Faith

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone N.P., originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Hebrews 6:6 "Without faith it is impossible to please Him."

"Faith in antagonism to common sense is fanaticism, and common sense in antagonism to faith is rationalism. The life of faith brings the two into a right relation. Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual; of impulse and inspiration. ... Faith must be tried before the reality of faith is actual. ... Faith is a tremendously active principle which always puts Jesus Christ first - Lord, you have said so and so (Matthew 6:33), it looks mad, but I am going to venture on your Word. To turn head faith into personal possession is a fight always, not sometimes. God brings us into circumstances in order to educate our faith, because the nature of faith is to make its object real. ... Faith is the whole man rightly related to God by the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." O. Chambers

A Peculiar Relationship

The Main Event 1, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.
Our dog, Duke, loves everyone.  He thinks everyone loves him too. Including our rooster, Gallo Pinto.  (for those of you who have seen the dog named Dug in the movie "UP," you know what I am talking about)   Duke, despite his size, is still a puppy at heart.  So, of course he thinks Gallo Pinto wants to "play."  Here they are discussing their play time together.
 

The Main Event 2, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

And here is what they decided to do...fight and wrestle, like any young (and not so young) males like to do. (enter a Tim "the Toolman" Taylor grunt here)  Duke is going in for the KO lick, and Gallo Pinto is going in with his large talons.  (I love Napoleon Dynamite.)

The Main Event 3, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.
BAM!  After many rounds about the yard, Gallo Pinto finally lands a mean right hook with his large talon!  Minutes later however, Duke's overbearing size took Gallo Pinto down and sent him running to his corner, otherwise known as the chicken coop, to recover with his brood of hens... what a chicken!

Sunrise Palette

Sunrise Palette, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Sunrise Fire Clouds, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

We count our blessings everyday when we wake up to sunrises like this out of our East window, taken yesterday.  To bad the temperature wasn't as warm as the colors...20 degrees just feels colder than it used to.  This morning the view out the window is snow showers and clouds.

MAF Indonesia Video

For those of you who want to get an idea of what it may look like for us when we get to Indonesia watch this quick trailer. 



If you want to see the full length 27 minute long version, click here.  MAF serves on three different islands in Indonesia; Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Papua.  This video was filmed on the island of Borneo.  With time, we will know what island we are assigned to.  At the moment, it is just Indonesia.  

The Method of Missions

Fall Migration Southbound, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."

"Jesus did not say - Go and save souls (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God) but - "Go and make disciples" and you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. ... The great essential of the missionary is that he remains true to the call of God, and realizes that his one purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus. ... The one great challenge is - Do I know my Risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit? Am I wise enough in God's sight, and foolish enough according to the world, to bank on what Jesus Christ has said, or am I abondoning the great supernatural position, which is the only call for a missionary, viz., boundless confidence in Christ Jesus.?" O. Chambers

John 20:21

"As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." -Jesus

"What is a missionary?  A missionary is one sent by God.  The great dominant note is not the needs of man, but the command of Jesus. ... We forget that the one great reason underneath all missionary enterprise is not first the elevation of the people, nor the education of the people, nor their needs; but first and foremost the command of Jesus Christ - "Go therefore and teach all nations."  ... We give credit to human wisdom when we should give credit to the Divine guidance of God through childlike people who were foolish enough to trust God's wisdom and the supernatural equipment of God."  O. Chambers

Forest Fire

Forest Fire, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

(Remnants of the 1988 Fire in Yellowstone N.P.)

We had a great time in church this morning.  There was a sweet Presence during worship.  One thing we have been reminded of over and over and over during our past year back in the USA is the power of worship.  Not just the musical variety, but the total surrender type that you nurture all day long.  When you are in that sweet place of worship, the things God asks you to do seem easy, because He is so worthy!  To pack up your family once again and move to the other side of the world is worth it.  At the end of the day, there is a deposit left in eternity, not just something temporal which moth and rust can destroy.  Worship takes us to that place of appreciation for what God has done for us and what He continues to do for us.  Then, it is with our actions of obedience that we show our gratitude towards Him.  Faith without deeds is dead!

Best Friends

Best Friends, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Rather than watch big sister play soccer a few weeks ago, riding the dog was a lot more entertaining.

Brooklyn and Duke

Brooklyn and Duke, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

In between wrestling matches, these two take a little break.

Wipe Your Chin

Wipe Your Chin, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

Madison took a liking (like all kids) to the idea of the ground being covered in food. We quickly taught her about the yellow kind though.

First Snow

Trouble, originally uploaded by Cielo Azul Images.

The results of this seasons first snow, followed by a healthy snowball snack.

We're at it Again

Yes, once again we are making some HUGE changes in life. Rebecca has always been better at putting things in type than me, so, read the explanation of what we are up by clicking here. After that, you will be able to follow along on another journey right here.