Just wanted to type… November 4, 2009

So I just finished spending some time with a friend of mine and now am awaiting the arrival of my husband. (He has been asked to work 11-7pm on Tuesdays) And thought to myself, “I should blog”

I am unsure what I should blog about but I am sure those that read would like just about anything : ) Love you!

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, family, friends, church body, job, gifts, etc. God has done a marvelous job this fall – it is one out of two of my favorite seasons – I love the colors on the leaves and the fresh, crisp air. God has provided a little break in the rainy weather, so I have taken advantage of it and gone on a few walks. I love the fall smells as well. mmmmm!

Everything has been going well. Still enjoying our apartment, we are both growing in our jobs with either leadership or culinary skills (more so Jeff in that area!)

Jeff’s mother and grandmother came for a visit a week and a half ago. We had a wonderful time visiting, laughing, playing hand and foot, looking at pictures. Took them to the market, a couple parks, and beaches. They really enjoyed church and couldn’t believe how green it was here.

That was my first time (since being at the theater) that I wasn’t in Children’s Ministry. Let me tell you – was I trying so hard to not be distracted by worrying about what was going on in the kids theater! God kept reassuring me….you can trust me. And I could and did – everything went well!!!

Jeff will be working this coming Sunday to cover for another gentleman, so pray for him as he is there and I’m at church. It will make for a short weekend.

I hope this finds everyone doing well. Our new website, if you haven’t already seen it is www.epiclifechurch.org

Love you

Faith October 5, 2009

Our lesson for the children this week was in Matthew 6: 25-34.

DO NOT WORRY  is the subtitle of those verses!

This is easier said than done for me. As most of you may know I was struggling this week to trust that God was going to provide enough teachers, helpers, and set-up crew for the Children’s Ministry GROW.

I had a few melt-downs in my head and a few through tears.

God is FAITHFUL – He provided exactly what we needed and He had everything under control!

Our lessons talked about when Jesus was teaching those around him that they didn’t need to worry and they could have FAITH in God because of the things He made and how He takes care of them. IE. Birds and Flowers – think of the different kinds there are. Now what do they eat or where do they grow? God provides everything they need. We can believe in a God we can’t see because you can see what God has made.

I couldn’t see or know who all the teachers and helpers were but I could believe in God and He provided!!

are you convicted? August 5, 2009

I want to share a few things that have convicted me lately….

1) “The Case for Faith” by Lee Strobel – an excerpt

“On my door there’s a cartoon

of two turtles. One says,

“Sometimes I’d like to ask why he

allows poverty, famine, and

injustice when he could do

something about it.”

The other turtle says,

“I’m afraid God might ask me the

same question.”

Those who have Jesus’ heart

toward hurting people need to

live out their faith by alleviating

suffering where they can,

by making a difference,

by embodying

his love in practical ways.

– Peter John Kreeft

Wow, right?! Well keep reading the above excerpt, the Scripture, and my personal experience all tie together for one purpose……

I haven’t had work lately and this has been a struggle and a blessing all at the same time. Jeff has learned a lot about not being jealous and God giving him peace to the point where he has been an amazing encourager on these days. I have learned to constantly turn to God, so that I am not lied to about my days off and to know where and what He wants me to do that day.

Well a few days I will work only on Children Ministry development. Other days I’ll spend time with people whose relationships are important and uplifting. While other days, God asks me to pray and seek the helpless and needy. (today being one of those days).

The excerpt above is a beautiful picture of how we think and how God asks us to live. Then this morning I read through Amos 1-9 (one of those times I just flipped open and asked God to speak)…..well He did. Have you ever read that book? Pretty powerful words. God saves His people, they turn their back while still performing the rituals, and God is angry!!

Multiple times He warns His people and reveals to them how He wants them to  live and behave. Do they listen? No, they are selfish. Countless times He asks them to stop their behavior and to help those in need.

I need to stop, because there are too many verses to write down, that I should just copy and paste it in here so that you can read it….so go and read it in your Bible and ask God to speak to you, convict you….

Now for my experience -

I confess, yesterday I had a job (Praise Jesus!) that required me to go onto the ferry to Bainbridge Island. I had been on a few other ferries, with friends not by myself. I had to catch the 6:10, meaning 5am wake up and 5:20 start. I got lost…the roads downtown are “nutso”, but again Praise God that I knew enough of the downtown area to meander my way to where I needed to be. I found parking…got flustered. Ran to ferry terminal because I was nervous about being late. Asked where to go, found out where to buy ticket, went to bathroom, sat down and sighed.

Moments later a tiny black woman sat next to me, soft spoken, could hardly hear her….while I was reading a devo to calm myself down. She says, “I’m homeless, do you have any money.”

Well if you have read previous blogs you would know my struggle. I don’t carry cash because I don’t want to give homeless cash, I would rather give them food and hope. So I told her the truth (to my knowledge) that I didn’t have any (later looking and here I had two dollars and change….just had it from the day before). Then after she quickly got up and sat to the other side of me to ask the gentleman down a couple seats….she asked every single person sitting there (maybe 15 of us)….I don’t think anyone gave her money…..

As I watched this woman, I prayed, I felt horrible….I realized, “hey, I have a lunch, I could give it to her….” she walked out before I could even stand up….should I have ran after her, given it to her the moment I remembered my lunch? I was stunted, stuck to the seat. AAAAAWWWWW I wanted to scream, are you really  homeless, if so why, and how can you REALLY be helped….because even though she asked for money and I had food I could have given her….what does she REALLY need to get off the streats and what does she REALLY need – love, God’s love – does she have it- does she know about His love?????????????

So excerpt, Scripture, my personal experience – do you see how they all tie together….God has asked us to go and share the gospel!! What does that mean, share Jesus Christ story, love and care like Him, be moved to obey when He calls on you….even if you are taken off guard and just want to calm yourself down. Help and love in practical ways. Lose yourself to gain who God asks you to be.

Pray for me as I pray for you…..

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar July 8, 2009

Mark 10:46-52

Jesus was passing through Jericho, a popular resort city built by Herod, where Bartimaeus was begging for food because he was blind.  He called out to Jesus “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Jesus responed and asked Bartimaeus to come, he asked “What do you want me to do for you?”. “Teacher,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” Jesus said, “Go your way. Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the blind could see. Then Bartimaeus followed Jesus down the road.

I was reading the  study notes and the commentaries said that many who were disabled/crippled/blind could not find work, because the work in those days were mainly physical labor.  With that type of work many with those conditions mentioned above chose to beg.  It stated that they went to big cities to beg because more people would pass through.

Many people know that Seattle is one of the largest cities in North America and has one of the highest percentage of homeless.  But are they really homeless?  I was informed that there are some homeless who live in a home with a group of people, a van will pick them up, and bring them to “their” corners to beg. I was shocked but not really surprised, because early on a father of one of my clients said that many will false advertise (the signs many of the homeless hold up) to bring in more money.

But I was confused as to why some would chose to subject themselves to a lifestyle of judgment, standing outside all day on a corner, and lie to the public about being homeless. The same couple told me that they knew a “homeless” women, who confessed that she made $100,000 a year and didn’t really need the money! Then why is she doing it?!  The confusion for me is then how do we know who is really homeless or not – or how do we help even the those who claim to be but aren’t?

I just didn’t understand, until I read Mark 10:46-52. Jesus would heal and he to be a vessel so that he might heal those around us. I know that this specific gentleman, or any other homeless/”homeless” need to be healed by Jesus. I understand that if they don’t know Christ and have a relationship with Him, then of course they would continue to do what they are doing.

So pray with me, please. For our body of Christ out here in Seattle and everywhere else. That we would really get to know people in our communities and not just assume they are ok, but that we have a gift to give them.  That gift is Jesus Christ, the one who heals. The one who loves.  Pray that we can get past judgment and find out what people really need.  That we wouldn’t enable people but that Christ would save people.

patience July 7, 2009

Someone once told me not to pray for patience…..I asked why? She said that if I prayed for patience over myself, then God would more than likely give me a test to build my patience! So whoever is praying patience over me PLEASE STOP!!!! : )  I’m just kidding but some days I feel like that….stuck in traffic for an hour, parents coming late after they already told me what time they were suppose to come home, babies throwing up all over my clothes….great way to not want kids right now ; P.

So this season has lasted a while and I have learned, been stretched, and grown with God an incredible amount…..Praise God that He is teaching me and helping me along the way. I am so weak that some days I feel like I am dragging on the floor just to get home.

One time last week I was suppose to meet with a family that was visiting from Winona, MN…..my client was 1/2 an hour late, I was in traffic for an hour, a cop tried to maneuver his way through traffic on the ramp…I got to say goodbye to the family – my thoughts on the way to meeting them. “Man I can’t believe this, it is almost 6 shouldn’t everyone be home” “You know, if I was a really good (but crazy) Christian I would let everyone in front of me, but then I would stay in this spot for ever”   EVERYONE IS SOOO BUSY!!!

We had a mission group here this past week – a gentleman painted a painting that half had hundreds of dots (the busy side) / the other half said “Be Still And Know That I Am God” – he said that by observing Seattle, God placed this painting on his heart. IT IS SO TRUE! Not just here but possibly in all of our lives – we are too busy to spend quality time with God, too busy worrying, doubting, being angry, complaining, and/or working to even communicate with God.

YIKES!!! God is constantly asking me to turn to Him on my drives home. To stop listening to music at times, stop complaining start praying, stop being angry but to love…..

What is He speaking to you?

May 15, 2009

On our way to a team retreat....first time on a ferry!!

my thoughts May 15, 2009

Life is hard…
I know that some people have it worse off physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually than me, but you know that is the beauty of the God I love and live for. He still comes to me and says it’s ok Kari, you can cry because YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME, ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD and I’ll tell you that I love you over and over again. In all seriousness how amazing!

I have been blessed with this day off….
Some may know that I work for a nanny agency. I am basically on call and typically have a full week worth of work, but today there was not enough work. Sometimes I am very anxious from 6-10am not knowing if I’m going to get a call/text about if I have work that day. Today was different; there were moments I felt tightening in my chest because I don’t know what I should do until 10. God was and is so good to me though. He kept comforting me, telling me to trust and rely on Him.

God has purposefully made this a day off for me I think to have a day of thinking and praying and crying out to God. Lately I haven’t taken the time to think about life issues. I get to enjoy kids all day and play with them, why would I want to think about life issues. But for some reason life has hit me in the face today, more than likely so that I would pray for specific people and specific circumstances and opportunities.

What have I been thinking about……

*Seattle – why am I here, what is God doing here, where is my focus and priorities in life
*Minnesota – all the family and friends I love – how I will get to see some of them soon, how disconnected I feel from everyone in a way because I am not physically there
*Divorce, abortion, tolerance, homelessness and many more life issues that so many people struggle with on a daily basis
*How God is a God of His word but how we so often don’t believe He is – we don’t know how or want to trust Him completely

Luke 1: 42- 56
These verses are what God brought to me today to comfort me and to pray about for others. The verses are about Mary (Jesus’ mother) visiting Elizabeth (John the Baptist mother).

Elizabeth says, “ You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” And Mary responds with praising God for who He is and all He does and is going to do.

But what a great verse….can you imagine God speaking to you about something that God is going to do in your life and actually believing it to the fullest. Throughout the entire Bible God tells us what He thinks, feels, calls us to do, how to live…..do we really believe what He says? I hope so…..I hope were are not becoming tolerant and politically correct Christians/people…..God is very clear on that.  I hope that we trust Him to do miracles and that we know how much He loves us.

Heavy stuff…in my mind, which is why I had to write it down and share it. I need to get it out or it will keep going in circles in my head. Do you ever feel that way? I pray we can grow from those times instead of pushing them aside. Also, I know there is a balance because if I think and dwell too much, then I do not always trust that God is in control, I think I am. Thank God that is not the case. Whew!!! : )

Well know that God is working and that I love everyone who takes the time to read and check to see if I have written anything : )

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! February 17, 2009

Philippians 4:4

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

I have been borrowing these books from a friend, written by Karen Kingsbury. The series is call Redemption – a 5 book series. The way she writes has always been thought provoking and encouraging to me and my relationship with Christ, my husband, and others in my life.  The verse that is mentioned above has been one that God has been continuously speaking to my heart the last couple of months. I am so thankful for Him and who He is.

We are to Rejoice in every circumstance and know that God is in control. His plans are amazing….more than what we can even fathom. I Rejoice that He is in control of my life. That He knows everything and is constantly and gently guiding me in His direction.

So I ask you to find things to be thankful for….we are all blessed in different areas and different times in our lives.

an update for those who i don’t have an email addy for : ) February 9, 2009

Hello there!!! How is everyone doing? We hope and pray that God is blessing you and working in your lives. He definitely is in our lives out in Seattle!!! Recently my mom was able to come out and visit us for a week! What a blessing that was, we had a wonderful time sightseeing and just hanging out.  She was able to see where Jeff works and was impressed that I knew how to get everywhere (thanks to my job).

What else is new…well first I will always apologize for not being a better “updater”…. sorry.  But know that we value each and everyone of your prayers, support, and encouragement. Really, I thank God that we have family and friends that love us and remember us.

New update – we have roughly 40+ people attending our church, besides our team of 12 that came out here.  We have been pretty excited about that…a few families and 20+ adults from either work or random encounters. We are also ready to split one of our house churches into two smaller groups, which is also a testament on how we all love fellowship.

This past weekend God used Jeff as the main man of two events. On Saturday we had a community dinner, Jeff was asked to come up with a menu and prepare it. So, Friday we cooked the meat – teriyaki pulled pork sandwiches. Other items on the menu were an Asian slaw (peanut butter, ginger, cilantro base with cabbage – interesting but delicious) and then I thought of chow mien noodles dipped in chocolate/butterscotch chips with peanuts. IT WAS A HIT!!! We had close to 35 people there…I only new 10.  Once again God brought people to this event, so that He could be glorified.

Then on Sunday night Jeff was asked to give the sermon.  Currently, Pastor Keith is in the Wisconsin/Minnesota area advocating and raising support for Epic Life Church. Philippians 3:12-20 was the topic that Jeff spoke on.  He was a little nervous, but the Holy Spirit spoke to multiple people. Three men specifically came up to Jeff and gave him a hug (one with tears in his eyes) because they were touched/convicted to keep persevering towards the eternal goal.

Pretty powerful weekend! Everyone has been really involved lately, which is exciting. We had our first youth night for the teens, went really well and are planning another event. Service projects are being asked of the church, allowing for us to love onto the community.

Prayer requests:
-    Everyone’s jobs – we all know that there are layoffs and cuts – we are all thankful for our jobs!!
-    The goals that our church has set – website, ministry preparation, house churches

-    Support financially – if God is calling you to give to Epic Life Church – you can give online to www.epiclifegiving.com or
send a check to
Puget Sound Baptist Association
Attn: ‘Epic Life Church’
P.O. Box 3089
Federal Way, WA 98063-3089

Well, once again we love you all and are praying for you. Feel free to send us prayer requests or just drop us notes. Also, thanks again for your encouragement and support.

God Bless You – Jeff and Kari

update November 19, 2008

A few things that have been going on lately…..in Jeff and my life….

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I went with another couple, Steve and Kelsey, to go watch some improv acting.  This couple is on fire for Christ and really fun to hang out with. On our way there we stopped at a Starbucks to get some coffee before the show. One because everyone seems to drink coffee out here and two because we all go to bed so early during the week we thought it would be smart to get some caffeine in us! Well, when Jeff and I got there Steve and Kelsey were standing by this other couple, which seemed to be having some car issues. The couple had a flat tire! (Actually they weren’t a couple they were just a friends having coffee and conversation at Starbucks).

So I believe that God laid on our hearts that we needed to help them and get them on their way. Well none of the vehicles had the proper tools to get the tire off. Steve and Kelsey had to go buy a four-tier wrench thing, while they did that Jeff and I stayed and talked. Moses and Meron are from Eurichria or Ehrlichia (spelling), Africa. Moses just moved here and Meron has been here for eight years. Toward the end of the conversation we found out the Meron was a Christian who loves Christ and is strongly seeking that relationship. She told us that was why they were at Starbucks, to discuss Christianity. Moses is on the fence, as far as beliefs go.

At the end of the whole ordeal, we all knew God had a reason for us running into each other. We exchanged contact info and hopefully (because of Meron’s interest in the church plant) they will come and visit. Of course, once the donut was on the car…that was flat too, so in the end they had to take the bus back to their homes. We even made it to the show on time!!

The show….was fantastic! We laughed, clapped, and had a great time… the actors and actresses were amazing and hilarious! I haven’t laughed so hard in a while. The sports theatre is downtown, it is where Steve and Kelsey had their first date : ). So we all enjoyed it…..now for the crazy and uncomfortable thing…….

The last scene involved two volunteers from the audience. Toward the end the one person got down on their knee and proposed to the other volunteer……they were both females! My mouth and eyes have never been so open, I didn’t even realize that my face was doing that until after the show. All four of us were in shock and looking at each other…like “what do we do?” Everyone was clapping, except for us. Actually, Jeff said the MC for the night made eye contact and gave Jeff a look like “why aren’t you clapping?”

This did not sit well with me for a couple of weeks, and still boggles my mind. Why, well for one it is not something I have ever seen or thought I would ever see in my life, my bubble is being popped continuously with things I have never encountered before, and lastly God has been laying on my heart to love everyone……that I don’t need to love the sins they do, but I need to love them as a human being because God loves them.

What do you think or feel or do you have any wisdom on this topic? Of course I probably won’t ever see those two ladies, but I will encounter other homosexuals…..how do I love them as Christ loves them? How do I get over my judgments and preconceived thoughts of them? I have been praying that God would just guide me through those circumstances that I don’t know how to handle or how to react. That God would give me eyes to see other as He sees them and a heart like His.

Overall, God has been transforming all of our hearts to be more like His. Jeff said last night that he feels like God is brining each through a “crash course”. That we all have much to learn, which will never end, but He is continuously working on us and providing for us. How great is our God to take the time to teach us and love on us!!

Well just wanted to share some tid bits about some different things that have happened in our lives.

God Bless and Take care –

Jeff and Kari

Also – I do have Jeff proof read these but he says he can never change it, because it is just too complicated and it is just the way I write. And he says he can picture me saying the letter, since that is the way I talk……ya know run on sentences, fragments….sorry grandma and others who are english buffs! : )