Will I Ever Wear a White Shirt Again?

To Our Tribe...

Today we spent the morning with our tribe, our people who have walked side by side with us over the last two and a half years.

Who is your tribe? As Reggie Joiner says, “It’s as if God designed us so we would naturally connect in Tribes. Then he used Tribes over time to reveal Himself to us, and to continue to spread His message of love.” We all need a tribe, the people who are for us and with us no matter what. We don't all have to be the same to fit. If you do not have a tribe, find one!

The list goes on and on of all our experiences together. I cannot capture it all in a photo (but I tried) or in words (here they are). But, maybe I can give you a glimpse of these years:

Big Moments
Little Moments
Death of Parents
Loss of Jobs
Birth
New Job Opportunities
Loss
Anticipation and Celebration of Vacations
Praying for Mission Trips
Expanding Homes for Safe Families
Praying for Health
Sharing Washing Machines
Coffee Dates
Lunch Dates
Neighborhood Parties
Success
Failure
New Years Eve
Adoption Fundraisers
Christmas Parades
Summer Beach Days
Chicago Trips
Karaoke
Cooking Challenges
School Events
Foodie Fridays
Date Nights
Guys Nights
Girls Nights
Sleepovers
Serving Together
Challenging Each Other to Serve
Birthdays
Outings of all sorts
And more...

And through it all we've grown together, we've become family. Today a new chapter begins as we send our group ahead without us. Our brave leaders have loved us all well. Our group is a safe place to learn and be challenged and move closer to Jesus. It is a launching pad of mission in our neighborhood.

I wouldn't have been as brave without you all. I wouldn't have stepped outside of my comfort zone as much without you all. I would not have been able to invest in our neighborhood and school as much without you all. Thanks for letting me be me. Thanks for loving our family unconditionally. Thanks for being loyal and faithful. Thanks for letting us stay.

So, now as we go, may you expand your influence. I cannot wait to see the community you invite others into as you share yourselves with them. I cannot wait to see people come to know Jesus because of the way you live together. I am looking forward to hear stories about how you continue to invest in our neighborhood and your workplaces. Keep Making Waves in Lake Geneva.

And, remember, for awhile at least we are just a block or two away. Our door is always open for you.

We love you...

Ramblings on the Anticipation of a New Year...

Well, here comes 2017...

My mid-thirties have hit me like a ton of bricks. In the last year or two, I think I've aged ten years in two years. I've gained weight. I've lost opportunities for ministry. I've started forgetting all sorts of things I used to remember. I'm exhausted waiting for our boys from Burundi. Places I was investing disappeared overnight. And, honestly, there were so many days I didn't feel like getting back up.

But, here we are on the eve of a new year. I'm arriving a little weary and scarred. I need a new year. I need the hope. I must choose hope.

During the challenges of the last year, I've also begun to realize how short this life is. I've learned to separate the things that matter from the things that don't. I'm slowly learning to let things go. I'm learning to be creative in how I invest my time and energy. I'm learning to treasure the short moments with people I love.

I have learned that walking through tough times will make our family stronger. It will make our marriage stronger and more dependent on Jesus. It will make some days a dogfight. It will make the rocky days seem longer. But, these days convince me there is no other people I'd rather journey along with.

So as we enter 2017, I want to jump in and live this adventure well. I don't want to waste time dreaming of what could have been. I want to be driven by the faithfulness of God not the sadness of where we've been. I don't want to go buy more storage containers for my stuff. I want to give myself away. I want less weighing me down. I want to keep my calendar uncluttered. I want to be free to invest, free to love, free to change the world. But, I don't want to do it to simply feel better or have a full life; I want to do it because it is the life I am called to. What is this life if I am not pushing everything else aside to love people and move them closer to Jesus?

I want to spend my days closer to Jesus so I can help other people experience life with Him! I want to wake up every day with anticipation of how He is moving in the lives of those around me! When I am giving and investing, I get to see my Creator working up close.

But, this isn't just going to happen. We can make resolutions, but I really like to simply come back to a simple starting place each year: our family values. Our values give me a firm place to stand. They give me a secure place to launch from. They give me focus. I would say values are more important than resolutions. Resolutions aren't bad. But, they must come from a place of deep conviction and practicality. Because our values are so central to who we are as a family, using them as a baseline allows me to function more efficiently and effectively.

So, here are our values & how we have defined them and how I want to launch into 2017:

God's Purpose {always say Yes to Him over me} -- This year, I am going to have to set aside my grievances to be fully available to Him. On the days I want to be angry, I must spend more time with Him, be reminded of who He is, rest in His goodness so I can say yes to all He has planned.

Each Other {my marriage first & then my children} -- Unemployment and financial challenges and a sick kiddo and lack of ministry opportunities and adoption disappointments and an uncertain transition have combined to take a big swing at our marriage. I must be more intentional to invest here in this season with fewer dates but more time together. I must control my tongue to build up when my tendency is to be negative. I will only be the wife I need to be when I am walking step by step with Jesus. I must start my days reading my Bible and soaking in the words of truth so that I am prepared to invest accordingly. It is difficult to be negative when I am overwhelmed with His presence. Investing in my kids looks a little different in this transition. They are all responding in their own ways to the uncertainty of our future. Discipling them in this season is many conversations about God's faithfulness and provision. I want to more consistently cover their lives with scripture--this year this means more memorization as a family and more scripture around our home.

Intentionality {to enter into relationships or activity with purpose} -- In 2017, our kids will be entering that next stage where busyness can reign, so we must be careful to not overwhelm our schedules. We must continue to push our kids toward their gifts and talents and encourage them and help them make wise choices with their time. I don't want to miss this season of life because we are sprinting through it.

People {people matter to God so they should matter to me} -- Many moments over the last few months have led me to want to give up until the next thing. But, these moments we are living now are the next thing--living and breathing people who are in our lives on a daily basis who we are called to love and pour into, so we must invest wherever we are, even if it looks different.

Authenticity {refusal to base my actions on external pressures—the pressure to appear to be a certain kind of person, the pressure to adopt a particular mode of living, the pressure to ignore one's own moral and aesthetic objections in order to have a more comfortable existence} -- In 2017, I want to continue moving to a place where I don't feel like I have to have to be okay. I want to practice contentment and thankfulness. I want it to be genuine and evident.

Generosity {the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return} -- I want to hold on to less. I want to worry less about where the provision will come from. I want to be okay with having less to give more. I must practice this to perfect this.

Discipline {any training intended to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior} -- I want to spend my time more wisely. Between my high idea productivity and the lows of 2016, I basically accomplished nothing other than keeping the kids in our home alive. I was bogged down with uncertainty, so I failed to maintain the discipline needed. I want to act on my ideas which starts with planning my time to be productive. It may even mean a bit of a routine which makes me nervous. I will have to tweak this as I go. This is a value that goes against my nature, so I must give it extra effort and maybe even incentive.

Adventure {we define this as enjoying the risk of saying yes to Jesus//risk + opportunity} -- I am anticipating quite the adventure this year: more unknowns, moving, building new relationships, building new teams, reestablishing our home and mission in a new place, continuing the journey of adoption, so here we go...

So, do you know what your next year will hold? Do you know what you value? Our values help us get where we ultimately want to be. They prompt us to speak to our neighbors rather than go the other way. They encourage us to move in determined direction. They give us purpose and mission and something to fall back on. They pull us out of holes and into opportunity. I am excited to see where we go in 2017.

Leaving Jesus Out of Christmas...

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But why? I love this season as winter creeps in with bare trees and flurries fall from the sky. I love the lights everywhere. I love the festivities. I love the cookies and tree cutting and smell of peppermint.

And, this is why it can be so easy to forget what we are celebrating.

This is why we can so easily leave Jesus out of Christmas. Let's be honest. Most of the world does not care that Jesus was born, that He lived, and died, and rose from the dead. Some might even acknowledge Him during this season, but He isn't celebrated.

When I think about our home, I continually ask: "Is our home saturated with Jesus and the gospel or do we just have a sticker on our car that says 'Jesus is the reason for the season'?" What am I actually doing to saturate our home with the story of Jesus? This is a great question I should be asking all year long but particularly at Christmas when we can be overwhelmed with the "other" things at Christmas, good things that often pull us to leave Jesus out.

Each day as we leave our home, everything is fighting against us focusing on Jesus: public school, shopping, Santa is everywhere, and so many other good things are vying for our attention. In our season with elementary kids, we have to be so intentional to overshadow the secular version of Christmas. Just yesterday one of my girls came home and asked,"How is Santa not real if one of the girls in my class saw him and his sleigh?" She went on to say that she didn't tell the girl is was made up, but my curious one still has questions. If all she hears about at school is Santa and reindeer and elves, how do we make our home a place where Jesus reigns during this season?

I am still learning how to do this. We still watch movies about Santa Clause in our home and we still have snowmen around. But, I am working to create moments where all of that is set aside and Jesus is what we talk about. Here is a glimpse of what we do:

1. We have our Jesus Storybook Bible Advent reading--as our kids grow, we may shift to something else, but I love how it uses the entire story of the Bible to point to the coming King Jesus! This year we are trying to read at breakfast--to start our day talking about the story of Jesus. I don't want the day to get busy and it get pushed aside.

2. Nativities fill our spaces. I want more and more to add to our home. Right now we have many throughout our decorations and two our kids can play with. They end up telling the story of Jesus to each other more than I could ever tell them in conversation!

3. Our home is quiet and simple. Our schedule is light. We have very few obligations over the next few weeks. We try to make time to just be at home, to sit by the tree and read and play and truly enjoy the season. When we are not bogged down with so much doing, we can focus on Jesus.

4. We are intentional about focusing outward. I love giving to my kids! And, I do on a regular basis. So, at Christmas, why not focus on others...all over the world! Near and far, we like to give. I want my kids to grow up in a home where serving and giving is what we do. I want them to be excited to give. I want them to learn to give to those who can never give back to us. This season gives us many opportunities to give.

5. We have conversation after conversation about the whys of how we choose to spend our moments. This is squeezed in at number five, but may be the most important thing we do. We don't dismiss conversations or topics. We tackle the difficult things in our home. This isn't always what I want to do but what I must do. And, Christmas gives us more opportunities to talk about what following Jesus looks like. Maybe our Christmas isn't as magical. But, I hope the sacred and safe spaces in our home create opportunities for my family to truly experience the goodness and grace of God.

6. We rarely talk about gifts we are receiving. Our kids don't make lists of what they want (except for Ryker every time we are in a toy store). We pay attention throughout the year and determine their three or four gifts. They are mostly determined and bought or accounted for by other family members before December. I am not bogged down with shopping or overwhelmed.

7. I have to remember that I set the tone in our home. When I am at peace, our home is peaceful. When I am content, my family is content. When I don't get sucked into wanting more and feeling like what we do isn't enough, my family follows suit. For me, I must spend time with Jesus to remain this way. Every day. Then our home becomes a safe place for us all to move closer to Jesus.

For our family, doing these things doesn't just give us the opportunity to move closer to Jesus, but it gives us space to invite others to join us. Even those who aren't interested in celebrating Jesus are still singing Joy to the World. Maybe just maybe they realize the need for Jesus and they simply need someone to share Him in real and tangible ways. And, when we give generously and spend moments with the story of Jesus, our family is positioned well to pay attention to others and their faith journeys. My hope is that the most magical Christmas memories for my kids are full of stories of others who found Jesus, who found hope.

There are so many things we can do to bring Jesus to the forefront at Christmas. I am always looking for fresh ways to tell the story of Jesus in my home. What are you doing?

Click on Christmas in the categories to the right for more thoughts on an intentional Christmas.

Celebrate National Adoption Month

November is National Adoption Month! So, here is an update on where we are in the process for all of our faithful friends who have given generously and prayed faithfully.

As our family is in transition, our adoption is on hold. We cannot proceed forward until we are settled into a new place. As so much is determined by the state one lives in and employment, it is best to wait. But, it is so difficult to wait.

Most days I miss these children I don't even know yet. I wonder where they are sleeping at night. I wonder if they have someone reading them stories. I think about their families--maybe they are on the brink of giving up their sons because of sickness or poverty. I pray for them. And, I am asking you to pray for them too, for their families, for whatever experiences are happening now which will one day mean they are in need of a family.

And, we will keep moving forward, trusting God to provide for us and them. We are anxious for a new place to live and invest and be able to give family to two orphans. God is faithful. He has the details in his sights. So, I will wake up another day and think of my boys and keep working to bring them home.

Here are some ways you can join in and help us give them family. Right now we are raising money for our in-country fees, so that as soon as we are home-study approved, we will be able to push forward without having to wait for funds.

One Mission
Shop for Christmas with great items from art, jewelry, apparel, and candles. There are three easy ways YOU can support our fundraiser:
1.You can purchase any of One Mission’s great products and 40% of what you spend will be donated to our adoption fund.
2.You can donate cash (One Mission doesn’t charge a platform fee).
3.You can share this fundraiser with your friends and family.

Christmas Cookie Class presented by Andi Banwell
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2016
Time: 10am
Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Cost: $75.00/person
Join Andi in the kitchen as she shares her gourmet cookie recipes and icing recipes and walks you through each step of the baking and decorating process. This event is limited to the first 10 to pay!
Each participant will also decorate 12 Christmas cookies to take home or use as gifts. All ingredients and refreshments will be provided. A supply list and choice of cookie type will be sent out to attendees at a later date.
To reserve your spot, please pay $75 by visiting cash.me/$webbfamilyadoption

Simply Love TSHIRTS
Our tshirts are on sale again--new colors and new designs. Check out all designs and purchase today. Click here to view tshirts!

Make sure you follow our facebook page for updates and reminders of current opportunities to partner with us!

Thanks again for supporting us in this process. I know it is long and grueling. I truly believe it is worth it. We get to give family and share Jesus with two orphans. And, YOU get to be a part of our story!

Your Vote Matters...

In the year 2000, I was an eighteen year old college freshman. Excited about my first time to vote, I dove into research about each candidate. I wanted to figure out why I was voting for a certain person. I didn't want to mark a name on a ballot. As a Florida resident living out of state for college, I was an absentee ballot voter. The candidate I voted for won my state by 537 votes. What votes were the last to be counted? The absentee ballot votes. My vote.

In the years since, people have tried to tell me and explain to me that my vote doesn't count. But, I will never forget my first time voting. My vote counted. And, my vote still counts. Sometimes my vote counts because a candidate only wins by 537 votes. And, sometimes my vote counts simply because I get to live out the freedom I have been granted in this country. I get to cast my vote simply because I was born in a country who values such freedom.

It is something I take very seriously. I am not walking in and marking a ballot down party lines. I am marking a ballot after research and prayer and an honest look at what I believe and value in the leaders of my country. For me, that means several things come into play:

Policy: This area gets less black and white the longer I live, but on most issues, I know what I think and I know what specific candidates represent. I like to hear clear plans on addressing certain issues. There are certain policy issues that are more important than others. We can all name the issues that are non-negotiables for us and those where we can see multiple options. When looking at policy, it is also important to remember that just because a candidate agrees or disagrees with my stance on an issue doesn't mean he/she will be for or against any change in regards to legislation surrounding that issue.


Leadership: I want someone who I think leads well and demands respect. I may not agree with every choice someone in office makes. But do they carry themselves in a way that shows respect for the office and our country. Many people have said we should vote for Trump because of the policy side of things. But, as Brandon Hatmaker said recently in a post, "My concern about Trump isn't about whether or not I think he's a good Christian, it's whether or not I think he'd make a good president. I just don't think he has the moral constitution, wisdom, or posture to represent our country well in any capacity, much less our president." I want someone who can stand in the Oval Office, or walk down the streets of a tornado ravaged town, or exit the plane in the Middle East and represent our country well. I want someone who can close his mouth long enough to listen to the people who are hurting and oppressed or those who are aiming for the stars with brilliant ideas to change the future of our country. That is leadership.

Value of Humanity: Ultimately, as a Jesus follower, I am here to love people, introduce them to their Savior, and love all that He loves. My president doesn't have to be a Jesus follower. But, I must vote for a candidate who possesses the decency to think about those who have less, find ways to serve them rather than push them further away. I believe our country has learned a lot about this and yet has a long way to go. I believe that both Clinton and Trump will further delay our progress in this area. It is not simply about being pro-life or pro-choice, it is about actually moving policy and culture to think about the least of these. That is what I want my life to be about, so I am looking for a candidate that is most interested in serving the people of this great country and changing our culture when it comes to poverty, racism, sex-trafficking, and the protection of life. It will take someone bold to lead us. And, it will take courage.

Where does that leave me? I have spent hours and hours listening and reading and having conversations, and this November I am voting for Evan McMullin. We do not have to agree with every statement a candidate makes. But, I am excited about casting a vote for a man who stands for much of what I stand for. You don't have to vote for the same candidate I am voting for. But, you need to know that what you choose to do matters. No matter who you choose, your vote doesn't have to be a wasted vote. As one article said, "An unprincipled vote is the only wasted vote."

There is no perfect candidate. And, I am not a perfect voter. But, I will vote. And, my vote counts.

Please, No Spooky Costumes...

It's that time of year again. October is coming which means all sorts of wonderful things including leaves changing color and pumpkin spice everything (although my hubby is boycotting all things pumpkin spice since he thinks it's gotten out of hand). It also means Halloween is coming. Of course you knew that because you saw the rows of Halloween Candy at Walmart five weeks ago.

And, as Halloween comes so come a thousand opinions about whether those of us who are Jesus followers should celebrate. What constitutes celebrating? Should we trick or treat? Should we go to the fall fest? It's just candy. But, if my kids participate are we supporting evil? Well, I cannot answer those questions for you or your family.

But, I can tell you this. My family will not have a sign up anywhere that says, "Please, no spooky costumes."

I mean, we mean well when we say this at our church event or neighborhood party. But, what does it really say? It says the same thing many unchurched people already believe to be true about the church: You are not welcome here. You are not good enough. You have not arrived. You clearly aren't following Jesus closely enough to come to my event because we all have on "holy" costumes here.

I mean what good is it to create a safe place and shine our lights for all to see if the people who need it the most cannot come because their costumes are too spooky? Isn't that who really needs to be there?

When we invite people into our spaces, we can choose to invite them as they are or we can keep them out until they are good enough.

Here is what our family did last year for Halloween: We came up with a few activities (apple bobbing & pasta necklaces), created a photo spot (I'm not crafty, so it was simple), and put out drinks and snacks. We invited friends from school, our small group, and trick-or-treaters walking by.

Now, imagine if we had a list of costumes that were unacceptable in our front yard. Maybe the sign could say, "Keep walking" or "No witches allowed". I think if I'm going to have a party like that, I should go inside and close my blinds, and only send out private invites.

I get it. Really. But, Halloween is evil. Yes, it can be. Actually, every day can be. And, there are people who intentionally use Halloween to do horrible, evil things. In fact, our family actually doesn't do much in the realm of spooky. Our decorations tend to be more about autumn than halloween. Our costumes are fairly tame.

But, what I've learned is that most families are just looking to have a little fun. They don't spend all of their days at home talking about monsters and witches and ghosts and "bad guys". Their kid just wanted to be that for Halloween. So, how am I going to respond? I mean, it's one of the few days of the year where all of our neighbors are out and about. So, I think I'm going to welcome them all in, no matter what their costume looks like or what kind of party they are going to later on in the day. We can choose to create safe places for our kids or a safe place for those who don't yet know Jesus to experience real love, real friendship, and maybe meet Jesus. I think He cares a lot more about their souls than what costume they are wearing. And, I want to be able to teach my kids to see people, not the costumes they choose. My kids may not be dressed as zombies or goblins, but you will most certainly see them hanging with kids who are.

How can you change something you do for Halloween to invite those who need Jesus most onto your porch or into your church parking lot or gym? Are you thinking about them as you plan? What are you willing to give up so that they will come?

Three Ways to Make Your School Year Great...

It's back to school time here in Wisconsin. As much as I love our long beautiful summers, September brings cooler temps, structure, and new opportunities. 

On the day we find out who my kids have each year, I am usually just as excited as they are. These are the people who will see my kids more than me on many days. And, I have the opportunity as a parent to invest in those who are investing in the hearts and minds of my kids. 

As parents, we are very intentional about widening the circle of who invests in and shapes our kids. And, when we partner with and communicate with those in our kids' lives, we can have a greater impact! So, our school is very important to us--our kids will learn so much inside those walls and we want to make the most of the experience! Here are three ways all parents can make the school year great:

GIVE GENEROUSLY. This one seems quite obvious. Our teachers give so much to teach--way more than I probably know. So, if there is anything I can give that will support them, make them feel valued, and relieve some of the burden, I'm in! I know it can be a lot of school supplies to buy--I am still trying to find gym shoes for three girls for less than $20/pair. But, that investment is only a little of what they will use to learn and grow and experience new things this year!

There are so many ways you can give generously and make this year better for your child, his/her teacher, and classmates. Some of you have time. Give it. Read with kids. Help with changing out bulletin boards (those staples can be tricky). Put packets together. So many of the jobs our teachers need help with are things any of us can do! 

Our family also budgets a certain amount to give away to our school and teachers each year. This allows me to pick up a favorite drink for a teacher on my way to the school, or buy extra glue sticks for the kindergarteners, or bring dinner to teachers on conference night! Last year our small group rallied together and took pints of ice cream to all the staff at our two elementary schools before spring break. Even though it was snowing that day, it was still fun to be able to give and show them how much we appreciate them!

GIVE GRACE. My kids are still young and our school is amazing, so honestly we haven't had to work too hard on this one. But, I can think of a few circumstances last year when something didn't go the way Addison expected. Honestly, I wanted to whine and complain right along with her. But, as the parent, I needed to teach her how to give grace, to give her teacher the benefit of the doubt. Here are some questions we talked through:

Do you think your teacher was trying to intentionally hurt you?

What are some ways you can solve this problem?

Was this a misunderstanding or malicious in nature?

Sometimes our teachers (who work so hard and so long to create a great learning space) miss things or don't see something they should see or actually need help with solutions to a problem. We can teach our kids to respect authority and to solve problems by showing grace. Rather than throwing our kid's teacher under the bus, we can partner with them to help our kid learn!

GIVE RESPECT. This is something our kids definitely catch from us, but it is also something they don't always see. We can show respect to teachers in so many ways. We can show respect in the ways we communicate with a teacher. Are we showing the teachers value in our communication or under-cutting their authority? Are we looking to learn from them or tell them things? Are we looking to partner with them or demand they do it all? I am so thankful for our teachers who show me respect as a parent and truly try to partner with me!

We also try to respect our teachers by doing things the way they ask for them to be done. Whether it is signing the daily folder for the 134th time or sending in forms on time, I want to show them respect by doing it right. I want their day to be a little bit easier because we chose to do what was asked. We are teaching our kids to show other people value by doing what is expected (showing up on time, completing tasks, etc) and usually when people feel valued they feel respected.

Imagine the difference if we all decided to give generously, give grace, and give respect. We could change our schools. Great teachers might keep teaching. A generation could be empowered to grow and invest in the world! 

 Most of our great staff at our kids' elementary school--we really appreciate all of you!

What I Leave with You...

I hesitated to write today. It was a rough day. Buck has been on staff at Lakeland for over four and a half years. And, now he isn't. It's over. We were there and now we aren't. That's kinda how it happened. Hundreds walked by us this morning not knowing we would never step foot inside that building again. 

It seems weird to invest so heavily in a place, in a people for so long and then it just be over. As I was sitting there this morning wishing I could just say something to so many, I decided this might be a better place to say it. First, thank you. So many Lakelanders have invested in our family and loved us so well. Lakeland truly felt like home which makes leaving so much tougher.

But, if I could sit down over coffee, here is what I would say. Here is how I hope and pray our time at Lakeland will be remembered:

The church is God's plan to share the good news of Jesus. We must stay focused on that mission. When we forget to build deep and meaningful relationships with those far from God, we will ultimately become a place where the already convinced come to feel loved, encouraged, and safe, and we will no longer be a place where life change is happening as more and more people hear the gospel. So, who lives on your street who doesn't know Jesus? How are you loving them? What role is your small group playing in their lives? No matter what happens, don't give up on the Church. Don't run and hide because something didn't go your way or someone doesn't like you. Be apart of a local church. Invest. Over and over again. Through hurt. Through disappointment. It is what we are all called to.

You will never go wrong when you put the next generation first. Most people who hear and accept the gospel are under eighteen. Great churches invest their best resources and best people into the next generation. Families can be changed because of the way a church chooses to invest in the next generation. Never get sucked into the idea that family ministry is an afterthought. Never think you have to have more space or comfort for adults before the next generation gets your best! Keep thinking about how to serve the kids and families in your church and community and you will always be relevant!

Thinking orange allows us to invest in the next generation in practical and essential ways. So many hear about what we do or ask about what we do and think curriculum. Thinking orange is more than a curriculum. It's a way to approaching the roles of the church and home that give kids a firm foundation, practical application, and allows them to develop a faith of their own. It's a strategy that says when we partner with parents and allow consistent voices in the lives of kids and students, we can show them a God who is big and loved them enough to send Jesus. We can have a huge impact when we combine the warm hearts of homes and the light of the world through the church. 

Community is essential to following Jesus. Day after day my life is better because of the people around me. If you are a Jesus follower and are not apart of a small group, you are missing out. In fact, to be a bit bold, you are probably not accomplishing all God has for you because most of those things we cannot do alone. I am closer to Jesus because of those closest to me who point me to Him over and over. I am more on mission because of my group who shows me how to love my neighbors and gives me courage to build relationships and share Jesus. What do you need to do to put yourself in community with other Jesus followers? How can this actually make you more aware of those far from God? I am overwhelmed with how our group loves us and cares for us and reminds us of what God is doing around us! We won't always get it right, but when we are living in genuine community, it is easier to get up and try again.

The only thing that will matter in 100 years is someone's relationship with Jesus. It's that simple. Let's not be distracted by the things of this world that pull us away from this. Good things. Fun things. But, things that don't measure up to eternity. Let's be on 24/7. Let's love people. Let's serve big. Let's build relationships with those who need Jesus. Let's take care of the least of these. Let's go without being afraid. Let's rally the Jesus followers around us to live big lives for His glory. Nothing else matters. 

If nothing else is said of me, I want it to be that what was most important to me was whether others knew Jesus and how much He loves them by how much I love them. Do people know Jesus and how much He loves them by how well we love them and serve them and provide for them in our neighborhoods and ultimately when they walk in the doors of our churches one day? Let it be said of me...

I will give up anything else. Even on the days when it's hard. Even when things don't work out how I imagined or dreamed. Even when I don't get my way. I want the glory of God to reign. Forever. And, it will. So, I don't want to get in the way. So, sometimes we move on. With sad hearts. And, we must trust God, that His ways are higher and better and about His glory rather than my position or comfort or pride or preference. 

Goodbye, Lakeland Family...I have learned and grown and will move on looking to invest again. Because we cannot give up. This is what we are here to do.

 

Maybe it's Time to Wave the White Flag...

Recently a young mom in our community died unexpectedly. Several families I know have kids who were classmates with her kids. They jumped in and supported this family through everything. They brought meals. We prayed as a group for this family. In the midst of tragedy and unbearable circumstances, these families chose to stand beside and grieve with this family. When I think about how they invested, I smile and I know (I think we all know) this is exactly what the body of Christ is supposed to do: Love those who need to be loved, take care of the physical needs when they are there, and walk alongside people during the most difficult parts of their story. We are to bring hope. We are to show up over and over again.

There is so much going on that makes us want to just give up--to be hopeless with the rest of the world. Tragedy seems to be striking more often. Sometimes I think that's just part of getting older--we see more and know more and have lost more. Especially as parents, we can easily be afraid. And, believe me, I understand the desire as a parent to keep our kids close, living life with only those we can completely trust. There is a lot out there to overwhelm us.

Terror.

Election Season.

War.

Bullies.

Technology.

Sickness.

Predators.

Reason after reason to lock ourselves inside and protect ourselves.

Many days it seems like we should stand up collectively and wave the white flag. Jesus, come and get us out of here. We are done.

I understand. 

But, we are not hopeless.

Maybe we just need to raise the white flag to our security and safety and comfort and 'no one hurting my kids'. Maybe His Kingdom is worth it. Maybe all the nations singing to Him for all of eternity is worth it.

We can keep moving, unafraid because we know who God is and can trust Him. We don't have to be foolish, but we don't have to retreat, either. We don't have to run away. We don't have to hide. We have hope and hope is all most people need these days. Hope for a happy ending. Hope in the moments that seem hopeless.

So, let's be hope bearers. Let's place our families in the middle of it all. Let's pray for boldness and send our kids out in the midst of all this world is throwing our way.  Let's be confident in who our God is and what He has called us to do. Imagine the impact we can have in our communities if we live unafraid today. It might be messy. No. It will be messy. It might be scary and it will definitely be time consuming. But, it is how I want to spend my days. I want to continue to listen to the stories of those around me. I want to really hear them. And, I want to show them hope.

When we live bold lives, we get opportunity after opportunity to show others how big our God is. I mean, what's the point of us being here? Let's go out and make much of Him. And, when people ask why we aren't afraid, let's tell them about the hope we have in Jesus. We can live boldly because God sent His son. We have freedom. And, we have hope. Only because of Him.

What if we started loving the unlovable in our schools and neighborhoods? What if we started opening our homes to those who have no home? What if our homes were known as a safe place in these unsafe days? What would it look like if our families began caring for the ones everyone else wants to hate? What if our families truly saw everyone around us as someone made by God and loved by God? Would that change the way we invest in them? 

They will know hope when someone shows them Jesus. He is our hope. He offers a freedom and promise that nothing in this world can compare to. I am going to look for opportunities to share hope with those around me. 

So, what does it look like for your family to take bold steps today? Who do you need to invite into your safe spaces? What is going to change in your life so you can be a hope bearer?

Quiet Trust...

I am sitting here with my kids asleep in their beds and my husband sleeping far away on a sandbar with middle school students on the last night of camp. In a few weeks he will go to High School Camp. And, then. I don't know. God knows. But, I don't know. These quiet moments can be overwhelming. So much uncertainty.

September 1 is coming.

Buck's first day without a job. 

And my kids' first day of school. Third grade, first grade, and kindergarten here we come.

Then September 6 will come. Our usual small group night.

And, the list of things I don't know goes on and on. 

Where will we be? I don't know.

We may be here living and doing life with these people we have come to love. We may be starting somewhere new. I love new. But, not this time. 

And then, these quiet moments bring an opportunity to think about how big my God is. You see, these won't even be my hardest days ever. Because I've seen Him come through. Time after time. And, this quiet trust overwhelms me. In my moments of anguish, I know He is there. When I want to give up, He is there. This trust in who He is and who He has been is ever present. I cannot escape it. I keep trying to run and hide and just cry for awhile. But, He always shows up. He is pulling me closer to Him. My faith is expanding. This life is full of big and small moments where we get to sit back and watch the Creator of the world do what only He can do. 

I keep telling myself these things I know to be true. Dear friends keep telling me these things. My husband remains steadfast in His faith. 

Yet, even as I type these words, doubt creeps in. What if this is for nothing? Are we really supposed to spend forever pursuing others for His Kingdom? Should it not be easier since we've said over and over we're all in? I mean. Look at us. We are willing to go wherever and do anything. So, why isn't that anywhere obvious yet?

But, you give hope. You restore. You created us for these moments. You have shown up over and over. So, I trust you. Even on the days when it is a faint whisper, I can not deny this quiet trust. This trust that is building my faith in my Creator, Redeemer, Rescuer, in the one who sent His son Jesus because it was the only way to have a relationship with me. 

I will continue to remember that my story is nothing without Your story. Oh how I love this adventure of following You. Thank you for pulling me out of the depths into a real and forever relationship with You. 

I cannot wait to see where we go....really. I can't wait! But, I will.