nightmayer(s)

Someplace Else

2011-03-30T19:28:00.002-05:00

I have to confess and apologize that I've not kept this blog up for some time. It's a lame excuse -- "guess my mind's been someplace else" -- but it's a bit of a theme in my life these days, and the flavor of this post.

For one thing, this week I thought I'd be someplace else. I am honored and excited to have been asked to be a part of CrossWorld's new Innovation Team. Our job? Explore new ways CrossWorld can fulfill its mission. The team is kicking off today with the team meeting together in Kansas City over the next several days. Only this first get together will be without me as I'm sitting in a hotel room in Rochester, Minnesota.

You see Pat's had a rather serious relapse in her symptoms over the last several months, a long, slow return to the movement disorder greatly affecting how much she can do. So we've returned to the Mayo Clinic for a rerun of the week long physical therapy to get things back under control. It's hard work for her but she's doing great. And we've had some helpful appointments with doctors in looking towards maintaining her control long term. I mean, we enjoy the folks at Mayo but don't want to keep coming here ever year or so.

But just to let you know that we still do what we can, just a quick word about a video we're working on that will go "someplace else". You may remember a video we made called "When 1 Becomes 2". By special request, we're producing a French language version that we'll show in, well, other places. (And, the English language version was shown at a conference in Ireland a couple of weeks ago. How international.)

So, though our minds are someplace else, our hearts never are. And a big shout out to all who have been praying for this time at the Mayo. It's going great!

André Presses Forward

2010-07-30T10:03:00.003-05:00

A theme I often think about is "going the distance" -- that is, whether or not someone continues on the path of their faith despite the equally distracting threats of affluence and adversity. That's certainly the content for more than a brief post, but in preparing the interview footage we've received of Haitians in the aftermath of the quake I ran across someone I think is certainly intent seeing something through to the end. And I wanted to share that with you.

Dr. André Patrick Jeudy reveals his hardships, his courage, and his faith that "goes the distance" -- all in 2 minutes. I hope you find this inspiring.

André (a Haitian doctor) from CrossWorld on Vimeo.

2010-06-25T14:09:00.003-05:00

Hello! Namaste! (That's Nepali for "Hello") Here are Kevin and I with the three Nepali boys that we brought to International Camp at Westwind this week. Monday through Thursday we picked up (from left to right) Prabin, Prius, and Bishal and headed off to Waukee. They are wonderful boys! They were well-behaved and we were proud to get to know them. They laughed at my feeble attempts to learn Nepali, let us listen to some of their music, and regaled us with soccer stories every morning and afternoon.

We visited the zoo and an ICubs game (they were pretty bored, but so were most of the kids) and played soccer and kickball. We learned Nepali words and a verse in Nepali.

The last morning we picked up the boys Prius gave me a sample of an Indian food that he said was "good for digestion". I had seen them all popping these little things in their mouths so I knew they liked them. But I have to confess, my first thought was it looked exactly like dog food and I'm afraid, it tasted even worse! We were careful not to disparage the tidbit in front of them, but it was all I could do to actually swallow the thing. It tasted like LOTS of pepper and...well...poo. I knew we had to have Kevin try one because I could NEVER describe it to him, so Prius gave him one. His face contorted and started sputtering and coughing...he concurred. It was great fun though!

It was a great opportunity to meet some of the Nepali people in Des Moines and begin to see what we might be able to do to help in the future. We are going to take the boys out to Kevin's sister's place because they mentioned several times their favorite animals were horses! (She has graciously agreed.)

In High Definition

2010-06-11T13:48:00.007-05:00

Just wrapped up another video for CrossWorld this morning. This was our first foray into editing video shot in High Definition -- the HD you see all over the place these days on TV, Netflix, DVDs, etc. The reason the technogeeks go all bananas over those two letters is because stuff in HD has an incredible amount of detail we haven't been seeing up to this point.

But really this video is HD in another way, too.

Some CrossWorld folks visited Haiti a couple of months after the earthquake, interviewing church leaders and members about what it was like then, what it's like now, and what they think things will be like going forward. There were hours and hours of interview footage for us to watch in order to whittle it all down to five minutes. And unless you drop by our "editing suite" (second bedroom), we'll never be able to share it all with you. Alas. (You are always welcome, though!)

What we saw was the High Definition behind the monumentally huge ripple effect of the quake on Haitian life. Stories of rescue and death. Firsthand accounts of how life in a hard place before is now so much harder. Unique perspectives on how this will affect the future of, well, everything in Haiti. And mostly, we saw people trusting in a God who remains unshakeable even when the ground beneath their feet isn't. Wow.

In short, we saw the "detail we all haven't been seeing up to this point". So, here's the video we've made. You can listen to the Haitians tell their own story.

But what I'm especially excited about is the new Vimeo page we've made for CrossWorld for this project. We'll be releasing short snippets of the many interviews that we didn't have time to include in this piece. So stay tuned, we'll let you know as we release any interviews.

And check out the whole story -- in High Definition.

Haiti in the Aftermath from CrossWorld on Vimeo.

How to give in a way that God gets credit

2010-05-03T09:53:00.005-05:00

Kevin spoke yesterday at Westwind. It was an awesome morning. Here's a link to listen to the sermon. He gets a little zany making the crowd blare trumpets and fake applause for giving a $1 to charity. If you would like that to make sense...listen in.

I got a lot out of it. One thing was that it reminded me of the fact that giving in the way Christ teaches, reserved the receiver's dignity. Interesting because it came up in one of the interviews we listened to in the Haiti footage. A Pastor commented that the Church in Haiti was able to give and retain the people's dignity unlike the aid organizations that were abundant after the earthquake. It was especially poignant to me because I lost a bit of dignity recently in terms of a gift.

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!

2010-04-30T21:11:00.006-05:00

You know how the Voice Over for the Monster Truck Show sound? That's how you need to read today's title.

So, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday at Westwind Church in Waukee, Kevin is teaching. It's in the series on the sermon on the mount in Matthew. It's gonna be swell, of course, but he wouldn't mind your prayers either.

Thanks everyone.

Haiti Part II Video

2010-04-21T13:53:00.016-05:00

We are in the process of working on a second video for CrossWorld about the after effects of the catastrophic earthquake that struck the island on January 12th this year.

As a reminder, 230,000 people lost their lives and another million were left homeless as a result of the massive 7.0 quake. So what is it like now?

From watching the footage supplied to us 60 days after the quake hit there are a few things that stand out.

First, EVERYONE has been affected by this quake. Every person interviewed lost a close family member or loved one that day. People are still living in tents and often those are not waterproof. One man is watching over 30 children and puts them in cars to keep them dry. That is the day to day now. Now the work of tearing down the thousands of buildings that are unsafe and trying to rebuild homes and buildings goes on a little at a time.

Second, this crisis is putting even more stress on the country because of the dramatic job loss. Businesses, hospitals, schools, etc. are destroyed and can no longer support employees. By way of explaination to show just how this "domino" effect works lets look at a seminary in Port Au Prince.

The Seminary (or any school for that matter) needs to be rebuilt. The way to earn the money to do so, is to have students enrolled. Students need funds to be able to attend classes but lost their job because businesses collapsed in the quake. The businesses are unable to open again because no one has money to purchase goods. And now the schools can't pay teachers it previously employed because of a lack of students and funds. Now those teachers are unemployed. You can see where this is going. The country needs JOBS worse than ever!

Those stories are compelling and useful. But the other message in the interviews is equally compelling. The number of people who have and are crying out to God for his help and salvation at this time in Haiti, is remarkable!

-A student pastor sits on a collapsed house and holds a bible study.

-A church sees over 100 people come to Chirst since the quake.

-A pastor is unable to reach his wife after the quake and as he helps his children get to their home he tells them they must prepare for the worst. Mom is probably dead. When he reaches the house (collapsed) he sees a crowd of people around his wife praising God. She was pulled out alive and before he arrived she had lead 10 people to Christ!

For every story of loss, they counter with a story of God's mercy and grace in the midst of their struggles. Stories that show the Church being unleashed into the community and God being glorified!

#11. Thomas Kinkade

2010-04-10T12:44:00.003-05:00

I crashed a meeting Kevin had last night with Amy Miller (missionary working to go to Brazil) who reminded me to look into Jon Acuff's "Stuff Christians Like." He started a blog which is now a book and he is wonderfully frank about the quirky things that are prolific in the Christian life in the US today.

I know this will offend some, but I am not a Thomas Kinkade fan...never was, not even in the closet, so when I read Mr. Acuff's blog about him, I wanted to share: #11. Thomas Kinkade

(You were warned about being offended, so if you went to the site and are upset now, you have no one to blame but yourself.)

On a totally different subject: here is Kevin's last sermon. I know you'll enjoy this!

Where You Lose Yourself

2010-04-02T14:16:00.002-05:00

I was actually going to title this post "Where You Find Yourself" but changed my mind after getting an email this morning about an upcoming youth retreat in France this weekend with an expected attendance of 1400. Wow. If you've followed this blog about the general spiritual tenor in France, you know this is an incredible thing. And a part of me found myself wishing I could be there for it. I'm of course too old, and too far away.

So I remind myself of the usual: We're to serve God wherever we find ourselves. And that's true, no doubt.

But some comments during my church's elders meeting this morning got me to thinking about baptism. "Thinking" here really means, pouring over every passage in the New Testament that uses any form of the word "baptize". (That's just what I do You have your hobbies, I have mine.)

And here's what I see. Just about any way you slice it, baptism is a sign that the one being baptized has chosen to identify with Christ. This seems especially appropriate today, Good Friday. Christ died for all, and the baptized say, "Count me in, too." It's a death to self. We stop living for ourselves. (Of course, coming out of the water symolizes the resurrected life we live, but that's Sunday.)

So today, instead of thinking about ministering where I "find" myself -- Iowa instead of France, I'm giving more thought to ministering at the point where I lose myself. The first is about geography while the second is about my commitment.

In the meantime, a shout out to anyone who could lose themself so much as to get together 1400 French youth for an entire weekend. Talk about a death to self. God bless 'em.

For Everything There is a Season.

2010-03-19T10:24:00.010-05:00

I wrote a version of the following to my sister this morning and thought it was "blog-worthy" so here it is...

I have been very sad this past week, thinking about some things my sister and Mom communicated that underscored for me some of what my illness required me to lose. It is odd to me that I seem to be more aware of losses suffered now that I'm actually recovering. Hmmm.

In writing to my sister I stated the following, "but until then, I'll be sad," which revealed something new I didn't realize about myself. I see that I have been thinking "until then" meaning "when" I am well again I will automatically have the roles back I once had in peoples' lives. That may (or even probably) won't be the case. Hmm...need to digest that some more, and while I think it means a bit more 'grieving', it's also an insight and pearl of wisdom to consider and pass on to someone when the moment is right.

The Byrds wrote a song that came to mind called "Turn, turn, turn" using words from Ecclesiastes. And what I am learning is that the roles I was privileged to hold in some lives was for only a season. And it was shorter than I anticipated. The 'pearl' here for me is that whatever you have now, cherish it. Whether good or bad, it is only for a brief period and if it is good, hold it all the more dearly and use it to it's fullest potential as you may not have it tomorrow. This harsh winter is sort of an example: Many times the bitter winter seemed it would never end, when if fact the warmth and thawing came suddenly. We often feel something will never end but we are fools to believe that. Only God is forever.

So back to my mourning: I was "dumping" on my friend Deb yesterday about it and seeking some insight to it...and just plain emoting all over the floor! And she said she would pray for me to work it out...I think between my sister, my friend, and God I just might have solved a big part of it.

The Big Difference

2010-03-05T10:44:00.001-06:00

You never know when the opportunity to make a difference will suddenly crop up. Sometimes it's in very small, individual ways, like the chance to say a kind word to someone who's discouraged or to even just hold the door open for the stranger whose arms are full. But sometimes, the opportunity is just plain huge, even seemingly overwelmingly so.

CrossWorld has been in the midst of just such a huge difference-opportunity ever since the Haiti quake took the lives of over 200,000 people and brought a city of 3 million to a standstill. You see, CrossWorld is involved in the work of a seminary in the Port-au-Prince area and after the quake, the campus there became something of a refuge as over 5,000 people lived on the grounds because no one wanted to be indoors anywhere for long. These aren't 5,000 seminary students or personnel, but 5,000 quake refugees from the surrounding neighborhoods. Imagine this many people suddenly showing up in your backyard one day. It's staggering.

We've heard many stories from this small segment of the Haiti crisis and some common themes emerge. The efforts of the CrossWorld personnel have been "heroic" (though they'd probably hate it that I mentioned it). The crisis will continue for a long time to come. And that a great number of people are turning to God because of this.

This morning I read the following from the president of the seminary there: "A wealthy businessman asked me to give him some pointers on what it means to live for God and not for himself. Another one who narrowly escaped death and has lost many friends and material possessions asked me if there is any sense at all in all that happened." How would you have answered these questions? Now you have some idea of how to pray for them.

Our own small, individual chance to make a difference was being asked to put together some video based on the debriefing of a crisis management expert CrossWorld had sent to Haiti. Here's what he had to say upon returning:

The obvious Shout Out of the week goes to all the relief workers in Haiti, especially those who are in for the duration. (You can subscribe to CrossWorld's email prayer list, which will carry continued updates from Haiti at prayer@crossworld.org.)

What is up?

2010-02-24T10:41:00.007-06:00

We are sooooo sorry it has been nearly a month since a posting! So here's a wrap up from the last few weeks:

First, Kevin is doing very well and is beginning physical therapy with his shoulder. He seems to be doing great and we aren't expecting any complications (like surgery) in the future. Again, thank you all for your prayers.

Kevin has been working on two videos for CrossWorld about Haiti and the ongoing efforts there. I will see when we can get at least one of them on the site...hopefully soon. We were sent some photos and a video interview of Bob Klamser of Crisis Consulting International and asked to put it together very quickly so it could be posted on CrossWorld's website. Since then, Kevin has had time to smooth out some of the rough edges and will put that version here soon...? That comes under Kevin's expertise and he is trying to get a lot of things done these days.

CrossWorld has a seminary in Port Au Prince and since the catastrophe on January 12th has been trying to take care of thousands of people who have taken up residence on their grounds. You can read more about their efforts here. Besides the Crisis Manager, earlier a medical team consisting of a nurse, an orthopedic surgeon, a general surgeon and a general doctor were flown in to assist those who are at the seminary.

Side note: One of the first things Kevin remarked about his shoulder was that he wondered how many people in Haiti suffered that, or worse, and waited days or even weeks for help...it is a humbling thought.

Meanwhile, we have been mentoring, praying, editing, meeting, and sitting in meetings. Kevin got a chance to speak at a Valentines dinner for Cumming Community Church oh, and helped Westwind with their missions fest.

I am sure there are other things we have done in the last three weeks, but I can't remember it all. I am painting again with my neighbor Dick on Tuesdays for a couple hours, it is wonderful.

We will work on being more regular on the posting now our lives seem to have settled in a bit. Thanks for your prayers, your support and your love!

"I'm alright...I'm alright"

2010-02-04T21:13:00.002-06:00

(Carl Reiner in "The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming")

Saw the Orthopedic Dr. this morning, very nice man. Took new x-rays, and the news is...he's good! (Imagine the refs arms straight up like a touch down and announcer voice) There are a million things (only slight exaggeration) that could go wrong in addition to your shoulder being dislocated, like torn ligaments, damaged rotator cuff, chipped bones, just to name a few, and there appears to be none of that in Kevin's shoulder.

So, the prognosis is great. He wears the "Immobilizer" (sounds like a super-hero) for two more weeks and then gets some physical therapy (Lyndsey where are you!) to strengthen the muscles and he lets it heal!

Oh, for those who heard the vomiting saga, it would seem that he was having a late reaction to the anesthetic he received when they put his arm back in place. After about six hours of hurling, he was better. (Even the dog was getting upset!)

So, once again, God's mercy and love prevail here and we are so very thankful for EVERYONE who prayed for him (and me)! Thanks to our small group for praying, thanks to you who read and prayed and thanks to Dr. Jason who has now seen the 'darker side' of Kevin and still was nice to us!

Thank you, all again, just can't say that enough!

"Let's be careful out there"

2010-02-02T17:23:00.002-06:00

If you are as old as we are you know the title references "Hill Street Blues" from the early 80's and every morning before sending the officers out the Sargent would say, "Let's be careful out there."

Last night as a new layer of snow covered the last layer of ice, Kevin fell at our mailbox and dislocated his left shoulder around 10pm. He was in the most pain I have ever seen anyone in, it was awful!

However, God was so good to us, in several ways...

One: It is his left shoulder not his right.
Two: Our neighbor John was out at the same time shoveling his driveway and saw him on the ground, he was in so much pain, he couldn't get up on his own.
Third: While I had taken my sleeping med.s, I was still awake and adrenaline did the rest until we got home after the ordeal around 3:00 am.
Forth: Our neighbor John (our new hero) was able to drive us to the emergency room and come pick us up (in what wasn't the best weather conditions), before his wife needed the car for work. That means we really moved through the emergency system...it doesn't usually go that fast.
Fifth: He didn't break anything.

So, for an up to the minute report, we go to the bathroom at 711 Mafred: "Kevin was doing great this morning until about 2:00 pm when he started throwing up and still is (it's 5:340pm now). We've been to the Dr. and he said it should subside if it is from the painkillers, or he could have a virus they have been seeing a lot of...we hope for the first. This really is the definition of "adding insult to injury"...Thanks for your prayers. Back to you at the computer..."

Well, that's the sum of it...Keeping you in the loop...
Pat

Far from Over

2010-01-20T13:24:00.002-06:00

Pat and I have long had a special place in our hearts for Haiti. Our hearts are heavy for the people there, but we continue to pray to them. Here is the latest update from CrossWorld regarding their efforts in that country to bring relief.
===========================
A Haiti Reality Check

Today’s Flash: “ I didn’t need my alarm clock this morning”, reported CrossWorld aid worker, Mark Bradley, “the 6.1 earthquake got us all up and scrambling for the door.” Our team in Port-au-Prince reports very little damage from the earthquake at 6:03 this morning – January 20!

Aid is arriving in Haiti – by the tons! But tens of thousands are still on the brink of perishing. It is clear the infrastructures are not yet in place to cope with wise and secure distribution of the arriving aid. So we do what we can, waiting for big solutions. Here is an update of how CrossWorld is helping:

• Mark, our first outsider is on the ground in Haiti bringing with him earthquake experience, the Creole language, a Haiti history, community health expertise and funds to get started. “The devastation is shocking and incredible…the campus looks like a refugee camp I saw in Honduras,” reported Mark last night.

• Bill and a team of medical professionals plan to arrive tomorrow in the north of Haiti, headed to the Beraca Medical Center in La Pointe, a CrossWorld founded hospital. La Pointe is near Port-de-Paix. Bill also is Haiti-experienced and a surgeon. The Center is being flooded with refugees with broken bones, internal injuries, and the like. The stories are incredible - “Everyone has someone to grieve over,” says Jenny Reitz at the House of Hope next door.

• A House of Hope vehicle is on its way to Port-au-Prince to bring back hurting kids with broken bones with no medical attention there. Bill’s emerging team of surgeons in the north is moving into action.

• Bruce, a CrossWorld water and civil engineer in north Haiti has already loaded supplies on a truck owned by Lemuel Ministries has arrived at the campus more than 150 miles away – supplies that might get to Bolosse quicker than supplies from the airport 10 miles away.

• Quisqueya Christian School has been closed for the rest of the semester and the campus has become a staging area for relief distribution.

• An expert crisis team from California leaves Florida on Thursday for professional training, leadership and consultation for our crisis team in Bolosse. The crisis is far from over.

• Helicopter drops are too risky at this stage because of the risk of violence. People are getting desperate as law and order are not established.

You can give to the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund. Just go to the CrossWorld website (www.crossworld.org)

New Video -- And a Birthday

2009-12-30T10:09:00.005-06:00

I'm seriously questioning my memory these days. Yesterday a friend of mine was asking about the video we've made recently and it dawned on me that I had forgotten to share it with you here. Yes, I could claim I got distracted by Christmas, but still. I'm lucky to remember my name any more, it seems. Anyway, take a gander at our latest. (I highly recommend you click the view full screen button; second from right at the bottom of the player.)

Oh, and I did remember the other important thing. Today is Pat's birthday. It's much better than her previous two birthdays, that's for sure. So we're quite thankful to God for that.

Poll #5 (Plus a bit more)

2009-12-22T15:55:00.002-06:00

Once in awhile God takes the reigns in sort of a sneaky way. Got a call several nights ago from a friend I haven't seen much in a long time, telling me about some very difficult struggles he's going through. Would I get together with him sometime soon to just talk, read the Bible, and pray some? Of course. So we did, last night, and both of us had a great time.

And the 'God sneaky' part? My friend did not remember calling me at all, and didn't even know we were planning on getting together until he got my phone message the day before confirming the time. Once again, God is never far from his children and will intervene when they need it. Now that's fun!

Okay, I know I said I'd have a new video for you but I'm still putting the very final touches on the music. (It's killer.) So, until then, here's another poll for you. Let us hear your thoughts.

Poll Creator Progreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Poll #4

2009-12-17T15:47:00.002-06:00

Meant to get this poll out yesterday but I was slamming on a video I needed to get done. The video is now finished and I'll likely place it here tomorrow. In the meantime, here's another poll for you to tell what you think. Thanks!

Poll Creator Progreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Poll #3

2009-12-15T10:58:00.004-06:00

Keep those Replies coming! Thanks!

Poll #2

2009-12-14T15:13:00.003-06:00

Here's the next 'making disciples' poll we've put together for CrossWorld to use in conjunction with the upcoming Urbana Conference. But anyone can take the poll, so please do feel free!

Poll Creator Progreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Poll #1

2009-12-07T12:01:00.006-06:00

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm asking you to be a guinea pig of sorts. Below (if this works) I'm placing a polling widget I've created for CrossWorld. It's not a scientific poll by any stretch, but we want to hear what you think. So, make a selection and click on the Reply button.

And if you really want to help us out, use the Get Widget button at the bottom to place the poll anywhere on the internet you like -- your social networking pages, a web page, etc.

Now, let's see what happens!

Poll Creator Progreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Thank you

2009-11-24T10:55:00.003-06:00

I have found over that past few years that I am more and more profoundly moved by all of the people who have done something for us. Maybe because I have needed it more, but also because I appreciate it more and am humbled that you would think of me, and that God would give us such good gifts through His people. The past two or more years have been heaped with blessings from you, His people. And this seems to be the best time to tell you all, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts".

We try to remember to thank you individually, and we know we have missed some, but your kindness, generosity, love, and prayers are not missed. They have been the manna that has sustained us these past few years and without it...well...I'd rather not think about it. But WITH it, we have been blessed, at peace and full of humble gratitude to our Lord for his people.

What I am trying to say is, "Thank you, to all who have read our stuff, sent in money, prayed for us, sent food, loved us, made us laugh, wiped our tears, kept us going, called, emailed, gave us advice, and much much more. Some of you did or said things that touched us deeply and you will never know it. Thank you ALL!"

Just saying "thank you" seems small in comparison to all we have received, but I know our Lord is setting about rewarding you in ways we never could! I'm very glad He can do that, otherwise we would go broke trying to repay you in Thank You Cards!

Thanks, really...we mean it!

Love and Hugs from Germany

2009-11-17T10:48:00.004-06:00

Last night I waded through a couple of plastic bins worth of slides, photos, and transparencies of Pat's artwork from over the years. The thing about artwork is that when you no longer have it in your possession -- you no longer have it in your possesssion. So if you want to do something with the image in the future, oops.

But last night was like Christmas. From the disorganized pile I kept pulling up high quality slides and transparencies of important pieces Pat has done. Sweet! The two most significant finds were what I hope are going to be usable images of a two-piece set Pat did about depression (and how God stills sees us) some years back. We left the originals in Dusseldorf, Germany until...whenever.

Yesterday I sent out a mass emailing about a little thing Pat is doing to get some rather creative work out to help pay for some medical bills. This morning I found a reply from our dear friend Eve in Dusseldorf. Turns out the depression pieces are no longer hanging in Adaumir's apartment where we left them, they're now in a much more public place where our friends in Dusseldorf hold their Sunday gatherings. Sweeter!

She sent me a link to the site about the place where this all takes place. I don't read German, but Eve described it as an "artist compound with a nightclub". The pictures show fashion shows, indoor classic car displays, trendy lighting, and uber-cool places to sit, confab, and eat. Bascially, the kinds of places we never get invited. How exciting!

Eve signed her email with "Love and Hugs from Germany." Back at ya', Eve!

And our condolences to our neighbor's Dick and Susan on the loss of Mary (wife and mother). Mary brought happiness into our lives and we're thankful to have known her. We love you all.

God Restores

2009-11-03T09:31:00.003-06:00

Don't want to hit anyone overhead with the metaphor, but I got to speak at our church last Sunday as the cleanup guy in our "Grasping God's Story Together" series. This final episode of the story (yet to happen but already written), is 'God Restores'. (Follow this link to a page where you can listen to the message.)

The metaphor part, at least for me, was that not only was Pat able to be there -- as she said in an earlier post, going to church on Sunday morning's is physically demanding on her -- but that it hasn't completely wiped her out until the middle of this week. That would have been standard operational procedure before now. But, though tired from it all, she's still been pretty active and it's now Tuesday morning. Slowly but surely (and that last word is the important part) God is continuing his work of restoring Pat's health. Sweet.

Okay, now back to work...

sorry for the late post...

2009-10-31T11:11:00.004-05:00

It is refreshing to say, we have been busy! Not in a bad way, Kevin just working away on CrossWorld projects, making something very technical called a "widget" for Urbana Conference and a video, too.

Pat working on exercising and using her brain...in a correct manner. Everything is PT (physical therapy - or occupational therapy) Buying groceries is PT, typing correctly is OT, emptying the dishwasher, cooking, cleaning, laundry...all OT. Walking, using the exercise bike (while watching judge TV) stretching, using the yoga ball for balance...all PT. Actually even at this point, everything is relearning for Pat's brain, and it is tired (her brain that is) some days. It is getting better slowly and she is able to do more, slowly. Slow is frustrating for her...she dreams big.

Kevin is teaching at Westwind Church tomorrow. Pat is praying she will get to go, church is a whole bunch of PT exercises all wrapped into one, and it still takes a lot out of her.

Pray for Kevin as he finishes his lesson, He is also struggling with a coldish/fluish something or other... Thanks.

Thanks for all your support and prayers! We wouldn't be where we are if we didn't have them!

It's All Coming Back to Me Now...

2009-10-16T15:08:00.002-05:00

I always hesitate to use the word 'normal' when describing, well, anything at all to do with the lives of Kevin and Pat. But this week, things are closer to normal, as I remember it, as they've been for some time. This week, quiet is the new normal.

Actually, what feels normal right this moment is me, sitting hear in my office at the computer. Pat's sitting at the dining room table with the laptop, singing softly along with Basia on the headphones. But the this-is-how-it-should-be part is that we're working on a project together, she on the visuals and me on the words. Word-Man and Visual-Woman once again together battling the forces of...er, non-videoness. Sorry, guess I lost steam on the metaphor along the way, but you see where this is all heading.

Anyway, we're working together on a CrossWorld video to be used at the upcoming Urbana conference between Christmas and New Years. Won't let any cats out of the bag just yet, but you'll be getting tastes of various things we're doing for this over the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

And a shout-out to Sally for the pumpkin bread. With a bow, no less!

Where Are They Now?

2009-10-09T12:58:00.004-05:00

I see them often on junk-news-as-mind-candy sites that I have to admit are a guilty pleasure of mine, those Where Are They Now? articles that tell the current state of someone we haven't seen in the news or media for awhile. Today I'm thinking more along the lines of Where Isn't Pat Now?

She isn't in bed. She isn't in physical therapy. She isn't in the pit of despair (well, never really was but that's fodder for the book). For that matter, she isn't even at home as I type this, she's out having lunch with a dear friend.

Oh yes, she still has to be careful and not push the pedal to the metal with her activities, and she'll likely be that way for some time. But honestly, that's just good advice for us all. In the end, the things she's to do to continue "rehabbing" herself are pretty much what we all should do: take care of herself, get enough rest and exercise, that sort of thing. Oh, and she's not to even mimic the movement problems she had before as that is a signal to her brain it's okay to do that kind of thing again. So, we're all agreed not to ask her, right?

But, Our Girl has had her brain "rebooted" (so to speak) and is through with any further treatments. She's doing well. Yesterday our friend Katie pointed out that the whole thing reminds her of this passage in Romans: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." I'm fairly wrenching the passage out of context, but the metaphor is a good one indeed.

And where are YOU now? If you're one of the many who helped us on this journey over the last few months, you're in our hearts that's for sure. We thank God for you, and for his putting us in front of medical people who knew what to do to help Pat. That was my prayer for quite some time.

Friday's Button: (Only one!)

2009-10-02T10:10:00.002-05:00

Pat chose only one button for therapy today:

Just a little whimsical in the brainpan

And why only one button? Because she won't get the chance to wear her afternoon button because Olga has released her! Sweet. There really wasn't anything left to work on, and as much fun as the three of us have together, it would be nice to actually let Olga work with patients this afternoon. There are always 'checkers' in the waiting rooms, people hanging out just in case there's a cancellation and they can get in. We know, that's how we got here in the first place. So, we choose to share the wealth and let someone else have Olga at 2:20 today.

And that means...we're outta here! Our Girl is taking a nap while I pack us up and then we're heading out. This week has been far beyond our expectations, and the answer to the prayers of many over a long time. We're humbled and thankful at what God has done.

Obvious Shout Outs: Lynsdey and Olga! You cats are the best!

Thursday's Buttons: Brain Problems

2009-10-01T20:24:00.002-05:00

You've probably already seen these in the tabloids because of the unrelenting paparazzi surrounding Our Girl's journey to "rehab", but just in case you missed it, today's buttons were:

I'm an idiot savant. The 'savant' is silent.
I can't brain today. I have the dumb.

Some of the commenters on this week's posts have implied that we're making this whole therapy thing sound fun. Soon everyone who's anyone will be heading off for "PT" and all the fashion channels will proclaim "physical therapy is the new black". When that happens, just remember you all had a part in it. (We're not taking the fall for that one alone!)

Seriously, it's been 'fun' because the results exceeded our expectations. One of the more interesting aspects of the day today was that Pat peeled apples and baked an apple crisp during occupational therapy. In the afternoon it was tossed over the fence into the tiny room that the 100 or so therapists share as office space, where it was quickly devoured. Don't they ever feed these people?

Pat was pretty pooped today, and it was a reminder for us (via Lyndsey and Olga) that we can't just toss Pat into the deep end of the pool when we get home. To keep this jumpstart on her recovery going -- and we will! -- we need to protect it and help it along. So, things may not be completely back to normal for awhile, but they'll be more "normal" than they've been for some time. And yes, there's an argument to be made things were never all that normal with the Mayers in the first place. (We often make that argument.)

Two more sessions tomorrow and then we head home. Join us in thanking God for this life-changing week. And thanks for all the comments and emails. We love 'em!

Wednesday's Buttons: Brain Work

2009-09-30T20:10:00.004-05:00

Here they are. If any of you guessed today's buttons correctly, please keep your own scores and we'll tabulate them at the end of the week.

Button #1: Brain loading (45%). Please wait.
[complete with progress bar]

Button #2: Quiet please, I'm forming neuro pathways.
[a big hit with Lyndsey AND Olga]

It's been another big day, perhaps told by simply listing some of the highlights:

When Lyndsey (physical therapist) came to the lobby to get Pat, Pat pushed Lyndsey in the wheelchair all the way to the 'gym' [Pat's idea, of course]
Pat didn't use a wheelchair at all when we visited the Mayo for her afternoon sessions, even walking the two blocks back to where the car was parked
Both Olga and Lyndsey commented independently on the lack of hand tremors and vocal problems Pat was exhibiting
Olga described Pat's progress as "phenomenal"

Okay, so here's the REAL difference in the way Kevin's brain works and the way Pat's brain works. Rehab is in the same place everyday, four times a day and up until this afternoon Pat had to repeatedly ask where it was. But when we finished for the day and Pat wanted go back to a store in a mall we were at only once several weeks ago, she knew exactly how to get there. Kevin's response, on the other end of that spectrum, was, "We went to a mall? When was that?" He still has only the vaguest recollection of the event.

And THAT is why we're a great team! Thanks for your prayers and support. This week is a great blessing. God is good.

PS We LOVE the comments y'all are making on these posts. Thanks for the laughs and warm fuzzies!

Tuesdays Buttons: Of Brains and, well...

2009-09-29T18:43:00.002-05:00

The magic continues from here at the Mayo Clinic, but let's get right to what I know you're all waiting to hear about: Today's buttons. Yes, there were two, and please, no wagering on these announcements.

Button 1: Drain Bamaged

Button 2: I have the grace & poise of a crackhead rhinoceros

Results are still pending as to which was the favorite among the therapy staff. As for the subject of all the blog post comments and emails to us -- the spike heels -- Pat left them behind for the day but was quickly challenged by young upstart Physical Therapist Lyndsey, who sported her new hairstyle in the morning session, only to follow it up with new glasses in the afternoon session. It's like "Project Runway: Mayo Edition" in the therapy gym but they're having fun and making great progress.

Today were also Pat's first two sessions with Olga, the occupational therapist. Much of her work centers around working getting Pat to do things with her hands again, so there's work with drawing, writing, passing coins from finger to finger, and (rumor has it) cooking later in the week. Be still my beating heart.

It all sounds kinda strange until you remember that this is all about getting Pat's brain to "remember" what it already knows how to do (from the first several decades of her life), as opposed to the incorrect things it had taught itself to do over the last couple of years. The progress we've seen in just two days has amazed us. And one of the best parts is that neither Lyndsey nor Olga are surprised by how fast Pat's improved. And that brings us further hope and confidence. (Even the shuttle drivers have remarked Pat moves better.)

After the last session today, Pat and I got a chance to sit and discuss what we've been witnessing. Our Girl remarked that many, many have been praying for this time long before we were here, and we don't want to forget that. The amazing results we see are nothing short of God's blessing.

Stay tuned, more miracles tomorrow.

Monday's Button: Attitude

2009-09-28T21:32:00.002-05:00

For this week of physical therapy here at the Mayo Pat has created a different button to wear each day. Today's button reads:

Attitude is what makes the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.

The long and the short of it is, the week is off to a great start. The physical therapist assigned to Pat for the entire week is nothing short of terrific. She and Pat "click", and she told Pat that Pat can wear whatever she wants to their sessions. That means Our Girl wears spike heels for the wheel chair rides to the 'gym', then changes into her flats. Apparently she's the first to try this innovative approach. (And Pat says I never take her out.)

One of the best things about the day is that the physical therapist is openly confident that this will indeed help Pat. Doesn't seem to be much question about it. (Sweet.) She makes no bones that it will be a lot of hard work for Pat and there are no bets as to how long things will eventually take, as this week is just a kickstarter for the whole process. And the morning session was indeed at times hard, BUT Pat and I can already see a difference. I'll guard the optimism and stop there.

Thanks all for the prayers and encouragement. God is blessing this time already. Stay tuned.

Dress Comfy

2009-09-27T22:11:00.002-05:00

Just to recap, Pat's movement disorder has pretty much been in full swing for about 3 months or so now, which keeps her in bed the vast majority of the time. Right before Labor Day we spent some extensive time at the Mayo Clinic, and though they don't have all the answers they do think they can help her. That's what we needed to hear.

So, we're back in Rochester, Minnesota to start a week of physical therapy for Pat. It's Sunday night and we've bedded down. We know really only two things about this therapy regimen: It's everyday all day for a week, and dress comfortably.

I suppose there are lots of life metaphors and spiritual applications I could point out there, but it's going to be a long week and I should go to sleep. (Our girl is already down for the count.)

What I really want to say, and I think Pat would echo if she weren't snoozing away, is how wonderful it's been to have so many people reaching out to help us in so many ways during this time, especially as we've prepared to come here this week for we're-not-sure-what. I could name names but I won't this time, mostly because we need to thank you all individually. We have, and we will. But for now, know that here's a big Shout Out to you. If you had the least hand in getting us here or praying for us, tonight we're thanking God for you, truly.

PS Pat did much better on the ride up than on the past two trips here, for which we're thankful. We figure she needs to be as rested as possible tomorrow. In typical Pat fashion, our girl wondered aloud in the car on the way up, "I hope the physical therapist has a sense of humor." I think Pat has enough for both of them.

Shut Up and Dance

2009-09-18T16:20:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I've been receiving pressure from the masses, well, from Pat, to mention in a post that I'm preaching this week. There, I said it.

Actually, I'm pretty excited about the message because, as is often the case when preparing to speak, I look into a passage I've seen many times before but find something altogether new. I get to lead off a new series at our church outlining "God's Story" and this Sunday is creation.

I see dancing.

There's two side-by-side accounts at the start of, well, time -- when God creates us. First, there's the account that is a run-down of all things created and humans coming at the end of that line, with God explaining what humanity's purpose is to be. Then immediately after, the story shifts from one of cosmic proportions to the intimacy of God creating the first human, of scraping together a pile of dust into a human body, and breathing life into his nostrils. I can just imagine the warmth and moisture of that breath. How extremely personal, how extremely individual. A God big enough to define my purpose but close enough to fill my lungs with his breath. Wow.

We see God as the source of life, and as the giver of purpose. These two aspects combine to give meaning to life. And when we recognize this Creator-God as our sole source and live for his purpose rather than our own, we step into our destiny. And that's when...we dance with God.

Let's dance.

There's That Word Again

2009-09-15T12:32:00.003-05:00

Think I've mentioned this before, but one of the strengths I have as listed in the Strengthsfinder survey is "connectedness" - the ability to see the recurrent themes around me and know it's no accident, that there's meaning behind it. (An interesting notion from a business tool, not something at all 'spiritual'.) Anyway, the word Disciple has been coming up a lot in a variety of settings where I find myself.

Interestingly, it's amazing how much discussion (disagreement) there is on what it means to 'disciple someone' or what 'discipleship' looks like. The irony is that the word in Scripture is never used in either of those ways. But what we do see are descriptions of what a disciple looks like. They're people who love other disciples, who love other people, who put hands and feet to their love, and who make the world a better place, always, because that's what Christ did. The world could certainly use more of those.

Though it's not an official CrossWorld slogan, one of the home office staff wrote this remark to me recently: We're serious about more disciples. I love it.

Shout outs today to all those who have poured out their love and concern for Pat over the last few weeks via email, card, calls, etc. Pat asked that I tell you, "It makes a big difference." Ditto.

What Little Girls Are Made Of

2009-09-05T14:47:00.003-05:00

Although certainly not one of my favorite movies by any stretch, there's a scene in "True Grit" that's always stuck with me since I saw it as a kid. During a tense shoot-0ut, 14-year-old Mattie falls into a deep pit, breaking her arm, and then is subsequently bitten in the same arm by a rattlesnake. Yow. The aging Rooster Cogburn takes her on an arduous journey to get help, and Mattie's chances look bleak. But Rooster knows, from everything he's seen of Mattie in the story leading up to the snake pit, Mattie will survive because she has 'grit' -- that toughness to persevere in the midst of the arduous.

Over the last couple of years, I've seen Pat show grit, but never more so than during the last week at the Mayo. Wow. The various tests necessary to help the doctors track down the source of the mysterious illness that's plagued her were nothing short of excrutiating, each and every one of them. So much so, that the doctors and technicians administering the tests were beside themselves, yet always impressed with our girl's attitude throughout. I know, because they told me. (Had to throw that in because Pat will hate that I'm saying all this. Oh well.) She never gave up, never crumbled, never grumbled, never took it out on the people doing these things to her. Nope, sreaming and writhing were always followed with smiles and jokes, and tootsie pops if you were helping her on and off the shuttles.

What did I learn? What I already knew. Pat is tough. Scary tough.

And what else did we learn? Good news! While a distinct 'cause' for the illness may or may not ever be pinpointed, the folks at Mayo believe they have a physical therapy regimen that will help her. [Insert celebration here.] In essence, they'll retrain her brain to do what it already knows how to do, but isn't. If you know computers, it's sort of like doing a reboot when things lock up. If you don't know computers, it's sort of like when a model train slips off the rails a bit but continues to run, though very roughly and ineffectually. So you lift it up and put if back on the rails. If you don't know model trains -- oh come on, work with me here.

Anyway, there's nothing phyically wrong with her brain and spine, etc., that would require drastic measures, or worse, be untreatable. She'll be up at the Mayo at the end of September for a full week of all-day therapy, then we'll see how she's responding and take it from there. Honestly folks, this is about the best news we could have had, so we're so thankful! God has blessed us richly in this.

Shout outs to Mom(s), Jen, and Karen for holding the ropes for us when a one-day trip turned into a week-long trip; to everyone(!) at Mayo, they're nothing short of fantabulous; to all the friends who've prayed and encouraged; to Susan and Mary for the handmade quilt (Wow!).

And to God, for giving Pat the grit in the first place. It came in handy.

The Testing begins!

2009-08-31T18:55:00.004-05:00

Here's today's adventure: THE MOVEMENT TEST (ominous music should be played here)

The movement test was "interesting". Dr. Bower was most interested in the tremor in the left hand from what the neurologist's notes said. But after he tested some of that, he did a "startle test". As he proceeded to tell me what they were going to do, I couldn't help myself, I had to stop him and say, if he really wanted to startle me perhaps he should not actually tell me what he was going to do! (Kevin says I need to cool it with the smart remarks, I'm trying.) So they stuck electrodes on my neck, brow, all over my left arm, left leg, and back and then told me to relax on a bed. I was still pretty shaken from the previous tests, but hey, I came to play. They put head phones on me and said that intermittently I would hear a loud tone and that the electrodes would measure my response! I'm laughing NOW just typing this because NO ONE was ready for my response! I mean, WOW! I found myself screaming, jumping, shaking uncontrollably and then of course they tell you to relax so they can do it again, which is nearly impossible after your body has done that and you know they are going to do it again! But I prayed and they did it six more times with the same results...more of less there was some crying after the first three. Kevin told me later, he could tell by their faces, THEY were shocked at the response. I was sobbing afterwards, but only because I was so freaking tired and my body was so freaked out after those tests! Not to mention, I wasn't allowed my usual meds for the movement disorder before the tests. Kevin said they looked like they felt terrible. Poor folks.

They really were very nice about it and I thanked them for all they did, even through the tears...I really was. They have to do this for the answers...and I am glad to go through it. Times like that are great to have some scripture memorized.

Okay, so then on to the MRI. I didn't think I could do one (remember what loud noises do to me?!) They had me strapped, wrapped, and packed in tight, but I just couldn't do it. So the MRI dept. had to get in touch with the Neurologist to get permission for an MRI with anesthetic. Whohoo! Sounds fun!

Needless to say with that test tomorrow and the next set of tests and appointments on Thursday, we have decided to stay the week and not try to wear me out further by going back and forth.

My spirits are high (Kevin is a SAINT) and all the prayers are getting through loud and clear! (like they wouldn't!) Thanks!

You can always try Kevin's cell: 515-299-0345 :) Sometimes we have to have them off where we are in the hospital...but we get messages. Love to one and all, thanks for the encouraging emails!

Pat (and Kevin, the Awesome) Special thanks to Karen and Mom Mayer for all the unexpected dog care!

Hope persists

2009-08-29T10:30:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone.

We are home, in Norwalk, got in Friday night. I am resting today and tomorrow, not too bad considering all the torture...er... I mean tests! We had (and by "we" I mean the royal "we", ME) had blood tests and chest X-rays, and urine analysis first thing on Friday. All came back fine.

We did what they call "checking" and sat in the Neurology Dept. hoping for a cancellation and got in after only two hours of waiting! (Thanks for those prayers!) He was very nice (made me wonder if he was a neurologist at all). He's Dr. McKeon, (from Ireland with a lovely lilting accent). I had not been taking my medication that relieves some of the symptoms, so as to be in all my 'glory' for the Dr.s as they saw me. I was at my peak when he saw me, though cramped over in the fetal position kept me from seeing him for a bit!

He spent nearly two hours with us and "tortured" me for a good portion of that time...not really! Nothing any of you would find horrible. Kevin said I made some great faces though! And what you all want to know is that the upshot is more tests of course. Won't boar you with the details, but they are scheduled for Monday, August 31st, and Thursday, Sept. 3rd. So we will be sojourning up to Rochester again. It is wonderful to have my Mom's to stay at as we pass by and only have 1 1/2 hour drive to the hospital. Thanks Mom and Jen.

Thank you more than words can say for all the prayers, emails, and encouragments you sent! We love you all! And for the first time in more than a year, I have hope that there actually could be an actual "Diagnosis" for this problem, and who knows, maybe even a treatment! All that because of your prayers, love and a wonderful husband! God richly bless you all, as he has us!

Kevin's Addendum:
Most memorable moment of the time was after the neurologist had finished aggravating Pat's symptoms for some time in order to see how she reacts. She sat on the edge of the exam table curled up so tightly she could only see her own shins, breathing heavily and groaning involuntarily because her diaphragm has a will of it's own, bathed in sweat from the ordeal. All in all, she looked pretty scary "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm happy to be here," was all Pat said. And she meant it.

Road Trip

2009-08-27T21:05:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that Pat has been having a rather nasty recurrence of her movement problem, so much so that she's been mostly in bed for a couple of weeks. So a couple of days ago we traveled north to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "Have you taken her to the Mayo?" was becoming a common question as of late, so we did.

We dropped in uninvited, that is, without an appointment, which meant we needed to sit in the Unscheduled Appointment Area until there was a cancellation. We waited part of yesterday and then this morning, then were assigned an appointment, which was last thing today.

No real news from that visit, just the doc sniffin' around and then ordering some tests. Pretty much what we would have expected, but we're happy to start the journey. Bunch of tests tomorrow and then another visit, along with the possibility of some other crash-the-party-unannounced visits. We'll see what happens.

Shout outs to the Mom(s), Karen, Jennifer, and the Packers for their invaluable assistance in making this possible.

Attack of the W.F.'s

2009-08-18T14:26:00.003-05:00

Once in a while God backs the truck right up to you and unloads more than a heapin'-helpin' of warm fuzzies (W.F.'s) on you. And the best ones of all are the W.F.'s that show that something you did for him really did make a difference in the life of another.

Years ago I wrote a play called 'Thirst' that's been produced in a variety of locales and settings over the years. Gifted director Danon Park actually mounted his second production of the play last weekend, this time at his church in Olathe, Kansas. Danon invited me down to not only see the production but take part in a talk-back session afterward, fielding questions from any who stuck around. Since Pat's health hasn't been good this last week, I decided near-last-minute to drive down, see the show, fumble through the questions, and head right home. Get in, wave hello, get out.

Got in, saw the show -- then the downpour of W.F.'s. This wasn't the "nice job" variety. We all know those don't mean much. No, instead I heard many talking about how the production MOVED them, even talking about feeling called to action. Wow. I don't take credit -- the play's based on a biblical parable so it's already killer material, and Danon and his gang were great. But it's not often that someone walks up to you and tells you something you created years earlier has just made a difference in their life. I'm stunned. I'm thrilled. I'm moved, too.

So...a huge shout out to Danon, Cara, cast and crew. Well done. (Thanks for the flowers for Pat, she loved them). And to Olathe Bible Church for producing a play where most of the actors came from outside your walls. 11 different denominations were represented on stage. And a very special shout out to Imani, though you'll likely never read this. You were sent there just for me that night. Now you know that God used you.

Is he still alive?

2009-08-12T09:37:00.006-05:00

Yikes! I see that Pat's been doing all the blogging lately and I've not been holding up my end of the bargain. Honest, I really do still exist. In fact, there's proof.

Proof #1: This link will get you to the online recording of a sermon I preached at our church the Sunday before last. In-depth voiceprint analysis by the FBI and the NSA reveal yes, that really is me speaking.

Proof #2: Our ministry arranged to have graffiti artist Dave Cline do his thing at the Art Fest in Waukee the Saturday before last. Those of you who follow the things we do will surely recognize the giant canvas he used as being from last year's Project 23 at the same event, base coated black for Dave's spray-painting genius.

His piece says "Rebirth", though he's covering part of it in the photo. One of the best parts of the event was that Dave got to meet and watch local artist of renown Bill Butler, who painted live during one of the band's music sets -- with his hands! Dave was so inspired, he did the same kind of thing the very next night before his own church's youth group, a piece about Brokenness. Sweet, that's why we do what we do.

And Proof #3: I'm expected at one of the performances this weekend of a play I wrote some time back. (Still gets produced from time to time in various places. Sweet.) I'll be part of the Talk Back session afterward. Okay, so not exactly a "proof" per se, but somebody believes I still exist, so it does add credence to the theory. Can't wait to see how the play ends. Er, wait...

So, still alive and kicking. And as always, thanking God for you!

Smile with me :)

2009-08-06T15:41:00.021-05:00

There is all sorts of weirdness going on in my brain these days...

Some are creating this wacky movement disorder that is wreaking havoc with me lately, and some of it is coming out in terms of little "drawings" that I have posted here. Since there isn't much I can do these days, and I am determined to try and get some creative work accomplished (Note: credit for this goes to my mother-in-law, Gerry, and my brother, Steve) I have been messing around on the computer...uh...messing is right!

Joe, the worm is for you, our fisherman friend...

The Damask is for Kate and Chad's wedding (they registered for assorted Damask items)

And the "bedbug" is an old idea I had years and years ago, and re-created again using technology, I like this one better!

Kevin is working on the plethora of computers in his office used for "Art of the Following". He is working on some stuff for the Jackson's France endeavors and the BAM thing I mentioned earlier.

Please accept our apologies for Kevin's message (sermon from last Sunday) not available yet...technical difficulties have kept it from being posted...your patience is appreciated.

If you would like to pray for us, Kevin will need all the strength and endurance God can give to take care of a job and me full time again, and I am determined to keep the Joy God has blessed me with despite my circumstances. Thanks, we love you all.

Psst...wanta hear something good?

2009-08-05T10:39:00.003-05:00

Kevin was given the privilege of speaking at our church, Westwind, in Waukee this past Sunday. Always a blast to hear him and see him do his thing! If you would like to hear it...well, stay tuned. We are hoping to see it on the church website soon and will link you to it here, asap.

Kevin is working on the BAM (Business As Missions) script. It is a bit complex because we came up with a cool, but not simple idea. If I would leave him alone some, he could probably get more accomplished.

Just by way of updates: Pat (me) has been having a series of bad set backs in terms of her movement disorder. Unfortunately, it is very hit and miss and while some days are symptomatic, but mild, other days have turned into the worst of the problem from the old days. But, fear not, my spirits are high and Kevin is a great help. Thanks for your prayers. You rock.

The love story continues

2009-08-04T10:33:00.006-05:00

Couldn't let today go by without remarking on it being our 25th anniversary. Thank you, thank you, but the real credit goes to our God for giving us grace when we needed it, wisdom by the buckets and teaching us to be who He said we should be. Oh, and Kevin. He's really the other big factor. He is long-suffering, patient, kind, loving beyond your imagination, and, just as importantly, funny...not goofy like me (well, he likes to put clip on earrings on his nose sometime) but really funny, you know, like smart funny.

Besides being dashingly handsome, that is what hooked me at the beginning, and has always been one of my favorite parts of him. I could go on gushing about him but I'll keep that for his ears today.

It has been the best decision of my life to marry him. Thank you, God for bringing him to me and blinding him up until now about who I really am. You must love me even more than Kevin does!

And now room for a rebuttal from Kevin:

Okay, for this day only I'm putting aside the curmudgeon hat and just letting Pat gush. But just today. Maybe I'll let her gush again in another 25 years, but we'll see.

Actually, besides her questionable taste in men, Pat's just plain pretty perfect. Her creativity knows no bounds, she inspires and encourages me no end, and she makes me laugh no matter how rough the ride. As those of you who have traveled this many miles with someone already know, you grow to share far more together that's unspoken than spoken. The smile, the knowing glance, the subtle inflection, each communicating volumes only the two of you will ever understand. That's just about the sweetest fruit marriage brings.

Oh, and she's still drop-dead gorgeous. I like that part, too.

Heeeeeeere's Kevin!

2009-07-30T11:13:00.004-05:00

Kevin is off to WOI studios to do a short promo for Artfest in Waukee this Saturday. If you are one of the people who know him really well, you know he doesn't relish this, but will do a great job at it. Go Kevin! Now you can add "spokes person" to your resume!

AND, since I am blogging and he is out of the house, I am unvetted, and uncensored! WHOOOHOOO! Don't be alarmed, it is only to give me the chance to tell you some nice things about him that he regularly cuts out of my blogs...

Kevin is speaking at Westwind Church this Sunday for information on times and such go to Westwind.org.

You want to hear the great irony of my existence? While "bragging" on Kevin, I lost track of time and MISSED his interview on TV! He just called to see how he did and I feel like dirt! UGH! I gotta say, sometimes it is a burden to be this stupid! But imagine what it's like for HIM!

Anyway, come Sunday and hear him. He is always good and always passionate about God's truth.

Ugh...

Pat Speaks on Sunday

2009-07-25T18:02:00.001-05:00

Our church is studying Nehemiah's story of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, and every week someone shares a story about God doing something big in their life -- a "brick story". (Bricks in the wall? Get it?) This Sunday is my (Pat's) turn.

Truth be told, I have wasted years of my life being afraid. It seems uncertainty has always been a part of my life and I've gotten really good at being afraid and feeling I have a good reason for it. Fear takes on many forms and few of us are fearful of the same things so without going into too much detail I'll just tell you that I was stricken with a lot of fear a few weeks ago. Crying a lot, scared, anxious, wanting OUT! Most of it centered around recuring symptoms of the movement disorder that put me in bed for almost a year.

"Was I getting sick again?"
"How long this time? How bad? And what will I have to give up?"
"What will Kevin do if I am sick in bed again!"
"No! I don't want to go back there!"
"How will we do our missions work? How will it affect our support?"

If you imagine me saying all that in a high fragile voice and looking as though I was talking to my finger...you get the idea.

I found myself trying to hide behind two things: Kevin (cuz he's comforting and wise) and rationalizing that my fear was justified. Sure, getting sick again would really stink, but was I right to be frightened of the possibility? Sure, I was worried about our financial situation, and there seemed to be good reason to be, but did that make it right? The short answer God gave me was, "No." My fears and my worries were sin. Clear and simple.

So I went to God, whom I really do trust, and who I know to be gentle, kind, and loving. Once I realized I was being disobedient, I told Him...well, confessed really. I told a couple of friends, too, asking that they pray for me. I'm happy to report that I feel calm again, secure in my faith.

Preparing for Sunday's talk I looked at a lot of verses about fear. Basically, it is NEVER okay to be afraid of anything or anyone, except God. In fact our faith is worked out through fear of the Lord. Philippians 2:12 says "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

I was afraid of going back to bed for a year and now, even if that is God's plan, it is alright with me, because it is him acting according to his good purpose in me. I trust that, because I trust Him.

Thank you to the friends that listened and prayed for me. And thank YOU for listening now.

Thanks...and Thanks Some More

2009-07-17T10:31:00.002-05:00

We almost felt guilty, really. Last Monday we got an unexpected email from someone wanting to give our ministry a generous donation. That these particular people would give like that wasn't surprising because they're just generous people. You can't be around them for long without seeing that.

So, we promplty emailed them to say thanks (don't worry, they'll get a 'real' thank you in the mail as well) and it was their response that blew us away. They immediately wrote us back to say our thank you touched them so much they're doubling their gift. Yowie! We mean, it was a nice thank you message and all, but nothing that should have caused such an outpouring of generosity.

And at that moment was the dilemma. Do we sit and feel guilty? Do we write an even 'better' thank you, hoping for another increase? Or, do we stop to thank God once again that he's moved others to help us -- that at the beginning of a week that proved a bit topsy turvy, he sent us a reminder of his lavish love for us, and chose to do that through people who show us their love on an ongoing basis?

Oh come on, you know which one we chose. But like we said earlier, the guilt part was tempting.

Shout outs this week to these generous friends, and all of the generous friends who help us. We love you.

Fire Season

2009-07-08T13:23:00.006-05:00

You make a difference in what we do. If there's one theme we want to hammer home again and again in our posts, it's that. Your prayers, your donations, and your words of encouragement have impact. So here are some rest-of-the-stories to help you see the difference you make -- and one of them is actually about you (surprise).

Part of what we do is meet two-on-one with people interested in finding out how they might use their own gifts to serve God. In this respect, we view ourselves as Pyromaniacs. Our goal: Start or stoke some fires in the hearts of people. Just this week we heard back on developments from some "pyro-sations". Two of the young women we've met with in the last several months have decided to apply for full-time service as missionaries.

Just to be clear, a pyro-sation isn't only a "success" if somebody signs on the dotted line to be a missionary. For us, it's always all about passion and choice. If somebody chooses to use their passion to serve God, even right where they already find themselves, we consider that a "win".

Now, the part you've been waiting to hear about: You. Recently we mentioned in a newsletter that we needed to purchase a portable light kit for our video work. (Flashlights and loads of candles just weren't cutting it.) After that newsletter, several of you donated towards the purchase -- in fact, we were able to get more equipment than we originally intended because you were so generous. It's only taken this long to let you know about it because the first light kit had to be returned. Those lights each had cooling fans that sounded like somebody was running a hair drayer in the room. Since none of our shoots take place in salons, the resulting recorded noise would have been a HUGE problem. So, back they went and we were able to exchange them for a better model.

Shout outs to, well, YOU. You make a difference. (Did we mention that?)

Just some random stuff from us

2009-07-03T16:01:00.013-05:00

Things I didn't expect to see or hear...

"Mirrored Furniture Event" from neiman marcus
A gift of 6 (yes, just six) "wedding" cookies for $45.
http://www.lucyandbart.com/ just weird
"I twittered to tell you I blogged"

Interesting tools:
CheckMyColours.com by Giovanni Scala is a tool for checking foreground and background color combinations of all DOM elements and determining if they provide sufficient contrast when viewed by someone having color deficits. All the tests are based on the algorithms suggested by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

http://www.blyberg.net/card-generator/ Just what it says, you can generate your own cards for an old-fashioned library catalog.

http://www.distractionbeast.com/brainstormer.swf A random generator of off-beat combinations of words to get the creative juices going.

http://www.tiltshiftmaker.com/ Tilt shift makes miniature style photos from pictures of real-life scenes that are manipulated to look like model photographs. You upload your own photos here. Free. Play, have fun.

What artists feel like in the working world:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2a8TRSgzZY
This especially goes out to my brother Steve and friend, Chad.

Places that inspire my creative juices or just make me smile:
http://www.despair.com/ (please check out the "Social Media Venn Diagram)

http://www.freerice.com/ where for every answer you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program to help end hunger. Catagories are vocabulary (in 5 languages) English grammer, Art, Chemistry, Math, and Geography

http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ pretty much sums it up.

http://www.notcot.org/ ideas aesthetics and amusement

http://www.designspongeonline.com/ great ideas and "upcycling".

http://www.threadless.com/ Be nude no more! Greatest t-shirt place online.

http://www.tajtunes.com/ Singing telegrams...er...phone calls from India! Songs sung live to loved ones. Only $5! Gee, cards cost that much! Leaves everyone we know speachless! "Outsourcing never sounded so good"

http://www.biblegateway.com/ I use this to listen to the bible, cuz I'm just not a reader!

Happy Independence Day, America.

Double Dipping

2009-06-22T21:47:00.002-05:00

Pat tells me I'm 'soaring' when I do it, but I just love getting the chance to speak to groups and share God-stories. I guess she says that because I go into some sort of zone; call it my "happy place". It's just plain fun for me. (Truth be told, it's probably because I'd rather speak to a group than an individual as I'm somewhat shy.)

Anyway, got two chances to do just that recently. Last weekend I popped over to Council Bluffs to Valley View Baptist Church to take in the view and share the story of the Mister-Toad's-Wild-Ride Pat and I have been on over the last 18 months. Some of them have been on their own wild rides, so it was good to compare notes and remember together how the sovereign God we serve isn't caught off-guards by the unexpected twists and turns of the journey, even if they do threaten to throw us out of the coaster. Thanks Valley View (we're on a first-name basis now), it was a gas!

Yesterday I spoke much closer to home, at our church in Waukee. This was one of those messages that seemed to change themes as I was preparing for it, but it dawned on me late in the game that it tapped into my 'holy discontent'. In fact, that's what it's about -- those things that move us so deeply and for so long we eventually must set out to do something about it. (Credit to Bill Hybels for the phrase and the idea.) If you want to hear it, here's the link. You'll just have to imagine the part where I make the rock float in mid-air. Seriously.

Shout outs to Matt for the Valley View connection, the Nelsons for lunch, Pat, Amy, and Mike for the 'rock magic', and Lamar for just plain making my day!

Rock On?

2009-06-11T11:57:00.015-05:00

Here is a pile of rocks. Why am I showing you rocks? Well, these are special "teaching" rocks. Our church (Westwind) is going through the book of Nehemiah and wanted a visual representation of the wall of Jerusalem. Each week the wall (which was just rubble at the beginning) will get bricks added to it. So each week, I get to make rocks and bricks. Cool, huh. Using the 'arts' to teach.

Meanwhile (as the artist in this case) I get to learn about the story of this rebuilding effort. When I learn stuff, I can't help but share stuff...so: The walls at this time would have been about 20' or more feet across with cut stones on the outside (what we normally would imagine a wall looking like) but the inside would have been filled with lime and stones. It would have been some 30' high is some places.

(here is a photo I got online of what they believe is remnant of Nehemiah's wall)

"Nehemiah, who lived during the period when Judah was a province of the Persian Empire, arrived in Jerusalem as governor in 445 BC with the permission of the Persian king, determined to rebuild and restore the desolate city after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians a century earlier, in 586 BC.

The Persians had conquered the Babylonian empire that had destroyed Jerusalem and taken most of the inhabitants of Judah into captivity in what is now modern Iraq.

The Bible relates that despite the resistance of hostile neighbors who had occupied the area around Jerusalem in the Jews' absence, the whole wall was completed in a speedy 52-day period.” -The Jerusalem Post, Nov 28, 2007

Unbelievable! Wonderful book about leadership, group efforts, encouragement and courage! (Those are all areas Kevin and I are in need of these days.)

FYI: The rocks are made out of spray insulation and Styrofoam. I make a tremendous mess when I do it and am having a wonderful time! I might make an "Instructable" about it one day, if I do, we'll post it here.

Thank yous to: Helen, Doug & Delores, (wow) and brother Steve, for their encouragement and love. Matt and Lynn for their time and laughs and our small group for sharing their lives.

If you could, please pray for my friend (like a sister) Sally, she lost her sister to cancer Monday. Her sister had a lovely girl of 11 and Sally will now be her "mom".

Time for a Couple of Facelifts

2009-06-02T10:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, Pat's as pretty as ever and Kevin, well, you know. But it's been bugging me for some time now that as our lives and ministry have evolved, our "web presence" hasn't. So much so that the e-face we have been presenting hasn't accurately reflected reality for a while now. Not even close.

But no longer! Check out our redone website Artof(the)Following. It's by no means just a prettied up rendition of the same old same old, but a fresh description of what we're about and what we do. Take a romp through it and let us know what you think. Feedback is our friend!

And now for this blog to get it's own little makeover, well at least the picture across the top. Pat found one of us yesterday that she wants to put there that's -- let's call it what it is -- nothing short of surreal. The scary part is, when she showed it to me I thought, "Yeah, that pretty much sums us up." Yikes.
Shout outs this week to Big Jim for spraying stuff, to mom for the very special ride, and to the folks who gave towards the purchase of a light kit. More on that in a future post soon, but couldn't wait any longer to let you know our appreciation.

A Thirst for "Thirst"

2009-05-26T15:32:00.007-05:00

Kevin was asked by two different organizations to produce his play, "Thirst" this summer. One is our friend Danon Parks, of Kansas City (who coincidentally produced it as his graduate project at Kansas University with some controversy) who is doing it at his church. The other is the Culture House in Kansas City. They are a christian art group with a huge emphasis on quality and teaching dance and theater. They want to produce it with their high school students.

I had to promise not to laud him too much in order to write this blog, but I just gotta say, I am so proud of him. I know he is gifted and it does my heart good to see others recognize that in him. This will mean "Thirst " will have been produced around a dozen times (Kevin nonchalantly said this morning).

How cool, this was an early effort of ours to use the arts to reach people with the gospel in a non-taditional, intelligent and excellent way. Go, God! It was great to get some affirmation!

Because That's What We Do

2009-05-19T15:45:00.002-05:00

Last week we sent out an email to the folks on the mailing list letting them know of some things we've done recently. (You can see the list at the bottom of this post.) The best, and surprising, part of the whole thing were the responses we quickly got back.

T. wrote us to say he wants to hook us up with a couple considering missions as a vocation, because he knows we help people with questions about that. A., writing from another hemisphere, asked us to pray for a believer in their midst who is young in the faith. We spent several days there with him a while back and stayed in touch, so he knows that's the kind of thing we care about. And then P. reminded us that what we do makes a difference with CrossWorld, our "boss".

Wow, how cool to get messages touching on the various pieces across the board of what we do -- to hear, "You make a difference here." Who ever gets tired of that?

So, shout outs to T., A., and P., and the rest of you as well. Okay, so I could have done without T. making fun of my gray hair, but he's a good friend, so what're you gonna do?

===========================
Here's the list. Recently we've:

- Produced the video "Through Closed Doors", which CrossWorld is using in their efforts to field 200 new missionaries to hard-to-enter countries by 2012

- Mentored a young woman considering full-time missions at CrossWorld’s “Next Steps” weekend.

- Traveled to Kansas City to meet with teammates headed to France, as well as recent French émigrés to the U.S. (Lots of potential there.)

- Met with a young person to show her the possibilities open to her in missions

- Recorded for distribution the voices of those God has changed, as well as voices representing those through whom God wants to bring change.

We Don't All Fly the Plane

2009-05-12T09:40:00.003-05:00

Entrusted. The very concept implies that those receiving the trust did not choose it themselves, but that God has selected them. I really do hate to write 'against' something, but today my "holy discontent" is the notion that certain roles in serving God are more needed than others, or are more important. Really? Hmmmm, check out 1 Corinthians 12 for a great body-part analogy.

Talked with an airline pilot the other day. I'm pretty sure he didn't build the planes he flies, or figure out how to shape a wing to get many tons of metal and people in the air in the first place. I'm guessing he doesn't book seats, or load luggage, or fuel the jet, or control air traffic. But, me flying from point A to point B wouldn't happen without all that, and much more. In each role is a person who has been entrusted with a task, and all their tasks are different.

The flip side is, we've all been entrusted with, well, quite a lot, but not identically. So, what relationships, dreams, passions, talents, education, and (yes) money has the master entrusted to me, and to you? And what are we doing with them?

Shout out to all who came over for the voice recordings. Your brief stint in the closet will help others know they, too, have been entrusted with something for God's purposes.

Family Weekend

2009-05-05T10:38:00.009-05:00

Here is the entire group that met at my mother's farm this past weekend. My Mom, four brothers and my sister and some grandchildren and all the spouses sitting and standing around my dad's 1946 Willy's Army Jeep. I thought it was sort of like having him in the picture. It was wonderful!

We had great time and even spent some of Saturday scavenging Dad's old junk piles to make chairs to sit around the fire. (that will explain the photo of my niece on top of a ten-foot oddity of wood and junk...we loved it, Mom is keeping it! The two people on the sides, her sister and boyfriend are to keep it upright, it was only a little more stable than it looks.

Thank you to all who prayed for me to get through the weekend. I did very well and was able to enjoy myself and get out with everyone. God is so good to me, Thank you!

Mostly, We Listen

2009-05-01T10:58:00.005-05:00

People sometimes tell me I'm a great listener, but usually that's just because I don't know what to say. So I sit and smile, and nod politely.

The thing about working in video that's surprising to many is that what you hear is AT LEAST as important as what you see, probably even more so. If the audience can't hear it or, even worse, if the video has nothing worth hearing they stop paying attention. Eye candy is fun but forgettable. Say something, and they remember.

We're doing some great listening these days. At the moment, we're recording voices (leave the lens cap on, don't even comb your hair) for a video series CrossWorld is making about serving God with the skills and vocation you have, not trying to be something you're not. So people sit in our sound booth (Kevin's closet) and tell us "I'm a writer" or an athelete or an entrepreneur or... And all include the phrase "I'm a missionary." Never been a big fan of the M-word because of the stereotypes that seem bolted to it, but these voices make my point. Sweet.

A true highlight for us was recently getting to record some brave folks over at "The Creek". Visually, it was talking heads but what they SAY -- wow! Without batting an eye they courageously lay out where they've come from ("I was anorexic", "I used to have a bad temper", etc.) and, the part worth hearing, "but God helped me overcome." They used this short piece during a gathering while they all sang the song "Overcome". Pastor Cody described the experience as "the most Christ exalting service I have ever experienced". We're just bummed we couldn't be there. But you can see it yourself here. (Sorry, can't use the same song in the online clip as that would be illegal, but remember, it's what they have to SAY that's riveting.)

Shout outs to all the folks dropping by to sit in the closet, especially the ones we're recording. And an extra dollop of thanks to Cheryl, who brought us food when she came for her session! And to the gang at "The Creek" for letting us listen.

A day in the life...

2009-04-22T10:25:00.008-05:00

Have to tell a funny on myself.

Yesterday I was actually getting out of my pajamas (I know, crazy, right?) and trying to put on a top over my head and got...well...stuck. Really, stuck! So stuck, I had to go to Kevin and get his help. So I walk into his office with both arms over my head and my head half way in and out of this top and say, "HELP!" Well, if you lived with me for nearly twenty years, your reaction would have been the same...first, roll your eyes and wonder how I have lived so long like this, and then come at me to tickle the exposed parts! Eventually he righted me and got me back into human form, but not without lots of laughter on my part. I don't know what this means, but I laughed about that for a good ten minutes!

The rest of the day was filled with mostly work. We made an opera reference joke during lunch, and followed it with a Shakespear reference joke, thinking ourselves rather delightful and well educated!

On another note: (humm with me) hmmmm...
These are some creative images from SpY here's the link:
http://www.sp y.o rg.es/
It is a Spanish street art group. It has some very interesting ideas to get peoples attention, and spread their work all over Europe. They are decidedly not Christian, but shouldn't there be an equally creative force there that is?

Rubik's cube for the lazy person...

Meeting Near the Mall

2009-04-20T10:10:00.007-05:00

Well, we've been busy! (aren't you glad, we are) We went to Williamsburg (NOT to shop, what a shocker) to meet a lovely young woman, named Melissa, and talk to her about CrossWorld. That is one -of our many- job descriptions with CrossWorld. We had a wonderful time getting to know her and hearing very intelligent questions about what she is looking for in an supporting agency and was very impressed. I can't wait to see what God does with her! Thanks for the opportunity, Melissa!

We have been meetings a lot lately. I like this job, cuz meetings are fun and not a total waste of my time! Thanks, God!

We had an awesome prayer time last Thursday at Brown Woods. I sat on a log on a sand bank and had one of the most wonderful times with God. He is soooooo cool.

We are off to Kansas City at the end of the week to visit Chad and Traci (who -as a reminder- are raising support to go to France) and will meet some other artists there and may get to watch a French film with French folks while we are there.

Kevin had an opportunity to teach part of the sermon on Sunday at Westwind. All four of the teachers on our roster taught a portion of the seven "woes" that Jesus lets loose in Matthew on the Pharisees. Wow! He really lets 'em have it! We read it on the way to Williamsburg on Saturday and there are a whole bunch of names Jesus calls them in Chapter 23! Yikes! Take heed, anyone who teaches or leads...he's kicking butt and taking names!

Thanks to T and M for a wonderful evening last night! We had a ball! Just what we needed...laughter! Thanks for sharing. Also, thanks to all who made our walk this week so enjoyable, Susan, John, Felicia, Tom and Amy, what a nice suprise to take a walk to the pharmacy and run into so many friends! (If you live in a huge city and never have that happen, consider the lighter side of living in a small town...I'm just sayin')

I hate it when...

2009-04-14T10:33:00.011-05:00

I hate it when someone else thinks of something very clever that I didn't think of. I know, I need to pray about that...but, dang!

Here is one of those things that happened in Rome over the Easter weekend.

"This holiday weekend, Rome was home to Europe’s largest chocolate Easter egg! In an event sponsored by Euroma2, a mega shopping mall in the EUR district of the city, a 2500 kilogram dark chocolate egg was put on display and then publicly broken with a hammer (see photo above).
Pieces were sold to onlookers and the proceeds will benefit those who affected by the recent earthquake in the Abruzzo region." Photos from "La Repulic"

See what I mean? I am glad others have neat ideas, I just wish I had all the great ones. How bad is that?!

Shout out to Karen and Gary for the great Easter dinner, and Moms of both of us. To Phyllis and Lewis and Kim and Stephen for the great dinner and conversation, and to Scott and Stephanie...you know why! There is more to come on the "thank you" train...I'm saving it for another day.

Next Steps

2009-04-08T10:37:00.024-05:00

Well, sorry it took so long to report on a wonderful trip to CrossWorld headquarters. Lot's of wonderful things happened and lots of wonderful things talked about...Here are the highlights and some pictures to prove we were there.

Thursday started out with meetings and ended with meetings. All great! We had time with our International Director, Paul Mattson and his wife and had lunch together. We talked about where we've been and were we are going. He is a great boss!

Then that meeting rolled into another meeting with the new VP of home office opperations, John Berger. (He has recently come off the field from Haiti) We spent time filling him in on us and what we do and what we want to do. Elisabeth Berger (no relation) was also in on the meeting and then that meeting rolled into another meeting with just her and then rolled into another meeting with Amber who does the lion-share of their video editing now.

Just so you get a feel for this day, as we walk from room to room, and building to building, we encountered people who ask how we are doing, tell us they have been praying for us for the last year, and that they love the last video we produced. So even as we went to each meeting there were mini meetings and the setting up of more meetings for Friday. It may sound like a day of torture, but it was great. Encouraging and fun and rejuventating.

Friday morning (at 8:15 am no less) we attended the morning prayer time and shared what God has been doing for Pat and thanking them for their support and prayer. Then the meetings began again, and around 2pm Pat called it quits to rest for a few hours to prepare for the begining of Next Steps.

Next Steps began with a meal and laughs. Four young women all in different points in their lives considering missions for their future. Next Steps is all about that, helping people who are exploring working in missions. Anna was assigned to us (wonderful young woman). Our job was to Listen, Listen, Listen and then ask some hard questions. Pray, Pray, Pray with them and have fun. What a great job! This is Anna and us on Sunday morning.

Yadda, yadda, yadda, Saturday filled with classes, mentoring time and Saturday night was a party where Kevin taught them (and nine extra artists that came for the night) about using arts in missions and discipling. We opened the floor for questions and even the people who were not there as artists had questions and told us later how it had opened thier eyes to new methods and ideas...how cool is that?!

Sunday morning Kevin taught the group and shared our "story" and God used even us that morning. Wow, humbling and moving.

Sunday night, watched a show on cable about blowing things up. huh. TMI?

Monday...well, lets just say we sat in terminals (interesting name for those things, Terminal...like a disease or infinate waiting periods) more than we flew and got home at midnight on Monday.

For those of you wanting to know...God was gracious and merciful, Pat did great. Some symptoms on Thurdays because of all the stimulus to her system flying but she was up and at 'em all weekend.

Now for the fun part...photos!
B-Boys Lem and Chris doing their thing! Wowing us and sharing about the Break Dance culture. cool guys! Very talented

Some of the artists there, Jared (musician/graphic artist) Stephanie (photographer/fashion designer) Pat, Kevin, Chris and Lem (B-Boys) looking tough and artistic for the camera (Stephanie is playing the part of John the Baptist, by pointing the way to Jesus, something we taught that night)

ICE CREAM makes you do and say funny things

(that's Bill Novak, he's a nutty kick in the head)

THE GROUP from

"Next Steps"

Jerry is in front and provided all the photos here, he's a gem! (so is his wife)

Shouts out to Amy for watching the house and the dog, Mom Mayer for her help and getting us from the airport so late, and all who were praying!

Eye Opener

2009-03-26T13:36:00.009-05:00

I was perusing the web (specifically, Youtube) looking to see what was out there in terms of missions videos as we were preparing to launch our video and ran across a GEM video (Greater Europe Missions). What follows was the ongoing commentary after the video from Europeans who watched it. We edited out the cussing, but we thought it was enlightening for those of you who think Europe is "basically Christian". (I also took out the names of the commentators for anonymity)

xxxxxx0
disgustig what you people trying to do!!!

xxxxxx1
i have a friend who is over there now. we are her mission family. this is a great message to get out. it's important! bless you

xxxxx2
Mohahaha!:D Christianity is dead in Europe!

xxxxx3
Emm is it even growing at all?

xxxxx4
Can you blame us? Religion and other absolutist ideologies like fascism and communism almost destroyed Europe completely. The truth is we are all extremely cynical of such dogmatic rubbish. Organized religion has caused enough wars and suffering in Europe, people will never accept it again, dont even bother.

xxxxx5
This kinda "--------" me off... i mean who cares if europes not all religios!!!! I wanna move there;D

xxxx6
a world without religion..... not so far from being a dream!!! Europe about time!!!!

xxxxx7
This is what I love the most about my country (Sweden), there's hardly Any religion in the public sphere; i.e. I barely see it displayed anywhere, and media / gov. doesn't bring it up, ever. Unless something negative happens, like a priest saying something negative about gays, in which case we collectively rip him a new "--------". Here, religion is everyone's private business. I have (believe me) NO idea of my closest friends religious beliefs, and I'm not interested. (Sweden = 85% disbeliever)

xxxxx8
and i hope it stays that way they have "------ed" with us for over a thousand years and we wont have it anymore.

xxxxx8
we dont listen to "------" like that we have seen war after war after war becouse of things like that. now we are trying to be openminded and it worked

xxxxx9
I pray America wakes soon and does not follow in Europes footsteps. It is beyond my comprehension how people have turned their backs on our Creator and are so lost in their beliefs.

xxxxx9
I pray America wakes up and never, never follows in the footsteps of Europe. There is a major difference between Religion and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Check it out!. The Gospel is about a relationship with a person, Jesus! Religion will always disappoint us, but the Gospel will never disappoint us.

Pray, folks.
Shout out to the Martins, we had a great time! And Eddie for the tickets!

Through Closed Doors

2009-03-21T10:51:00.002-05:00

We've been waiting to show you this for quite some time -- mostly waiting on ourselves to get it done. This video is part of CrossWorld's drive to send 200 new workers to "creative access" countries by 2012. Makes our heads spin just thinking about it. If you give and/or pray for what we do, you've already had a hand in making this happen. And anyone reading this post can play a part by sharing the video with others. We're all about going viral.

If you want to see the 'director's cut', click the HQ button and start the video over. Okay, so it's really only changing the image to high quality, but the director recommends it highly. (Not recommended for slow internet connections, though.)

Shout outs to Marlene and Jeff for the pipes.

Before and After

2009-03-16T21:54:00.018-05:00

Before the 27th Psalm reading:
"Another Monday has come and gone. It wasn't the best Monday we've ever had. Did you know that Monday is the day that most people decide to leave ministry work? Kevin reminded me of that today. (We aren't thinking of leaving or quitting.) It breaks my heart to know that after a glorious day of worship, Mondays can be so discouraging and depressing to those who labor in the work of the Kingdom of Christ. I can't tell you exactly why that is, but I can tell you that it is that way, sometimes. Today was one of those times. We would appreciate your prayers." I wrote that at 10:30 pm last night and after he read it, Kevin came into the bedroom and was not excited about what I had written and didn't want people to get the wrong idea. But he was discouraged as well and so he read Psalm 27 to us both.

After the 27th Psalm reading:
Kevin read me the Psalm and as he did, tears came to my eyes because I was reminded how much God is with us and for us and loves us. I was also crying because this was the Psalm Kevin read to me while I was bedridden last year. Not only was I reminded how good I have it, but that my (our) eyes were focused on the wrong thing yesterday. After having a little vision correction, we thanked God for who he is and for each other. We also asked each other for forgiveness for missing the big picture for most of the day. What a great God! What a great word he gave us.

Other business:
I have been doing better and better all the time as far as being up and moving well -- even working at the table and not in bed. Praise God! But, I was attacked by killer "leaves" (yes, I said "leaves") left in my studio over the winter and when I went in to clean up, my lungs and the spores and dust, well, they are still fighting and I am still having the longest asthma attack I have had since I was in high school. So even my doctor (who was surprise to find out that I had asthma and that it was being so stubborn) said to me, if it's not one thing it's another... Bummed, but mostly that I was so stupid to leave leaves in a room that I ever intended to inhabit again. Ah, but that will be resolved soon enough.

Real Business:

I thought we should include a photo of us "in the act" as it were...

Working on our latest video project together at two computers in our living room...just in case some of you were wondering what we have been doing these days...sometimes, you need a visual reminder. Yes, that is two computers working on one video, but there are two more in Kevin's office working on another one. Wow! Seems a bit over the top even to us, but if you have ever edited, you have a glimmer of the power and resources needed to do this job at a professional level. (Well, that's what we are shooting for anyway)

Shout out to Barb for bringing cookies over only minutes after Kevin had said he was craving something sweet. He promptly wished for a million bucks. It doesn't work that way.

Cold Feet 2

2009-03-02T09:43:00.002-06:00

This is actually a hey-here's-another-example from an earlier blog called Cold Feet. For those keeping score at home, my feet are fine this morning.

No, the point of this post is that after telling you about how many different places we get to affect without leaving the confines of our warm-and-cozy, I had another instance pop up I thought you might find fun to hear about. Got an email from Joel, whom we met back when we were plebes at Candidate Orientation. He and his wife Christine have been serving in Ireland and are headed back to British Columbia (for the Americans reading this, that's in Canada). He'd seen our Europe videos from the "From Where You Stand" series on the internet (for non-techno types, that's inside your computer; it's a tight fit) and asked for copies to use as they meet with current and potential supporters in B.C. They'll return to Ireland in July.

As they are arriving in Canada this week, I'll actually mail the DVD to them there. So once again, a trip to the post office here sends a package to Canada to be used to tell people there about the needs in Ireland. That's just fun.

Okay, for the definite-techno types: gotta question. Although I'm physically mailing a DVD this time, I'm looking for good options for transferring LARGE video files via the internet so that someone like Joel could get them while still in Ireland or wherever. What services have you used and do you like? What's fast? Yes, a "Joel" could just download from GoogleVideo or YouTube, but we have a word for the quality you get when doing that: Yuck. So, here's your chance to help missionaries around the world without leaving your home. Try it -- it's fun.

Shout out to Big Jim for the help Saturday. We know it was just an excuse to have coffee with us -- and we like that.

Forest for the trees...Are you missing the point?

2009-02-24T11:16:00.007-06:00

Kevin was afforded the privilege to teach at Westwind Church Sunday and thought some of you would like the opportunity to hear it. (I know he has some big fans out there) So here is the link:
http://westwindchurch.org/?p=419

Just a teaser for you... have ever wondered if you are missing the "point of it all"? This is the answer to your question. (Interestingly enough, even some Christians miss this one.)

(Unbiased opinion of this wife...er...attender, is that it was one of his best)

Cold Feet

2009-02-18T16:34:00.003-06:00

I'm feeling very "international" at the moment. Just finished driving the three blocks to the post office and back, and it occurs to me how many other locations were involved in my little errand.

The really, really heavy package is headed to a young church in Quebec we've been to several times. We took a trip there with a band once, delivering CDs they've been giving out to people visiting their church. Recently, archeologists (okay, me) unearthed some more of the CDs in our basement and Pastor Charles said he'd love to have them because he ran out of the first batch. So Quebec, here they come.

The svelte package is on its way to Kansas City, which, yes, I do realize is in the U.S. That package contains DVDs with the "From Where You Stand" videos (recently re-posted here), which was made with material gathered from our whirlwind tour through western Europe with a herd of photographers. (Or is it a flock? Not sure.) Teammates Chad and Traci want the videos to help in their efforts to tell people about their upcoming work in France, which I have on good authority is NOT in the U.S. So, there!

Now it's back to work with Pat on the final touches of a video we're putting together for CrossWorld that describes work happening in at least another half dozen countries spread across the globe. We'll let you know where to see it when it's available.

All of this without leaving my little Iowa town today. My very cold and windy Iowa town. My feet are freezing.

Shout outs to, well, you. You made all of this happen without stepping outside your door. Didn't even have to put shoes on.

Well, No One Got Hurt

2009-02-16T11:10:00.004-06:00

There are a lot of yardsticks I use to measure my "success" when I speak to a group, and I tend to pick and choose according to the situation. When it's a group of kindergarten-through-fourth-graders, that yardstick is "Did anyone get hurt?"

As part of our church's Missions Conference, yesterday while everyone else was in big church Pat and I faced off with 17 of the K-4 clan as we talked with them about how they can impact missions. Sorry, I guess "faced off" makes it sound rather adversarial. Not at all. Oh sure, there was a lot of fidgeting and talking out of turn and getting distracted -- but the kids were doing those things, too, not just us.

The goal was to teach them they can make a difference by giving, praying, and going. For giving, we created a little economy with the kids forgoing something they really wanted for awhile in order to save up money to give to other kids who'd been deemed missionaries. For praying, we designated another set of kids who represented actual missionaries K & P know around the world, and the gang prayed for their real needs. For going, they would draw pictures of how they'd go and help the last group of designated missionaries where they live. It was genius, poetry, wonderful. Then the kids showed up and we actually got started.

Okay, so I'm mostly tongue-in-cheek with this. It was wild but fun. They knew more going into it than we realized, but we still got them to think about some things they hadn't before. One point we hammered home (figuratively) was that you can serve God around the world in just about any vocation -- athlete, musician, truck driver, doctor, film maker... I think they really got it.

And nobody got hurt. Success.

Shout outs to Caitlyn and Clint for providing the muscle. And Geoff -- whatever HUGE favor we owed you, we're even. :)

Just so ya' know...

2009-02-10T13:55:00.002-06:00

I (Pat) have been doing really well this week (I know it is just Tuesday). Yesterday I edited for 5 hours and went up and down the stairs (on purpose, not cuz I forgot to get something every time) 18 times! I also took a shower standing up- First time since December of 2007!

I'm telling you all this, just so ya' know, your prayers are doing awesome things here in my life, Kevin's life and for the work of the Kingdom!

Saying, "Thanks," is hardly enough and I am grateful for the brothers and sisters in Christ who are and have been praying for me (for us)! Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to the Great God we serve, who sees us and our weaknesses and gives His mercy and strength because of his great love.

"Shout Outs" to Cheryl and Carry and my bro, Steve...also Deb, Deb, Caitlyn and Amy for their encouragement and love.

We're Thinking 'Video'

2009-02-06T09:28:00.007-06:00

This week has involved a lot of video work in one fashion or another. So Pat suggested that we make these three videos from awhile back available in a blog post once again, just in case you missed them. (And if you saw them, shhhh, don't spoil the ending for the others.)

In getting these ready for you to see (had to re-upload; don't ask), I noticed some interesting statistics about our videos. According to Google Video, the most viewed AND most downloaded video we've made is the testimony of Etienne, a church elder in France. (Couldn't be simpler: Travel to France, turn on camera for one long take, travel home, put on internet.)

Sometime after the video was shot, Etienne entered into a battle with cancer so we were asked to post the video so his friends, relatives, etc. could view it. And did they ever! Etienne ultimately succombed to the cancer and I hear that over 500 people attended his funeral. Wow. God certainly used him to bless many.

I would put his video here as well, but it's entirely in French and I assume that most of this blog's readers only speak English. But, in lieu of that, here are videos about the part of the world where Etienne lived.

Thought you were having a bad day...

2009-02-05T14:31:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAOVkKWNfdo

Found this by accident on youtube (of course) made me feel better about my life and the fact that I am not accomplishing much...It would seem that with trying to accomplish things, there are risks...

Wait for the next blog. We are getting some of our videos up and on here again for those who haven't seen them.

Seen Any Good Movie Posters Lately?

2009-01-28T14:42:00.006-06:00

Sometimes it's just really nice to get a reminder that you made a difference, that even in a seemingly mundane moment God chose to use you. And it's especially fun when God lets you peak behind the curtain just enough to see what's normally hidden.

I have three pieces on the walls in my office for personal inspiration: A very up-close-and-personal shot of a lion (thanks Chad!), Delaroche's 'The Young Martyr', and a movie poster for Fritz Lang's epic 1926 film 'Metropolis'. (I'll explain the running theme in my choice of these pieces some other time.)

The poster is in German, and I can't look at it without being reminded of the gang in western Germany we visited in September '07. (See http://nightmayer.blogspot.com/2007/09/flying-fast.html.) In fact, I've been especially "posterized" over the last week or so, feeling the need to contact my friends there, check in on how they're doing in their efforts to craft a community of believers, and let them know I'm praying for them. So I finally did last night.

According to one of the three clocks on my wall, it was midnight in Germany when I sent the message. Surely they're all in bed, right? But this morning I found a reply email where my good friend told me "It was not a coincidence that you were praying for us at that exact moment." In fact, he got my message on his Blackberry while he and his wife were "in the middle of an important conversation" with a young woman who's part of their gathering of believers.

Seems she's had quite a spiritual journey there over the last couple of years. Seems she's at a point now where she could mentor others, but doesn't know if she can because she'll be moving to Paris soon, and may end up staying there for several years. Seems my email was most timely. As my friend writes, "I told them that I don’t know what that means, but that it was not a coincidence, that of all people, God has asked you 'the Paris guy' to pray for us at that moment. Anyway… she has decided to invest more in the community and asked my wife to be her mentor, to help her be ready to mentor others. How about that?" How about that, indeed.

He closed his message with "Please don’t take away that poster." Not a chance.

Shout-outs to some who made a difference for US recently: John and the girls for the 'snow job', Matt and Mattie for popping in (wear a coat next time), Stan for the message, Debbie for the card, Sandy for the email, Rick for the laugh, Mom for the flowers, and Geoff for hangin' out.

My new theme song...

2009-01-21T11:18:00.004-06:00

Sometimes our friend Joe puts lyrics to a song that is speaking to him on his blog and so I thought I would take a page out of his book and do the same...

I don't care if I go crazy,
1-2-3-4-5-6-switch
crazy go I if care don't I
6-5-4-3-2-1-switch
I don't care if I go crazy,
1-2-3-4-5-6-switch
crazy go I if care don't I
6-5-4-3-2-1-switch

I can actually sing this song. And the reason it appeals to me is that I have had a really -really- awful 20 days. The afternoon of the Dec. 31st, I began a relapse. I'm back in bed and until yesterday afternoon when God gave me "a talkin' to" I was unbelievably depressed about it. More on that later.

Kevin told me yesterday (Kevin: super genius and some-times "wise guy") that sometimes the way to be a testimony is to be genuine about the bad times. So here is me 'genuining' all over the place! I have been in bed most of the time since then and actually had to use my cane for the first time since Sept. 10th. Picking up that cane brought on UNBELIEVABLE DEPRESSION, HOPELESSNESS, GRIEF, HUMILIATION, DISAPPOINTMENT, FRUSTRATION, CONFUSION, SELF-HATRED...okay, enough genuineness, you get the picture.

And so, cane in hand we went to the Dr. (may I say, I have a really great Doctor who isn't near ready to give up on us) And as I prayed for the strength to not cry while I was with her, so she could see God's strength in me, I began to cry like a baby going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Not what I was hoping for.

Blah, blah, blah, -up shot...we are trying a different antidepressant hoping the symptoms I have are a result of the current one I have been on for more than two years and this will take care of what is wrong with the grey-matter still sloshing around my cranium.

Oh, yeah, the "talk" I got. Well, yesterday God reminded me of the night my pastors were praying for me, God told me then I had hardened my heart toward being healed...He reminded me I had done so, again. I DO trust Him and it really changed my attitude when He reminded me of that yesterday. And now, I have hope again, knowing that I am in the hands of a God that loves me, and knows what is going on, and (even when I have...) He hasn't given up.

Please pray for us, and thank you to all of you who have been. Our love and thanks to all of you!

busy, like beavers in a coffee lake

2009-01-13T10:32:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to let you all know what we are doing these (extremely cold) wintry days...

Kevin is working on the new Mac system and software (learning an entirely new sophisticated software program while he is at it, ~because he is a super genius) making a video for CrossWorld to recruit and fund 200 new (NEW) workers to the field of limited access countries by 2012! What an exciting goal! We are stoked! Anyway...He is on that (and other computers in his office) doing that, and I am in the bedroom (yes back to the bed! ugh, a bit of a relapse for me) with yet two other computers ALSO editing for the same project!

How Cool is that! Last week as some point he shouted out to me he was using all four computers for one project! Frankly, he sounded a little like a mad scientist (with an amazingly convincing evil laugh...spooky, scary).

If all that sounds a bit much, video editing is an extremely hardware-intensive process and takes enormous resources, not to mention talent, and a super genius to pull it off -well.

So, that's what we are doing. We hope to have a rough cut to the offices by the end of the week...no evil laugh there, just that sucking sound you make when you see someone trying to squeeze into a parking space that is too small.

Have you ever Googled yourself?

2009-01-06T11:30:00.009-06:00

Come on...more of you have done it, than are willing to admit it! I am among the latter group, and before today if you put hot sticks in my eyes, I would have still hesitated! But I was bored out of my tiny, poorly working, brain and so I did google myself this morning. I got a couple of surprises.

No, no, no, no "adult site", actually more men with the name "Pat Mayer" than women in my cursory search. There are some cool athletes, a soccer player, a tennis player, a rugby player (amateur), even a couple artists. I came upon a Westwind Church site link :), and then on an image search (I told you I was bored), this...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bodenpersonal.net/uploads/pats_bilder1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bodenpersonal.net/categories/8-Spiritualitaet/&usg=__XRiSIW0B5m89N-_jZTAisg_-ybA=&h=600&w=800&sz=73&hl=en&start=18&um=1&tbnid=CFbi2CGBbbanuM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522pat%2Bmayer%2522%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Yes, it is an impossibly long link, but it goes all the way to Germany and it is the artwork that I did for some friends there, trying to tell people who Jesus really is to a world that isn't interested in the least. ~As an aside, their website has this revealing photo from a british bus~ Get the idea?

They put the three pieces I did for them up on their site to tell and teach. How cool is that. And how reaffirming that artwork really does cross culture and language like few things can.

We needed that. I hope it reminds those of you who support this ministry that this is something God can (and is) using to grow His kingdom.

Who is pulling for us?

2008-12-29T10:36:00.014-06:00

"Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn all about me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28

I have been working on this piece for more than two months, after hearing a Jamie Smith song. And the refrain is "Oh, how you love me." It has been a very tough year for us, many disappointments, many struggles and many sad losses, but also triumphs and blessings. Perhaps it is my reoccurring depression that has me focused on the former and not on the latter. But my desire is to remember the blessings, the truth, the hope, and the image that Jesus is pulling in the boat with me. I am safe and taken care of because He is yoked with me in this life. I am so grateful for that. (Not coincidentally, Pastor Geoff spoke on this verse last Sunday. When Westwind posts it, we will put a link to it.)

I like this image of Christ as the old seaman who is full of wisdom and doesn't fear anything! And I often feel vulnerable like that little girl in a situation that is greater than her own strength can possibly manage and worse than she can really comprehend.

Some of you, dear friends, have been praying for us recently, and we are grateful beyond words. And for those who have also financially supported us, (with tears in my eyes) Thank you! May He richly bless you as you have so richly blessed us.

A Christmas card...

2008-12-17T11:03:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone! If you haven't received our newsletter yet, you soon will and it gives a recap of the year and what we have been up to (everyone is always asking that..."what are they up to?") So, please read it and send us a comment, we love hearing from you all. Thanks to those who answered the quiz.

What I wanted to tell you all is that this Sunday, the 21st Westwind Church is putting together a "Christmas Card" for Waukee. It involves a series of small vignettes and Kevin has written and performs in one of them. Just thought you might want to know that and if you are free, please come and join us. Check out times, etc, at: http://www.westwindchurch.org/

Other than that, not much to tell. We have been recording VO (voice overs) for the next video and Kevin is working on getting up to speed on the new software (sounds cool from in here on the bed).

I want to thank all who have been praying for me and Kevin recently, I have had some really great days lately and am thankful because I know that is a gift from God! Thank you.

Together We're...

2008-12-10T14:38:00.004-06:00

Monday was sort of an unusual "anniversary" for us. It was exactly one year ago that Pat's medical odyssey began, so we went out to lunch and talked over the Mister-Toad's-Wild-Ride that the last year has been. Translation: It's been a rough year.

I started to write a list of things that have happened in the last twelve months but it was sounding too Christmas-cardlike. Plus, the brain isn't what it used to be so I only seem to remember the really biggies, which meant the list was looking pretty short. (I'm sorry, what were we talking about?) But life isn't about what happens 'to' us -- it's about what happens 'in' us.

We saw Pat bedridden most of the time and never learned a conrete reason for the cause, and learned God's sovereignty trumps life's ambiguity. We were fully commissioned for our ministry work on special assignment here in the U.S. instead of in France, and learned that serving God is about who you are not where you are. We agreed to temporarily accept a smaller salary in order to get things started then lost our sending church's financial support, only to watch as God's provision sometimes makes the numbers work when you're just positive they shouldn't. [For the record, and because my boss sometimes reads our blog, I do NOT recommend that last one as a ministry strategy for others to copy.] We watched as a young artist had his passion rekindled by one of our projects, then went on to use his art to show the light of Christ in new ways, and were reminded why we do this. And we saw that God alone is the only one you can always trust, but that he does bring you some special people who are there for you more than you could have imagined.

Oh, and one of our dogs died. That sucked.

Monday as Pat and I were talking about the year and questioning ourselves (a bad habit we have), we decided that individually she and I are stupid but together we're idiots. We thought it was funny and somehow that brought us comfort. I guess you had to be there.

Shout outs to you special people there for us during this season of testing. We love you each dearly.

These Boots Were Made for...

2008-12-05T09:56:00.014-06:00

Pat and our dear friend Caitlyn have been kickin' lately, so to speak. Each Wednesday afternoon when she's finished with her high school classes, 'Caitlyn the terrific' anxiously pops over to spend a couple of hours doing art with Pat. Oh, and talking -- lots of that. I know because I'm just down the hall and I hear all the laughing.

What's cool about the whole thing is that the two of them have been doing what we talk about in this space all the time: Using art to open the Bible and open hearts. They whole idea was Pat's (of course), taking a couple of old boots and, well, 'individualizing' them.

For those of you keeping score at home, Caitlyn narrated the video we made of the mural painting (in the basement) based on the Luke passage describing the cost of following Christ. So, P & C looked at the passage once more as they "applied" what they found there, this time literally. The boots are covered with collage representations of the cost.

Their conversations naturally cover all aspects of their lives, not just the churchy-stuff. But then, that's what the whole cost-of-following thing is all about, isn't it? You know, how Christ should permeate every part of a follower's life.

The part you can't see is how the ladies filled the boots with plaster-of-Paris (where else?) and then topped that off with spray foam insulation. There's probably some spiritual metaphor deeply buried there but I'll let you figure it out.

Want to hear the great message?

2008-11-11T13:25:00.005-06:00

Kevin won't tell you this, so I -in a completely unbiased opinion- have to tell you that he rocked on Sunday at Westwind Church. ~I know, I know, he is my beloved husband, but that is also what others (totally unrelated to him) said as well. God hit a home run with His message.

I always tell Kevin before he speaks, "have a blast" and "you are teaching God's word, you can't go wrong!"

Here's where to listen if you haven't yet:
November 9. 2008 (Kevin Mayer)

Thanks for all the prayers and support. God bless!

Art History Lesson #53
Did you know:
Christian tradition has long connected the authors of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) with the four "living creatures" that surround God's throne, as described in Revelation 4:7, in the following pairs:
Matthew = Human (emphasises the humanity of Christ)
Mark = Lion (Christ roaring into the world with the message of salvation)
Luke = Ox (Christ was the sacrifice for our sins)
John = Eagle (Christ as ruler, divine, one with God)

The Party at 'The Creek'

2008-11-03T10:51:00.002-06:00

We had an absolute gas at the 'party' (see my previous blog) at Willow Creek Baptist Church last night. The folks there are ALWAYS so gracious and warm with us. And this time, their tech folks were just downright impressive. I asked for a last-minute showing of the video clip about Pat's healing and the boys in the booth accommodated wonderfully. Then, last night when I got home, I checked their website just to see if they do podcast their evening services, and my message was already there! Okay, I'm floored.

You can check out the message yourself (Kevin's message) but here's the executive summary. Our joy during a trial, not the outcome, is what brings God glory. The junk life throws at us is an opportunity for us to show the world Christ in us even when the ending isn't all warm and fuzzy. Okay, 'nuff said. No sense re-preaching the message to you.

So, a big shout out to Pastor Mike, Pastor Cody, and Pastor Trent for the opportunity and all the help; to the family at Willow Creek for your attentiveness; and to all my friends who crashed the party with me.

Crashing the Parties

2008-10-31T13:09:00.003-05:00

Okay, so maybe I'm not exactly a "crasher" in the classic sense because I really only show up where I've been invited -- mostly. But I've been getting some opportunities to sit in on others' fun lately.

A couple of weeks ago I popped down to Kansas City to hang out with teammates Chad and Traci at their loft apartment in an old downtown warehouse (how young and urban). They had some others from their church over and we discussed using the arts to grow disciples and to help them reach their community. Had a great time sitting on the futon munching dessert and tossing out whatever ideas came into my head willy-nilly. A couple of them were even worth hearing, maybe. But the best part was watching the group get excited about starting a new work in the church with the artists they have. Chad and Traci hope to try out some of the ideas we've kicked around in our ministry, and I for one am anxious to see what happens.

This Sunday night I get to party-crash closer to home at Willow Creek Baptist Church here in Des Moines. I preached there twice this summer and I get to go back and do it again. They're anxious to hear about what God has been doing regarding Pat's health, and I'm anxious to tell them. The people there were so wonderful to us, so we're looking forward to worshiping together again. If you're in the neighborhood, drop on over. The party starts at 6:00. Er, I guess they don't mind me inviting others. Hmmm, maybe I'm more crasher-like than I thought.

And lastly, on the following Sunday (the 9th) I'll be preaching at the party we attend every Sunday morning at Westwind Church in Waukee. And I know I can invite you to that one. The festivities start at 9:30. We've been working our way through Matthew and I get to do a passage that includes what I think are two very powerful stories attesting to the Kingship of Christ -- the healing of the leper and the healing of the centurion's servant. Hmmm, getting to be a running theme in my life. I love running themes.

A belated shout-out to Big Jim for helping me get a too-dangerous-to-drive truck to the mechanic. And to Dave for the use of the trailer to do it.

Pepper

2008-10-29T17:28:00.007-05:00

Pepper the dog - October 1998 - October 25, 2008 Pepper was our black dog. She came to us through a strange set of circumstances from ISU's vet student lab and had a tattooed number on her inner thigh. We said it was her "concentration camp tattoo". If you ever met Pepper, you know this is how close she wanted to be to you. Last Saturday we had to put Pepper to sleep.

She had come down very suddenly with a serious illness that was causing her to have grand mall seizures. After having seven in less than 40 hours (it all started a week ago tonight) her sweet personality was gone. She wasn't in there anymore and was very sick. Our wonderful vet was a comfort to us and her. She was a great true friend to us.

She was with me the entire time I was bed-ridden. For nine months she laid in Kevin's bed next to me, walked with me when I got up and followed me back to bed faithfully. She was a tremendous comfort and always good for our mental health.

Saturday we buried her in the woods on my mom's farm. God blessed us in many ways with that little dog. We miss her. We really miss her.

Shout out to our vet and his wife for their tremendous care of us and our dog. Thank you.

updates...isn't this always an update?...

2008-10-22T11:28:00.009-05:00

Hey everyone. Trying to get back on the ball for the blog. As you might imagine, if you have put any thought to it at all, which you probably don't, and why would you, you have your own problems to think about...

We have been doing a lot of little things. Which until I heard Geoff's sermon last Sunday discouraged me. He talked about the first thirty years of Jesus' life and how he was busy doing the little things, like taking care of his mother, and learning the Torah, and being a good Jewish son and honoring God in his daily life, etc and that this was a great way to serve God. Doing the little things in life that honor God.

That meant a lot to me. I have been trying to do a little more with myself lately with varying results. Mostly, if I do anything physical it wears me out in a most remarkable fashion. For instance, Monday I picked up about 20 lbs of dog poo and framed Kevin's prints (he's been patiently waiting for me to do this for almost two months) I also changed the sheets on my own bed. I was so worn out by the evening that I was sore and couldn't move. The next day I was in bed until about 4:00 pm! Just tired! Not symptomatic, just worn out!

So it is back to the drawing board for me to figure out just what a "normal" day is for me. I am trying to build back my strength so I can have some energy but it is turning out to be such a snails pace even I am mystified by it, and I am the one who has been in bed for nearly 10 months!

So, back to the small things that bring God honor. I can't do all I want, nor all I think I should...(there's a trap if ever I heard one..."should") but if it was an honoring life for Christ to live doing the little things, then it should be enough for me. I will keep working on being OK with that.

To hear the message (and it is really about Christ's baptism) and is really great! I've listened twice already, here is the link:

http://westwindchurch.org/?p=195

Click on "Oct 19, 2008, Geoff Safford" in green.

Some tidbits

2008-10-14T12:07:00.009-05:00

Yikes! It has been two weeks since we blogged! Apologies all around.

Seems like we should have more to give you after two weeks, but here are some tidbits for you to stay in-the-know on our goings on...

Since the last post I have gotten the opportunity to give comfort (I hope) and listen to a couple of people in, or going in to trials. For those of you who haven't asked for it: my pearls of wisdom (and it is all God here) "You can look forward to it, there are blessings amidst trials that can't be found any where else" and it does grow our faith. Isn't that what we want more than our own comfort? (challenge there)

Kevin and I want to thank those wonderful people we have in our lives called "Supporters"! You have made it possible for us to purchase a new video editing system that will make us compatible with CrossWorld headquarters in their editing systems and make theirs and our jobs easier and more profitable. Kevin is pretty excited just about the boxes in the living room, I'll be more excited when I can use the thing. It may mean some training (especially for me as manuals are difficult for me to learn from - not so the super genius) but we will get that going and are grateful it is even possible for me now! Yeah God! Yeah God's faithful people!

SOME of the projects coming up on the new system:

4Raising funding and awareness to send people to limited access countries.

4 Using the gifts God gives in missions (art...duh, engineering, accounting, administrative, you name it, missions has a place for it)

Tomorrow night we get to be with the AWANA kids at Fellowship Community Church and give them a very tiny taste of what missions really means. Our lesson is about being a friend (like the good Samaritan) to those around us, even if they are very different than we are.

My recovery regaining my energy and stamina is slower than I would like, but working on it and Kevin is a great help and encouragement. Thanks for your prayers. We would appreciate your continued support in this.

A lesson worth learning

2008-10-01T12:08:00.008-05:00

This is one of the first pieces of artwork I have done since the miracle. It is about learning the lesson of finding joy where ever you are. Often we cry and whine about being uncomfortable in our circumstances, we have a "crapitude". Instead we could be taking on the challenge and finding joy in the lesson. Trials test our faith and can give us perseverance and perseverance perfects our faith. Why do we cry when we are given such great opportunities? Who doesn't want mature FAITH!?

Are you the little girl crying in the midst of a trial or are you finding out that you can make the best mud pies ever! (Let's not forget, she will be able to comfort those who are soaking wet in trials after she is perfected through her own trial)

(If you haven't seen the miracle video, check out the next blog entry below.)

What a Miracle Looks Like

2008-09-20T23:29:00.003-05:00

Scores of people have contacted us or dropped by to see our Miracle Gal since we announced to everyone how God healed Pat a week-and-a-half ago. Wow, what an incredible outpouring of love from you all! It's been a gas. (If you haven't read the story yet, check it out here: http://nightmayer.blogspot.com/2008/09/healed.html)

Two surprising but consistent comments have shown up in the messages we've received. First, let's call it what it is, many people simply cried when they heard the news. Overcome with joy and relief, they wept. Wow, now that's humbling. The second consistent comment was how words failed to express God's greatness. We thoroughly agree.

File this under this theme of words being inadequate. Here's just a 1-minute video I threw together with some footage of Pat's illness at its worst last winter, something we'd shot to show the doctors what we were talking about since these "episodes" came and went as they pleased. Also included, some stuff I shot just today. Before and after, compare and contrast, you get the idea. It was strangely fun and strangely gut-renching for me to make this.

Some things to remember about what you see: Absolutely ALL of Pat's movements, facial expressions, and contortions in the "before" section are beyond her control. Her body is doing what it wants. Also, though it may look like it, Pat wasn't in pain, just understandably uncomfortable. She improved some during the spring but had plateaued a couple of months ago, still a far cry from using sharp blades and twirling in the backyard!

We can't stop thanking God.

Healed

2008-09-15T15:11:00.002-05:00

The following is what has elapsed for Kevin and Pat since last Wednesday, in their own voices:

We have incredible news to tell you. I've hesitated just a bit in writing but what we're seeing happen is undeniable and quite dramatic, so I guess it's time to share. Plus, we're just plain anxious to let you know.

God has miraculously healed Pat.

Yeah, I really did just phrase it that way, but I chose my words carefully. Let's recap. Pat has spent the last nine months nearly bedridden due to a strange movement disorder. At best she might have two or three days a week where she could be out of bed for more than a couple of hours. Usually such activity resulted in involuntary muscle contractions in her arms, face, and sometimes her legs, along with a crushing fatigue. If she stayed prone in bed, everything was sorta "fine", but never good. After seeing several specialists, we still had no definite diagnosis and the suggested treatment plan was wait-and-see-if-it-goes-away, which we had been doing since winter. And the part we hadn't even said to each other but both had noticed -- the minimal improvement we'd seen seemed to have plateaued a couple of months ago and she wasn't getting better.

Until, that is, last Wednesday night.

There’s a passage in the Bible that tells Christians suffering from illness (as in, beyond the help of medicine and the body’s normal restorative power) to “call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord”. We’re told the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. Understand, this isn’t magic or some superstitious mumbo jumbo but a turning to God in faith for healing done in a way that gives the credit where due – with God and only God.

“Kevin sat on my bed Wednesday afternoon and confronted me with a heart issue he thought he might be seeing…namely that I was not expecting much from the prayer time that night. He was right (he often is; my pride is not always served by that fact). I told him I thought that hundreds of people had been praying for me for months now and that God gave this to me and He would take it away when He was ready. But I saw what he was saying and said I would think about it. I had to confess, I didn’t think God would do a miracle for me. That wasn’t faithfulness. I spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening thinking, praying and confessing.”

Wednesday night the pastors of our new church came over and five of us prayed together as outlined above.

“When they were praying over me I heard God speaking to me and telling me that He was going to give me the Joy as if I were healed. That the joy would show through my eyes and countenance, for others to see. I had a giant smile on my face. He didn’t say He was going to heal me, and that was ok with me, just that I would have the joy as if He had. I remember telling Him at the time that was enough for me and I was praying for the others praying there to understand and feel that joy too. He also told me I needed to confess that I had hardened my heart toward Him in believing He could heal me. And I did. And finally, He asked if I was ready to let this go? That was a bit of a surprise to me and made me think that life had been pretty pressure free like this, and being well would bring new responsibilities. But after brief reflection, I told Him, ‘yes!’”

It was a beautiful hour together and when they left, our girl was still tremoring. But something was clearly different, and as we went to bed that night I could see something in her eyes that I hadn’t seen in nine months. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I could see in her face something had changed big-time.

The next day was incredible. Pat was up and walking around freely and even doing some light work, all before even taking her morning medicines. Normally she had to lay quiet in bed until nearly lunch before she could engage in much. When I left for a lunch meeting, Pat announced she was coming with me, too. In fact, she ended up tagging along for three meetings and a coffee as we were gone all afternoon, the cane now relegated to fashion accessory. Normally such a round of activity would have wiped her out for nearly a week, but the next day it was more of the same as we were out and about for much of the day. This time the cane stayed home.

“After two days of being well, I still had a great big smile on my face and I was amazed that God would do such a thing for me! Frankly, Kevin and I were both stunned! It reminded me of something Brandon had said when he was at our house last Wed. night…one of the times Jesus healed someone was because of the faith of his friends who lowered him on his bed through the roof to get to Jesus. I am so grateful for the faith of my friends, my husband and Jesus. I have always had faith that this was of God and that it was up to him to take it away as His purposes were served. But I also remember that He told me He would get the glory even if I only had joy from Him.”

Sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve been missing until it reappears. For me one of the wow-iest moments in this was when we were walking into the mall Friday for lunch. I glanced over at Pat and she was walking normally. Not just her speed, but her gait. I’d gotten used to her walking stiffly and hunched. Now, she walked with zest. Big wow.

“Every day I wake up I wonder if it will continue. I am not the same as I was nine months ago. Weak for one thing, and for some reason none of my clothes fit! But I will be working on getting back the strength and endurance. I get a bit scared when I am tired, but then Kevin reminds me that this is normal, and he is tired, too!”

You’ll surely hear more in the coming days and weeks. But for now, thank you for you continued prayer, support, and encouragement during this long nine months for us. And join us as we echo the phrase in Luke after Jesus brought a miracle to a hopeless situation. “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” Praise His name.

“Praise His holy name, indeed! To God alone be the glory!”

Huh.

2008-09-09T14:25:00.001-05:00

You need to understand that this post’s title isn’t a question (“Huh?”), but a statement. Sort of a quick version of “Well that certainly didn’t turn out like I expected”. I’m feeling kind of “Huh” as of late.

A year ago we were traveling through western Europe making contacts we hoped would benefit us when we moved there. Pat showed her artwork at a party in Dusseldorf, we visited a new media studio in Augsburg, we hung out with innovators in Zurich, and we talked with several ministries in Paris and Lyons.

But yesterday began the 10th month of Pat’s illness and much has changed in the last year. Huh.

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not feeling fatalistic or depressed or even melancholy. (I’m prone to that last one and this isn’t it.) But it strikes me that I do you a disservice if I make it sound as though our journey is always all grins and giggles. It’s not. Whose is?

Life isn’t all fun and games just because we know Jesus. In fact, pretty much the opposite is guaranteed. Sunday’s sermon at our church centered on faithfulness. Christ calls us to have at least a little faith, but to have great faithfulness, to remain doing what we know to be right and true.

And I hope we do. Much has changed and our new ministry directions have great potential. But whatever direction they take us, my prayer and hope is that we’re always faithful. To paraphrase the three young Jewish men about to be cast into the furnace for refusing to worship an idol: “The God we serve is able to save us and will rescue us. But even if he does not, we will serve no other.”

Huh.

Home Coming

2008-09-05T11:12:00.003-05:00

Mom has had a few small complications but the staff has been able to stay on top of things. Thanks to God's grace and mercy and prayers offered on her behalf. So thank you all who have been praying.

Just received news this morning that Mom is coming home today sometime and that my two brothers will be there to help make the transition. She has a supportive church (they think she is a pip - which of course she is) and are ready to give rides, meals and whatever. That is an answer to petitions as well.

Kevin and I are going up tomorrow to see her (and swipe a painting I gave her for the first FORMAL service of Westwind Church in Waukee) and it will be good to see her since I haven't since surgery. But will be back for the starting of Westwind!

Thanks again EVERYONE!!! This was a toughy, cuz I had to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else do what I used to be able to do for the family. Mostly, I thought it stunk. Guess I have some things to learn about grace and mercy still.

Surgery News

2008-08-30T11:54:00.002-05:00

Just a quickie post here to let you know that Pat's mom had her surgery yesterday and everything when great. We did get to see her for a bit in the evening and we'll pop in and see her again this afternoon before we head home. Thanks for your prayers and encouraging words.

A Picture of Generosity

2008-08-27T10:14:00.009-05:00

This is what selfless
generosity looks like.

It comes in the form of a couple who works very -very- hard for a living, but have a heart for God that makes them want to be a part of His work around the world. They live over ten hours from us, so they make up a lame excuse to come to Iowa, and oh yeah, see Kevin and Pat. Get up at 4:00 am to get to Iowa and see us?! While they are here they hand us a check that reflects significant sacrifice on their part financially.

Now, let's not forget that they drove all the way here when gas prices are at their all-time highest, spend money on a hotel so as not to 'put us out', and miss work while doing all of this! They smile as they hug us good bye, leaving at a reasonable hour despite our protest, because they don't want to make me overly tired.

I am always humbled and floored at the sacrifices God's people make for His work. And that they choose to do it through our ministry is overwhelming. It shows us again and again, how much God loves us, and how much He is loved around the world. Thank you God for your people and how profoundly you work in our lives through them.

It is with tears in my eyes that I am remembering you, J. and A. for being the hands and feet of JESUS to us. Thanks for making His love for us so real, and your love for us so comforting, and thank you for making our calling possible.

Thank you everyone who is making a sacrifice for His work here and now. We don't always know the full story or the extent of your sacrifice, but we are humbled and honored and touched by them all.

update...

2008-08-25T10:29:00.004-05:00

Well, thank you all for your prayers.

My mom is scheduled for surgery on Friday this week. She will be in the hospital for seven to ten days and we will get the pathology afterward, maybe up to two weeks depending on how many lymph nodes they collect. She will have about 10" (the first third) of her colon removed and the small intestine reconnected to the "traverse" colon. (learning so much!?) The good news is that there will not be a need for a 'bag' and she will not have to have radiation (as the case worker pointed out, there is nothing there to radiate after the section has been removed.)

I won't be able to take my usual role in this which has been to be able to step in and take care of the loose ends and see that Jennifer (my sister with MS whom my mother takes care of) is also cared for. It has always been a privilege for me to be able to have that role. I am relying on God grace once again to be okay with not being there for them. I have a wonderful family. They are all pitching in to help.

I have a really wonderful mother. She is strong, generous, loving, caring and selfless. And she loves God. She is a good friend, mother, mother-in-law, and I love her very dearly. I have been blessed tremendously to have such a woman as my mother.

Thank you for your prayers.

Prayer Request

2008-08-15T11:40:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to our friends and family to please pray for Pat's mom, Jean. She was diagnosed with colon cancer yesterday. There is no other information to give yet except that there will be surgery in the future. Pat will be going up to Mason City to attend the meeting with the surgeon and hear more about test results on Tuesday. Thanks for your support and prayers. ~She's a great Mom and Mother-In-Law.

day to day

2008-08-14T09:18:00.007-05:00

Well, it flies by - time, that is. Here it is Thursday again and I was so sure today was going to be Wednesday. hmmm.

We continue to meet with some of the artists we met at Art Fest in Waukee. Had a wonderful dinner with Meredith on Tuesday night. She is a student in college working in Des Moines for the summer. She is sort of a 'Renaissance' woman, she does drama, dances, paints and is interested in counseling. We had a wonderful dinner and would like to shout out a "thank you" for giving us her time Tuesday night. Thanks, Meredith.

If you would like to see some of her work, here is a link to her site: http://www.freewebs.com/meres_lair/morephotos.htm

Meanwhile, we meet (Kevin and I) for meetings occassionally to update each other on the goings on of our daily work. He works daily, I work on knowing what day it is. We are in the process of planning the next steps for this ministry, but I feel that it is a bit early to let the cat out of the bag...mostly cuz it's so fun to watch the cat in the bag!

Just to test if anyone is reading this:

WE have a request.

We are in need (more "in desire", really) of toys.

Specifically, imaginative toys. For artists to fiddle with while we meet and brainstorm. Building toys (lincoln logs, legos, playdough,) Please, no shooting toys, you can imagine how that might get us off on an unprofitable rampage.

"Joe Bender" kind of things and whatever other cool stuff is out there that this childless couple is unaware of.

More Project 23 Pics for You

2008-08-07T15:37:00.006-05:00

More pics from the mural painted live at ArtFest in Waukee for you. In the last pic -- though the mural is unfinished -- you can see Hannah and Pat painting the children who frolic without concern in what should be a sinister place, as evidenced by the graffiti wall on the street where they play (Dave works on it below). As Pat mentioned in the earlier post, our God-as-lifeguard figure watches over them, giving us our 21st century version of "The Lord is my shepherd."

but first...a word from our sponsor

2008-08-07T11:37:00.011-05:00

I know you have all be waiting for the Art Fest update, but there is something I really need to say first, and since that is what blogs are for, I'm just gonna put it out there, baby!

No one has worked harder on this project than Kevin. He had to contact a lot more artists than actually showed up, and keep them up to date on everything for the Show, (huge job). At the same time he was heading up our art as discipleship project (huge job). Then he was also getting his sick wife across country twice to continue the work of the ministry, finish preparations for orientation, getting a seminar together, doing laundry and getting dog care set up etc,(again, huge job)

Also, at the same time he was taking care of a sick wife, which means that he does all the grocery shopping, laundry, dog care, errands, emails, helping his mom with a flooded basement, cooking all the meals, helping friends, and re-doing both the office, studio and bathroom for the sick wife so she could shower and work on those few days she was good enough to do so. There's more, but I sense you are getting impatient. (oh, he preached two of those weeks too)

ALL this and he never complains, even more amazing, never seems to get sour on it all. I thought you should know what he is up against and has been accomplishing over the last two months or so. He is my husband, and you can't have him! He is wonderful and deserves a card now and again thanking him. I don't even thank him enough! Continue your prayers for him. I love him. I wanted to give a BIG SHOUT OUT TO KEVIN! ~oh, and he is a super genius!

Okay, the art fest "Project 23." Saturday was a beautiful day and the artists were on time, ready and excited. We got a number of artists signed up who are interested in future projects and were excited about the ministry. We talked to a lot of people. Joe even overheard four teens looking at the mural, figuring it out for themselves...that the life guard was God and he was looking over the kids in the dangerous place. Cool. Dave, even handed over a brush to a young teen girl who painted on the mural, I love this guy. Nice job everyone. We haven't gotten all the photos in yet, so we'll post- as we get.

Shout out to Hannah and Dave who painted under less than perfect conditions and Cory who was using a new camera. Shout out to Geoff for making a tarp for us the night before when the store was out, and Bill for adding to the shade when the sun moved. Shout out to Brandon for getting the truck to haul the 9' x 5.5' canvas to the show. Shout out to Karen for watching our booth while we painted, organized, ran around and networked. Shout out to Deb for driving me home. Shouts to all the artists we talked to, y0u inspire us. Shouts to all who prayed for Pat, I lasted until 5:00! WOW!

Shhhh, Be Vewy Quiet

2008-08-06T10:50:00.002-05:00

Yes, there's a mandate from the massess (well, a comment from our good friend Brandt) to get some info out about the project at ArtFest over the weekend. I'll get some pics and info up for you all a little later today, but in the meantime just wanted to let you know that Pat's busy recuperating from the activity of the last couple of weeks. Although she's pretty tired and needs to stay in bed for a few days, she held up remarkably well during the big push.

And oh yes, my shout out of this post goes to none other than Pat, for the 24 years of marriage we sorta celebrated on Monday. Well, I ate pizza and took this picture of her sleeping, but it was fun. When she's up and around we plan to get each other anniversary cards. Oh yeah, the magic continues.

Apparently It's Contagious

2008-07-31T14:51:00.011-05:00

PG Hannah dropped by for some more painting time this afternoon. It's hard to keep the girl away, but we knew that. The surprising part is that later her friend Alex dropped by. They were supposed to go shopping. For clothes. In a mall. Teen girls. It's obvious.

But, Alex decides she'd rather grab a brush and dive in with the rest. Pat and I have pleaded with her to go shopping like she'd planned, that she doesn't have to do this, that she should at least put a smock on over her teen-girl-headed-to-the-mall-to-shop clothes. But to no avail. The closest we get is her saying, "Just another 30 minutes."

It's like a disease. I think Dave's caught it, too. Actually, he showed symptoms after the basement mural project. He's starting an arts group at his church that will bring creative-types closer to their Creator through their art. The other night we talked in the 2-car studio and he told me how he has ravenously studied Psalm 23 ON HIS OWN because of this project. Wow. I mean, that IS the point, isn't it?

Shout out to our new friend Alex! And to Steve up in Fosston for the phone call. Looking forward to what we dream up!

And remember, if you're anywhere in the Des Moines metro area, stop out and see us at the Art Fest in Waukee's Centennial Park Saturday afternoon.

One picture...

2008-07-30T16:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday our Palindrome Girl Hannah came by for some painting time out in our two-car studio. She'd been out there quite some time on her own when Pat and I popped out to see how things were coming along. Turned out she wasn't alone at all.

There, sitting in plastic lawn chairs neatly lined to one side, were Cheyenne and Felicia, our neighbors' daughters. [Their dad John featured prominently in a recent post.] The girls let us know that Hannah had been telling all kinds of stories to them that come from the Bible and they wanted to know if they were really true. Yes they are, we assured them.

Then Cheyenne showed me the painting she'd done the night before of her sister Felicia. Cheyenne had asked me a couple days earlier if I'd look at her artwork if she made some, so she went home and made some. And Cheyenne, if you're reading this, you captured Felicia's freckles perfectly.

She promises more artwork. And so do we. Stop out in Centennial Park in Waukee at the Art Fest going on from 3:00-8:00 p.m. this Saturday to see how the mural turns out. It's a very interesting take on "The Lord is my shepherd."

I'll even look at any pictures you bring with you.