An Ode to the Pumpkin

I must confess that I am discovering a new found love for all things pumpkin this fall.  It is surprising because up until this point I merely saw the pumpkin as an adversary. 

As a child I turned my nose up at any offer of pumpkin goods - no pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving or any other pumpkin treat for this girl...I just couldn’t seem to stomach that spicey sweetness even though my sister claimed it was the greatest thing ever to touch her taste buds.  And I was terrified of jack o’ lanterns as a child too - they seemed spooky and ominous, and the one time that I actually tried to carve one the knife slipped and the lantern’s eyes merged with the nose making for an unsightly mess that I was embarrassed to say was mine.

So for years I have kept my distance from the orange produce refusing to cook or decorate with fall’s bounty.  But something happened this year.  Selah and I were at the grocery store and we found ourselves walking through the pumpkins and it was as if I saw them through her eyes.  Some were large while others were dainty and my little girl begged and begged for a pumpkin of her very own.

We left the store that day with 5 small pumpkins, one large and an assortment of gords to boot.  I was unsure what was happening but it felt right and I started to remember the many cute pumpkin crafts I had seen on pinterest.

And so, may I present the many ways we are embracing all things pumpkin this fall - perhaps you should join in the fun!

Painting Pumpkins
The first craft we embraced with our little pumpkins was to simply paint them!  I had visions of making chevron patterns or polka dots on my pumpkin to be cute and crafty, but Selah took charge and I actually fell in love with her creative mess.  The colors melded together in the most lovely way...and we have since painted 5 pumpkins that lie around our house!

Pumpkin Trail
Our local garden and arts center had one weekend where the Pumpkin Trail was opened.  Over 2,000 carved pumpkins had been donated and they lined the pathways to our delight.

I loved seeing people’s creativity and was almost tempted to go home and carve my own pumpkin...almost is the key word.  Perhaps we will embrace that next year!

Pumpkin Treats
Two weeks ago I was still on the fence about using pumpkin in any type of sweet treat, but then I took a bite of Carol Gary’s dessert (I don’t know what it was called but I think it should be named "super delicious pumpkin goodness") and all of my preconceived ideas about pumpkin staying away from desserts left.  Her dessert was divine & I realized that my taste buds should be reintroduced to the option of pumpkin.

As a result I have tried Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte (I give it a thumbs up)...

And I’ve been eying a few pinterest recipes.  Here is one that I’m planning to make this fall.  It is called Pumpkin Lust Cake from SweetTreats

Source: sweettreatsmore.com via Paige on Pinterest

What about you?  How are you enjoying the illustrious pumpkin?  Any crafts or desserts that I should be aware of?

Shouting from My Rooftop Today!

When I was a little girl I dreamed of being an actress and a lawyer.  I sometimes thought I’d like to be a preacher and I even had a stint in which the President sounded like a pretty good gig.  And when I got older and started traveling the world with my dad I secretly asked God if I might be allowed to be a missionary.  I fell hard for beautiful brown skinned people in Guatemala - so much so that I took an extra year of Spanish in high school with the hopes that one day I could really share my heart with those I had met.

That question of being a missionary was something God and I talked about often in my twenties too.  I had fallen in love with a new people group - this time they were strong and silent - Czech atheists who were intrigued by my belief but still rather aloof.  I thought perhaps Josh and I could move and open a business for a season eating pastries and talking about Jesus with these brilliant minds(seriously, that is still a good idea)...and then I traveled to India.  I laughed and cried and my heart melted in the big brown eyes of women and children who had lost seemingly everything and yet still had hope in Him. 

I once again talked to God about being a missionary after meeting these precious souls, but He was redefining what missions should look like for me, and my heart found great joy and purpose in being one who mobilizes...one who does her best to shout from the rooftops that we have a job to do out there.

And yet I often realize that my voice should be louder (it should be heard here on my blog) and so I am on this rooftop of my blog shouting about those who have inspired me to tears recently.  Will you listen to my shouts?

Matthew
I’ve been inundated with emails and text messages and prayer chains for the last 20 days as a young man - just two years older than I - was detained in a North African country for questioning.  His lovely wife and three children were left with unanswered questions - maintaining joy and resolve even in the midst of tears.  My heart and my mouth prayed for him daily for the last 20 days.  I’ve reflected on the last conversation we had - as he shared with me about his calling to this people group - and knowing the great risk he was taking.

I’ve prayed with his precious mama over and over again.  Her passion to pray and her love for his captors has been astounding to watch.  And I’ve talked to friends who know him much better than I and I’ve seen how the reality of what he is doing has sunk into our hearts - leading us to an internal search...asking if we are really being obedient to what He has asked.

And my heart rejoices this morning as he was released last night and is now safe with his family in another country - but still praying for his recuperation and his children’s understanding and his wife - oh my Lord, the conversations she must be having with Him in this moment...

And I realize that if Matthew can sit in a solitary cell for 20 days...then I can shout a bit louder.

Tony & Carrie
I put together a fundraising banquet this past Friday for missionaries to Guatemala, Tony & Carrie Taylor.  If I’m honest I was tempted to raise funds for something that I KNEW would pull the heartstrings of those in attendance.  But as I stopped and listened I knew that God was pointing to this precious couple.

Tony & Carrie are good soil.  I know no better way to describe them.  Faithful, humble, unassuming, obedient - they are the only missionaries in their region.  They have whispered to me that they are lonely and would love for God to send someone to join them...and yet they do not give up but rather give more.

And so I went into the banquet with the goal of raising $20,000 MAYBE $30,000 for their project...and yet people were generous and they GOT this vision of missions...and last I checked we had raised over $43,000!  I think God was wanting to let Tony & Carrie know that He is with them - He sees them (even on their lonely days) and He is so proud.

Internationals from Czech Republic, Poland, Kenya, Nicaragua, Belgium, Slovenia, & Israel
I wish I could list the names of the valiant men and women I rubbed shoulders with this past week - they were inspirational.  Each with their own stories of God’s love for their nations as well as tremendous obstacles that are ever present.  So much fire for their nations...so much love...so much determination.  I was in awe.

My favorite moment with all of these guests was on Tuesday night (a week ago), over 20 of us gathered - more internationals than Americans and we broke bread together.  Some indoors many outside - we talked and laughed and listened to music...and it was...heavenly.  Truly I thought - one day all nations will be together - enjoying the music of heaven and praising our creator.

I glanced across the way and saw my baby, Haven, in the arms of a Czech mama.  I looked to my left and saw men from Poland and Belgium and the US in deep discussion about theology.  I looked to the right and saw children doing somersaults in the grass while voices from Kenya and Israel wafted in the air, discussing in detail tensions in their countries.  And in that moment I knew God was there.  I knew God was pleased.  Just a small gathering of the nations - but a little glimpse of seeing a few of His kids together...and yet, how many more of His kids just don’t know?  Don’t know His love...His justice...His compassion...His truth?

So many don’t know...but there is hope.  For men like Matthew and couples like Tony and Carrie and countless international pastors across the globe are on their own rooftops shouting...and loving...and being the hands of Jesus.

Pumpkins, Play-doh, Princesses, & Pauses...a picture every day for the last month (Project 365 Continues)

I'm thankful that Project 365 is coming to a close because it has become harder to capture a quality image everyday.  I'm realizing that you really have to be mindful and that I should also carry my good camera around if I want to capture a great picture each day.  BUT that just isn't happening right now so I'm going to share my best and favorite iPhone pics of each day and I guess that is really the true representation of our days.

So, here is a look into our lives for the last month!  Girls are growing, the weather is changing, and I am...becoming!

Day 292 - I started back teaching my Monday class - this quarter it is on the topic of leadership.  So here is my vantage point - binder full of notes & great students!

Day 293 - I finally got my hair cut & colored by the lovely Jayme.  I just got a "trim" but apparently my hair is so thick that a trim equates to a lot of hair!  And for the record I must say that sometimes a change in the simple things (like hair) can give you a burst of energy to really embrace the day!

Day 293 - My baby has been teething for the last month so this face has become very common...either fingers or fist are almost always in her mouth...poor baby.

Day 294 - I wrote in my last blog (I know it has been TOO LONG) about building a tent with Selah...and here she is proudly showing off our architectural feat!

Day 295 - All in a day's work...Selah was quite proud of herself as she talked on her daddy's office phone.

Day 296 - This is my favorite picture of this batch - I LOVE IT!

Day 297 - We had dinner with my parents & then my dad made a fire in his outdoor fire pit...so of course that called for Smores!  I just love how the crispness in fall weather always makes Smores a good eating choice!

Day 298 - And if her hand is not in her mouth...then there are slobber bubbles or drool...just keeping it real.

Day 299 - Our Norwegian friends came to visit & they brought Selah a gift - Play-Doh fun!  Selah LOVED the waffle maker that came with it and as you can tell - she perfected her waffle making skills.

Day 300 - I'm teaching Leadership on Monday nights for Prepare International Equipping Center & then I'm teaching Ephesians on Wednesday night for COTR...this has made for a lot studying lately...but I'm a nerd at heart & can get lost in studies for hours.  On this day I literally spent 4 hours just studying Ephesians 1 (love that Chapter)...so I took a quick picture of my little Bible...

Day 301 - Have you discovered the wonders of Skype?  I've used it for several years to talk to missionaries overseas that I work with...and then last year we started using it so our girls could talk to their grandparents in Dallas.  But this was our first time to use it to talk to Josh at his office.  Selah got her thumb smashed and all she wanted was her daddy...so Skype came to the rescue.  Josh was able to inspect the thumb, pray over it and kiss it...so Selah could move on with her day.

Day 301 - We were at the doctor's office & Selah LOVES the doctor because she always gets stickers!  She had them lined up while we waited for the doctor...she was trying to decide which was her favorite.

Day 302 - One last warm day?  Calls for the splash pad!

Day 303 - I preached this Sunday morning...and here are my preaching shoes...not sure how they became this, but they are comfortable, go with almost everything...and so I almost always preach in this lovelies.

Day 304 - Recording a video for our upcoming Pursue Mission Conference (if you are in Lubbock you should swing by next Wednesday - Friday)...this is the one and only Mark Murray using his gift of dry humor & Jacob - the camera man extraordinaire!

Day 305 - Selah has a dream...her dream is to become a dancer...blame it on Angelina Ballerina or the fact that our family dances around the house daily...but either way she tells people she takes ballet lessons (she doesn't)...and she begs for bedtime stories about dancing on stages & she even asks me to tell her Bravo for a job well done.  So, she found this leotard in a hand-me-down box...and she was in heaven...and ready for the stage!

Day 306 - It was a long day at work...so I just had energy to sit and hold the baby and watch Selah draw on the sidewalk chalk.  Little moments like that really are priceless...

Day 307 - Painting Pumpkins!!!  I think I might write a blog about this later - so much fun!

Day 308 - This picture got quite the response when I posted it on facebook!  I cannot explain Selah's face...some thought she was mad and wanted her own corn dog, but I promise we feed our child & she did in fact get a corn dog.  Others just thought the overall fair was too much to bear, but the truth - the rides were not open!  They don't open them until late in the afternoon so she was sad - yes, very sad.  And she didn't want to take any more pictures - so there.

Day 309 - I was in Lamesa on this day but Selah had a dream day at a princess birthday party.  Belle from Beauty and the Beast even showed up!  I'm told she sang, danced, and taught the girls to properly wave like a princess.  Oh, princesses...my inner "girls are so much more than a pretty face" beliefs are so conflicted with Selah's love of all things princess...but she also loves to jump and run and she does believe she can do anything so I'm just gonna let her enjoy being a beauty!

Day 310 - Josh's parents came to visit this weekend - they went to the Fair, Princess Party, and the park.  And I love this picture - it was a truly gorgeous day...and Selah was showing off her drumming skills to her Sabba.

Day 311 - Isn't she gorgeous!

Day 312 - More Play-doh fun!

Day 313 - I was going through some old pictures & Selah was amazed that these young kids are now her grandparents!

Day 314 - We ran by my parent's house at just the right time...because my mom had accidentally run over a paint can & there was quite a mess to clean up!  This is the picture of a GOOD son-in-law!

Day 315 - Love!

Day 316 - Driving to Carlsbad, NM to officiate a wedding this weekend.  My husband spent quite a bit of time on the phone on this drive...so I took annoying pictures of him.

Day 317 - And when you are in Carlsbad...you've got to go to the Caverns!  This was Josh's first time (and Haven's too)...and it really was a fascinating reminder of just how amazing this world is.

Less than 50 days to go!  I can't wait to see what final images capture this exciting year.  Until next time, I hope you enjoy each day...live it, don't just capture it!

Because Sometimes You Just Need to Build a Tent

It's raining here is West Texas.  The rain has been a continuous stream for the last several hours which illicits cheers around these parts - we are always lacking water and so while Seattle celebrates the sun we "holler" for the rain!

I personally love rainy days because it is the perfect weather for naps, reading, cups of tea, and lots of snuggling with my girls.  And sometimes on rainy days you realize that it is the perfect day for a really great tent.

Selah and I were sitting in the living room when she asked me to tell her stories.  This is typically reserved for bed time, but rainy days are special so I asked her what she wanted a story about - JUMPING was her reply....so I told her a grand story about searching for the best trampoline in all of the world with her trusty side-kick Haven, and her eyes glinted with laughter when Selah Belle the adventurous girl found the perfect place to jump.  She wasn't satisfied with just one story and begged for another - this time about TENTS!

So I told another tale of chairs and blankets - more than she could ever count - and how they came together to create the best tent ever. And with laughter brimming & eyes filled with delight it was only natural that we should in fact build a grand tent.  I was in charge of the chairs & it was her task to bring out the blankets, and I must say that mother and daughter made a fine tent (if I do say so myself).

We spent all morning in that tent - we ate lunch inside, pretended to look at the stars, told secrets, and introduced Haven to this wonderland.  And when Josh came home so I could slip out for a couple of hours she couldn't wait to let him explore the tent as well - no doubt dad can find a whole assortment of fun activities to be had in the tent.

And I left - excited for a couple of hours alone - and promptly pulled into a coffee shop.  It looked perfect - desolate with the exception of one gentleman working away at his coffee shop/work station.  I took a long drink of my vanilla latte and settled in for some good reading and quiet when I heard him clear his throat.  I glanced over and he started up a conversation about biscotti.

We talked for QUITE A WHILE about biscotti...and muffins and scones too.  I was polite and even a bit charming as I explained why I did in fact enjoy those crunchy biscotti after dipping them in my coffee.  The banter died down & I was determined to bury myself back into the computer when I heard another conversation start - this time about the war and politics and religion...

And all I could think about was how badly I wished I could build a tent - right this minute over myself and my computer and my books and my latte.  I don't mind discussing biscotti or politics or even my shoes (the conversation was heading there now)...but at THIS moment...with the rain in the background...and the smell of coffee in the air...I just needed a tent.

Inside our grand tent...telling one another secrets

So I left (escaped with a smile while he answered a call)...and now I'm tucked away somewhere else in a tent of my own making.  And this - this quiet - is a grand tent (if I do say so myself).

Hope you find some time in the next couple of days to build your own tent!

Funny Faces, First Hair Cuts, and a little FIshing - Week 41 of Project 365

I hope you have had a great week!  We had lots of fun events with family and friends this past week, and with the cooler weather slowly coming our way, we are expectant of what is to come!

I just realized that this is week 41 of project 365 so I only have 11 weeks left before I finish this first year of a picture a day!  Here is my favorite picture of the week - I was asking Maci to say Cheese & this is the awesome pose I got!  I think this is kind of how our week went - a little crazy and a few unexpected moments but lots of fun!

Maci and Madi love Baby Haven

Day 284 - I shared with a group of Middle School Students last Sunday & was really impressed at how much they interacted.  What a great group of kids!

Day 285 - Happy Labor Day!  We had a family cook-out and I loved capturing this moment.  My mom was holding Haven and my uncle Steve was getting her to laugh.  So thankful that my girls are surrounded by such love.

Day 286 - Selah was "cooking" in her kitchen on Tuesday while I was in other room.  When I came to see what she had done I discovered that she had pushed a chair to the cabinets & had gotten salt & red sprinkles to concoct her creation.  I decided to just go with it and encourage her creativity.  She explained to me how she created the cupcakes and then before I realized what she was doing she dipped her finger into the salt/sprinkles cake for a taste.  It was a bit of a shock & she went running for her sippy cup!

Day 287 - We were doing a video shoot for our Pursue Missions Conference!  If you are in Lubbock, mark your calendars for October 17-19 - it's going to be great!

Day 288 - Josh and I went with our friends Mark & Erin Murray to the Kari Jobe and All Sons & Daughters Concert.  It was really great & I especially loved hearing AS&D live - I've listened to their music for the last year & they were even better in person.

Day 289 - Selah's first hair cut!  It was a big day for her & she LOVED getting pampered.

Day 290 - Yesterday, I worked in the morning at the Lubbock Dream Center getting ready for the service and carnival that we hosted today.  I spent most of the morning organizing t-shirts & doing random jobs and my lovely sister Kelsey was helping out too!  Do you think we look alike?  Cause we get that A LOT!

Day 291 - Carnival Fun!  Selah was fishing...and loved every moment of today playing games and running with her cousins.

Here is to Week 42!  May it be a week filled with laughter and silly faces!

When Life Doesn't Revolve Around You

Some days just don't go as planned.

And usually it is my fault.

It's only 9am and I'm already feeling that way.

I was asked about a month ago to speak at chapel services for the week at a local Christian High School.  I immediately said yes because I really like the kids that go there.  Josh and I spoke at a retreat for them last year and I've done these chapels before so I feel like I know them fairly well and I've had some great conversations with a few of the students.

So I prepared 3 days of messages last week and woke up early this morning with bleary eyes and a heart of excitement.  I really love to speak to young people...like a lot...so to get to do it on a Tuesday morning was out of the ordinary and I was happy.

I ran around crazy trying to make sure that the baby was fed, Selah was half-way dressed and all was set with Josh and the babysitter.  I was running late (as has become the norm for me since baby #2).

But I got to the school and immediately started chatting it up with students and a few teachers.  My phone was ringing, but since I didn't recognize the number I silenced it - after all, I needed to focus on why I was here.  I glanced over my notes - I was sharing my first day of high school story, and I was going to share the truth that God doesn't just love you - He LIKES you. 

I realized that I hadn't met the assistant principal who had invited me (he was new to the school), but I assumed that all was well since I was sitting where I normally sit and had said hi to people who knew me.

Some kids led worship and then one of the teachers came up to introduce me....but then he started to talk and said, "Well, I just found out 5 minutes ago that I was sharing, but I'm really excited to share something on my heart with you guys."

My brain swirled for a minute - wasn't I supposed to be the one sharing?  Wasn't that why I had run around crazy all morning?  Wasn't that why I had prepared and prayed?

I got up and inconspicuously went to the back of the room where administrators stood.  Their mouths hung agape - "We didn't know you were here" they said...."we tried calling you."

And it was then that I realized that my husband is correct when he tells me that assuming things can often get us into trouble.  I had assumed all morning that they knew I was there because I had said some hellos...but those hellos were not to the people who organized this chapel.  And I had assumed that all was as it should be because I was sitting where I've always sat in the past, but today is a new day - it's a new school year...I shouldn't assume that they are keeping everything the same.

And so I stood there making my apologies and feeling utterly ridiculous when I heard the speaker share his heart.

He talked with passion and a knowing...He talked about identity and that God created them unique.  I quieted my brain and tried to focus more on what he was saying.  He told them to open their Bibles and led them to the EXACT same scripture that I had planned to use.  His words were truth and I couldn't believe my ears as it dawned on me that his 5 minute preparation was leading into the same theme that I had spent much longer time developing the previous week.

And as I stood in the back of the chapel I felt like I got a nudge from God.  A truth to my heart that I needed to hear:

I like you, Paige, BUT that doesn't mean it's all about you.

And in that moment I knew it was true.  I was concerned that I wasn't speaking when I should just be concerned that they still got the truth He had put in my heart...that He doesn't just love them... He likes them.  In fact, He likes & loves them so much that He still delivered the message of His heart to them - not through me, but through this teacher who just quickly shared out of his own experience.

And so it wasn't for me that I was praying or running around crazy this morning.  It was for them - these lanky teenagers who are desperately trying to discover who they are and who God is to them.  The prayers I prayed were not so I could sound good...they were so those students might really hear.

I'm just a messenger....and today, I wasn't really needed.

And so I'm going have a cup of coffee and mull that over a bit more...He does like me, but that doesn't mean life revolves around me.  What a novel thought!  Perhaps I'll try living that way for the remainder of the day.

Best friends, birthdays, and bread bowls - Weeks 37-40 of Project 365

Project 365 has mostly become a collection of snapshots of my darling girls.  So, bear with me as I continue to count my days with one picture a day!  Here are weeks 37-40!

Day 257 - Lots of cuddling

Day 258 - I came home to this sight.  Haven asleep in daddy's lap, Selah asleep sitting up, and a very tired dad

Day 259 - Take a picture of me, Mommy!

Day 260 - Selah was packing her bag before we left the house.  She needed her tea set, cell phone, and lip gloss - the essentials

Day 261 - We traveled to Dallas so Josh could officiate a wedding and we could see his family.  I love the way Haven is smiling at her daddy while her cousin Levi hold her

Day 262 - Love this picture - Haven Joy being held by her Aunt Joy

Day 263 - Sabba introduced Selah to the bread bowl.  Selah is like her mommy in that she loves bread - so this was quite a treat!

Day 264 - Haven has been going to work with me, and this was in the middle of the day - sound asleep in the glow of a lamp.

Day 265 - Happy Haven

Day 266 - We had a church picnic & Selah was dancing with her friends Farrah and Maci

Day 267 - I thought I'd see if Haven was strong enough yet to sit in the Bumbo and she loved it!  Of course, that night I heard that they were being recalled...

Day 268 - Haven continues to make new discoveries everyday

Day 269 - Sisters!

Day 270 - Beautiful

Day 271 - We had a staff picnic this evening and I wish I had taken more pictures.  Here is a snapshot of the little kids eating.  I really love the people that I work with - it's definitely a new season at Church on the Rock and I'm excited to see what is ahead!

Day 272 - "Go Daddy! Go!"  Selah cheered on Josh while he did some yard work

Day 273 - She wasn't excited about what I was telling her

Day 274 - Reading Daddy's Bible

Day 275 - Selah says they are best friends!

Day 276 - I went to a beautiful wedding for a family member and I loved this idea.  All the parents and siblings had chosen their favorite cake so there were about 12 cakes on the table!

Day 277 - Running barefoot through soft grass - enjoying our last few days of summer

Day 278 - Molly Kate came over to play & these girls put on quite a performance for me!

Day 279 - Selah & I had a date to the Pie Bar, but more than the pie Selah loved making faces into the mirror along the bar

Day 280 - I have a feeling these two are going to keep life interesting from here on out!

Day 281 - My friend Abby had a great idea.  A group of friends gathered together at 8am in our friend's driveway to cheer her on as she drove to take her first round of chemo.  She was surprised and knew she was loved.  Love you Tomi!

Day 282 - Celebrating my friend April on her 50th birthday!

Day 283 - Over 8 years ago, my friend April asked 4 friends to come to dinner and invited us to each bring a friend.  This group has changed over the years but we have basically eaten dinner once a month since that time and become great friends.  This weekend we celebrated April's birthday and I was reminded that I am blessed with amazing women in my life.