Who Can FULLY Prepare for All the Blessings?

A commercial fishing boat at sunrise

     So the next time you're at the beach, remember that there's a star for every grain of sand.  And for every star, there's a thought about you in the heart and mind of your Father." ~Jon Courson



It feels good to finally share and publicly ponder our adventure to the Philippines!  It's a little daunting to think I'll share all our insights in one post because I don't think we've even fully processed the whole experience!  Therefore, I'll share what comes to my heart and then in subsequent posts they'll be more!!

Precious children at the CCC program

We all agreed, without hesitation, that our favorite part of the whole trip was the Filipino people.  They have the most beautiful, giving, kind hearts!  They smiled freely and frequently; they gave sacrificially; and they loved fully. Our hearts were filled time and again by their love and culture.

We quickly learned that one way they like to give and serve is through food.  So, we ate probably 3x more each day than we do in the States, but they cooked and prepared tirelessly so there's no way we could decline.  We (Doug and I anyway) found that we had to eat small portions at each house to be able to receive the food offered at every house.  The boys (two teenagers!!) found the over-abundance of food to be quite wonderful!  We definitely found our favorite dishes to be adobo, pancit, spring rolls and fried bananas!

One of many gorgeous orchids

Amongst the beautiful, smiling faces and warm hearts we encountered we were treated to gifts to the senses:  the plethora of tropical, blooming flowers; the rich, lush agriculture; the aquamarine ocean waters; and yummy, aromatic, Filipino cuisine.  Our 300+ pictures are a testament to all of these!

The view from the church at Calapadan

One (of many) of our favorite memories was visiting the church in Calapadan.  We rode in the van to Esperar and then jumped on motorcycles to finish the amazing trip into Calapadan.  It was quite a ride...that I LOVED!!  Once we left the village, we turned the corner and dropped down into the most beautiful rice valley.  It was breathtaking how gorgeous it was.  The church overlooked this expanse...what a view!  Pastor JoJo opened the door into this mountain region because his family is originally from there.  We received the most incredible gift, a bag of bananas, and it was so monumental because we knew it was given sacrificially.  Did I mention I had lots of opportunities for tears, happy tears, on this trip?!

Multiple times while preparing for this trip we prayed the Lord would go before us and with us.  WOW!  He did not have to tangibly show us how He would do that, but boy did He ever.  Come the end of the trip we had seen His fingerprints over so much and so many.  But, to confirm His presence He showed up again on our way home....before leaving the US we had a flight change that would not allow us to make an international, connecting flight.  So, we worked diligently with our travel agent to have this changed.  Well, all the puzzle pieces began to fall into place when our flight out of the local airport was late, which originally would've made us miss our flight in Manila.  When we arrived in Manila it was raining, and that was a bit odd because they were just beyond their really rainy season.  We boarded our plane to LA and thought nothing of it.  Upon arriving on US soil, I turned on my cellphone and texted a few people to let them know we were back.  At that point my brother responded and said that he was glad we were safe as he'd read that there was a typhoon in the Philippines and people were being evacuated.  We touched bases with our friend, Steve, once we arrived in Vancouver.  He shared that after our flight out of Manila, all flights were cancelled due to the typhoon....God was so good to get us out!  That was not luck; that was His personal care and protection over us!

Enough ramblings for this post...there will be another one soon with more treasured insights and stories!

Just before jumping on motorcycles to go to Calapadan

Thanks for sharing this journey with us!  For us this is/was a forever, life-changing experience in 2015.  Praying as the new year approaches that you will expectantly look, listen and ask the Lord to reveal the plans He has for YOU!!

Grateful beyond words~

Doug and Noelle

Generosity, Gratitude and the Joyful Giver/Receiver....

I sit here, the day before Thanksgiving, and am truly overwhelmed by the concept of generosity and gratitude.  Some of you might read the title and think, "What does she mean, Joyful Receiver?" But I assure you there is  purpose and truth behind that!  I'll just share a little insight into why this post is even appearing....

Breath-taking beauty at Crater Lake National Park

You see, one of my favorite things to do is to bless and give to others.  It always used to be I loved buying the perfect gift for someone, but some years ago when I became very convicted about my spending I was tenderly told by a friend that I didn't need to spend bunches but rather be creative in my giving.  This mindset shift allowed me to still bless others
abundantly; it was simply that the gifts came in very intentional forms of writing a note, hospitality, a home-cooked meal,  homemade yummies, time or a well-thought-out gift that was in the budget.  I experience huge cup-overflowing moments when I generously give AND I am obedient in my spending!  It's kind of an oxymoron but so worth it!  Really how does this all fit into our trip that is literally days away?

Well, Doug and I have learned more than once when others generously give to us that when we don't receive it with a joyful heart that we steal the blessing from the giver....ouch!  This is such a HARD one for both of us, and therefore God sees fit to teach it to us again and again!  Can you relate?  It is so darn amazing when we learn to give AND receive generously.  The prayers we've received; the financial support that was sacrificially given; the words of encouragement all have caused us to be overwhelmed...in a very good way!

Prayer Retreat Weekend at Tillikum

These past two years have been ones of stripping away (which equals pain), preparing and showing us the beauty in giving not from excess but from our first fruits because that is when it is most life-changing!

We are filled with such gratitude as we've been given the opportunity to give generously, as a family, to those in the Philippines.  The days ahead hold untold adventure, unfathomable opportunities to bless others and rich memories to add to the stories of our lives!  Our desire is to share the journey as we're there, through pictures and some journaling, but it may be sporadic how often as the internet isn't quite as efficient!  We've begun to pull luggage, talk to our friend, Steve, about the schedule he has for us and the activities we'll be a part of....how surreal that in 5 days we won't be talking about it but will be in the midst of it!!

Every day may we live from hearts of gratitude and generosity...not just on Thanksgiving....

Doug, Noelle and the boys

Butterfly Gardens in Victoria, B.C.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Perfect Timing....

I wanted to share the below poem because it came at the most devine time...when I least expected it!  Those are the sweetest moments!  I was at the optometrist's last week, and he was asking me about our soon-approaching trip.  We shared back and forth and then I got up to check out.  The office manager shared with me that her mom lived in a 55 and older community in FL with mostly retired missionaries and pastors.  One dear lady, in her early 90s, came to visit her mom and this woman.  The elderly woman was a retired missionary to South America, and she shared this amazing poem.  Janice, the office manager, thought I'd really appreciate and ponder the words...oh, how I did!

In this day and age it is a conscience decision to be thankful for the abundant blessings and riches!

Here's a challenge for each of us...how are you/me/us giving to others to richly and wholly bless their lives...with absolutely no thought of what's in it for me?  I know personally when I can fully give to others I am just as filled to the brim as they are!  This really pushes  each of us to figure out what our strengths are and how to then completely live them out!

We are down to 12 days, and we know it will fly by because we have lots going on in the interim!  Thank you soooo much, on every level, for each of your prayers and words of encouragement!

Looking ahead and living in the present~

Doug and Noelle

Humbling, Happy, Holy-Spirit Moments....

This week my heart was joyous as the Lord showed up, as He seems to do, right when we need His touch most!  There's a lot swirling around in our corner of the woods~lots of life happening~and on Tuesday my spirit was heavy.  I felt like some of my old insecurities were rising up, and that just isn't a good feeling.  So, I prayed and reached out to one of my prayer warriors, and God's appearance was BEAUTIFUL!

As I was waiting for Graham to get done with science, a sweet gal showed up at my driver's side window.  Our paths have crossed a couple of times during this journey towards the mission field, and each time she's shown such kindness and graciousness.  She inquired about our trip being just around the corner and then asked if she could pray over us.....gently shocked I said, "Yes, please!"  We then proceeded to discuss her family's trip to the Philippines last year and the many amazing, this-is-a-God-thing moments they encountered!  She then prayed over us...and I was overcome with emotion (not so surprising, I know!!).  She prayed deeply, boldly and beautifully for our family as we near our departure date.  Then she referenced Joshua 1:9, which talks about being bold and courageous.  She had no idea that Graham and I memorized that exact scripture 2 weeks ago because we've been "writing" scripture on our hearts that talks about not being fearful but being bold and courageous in the Lord...that was so Jesus blessing my heart in the grandest way!  Be encouraged that He hears our most personal, deep, heart requests....

Logistics update:  We finished our second to last vaccine on Tuesday with no side effects...thank goodness!  We have one more to take starting on Monday!  Instead of counting down the months to leave we're now able to count down the days!  Just talked today with my mom about the luggage we'd be sending through and carrying on...making it more real!

We were able to change a too-tight-of-a-connection flight so we're a bit more at ease with the schedule in place.

We're close to having all our clothing/flip flops together...we know it will be hot so lots of shorts, sandals, skirts (for me!), tennies for the hikes into villages and short sleeve shirts.  We have our little arsenal of essential oils, too, for bug repellent, possible digestion issues, and calming ones for the plane rides!!

Doug and I went on a date last night, and when we were at the bookstore he pulled a book on the Philippines.  It was fun to think we'd be there in a little less than 3 weeks.  We've really been praying that the Lord would prepare us for what He has in store and to serve with joyful, selfless hearts. 

Thank you sooooo much for your continued prayers, love and encouraging support.

P.S. I figured out how to allow people to follow our blog...pretty high-techy for me!  Thankful for a wonderful friend who helped with that one!

Running His race~

Doug and Noelle

Literally One Month.....

It is kind of mind-boggling to think that as of today (now yesterday!), November 1, we're exactly 1 month from our trip to the Philippines.  WOW...11 months ago when we talked to our friend, Steve, in the Philippines about travelling in Dec. of 2015 it seemed so far away!!

I love to see tangible ways that the Lord is working out His details, so I thought I'd share a few keys ones that have transpired over the past 6 months...

*In June Doug and I were able to go on a prayer retreat for 2 days.  The timing, location, who would spend time with our boys and logistics at the lodge were impeccably perfect...not coincidence but devine.  We've never done something like this before and it was heart-moving.  Powerful. Refreshing. Revealing. Needed.  Now I understand more clearly why Jesus did this consistently throughout His ministry as it was necessary for His soul and spirit.

*We have had people cross our paths who have been to the Philippines on mission trips or various other trips and graciously shared of their experiences.  I have also read amazing stories of past and present missionaries who are serving from hearts of "I will go and do ANYTHING, even if that means giving up EVERYTHING." Anything by Jennie Allen

*It is humbling and powerfully exciting to share that we are fully funded for our trip!  We are so aware that this trip is really a trip for many as it wouldn't have come to fruition without the love, prayers, support, generous giving and belief of so many we love, cherish and hold dear.  Do you ever feel that "thank you" really isn't adequate in some situations?  This would be one of those times, yet please know that our gratitude reaches far and wide to so, so many!

We are continuing to experience new lessons directly connected to the plans being laid for us....We find that when we approach situations with a truly open heart to what He has compared to having preconceived expectations or agendas that the results can be a new found faith!  It's way easier to say, "You're will and not my own" than to actually live and walk it out.  When we're freed up from our own agendas, then God receives the glory because the details come together in a such a way that could only happen because of Him! When asked what we'd like to do while there Doug answered this way, "We'd like to be open to how God wants to use us rather than setting up a schedule that turns out not to be God's plan at all, and ending up having to repent of that!"  So, we will go with happy hearts to love and serve others.

This past week Doug and I got another vaccine in the plethora that are required!!  Unfortunately we mildly reacted to it, so needed to wait a week before all of us take one of our last two.  It has been so helpful to spread the vaccines out to give our bodies a fighting chance to rebound before the next one!

If we can ask for specific prayers they would be that the Lord would prepare our hearts for what He has and that this will a glorious opportunity to be His hands and feet.

The love of the Father is like a sudden rain shower that will pour forth when you least expect it, catching you up into wonder and praise.  ~~Richard J. Foster

Praying with belief~

Doug and Noelle

It is in the Simplest of Things...

“The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

This past week it's really been on my heart how the Lord has and is changing our hearts over the past 24 months.  I think one of the most significant shifts for me is really cherishing the simple.  What does that look like/mean?

Well, let me give you a window into my heart!  There was a time in my life where I was busy, meaning I was going a thousand miles an hour, where??  I know the lesson to slow down, invest time in the really great things of life and embrace those things that have high eternal value is where I want and need my efforts to go.  I have found that a beautiful sunset (which we have a ton of breath-taking ones in the Pacific Northwest); a vibrant bouquet of zinnias from my garden; sharing a cup of coffee and deep conversation; and hugging those I love holds much greater value to me as the Lord refines and readies me (and my family) for His next purpose.  It is not that I didn't appreciate these gifts before, but more that I didn't treasure them to their full potential because I was rushing off to the next good thing.

I once heard a message shared that it is most grand to invest our energies in the best things because there are lots of good things...but God wants us to hone in on the best things He's called us to do.  This is because our good things are someone else's best things...don't steal that from them.  Since hearing that message it's always been a compass for me.  I see the importance and truth in it more and more as the plans for us unfold.

In embracing the simple and saying more "no" to just the good stuff I've realized that heart perspective is not the same for everyone.  One more lesson to learn...to offer abundant grace and be quicker to listen than to speak my mind!!  I can be refined in this, too.

It is not just in experiences that we've learned these beautiful lessons but they have popped up even more boldly in the relationships we've established, invested in and walked this journey of life.  I see more and more why God values relationship sooooooo much.  They truly have the potential to be the blooming flowers in our lives if we're willing to put in the intentional love and time they require and deserve.  We are humbled as we reflect on those people the Lord has placed in our lives who emulate love, treasure the heart things and pour time into those things that make up legacies!  Some don't even realize the impact they are making...they are simply following the Call and being obedient.  What a joy it is to see the fruits of their labors.

It is exciting to ponder how these lessons and focusing on, "What can I learn from this?" is readying us for today, tomorrow and beyond.  I was just thinking the other day how we can bless those we'll be visiting in the Philippines.  How can we speak love to them, sacrificially and selflessly?  I know in the process we will be changed...for the best!

What is the Lord really teaching you?  We would love to hear your hearts!

Deeply Grateful~

Doug and Noelle

Oh the Lessons to be Learned....

It's amazing when you have a clear life calling how every instance and occurence molds and shapes you to better equip and prepare you!

Over the past almost two years, and more specifically the last 6 months, we've been given a number of situations where my first thought was, "Why, God?"  But through bold prayers that perspective has changed to, "Help me to learn the lessons I need to quickly, God, so I don't remain here and so I am more like You."  This has been instrumental in me letting go and trusting that even in the pain there is a clear and intentional lesson for me.

We are needing to make decisions that look so foreign and awkward to the world, but it's the Lord leading us and not the world.  We are learning to trust in Him, listen for Him and look to Him as He imparts more and more wisdom along the journey.  I think the lessons most recently have been trust me AND be bold and courageous!  That sounds pretty simple, but all together that's A LOT!!  It reminds me of two awesome stories in the Bible...that of Joshua who trusted in the Lord when the multitudes were telling him otherwise, and the story of Ruth (one of my most favorite people in the WHOLE Bible) who trusted in the Lord and courageously followed Naomi to then be richly blessed by the Lord!

It is even more beautiful to watch this heart/life lesson play out in the life of our Graham.  He has begun to memorize scriptures specifically with the theme of courage and do not fear.  I love to see him writing those promises on his heart because he will most definitely need them...and they will bring him comfort in those uncomfortable unknowns.

I love to see how the different circumstances are intertwined and all the dots begin to connect!  As I trust God more He stretches the parameters and requires me to have deeper faith a little bit at a time.  One "right now" area this has been manifested in me is trusting my husband to a whole new level as the Lord directs him...to lead our family.  For a recovering control addict, this has proven to be a huge growth opportunity for me!!  It is incredible to watch the Father preparing my husband for the plans He has for him...and US as a family unit.

So, as the lessons seem to continue to come, with a very consistent theme, I want to leave you with the verse Graham and I are memorizing...hopefully to encourage and strengthen your heart as it has ours:

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6



Boldly and with love~

Doug and Noelle

Just Two Months from Today.....

How fun to greet you all~


So, being a part of this whole blogging world is completely new to us (as is most technology!!), but Doug and I wanted to share the journey of our family's call to missions.

I thought today would be a perfect day in every way to start sharing a little more of what God is and has been doing in our lives over the past almost 2 years.

A little bit of background that will bring you up to speed on the current happenings....

In January of 2013 we really were feeling on our hearts to pray for what God was calling us to as a family.  We spent near a year and a half praying for direction and clarity.  Then in April of 2014 He brought us both to the conclusion He wanted us to serve on the mission field!  YIWOW! (combo of Yikes and WOW!!)

Needless to say, that has brought with it many perspective and life decision changes.  So, so thankful He's slowly walking us through this process (which my husband loves as a Processor!!)  There is a beautiful story behind this whole adventure, but we'll unroll the details over the course of multiple posts!

Fastforward to winter of 2014 when we were talking to our friend, Steve Bragg, who is a planting pastor in the Philippines.  He has asked us multiple times to come and visit, but this time really spoke to our hearts.  Soon after we began the plans to travel as a family for a short-term trip in December of 2015!  This trip is to help us really find if the Philippines is where He's calling us longterm.

This whole laying out of His plans and not our own has proven to give us numerous opportunities to praise Him, lay everything down before Him and be humbled more than once.  The journey has not been on our own but very much a walk that has included so many friends and family, tons of love and LOTS of questions!

We are now putting together final details for our December trip.  If we can ask for just one thing we'd ask for bold prayers for our family.  This will be a huge step of faith and lots of "new" for our whole fam.!  We are excited and nervous, too, as there are unknowns when you travel internationally (especially with young adult children!)  But so thankful the Lord goes before us.

Until next time (which won't be long)~


Doug and Noelle 
Psalm 37:3-7 (one of our life verses)