for people with AIDS and one for Lepers. Once again, this experience really changes them. So the movie highlights the 3 major faiths, and leaves one with the impression that there is a God who is real and people who are suffering truly believe that. The movie also just really yanks out your heart for people who do suffer- both emotionally and physically. I enjoy it, but I like those mushy movies.

So as I think about Easter and I think about the Human Experience I can't help but tie the two together. The questions that the brothers pose throughout the film, "Who am I, and why am I here?" are fundamental questions that we all ask at one time or another. And I find the answers to be that we are created in the image of the living God (Genesis 1:27) and that our purpose is to do God's will.
So the big questions might start with: What is God's Will? Well, obviously to share the love of Christ and love people.

So here's where I go off in one of my rants. :)

The movie, The Human Experience allows you to catch a tiny tiny glimpse of the reality of pain and suffering that occurs... both in our own country and in this world. It brings up the discussion that having a sweet car and a big house doesn't bring happiness and certainly does nothing to alleviate suffering. It shows that people experience a deep loneliness. There is a scene in the clip on homelessness in New York where a woman describes 4 puppies who were next to her and all these people were calling friends and making sure that the dogs were taken in so they wouldn't have to bear the cold, but she was just left there. Read that again: It shows that people experience a deep loneliness. There is a scene in the clip on homelessness in New York where a woman describes 4 puppies who were next to her and all these people were calling friends and making sure that the dogs were taken in so they wouldn't have to bear the cold, but she was just left there. Why do we do this? Why are we neglecting people? Christ doesn't call us to care about people because they were screwed over and forget the people who messed up their own lives.... he called us to simply: care for people. We are not to decide who gets that care.... he clearly puts them in our lives.... and I'd argue sometimes our safety nets of picking the right neighborhood or job or church cuts us off from the very people Christ is begging us to love.
I'd hate for us to celebrate Easter on Sunday while forgetting about the VERY THING that Christ called us to do. He died for all of us.... and all of us our sinners... and we are hiding in our shells and not boasting about the truth of God's love... and that it heals. One of the greatest joys of being part of a church in inner city Detroit is being part of people's lives. We have a young single mom who used to sell her body. She has turned away from that life and has accepted a new life in Christ where her sin has been washed away and she stands white as snow. The pain that continues to deal with in letting go of her old life reminds me that there are so many others waiting to be freed from the chains of sin. We have stories of families who sold a lot, left their families, and moved into the inner city to simply do life. We have stories of men who have left lucrative life of selling drugs and are struggling to make ends meet as they work with dignity now.
So my challenge is to get out in your community and love on the suffering. How can you communicate the gospel to those people in a way that demonstrates compassion? Don't just go to church on Sunday and eat a big Easter dinner, but wrestle with the idea that the message you so love and proclaim is needed in your community.
At the same time, don't carry the burden of pain. Allow God to show you how can you relate to people in a way that allows Him to do HIS work. :)

And watch the movie if you get a chance. :)

On faith trials

As I have mentioned before, we are renovating a house on Burns/Mack in Detroit. Let me give you a little history about this neighborhood. First, I will back up to our church. So our church is named Mack Avenue Community Church. The reason our church is named that is because Mack Ave. is a dividing line in our community. In the location of our house, it divides the rich/poor, the haves/have nots, the some white/all black, and the historic neighborhood/vs the forgotten neighborhood. There are three streets that run south of Mack to Jefferson that make up a historic district called Indian Village. The streets are Seminole, Iroquois, and Burns.

Here is a basic map:

View Larger Map


(Since the map is up- you can see where we currently live- Van Dyke/Jefferson).

The follow information ONLY applies to INDIAN VILLAGE. The surrounding areas are not the same... at all... So the closer you live to Jefferson the more expensive the home is, the more homes are occupied, less are rented, etc... Thus, the closer to Mack... less are inhabited, less they cost, more are rented, etc... Once you cross Mack Ave you are out of Indian Village- the lots are smaller and the houses turn into the desolate properties that are shown on the news.
So our church wants to bridge the gap between the historic district and the surrounding blocks. Christ called for unity- and that is not the case in our neighborhoods. The neighborhood club seeks to keep out the "riff raff" and continue to keep things segregated.

So our house is located on the SE corner of Mack/Burns. It backs up to Fischer Street (not historic neighborhood). Currently there is about a 10 foot space in the backyard that is not fenced, which allows passerbys to easily find themselves in our backyard.

David and I swore we would NEVER live in Indian Village for a few reasons. !. We didn't want to be part of the "club" that so eagerly looks to keep people out. 2. We didn't want to deal with the hassle of renovating in a historic district (lots of rules). 3. We didn't want to fix up a house, and a house that is move in ready is out of our price range.

So last September I was combing the neighborhoods in our zip code during the ONLINE TAX AUCTION for properties our church might've wanted to bid on. Well, during the second auction that starts at $500 I came across our house. I couldn't believe what I saw: a beautiful brick home with a fire place and a HUGE lot on the corner of Mack/Burns backing up to Fischer. I mentioned it to David, but was sure he wouldn't agree to live in Indian Village. Well, we had so much support from our church that it ended up being bought at the auction.... and here we are.

I cannot even begin to describe how the Lord has had His hand in this process. So many bumps (and mountains!) have come up in the road, and he continues to give us a way up, around, under, and through.

Over the past couple weeks the house has been broken into twice. Once, they stole our contractor's generator, and yesterday they clipped a bunch of wires in the basement. The electric company was coming out yesterday to do the inspection, which they were unable to do.

The first break in left me pretty unaffected. My reaction? Whatever. It's just a generator, we can buy another one. No one was hurt. It's Detroit.

Yesterday left me feeling more pissed off. This guy's really gonna tear up my basement so he can get $10 for the copper? Are you kidding me?

So David came in the door telling me to REJOICE in this because God is at work and we are obviously doing the right thing.

So the vision that we have with future housemates Kristen and Scott is to be a shining light- a refuge- in a community that has been neglected. We look forward to having lots of fun parties in the yard, lots of meals, and lots of fun. We are located one block from an elementary school- and when school lets out about 50+ kids walk right in front of our house...
The enemy can't stand the idea of us bringing in so many people and sharing the love of Christ... so I am sure we are going to bump up against some faith trials, but our longing is to continue to stand firm in our belief that God is good no matter the circumstances.
The housing renovations may be delayed to things like break- ins, but we must believe in God's sovereign timing.
I invite you to join with us in praying over our new home- pray for protection, that the renovations would be done by June 1. Pray for us and the Selles as we look to create another community house.

Here is a picture of our house (it is the red brick one) I will try to get a better one on here soon!



And here are some verses that remind me of the beauty of persevering:


3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 3-8

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Lately....

It's been crazy busy around here and I haven't posted much at all. I am going to try and do a "catch up" blog post so that I feel the freedom this week to write what I want.... and since it's Holy Week I am sure I'll have some thoughts. :)

So there's been a lot of deaths the last few weeks. First, my dad's good friend, Holly passed away suddenly after a medical procedure in Arizona. She was a young 60ish and leaves behind a broken hearted husband. Her sudden death was very painful for my dad and thus becomes a pain for me. A week or so later, a 39 year old father of 4 boys under the age of 6 passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed a month ago. He and his family attend our church in Tucson. I can remember at Christmas when we visited the The Village, Bentley walked in front of his son who was on the swing and accidently knocked Bentley over. He so tenderly came over with his son and apologized. I mourn for the four young boys who won't have their father to so tenderly teach them the ways of the world. Not 6 days later, a young mom of about the same age, died of cancer and leaves behind 2 young children and her husband. Finally, this past week a youth pastor from Grand Rapids died when his house caught fire in the basement. So yeah, some intense days are behind us. In all of these situations, the deaths did not effect me directly- but they do effect people that I deeply care about. Also, I have this "curse" or "blessing" called the gift of mercy and in case you don't know me very well that means I cry at the drop of the hat because I feel deeply for people who are in pain. So I have had a very heavy and burdened heart for the families who lost people they love. I will add that there is joy in that all of these people where people who love and serve Christ and so I am given the knowledge of peace that they are with Christ- and not in pain. It just sucks that their children and loved ones will experience a certain level of pain for the rest of their time here.

There is also a lot of transition happening around here. Chris and Leigh are getting ready to move back to Grand Rapids in mid May. I've known they'd be leaving, but it's really starting to hit. They have become such dear friends and their absence will be noticed. They are such good role models to our children and really love them. Micah had his offer that he put on a house accepted and is moving forward as he waits to hear from the bank (it's a short sale). I will also dearly miss him and the companionship he has offered to me and David. The three of us spend most nights down at our computers watching tv shows and looking up funny things online. (We have our computers on one desk on the first floor). We are getting ready to move in the Burns house with Scott and Kristen. I am looking forward to a new and more long term community house. I am also a little scared! It's hard to share a house with other people when you're making decisions about what goes where and who does what.... but the part that brings so much joy and depth is when you come home to people who love and care about you... it's so great to have a house full of people to laugh with, cry with, and struggle with. So the benefits of communal living far outweigh the struggles.

So all is well here in the "D". We had a great visit with David's parents last weekend. It's hard to be so far away!


Look for some more posting!!

40 days of vegetarianism: black bean enchiladas

I don't have a picture or a recipe to cut and paste... so I am going to write it out quickly.

Ingredients
chopped onion
chopped bell pepper
garlic
mushrooms?
frozen corn
black beans
green chilis (canned)
taco seasoning
whole wheat tortillas
enchilada sauce
cheese

Saute onion, bell pepper, garlic, mushrooms(optional) until soft. (5-10 min.).
Add
frozen corn
black beans (rinsed, drained)
green chilis

fill tortilla with veggie mix
roll and place in baking dish
cover with sauce and cheese

bake 350 for about 30 min.

Serve with:
green salad
guacamole
mexican rice



add taco seasoning

clayton

Clayton's curren favorite toy is my grandfather's beautiful antique rocker.

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cinnamon rolls

In Burundi we had fresh cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning... delicious! While in the waiting room last week at DMC Children's hospital (for Bentley's cardiology appt.) I found a recipe for cinnamon rolls and decided to try it out. I made one pan with nuts and one without. So good!

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Notes: I used skim milk and I wouldn't do the icing on one pan. I am not a fan of icing. :)
Recipe:

Makes: 14 buns
Prep: 20 minutes
Rise: 2 hours 15 minutes
Bake: 40 minutes

Classic Cinnamon Buns
Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 14 buns

Ingredients

* 1 cup whole milk
* 1 envelope (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (100°F to 110°F)
* 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Filling:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cinnamon
* 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
* 1 cup raisins
* Glaze:
* 2 cups confectioners sugar
* 1 to 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and let stand until cooled to room temperature.

2. Meanwhile, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, eggs and butter. Beat in cooled milk.

3. Gradually add the flour and salt, scraping down side of bowl, until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead the remaining flour into the dough, adding more flour if too sticky. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. The dough will be soft.

4. Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.

5. Coat two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottoms with waxed paper; coat paper with spray. Prepare Filling: Mix butter, both kinds of sugar and cinnamon together in a medium-size bowl.

6. Punch down dough. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to an 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread the butter-sugar mixture over the dough. Sprinkle with nuts and raisins. Starting on one long side roll up jelly roll fashion and pinch seam to close.

7. Cut crosswise into 14 generous 1-inch pieces. Arrange 7 pieces, cut-side down, in each prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm spot until buns double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. Or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the following morning.

8. Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover pans and bake buns until they are golden-brown and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 10 minutes.

9. Glaze: Mix confectioners sugar and 1 tablespoon of the milk, adding more milk as necessary, to make a smooth glaze. Invert buns to a serving platter. Drizzle glaze on top of buns (about 1/3 cup per pan). Serve warm.

clayton!

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40 days of vegetarianism: pasta puttanesca

Jkdei

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Notes: I do not like olives, but it was good in this sauce.
I didn't use anchovy because I didn't have any.
recipe:
Penne with Puttanesca Sauce
Seductively spicy and piquant, puttanesca sauce is said to have invigorative powers.

Serves 4 to 6
Total time: 30 to 40 minutes

1 cup diced onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
5½ to 6 cups chopped fresh or undrained canned tomatoes
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 ½ tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
10 large kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

a few fresh parsley sprigs (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Combine the onions, garlic, and oil in a saucepan, cover, and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally. While the onions cook, chop the tomatoes-you can chop or crush canned tomatoes right in the can. Add the tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in the oregano, red pepper flakes, capers, olives, and parsley. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes, or a little longer.

When the sauce has cooked for 10 to 15 minutes, bring a large covered pot of water to a boil. Add the penne and cook for about 7 minutes, until al dente. Drain and serve immediately with the sauce. If you wish, top with parsley sprigs and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

40 days of vegetarianism: caramelized onion and veggie pizza

Jnkmsz

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40 days of vegetarianism: pastas

So I made two pastas this weekend and they were delicious! The first I made because Chris' brother, Nate, brought 6 friends from around the state to come experience life in Detroit and join us in some outreaches, as well as, come to church. It was GREAT having them here this weekend! So Nate brought 2 lasagnas he made, but they had meat. So we invited a few more friends over and I added a vegetarian option. I bought the spinach raviolis from Costco (so delicious!) and didn't want to use sauce from a jar so I cooked one quickly and it was sooo good! Then Sunday night I had already planned on making a Pasta Puttanesca from the Moosewood cookbook.
So for the first:
Menu:
Parmesan and Spinach Ravioli
Salad
Bread


Sauce:
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 (14.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Romano cheese

And for the second:
Menu:
Pasta with Sauce Puttanesca
Salad
Bread

Recipe:
1 can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
10-12 garlic cloves thinly sliced
15-20 kalamato olives, no pit, sliced
Optional: 1-2 TB. anchovy paste (didn't have so didn't use, might try next time!)
black pepper
crushed red pepper
1 lb pasta
olive oil for pasta
parmesan

For smoother sauce, puree tomatoes in their liquid in a blender or food processor. (I did this in the food processor after I had minced the garlic to get all my garlic!)
Combine tomatoes, their liquid, tomato paste, garlic, olives, and anchovies in a medium-sized saucepan, and gradually heat to boil. Reduce heat, and season to taste with black and crushed red pepper, and simmer about 10 min. (Cook the pasta during that time).
Drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil. Add the sauce and serve immediately, topped with parmesan.

And I took a picture:

the end of one "if"

I have been meaning to post for a few days about the recent "match" we had on Thursday. I think it has been difficult to find words.
So for those of you who don't know at the end of medical school they have a day that is set aside for students to find out where they have "matched" for residency. Towards the end of 3rd year students fill out applications and have have their resumes (personal statement, test scores, activities, etc...) sent to their favorite programs. Then those programs invite potential residents to come and interview. Once the interview process has been completed students and programs rank their choices in numerical order. Then on one day the students receive news of the program where they will go. Sometimes students get their first choice and sometimes their last. It depends on the program, how many applied, and if they even like you.
David ranked DMC's internal medicine and pediatric medicine program 1st and the same program in Phoenix 2nd, 3rd was a family residency program in Denver. David matched in Detroit. So there's the background to this post.

Coming to Detroit has been a process. You can read many of the posts I have had about this process by clicking each of "here" tabs. They are in chronological order, starting at the BOTTOM.
here
here
here
here
here
here
here

All of our discussions on future plans up until this point have been full of "ifs"- If we go back to Arizona we will.... If we stay in Detroit we will.... If you match here or there we can do....
We haven't been able to make any future decisions because we just didn't know where we would be. Thursday brought one of our greatest ifs to an end.
Even though I am happy that David got his first choice- and it was something we picked together- I feel sort of overwhelmed. Firstly, I can't believe we chose Detroit first. I can't believe God brought us here and broke our hearts for this city and we are actually staying. For years my desire has been to return to Arizona. And if i wasn't a Christian I am sure we would have looked into other cities... meaning we wouldn't feel the conviction to live among the poor probably. The weight of our decision is starting to set in. I will say that I am soooo thankful our parents are supportive now. It took them awhile, but by the time match day came around we had support from all. Now that we have matched, we can start renovating the house where we will live. I feel overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done- it needs everything. We are hiring a contractor, and David tells me not to worry- but sometimes I do anyway. I am reminded of a popularly used proverb that reminds me to trust in the Lord and not lean on my own understanding as I do life. It's a good thing that God reminds me through His word and with His people that I need not worry- and that God's agenda is so far from what the world values because I frequently forget. I have no idea how He got us here and how He managed to get us to choose to stay- but He did. And even though I am a little overwhelmed today, I am definitely excited to see what He has in store for us tomorrow. It has been a good journey walking with the Lord and I think as we grow closer to Him it will only get better. So join us in CELEBRATING the journey ahead. Get ready to see lots of posts on life in the "D"- from the process of renovating an abandoned house to the first fruits of our community garden- to getting more acquainted with people in the community- it's gonna be a lot of fun!


Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

And here's a picture I took right after writing all that. :)