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