Christmas fun in Sweden

My sister Kerstin and her kids, Katarina, Peder, Emilie and Markus

The Sisters...Annika, Ulrika, Ingamaj, me and Kerstin

The Cousins - Peder, Katarina, Amanda, Filippa, Emilie, Markus, Josef and Andraus

Sweden in December.....Sweden at Christmas...dark, lights and family...This is definitely the darkest time of the year and it does not get light until way after 8 in the morning...and then it is pitch dark by 4 in the afternoon again...plus overcast and fog all day...imagine, this is where I grew up...and I had forgotten... BUT the Christmas lights everywhere are nice and it is beautiful everywhere. Christmas Eve we spent with my sister up country...and all the family was there. Christmas Day we were 25 for dinner...all the cousins came (except one) and we also took some fun pictures. Lot's of them!! So, guess what? I will post more when we get back home next week.

With my sister Kerstin
Amy, Andraus, sister Ingamaj, Pat, my Mom and her friend Sten
All the girls

Sweden in my heart

We have now been in Sweden for a week....and this is the first chance we have had to write and update this blog. We have had a GREAT week in Malmo with my sister Annika and her family and the two little ones....and we have done quite a number of pre Christmas activities....fun!! More pictures and info will come ....it is WONDERFUL to be here!!

Window decorations!!

The Ginger bread house

My sister and her girls

Sweden

I can hardly wait. On Monday, we fly to Sweden to be with family for Christmas. Among those we look forward to seeing soon are Miss Amanda and Miss Filippa, my precious little nieces!

Another Christmas Party

You might think that Christmas Parties is all we do on this end...well, not really, but it is definitely part of what's up this time of the year. Last night our Growth Group gathered for food, fellowship, sharing, carols and a white Elephant gift exchange. It was a lot of fun and we sure appreciate everyone in our group.

An Annual Event

Yesterday was the Annual Global Outreach Christmas Party at our house. A great time of warmth, fellowship, sharing, ethnic food, carols and Scripture reading in a variety of languages. How we love our people!!

Update

If you haven't already checked...there is an update on my Africa blog!!

Advent Thoughts

Today is the First of Advent....well, for most people in this country that means very little...for me, an old Swede...it is part of the Christmas Season....the first candle is lit, in anticipation of what is coming....three more Sundays, and Christmas is here!!!

But ADVENT is more than just the opening of the Holiday Season....Advent is a wonderful time of joining the anticipation of the celebration of the greatest thing befallen to mankind....the coming of the Messiah, the Redeemer, our Savior!! Therefore, the first of ADVENT becomes so much more than lighting the first candle and rejoicing in the fact that Christmas is soon here....Remember the Apostle John...he was sent to prepare the way for the Lord....May ADVENT be that Season for us...of preparing to celebrate the coming of the Lord...no matter where we are in the World...snow and jingle-bells are not the things that make the Season....it is all about the attitude of our hearts!

"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah, the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the desert
Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him,
Every valley shall be filled in,
Every mountain and hill made low,
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
All mankind will see God's salvation!!"

Luke 3:4-6

Have a BLESSED ADVENT SEASON!!

10-20-30

Just read something cool on a friend's blog...this is the way it goes: You look at your life....and try to remember....what did you do (or what was going on), 10 years ago, 20 years ago and 30 years ago? ...anyway, here is my story:

10 years ago: It was 1997 and we had just moved into the house where we still live. Earlier that year we were able to go back to the Middle East for a visit.....I was working at a Chiropractors office......That fall Andraus started his third year at College in California ....Also in the fall, began serving with OM as their NW Regional reps..life was still pretty rough though, as we had just past the first Anniversary of our son Jonathan's death (September 4th). Pat worked with furniture restoration.

20 years ago: It was 1987....and we were living in Cairo, on Rd 206 in Digla. This turned out to be our last year in that city as we later on (summer of 88) moved to live in Sweden for a year. I was very busy involved in a variety of things....at a baby clinic for village mothers, collecting clothes and toys and other things for poor people up and down the country....and being a Mom of two very active (and already swimming) young boys. Pat worked among the garbage collectors.

30 years ago: It was 1977 and we lived in Cairo. God had just given us a little baby boy that summer (born in Cairo) and I was busy learning how to be a Mom. What a beautiful little baby we had!! We were busy being involved in all kinds of people work and also on track learning the culture and the language. We had only been in country a little over a year at that time.

Well, that was a little glimpse into my life....how about yours?

Global Outreach Weekend

As I am updating the look of this blog, I thought I would tell you more about our Annual Global Outreach Weekend at church (The weekend before last). It was a grand event...challenging and eye opening. Several of our GO staff were there and some had tables in the Foyer telling more about their visions and ministries...here are some of our friends.

The Saysons and Terry were promoting our Summer Team program

Rakel in front of pic of all our friends around the globe

John and Shelly getting ready for Germany

Rick and Janet shared about Mexico

Happy Thanksgiving!!

"Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live..."

Psalm 146:1-2

Why?

Why is it a good thing to PRAY for those serving in other countries around the World?
**We need to expand our vision for the world. We care too little about the impoverished, abused, forgotten, and uncared for around the world. Workers we know--sent out from the churches we go to--are working among people like this and need our prayers. When we PRAY, we begin to care - and our vision grows.
**More importantly, PRAYER makes victories happen in people's lives.
**More importantly still, God has commanded us to PRAY.

(Found this write up on a good friend's blog....well worth taking to heart!!)

A Real Treat

Want to read a really awesome blog??? Check out TRINA's writings from Africa.
www.inthebuj.blogspot.com

GO weekend is over....and I will update you later on today....an awesome time!! God is moving hearts towards the WORLD...

GLOBAL OUTREACH WEEKEND

This weekend is Global Outreach Weekend at our church. We are focusing on THE WORLD...and the magnificent work that so many of our people are involved in around the Globe.

May God be gloryfied in all we do and say...and our prayer is that our people will be deeply struck by God's heart for the the nations!!

More pictures

I just posted some more pictures on our Africa blog....today, meet some of the students of the Word!!

Fall Fun in Oregon

Picnic in the Gorge

Our kids

You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours

Yesterday was a good day! First I got to share in Bible Study...and then we went on a Waterfall tour with our kids. That was so cool. The weather was great, the sun was shining and the fall colors were awesome. We even had a little picnic. They say that it hasn't rained for over two weeks now. Well, we don't mind one bit.

Just a Note

Want to meet some of the folks we met in Africa?? Check out the Africa blog!!

Excitement

Today we are excited....our son and daughter in law will be arriving...they are here with us for a whole week!! How fun!!

One Year Anniversary

Today, I had my 1-year check up in regards to my hip-replacement last October!!

All is well, I feel great and run around more than ever. The Doctor assured me that the hip I now sport has a guarantee of lasting at least 30 years....well, just the thought of another 30 years did not make me that enthusiatic....yes, I want to live forever....but not here. The forever thing is with my Lord...and where we are going, we do not need new hips...since we will get an altogether new body anyway!!! Without co-pays and deductibles and all of that which here makes life rather complicated....especially when it comes to new body parts....

I am thankful for this opportunity though to have a "new hip" and be able to do a little bit more run around. Well, think about it, I just came back from Africa!! Speaking of Africa....there are some new pictures on the Africa blog! Check it out!!

More on Africa

Did you know that we are still posting on the Africa update blog?? Pictures, stories, information and new prayer requests....

The Aftermath of Traveling

There is a lot to be said about traveling all over the world....it is great to see exciting and adventurous places..to meet new and old friends...to visit our people in their different lives...and also to see God at work in and through us...!!!

BUT there is a not so pleasant side to this thing of running all over the planet....and it is called JET -LAG...I This time around it is CRAZY...this is the third morning I find myself sitting by the fire, working away on my computer at 3:00 AM!! Well, I did not miss out on sleep or something....crashed at 6 last night. I guess that is the problem. So, tonight we will try to be a little bit more strategic about it all and maybe even find a little "help". It gets a little confusing when you are trying to figure out if you are hungry for breakfast or dinner....and when do we take those malaria pills that we so faithfully downed early in the morning in Africa?? Oh, well, one of these days our bodies will get it right, and maybe just in time for day-light savings no doubt. Do we set our clocks ahead or back an hour next Sunday?

Another interesting thing that happens in the aftermath of a trip....you find yourself processing, and processing...and processing....not all bad, in fact it is a good thing. So, pictures and journals are helpful as we look back, evaluate and think over things.

Then there is the making lists of all the things that did not get done while we were traveling...and needs our attention sooner or later. Plus the 200 or more e-mails that need to be taken care of. But we feel refreshed and renewed in spirit...thankful to God for the Body of believers here in Oregon who so willingly stood with us and prayed during our trip. We could not have done it without them. There were literally hundreds of us on this trip....in prayer and in spirit. We are thankful!!

Anniversary

Well, we are back from Africa....and I am back to blogging on our Thurman site again. We will continue to post Africa thoughts and pictures on the Africa update site (check link to the right).

Anyway...today is our 34th Wedding Anniversary....wow...that is a lot of years...and I praise God for everyone of them...my precious husband, my best friend...the love of my life. As we boarded the plane yesterday in Amsterdam to fly home...we realized that we were in the right time zone...so right at 1:00 PM we celebrated that it was 34 years ago to the minute that we went before the Judge for our Civil Ceremony....Saturday, October 27th, 1973 was the day of our Church wedding...in Lund, Sweden.

My Africa Blog

Well, I decided to have a separate Africa Update blog....
http://africaupdates.blogspot.com/

Africa Updates

Well, if....and that is a BIG if we are able to access the Internet while we are in Africa...this is the place to check!! BUT, you never know...so we play it by ear and trust that all of you out there are praying for us as we get ready for this long journey. We are thankful for many who are signing up for our call to prayer 24/7....wow, without you guys, we could not even think of going. Prayer is fundamental.

Africa in My Dreams

Africa is all I think about these days... October 11 we are heading out. The lessons are made, the handouts are being assembled...the piles in the back bed room are growing and getting ready for packing...and we are slowly getting through all the lists of "to do's". I am so excited...and also know that without lot's of people praying, we would not be able to go. Here are some precious women we met last year on our trip. Maybe I will see them again??

Friends Forever

We have these really awesome friends....We think they are the best. They are fun, have big hearts and are really cool....We LOVE you guys!! Thank's for being our friends..!!

Wow

Wow...that is what we said when we saw the hail today....imagine...in September. And up at Timberline today....yes, it snowed!! Way too early for winter as far as I am concerned.

Our World

I was just thinking this morning about OUR WORLD...and how much is out there that we know nothing about. What triggered it? Last night I read in the latest issue of National Geographic about a number of language groups that are rapidly loosing native speakers. I don't think I had heard of any of those language groups!! So, looking at the ever changing "Unreached People Group of the Day" I am constantly amazed at how little I know....and the heartbreaking thing is: How will they know? How will they know the Gospel?

Africa On My Mind

Did you know that we are headed to Africa soon? October 11 we head out....I'll write more about this later...right now those of us who are going to teach really need your prayers... preparations are under way, and it is a lot of work.

They Are Home

What a happy reunion!! The joy was great as family and friends gathered tonight at PDX to welcome our Uganda Team home......they were gone for almost 3 weeks minsitering to the Karamojong people of NE Uganda..and God did awesome things...thanks for praying all of you who were on the prayer team!!

In The Woods

This week Pat and I spent a few days camping by North Fork Lake. not very far from where we live. We were in great need of getting away for a few days...and God gave us rest!!.... I also needed some quiet time to prepare for teaching in October at a Women's Conference in Africa. God is good and is slowly walking me through the topics we have been assigned...There is nothing like the Oregon forest...and a quiet lake!!

Sunday Night Thoughts

It is weird to have summer weather out there, and at the same time having all kinds of activities starting up all around us...... school, activities, the blair of Friday night football over at the local High School (a sure sign that Fall is almost here) ...Another sign of Fall is sign up tables at church and this weekend it was for Women's Bible Study and Growth Groups. Fall is around the corner...at least that is what everything is pointing at....(what about the 80 degree weather out there???) Another thing happening at this time every year is called involvement inventory.....it is time to take a serious look at involvements and activities and pray and ask God....what do YOU want me to me involved in this year?? The desire of my heart...to walk in contentment and obedience and also be totally available to whatever God has for me...day by day..! That will kind of determine my involvement....easier said than done!!

In Honor Of

In honor of two precious little boys who grew up in the Middle East...I dedicate this blog...one (Andraus Samuel) is now a Physician, being used by God to heal and comfort...the other one (Jonathan Daniel ) already resting in the Arms of our Lord.....eleven years ago, yesterday, God took our precious Jonathan home...and oh what a glorious day it will be when we all meet again!! Together with all the Saints from around the globe...

More Important Things

Well, this morning (officially Labor Day here in America) I decided to get on to more important things than to worry if anyone ever reads my blog...On Saturday I was checking blogs in the morning and one of my readings happened to be the blog of Reid and Sandy Arensen, serving in Kenya. (Reid is the middle son on Shel and Kym Arensen, also serving in Kenya)...anyway here is their blog address...... http://arensens.blogspot.com/ . Read their last two entries!!! So many people prayed and we once again saw God at work!! This time in Kenya!!!

That little map

Well, if it wasn't for that little map in the lower right corner, I would not know if anyone out there ever read this blog...but since you I think you do, I will continue to share my random global babble, thoughts and ideas...

Random Thoughts

As it is Labor Weekend and all...the peaceful setting of our back yard is very inviting. You see that is where we prefer to be...not camping with everyone else...BUT we do like camping, don't get me wrong....and one of our favorite places is the Oregon Coast...this year, the intended 3 days at the beach got cut short...because it rained. So we came home...but before we turned our backs on the coast, we got this nice shot of the bridge in Newport. Always nice....

Just a Comment

To clear things up....winter is not here just yet. Yesterday, the temperature went well over 90...the hottest day of this month...so far!! Well, I am more than fine with a few more days of summer. Did you know that we still have a Summer Team out? They have this really cool blog at www.lithuaniateam.blogspot.com and it is complete with some awesome pictures! Thought you might want to know. So, we are praying for them...and for the other team that is in the heart of Africa right now. It is so good to be able to pray!! Right now our church is doing a 24/7 prayer thing for 21 days...what at blessing!!

Winter is coming

Today there was a sure sign around our house that winter is here before you know it....Pat and a friend were putting up our wood for this year!! At the same time...today is nice...and for a change, we have great 80's summer weather...

Tagged

I've been tagged. By several people....BUT I'm not posting the rules because I will probably not tag anyone...I think it is a cool way to learn things about my friends....so I will write 8 things about myself...good, bad, aweful and nice....thanks friends for including me!! As you can tell, I am not really following any rules...so here we go...8 things about me...the crazy Swede, living in suburbia, Gresham, Oregon.

1. I was born in a small apartment at the back of the church my folks were attending at the time. Yes, that is where they lived, and my Mom had a home birth.
2. I was a real tom-boy growing up, being the first born of FIVE additional girls!! Hated doing girl things!! ( I have adjusted....and can think of a number of cool girly things to do....)
3. I do not like the combination peanutbutter and chocolate...that is for all you Americans to savor...not for this Swede!
4. I LOVE pickled raw herring!! On sliced boiled eggs!! What a breakfast!
5. I have been to 37 countries around the WORLD, but have yet to visit Norway and Finland, the two closest neighbors to my homeland Sweden. Weird!
6. I am NOT a movie fan...that is visiting theaters...but LOVE a good mystery on my own little rabbit-eared tele.
7. I don't like the cold....but my eyes light up at the thought of a white, sandy beach, big waves...and lovely palm trees to shade the warm, sizzling sun....what am I doing in Oregon??
8. I am a GLOBAL, WORLD fan.... 100%...being totally sold on the Matthews 28:18-20 passage...and cannot understand why we are not all involved?

Amazing Friends

I have some amazing friends....the only problem is that most of them live far away...scattered all around the world. This morning we went to the airport to say good-bye to one of my newest friends....Amy left for the first part of her trip to South Africa. And on Wednesday....Ralph and Myrna left for Russia...it seems that those we are the closest to...well, they just get up and leave! But that is part of this life...comings and goings. Now we look forward to several months of fellowship with Enoch and Janel and their lovely kids. They are coming on Monday....and we are working hard at getting their "home away from home" ready! I do miss my global friends.....and it hurts when they leave...but there is also great JOY knowing that they are exactly where they are supposed to be...giving it all for the kingdom!! And it is a great JOY to cheer them on from afar!! What a reunion it will be one day!!

A New Post

Well, as if a new look wasn't enough....I just added a really cool feature to this site....check it out. To the right you can read all about Unreached People Groups...and the cool thing is that it changes every day. Informative and also sobering! Remember that verse in Isaiah....."whom shall I send..." I guess we not only need a Global Perspective, but a passionate movtivation!!...to GO!!!

A NEW LOOK

Well, today I decided that this page needed a new look....it is still a work in progress...

Monday Thoughts

Well, it is Monday...a good time to reflect...how was you week? Ours was good and jam packed with events...(what's new?) It is amazing...the more overwhelmed I feel with all the stuff going on, the more seems to come my way...almost as if God says...."this is what I need you to learn...TRUST me in the midst of all that is going on"...and His grace is always sufficient. This weekend included touching base with tons of folks at the prayer sign up table at church, saying good-bye to a dear friend, Betty who went to be with the Lord....attending a sweet couple's wedding, hosting two Swiss guys here to "see America", spending time with friends who are interested in mission and also saying good-bye to friends from overseas who were here for a short visit...the comings and goings in life...not easy all the time...but so much part of life. One day...there will be no farewells...what a glorious day!!

The Roses in our Garden

Our lovely Rosegarden!Every summer, they dazzle and invite!

How beautiful!

Weekend Fun

At the end of August (Lord willing) we are inviting folks at our church to be part of a 24/7 All Church Call to Prayer. For 21 days we will be praying around the clock...and this was the first weekend of sign ups. Good to see so many from our body interested in participating. Fun also to be at church all three services and see so many friends and familiar faces....besides hearing the worship and preaching three times was not all bad either. What a privilege!

California Visit

Visiting California last week

Having a great time with Andraus and Amy

On our little tour to the island of Anacapa, we saw two blue whales!!