WRITING AND WRITING SOME MORE

I am writing an END OF YEAR update as I do every year. Should be posting it very soon. Thanks for checking back for new updates. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

(It is posted on my other blog www.marciemayo.blogspot.com)

ON MY WAY

Tis the season...for traveling, for hugging, for celebrating life and the ones we love. I'm packing and heading out to florida/Alabama/Georgia tonight after midnight. Looking forward to each day and the day I will be hugging my husband when I return. FAMILY here I come!! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! See you in the way...

TIME IS FLYING

Time is flying by, ask anybody. A month has passed since I last updated this blog, and I have been thinking about you all. Wondering how everybody out there is doing. Wondering where we are all at with the latest non-changes in politics. I am still trusting the God who made us...keeping my eyes on the goal... even when I feel overwhelmed and scattered and sometimes speechless. It is best not to let circumstances gauge your attitude, but instead set your mind on things above. Keep eternal perspective. Don't be so easily discouraged.

Been seeing some answers to prayers. Once I have all the solid facts I'll be updating specifics soon. Just really thankful for a sense of determination as far as seeking the Lord and having right priorities. Letting things fall away that don't mean anything. Asking the Lord to help me take responsibility for the time He has given me on this earth and the hearts He has entrusted me with...

Hope to be more faithful in letter writing and updating friends with where I am in life. I appreciate that most of you have been ok with hearing from me just whenever... thanks for giving me time and space and praying that I would heal and keep going forward. I was laying in bed last night thinking.... in a few more months it will be 2 years since my Mom has been with Jesus...which will also mean, two years since Dylan and I have been married. Time flies doesn't it. It goes quicker than we ever imagined it would. Because of that I think we should all have a sense of urgency and a desire to be found faithful in the little things.

Prayer is the best way to stay calm and cast your cares on the Lord. I'm going to stay prayerful. Especially praying for Israel...the peace of Jerusalem. I'm going to pray that each of you would be praying and living love as much as it is up to you. Happy Thanksgiving Every day!

PACK IT OUT PACK IT IN

3 day backpack Summit Trip (between Squamish and Whistler) with 23 Pacific Academy Campers. I was privileged to be a part as an Assist/female guide.  Instructor Mat Milec lead the trip along with his Lead Guide, Victor Boulos. The emphasis on the trip seemed to mostly be about GOD CALLING US, GOD PREPARING US...   TO GO. To go AT ONCE and be HIS DISCIPLE, and what does that look like to us? Sure appreciated Mat incorporating JAM time (Jesus and Me time) each day and allowing each of them time for journaling and prayer. He gave some good illustrations and creatively delivered the message like story-time by the fire. I was greatly encouraged to remember the importance of taking time to listen and be still myself and stop the busyness that tries to steal me away from my devotion to the Lord. The Lord is speaking whether or not we will take the time to listen or not. 

The PA Campers were great! You can tell that each of their hearts are hungry for challenges and willing to go an extra mile to find what they are looking for. They are willing to listen and wanting to learn. The guys have what it takes to rise above the mediocrity and laziness that comes to most people their age, and they are blessed to have instructors like Mr Milec and Victor around to learn from. The girls were amazing in their thankfulness and never complaining and wanting to work together to get things done. I want those girls on my team! Truly a wonderful trip all the way around.

Victor, also encouraged me by his example of kindness and sharing and generosity. He was very real in sharing his heart and compassion for his family. Very much a proud father and loving husband. The kind of Guide you hope you run into on every trip. And I'm not just saying that because of his ability to prepare gourmet meals in the back country. 

NORRIS/FEENEY WEDDING

After a week, I'm getting ready to leave Arkansas. It has been a wonderful trip (except for I miss my Husband severely). My dear friend Jessica Norris tied the knot with Kevin Feeney. Lovely wedding inside a wood cabin in what felt like 'out in the middle of nowhere'. They were going to have it outside but suddenly the temperature seemed to plummet...no matter what, it was still THE PERFECT DAY. So privileged to have been there and spent time with her and her amazing family. Really felt like I was visiting Home. Guess LOVE makes you feel that way.

And towards the end of my time in Arkansas, my friend let me borrow her car and me and my sister Michele met each other halfway and spent a few hours together. HUGE HIGHLIGHT of this week....I'm so thankful to the Lord for His precious gifts to me...letting me drive through the countryside. I have been missing my sisters for a while now. Michele gave me a hug that will last me for a little while til I see her again.

 Also, felt very mothered this weekend by Jessica's mom, Cindy and her Aunt Gayle and the other older ladies that showed up to help with the wedding.

CLEANING HOUSE

Not too much of an update to write here. Just cleaning houses, thankful for part time work. Excited to see what the Lord has in store for this season. Starting to meet with a group of intercessors on Tuesday night to pray for Columbia Bible College, the Students, and the nation. Starting once a week bible study and prayer for the students here on campus...not sure what night that will be just yet (maybe friday). Meeting Monday nights with the girls from this dorm (we live on campus, in the dorms) looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in mind and glad to be praying together.

Praying to have right priorities myself. Seek the Lord early. Love my husband well. Keep in touch with my family. Be excellent at work. Be a faithful friend. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to me on the 5th of this month! Happy Birthday to Barron Freitas on the 5th and to Chantell Cooley! Happy Birthday to my brother in law Nelson the day before! Happy Birthday to my joyful sister Melanie on the 25th! Happy Birthday to Sarah Liechty on the 11th! Happy Birthday to Jay Patzer on the 20th! Happy Birthday to Mark Slaton on the 24th!

The day started out with oatmeal and a nice hot drink made by my super sweet husband. Followed by a few hours of manual labor for a local cleaning company. Came home to a candle light, note, and two long stem roses...

Was taken out to eat for lunch at a Mexican place across the border *in the U.S.* by my Dear Friend Marty. Who also gave me a dish with scripture *the fruit of the spirit* and some anti bacterial hand soap, and a 40 days of purpose devotional. She has been there for me and stayed in touch and prayed me through some hard times... and so happy and thankful to know such a thankful person.

Jean and Jared gave some gifts ...bath soaps *which I enjoyed immediately* and then Dylan and I got a special drink and some ice cream for my bday. Kicked the soccer ball around in the cool evening air...good way to celebrate 35 years of being alive. And then I thought to show my gratitude that I would write 35 things that I am truly thankful for.

1. I am thankful for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Blood of Jesus, His everlasting love for me. His strong pursuit and constant reminders to look unto Jesus.
   I am thankful for My Mom, who is truly Beautiful. For having me, for all that she taught me and how deeply she loved me. For every memory of her that comes alive in my every day life. She was a great teacher, very generous, a tender hearted servant, a nurse. She loved Jerusalem, enjoyed singing, whistling, dancing, doodling. Loved loved loved all her kids and grandkids. What a wonderful mother and great friend she was and always will be to me.

I am thankful for My Husband. I am thankful for the closeness we have. I am thankful for his willingness to communicate and to be patient and to always see the good no matter what. I am thankful for his hugs and kisses and that he is just the right amount of seriousness and humor and a diversity of gifts all rolled up into one big blast of an amazing friend and genuine Kingsman. I'm thankful for this journey we're on and that we get to keep sharing all that we have with each other and that it spills over into every other area of life.

I am thankful for My Family. My siblings. My sisters are the most amazing women I know. I've never had a closer friend, than them. My nieces and nephews, my extended family.

I am very thankful for my Friends. For my friends children. Can't imagine where I would be without true friends.

My friends (Julie O, Gramma Jo, Donna, Carmen, Marty, Aunt Pauline... that have mothered me)
    (Mark O, David Ackerson, Uncle Leon, and Paul ...that have fathered me)

My enemies (too many to list) jk about the 'too many to list' part.

Reminders to pray, the opportunity to pray, and people to pray with.

The Holy Spirit drawing me

Comfort and Instruction from the letters written in the bible.

The Lord's discipline

Songs He has generously given me

The ability to write, draw, paint, sing, and dance

Creativity

Freedom

Wisdom

I am thankful that I will always be a kid in the eyes of God. I am thankful that every day is a chance to grow up into Him who is my All in all.

I am thankful for LOVE.

I'm thankful for feelings, for ups and downs, for joy and pain, for changing seasons.

I'm thankful for desire.

I'm thankful for THANKSGIVING.

I'm thankful for provision, resources, and the ability to give.

I am very thankful for the package Melanie and Michele sent me with all my nephews cards in it and little gifts.

I am thankful for rest.

I am thankful for JESUS.

WORSHIP THE LORD

Just got back to Canada. Dylan's already started some classes. We're moving into a 1bdrm unfurnished apt.

We drove through South Dakota. Camped in Montana. Stopped in Idaho to visit our friend Angie and her daughter Amanda. It was a very good three days travel. Time does fly when you are having f u n.

I was blessed to visit my friends in Evansville, Indiana for three days. The Lord has been answering prayers from long ago...

Worship the Lord! If there is anything in your life that is lacking, worship the Lord! Give thanks to His name! Praise Him! He is worthy of all thanks, all adoration, all glory and honor belongs to Him who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb.

THREE DAYS JOURNEY

Heading to Evansville, Indiana.  Three days go by fast.  Love and miss all my family.  Thanks for praying for us.

Had some car problems, pretty sure they're worked out. Depending on the Lord's faithfulness for provision to cross the country and get where we're going. The only way to reach us by phone is our skype line at the moment. Emails or Facebook messages are preferred until further notice. 

SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER

Heading out today from Lillian Alabama to Savannah Ga with stops in Panama City and possibly Jacksonville. So thankful to God for all our friends and family and for the love that never ceases to meet us daily and send us on our way...

I already miss my nephews and my sister Melanie.

We should be in savannah for about a week and then heading to columbia missouri for about 20 days in August. Must be in canada by the 24th...

BAKING LIKE A COOKIE

Taking a minute to sit down and write...feeling a little more than behind with writing and keeping up with those who call me their friends. The day will come when I will have more time to ponder and write and share and let you all know what's been going on. Thanks for your patience.

I've been spending some time with Erica (96 yr old) and her daughter Elaine Kohler. Both of them have richly blessed my life. When I was in Canada as we were packing up and leaving for Lillian, AL I had prayed and asked the Lord what was His purpose for our time in the South East. The only name that came to mind was Erica Kohler. I had never met her before, only heard of her and her daughter last year or the year before. A few weeks after we arrived I had heard that Erica had fallen and broken her hip. Since I met her over a month ago...it has been a joy to go their house and has blessed my heart in so many ways to spend time in the presence of true friends.

Just about another ten days and we're heading out. On our way to savannah for my nieces 4th bday. Going to Missouri after that to spend a few weeks with Dylan's parents. I might be taking a short trips to visit some friends in Indiana, OK, or AR during that time.

LOVE THE ONE YOU ARE WITH

This really is the day the Lord has made and I am rejoicing!! The kindness of the Lord knows no end. He is so good to us. Only He is faithful to complete what He has begun...

And He has begun a good work in us. I appreciate no matter the weather...the smiles that are in the hearts of God's children thanksgiving to him for giving us His promises and reminders and daily loading us with benefits. Today Dylan is working a construction job and I'll be going to a cleaning job in a few minutes. Later I'll pick berries and do whatever my hands find to do. The Lord is extremely faithful in providing all that we have need of and giving us more than we could think to ask.

It is the 2nd of July...month 7...there is so much to be thankful for. Thankful to the Lord for giving me such a good life, so fulfilled, and fruitful. Thankful for my dearest friend and answer to prayers from long ago...the one I love the most, my husband. He is so kind to me. So good to me. Such a sweetheart and a strong leader. Detailed thinker. Very considerate. He likes to run. Likes to give. He is a ninja (i had no idea). He's a farmer. He's whatever He needs to be to the glory of God.

My niece Reagan told me yesterday, "I love you a million much Marcie." I do believe those are direct words from the throne of grace for all of us. How great is His love towards us. We could never imagine. Maybe we will begin to understand what love is if we would dare to LOVE THE ONE WE ARE WITH with a deep affectionate love from the heart. 

LOW AND BEHOLD

Today has been three years to the day that I was in the car accident. Two good size scars to prove God's faithfulness and quite a few memories of His Almighty Faithfulness in the whole healing process.

Our one year Anniversary has come and gone June 11. How I praise the Lord for revealing his purpose in all the ups and downs that come with the joy and pains and of this journey. I am very thankful to the Lord for awakening my husband's heart to love and choose me, and that he has been such a help and such a comfort through all that has come my way.

I AM SO BLESSED!!!

IN THE FIELD

My apologies for those who have been trying to keep up with us through the website and I'm just now updating.

Saw Aunt Nancy for a few hours one day before we started driving. She so kindly is holding a few items for us til we return. Our neighbors Tammy and Orland also hugely helped us on our way out.

We are now in Lillian Alabama, home for the summer. Uncle Leon and Aunt Pauline have once again offered their place as a refuge for us, we could never be more thankful. We road tripped for about a week across country the first week in May. Stopping in Portland, Oregon...Grand Junction, Colorado...Kansas City, Columbia, Missouri...Mena, Arkansas...and finally in Pensacola/Lillian Alabama. Saw Michele in Columbia for a day. She is so wonderful. Enjoyed the blessing of being around Dylan's Family for almost a week...both of us wish it could've been longer. Hugged Aunt Linda. Dylan and I build a bird house for his Mom. Went shopping with Donna and she generously purchased me some cute tops and a hoody.

My sister Monica, her husband and their children came down from Savannah, Ga for a week the day after we got here. Melanie, Monica, and their families, Dylan and I, and Terry spent Mother's day at Melanie's mother in law Donna. We had a beautiful day together...loving on each other and letting our hearts be at peace with the one year anniversary of our Mother resting in Jesus. We all Miss Mom so much. It's hard to believe a year has passed already.

Fun times on the beach with all the nieces and nephews...saw some guy catch a shark. Love love love all of my family, so precious each one of them are to my heart.

Dylan and I have started working in the field down the street, weeding blueberry and blackberry crops that will soon be ripe for picking. The man we working for is very kind and seems to want us to work as much or as little as we want. He's thankful. We are so blessed. So grateful to God for providing everything we have need of. I hope to be sharing some thoughts I've been thinking...while we out there IN THE FIELD.

PACK IT UP PACK IT IN

Looks like we're leaving May 2nd from Abbotsford heading to Portland

View Larger Map

Leaving May 3rd From here on our way to there

View Larger Map

Leaving May 5 heading to here

View Larger Map

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

Guess we're moving right along. I just finished up my last grievance counseling appointment. Learned alot. Healed some. The journey continues until the Lord returns. Death is a part of life. Thank God death is swallowed up in victory for those who are in Christ Jesus. We're not always ready to accept how things are in our minds on this earth, but the Lord gives grace up on grace. To see life through His eyes and with heaven's help go forward.

Dylan's finishing up with school. Final Exam April 16th. The Lord has provided a place for us to put a few tupperware containers and items we will not be able to fit in the car on the drive back. Dylan will be embarking on his final trip of the semester with the school for the last seven days of the month. This will give me sufficient time to pack the car and clean the house and be ready to leave the rainy city for the sunshine state. Hoping to see my little sis and Dylan's Mom and brother on our way across and as there is time...I'm guessing we will let you know where we are and what we are passing through.

Still a few more sundays left to sell art at the abbotsford flea market and then April 21st we are going to be at Earthday Chilliwack...also selling art. 

DON'T LIE TO YOURSELF

Today within a few minutes it rained, it hailed, and it snowed. Why does the weather seem to always speak volumes into how I am perceiving the moments of my life. From one minute to the next...
I am waking from bad dreams. Realizing how much time has passed. I am hearing things my Mom would say to me through the voices of my sisters or a close friend. The good news is I face life, I don't pretend. I feel eternity pulling my heart along, to finish strong, to hold on, and seek God.

Appreciate the words in this song. "Don't lie to yourself, O my soul, just love your God." My sisters have encouraged me, challenged me, and seem to call at times when I'm feeling low. It is good that we fix our eyes on Jesus, the risen Christ. Each of us will step into eternity like we woke up from a nap when we were small children and now we're all grown up. Before you know it these momentary light afflictions will be nothing compared to the glory that is to be revealed in us...when we see JESUS for who He really is. Redeeming Love. KING of ALL KINGS. Lord of ALL Lords.

TELL ME

  The line in this song that says, "IF I'M YOUR BELOVED THAN HELP ME BELIEVE IT." I think that's what all women want to express this to their husbands, but maybe it comes out all wrong. Maybe what comes out is something that sounds more like complaining and hurtful remarks. The Lord tells us all the time, in so many different ways, how much HE LOVES US and how much we mean to Him. And your husband needs to hear and know and be convinced of what he means to you Dear Lady. So show him and ask God how many different ways you could bless him and make him sure of your love and faithfulness.

Tell the people in your life what they mean to you. Tomorrow could be too late. Yesterday is history. Today is the gift we have been given. Just thought I would share this ...

TAKING NOTES

Fighting feelings of being too tired sometimes, I'm sure it's a common symptom of the human condition. Stayed up all last night and got a few things accomplished. Couldn't stop blowing my nose and sneezing. Feel much better today. Thank God. Going to try to catch up on letter writing some tonight. Heard a message by Charles Stanley at Intouch.org that really seemed to say aloud what I have been thinking...every time I do not read my bible or do not take time to pray...the enemies schemes has worked. He wants me to be too busy, distracted, tired, or thinking of everything else, but God's word. I'm going to try real hard, not just to take note of the things I hear, but put it into practice. I am so thankful for all the Lord has done in my life. He is so faithful. He deserves my praise day and night. I will praise Him with my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!

Dylan was gone on a trip for 4 days and came back in the afternoon. Met him at school to pick him up with a caramel mocha happy birthday hot drink. He is so HANDSOME! Even after no bath for days and weathering all that he does... he is such a hottie. Knew he was going to be Exhausted from the trip so we didn't make any birthday plans. I had dinner on the stove and lit all the candles in the house, had the table set with the cookies that Luna had given me, and I had written him a note, and put Monica's birthday card (came in the mail) and Rebecca's card on the table beside the zucinni bread. We ate some dinner and afterward sat by the fire sharing the last few days worth of happenings, catch up conversations. Jared and Jean stopped by and dropped off gifts and card and took pictures...(Happy Birthday to Jared too!) We ended the night with hot brownies out of the oven and chocolate ice cream. I love this man that gets his JOY from doing what JESUS says and belonging completely to Him. I LOVE YOU DYLAN... we can celebrate every day.

FULL DAY

Yesterday was an incredible full day. My wonderful husband left for a short trip to the mountains with the school. I do end up missing him a lot more than I imagine I ever would, even though I should be used to him going on trips by now... My friend Colleen stopped by the house and we hung out for a bit. It's always a Joy to see her and to share in the greatness of what God has been doing and is doing in our lives. As my sister in law Jean has said, GOD RECYCLES OUR PAIN, He doesn't waste a bit of it. And then Jean came over around 7pm and we went to eat and enjoyed laughing and sharing and later came back to the house to finish some painting projects and wood burn.

I WILL TRUST IN YOU

There is a song coming about the prayers I have yet to pray... and I WILL TRUST IN YOU. When I look around and see there is so much to do, so much I have not done, and all the things I meant to do yesterday, but never got around to it. I imagine a "TO DO" list a mile long, pages and pages of prayer requests, people whose hurts and pains and trials I earnestly long to contend for, but have yet to contribute tears and time to bringing them before the throne of grace. I have blurted out prayers in the shower, muttered requests while doing the dishes, and did I mention I have found myself continually behind on "doing the dishes?" I read this morning from a devotional about being "CHOSEN OUT OF THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION..." Doing dishes is not the furnace of affliction. Being behind on chores and daily duties is not as much the problem, it is not taking the adequate amount of time to intercede for the Saints and for those everywhere... but even in this ...I know the Lord hears and is listening and is working and has never left me or you in all that we do or do not do. He is faithful. And He sees all that is on you today, the weight of the world on your shoulders, the children that follow you around asking a hundred questions, the little ones that seem to never be content no matter how much you give them, and how tired you are in the midst of your circumstances. One of my dearest friend's dad is in the presence of the Lord today. Ten months ago she was there for me when my mom took her last breath. Some of my friends are going through marital separations, divorce, custody battles, broken limbs, fighting cancer, losing everything to a house fire, and trying to figure out what reality looks like after losing a parent months ago and now a spouse just yesterday. The Lord is everlasting strength. He is our rock and our salvation. For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14

HIKING CAMPING

A couple beautiful pics so you can see what we saw when we were hiking/camping. It was twenty something degrees in our tent, but Love and thankfulness kept us warm. Much fun.

FRUIT

Fruit is so necessary to our diets. It is also necessary that we bring forth lasting fruits. This past week has passed fairly quickly. I've been invited to a Beth Moore Bible study on the book of James. I am very thankful and learning a great deal. Mostly how easy it is to become a 'hearer' of the Word and not so much a doer. That is going to change.. Had some brief visits with Nick and Colleen, Katie, Harry and Luna, Jean and Jared. Each visit is special and is a gentle reminder that the LORD IS NEAR and BLESSED are all those who call upon His name. Utterly blessed this sunday at the Farmers Market. Sold some paintings, but beyond that met so many wonderful people that blessed us with more than just words. The LOrd is so generous and kind and faithful to put people in our lives that will speak a word or give of what they have. We will continue to exalt Jesus and give Him all the praise and honor. **THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY OUR TABLE truly appreciate your comments and suggestions and questions.**

FLEA MARKET

Dylan and I were sitting in those chairs today. Today we were at the Flea Market in Abbotsford...one table set up of paintings and woodburnings. Met alot of people, sold a few paintings, have many many reasons to rejoice!

REFOCUS YEAH

So thankful to GOD to be married to a man who is so kind to me. I love it that we can accept one another, encourage one another, bear each others burdens, comfort one another, build each other up in the midst of busy-ness and uncertainties and difficulties. You know you're married to your best friend if you can laugh together, tell each other secrets dreams and desires and disappointments, and pray about anything and everything. Started going to two classes with Dylan a week. He's leaving on another trip friday through monday. I'm sure I will make good use of the time he's gone. I will try to post some pictures of snow days soon. I'm having some technical difficulties trying to upload pictures for some reason. Sunday would have been my Mom's birthday. That was a hard day. First time in thirty something years of my life not telling her how much I love her. I do cherish every memory and thought of her. I look forward to our reunion one of these days. She really liked a song that said, "SOON and VERY SOON we are going to see the KING." It's true. One day not so far away...every knee will bow and every tongue confess JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

NEW YEAR'S FOCUS

Meditating on the Word of God day and night. Focus on the Lord instead of obstacles. Keep trusting the Lord's perfect wisdom and faithfulness. Bless the Lord at all times. Bake less. Pray more.

We've been back for a week already and there's a good amount of snow out. Jared and Jean are here now so we plan on visiting with them at least once a week. Dylan school schedule is a full one. He's already been on two day trips with His outdoor leadership class. I went with him on one of those days, the weather conditions were very much like a blizzard. Made for an interested day. I was glad I went. We were both exhausted when we got back.

I will hopefully be resuming music lessons this week. I started taking piano lessons once a week back in October.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Packing up and getting ready to spend another day in airports and transitions. Another season of change is upon us. So grateful to my sisters and their families for meeting us in TN ...very beautiful to see them and to be together again. Each of them are such huge blessings to my life.

WHERE WE ARE

Packing up and getting ready to leave Columbia. Visiting Gramma Noel today in Jefferson City. Leaving tonight heading to TN. Happy New Year everyone!