Something I try to do is journal the blessings in our lives. All too often when things get hard, I tend to forget all the amazing blessings and specific ways Jesus has answered our prayers. This week we had an answer to our prayers that was so undeniably the miraculous work of The Great Physician that we feel we need to shout it from the rooftops!
About 20 weeks into my pregnancy with Maryn, our dr. detected fluid on her heart. It was concerning enough for her to refer us to get a "mega" ultrasound in Everett. After 2 "mega" ultrasounds, the experts believed the fluid to not be increasing, therefore, not a huge concern, just something to watch over time.
When Maryn was born, the pediatrician could not detect a heart murmur. "She's healed!" was what we were thinking. Relief flooded my mind and calmed some of the anxious thoughts I had since that first detection of fluid. About one week after birth the doctor heard a very strong murmur that both Josh and I could hear even with our untrained ears. She referred us to Seattle Children's right away. So, at one week old, baby Maryn had a complete work up of her heart. The anxiety and complete despair I felt watching the EKG machine, the ECHO Cardiogram, and the Xray machines do their thing to our tiny, one week old baby was overwhelming. The doctor's evaluation was one not of grave concern. He told us Maryn had fluid around her heart, 3 VSDs (holes in the bigger chambers of her heart) and she had a valve that didn't close--a genetic defect most likely shared by Josh or I. He gave us things to watch for and asked us to come back when Maryn was 9 months for another work up. He did mention that if the holes increased in size or the valve opening increased in size, we would be looking at open heart surgery.
We prayed and prayed and prayed for healing for our baby's heart. As time went on, the anxiety and stress lessened, especially since Maryn appeared to be perfectly healthy and never had a symptom the dr. mentioned. However, that nagging feeling of "what if" never quite left my head. It weighed me down and at times, completely robbed me of the freedom I have in Christ, the freedom to let Him be who He said he was in the Word and the freedom I have leaving all my concerns at His feet.
This past Wednesday we went down for Maryn's 9 month appointment. The anxiety and concern were strong again the minute we got into the car. It heightened when we walked through the doors of Children's. After the tech did the EKG, the doctor came in. Before any testing or listening to Maryn's heart he told us he would most likely hear the murmur and that those holes were most likely still there. The concern would be about the amount of blood flowing through the holes indicating the size of them. I watched his face closely as he listened to Maryn's heart. At one time, a look of confusion was there and my heart dropped, tears flooded my vision. I "knew" it was bad news. After more careful listening the doctor looked at Josh and I. I'll never forget what he said, " I can't even hear the murmur!" Those tears clouding my vision flowed freely with joy. Maryn is fine! This expert, this best in class doctor is telling us he can't hear our baby's heart murmur that was so obvious just months before. He wants to see us in 18 months to do a complete work up again, to close our case. He is not concerned at all about Maryn's heart and believes that will be our last visit with him.
We PRAISE our Father, the Great Physician, for healing our baby's heart. It is only by His hand she was healed. All glory and honor and praise we lift to Jesus. I can't help but wonder that if the news had been different, would I still be writing about praising Jesus? I hope so. I pray for that kind of faith, because, you and I both know that another storm is coming. Oh for the faith that can move mountains!
I plan to journal this incredible blessing and remember it when those storms come. I pray you too will remember that when good or bad news comes your way, you'll know and believe that God is in control, no matter what.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sharing the Good News
Hey, hey people! Malinda is at the blogging helm here. My first time ever, oh how exciting! :)
Many people have been asking how things are going, business wise. Well, let's just say we're learning lots and keeping the faith. Our web page isn't working at all, the on-line store shows we're sold out on everything which is totally not the case. We are getting that all worked out and hiring someone to help us with that. We completely trust this is God's business and in His hands. Easier said than done sometimes. Keep checking the web store if you are interested in purchasing product. Thanks! :)
Both Josh and I have been SO BLESSED by our friends lately. The encouragement offered and more importantly, time to pray together with our Christian friends has left us both hopeful and motivated. What a blessing to pray for each other and have authentic relationships based in Jesus! Thank you friends!!
One of my good friends recently sent me this link to a very interesting youtube clip. I opened it the other morning before the 2 big girls were awake. Maryn was contentedly playing in her "jail" (play pen) so I had a few minutes to enjoy my hot coffee and watch. Wow. I was blown away by the video. Funny how certain things at certain times of the day really affect a person. If you haven't watched it, I challenge you to. Then, after watching, go back and pay attention to some of the things the comedian says more than once. Josh and I both noticed how he said the man sharing the Bible was nice, a good man multiple times. Other things he said over and over were how he was looked in the eyes and how sane the sharer of the Good News was. I'm constantly amazed at how many people out there are lost, searching for meaning and hope and not looking to Jesus and His word.
How motivated have I been this week to look someone square in the eyes, authentically care about them, share my love for Christ and remain sane all at the same time?? Not many, my friends, not many. I pray for such encounters to occur more and more in my life. I pray for the courage to share my faith with people, anyone who will listen.
That's all for now. Just some thoughts. Check out that video and share with us via email or Facebook what you thought!
Many people have been asking how things are going, business wise. Well, let's just say we're learning lots and keeping the faith. Our web page isn't working at all, the on-line store shows we're sold out on everything which is totally not the case. We are getting that all worked out and hiring someone to help us with that. We completely trust this is God's business and in His hands. Easier said than done sometimes. Keep checking the web store if you are interested in purchasing product. Thanks! :)
Both Josh and I have been SO BLESSED by our friends lately. The encouragement offered and more importantly, time to pray together with our Christian friends has left us both hopeful and motivated. What a blessing to pray for each other and have authentic relationships based in Jesus! Thank you friends!!
One of my good friends recently sent me this link to a very interesting youtube clip. I opened it the other morning before the 2 big girls were awake. Maryn was contentedly playing in her "jail" (play pen) so I had a few minutes to enjoy my hot coffee and watch. Wow. I was blown away by the video. Funny how certain things at certain times of the day really affect a person. If you haven't watched it, I challenge you to. Then, after watching, go back and pay attention to some of the things the comedian says more than once. Josh and I both noticed how he said the man sharing the Bible was nice, a good man multiple times. Other things he said over and over were how he was looked in the eyes and how sane the sharer of the Good News was. I'm constantly amazed at how many people out there are lost, searching for meaning and hope and not looking to Jesus and His word.
How motivated have I been this week to look someone square in the eyes, authentically care about them, share my love for Christ and remain sane all at the same time?? Not many, my friends, not many. I pray for such encounters to occur more and more in my life. I pray for the courage to share my faith with people, anyone who will listen.
That's all for now. Just some thoughts. Check out that video and share with us via email or Facebook what you thought!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Rejoice!
Luke 6:23 (New International Version)
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.
What a great verse to start out the day with! We have everything to be joyful and thankful for. Life may feel like it's crashing down, that we can't stay on top of anything, yet we have respite in knowing that we are going to Heaven to spend an eternity with our Father and his Son.
Raising a family, working full time and then some, starting an addition, then launching a business- it's been easy enough to get discouraged and want to give up on any one of those things. Yet, that's what God has for us right now and we're to rejoice in the fact that we're to live with Him for eternity and let that joy flow out through all that we do. You know, be holy in all we do (got to get that in :). What a blessing to live in a county where, for now, we can live and worship as we please!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
"Culture"
Reading bike magazines and attending that bike expo really reminded me of how easy it is to get caught up in the idea of culture. I love bikes- all kinds, mountain, road, bmx, single speed, fixie, it doesn't matter what it is, I really enjoy them all. I love to ride them, I enjoy fixing them, I like to read about new technologies, custom frame builders, and other people's experiences. It's inspiring to read about trail advocacy and how others find ways to bring under-privileged youth out on a ride. I'm drawn to be a part of that bike culture and all the positive things it represents.
But then I catch myself. Once again I'm being drawn into something that should not take the precedence in my life that it could. It's a wonderful, healthy activity that does a lot of good for lots of people, but in the end it has no eternal ramifications. Bike "culture" will not really do anything for me to keep me fulfilled. It won't get me to heaven.
And it's not just bike- look around. There's a "culture" wrapped around every pursuit out there- fashion, politics, cars, cooking, even religion at times. There is a constant bombardment of things from the enemy to distract us away from what we're called here to do- bring people to the cross. Can we use these pursuits to share the gospel? Sure. Just don't let them distract us from taking opportunities to share Christ's love.
But then I catch myself. Once again I'm being drawn into something that should not take the precedence in my life that it could. It's a wonderful, healthy activity that does a lot of good for lots of people, but in the end it has no eternal ramifications. Bike "culture" will not really do anything for me to keep me fulfilled. It won't get me to heaven.
And it's not just bike- look around. There's a "culture" wrapped around every pursuit out there- fashion, politics, cars, cooking, even religion at times. There is a constant bombardment of things from the enemy to distract us away from what we're called here to do- bring people to the cross. Can we use these pursuits to share the gospel? Sure. Just don't let them distract us from taking opportunities to share Christ's love.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Choose narrow
We got a lot of feedback and continue to do so on what "choose narrow" means and why we chose it. I wanted a tag line that would relay a few things- keep it applicable to the sport and line of clothing and more importantly- point people to the cross.
Choose narrow fits right into the sport aspect. What's better than a narrow ribbon of single track winding through the woods or desert. Or how about that narrow, hill-infested winding road that snakes lazily through the countryside? Let's not forget that little narrow hole-shot that is our main focus when that gun goes off. Being passionate about cycling, those are the paths that we long for- the difficult ones that drive us to a new level and fill our minds with visions of the next ride.
But far more important that the cycle aspect is the narrow path aspect found in scripture.
Our world is exceedingly drawn into the broad road of "acceptance" for all things that even 10-20 years ago would have been appalling to majority of the population. The media is constantly pushing music and video out there that has no place in a public forum, let alone on "family" networks. It's made even easier as those that participate and create it deam it the politically correct way to go. Who are any of us to tell others what to do? As long as it makes us happy... hogwash.
We are told multiple times in scripture (Matthew 7:13,14; Luke 13:24)
So choose narrow, stand for truth and flee from the things of this world.
Choose narrow fits right into the sport aspect. What's better than a narrow ribbon of single track winding through the woods or desert. Or how about that narrow, hill-infested winding road that snakes lazily through the countryside? Let's not forget that little narrow hole-shot that is our main focus when that gun goes off. Being passionate about cycling, those are the paths that we long for- the difficult ones that drive us to a new level and fill our minds with visions of the next ride.
But far more important that the cycle aspect is the narrow path aspect found in scripture.
Our world is exceedingly drawn into the broad road of "acceptance" for all things that even 10-20 years ago would have been appalling to majority of the population. The media is constantly pushing music and video out there that has no place in a public forum, let alone on "family" networks. It's made even easier as those that participate and create it deam it the politically correct way to go. Who are any of us to tell others what to do? As long as it makes us happy... hogwash.
We are told multiple times in scripture (Matthew 7:13,14; Luke 13:24)
that we are not to go down that path, we are to choose the narrow, difficult road that leads to eternity, not destruction. That's the main reason we have that tag line.
So choose narrow, stand for truth and flee from the things of this world.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Here are the pics from the first show. You can see our simple booth, the apparel out, and the choices for 10 back on the table in front. We moved things around for the second day and learned that although the banner may look cool, we have to have the words "performance cycling apparel" so anyone walking by knows what we are selling. Our neighbors to the left were the International Christian Cycling Club- a great group that we are members of and gladly support. We need to be willing and open to share the gospel in any venue that we can.
Post show report
Well, I would have to say that overall the show was a great success. We didn't sell a ton of stuff but we at least sold something and more importantly we got lots of people excited about the brand and the opportunity to be witnesses while out riding their bikes. The name itself drew in lots of people, believers and non-believers alike. Once I explained to them what holyroller meant- that we were taking a saying usually reserved in putting down a Christian and turning it on it's head to use as a conversation starter to share the gospel, one of two things happened. If they were interested they would come in, take a card or sticker, ask about the 10 back and maybe buy something. If they didn't know the term, once they heard it was about the cross, eyes would glaze and they'd walk away. It was wonderful to meet other believers sharing our vision but it was just as important to be able to share with anyone who came. What a blessing that we live in a country where we can do that! We'll post pictures and fix some web stuff today.
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