We finally got our long awaited visit with our dogs yesterday.  It's been too long since we've been over to see them.  We really cherish our times with them.  Gabby enjoyed it about as much as I've ever seen her enjoy anything.  She spent a lot of time play ball with Sam.  Sam could play ball all day long as long as you'll throw the ball for him he'll play fetch.  The funny thing was he didn't seem to have a ball that he hadn't destroyed so he was using this rubber chicken for fetch.  Grace was her usual clowny self and kept us entertained as well.  The people that are caring for our dogs have several other dogs right now and all of them have their own unique little personalities.  I admire their dedication to have a rescue operation like they do.  It's exclusively for dachshunds believe it or not.  Seeing that many miniature dachshunds running around in one place is a site to see.  The weather was really still cold but at least there wasn't snow like this morning.  The only thing I hate about going over there is having to leave.  I am going to have a short video up and lots and lots of pictures of the dogs and the kids.  Check it out in SkyDrive when you get the chance.

Just got done teaching at the church the last time for me before heading out to Washington and North Carolina.  I could really feel that God has done so much to get us to where we are right now.  I have had my own reasons before being a bit nervous about this trip.  Gabby is such a handful right now at the age she is and all those hours of travel make me more than a little bit nervous to be honest.  It was difficult sometimes on the way to Japan but now she seems a lot more difficult.  I guess the good news is that it's all in our own country and that's a lot easier than traveling abroad.  I truly believe that the church will do well when we're gone and that there will be some real grace for those that manage while we're away.  I don't believe it to be some kind of separate work at all but attached.  I think this is the time when we are getting ready for big changes somehow.  It's not just the things that will happen right now necessarily but things that will be set in motion because of this trip that makes me have an excitement about the future that I've not had in a while.  I'm all the more certain that there's a purpose for the ministry, the fullness of which we've not yet realized.  I had several passages ready to read today but seemed to be stuck in that thirteenth chapter of Exodus.  Moses is such an inspirational character in that he was doing something totally new and following a vision that was beyond what most people could see yet he followed that vision in spite of terrible opposition.  He did this not only for himself but for all of the people of Israel.  Even when the people he was trying to help wouldn't believe he still held on and believed and every single time God acted on this tremendous faith.  That's just the point where I see our little church right now.  I say little in size but big in the gifts of God.  We're going to go places not just naturally but spiritually.  This is a significant cornerstone...I just know it!  Like the people leaving Egypt so long ago we are leaving Billings, Montana with a high hand!

Life can change forever for the better or the worse.  I watched the eclipse last night and was so amazed at it.  I didn't want to miss it since I hear it will be the last eclipse until 2010.  It took a long time to go through it's phases and was a real joy to see.  It always makes me think of how the universe is a giant clock so perfectly timed to the design of the creator.  I also took a few pictures that didn't turn out too disastrously so please check it out as soon as I get them loaded up.  I sat out and watched the light that has been so golden and spring like though the weather continues to belie the fact that spring is beginning it's slow march our way.  I went out for a walk and was considering life in general and wishing to see my favorite animal of the last month or so...a very large hare that likes to jump out and scare the crap out of me every morning.  I was beginning my home stretch of my walk when I saw a flash of pink out of the corner of my eye.  I turned just in time to see a little girl...likely the age or younger than my youngest little girl disappear under the van that was backing out of a garage.  It was a moment that time stood still for what seemed an eternity.  The mother came rushing from the garbage hopper she was bringing back to the house and pounded on the van screaming and crying and shouting "Stop! Stop!".  The worst part was the driver then pulled forward...I couldn't tell if the wheel actually ran over the toddler or not.  There was a little puff ball of a dog and a German Shepard that belonged to the family that got upset over the excitement and started to fight to add to the already horrifying situation.  The little girl was crying at this point...fortunately not the cry of a critically injured child but more a cry of a child that was scared.  I think it was the grandfather that had backed over the child and as you can imagine he was completely undone and couldn't even believe what just happened...well, I think we all felt that way.  I left after asking if there was anything I could do and went home stunned at what I had just witnessed.  Mortality can confront us in the most terrifying of ways.  Life seems a complete contradiction sometimes in that it can seem both strong and frail at the same time.  I couldn't help but think of my little girl here at home.  She's much more rambunctious than my other two children and just like that you can lose what's most precious to you.  My mom said that she knew some people that had killed their child the very same way as the situation I had just witnessed.  I found myself taken back by it all and really sobered by the thought of how precious life really is.

Reading today took me to the first chapter of Exodus.  I love this whole chapter really because it has in life lesson that I find to be priceless.  Lately I've known the struggle of finding self worth to such a point where the pain is quite exquisite.  Finding a place where sometimes I wonder where on earth I'm going and where I'm going to end up.  From this place of pain it can often take a long time to quiet myself enough to hear the voice of the Lord.  Over the last two days I finally found the quiet I needed to hear God speak to me some.  I had a clear vision last nigh of the ministry as a whole.  I looked like a menorah.  Not the little candlestick like Scrooge held in "A Christmas Carole" but rather the Jewish menorah that has more than one flame sharing from a common source of oil.  I love this when you think of it in terms of the anointing of God because it's a perfect metaphor.  We as Christians are the flames of God and that flame draws from the anointing much as the wick in a lantern.  If we walk in this alone it will never have the light of a menorah.  The ministry is such a beautiful example of corporate anointing.  We all work together to achieve the mission that God has for us.  I really have had a chance to see the difference between going it alone and working with a team to achieve success of a mission.  There's a special place for every type of ministry.  There's the side of it that my wife likes best where we go out and open some doors for the ministry to follow.  It's just us out there in uncharted territory.  It's often hard to switch gears to bringing a team in that has a whole new set of mission objectives.  I have only recently learned to see the beauty of both of these parts of the mission.  How wonderful to bring others into the world of ministry and work to get all the people with the special call of God on their lives to work together for a common good of all!  We carry the anointing of God.  Jesus called us the temples of the living God.  This is so much bigger than just our life.  In Exodus you can see the people finally moving out of the land where they were slaves and there's an ecstasy until they look out and see their previous masters rushing after them with murderous intentions.  Moses had to stand there and remind them that they would see the salvation of God.  I've been in both positions here.  I've been the person that in spite of what God has done I just can't see it under the current circumstance and I've been in Moses' shoes where I'm supposed to remind and encourage others that we have seen God move in the past and He will move again.  Sometimes I have felt terrible resentment at times in both positions but resentment takes us nowhere neither is it productive.  Often I've read scriptures that talk about the vessel of God being broken and wondered of what value could a broken vessel be?  This would be true if we forget that we're not talking about a glass of water but rather a container of the anointing of God...that's me and you.  Being broken speaks of losing your selfishness...being hurt, knowing the agony of defeat at times and yet refusing to let go of God's greater good for us all.  This is the kind of breaking that is necessary.  Selfishness demands all and doesn't mind sacrificing it's neighbor.  The selflessness of ministry is exemplified in the example of Christ's life who sacrificed his life for all.  The anointing is meant to be poured out unlike water in a regular glass.  If we recognize the wealth of God we see that as precious as the anointing is it's meant to be shared with others...meant to be used not ever hid under a bushel.   Realizing the ecstasy of our true calling is only found when we give it all up for God...how much easier said than done?  Well, that may be true however knowing the goal and pursuing it is far better than ignoring the reality of what we're meant to be while shaking our fist at God for not giving us what we want.  They say that life is a circle...maybe it is.  The past forgotten is the lesson we have to relive in the future.   

It's been a bit since I changed things up on my blog so I'll do a couple things that I've wanted to do here for a while.  I also have to report that I had a wonderful post Valentine's Day date with my wife.  We get out so little just the two of us that it was a really great treat.  We had a coupon from Christmas that we've been wanting to use for a little Thai restaurant on the west end of town and so we decided to go there.  I have to be honest.  We know a Thai family here and they always have the best Thai food you can imagine.  It's hard to compete with that so the restaurant didn't fair nearly as well as what I'm used to both in Thailand and with our friends here.  The thing that made it so great was though was Lovely.  It takes a while to be so comfortable with a person that you can thoroughly enjoy them and completely be yourself as well in different situations.  Lovely and I have been through heaven and hell together so this was a piece of cake for us!  We had a nice meal and then thought we'd go over to Barns & Nobles to have a nice couple of espresso and a little treat.  It was decadent but we loved it.  We then had some time to wander around and look at some books.  Love has some photography books in mind.  She's really got an amazing talent with photography.  I'm a lot simpler in my tastes.  She's got her eye on the next best thing with Canon now and I figure if anyone can take that and use it to take some great pictures it will be her.  We then went and saw Will Smith in "I Am Legend".  I was looking through the movies we were going to see and saw that and secretly wanted that so much more than some sappy "chick flick".  I was so blessed that she chose that one too.  It's a dark show but Will Smith does a great job and the suspense is really high throughout.  We both liked the show and came home feeling satisfied and so glad to be together.  I'm going put up the few pictures I got from outside this morning before church.  It's not looking very spring like in some way but the light is somehow springy to me.  Next I got a copy of the new album straight out of our little studio at the church.  I will post the song when I get the chance.  There's a couple of songs that I really like.  Playing guitar was really a treat on this album but there was some interference that made it tough at times so if you don't like it blame the technical difficulties!  Getting all this incorporated might take some time so if you don't see any changes on my site don't worry, it's coming!

Well, here it is, another Valentines Day.  I hope that you're not expecting a big in depth study of the origin of this holiday on here today because that's just not going to happen.  What better day than today to type a blog from the heart right?  This is a day that makes me reflect on all that I love the most in my life.  First and foremost I have to say that I love the benefactor of everything good in my life:  Jesus Christ.  There's nothing good that doesn't come from Him and He deserves all the best out of me since everything good in me belongs to Him in the first place.  Next I have to give credit to the one who has changed my life like no other human being the in the whole world and who has been physical expression of the love of God:  my wife Lovely.  We been through a lot together and it's only gotten better throughout the years.  She is the expression of the God keeping His promises to me and has sustained me through many difficult trials.  The truth is there is no one who could walk with me as she has.  She has enhanced every good moment in my life and made them even better and she has soothed the difficult times over and over again. I love her always and forever.  Here's to the woman who's my perfect match in every way!  I would also like to include the fruit of our love:  our children.  Each of our kids has a special part in our hearts.  There's so much that each brings to our family.  I can't imagine what life would be like with any piece missing.  I love you guys so much!  I don't love my kids because that's natural.  I also deeply respect them as fellow ministers who have stood by my side in some very dangerous situations over seas.  you guys are going succeed at everything you set you hand to.  Next I'd like to offer my love and appreciation to those of you who faithfully visit my site here.  You guys make it all worth blogging!  The friendship and prayers are appreciated more than I can ever express.  We may not be alike on everything but the diversity has never kept you from being people I appreciate.  God bless you not just today but every day!  We even made some cupcakes for you....just look in my public photos! 

after you read a couple of sentences and start noticing big time grammar error, you'll quickly realize, THIS  ISN'T JOE!

i'm just dropping by to greet my man a Happy Birthday. Today is another year which made him a year older and wiser.  (don't sweat it Hon... i'm not going to reveal the double digits.)  today i'm reminded of Joe's first birthday that he spent with me>  13 years ago>  in the Philippines.  we were all sound asleep when all of a sudden we were brutally awakened with this familiar out of tune birthday serenade before the crack of dawn.  the serenade was led by Andy (Joe's best friend which is also my cousin) followed by a battalion of brown skinned family and friends. I'm sure Joe expected it but silently wished that  they wouldn't  but much to his chagrin they rose to the occasion.  today Joe wasn't awakened by  a birthday band but awaken by a sweet little voice of a 2 year old toddler begging for a "baw" ( her scientific term for a  bottle).  things have changed since Joe had his birthday thirteen years ago and i can honestly say that it's only been for the better .  personally Joe has blessed my life, he's the best thing ever happened to me... not that we are just oh so perfect couple but bar none,  he's the best thing ever happened to me. and i rest assured that i have an even a brighter future with him, not just me but for Danie, Maikee and Gabby.  Joe has helped me a lot probably even caused me to beak out of my shell, things that i didn't know i was "actually" able and capable of.  i can talk to him  about things that makes me happy and things that makes me just just flat furious and his opinion about me doesn't change base on the mood that i am in.  whether it be by his own words or by God's word, he always encourages me and help  me see the good in people He's the head of our household but he  always makes room for me to give my own opinion and listens.   he's a little strict and firm with the kids but  he counter balance it by being  their best friend and the sweet daddy at all times, and i love that about him.     whether Joe realizes it or not, he's been a great blessing to me, to the kids and unto many.   i'm happy to say that Joe got up this morning and didn't wish to be somewhere else and likewise i'm sure he'd rather be here with us to celebrate his birthday with us than anywhere else.

Honey, i love you.  Happy Birthday and i know you'llhave a great one!

xox,

oodee

I have been really enjoying the word of God lately in light of some difficulties that I've been going through lately.  I've really tried to avoid looking for confirmations in the bible and rather look to it to teach me something that I may not have known before.  The word of God is described as a sword.  I view this sword as being not only two edged but a sword without a hilt.  You will not be able to hold it to slash your enemies, in fact you can't pick it up without cutting yourself as well.  It's said that it divides between flesh and spirit in other words, it cuts through the crap.  It doesn't leave a space for you to hide from God if you read it honestly.  I truly believe that this is the point here in Mark 11: 7.  So many had become used to the temple and felt that they had a pretty good handle on the system of religion and knew how to keep what they wanted out of life while appeasing their conscience with a religious ideal that didn't confront them personally.  I don't mean to point at anyone else and say "they" are like that.  I believe that we all play the role of the devil or an angel once in a while.  Most of us have compartmentalized our ideals to the point where we can switch these roles without even blinking an eye and never see the hypocrisy.  Jesus mentions prayer right next to hypocrisy which I find very interesting.  I have been thinking about this so much because often times we seem to think if we pray enough it will help us get what we want but over and over I find that what comes instead to me is a change of mind.  I used to try and change the world but now I try to change a little more myself.  I believe that in it's simplest form prayer is simply communication to God but this communication becomes very one sided if it means that we pray already demanding what the answer must be.  We aren't really communicating but in essence telling God:  "Enough of me talking about me why don't we let you talk a little about me now?"  I feel that the core of Christianity is allowing God to be God beyond what we might feel is best or right but giving Him space to be almighty.  This is not an election like the ones we see today where people forsake their nationality for a blind party loyalty.  God isn't up for election nor does He have to appeal to constituents so we have to learn about His character through prayer (remember this is communication allowing Him to reveal Himself) and reading of the Word of God (with and actual open mind and some honesty).  I think that while this can be scary because you lose control it's at the same time the best form of losing control which unlike drugs or alcohol doesn't remove your inhibitions against doing evil but rather appeals to the good God has places within you.  I've often found the strength of God in my weakness has little to do with me getting my way somehow though admittedly I want that still sometimes..okay most of the time.  Rather it's about admitting wrong...*shudder* not that...and figuring that maybe, just maybe God is who He says He is and He just might...might know more than I do.  The things of God can be a house of prayer or a den of thieves and on a personal level this has more to do with us than it does the leadership of some church or the leadership of our country.  We love to comment on politics and accuse the president or one party or another for various woes but like it or not when it comes down to it we are far more in control of things near and dear to us than any "leader" is.  Blind leaders lead the blind into the ditch but if we choose to see I really believe there is deliverance and the bible says that is the children's bread.   

I added a lot more pictures to my public folder for anyone that would like to check them out.  For whatever the reason I am still unable to use the slide show feature on LiveSpaces because it insists that I've reached my quota for the month.  It's five hundred per month so I fail to see how fifty pictures crosses the line.  The good news is I have SkyDrive so I can at least put the pictures there.  I finally found the cache of pictures that I've been looking for so I was thrilled to look through that yesterday.  Once I get a project going it is hard for me to stop so I was up way later than I needed to be yesterday getting the pictures uploaded and labeled.  These show a wide range of things that goes from Africa, India, Switzerland, England, Thailand and the Philippines.  I'm thrilled to share them with everyone that's interested.  Part of me is sad to see how few of the pictures turned out very well at all.  Those were the days before digital cameras.  I guess I can't go back in time but I hold to the dream I have to go back to these places someday and be able to keep a digital record and bring my family where I've been.  It's been enough years at this point where I expect it would be like visiting a totally different country but still I hold fast to that dream.  I'm an average person from Montana but I serve and extraordinary God who's been determined to show me the world.  I believe that there's not a person in the world born without purpose.  If He can do what He's done with me then surely He can do amazing things for you!  Everyone has a life story that's worth telling and every person is a miracle in his or her own way.  Please feel free to check out my new pictures on the public folder on SkyDrive...just click the folder and see what I've seen.