Stewie's Story

Here is the story of our newest family, Stewie! He is a Boston Terrie/French Bulldog mix. He is a year old and weighs 20 pounds. He has been very well trained and is very gentle mannered. Stewie was rescued from a shelter by an organization call Project Pooch. Project Pooch is based out of MacLarnen Youth Correction Facility. The inmates train the rescued dog and prepare the dogs for adoption (more info at pooch.org) Our kiddos enjoy saying that we got our dog from jail. We met Stewie a week ago and fell in love with him immediately  We believe he fell in love with us also. The other cool thing about all this is another organization called Vets Adopt a Pet. This organization is such a blessing to us. They pay for the adoption of a rescued pet for veterans as a companion pets. It is their way of saying "Thank you for your service."

Stewie is going to be our family dog, but mostly a companion pet for Joe. Companion pets help veterans with the after effects of war and service, For Joe it is helping heal his PTSD. PTSD is an ugly monster that effects so many soldiers. Some deny they have it which is dangerous if it continues to be untreated. Joe isn't afraid to ask for help while dealing with PTSD. I am so proud of him for getting help which helps our family as well. This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Jonathan Stehle's death. Stehle died November 8th 2002 in a army training accident. Then less then 6 months later he and the rest of 1/1 Cav deployed to Iraq for a 15 month deployment. Things happened there that also changed Joe. Now almost 10 years later and we are still dealing with the trauma. This year seems like the hardest one yet and that is why we believe that Stewie came into our lives for a reason. Stewie has brought Joe so much joy. They are still getting to know each other, and it so fun to watch them together. Joe can talk to Stewie about anything and he won't talk back. Seeing the two of them together bring me so much joy. Thank you to everyone who made this adoption possible. We are truly blessed to have this little guy in our lives!!

One School year down!!!!

The 2009-2010 school comes to end today! I am am excited. For me personally this has been a year that has stretched me further then I have been stretched. I started a new job at my kids school this past fall, which is attached to our church. I am now a librarian. I love my job, and have learned that this is not an easy job. Shayla completed preschool, and is now moving onto kindergarten. Curtis just completed 4th grade and now is on his way to 5th grade. My husband Joe is done being a full time student at CCC and is now heading into a new career field. He starts his new job being a machinist on the 14th. I am looking forward to a peaceful summer. I am looking forward to my garden growing, canning and spending time with friends. Thank you Lord for such a good school year, a year of firsts. Good bye to a wonderful school year, hello summer!!!

Just me...what you see is what you get

I am hear listening to "my song", Alive and Awake by Skillet( see lyrics at the end of this) and it prompted me to blog. This year I decided (with the conviction of the Lord of course) to be me, 100% all natural me. My only accountability that I need is Jesus and my husband Joe. When I was growing up, I lived in a "perfect" world with a "perfect" family. I know that many people can relate to what I am saying. My mom never rested during the day, at least not the I can recall. The house was spotless cause you never knew who might drop by or who was watching. Us children had to have clean faces and fresh clothes. Heaven forbid we get dirty. Me, well I was the black sheep and took the title seriously. I never felt like I matched up to the rest of the family. Well after 20 plus years of flakeness I completely crashed. I have been cracking the shell for a while, but now the shell is gone. In January 2010 I started a new devotion about taking off the mask and loving myself the way the Lord loves me. That was a hard devotion, but over the course of a few weeks that Lord started to soften my heart little by little. My biggest struggle was stemmed from this verse: Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God. How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with you. I couldn't get past this question. How could the Lord love and think about me as much it says He does in His word, when everyone else could claim those verses. I couldn't personalize this verse. I prayed my way through it and the Lord changed my perspective. He let me know that I can personalize this verse and so can everyone else, because the depth of His love towards His children cannot be measured or understood. He is now beginning to move mountains in my life. It has been a challenge but I am enjoying the freedom I am experiencing. I realize through all this that I need to fall in love with myself the way the Lord has. He created me the way He planned from the beginning. How awesome is our God. It blows me away that God is that big hearted to have a bazillion thoughts for each on us all the time. The best thing is that when He created everyone none of us are the same. No duplicates, not even twins. Praise you Lord for your creativity. I am enjoying myself. I am continuing to find out who Christina is and I really like her. She is a follower of Christ, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother of two beautiful children. Thank you Jesus for the blood You spilled on the cross. You hung there for me, for all the sins you knew I was gonna commit. Thank you for forgiving me for not being who I was created to be. Thank you for working hard on me. At times I wanted to pull my hair out cause life was too hard, but as always You were faithful to help me overcome. I love myself more and more everyday. Thank you Lord Jesus for freedom I am experiencing. In your mighty name I pray. Amen!


Awake And Alive lyrics

V1
I’m at war with the world and they
Try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slippin’ from your arms

It’s getting harder to stay awake
And my strength is fading fast
You breathe into me at last

Chorus
I’m awake I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
here, right now
I’ll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake and I’m alive

V2
I’m at war with the world cause I
Ain’t never gonna sell my soul
I’ve already made up my mind
No matter what I can’t be bought or sold

When my faith is getting weak
And I feel like giving in
You breathe into me again

Bridge
Waking up waking up

In the dark
I can feel you in my sleep
In your arms I feel you breathe into me
Forever hold this heart that I will give to you
Forever I will live for you




The second hurdle is to be blogged about later, I am on a journey and I am gonna share it later.

Attitude adjustment

Changing my attitude has been the best thing for me. For the last couple months I had a complaining spirit. I would complain about everything. I was so sick of life not going my way. Well, when I went to church a few weeks ago there was a word spoken. The word was that if you have a bad attitude you should stop and put on a garment of praise. So I went home and through thought and prayer I did just that. I slipped on my garment of praise and have not taken it off. I wrote all my complaints on one side of the paper and then on the other sides I wrote out my prayers of thanksgiving for each complaint. My heart was in the right spot finally. I didn't expect anything in return. I just knew that my mouth was not honoring to the Lord. Later that week I was talking to friend and telling her that I hope the Lord blesses us with a portable dishwasher come canning season. She told me that her parents had one that they didn't need and that it was sitting in their front yard for the last 2 weeks getting ready to go to the dump. She called her parents and they said take it. We rescued the dishwasher and brought it home. It is only 5 years old at most. We had to change the nozzle on our faucet to make the dishwasher fit. So for $5 we were able to get our dishwasher. I know that when I changed my attitude and the way I look at life the more clearly I am able to see the blessings of Christ. Thank you Jesus for the dishwasher!

I am back

I am back now so I will be on here more often then I have been this past year!

I just can't stop falling in love again and again!

Now that it is February, I think now would be the appropriate time to blog mine and my Joe's love story. I am not airing out dirty laundry, every thing has been forgiven and we have moved forward from our numerous mistakes and learned from them. I think the one lesson we have learned the most is that there is consequences for the sins you commit. We made choices both together and individually and walked away from the Lord for a bit. He forgave us and forgot about those sins when we left them at the Cross, but the consequences of our actions still needed to be dealt with. The Lord has tested our faith and it has been rough at times, but through it all I have learned many lesson's. Here is our story:

I met Joseph Loy on January 15, 1998. I was on AOL messenger looking for a friend in high school who was stationed at Ft. Lewis Army Base, and instead I found Joe. I was in Portland, Oregon at the time. We started emailing each other back and forth and started a friendship. He was coming out of a bad break up and was making some poor choices. I also came out of a bad break up and was starting my rebellion phase. On September 12, 1998 we finally met up at Ft. Lewis. My friend and I drove up and picked him up and went to the Puyallup fair. That is when I knew he was the one I was going to hang onto. Well choices in our lives caused us to break up almost every month after that until January 1999. On New years eve of 1999 I made the choice to run from my problems and the Lord and stole my parents car. Joe had no clue what was going on, I picked him up and told him to get into the car and ask no questions. Then I drove up to Canada for the weekend. Worse time of my life. I hurt a lot of people that weekend. I am sad for that. On the way back to the states Joe kissed me on the border, which was surprising since I kidnapped him and took him up there with me. We decided to give our relationship another try. When I got back home, I was officially kicked out of the house. My parents were nice enough to find me a place to live. Joe proposed to me in March. In May of that same year I moved up near Ft. Lewis to be with Joe. I tried to convince my parents we weren't living together, but the are a lot smarter then that and knew the truth. I severed the relationship I had with my parents. I also got pregnant with our son that same month. The next few months were really rocky. Joe decided he wanted out of our relationship and I was scared that I was gonna have to raise our son by myself. I was a mess. In January of 2000 we got married. Not for love mind you, but of convience. We believed that our son needed two parents. I was 8 months pregnant when we got married in the little chapel. No one in our family knew for about two weeks that we were married. About a year later, February of 2001 the Army packed and shipped us out to Buedingen Germany. In March of 2001 while in another hotel room, awaiting housing on base, I surrendered my life back to Christ. I was sick and tired of running my own life. I had rededicated my life before in high school, but this time was for real. My life, and the life of my husband, was out of control. The peace and the burdens that were lifted off my shoulders is nothing I will forget. Forgiveness is a powerful thing! We eventually got housing. Joe was assigned to a Cavalry unit. We were introduced to the rigid training schedule, and working 12+ hours a day. Joe was gone every May and every October/Nov. We got used to not being together. We avoided problems in our marriage because we just figured we didn't have time to deal with it. Avoidance doesn't solve problems,. In August of 2001 I left Joe. I flew back to Portland, not expecting to come back to Germany. I had had enough and wanted to start over with just Curtis and I. Then September 11th hit and I realized I shouldn't give up. Some of these people involved in the terror attacks would never be able to see their loved ones again. I finally made it back to Germany in October. Things were slowly getting better after that. Then the accident happened. November 8 2002 my 24th birthday to exact, while Joe and his unit were at training on the south-eastern side of Germany there was a fatal tank accident. One of the tanks in my husband’s troop had hit a sink hole and was half way submerged in water and mud trapping the driver. My husband and the rest of the soldiers jumped in the freezing cold water trying to save Spc. Jonathan Stehle. My husband was in the water for over 4 hours until he was forced out by someone in charge. My husband suffered severe hypothermia and couldn’t feel his legs. I got a call from a sergeant. asking my approval if Joe needed his legs amputated. His platoon sergeant called me and told me that it wasn't good, and that they didn't know what would happen through out the night. I told him to do whatever they needed to do to keep Joe alive. That night Jonathan Stehle was not able to get out of his tank, as his tank filled up with water he lost his life. He died of hypothermia. He was 22. When my hubby finally came to it he called me and told me that was hurt, but that his legs were feeling better. We found out shortly after he came home from training that he wasn’t ok. Barely being able to walk and being dependent on me was a challenge for both of us, but it helped us mature and grow up really fast. That is when we became the best of friends. It also started us on the healing path of our marriage. We didn’t know what would happen to Joe's injury. None of the other soldiers involved were hurt. He has since been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, in english severe nerve damage in his legs. Less then 6 months after the accident they were all shipped out to Iraq. 1/1 Cav was shipped out for a what suppose to be a year long deployment to Iraq in April of 2003. His troop had not had time to fully cope or deal with the accident but still shipped out. I wrote to Joe almost everyday, he wrote and called when he had the time. Through our correspondence while he was in Iraq I fell madly in love with Joe. The Lord taught me to forgive and love again. It was a time when I had to depend on Christ at almost every minute of the day. That is when my walk with the Lord took off. I had to trust in him and live by faith knowing that whatever the out come of this deployment that the Lord was in charge of it. He would have a plan for mine and Curtis’ life. Our son Curtis was three when he left, but prayed almost every night for daddy to come home soon and safe. In February of 2004 they sent my husband and a few other soldiers to Qatar for R&R. When he was there we had the most amazing phone conversation. We were talking about our marriage and somewhere in that lengthy healing conversation my husband said "Christina, if you knew everything I did that went against our marriage you would not be with me." My reaction I don’t remember if it was verbal or just in my heart but I said I forgive you. I believe that he forgave me too for all things I did to contribute to our pain. We learned to let go of the past and enjoy what we have now. That is when I knew that my husband was truly in love with me. He also rededicated his life to Lord while in Iraq. We both decided to let Christ rule our lives and our family. So we tried to hang on till the end of April when they should be coming home. Well as luck would have it on April 12 2004, Good Friday to be exact us wives got word that our husbands tour had been extended for another 120 days, which would put them home in August. I hadn’t seen my husband in almost a year and I was UPSET. They eventually sent him home for two weeks that May. Then the most awesome day had finally arrived, my hubby was coming home from war. July 19, 2004 our soldiers finally came home after a long 15 month deployment. In one of the letters I wrote my husband I told him that the only material item I wanted from him was a wedding band. (I only wanted one when he was ready to be committed to me and to our family.) On the night he came home he handed me a purple box and a love letter. It was the most beautiful letter I had ever read. It was what I needed to hear to know that our marriage was going to make it. When I opened the box it was a wedding band. He bought it in Kuwait on the way home. My husband has not gone against anything he said in that letter. The Lord made it clear when he came home that we needed to expand our family. My son prayed for a sister even after we found out I was pregnant. Then in December 2004 we found out we were having a girl. Curtis was so happy that Jesus answered his prayers. Because of Joe's legs the Army told my hubby that he would no longer be able to serve our country. My husband took 60 days terminal leave in February 2005. We moved back to Portland to start life without the Army. Joe was honorably discharged on April 11, 2005. Our beautiful daughter Shayla was born on April 14, 2005. We bought a house in Portland to live the civilian life which was challenging to do when you have lived by the government for 8 years. The Lord has continued to bless us. We moved out of Portland and into the small town of Molalla, Oregon. Right now the Veterans Administration is paying for Joe to go to school full time. Joe is an amazing man of God. He goes to school full time with a 4.0 GPA, works part time and takes care of us at home. Amazing man. We just celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary. We NEVER EVER thought we would still be together, but the Lord knew. It has been a rough eleven years that we have been together, I have to regrets. Everything that has happened in the past and the things we will go through in the future will be used for the glory of the Lord. I serve an awesome God who is proud of Joe and I for sticking it out and depending on him. I almost lost my husband many times, while serving under our flag, but the Lord didn't let it happen because this love story needs to keep on growing. I continue to fall more and more in love with my husband. I am so appreciative of him and all he does for me and my family. The lesson the Lord has been teaching me the last few years as Joe's disability has worsened, is to slow down. Joe walks slower and with a cane, but it is time to appreciate things at a slower pace. I wouldn't change anything from my past. I look forward to the next chapter in our lives. I want this story to bring glory to the Lord. Don't ever give up on your marriage. Depend on Christ and He will give you the light at the end of the tunnel. He did for us. May the Lord bless all who read this!

The three of us reunited after the 15 month long deployment!

Our daughter is one of the many

blessing the Lord has given us since Joe has come home form Iraq!

The Loy family, on vaction at Hume Lake in California.

Who am I to Complain?

I have been on an emotional roller coaster this month. I have to deal joy to the highest level all the way down to the pit of despair. I have pouted when things didn't go my way and bounced off the walls when I was overly excited. I don't understand now what the Lord has store for us. It is frustrating to not know what He is doing. I am glad I can depend on him to take care of us. We are planning on moving again. For the last 11 years of my life I have moved every two years, except for the 4 years I lived in Germany. I am SICK and TIRED of moving. I crave stability. I know one day my prayers will be answered but right now I am a little frustrated. Thankfully I can have stability in my Saviour!
Today on the way to taking Curtis to school/home from school we listened to the story behind the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." That is my most favorite hymn! Listen for yourself the story behind this amazing song!


I have nothing to complain about. This story and song brought me to a place of conviction. If this is all I have to deal with I am doing pretty good. There are children who are starving, there are men and women sacrificing their lives daily and leaving a family behind, there are children and adults battle all kinds of diseases, i could go on and on. Yes my pain is real, but everyone hurts. Who or what I turn to in my hurt defines who we are. I am going to try and always turn to Jesus. I want to say in hard times and good, It is well with my soul! May God bless you

Proud to be an American

Hello Friends, I hope you are all doing well. I am very very proud of our country. Yesterday our first African American president was sworn into office. I honestly never thought that I would live to see that day. Thank you America for tearing down the racial barriers of this country. 50 years ago we going through civil rights and many many leaders rose up and stood their ground about the injustices being done. Many many people shed there blood just trying to get the right to vote, to get the same rights as everyone else and to just live a normal life and look at us now. WOW I am am honored to have witnessed history unfold. I did not vote for Barack Obama (because I don't agree with him on key issues), but I do believe that the Lord has a plan for our nation. The Lord is still in control and I know he is proud of how far our country has come.
As president Bush gets back to "normal" life in Texas, I wonder what his reflection is about these last 8 years. I am proud of Bush and all he did. I may not agree with it all, but I don't know the whole story and I am not going to pretend I do. I am torn that our nation is at war and we have lost and will continue to loose innocent people, but at the same time our country is better off because of the fight this brave souls. So thank you president Bush for doing what you thought was best for our country. President Bush took care of Veterans and military personnel. Every January we get a pay raise. Not little one, but usually around $50-100 a year. He made sure that they were not forgotten. He truly has a heart for this nation and tried to do his best with what he had. My dear friend Ann had this video posted on here facebook account and I thought it was awesome. So I will leave you with that. Thank you America, what a ride you have been on. May the next 4 years be AWESOME!

An end to a wonderful, challenging year!

I am sitting here looking back at 2008 and I am awe struck at what the Lord has done in my and my families lives, my friends lives. I have to start back in fall of 2007. At that time we were attending a huge church in Clackamas. The Lord made it clear to me that I need stop all leadership positions that I was in. My husband and I were small group leaders, I was table leader for the women's bible study, and the hospitality coordinator for our churches MOPS group. I was pretty good at what I was doing and when I prayed about it and was complaining to God ( I don't recommend doing that) that I didn't want to quit, He in His gracious ways showed me where I was overly stressed, how I wasn't up to par on being a mother and a wife, and most importantly how I was not spending as much time as I could nurturing my relationship with Him. So I quit everything he told me too. It was like pulling teeth, but I obeyed. In November of 2007 I started volunteering 1 day a week in the kitchen of CCS. I am beginning to see why he chose that path for me. I enjoy life a lot more then I ever have. Now jump into 2008. Joe and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary in January. In February we celebrated Joe's 29th birthday by going to the Ft. Stevens on the coast and staying in a Yurt for the very first time.

We had a blast! Amazingly the weather was nice. It rained at night and was clear during the day! We will continue to Yurt in the future.

In March we celebrated Curtis' 8th birthday. He is just an amazing child and I love watching him grow. He is incredibly smart, and loves to study about people in history. He also has a heart for people and I excited to see how the Lord works through him.
April came with another birthday. Shayla turned 3 years old. She was so looking forward to being three. She grown a lot this year. She is an amazing little girl. Very creative and loving. She loves Jesus with all her heart.

The month of May bring Memorial day. We have made it a tradition to go up to Willamette National Cemetery and lay flowers on the graves of two fallen soldiers. One of the graves we lay flowers on in remembrance all those who lost their life defending our freedom. We are extremely grateful for what they have done. The other grave we lay flowers on because who the person was and what a sad loss it is to have lost them. We wish we could skip over the month of May because it brings up a lot of emotions. I think it is good to revisit those emotions and try and continue to heal from losses we have had in our lives. It just is tough.June, so sweet June. I told the Lord that I would not want to attend The Country Church because I didn't want to go to church at the same place where Curtis goes to school. Too much drama in my mind. Well I learned that you never tell God what to do. I should know this, but I guess I had to try again and see if I could win. I didn't and we started attending TCC on Wednesday nights, then it lead to Sunday mornings. I am soooooooooooooooooooooo glad and grateful that the Lord knows what he is doing. We have never ever felt so loved and spiritually fed as we do at TCC. We left our church in Clackamas. We are now attending TCC only. Amazing church.

July, we Yurted again in Newport, Oregon. We went whale watching and saw two whales. It was a neat experience. We also went to the aquarium and toured the Rogue Beer factory. We also visited a couple light houses and just played around!

Oh the fun we had in Newport! Curtis and Joe were able to go behind the scenes at the aquarium and got to feed the seals then they got their pictures taken while they were being kissed on the cheek by a seal.

August is by far my most favorite month of the year! We went on our BIGGEST and best vacation yet. We road tripped down to California. Our first stop was the redwood forest. We camped in a park off the Avenue of the Giants. It was awesome to pitch a tent among those HUGE trees.

Then our next stop was the water park in Antioch. Then it was to our next camping destination, Mt Diablo. It was horrible horrible horrible. Did I mention HORRIBLE. We were at a 3,000 foot elevation and the park shut off all the water to the showers so we had to be very creative with water bottles. It was dry and our camp site was elevated downhill so it felt like we gonna roll down the mountain. Then at 2am the stinkin raccoons came out and somehow got a corner of our garbage out of the bear box and Joe got in a fight with them. He was beating them with water bottles and throwing water on them. Finally they went away long enough for Joe to throw the trash in the cab of the truck. Then an hour later they came back and stole the water bottle caps that Joe left on the ground. They also tried to take off with Joe's pills and Shayla's shoe. Crazy animals I tell you. It was a riot to listen to Joe yelling at them. Luckily we only had to stay there two nights. Then we went to Vallejo California to go to Six flags, a big highlight for my boys. Shayla was able to feed, dance, and kiss a dolphin. The boys were able to go on the scary roller coasters. Joe has been waiting for his son to be taller then 52"Then we headed down to Modesto to see friends, then headed to my sisters up at Hume Lake. My sister works at Hume Lake Christian Camp outside of Fresno California. We had lots of fun on all our adventures. The Lord knew how hard this fall/winter were going to so be blessed us with a family bonding road trip. We grew together as a family. We also listened to a lot of Adventures in Odyssey tapes.

September was a door opener for our family. I was given the opportunity to run the kitchen at CCS all by myself for a week in while MaMa B went on a much needed vacation. The Lord really opened up my eyes. Being in the kitchen brings me more joy then any of those other leadership position ever did. I am now volunteering three days a week in the kitchen. I LOVE BEING IN THERE. That is where the Lord has chosen for me to be. I can take Shayla with me and that is a blessing! Also, Curtis started 3rd grade this year and Joe started school September 29th. The Veterans Administration (VA) is paying for him to go to school. Joe is getting into the career field of Computer Aided Drafting. That was the field that Lord picked for Joe. Joe was obedient and signed up for those courses not too sure he would like them. Well he fell in love Computer Aided Drafting. He received a 4.0 GPA this term. He did that while going to school full time, working part time and raising a family. I am so proud of him and his hard work.

October was when we realized how much the people at TCC really love us. We were blessed abundantly with their generosity and support. We hit a rough patch and the Lord put people in our path and helped us get caught up! God is so good. Also in October Curtis got baptized. We asked him why he wanted to be baptized, he told me that God told me to.
I turned 30 in November. It was a good day. My mommy made me dinner and we had Apple Pie for dessert. Then Thanksgiving came and it was a wonderful day. First I quit my team in the family Turkey Bowl indefinitely because of unfair play. My grandparents were able to come down from Wenatchee. It was good to see them. I am thankful for the Lord for healing my Grandpa of the numerous things he had to endure this year! The food was amazing as always.

Christmas is here! December was interesting month for everyone here in the Portland area. We had the most wicked storm the area has seen in 30 years. We had a total of 8 inches, my parents got up to 14 inches. It was a mess for a while. It has been a blessing for us as well. Because of the weather and the hours the company lost during the storm, mean lots of hours forJoe so they can all catch up on the work they missed.

Christmas was awesome. I was with family, the best way to celebrate the day. I am thankful the Lord gave us his son as a gift to us. Thank you Lord. We also found out after Christmas that teh owner of the house we are renting is not willing to lower our rent so we will be looking for a new place to live. God is in control. I am not worried. He already has ironed out the details, I just need trist and faith and the Spirt will lead us in the right direction!
That is the year in a wrap. With today being December 31st 2008, I would like to say Thank you Lord for an amazing ride. I couldn't blog all of what He has done for us in a year. I am glad I follwed the Lord and chose to give up the things I thought I loved. I love what I am doing now, and where I am headed! Oh, one of my favorite things this year came to me by phone. My favorite and bestest friend in the whole wide world called me and told me her 9 year old son rode his bike around the block for the first time. Why is this important you say, Leif, her son has Aspergers. (a form of Autism) The doctors told her and her family that because of Leif's lack of coordination that he would never ride a bike. Well guess what he did, and I am positive that Jesus made that happen. I look forward to seeing him ride for myself. One day when we are Kansas maybe! So in 2009 I choose love more deeply, laugh even harder, and live for Jesus even more! Happy New year friends!

What we do in December!

I love hearing stories of how people celebrate all the various holiday's in December. In our house we keep Christ in Christmas. My kids love the Salvation Army bell ringers. I have started to put all my change in my center console of my car. They will hear the bell ringers in the parking lot and grab change so they can help others. They look forward to the bell ringers every year! I love there generous hearts. From the beginning of their lives we have taught them that giving is way more important then receiving. Here is a peek into our December traditions.
We have found a way to include "Santa" or as we like to call it St. Nick. In case you don't know Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia (modern day Turkey) He lived in the fourth century. He was a great man from what I have read about him. The story we hear the most about is how he saved the 3 sisters who couldn't get married because they had no dowry. He prayed for this family for a while and the Lord layed it on his heart to give each girl a certain amount of money. He put each amount into small bags and headed out to there house in the middle of the night. He slid open a window and tossed in the money and the bags landed near the girls shoes. That is where "Santa " started. There are many versions of this story, but I do believe that he did help this family out. When we lived in Germany we were introduced to St. Nick. December 6th, the day Nicholas died, is celebrated all over in Germany. The children would put there boots outside their bedroom door and a small gift would be in the boots the next morning. I also remember in our town the kids would take there boots and go around from one business to the other collecting candy. Kind of like our trick or treating. We have decided to keep that tradition going. On the night December 5th our children put their boots outside their bedroom door. In the morning of the 6th there is a present or a few small presents waiting for each of them to open. Then we are all done with the "Santa" part and we can focus on what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus! I remember last Christmas our daughter was asked by a clerk at the grocery store if she was getting excited about Santa to come and Shayla, who was 2 1/2 said " Santa already came now it is about Jesus" So I explained to clerk what my daughter was talking about. Such a cute memory.
In 2005 when we moved back to the states from Germany we started another family tradition and we have doing it ever since. On December 24, my hubby, the kids and I open the presents under our tree. Then I will go get a dozen doughnuts and make a huge breakfast, it usually turns out to be brunch. Then we play with our gifts then around dinner time we will pile in the car and head to my parents for an overnighter and eat homemade clam chowder and then go to my parents church for the Christmas Eve service. Christmas morning my mom will make an incredible breakfast of eggs, bacon/sausage, and her wonderful cinnamon rolls. Then we will open the presents under her tree. The thing I enjoy the most about waking up on Christmas morning is knowing that my three sibling and I will be able to wake up together. Just like when we were little. I know it means alot to my parents to have us all together. On Christmas night my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends will come over for a huge prime rib dinner. Christmas for me is about family. I have a wonderful family, we all share the same faith. Christ has given us the gift of himself, and also the gift of family! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Please don't forget!

I am going to try my hardest to type this without becoming a puddle on the floor. My husband Joe, almost lost his life numerous times while serving under our flag, so for him and countless others I am asking everyone of you to pause for a moment and say a prayer for the men and women who are in harms way protecting us. These brave warriors are fighting for our freedom to celebrate these upcoming holidays. As a former Army wife who proudly served along side her man for almost 8 years, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

My hubby's Christmas tree in his room while serving in Iraq

(Left to Right) Joe my hubby, Kevin Kochell, Michael

Being a warrior

Christian Sisters

What makes me weak?

My fears.
What makes me whole?

My God
What keeps me standing?

My faith.
What makes me compassionate?

My selflessness.
What makes me honest?

My integrity.
What sustains my mind?

My quest for knowledge.
What teaches me all lessons?

My mistakes.
What lift's my head high?

My pride, not arrogance.
What if I can't go on?

Not an option.
What makes me victorious?

My courage to climb.
What makes me competent?

My confidence .
What makes me sensual?

My insatiable essence.
What makes me beautiful?

My everything.
What makes me a woman?

My heart .
Who says I need love?

I do.
What empowers me?

My God & Me.
Who am I?

I AM A STRONG CHRISTIAN WOMAN!

( I did not write this)

I love this poem, or whatever you call it. It got my brain thinking again! I was watching a movie the other day and one thing struck my mind. I don't know the exact words that were said, but I remember the point. The point was this. We are not afraid of failing as much as we are afraid of succeeding. I know I am. I am afraid to do somethings in my life not because of failing, but because of the effort I will have to put into it and the fact that I will accomplish something and also that I am good enough to do the task. I am not talking about normal everyday tasks. I am talking about when someone asks you to something. I need to have more confidence in myself and believe in myself to accomplish what someone already knows I can do. I have been hearing a lot lately that we need to try and see ourselves the way God does. Obviously God thinks I am amazing and I need to believe that I am amazing too. So I am going to try my hardest this Christmas season and into the next year to believe in myself more. The Lord equipped me with the Spiritual gifts of service, mercy and hospitality. Also, my occupation is a wife, mother, and working in the lunch room at CCS (Country Christian) He knows I can operate in all areas of my life, not just a little bit in all of them. I want to be a warrior for Christ and accomplish all He has laid before me.

I will stand behind Obama, because I am a proud American!

This blog may rub some of you wrong and I am sorry that you will feel that way, I am not sorry what what I wrote. On November 4, 2008 our nation witnessed history. Barrack Obama, is going to become our first black president. That is so amazing! No I did not vote for the man, and I am a little nervous about his stand on some key issues, but that doesn't mean I cannot support the man. I choose to support him in prayer! I never in my life time thought that I would ever get to witness our country elect a black president. I am proud we did! I pray he will be the best president that God can make him be. I pray that he will join and rise this nation up, and not bring us down. Prayer changes things.

So I am asking you as nicely as I can to please SHUT UP with all the mouth vomit about Obama. Most of it is not true and if you believe everything you hear about him or what he is going to do you are a fool. All of us republicans need to put on our big girl panties and deal with this situation. I am tired of the racist comments, the comments about his family, how he is going to destroy Kenya, how he is gonna do this and that. The man hasn't even walked 5 minutes in Bush' shoes and I hope when he does he will think really hard about some of the decisions he wants to make. As Christians we need to get back to basics. Romans 13:1-2 states: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resits the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. The Bible is very clear as to what we should do. Here is another verse that we need to cling to in this interesting times. Romans 12:9-13 states: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
As believer's be need to quiet our mouths and hearts and get on our knees and pray. Philippians 4:6-7 states: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
As I close this I want to remind you of something we all know, but sometimes forget. God is still on the throne, He hasn't been knocked off. In the end He gets the victory! Satan has an extremely short leash and everything he destroys or seeks to destroy the Lord will build up again for His glory. No matter what color, or party our leaders are in, our God reigns forever and ever. So please I am asking all of you who truly love this wonderful country of ours stand behind our president. Cover him and his family with prayer. Do not be quick to judge. I was in that boat to, but my perspective has changed I hope yours does to! I leave you with this amazing video. I know you have heard this time and time again but really listen and see how much the Lord has done in the African American community since Dr. King made this speech! What a mighty God we serve!



I see no color, I hope you don't either! May the Lord continue to fulfill his plan for this great nation!

I would like you all to watch this! This is an awesome video. I am thankful that my children have such an awesome daddy to look up to!

Sweet Joy

JOY: the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

What is joy to you? What brings you joy? Who brings you joy? How do you find joy? All these questions are important.

Ask them to yourself and see if you can have a positive answer. Joy has been on my mind and heart for a while. I have noticed that when people inquire about my Joe and his disability they kinda act sorry for me and speak in a hush voice. They seem to not want to ask questions about "it." Also, now that the Lord has allowed us to take a few steps back and struggle finacially for the next few years, while Joe is going school, I have noticed that people have the same reaction as with Joe's disability. They want to know our situation, but are afraid to ask out of fear of hurting or offending us. I say bring on all the questions even the ones you are afraid to ask. Know why? Because I am so stinkin JOYFUL it is almost humorous. I have Jesus. What more do I need in life? He is more then enough and He is my source of joy. He knew that the accident that took Spc. Stehle was going to happen, He also knew that what happened after in my life would be tough, but would result in joy. He opened the door wide and Joe has walked through it in obedience and stopped working full time to go to school full time. Our income is slashed almost in half because of this obedience, but again I have joy.

Matthew 6:25-27 states this:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

then scroll down a bit further to verses 32-34:

For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

So why sweat it? It is not in my hands. The only thing I have control on is my relationship with Jesus. When our relationship is thriving then my faith grows and will continue to grow. I trust Him to meet all my needs and the needs of my family. He knows what they are and as long as I seeking hard after Him, listening, and obeying Him, then all will fall into place. That is what those verses are saying to me. Why sweat the small stuff that is happening here on the earth, I have something much greater waiting for me at the end of my journey. Heaven is looking good right now as our world is going down the tube. One thing I am looking forward to the most is actually two things tied for first , first is seeing my Jesus face to face, and second seeing my hubby healed ( if his healing isn't done on earth already, which is a whole blog in and of itself) I leave you with this hope. Next time when the world feels like it is crashing down around you ( yes, I have days like that too, I just try to not to let them bug me) Remember who is sitting on the throne of glory! I leave you with this:

Psalms 46:1 &10

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

To answer the questions I asked you at the begining of my post I have one answer for then all. My answer is JESUS! Do you have Jesus Joy?

Take time to relax!

Happy Birthday to me!

Some people in my life ask me why I choose to not "celebrate" my birthday. For those of you who don't know my birthday is November 8. On November 8, 2002 ( my 24th birthday) my husband Joe was hurt in a fatal tank accident ( Spc. Jonathan Stehle went to see Jesus that night). Joe's hurt ended up being Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or in plain English severe nerve damage in both of his legs. That night I almost lost my Joe. He was in freezing cold water for about 4 hours before he was pulled out. He suffered a mild form of hypothermia and he was struggling to gain feeling back in his legs. So now back to 2008, 6 wonderful and challenging years later. Last night I started to think about my birthday more. This year I will be 30. Right now where my life is, this is why I choose to not celebrate my birthday the way most people celebrate their big day.


1. I already received a great present. The Lord allowed my husband to live through the accident. Something we weren't to sure of at first.


2. Restoration. Joe and I were not getting along too well before he left for training in Oct/Nov 2002. When the accident happened that was our second chance to make our marriage work. I proved by choice to devote myself to my man. That sacrifice opened up many doors in mine and Joe's life together. 6 years later we are still together and going strong. Hallelujah!


3. Friendship. I fell in friendship love with the Oberholtzer family during that time. The love and support during that time was amazing. We are still really good friends today. They have continued to stand beside us.


Stacie Storrie. She is Jonathan Stehle's sister. I met her just when Joe and I needed her most. Only God can arrange a meeting like that. She is a devoted sister, wife, and mother. We are truly honored to have her in our lives. She has been a wonderful comfort and blessing. We have learned so much from from her.


Most importantly Joe. We became best friends through this whole ordeal. We have used our friendship that really started during that time period and gone back to that during the many other tough times we have been blessed to go through. That friendship bond is how I fell in love with Joe.

4. Testimony. We have an amazing story to share not just about the accident, even though most things started there. Through all the ups and downs be have been through I hope at least one person who will hear our story about what Christ has done in our lives will make that commitment for themselves to live their life for Jesus.

Now you know my reasons. Why would I or how could I receive a better present? Joe living through the night and all that has happened since is by far the one of the best presents ever. The best of course being the gift of Salvation. Most of my blessings began on November 8, 2002. No more pain on November 8th my perspective has been changed. I will try to celebrate the beauty that has come from the ashes.



FYI: Joe always says that we should give our moms a party on our birthday cause they are the ones who did the most work!

Spc. Jonathan Stehle, may your death continue to reach people and lead them in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Worthless

Worthless by Point Of Grace

I woke up today with a revelation

An introduction to the truthI knew the world was round

What goes up comes down

And maybe I

Finally got it figured out

Chorus

A moment is worthless

No meaning, purpose

Every breath is just wasted

If you are not the center of my world

I'm just drifting, barely existing

Every minute without you

Is worthless

You know the state of my condition

And yet you hold me anyway

So I won't take a step unless it's your direction

Where was I

Before I finally realized

Chorus

There's a void in my heart

Where it's empty and dark

Without You and Your love

Lord, I'm broken apart

I surrender my life

To be right where You are

I was listening to the song Worthless by Point of Grace and it was like the Lord was grabbing my heart. This song has really grabbed a hold of me this week. The Holy Spirit has really impressed upon me that I need to stop thinking about the world and what the reactions will be and focus completely on what the Lord thinks of me and my actions. When I do our budget, even if on paper it doesn't make sense but my Spirit is telling me to have faith and move forward then BY FAITH I will move. When Joe starts school on Monday and our income will almost not exist and it seems like an impossible situation I need to remember I do not serve a God who is impossible. Because as His word states. " I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." The Lord has opened the door for Joe to go school, this is His will for Joe's life and the life of our family. He will never ever put us in a situation and leave us with nothing. We will depend on Him with every ounce in us to make it through this. We will come out on top because my God reigns in my life and in this family! Like the song states "Every minute without You is worthless." I completely agree. I want to and am trying to live by faith. It will be hard, but I have a Saviour standing beside me holding my hand or who will carry me through when I am not able to walk anymore.

Just getting started

Hello friends,

I have decided that due to lack of time and craziness in our life, it is easier for me and sometime Joe to blog what is what going on in our lives instead of emailing you all. So I will start out by telling you a little about us, for those of you who do nopt know us that well. Joe and I have been married 8 1/2 years. Joe served in the Army for almost 8 years, but had to get out due to his disability (Just ask if you want to know his story). He would have made a career out the Army, but the Lord had different plans for him. I served as an Army wife 5 of those years and it was by far the most challenging thing I have ever accomplished. Joe is headed back to school in a couple weeks to get his degree in Computer Aided Drafting. It will take him two years to complete. I am so proud of him! I volunteer at Curtis' school as a lunch lady. I also am a stay at home mommy when I am not in the school kitchen. We have two very unique children. Curtis is 8 years old, and he looks just like his daddy. He is an amzing kid who has a heart for missions. He loves to raise money for the kids in Kenya with the help of Open Arms International. He is also involved in Ju Jitsu, which is a combination of submission wrestling, street fighting, and kick boxing. He is very good at fighting. He has three tounament fights coming up in winter/spring. He is a good student, and LOVES history and science. He tries to live his life for the Lord. I feel truely blessed to have this young man in my life. He melts my heart! Our other little person is our 3 year old Princess Shayla. She will tell you that she is going to marry prince charming one day. Right now her Daddy is her prince charming. She loves to dance and to try and do gymnastics. Her hero right now is Nastia Lukin and she thinks that when we go to London for the next Olympics that she is going to meet Nastia. So we will have to wait til 20012 to see if that happens. Shayla looks like me, but acts a lot like her aunt Katie. She can fill any room with laughter and joy. She makes friends very easily and is a people watcher. Both of our children have filled our heart with love and joy that I never that I could experience. So I am thankful to the Lord for allowing us to raise these kiddos!