It's That Time of Year!

So - for some it's just another holiday weekend. For some of us - it's one of our favorite times of the year! Its time for approximately 400 - 450 people to meander their way across the Northwestern U.S. to find all roads leading to Camp Yamhill and to what is known as FaithQuest! This will be my 11th year to attend FaithQuest (as a chaperon or part of the staff) - and I can truthfully say that my spiritual walk is stronger because of this program! May God bless the Vancouver and Metro Churches of Christ for their unending loyalty to the organization and planning of FaithQuest for the last 21 years...

For your enjoyment below is a list of things I have learned at FaithQuest. Some of you may not completely understand these things - but that's ok, you can just imagine!

Things I have learned at FaithQuest:

1. Any teenagers can survive a 3-day weekend using the "Schmidt Houses" (otherwise known as porta-potties).

2. Having to shower every-other day will not kill you.

3. That the best place to meet new friends is while standing in line for meals.

4. That after an hour or so, any log on which you are sitting should have padding.

5. That prayer in the "tabernacle" is a powerful thing.

6. Late night talks with friends and mentors can change how you view your world.

7. An understanding of the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1 - 11)

8. To pay attention during opening programs - because "baptisms" may not actually be "baptisms"

9. That it is difficult to sing praise to Jehovah God while sitting still.


There are many more - but that's enough. I can't wait to see my friends and my fellow Uganda-sojourners from this past January. I can't wait to sing! I can't wait to watch and see how God will change lives this weekend!

Packing Day

So - it's packing day at the office. We must somehow get everything - I mean EVERYTHING - in a box and ready for the movers before Friday at 8:00 a.m. I think we're going to be here for a while! Right now my office is filled (literally) with empty boxes that apparently the boss has decided to prepare for the "packing party." Fun - NOT!

Anyway - I should get at it or I'll be here all night!!!

Dani Lynn Shannon

How can anyone watch the birth of a baby and still wonder if God exists?

Today my sister Dusty gave birth to a beautiful little girl. Named Dani Lynn Shannon, she weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. She had a bunch of dark hair and seemed to be a fairly quiet and content baby from the get-go!

Her "big" sisters (Taylor, Peyton, and Rian) are so exited!!!

Mission Trip musings....

Things I learned while on the Baker City Summer Mission Trip 2008:

Of a general nature:

1. That locker room showers without lights are horror-flick worthy.
2. That even city boys can make a wild sheep look "pretty."
3. That when it's 95 degrees outside you can never drink too much water.
4. That it is not easy to replace windows on a house built in the 1950's.
5. That a little rain will not deter Lizzy Bennett from kissing Mr. Darcy
6. That it is possible to dance while seated in a van.

Of a spiritual nature:

1. That the devil will try anything in order to discourage team members during the week prior to leaving on a mission trip.
2. That God's plan for the daily schedule is not always the same as our plan.
3. That out of a bad event can come incredible decisions.
4. The true meaning of "Here is water..."
5. That God can use a bunch of teenagers to make a gigantic impact in a small town.
6. That I am humbled by the team that my God allowed me to be a part of.

Grasshopper messenger...

It happened on my way to work today. I was moving along with flow of traffic, just heading onto the Marquam bridge, when I saw it.

A little green grasshopper. Not just green - but lime green - almost fluorescent. I've never actually seen a grasshopper that color.

He was hanging onto my driver's side mirror. And when I say hanging on -- it was for dear life. His little front legs were spread wide and gripping the top edge of the mirror -- his wings blowing in the quick wind caused by the moving vehicle.

And he hung there. For a long time. I watched him for the next three miles or so. He stayed on the edge for a while, then moved to the top of the mirror. And all the while, I was just waiting for him to blow off - afraid to go faster - thinking that more speed would be his downfall.

But eventually, he moved to the back of the mirror facing the on-coming wind full force. I lost view of him just as I was getting off the freeway. I don't really know when he fell off, but he didn't make it all the way to the office with me. It made me sad. I wanted to see him succeed.

During the few miles of watching him battle to stay attached, I kept thinking: "That's the way I feel right now...that it's taking all of my strength to stay attached, to survive, to just get through the day...knowing that the next big breeze would knock me off. Like I'm hanging on for dear life."

And I thought of this bible verse:

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. [James 1:12]

I kind of think "hanging on for dear life" can be of the same mind as "persevering under trial."

So I guess that now is the time to hang on, to brave the wind, to persevere -- one day at a time.

For tomorrow will be another story.