Finishing Strong

What a challenge it is to stick to it.  Too finish strong.  When I go for a run, chances are I'll end up walking up the driveway, not sprinting it. 

Currently I struggle with this same thing.  Finishing strong.  Staying dedicated and purposefully, keeping my mind focused and not passing the buck.  I'm talking about my last few weeks at work, before we move.  My whole self just wants to check out and get moving!  But I can't do that.  God has challenged us: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Coll 3:23)

I truly long to do this.  To be able to accomplish more in the last few weeks than ever.  How cool would that be.  Kind of like - what's to lose?  Not my job!

I want to be able to say like Timothy:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." 2 Tim 4:7

This scripture always reminds me of a tape we listened too growing up. G.T. and the Halo Express.  It's an earlier type version of Odessey.  In that story there's a group of kids running a race together and they use scripture verses in song.  I've never forgotten that story or the song for this verse in 2 tim.  I'm actually thinking of buying the cd so we can listen to it down the alcan! :)

But the point is,  I do not want to become a weight around my coworker's necks.  I don't want to cripple this office simply because I can't focus on anything but leaving.  But it is truly a struggle.  It's so easy to pass on the tough customers and focus on getting all my stuff done so I can just leave.  Ugh.  I sound so dispicable right now.  The reason I am writing this is hopefully to encourage someone. 

It is so difficult to work a job day in and day out.  It can get so monatinous.  It can start to bring  you down.  But those reminders from God, go to work for me.  Do a good job, for me.  Maybe you won't rescue a villiage in Uganda from disease or starvation by sitting at a desk.  But maybe you will encourage a person who is at the end of their rope.  Maybe your friendly sincere quesiton of "how are you today?" will give someone a smile and the knowledge that they are not ignored.  I really feel that God has given me this job to teach me how powerful the small everyday interactions are.  How they are just as important as my trip to Africa.  People, no matter where they are or what they do or what they have, are all starved for love and affection.  God longs to impact those around us by our actions.  I've been feeling challenge lately to work hard, to finish strong, to make an effort and and impact even though I am leaving soon.  I can still be effective. 

So, I challenge you to adjust your outlook or attitude.  Just try it for today.  Maybe something will happen that will make you take notice.  Maybe the fedex lady will fall out of her truck and limp to deliever your package and you'll pray for her leg.  Maybe she'll beam and say thank you.  Just try working for God, try doing whatever you do to bless Him or to express Him to others.  I'm trying it, you should too.

Pro-vision

So Jordan and I really wanted to drive down the Alcan.  I've only done it once and I was too young to remember.  So we wanted this adventure together!  We decided we didnt' want to keep either of our cars, especially because they aren't the most comfortable for long trips.  So we started our hunt for a new vehicle.  I decided I wanted a midsize SUV and after doing alot of research I decided on a Chevy Equinox.  We didn't want a brand new one or a loan so started looking around on craiglist.  it happened to us 3 times.  we'd like one call on it and they'd be sold, or we'd make plans to go look and they'd sell.  we started getting discouraged and annoyed.  God we felt like we are supposed to drive, why won't you give us the right car??

Then we finally were able to look at one.  One of my wants was to not have another black vehicle.  but this equinox ended up being black.  and i liked it!! but as we looked it over and took it for a ride we realized that it was as used as my car.  more miles then we wanted and the interior was pretty cheap.  it handled more like a van then an suv type.  so we decided no.  and i am so glad we had that opportunity.

we went home and studied up on vehicles again.  this time we decided on the chevy trailblazer.  as we started searching we got excited.  there were alot more out there.  then we found a 2002 trailblazer that had 58K miles on it!! can you believe it?  oh..and it's black.  go figure.  tinted windows, low miles, pristine condition. lovely.  so we call this lady - diane - and set up a time to see it.

when we looked at the equinox i felt this uneasy nervousness when we went to look at it.  but this time around i just felt excitement, like it was right.  and when she pulled into the parking lot i loved it!

as we talked with her, we came to find out, she is moving to colorado!! what a coincident.  then we find out, she's moving to longmont!!  Same city Jeremiah lives!!  God is so cool.

It's just crazy! this trailblazer is in such good shape.  Diane just loves it and babied it and has driven it 2000 miles over 2 years!  barely any since she drove it up the alcan in 07.  this is the car for us. we both felt it and jordan pipes up and says, "we'll take it!"

Diane was so surprised!! But she needed it for a few more days to finish her moving.  So we made plans to meet back up last night.  Ohh my excitement has been building all week!!!  I just know this is the car God has had for us and I'm so glad he kept removing those equinox's from our path.

It's just amazing how each step along this journey God's hand is so obvious!  Thanks God!!  We are so excited for this adventure in our life.

The Perfect Merry-Go-Round Horse

When I was 7 or 8 I think, my family went to Disney Land.  I don’t remember much from that trip but I have one extremely vivid memory.  I remember it so detailed that it could only be God’s desire to recall it back to me yesterday morning, some 16 years later. 

I remember the merry-go-round very vividly.  I remember watching it and wanting to ride it.  All the kids smiling and families together having fun.  Then I saw the most beautiful horse on the merry-go-round.  It was the only one like it on the ride.  She was pure white, full and flowing mane and tail.  Flowers were in her mane, and bells hung from the saddle.  She was frozen in time in a leap.  I knew I had to ride her and only her.  So we waited in line.  Then finally it was my turn to go in.  As I dashed around trying to find that one perfect horse, my anxiety built and when I realized someone was on her already I could have cried.  My brothers tried to get me to ride another one, but I couldn’t.  I couldn’t just ride any horse when she was there. 

God bless my parents for asking the ride –man to let me wait for the next time.  So back through the gate to wait, first in line.  Oh the anticipation and the excitement!!  Then it was my turn, I remember my brothers and I running around trying to find this horse and I remember being scared another kid would get it and I would have to wait again.  Oh but I didn’t!! I found her and climbed aboard!  My brothers riding right beside me. 

My mother must have heard God whisper, “Take a picture” because He  knew I would need it one day.  So she did. And in that photo I’m not an ecstatic little girl with a huge smile on my face.  No I look comfortable and content.  Happy yes, but more like a smile of contentment.  Like I knew this was where I was supposed to be and the very horse I was to ride. 

Now when I look at that photo I close my eyes and imagine I’m on the ride again, music playing, slight wind lifting my hair, laughter and squeals and the knowledge that I got my horse. J

This memory is so full of meaning and metaphors for me.  It comes down to the thing I’ve been searching for as of late: my search for meaning, my calling, or as Max Lucado puts it, my sweet spot.

God has revealed things to me that stir my heart, things that make me feel alive.  And the first step towards those I believe, is moving to Colorado.  Jordan and I have been praying and seeking God and we have decided it is what He is calling us to.  So we are moving!!! 

And with moving comes finding new jobs.  Yes I could very easily find a job with State Farm down there, and I just might.  But that “sweet spot” deep inside of me is calling out to be heard and used.  So now it comes, the waiting and watching for that perfect job, that position, that dream come true.  I don’t know what it will be, maybe it will be with horses, maybe it won’t.  But I know that just as my savior rewarded my patience with a ride on the perfect merry-go-round horse, He will reward me with the perfect calling and purpose and job.  I can’t wait to experience all the things He has in store for us in Colorado. 

We are leaving towards the end of October, which is very soon.  And we will miss all of our friends and church family.  It will be hard for me to leave this place, the only home I’ve ever known.  I know it will, Alaska gets in the blood.  But I truly feel God is calling us to step out and adventure with Him.  And so . . . we go. 

The downward spiral of my affection for the town called Homer.

This is a story of adventure.  This is a tale that will frighten you, appal you, and leave you teary-eyed from laughter.  Let us begin...

It was a day, like any other.  Jordan and I had got off work early on a Friday to drive down to this town called Homer, for a friends wedding.  We had a wonderful drive together.  Lots of laughter and fun.  We made really good time too.  Driving that highway again was a treat in a way, the scenery is breathtaking.

As we arrived into this town called Homer, we headed for our reserved B&B.  Now I had been the one to procure our lodgings and have learned a valuable lesson throughout this incident.  Never again will I reserve lodging off of Craigslist w/o thorough research. 

We drove up to a run down house.  Paint pealing and dogs barking.  Red flag #1

I stayed positive saying, "Maybe it's better inside.  How bad could it be?"  OOohhhh those words, so pregnant with forshadowing. 

As we were calling the owner to see about getting into our room her basement tenant came out and offered to let us in.  He went back into the basement and momentarily opened the upstairs door.  Red flag #2  We thought it odd and a bit disconcerting that our host was absent and her downstairs tenant had free access to the home.

As we entered the home, we noticed a few details that quickly dashed my hopes.  A overwhelming smell of animal pee and poo. Red flag #3

Multiple bird cages, with no birds in them.  Red flag #4

The sound of birds perched near the ceiling and feathers flapping freely throughout the living room. Red flag #5

Forever thankful, we did not remove our shoes.  A look around the living room revealed a home unkempt and full of animal hair and such.

Again my mind said - maybe the room is better. *shakes head* oh poor naive little Rachel.

The basement tenant led us to our room.  As I entered, I realized something quickly.  There were too many red flags.  Ooohh but there was more. 

There on the floor welcoming us to our room was a pile of doggie poo. RED FLAG # 6

I turned to Jordan, jaw dropped and eyes bugged out and whispered, "I CANNOT sleep here!"

Jordan gave an exasperated chuckle and replied very matter of fact, "No you can't, there's a puddle of pee on the bed."

I turned and witnessed the last red flag.  A fresh and bright puddle of pee upon the pillows.

Jordan announced, "We are leaving.  Lets go."

We proceeded to tip toe out of the house with great haste.  Walked as fast as we thought prudent to our car and Jordan tore out of the driveway and away.  Our shock and horror was immense and we couldn't stop laughing.

Now, I know I cannot blame this town called Homer for our experience, and I do not judge it soley on this either. 

It has wonderful resturants, like Duncans, or the Fat olive, and the winery, and beatuiful bishops beach, and amazing views of katchamak bay.  But without going into details, I can say that my affection for this town called Homer is diminished.  Though friends who live there will always be important, this town called Homer has lost its draw.