Duncan Adventures

New Years – 2012

2012-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been one year since I've posted mostly because I couldn't get into my account. :)

Hello family and friends! We hope you had a joyful Christmas with family and friends that was full of memories as we celebrated the birth of our Christ. As the New Year approaches we are reminded of all the incredible things He did this past year.

If you remember our Christmas letter from last year, it discussed a close family to us who was in the midst of the wife/mother going through cancer treatment. As I mentioned in our previous letter, her faith and positive attitude remained steadfast and the support of her husband and two young children only grew stronger. We are excited to praise God for healing Julie’s body from breast cancer and for strengthening her body during recovery to return to life without daily/weekly appointments, invasive cancer treatments, loss of hair, etc. Praise God that Julie’s beauty continues to shine through inside and out, and that so many were able to hear the name of Christ during her experience.

Also, last year, we asked for prayer for a few church planters that would be going out this year. Join us in praising him for sending out our church’s founding pastor and family (and several other of our church members) to Ventura, California to start Seed Church and for sending out my Uncle and his family to Tucson, Arizona to start Fellowship of the Cross. God is working in and through each family to deliver the message of Christ to their communities.

These are just a couple of the amazing ways we can praise God for how truly good He was in 2011. We are excited for what He has planned for 2012 in our lives and in the lives of many of our friends, including:

· Josh starting as a vocational elder at our church, Red Sea Community Church.
· Friends, Greg and Chenille Gaumer planting a church in Springfield, MO.
· Friends, Ken and Dana Whitton adopting two Ugandan children.
· Friends, Billy and Terra Kerr and family moving to Spain as missionaries with Frontier.

Please be praying for these mentioned above as well as a few others below:

· Maleena (7 yrs. old) – healing from leukemia
· Kim (our realtor) – healing from thyroid cancer (beginning treatment in January)
· Red Sea Church as we strive to grow in our faith and reach our community more this year.
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Thank you for your continued prayers. We love you all!

Love,

THE DUNCAN FAMILY
Josh, Jamie, Madison (5) and Natalie (3)

2010-12-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Family & Friends,

We pray this letter finds you and your family well during this Advent Season. Meditating on the true meaning of Advent becomes more emotional for me each year as my girls get older and begin inquiring more about Jesus and his life and death here on earth and what that means for us. It’s exciting to be able to share with them the Good News of Christ’s birth during this season and how he lived just as we did, yet without sin, and still died in our place so we can be reconciled to God our Father. We pray for the day that our girls hear God calling them to himself and they are reconciled with Him for eternity. Our prayer is the same for all we know who haven’t yet experienced true intimacy with the Father.

God is good. He cares for His children and provides for their needs. Even when we have to go through what seems to be the hardest trials in life, He is still there to help us walk through the fire. One of the greatest testimonies we have seen this year of this is in the lives of our good friends, Bryan & Julie Pinson. Julie is in her early thirties and has two young children (6 and 4). In May of this year, I received a phone call from Julie telling me the horrifying news that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. As I sobbed with her that day, prayed for her throughout her treatment and talked with her over the six months of chemo, Julie and her family remained steadfast, positive and firm in the goodness of our God the Father. They were constantly testifying of His goodness and provisions throughout this unexpected, life changing event that happened in their life…at such a young age. It was humbling to hear them laugh over the “Tumor Humor” moments they compiled throughout her treatment and to watch her beauty grow greater despite the loss of hair and illnesses. Six months later, Julie has completed chemo and her MRI has come back normal (PRAISE GOD) not revealing any signs that more than a 4 centimeter sized tumor ever existed in her small body. While she will still have to undergo surgery and radiation as precautionary measures, Julie remains strong and her husband and incredible helpmate and encourager…and her children, a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and mercy.

While not all stories like this have the same ending, we know that God is in control of each moment…and that His glory can be shown even when the ending isn’t necessarily as we had hoped. During those moments, God’s hand is there with us to help us cope. He is our comforter. He is our provider. He is our Father who desires a relationship with us like none other. If you haven’t yet experienced that joy and peace in your life, we’d love to talk to you about it.
When we first began writing our Christmas letter, well, it was all about us. We believe God has changed the message of this letter so we’re not really going to go into the details of what our 2010 year was like. We would however like to ask you to join with us in prayer over the following things that are currently going on in our family and the lives of our friends and families around us.

• Pinson’s as Julie recovers from surgery and undergoes radiation. For complete healing from this cancer and that it never returns.
• Our church, Red Sea in Portland, OR, going through extensive leadership training to reach our communities with the Gospel.
• Red Sea sending out our senior pastor, Shaun Garman and his family of 7, to plant a church in Ventura, CA in 2011.
• Red Sea rising up elders to lead the church body.
• Good friends, Greg & Chenille Gaumer church planting in Springfield, MO in 2011.
• Jamie’s Uncle Jay Moore & Aunt Linda church planting in Tucson, AZ in 2011.
• Josh’s brother, Michael & Jean expecting second child in summer 2011.
• Madison beginning speech therapy.

We love you all and pray you find encouragement in the words of Paul, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

With all our love,

Josh, Jamie, Madison (4) & Natalie (2)

"Fruit" of Our Labor

2010-07-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

This year we had the privilege to growing our own garden with some very dear friends and mentors of ours, Royce & Monica Curtis. The Curtis' live less than 1/2 mile from us and have a huge plot for a garden. This morning, we went to pull weeds and clean up some and I was shocked at how much 2 weeks of sunshine can do to our crop! We were actually able to harvest a few things!

Planting a garden seems like a simple thing to do, but if you're naive and uneducated a lot can go wrong. We were thankful to have a some experienced gardeners lead us this first go around. This makes me think of the Christian life. Looking from the outside in, it may seem like a fairly simple life to live. "Just accept Christ as your Savior; no big deal. I can do that." But thank the Lord it is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! And it will require sacrifice of time, money and more; you'll probably get your hands dirty; and there are days you'll go through dry spells and seek refreshment to help you carry on, but in the end - oh the reward you receive is completely worth it!

And when you have "experienced gardeners" or "seasoned believers" to help guide you, mentor you in your walk with Christ, it makes your experience a little easier. Titus 2 speaks of how older men and women are supposed to help train younger men and women to be godly. I feel blessed I have that person in my life. I am eager to learn from her godly wisdom and reflect that in my daily life as a wife, mom and woman of God.

Spring Time

2010-04-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally arriving here in the beautiful Northwest and I can actually enjoying sitting on my back patio barefoot and with short sleeves not freezing to death! By no means is it the 80 degrees we're used to the South, but it's absolutely serene and peaceful this time of year here.

I suppose I should play catch up here since I haven't blogged since December.

Upon returning from our trip home this Christmas, we moved into our new apartment at the border of Gresham and Portland. It's a lot quieter here and nestled in the back of a beautiful neighborhood. We like it and look forward to how God will use us here in our new community. Josh is enjoying his job and he is good at it. There's a lot of work to be done to improve on the esthetics of the apartment since its 23 years old, but he's doing well and has a good team working for him. One of the guys, Tim, is actually part of our Missional Home Communithy and church. It's nice living close to our MHC group now.

Our MHC group has been meeting together for about 6 months. Theres about 10-12 of us that meet together weekly to discuss Sunday's message, share our personal struggles and encourage one another through those struggles. This summer, we'll be focusing on the F.L.O.W.S. established by our church. Fellowship, Learning, Outreach, Worship and Service. Our group is good at fellowship, learning and worship. We're striving to better reach out to our surrounding community here on the Eastside and better serving the church Body/Red Sea. It has been and will continue to be an incredible journey. It's been encouraging to see how another's transperency with their sin struggles can help another overcome theirs. It's been humbling to watch others serve others in our group, community and church selflessly. It's been a learning experience and personally convicting for me to accept others where they are at in their journey with the Lord and learn from their growth and rely on God's strength for my personal growth.

Josh and I have had the priviledge to lead the Men's and Women's Community at our church. Both being started from the ground up is honestly a little intimidating for me, but it's been incredible to see how God is building these ministries up. I am excited to watch and be a part of God empowering the women especially in using their God-given spiritual gifts to carry out our church's mission of Draw to Christ, Develop into Community and Deploy into Culture. I think it's harder for women to let down our guard and allow ourselves to be vulnerable to one another. So it's going to be a slow process, but a very humbling and exciting one as well. I'm thankful to be a part of this.

The girls are so much fun these days. as they grow older they have started playing more with one another...and fighting too. Madi is incredibly smart and enjoys doing her preschool worksheets/crafts/games and natalie is just as smart already knowing her ABCs and how to count to 10 (she's learned that from Madi). we enjoy our daily routine, when we stick to it and are looking forward to the warmer weather when we can take advantage of an afternoon swim. Madi will be starting preschool at a nearby church in September. She is super excited about this as am I. Natalie will still be hanging out with me at home while I work, but I'm excited to have the one-on-one time with her that I did with madi.

Work for me has been steady. I've been with Televox for nearly 6 years and see myself with them until retirement. It has been a rewarding journey and I have learned a lot. It is still difficult at times being a Work at home mom, but I will never regret this blessing God has allowed us to have. Not only has it allowed me to watch my girls grow up, it has also allowed me ample opportunity to get to know my neighbors more.

As I mentioned earlier, our new apartment complex is quieter than our last. Being it's still early in spring many people haven't been outside yet, but I've had the joy of meeting a few other moms in the community. Moms with kids my girls age. We have a school across the street with a playground that we visit frequently after 3. It's definitely the local hangout group and it's always fun to see my girls play with all the other kids. Its been refreshing to spend some time with other moms as well. One in particular has befriended me very well. Being shy, it was helpful that she is outgoing and pursued our friendship. her name is Nicole and she has two girls 5 and 2. They are precious and Madi loves them! I am looking forward to growing this relationship with Nicole and her family.

This summer will be busy. In June, we are looking forward to a family mission trip to Missouri to help two sets of friends. The first part of the week, we'll be in Sprinfield, MO helping our close friends, Greg and Chenille, get settled and established in their new home as they prepare for church planting. I am SO looking forward to this trip. Even though it's not a vacation necessarily, I get to see my best friend who I haven't seen in over 2 years AND meet her two precious children: Ethan and Gabriella. The last part of our trip will be spent in ST. Louis to help old Red Sea friends, Lucas and Alaina, with an city business project sponsored by LovetheLou.

We're also hopeful about a visit from Josh's mom, also known as "B" in July possibly and a visit from my mom and Clarence (Nana and Papa) in August (pending her foot surgery). Other mini-trips to visit family here in the NW are also tentatively planned, as well as a Red Sea Camping Trip on the coast 4th of July weekend.

Josh and I celebrated 7 years of marriage in March. We've heard a few people mention that this is when the 7 year itch begins. I've never heard of it before, but apparently this is supposed to be a hard year. I'm greatful to say that Josh and I are just as happy today, if not more, than when we first began dating 11 years ago. I'm sure the year will bring its challenges, but I have no doubt in the strong ties of our marriage. Looking forward to a lifetime with him. Thank you Jesus.

Well, i suppose that is all for now. I'll try to be better at keeping this updated in the future.

2010-01-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Duncan's! This past year has been a very exciting and busy year. We were able to enjoy a great ending to the year by visiting our Sweet Home Alabama for Christmas! Josh stayed 10 days, while the Jamie and the girls stayed 3 weeks. We have thoroughly enjoyed quality time with our family and friends.

2009 brought new changes and growth in our lives. We have moved to Sandstone Manor Apartments in Gresham/Portland. Josh was promoted to manage this apartment November 1st. Compared to his previous apartment of 34 units, Sandstone brings a larger challenge with 166 units that needs much TLC. Our apartment will be 10 feet from the office so Jamie and the girls are excited to be even closer to daddy during the day.

Jamie celebrated five years of employment with TeleVox Software this year. While working from home with the girls does bring its daily challenges, God has been so faitful to provide such an incredible job and the possibility for her to watch the girls grow.

Madison turned 3 in November and is such a beautiful, smart little girl. She loves to sing, play games, do jigsaw puzzles and play chase with her sister. Her vocabulary increases daily and she is starting to speak more clearly where more people other than her mother can understand her. Jamie has started doing pre-school activities with her and she's doing relatively well. While there are some days where she absolutely does not want to sit at the table and practice her ABCs, other day she is amazing ata cutting on a dotted line, tracing letters and pasting pictures on paper.

Natalie is almost 18 months now and is growing and learning at a faster pace than Madi did at her age. She loves running and climbing EVERYTHING! Another hobby is plundering, which proved to be quite annoying at our family's houses during vacation. She also enjoys singing songs (Wheels on the Bus is her favorite), throwing balls, and playing with her big sister. She can even tell you what "A" and "B" sounds like. She's definitely more stubborn than Madi though and has a voice on her that can shatter a window. She also beats up her sister. She has such a good sense of humor and is constantly making us laugh.

We are still attending Red Sea Church and have recently started a HOme Community group in our home, which is growing rapidly. We are excited that as a group we will become more involved in our community. In fact, we are serving at My Father's House again. We host family nights once a month, where we can provide dinner and activities for up to 15 families. Josh and I were involved in this ministry in the past and are excited we can now be part of it again with a group of believers.

We enjoyed visits from lots of family and friends this year that took us to a variety of places like Mt. Hood, Redmond, OR, Junction City, OR, camping on the Duschutte's River, Mt. Saint Helens, Downtown Portland and more! Thank you to all you came and visited. You're all invited again in 2010!

Prayer Requests

Josh's transition at Sandstone and his relationship with his employees.

Jamie's relationship with an unbelieving mom who is lonely and in constant conflict with others. Pray that this woman places her trust in the Lord.

Red Sea Church as like most churches, is struglling financially. Pray the people of the church having giving hearts.

Eastside Home Community group (our HC) as we deploy into our community and culture for the purpose of reaching others for Christ's Kingdom.

Greg and Chenille Gaumer (close friends from seminary) as they are planning towards church planting in 2012.

Ken and Dana Whitton as they raise funds to take their whole family on missions this summer. They have raised $5000 and need $5000 more to pay for them and 3 of their 4 sons.

We hope you like our photo. This is a preview of how fun and chaotic our life is! We love you all! Have a Happy 2010!

OH! Our baby website is shutting down so expect updates through our blog until further notice.

2009-02-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

(Picture was taken at Mt. Hood when Josh's family was in town. - Feb. 2009)

With two people asking me in one day for an update on our lives, I thought it necessary to update our blog.

Since we moved here in July 2007, God has shown us much about Him and about ourselves. Josh is still working for Tokola Properties as an apartment manager of one complex and maintenance at another (the one we live at). He is currently seeking other employment so we can move closer to our church in North Portland. I am still working from home for TeleVox Software. While it is extremely difficult to work full-time while taking care of the girls, we are thankful God has allowed me to carry this job with us.

The girls are growing up faster than we can imagine. Madi is nearly 2 ½ now and is no longer a baby. She’s a little girl. She’s incredibly smart and incredibly feisty. J She loves to figure out how things work and loves to run and play. Natalie will be 7 months this week. She has changed so much in every way possible since she’s been born. She is so happy and cheerful and she loves to watch and learn from her big sister. She is eating solid foods now and begs for more. She is sleeping much better now and is actually now sharing a room with her sister. Josh and I are excited to have our room back.

Although we moved here with the intentions of planting a house church, God has redirected our paths. We have been led to be a part of Red Sea Church in North Portland. Our church motto is “Draw to Christ, Develop in Community and Deploy into Culture” and it’s been awesome and encouraging to do just that. It’s been awesome to be part of a church like this…the people are amazing and sincere…they truly have a desire to fulfill our church mission. We meet weekly with our Home Community Group and have thoroughly enjoyed the transparency and honest conversation amongst our group. They have become our family away from family.

We are praying over some possibilities that are in the near future that we are excited about and will share when we know more definites. We are just resting in the arms of the Lord and learning to be patient on His good timing and trust in His Will for our lives. It’s difficult being away from family, but we know we are where we are supposed to be for the work of the Lord. We are thankful of where He has us now and feel “at home” in our church community at Red Sea.

Thank you for all your continued prayer as God continues to reveal His Will for our lives. We’d love to hear how God is working in each of your lives. Please update us if you have the chance.

Here are some other ways you can be praying for others we know in our lives:

- Cronin’s – Erin is due to have her 3rd child (girl) this next week. Please pray for a safe labor and delivery, as well as the health of the baby.

- Rougghley’s – Alana has been on bed rest since November now with her 2nd child (girl) and will be taken off the medication that prevents going into labor this week (35 weeks). Please pray for a safe labor and delivery, as well as recovery and health of the baby.

- Reed’s – Lisa is due with her 2nd child (girl) in March. Please pray for a safe and healthy rest of the pregnancy as well as labor and delivery and good health for the baby.

- Dayspring Baptist Church, Mobile, AL – actively seeking a Senior Pastor

- Gaumers – Greg graduates in May from SWBTS and is seeking God’s will & direction for their lives.

Is that what I sound like God?

2008-12-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Being a mom has probably been one of the hardest things I’ve yet had to do. I find myself easily frustrated at the smallest things involving my girls sometimes, like the fact that Natalie is still so inconsistent with her sleeping at night and feeding schedules, and that Madi will deliberately do the exact opposite of what I tell her to do…almost out of spite. My frustrations peaked this week after being indoors because of the snow almost for a solid week. A small 2 bedroom apartment with 2 small children under 2 can be quite tiresome and demanding.

Last night, we were excited to get back on our “normal routine” of going to the gym. Of course, Natalie was way off schedule leaving her without a bottle before bed. This resulted in very high pitched screaming for what seemed like hours (even though it was more like 20-30 minutes).

When Natalie cries, I can’t handle it…I can feel the anger rising inside of me. Then, following a screaming spell, I find myself regretting my feelings towards my helpless five month old who is just overtired and trying to tell me that.

So, after Josh holding her, then me holding her and then just laying her down still screaming, I retreated to take a shower determined to just let her cry it out. Before my foot hit the shower I was crying and “ranting and raving” to God saying, “why does this have to be so difficult, why can’t she just be normal, why does she have to be so inconsistent, I can’t handle this….” and on and on and on. After a few minutes of venting I thought to myself (which I imagine was the Holy Spirit whispering to me), “Is this how you feel God? You have to listen to your children cry, scream and be inconsistent all the time. How do you handle it? How have you not given up because it has got to be hard to have that many children crying and whining to you all the time.”

While I imagine I will still get frustrated with my girls and myself in how I react, I am thankful God does not give up on me when I cry, scream and whine to Him quite often and am inconsistent and regress in my relationship with Him even more often.

Thank you God for loving me unconditionally and thank you for showing me this last night amidst my frustration and tears. Help me to find strength and peace in you and trust that you have equipped me with all I need to be a mom to my girls and a child of yours.

Romans 8:28

2008-12-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

This has been a theme verse of my mom's for as long as I can remember. It seemed that everytime the car would break down, someone would lose their job, or the refrigerator would start leaking and someone would use a hose to suck the water out of the pan, out would come Romans 8:28. Well let me share with you my latest 8:28 moment.

I was leaving the gym with the girls the other night and as usual I placed the diaper bag on the back of the car and and helped the girls into their seat. When we arrived at the apartment I got out Natalie and then Madison and turned to grab the bag from the floor board. To my surprise it wasn't there. After a few moments of search it hit me, I left it on the back of the car when I left the gym. So being the good father that I am I threw the girls back in the car and rushed down the road to the gym. Surely it had fallen off in the parking lot and some nice citizen turned it into the front desk. Having returned to the gym I ran inside, but no bag. Oh yeah, I forget to mention that my wallet, new cell phone, and MP3 player were all in the bag and to top it off I'm going to be searching for a black bag at night on a stretch of busy highway with no lighting. So back in the car I went frantically searching. To say the least it wasn't hard to find the bag, it was laying in the middle of the road amoungst the flowing quarter mile of diapers and wipes. So I pulled the car over and grabbed the bag, looked inside, but it was empty. So I spent the next 30 minutes darting in and out of traffic on an unlit stretch of five lane highway, while my little girls where screaming in the car. Thankfully, I managed to find all my credit cards, (some in pieces) but the phone, wallet, MP3 player, head phones and diaper bag were a completely loss.

So now like my mom I get to spend countless hours contemplating the vastness of God's incredible plan that He has for my life and wondering if God will reveal the "good" that He had planned for me the other night when I left the gym or just choose to keep it to Himself. Either way I am so glad to know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Hotel deLux

2008-11-28T13:26:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to surprise Josh with an overnight date night for Josh and myself. This is the first time I have ever been able to keep a secret from Josh and I enjoyed letting him guess throughout the week and he had no idea it would be an overnight stay. Mom and Clarence agreed to keep the girls for the night. We headed out about 5pm on Thanksgiving night. Directions led us to downtown Portland's Hotel deLux and 3 star hotel with a 30s-5os music theme. It was so beautiful! The room was small and quaint, but beautiful and comfy. We had a corner rooms with windows surrounding the room, a pillow top mattress, room service, plasma screen TV and the ability to sleep in without any interuptions. In the morning we woke up to find the Macy's Holiday Parade beginning right next to our hotel. We felt like such loser parents because Madi would have LOVED seeing it.

We're planning to return next year but with the kids! Thanks Papa and Nana for the night away!

The World in the Eyes of a Child

2008-11-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

As I am working in the living room I can hear “chitter-chatter” coming from the back room where Madison is playing. I quietly walk back there so not to disturb her play only to find her “reading” to her stuffed animals.

Watching the imagination come out in a child…my child…has been a blessing to witness. Her innocence and ability to be completely carefree is something to be envious of.

She now politely asks, “more please,” when we animate her animals and dolls. Sshe is sure not to leave out her “friends” when we pray, color, read books or play games. She politely shares her juice and snack with her huggable, shy friends. She makes sure they all have their own chair at her table as they play. She giggles as they help her turn the pedal on her tricycle or dance with delight. Her eyes light up as they ask her questions or gives her hugs and kisses. And she eagerly obeys them when they ask her to pick up her toys or share.

I so enjoy watching her imagination grow as she does. It’s so fun to just sit back and watch her explore the world…and I am so thankful I can just have a glimpse of what she sees through her little eyes.

Thank you God for these precious gifts you have so blessed my life with. My two precious daughters literally light up my world. Thank you for sharing them with me even it is just temporarily.

Child Dedication

2008-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had the honor of dedicating our two girls at our church, Red Sea. Before being allowed to participate though, we had to attend a required class about the purpose of Child Dedication and our responsibilities as parents. It was an amazing class that reaffirms our responsibility in raising our children in Christ: having devotions with them daily, praying with them daily, using teachable moments to point to Christ and His love and grace for us. Another we learned is that it's never too early to begin doing these things with them.

During the child dedication, us along with 7 other families dedicated their children to the Lord asking our church family to walk along side us in helping to mold our children in the way of the Lord and pray that one day He will call them to be his children.

Some of the information and verses they shared with us I thought were great and I wanted to pass it along to other parents/future parents.

Parenting is a multi-generational endeavor (Deut. 6:13, Gen. 17:7, Deut. 5:9-10, Ps. 78:1-8 and 2 Tim. 1:5). We take what we have learned from our parents and often times apply those things in teaching our children. Also, although grandparents aren't our children's parents, they play just as vital of a role in the spiritual growth of our own children.

Growing Parents Precede Growing Children (Deut. 6:4-6) - Basically, we can't pass what we don't have. (gospel, wisdom, right values, faith, passion, joy, good character, etc.)

Parenting Happens While "Doing Life Together" (Deut. 6:7-9) - Spending quality time together is important...and quality time comes from quantity time.

Parenting is Living By and Communicating the Gospel (Deut. 6:20-25) - We don't obey to be accepted by God. We are accepted by God in Christ; therefore, we obey.

Parenting is Done in Context of Like-Minded Community (Deut. 6:1-3) - Most of the Bible is written to "you" plural not "you" singular.

Children develop spiritually in correlation with psychological/social development. Below is a summary of some main points of development both in spirituality and socially. (These were developed by Erik Erikson and James Fowler, both social scientists.)

Infants

Developmental Stage
Trust vs. Mistrust An infants trust or mistrust is developed based on the level of care given starting at birth. If properly cared for, that child will develop trust in people, which will later determine his/her ability to form loving, trust in relationships in the future.

Faith Stage

If a child is able to trust people, then he/she is likely to have the ability to trust God. If they cannot trust people that can be seen/touched, then it would be difficult for him/her to trust in an invisible God.

Action Point
While caring for an infant, think of them as a spiritual being. By loving them through holding, smiling, singing and caring for their basic needs, you can help build the foundation of trust necessary to form a trusting relationship with God.

Toddlers

Developmental Stage

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt –
Toddlers begin to develop their independence and curiosity at this age. Discipline becomes an issue at this age. Praising a child for age-appropriated attempts will increase self-esteem and autonomy, while criticism or harsh discipline for behavior can cause a child to lose confidence. They understand this world by what we tell/display to them.

Faith Stage

A child who is shown love and acceptance despite his/her behavior and accomplishments will have a greater understanding of the unconditional love of God. A child who feels inferior and shameful because of the conditions and expectations placed on him will likely struggle with accepting God’s love.

Action Point

As parents, we must always remember that we model God to our children in everything we do and say to them. Use care in your words and actions towards toddlers as it can directly or indirectly affect a child’s perception of how God receives them, and how to receive God’s love for them. Encourage and correct children in an appropriate loving and affirming ways. Don’t place too high expectations on them.

Preschoolers

Developmental Stage
Incentive vs. Guilt – Preschoolers have mastered most basic life skills, from feeding and dressing to school-readiness and conversating. They are at a transition point between early childhood and school years. They are exploring through asking questions, pushing boundaries and taking risks. A child who is discouraged, wrongly punished or ridiculed for his/her risk taking will develop a strong sense of guild that will follow him/her for years to come. They will struggle to take risks or think creatively. However, the child who is encouraged (within reason) to explore and discover, whose questions are taken seriously and who is presented with safe boundary will grow up with a sense of competence and creative thinking skills. Failing will be an accepted part of life.

Faith Stage

Children at this stage have wildly imaginative worlds. There is very little concept of logic for them, and stories, rituals of worship and community are important. A child’s inability to process information logically can inhibit their ability to reconcile certain truths about God. (i.e. His love and His judgement). Images of an angry God will inspire fear, while redemptive love of God will be attractive. Children at this age believe almost everything they are told, so care should be taken in communicating clearly, appropriately and concretely who God is. Abstract ideas about God are not easily understood. Helping children to know God and His love is important at this stage so the foundation can be laid to follow God their whole lives.

Action Point
Communication is a huge part of the preschooler’s understanding of God. Be careful how you communicate ideas of God and His Words. Age appropriate illustrations and stories should be told. This is not to say that Bible stories should ever be sugar-coated. However, accurate descriptions of God and the truths of the Bible should be communicated. The child’s exploration of God and His World should be encouraged. Our response to a child’s questions will either encourage or discourage initiative and risk taking when it comes to loving God. Model God’s unconditional love in your actions and words.

Elementary

Developmental Stage
Industry vs. Inferiority – Children at this age are continuing to build the necessary skills to succeed. This is a time of discovering gifts and talents, those that come naturally and are easy to do well. A child will also develop skills in areas that are not so easy, but are necessary. If this is done successfully they are considered industrious. However, the child who does poor in school, has difficulty learning and mastering basic skills will emerge with a sense of inferiority. Children still think more concretely, but are beginning to understand certain abstract concepts of time.

Faith Stage

At this stage, children are beginning to take what they see modeled in the faith community and integrate it with their own personality. They don’t necessarily grasp the reasoning behind particular beliefs or symbols, but are identifying themselves with the community where they fell comfort and safety, have friends and feel they belong. They will most readily model people they know best – their parents. They also identify God with human characteristics like loving, kind and caring because this is how they understand people should be. The child is beginning to recognize that God isn’t just imaginary, but someone he can know and trust.

Action Point

Children at this age have a concrete sense of what is right and wrong. They desire justice and fairness. This is when their sense of morality kicks in. As parents, we must model to them what it means to live out our faith with integrity. Children will be watching and identifying with your example. We have the opportunity to teach them what is right, how to make decision that are good and to understand that God is real, and His love for them is real. Encourage children in the areas they may fell inferior. Be sure not to be partial or critical of the children. Limit competition in the environment. All children are valuable.

Preteen

Developmental Stage
Continuation of Industry vs. Inferiority - This age group is so volatile. Preteens shift often from feeling industrious and inferior. Children in this age group are shifting from concrete to abstract thinking. They begin to realize that life is unfair, that good people can make bad choices and there are various consequences for those choices. Physical and emotional development at this stage can develop confusion and stress. This is a season of change pretty much in every aspect of the preteen’s life.

Faith Stage
As so much of the preteen’s life is in transition, and up for grabs, so is his/her faith. Often they will begin to challenge their faith and the things they have been taught to be true throughout their childhood.

Action Point
A preteen’s challenges and questions about their faith need to be taken seriously. Don’t be afraid of their faith crises, it is a natural part of their human development. Preteens should never be told they are displeasing to God by having feelings or questions. Instead answer any questions or address concerns genuinely and truthfully. Preteens are looking for role models who can show them what matters in life. With the right guidance and encouragement, the hope that preteens will emerge with a stronger, more active and more fulfilling faith in God. Be dependable and encouraging.

***This information was taken from Erik Erikson's Childhood and Society and James Fowler's Stages of Faith.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-10-19T22:19:00.001-07:00

Check out this amazing video and pray about joining this incredible movement of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

Duncan Look-alike Meter

2008-08-06T15:01:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Introducing Natalie Joy Duncan

2008-07-22T09:22:00.001-07:00

Height: 18 inches

Weight: 8 pounds 1 inch

2008-07-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our good friends, Bryan and Julie Pinson, blessed us with the gift of Dream Dinners. Basically, you order six meals that you prepare in advance to freeze so you can just pull them out later and heat them up. SUCH A BLESSING WITH A NEWBORN ON THE WAY. So, Josh and I dropped Madison off at their house, which she loved because she got to play with Drew and Carly. As we're getting in the car, she's the only one still in the house waving and saying "bye" like go mom and dad. I've got this under control. So cute. Dream Dinners was set up in stations having all the ingredients out for each recipe. It was pretty simple except for when one recipe asked for capers and I embarrassingly didn't know and had to ask. LOL.

We had fun preparing these meals: Southwest Steak (be sure to see the size comparison photo of the steak with Josh's cell phone), Maple Glazed Pork Chops, Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Summertime Chicken Pasta, Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and another chicken dish I can't remember. We even got to taste a sample of their double chocolate Oreo dessert. OH MY GOSH was it good! It all only took about 45 minutes, but it was a lot of fun and we are grateful we will have these amazing meals to just pull from the freezer after Natalie is born. Thanks Bryan and Julie!!

The True Meaning Behind Revelations

2008-07-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Josh, Madi and I were unable to go to church this past Sunday because Josh had to work that afternoon and we wouldn't make it back in time. Anyway. During Madison's nap, Josh and I watched a Mark Driscoll sermon on the book Revelations. For those of you who don't know who Mark Driscoll is, he is the pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. For the past 13 weeks he has been doing a sermon series on Doctrine, which is a course required for people to take if they want to become members of the church.

I'm not going to say much about the sermon because I hope that you watch it. Let me just say that our fears of the "end times" and our paranoia of what signs to look for are unnecessary. We should be more focused and excited on the fact that the day is coming when our Lord, Jesus Christ, will return for His children and we will join Him in a new earth to worship Him forever. Driscoll says it right off at the beginning of his sermon - the point of the book of Revelations is to reveal that Christ is on His throne and He is being worshiped and will be worshiped by EVERYONE FOREVER.

Please watch this. It's truly an incredible word from God above.

To see more of Driscoll's sermons go to the Mars Hill Church Website.

Date Night

2008-07-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Josh and I were fortunate to have our good friends, Nick and Katherine, babysit Madison for us Sunday night so we could have a date night. What was going to be the “cheapest” date ever actually turned out to be the most “expensive” date ever.

First, we went and toured the Family Birthing Center at Mt. Hood Legacy Hospital, where Natalie will be born. It was so incredibly nice. MUCH BETTER than the hospital Madi was born at in Ft. Worth. This one is much smaller and better at making sure you (the parents) are better informed. The nurse that helped us was so nice. The room is bigger and the furniture/beds are more comfortable. One thing that was new and exciting is that they require each mom (and dad if they want to attend) to attend a postpartum class before being discharged. This class will help you understand what type of things you can expect with mom and baby after going home and what things are normal and abnormal. I was really excited about this. So, all in all, we are pleased so far with our hospital of choice. Only a few more weeks and we’ll experience everything there first hand.

Next, we ate dinner at Burgerville, which was good. In the middle of dinner this freak thunder/lightening storm hit, which is very unusual for this area. It reminded us of home. This was the type rain we actually didn’t mind. It was really beautiful.

Finally, we had planned to go test drive a Toyota Corolla. We had looked at them about a month ago and were planning on buying early next year. Our original sales person wasn’t there, but he had arranged for another guy to help us. He was with another customer so he had his Floor Manager help us. Although very talkative, he was very helpful. Corollas are one of the top selling cars right now because of the incredible gas mileage, so the exact used car we were looking for is not available at all in our area. Even the new automatic cars on the lot had sold right when we got there, so we (Josh) test drove a standard. We got back and decided to just talk numbers with the guy since we had a baby sitter and some extra time. Of coarse they had this incredible deal going on that expired June 30^th so they were doing everything they could to get us to buy then. We were indifferent because we really hadn’t planned on buying right now. After a few numbers and different options were thrown around, we were presented with an incredible deal…the only thing was…they had no cars that we wanted on their lot. So, they had to search other dealers the next day (6/30) for a car. At 4:30, we went and signed papers on a car we had never seen and by 9pm, Josh was driving home in our brand new Toyota Corolla!! We are very excited to have a second car again and even more excited that we can now save some money on gas. Here is a picture of what our car looks like. It's not our actual car. It's too early for me to go outside and take pics. :)

When I think of our date night, I think of the American Express commercial:

HOSPITAL TOUR – FREE

TWO DINNERS @ BURGERVILLE - $13

TOYOTA COROLLA – “PRICELESS” (or should I say, $$$)

Camping at Fort Stevens

2008-06-16T17:45:00.001-07:00

We were determined to get a camping trip in this year before Lil' Natalie arrives so we made reservations here at Fort Stevens in Hammond, OR with our good friends Bryan & Julie Pinson and their two kids, Drew (3) and Carly (20 mo.). We were praying for good weather since it hasn't been too promising here in the NW lately. The forecast looked great! As we made our drive out there, the clear skies dispersed and the "warmer" weather grew colder, BUT there was no rain. So, we were thankful for that.

We had fun watching the kids play with each other (bouncing on the bed, "mowing the lawn" with the stroller, playing with the ball, etc.) and just having some rest away from the every day routine. We stayed in a Yurt, which was heated so that was very nice. We cooked yummy breakfasts (sausage & egg burritos), a delicious chicken chili (thanks Julie) and the all-American grilled hotdogs. And of course, we had the snacks: M&M cookies, Oreos and smores. YUMMY!

Getting the kids to nap at the same time was impossible, but Carly cooperated. (Good girl.) The parents were all exhausted by the end of the trip, but we had a great time. We went on a couple of excusions, including The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Musuem in WA, the Pacific Ocean (very windy) and to the mouth of the Columbia River, where it meets the Pacific. All very pretty...and cold. :) While the kids and mommies crashed early each night, the men stayed up around the campfire talking. The last night they encountered a skunk and a racoon. How funny. Fortunately no unfortunate accidents happened there.

So, all in all, our camping trip - although tiring - was successful. We look forward to going camping with the Pinson's again...even if we all need to wait a few years when our kids are a little older and more self-reliant. :) You got to love the joys of parenthood.

Red Sea Church

2008-06-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is letter that was sent out from the church we have been attending. The letter was anonymous but I am assuming it is from the pastor. His name is Shaun and the church is called Red Sea Church. You can check them out at www.redseachurch.org.

"A couple weeks ago I was in Los Angeles. I have some great family and friends in Southern California and to be frank I really have a love and desire to see Los Angeles reached for Christ. However deep my affection for the sunshine, surf, sports teams (plural) and overall culture it cannot give way to my call to Portland.My call to, Portland, a city that is filled with spiritual schizophrenia, dreary skies, waving fir trees, bike lanes, one very hopeful pro sports team, pride and preservation in keeping "weirdness", anger and weak leadership in place. Hmmm... the city that has the majestic Mt. Hood thrusting upward as if to say; "come on! you gotta look at me for longer than a second!". Rivers dumping into the land of the Willamette Valley enriching the landscape to such green extreme you wonder if any other color could speak so powerfully. I love driving toward the St. Johns bridge from Downtown and gazing at the span of massive steel confidently carry semi-trucks, scrap metal pick ups and the suburbanite's new cars buzzing through our peninsula without really ever engaging in the brilliance that is North Portland! Going over the bridge, on a rare clear day gives way to 4 mountain views. Seriously, the nuances of North Portland and St. Johns in particular are very galvanizing for those of us who enjoy this neighborhood of the city of which we love. North Portland is the most beautiful piece of land! God surrounded us with the Columbia River on the north and the Willamette River to the south!Just the other day I watched the Naval ships from the United States and Canada come down the river right by Cathedral Park. Some cities have massive car traffic but to watch the river become a highway for the military fleets coming into town for the Rose Festival is ridiculously cool.We are so very honored to live here and to be in community with The Sentinel, Anna Bananas, Ladybug Cafe, Patty's Homeplate, Weirs Bicycle Shop, Tulip Bakery, Barber Shops, Du's Teriyaki, Koyiko, James John Cafe, Daily Bread, Burrito Express, the neighborhood associations, school principals like John Walden and Antonio Lopez, The Pastry Cat, The Big Kahuna, Hawker's Locker and the list goes on...There are a few of us that are here because God has come upon our lives in such a way that we are always seeking, praying for and strategizing as to how we can serve this place for Christ. We have been empowered to live in a way, speak in a way that represents The Way. The Way of liberty, freedom and justice. There is a favor that is to come upon North Portland. The depressed, oppressed and marginalized must be brought to the table of provision, joy and gladness. The real estate is not the only thing that must be raised in our community... it must be the name of our King.... Jesus. As called people it is time, once again, to pick up the Word and sow it deep into this very difficult soil. We must plant the seeds, dress the vine, water the soil, pray for the sun and must remain standing among the storms that have come to destroy this field of God's harvest. We must stand more boldly in the face of discomfort, disrespect, selfish motive, pride, unwillingness, materialism and impure motives. Now is OUR TIME to be the priest that speak, act and obey our God. ALL THAT WE HAVE MUST BE SPENT WILDLY ON THE PATHWAY OF SALVATION. Many....NO... maybe only ONE will take this radical offer but none the less we are the ones to speak the straight way! WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO BE THE VOICE OF THIS TIME AND GENERATION THAT SERVES THE MESSIAH WITH PURE SACRIFICE! When did we last build the Kingdom? When did we spend the time on our knees for our devastated land and those known for the meaningless, temporal, self seeking, self empowering chaos of today's culture.Who is covered in righteousness? Who is clothed in salvation? Who is ready to lay it all on the line for this non-descript place called North Portland? Who is ready to seek and save the lost for the glory of God? Who is ready to acknowledge the truth and live in a more palpable way in Christ...live completely in His mission....and by all means more thoroughly unified with the Church! The church of Jesus Christ! The Bride of Christ... the body of believers that have come to lay their lives - meaning finances, gifting, time, families, marriages, parenting, neighboring, co-working, teaching, working FOR OUR KING!? Don't wait, don't go somewhere else to do it....live stripped of this world's wooing and it's vaporizing life... instead LET US ALL BREATHE IN THE POWER OF RESURRECTION AND LIVE FOR THE ETERNAL GOD OF ALL! Can we not taste and see that He is good? Can we not see that it's NOW OR NOTHING... on the line, bottom line, cross the line and tow the line....repent, repent, repent - give way to the sweet productivity that God has uniquely for YOU AND ME!Saints of St. Johns, it's time. Are you ready?The King is......"

Sweet Home Alabama

2008-05-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

June 26th (I believe) will mark one year since we've moved here to Gresham, Oregon. It has been a tremendously exciting year, which has been filled with new friends, new sites, new ministries and most of all new learning experiences from the Word. We are excited to see what God has in store for us here over the next year.

Prior to moving here, everyone we spoke to about the Northwest would "warn" us about how the weather can really affect you. I suppose we were too naive, because it is starting to pay its toll on us. We chose the perfect time to move to Oregon last year because June-September are the best months out of the year for this area. We were spoiled with perfect weather for three months solid. October brought a drastic change that has brought little relief since. This is just a rough estimate, but I would say we have probably had maybe 20 days of sunshine since October last year. We are now starting June and it's barely 60 degrees outside now. When you come from the south, that's a big deal. You just don't realize how much you miss it until it's gone I suppose. Anyway. Between that and some other things recently, our thoughts have been turning towards sweet home Alabama. It's hard being this far from family, especially when you have kids...and the gloomy weather doesn't help our attitudes much. Josh and I have found ourselves talking about "pastimes" a lot lately and what we would do if we did move home. But last night, we had to stop and regroup our thoughts to why we are here.

We still firmly believe God brought us here to Oregon for a purpose and wants us to continue in our journey here. God never promised an easy road for believers and He requires sacrifices to follow Him. You can read Luke 9:57-62 to understand what the "Cost of Discipleship" is. I was looking through my Bible today and saw a note I wrote beside that passage. I wrote, "Lord, what will our sacrifice be to minister to others for your Kingdom? Being close to family?" I suppose that is one sacrifice we are called to make...not matter how difficult it is. God has called us to His Purpose for His Glory alone. We can't let Satan use his sly tactics (like the affects of the gloomy weather or discouragement from being away from family) to get us off track. We know we have to move forward and see God's beauty in everything and every situation.

So, despite how attractive moving back home is, we know that right now it would only be an emotional, selfish act and that would be a sin against God in our lives. He has called us to a Purpose and we will cling to our God for the strength we need to push forward.

Please be praying for us as Satan can see our weaknesses and fight to get us to fall. Pray for our frame to be strengthened, our hearts to be rekindled, our eyes to be refocused, our minds to be renewed and our lives to be reprioritized.

Taking the Word to the Unreached

2008-05-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Dana Whitton and her oldest son, Bryan, left today for a 3 week mission trip to Zambia, Africa. Going on missions to Africa has been Dana's dream for years and God finally opened up that door for her to go. Check out her blog to learn the history of how this amazing opportunity came about, how God provided the necessary $$ for the trip and how God uses them throughout this journey in reaching the unreached for Christ.

Please keep them, their family and the people they will be meeting in your prayers. Ken (Dana's husband) is at home (Mobile, AL) with their other three boys: Devan, Nathan and Ayden.

Her blog link is in the right side bar, but you can also just click Dana's Blog.

Time In the Word

2008-05-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Although my time in the Word lately has been sporadic, God has been faithful to show me His love and His will for me. I have started studying the book of Colossians and the common theme that keeps jumping out to me is how important it is to continuously study the Word.

I often find myself desiring a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, but expect it without the discipline of studying the Word. Yes, I believe God can and has revealed Himself in other ways, but today I believe the Bible is His main source of communication with us. How can I expect spiritual growth and a deeper love for God without continually studying His Word? In Psalm 119:97, David says,

"Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation ALL OF THE DAY!"

Then, Paul reminds us in 1 Peter 2:2,

"as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

To achieve a deeper, more intimate relationship with God and a deeper knowledge and understanding of His Word, I have to commit to study it and meditate on it DAILY.

I know many are probably thinking, well duh, but seriously...how often do we put other superficial things like watching TV, sleeping and even blogging before studying God's Word? I know I need to re-priortize my time and stop "expecting" growth in my relationship with God and knowledge in His Word without taking the time to actually study and meditate on it.

Well, that is what God has repeatedly been showing me lately. So, I thought I would share.

Posted by Jamie

Sunday Worship

2008-05-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

We have been attending Red Sea Church in North Portland the past month and have really enjoyed it. This past Sunday, the pastor was out speaking at a conference in CA, so another guy (staff member, ministry leader, etc.) led worship for the entire service. It was amazing. He said the service was a time for us to reflect and see how we would respond to God. We sang songs, read scripture, took communion, prayed, journaled...whatever God led us to do in response to Him. Two of the songs we sang I wanted to share. One of them was written by this guy and the worship band. The words are truly powerful.

The first one, I can't remember all the words to the first verse, and it's kind of hard to get the gist of the song, but it truly was powerful. Just how, we can't escape from this world of sin on our own. The only way for complete deliverance is through faith in Christ Jesus. (John 14:6)

"Deliver me...

Deliver me..

All of my life I've been in hiding, wishing there was someone just like you.

Now that I've found you, I know you'll be the one to pull me through.

Deliver me loving and caring.

Deliver me giving and sharing.

Deliver me, this cross I am bearing.

Jesus, Jesus how I love thee...how I've proved you o're and o're. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus..."

This next song was written by the guy that led worship. It's basically about how without God, we would have had no chance of survival...He alone is the perfect way.

"Surely I was broken from my day of birth.

Every breath I was taking was filled with dirt.

Surely you were broken and your life poured out.

Without my permission your love chased me down.

Didn't have a chance Lord...

You have cast away all my shame.

You came to me when I was lame.

Mended shards and poured out grace with your love.

I'm not the same.

You redeemed my soul, you saved.

You bought me when I was a slave.

You paid a debt I cannot pay.

You loved me in a perfect way.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow...No other fount I know...nothing but the blood of Jesus."

On a personal note. When we went to church that morning, I was sick. It was hot and the AC of the church is like 100 years old, so you can imagine. Anyway. At first I was like, well at least I can close my eyes and it appears I am focusing. What a WRONG and SINFUL attitude to have!! God delivered me though. I prayed and asked for even just a brief moment of relief so I could focus on Him and respond to Him...and He did. It was truly an amazing worship experience for me. Thank you God.

Posted by Jamie

Duncan Look a Like Meter

2008-05-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Ancestry search - Family history

Josh's New Haircut

2008-05-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Josh decided to be bold and cut his hair really short...in fact, the shortest it's ever been. Even more surprising, he let ME cut it!! He had so much hair and it was so thick it took a while, but we finally got it all even. I think he looks pretty darn good with short hair...don't you? :)

Right of Payment!

2008-04-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Currently I've been studying through the book of I Corinthians. Aside from realizing that most of the churches I grew up in tended to take verses in this book completely out of context, my eyes have been opened to some pretty cool realizations. Through the first half of the book Paul is dealing with issues in the Church at Corinth and through the last half he is answering questions that the church have asked him probably in an unknown letter. One of the questions Paul answers is should a minister be paid? (I Cor. 9) The conclusion Paul comes to is that a minister has every right to receive payment for his services (vs. 14), but he (Paul) chooses not to receive this right (vs.18). Paul has multiple reasons for making this choice. There were many false prophets who were just out to make money off of the people and Paul did not want to be confused with these people. Today we would call them prosperity preachers, yeah that's you Benny. Paul was also called to minister in areas were there was a greater need than his payment, therefore he sacrificed financially for others.

I bring this point up because I wonder how many paid ministers have ever considered that maybe God does not want them to receive their right of payment. Just because you have a right does not mean you have to enforce that right. Paul was able to provide for himself financially while being obedient to God's work. I think many times that the responsibility of a minister is so time consuming that they must be compensated just so they can feed their families, but I also believe that there are many positions inside of the church that could be done without financial payment by the body. Honestly outside of the men who have to devote themselves to the preaching and teaching of the Word, I believe that every other position in the local church could be done voluntarily or part time.

On a side note I was hanging out with another bi-vocational minister the other day and we were sharing stories of the people God has allowed us to encounter as a result of working secular jobs. Both of us agreed that we have been able to share the gospel with more people outside of the walls of the church than when we worked at churches. I just want to challenge anyone reading this, which will probably only be my wife, to consider the idea of working a secular job so that you can free up the church's money to be used on other needs and give you a chance to engage people with the gospel on a regular basis. I know this will be a challenge on your time just as it is on ours, but it is a challenge worth fighting. Lets not forget the challenge that Paul gives the Church at the end of chapter 9.

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way , as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified." - I Cor. 9: 24-27

- written by Josh

18 Week Check Up at the Doctor/Ultrasound

2008-02-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

COMPLETE SURPRISE! So, my 18 week doctor's/ultrasound appointment was scheduled for yesterday, 2/26. We were so excited and anxious to find out if it was a boy or girl. Well, that morning we received a call from the office saying the ultrasound tech was out sick and they would have to reschedule for today, but that I would still see the doctor. A little bummed, we accepted (I mean what else could we do).

The visit with the Doctor went well. I had gained 4lbs. (BLAH), but the doctor said I was right on target. The heart beat was 145 bpm, so the doctor predicted a boy, which is what I believed too.

Today was the day! Josh and Madison went with me to the office and the ultrasound was amazing! Way longer than Madison's and a lot more detailed. The baby was dancing all over the place, which amazed Josh that I couldn't feel it. It's heart, kidneys, brain and spine looked good. It has all extremities, which is good and it's growth matches up with the predicted due date of July 30th. We were given 9 ultrasound photos, which I will post later. Then, the shot we'd all been waiting for! The ultrasound tech said she believes it's a GIRL! Josh screamed with excitement! I was shocked! And am still honestly a little skeptical since she put a question mark by the word "girl" on the ultrasound and the picture's a little confusing. So, to be safe, we'll by a neutral colored outfit to bring home baby in, just in case. :) But we are thrilled, Natalie Joy Duncan is 8 oz. and looks to be developing and growing perfectly. We are thankful for yet another beautiful gift from God.

To see all of the ultrasound photos, visit our girls' website, www.madisonfaithduncan.aboutmybaby.com.

God cares for the poor

2008-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

The more time I spend reading and studying the word I am becoming firmly convinced that God has a special heart for the poor. Even when you look at how God set the law in the OT there were always special provisions for the poor (Ex. 23, Deut. 15, Lev. 25, Nub. 18). When we look at the NT we see Christ being born into a poor family, choosing (mainly) poor followers, living in poor places, hanging out with poor people, and even using poor imagery and language in his messages. Lets not also forget Mathew 25, 34-46.
34.
"Then the King will say to those on His right , 'Come , you who are blessed of My Father , inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world .
35.
'For I was hungry , and you gave Me something to eat ; I was thirsty , and you gave Me something to drink ; I was a stranger , and you invited Me in;
36.
naked , and you clothed Me; I was sick , and you visited Me; I was in prison , and you came to Me.'
37.
"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord , when did we see You hungry , and feed You, or thirsty , and give You something to drink ?
38.
'And when did we see You a stranger , and invite You in, or naked , and clothe You?
39.
'When did we see You sick , or in prison , and come to You?'
40.
"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine , even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
41.
"Then He will also say to those on His left , 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels ;
42.
for I was hungry , and you gave Me nothing to eat ; I was thirsty , and you gave Me nothing to drink ;
43.
I was a stranger , and you did not invite Me in; naked , and you did not clothe Me; sick , and in prison , and you did not visit Me.'
44.
"Then they themselves also will answer , 'Lord , when did we see You hungry , or thirsty , or a stranger , or naked , or sick , or in prison , and did not take care of You?'
45.
"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these , you did not do it to Me.'
46.
"These will go away into eternal punishment , but the righteous into eternal life ."

The World Bank estimates that close to half the population on earth lives on less than two dollars a day. Although poverty is much better here in the United States statistics show that 20% of Americans own 80% of our wealth. We also know that American christians own 16 trillion in combined wealth. My fear is that the church and many Christians spend the majority of their time and resources catering to this group of middle upper class Americans. This is the reason that every time a new church opens up in a city the other churches decline in membership.

If Jesus spent the majority of his time and energy focusing on the poor why would we not do the same.

-Posted by Josh

The Heart of the Church has Changed

2008-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have recently started a studied through scripture about the compassion we as Christians are to have towards and for those in need. Through this study, God directed my attention to a passage in Exodus. Although it is not talking directly about having compassion on others, it does talk about the heart of the people and their willingness to give above and beyond. I wanted to share this passage with you.

Exodus 36:2-7

“Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work. And they received from Moses all the offerings which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing and they spoke to Moses saying, ‘The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.’ So, Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying ‘Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.’ And the people, were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done – indeed too much.”

This passage is referring to the “offerings” received by the Jews to build the tabernacle. An offering is anything given above and beyond the 10% tithe commanded for us to give out of our income. While the setting for this passage is referring to an offering collected to build a sanctuary I think a greater point stands out.

Did you notice the part that said Moses had to command the people to STOP giving because they had given more than enough?!?! How incredible! Have you ever heard of a church today telling their congregation to stop giving because they have given too much? I know I never have. Now granted, I believe many church’s priorities in how they spend their money has gotten way off base and therefore are in millions of dollars of debt, but that does not relieve us (individual Christians) of our responsibility to give.

These Jews were giving towards something that they believed in and that was important to them. We (Christians) have lost that drive…that belief of something important that now we aren’t willing to sacrifice. Not even sacrificing to give towards a church building or fund, but to sacrifice in order to help others in need. Helping others, I believe, is far more important than a building. After all, we are the “church.”

It truly saddens me to see how greedy the world has become today. Do you know that only 20% of church-goers today tithe on a regular basis? Meaning 80% of people attending church on a regular basis are selfishly sitting in their chair, soaking it all in and not contributing to the cause of Christ at all! How incredibly sad and embarrassing that we have become so greedy.

I believe this goes beyond our obligation to tithe. Another key point in this passage is that it said people who felt “stirred” to give, meaning their heart was filled with compassion and they didn’t view their offering as an obligation, but rather as a joy to give. This should be the attitude of all of our hearts as Christians today. We should joyfully give…not only the 10% tithe of our income, but an offering, whether it be to your church or to a person who is in need.

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

No matter the size of our gift, our heart should be willing and ready to give when a need arises. God is not concerned about the amount we give, but rather the state of the heart. (Mark 12:41-44) We should always be looking for ways to serve others and be willing to help meet needs and consider it a privilege and a blessing to be able to help others.

Church Here

2008-01-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

Many people have asked recently how things are going with our “church planting” here in the Northwest, and from these conversations I can tell there is still a lot of confusion about what we’ve come to do exactly and how we are doing it.

First of all, let me say, we are still trying to figure things out. When we felt God calling us somewhere else, we believed we needed to go where there was a need. So, he led us to the Northwest, where we were told more than 80 percent of people are unchurched. After moving here, we were actually surprised at how many people in our area where “religious” and later learned that there are many house churches here that aren’t “paying into” any denomination’s convention (i.e. Southern Baptist Convention) and therefore aren’t counted as churches in the area. So, the 80 percent of unchurched people is a little misleading.

House church: A group of followers of Christ who meet together to study the Word of God and worship from someone’s home. There can be numerous “cells” of house churches that are all part of one House church Network. Some house church networks will meet corporately occasionally, but the majority of the time house churches meet as individual small groups. The structure of the house church can be different than the institutionalized church in that some have no programs (children’s, youth, singles ministries, etc.), some take no corporate tithes, but rather encourage the members to use their tithe to support the Body, charitable organizations, etc,. some have no goal to own/rent a facility, as well as many other undefined aspects that categorizes a house church as such.

When we moved to Oregon, we had the plan to start a house church in our apartment complex, but because of work related issues we were unable to actively pursue building relationships with the tenants. God has been awesome throughout all our valleys though.

We met a group of followers who were meeting together and basically fall into the house church category. They are still trying to figure out their direction and we have been fortunate to be a part of the church body since August. Josh is teaching one of the small group cells within the church body. We usually meet on a weekly basis and are currently studying the book of Matthew. Corporately, we are still trying to determine how often we will meet, but when we do, we have an incredible time of worship, testimony and fellowship.

I was recently asked about what we do for the children. Currently in our group we have maybe two teenagers, three children and two babies (all different ages). We do not provide a children’s program for them. As I mentioned earlier, this particular church body is still trying to find their direction, so I cannot say what their plan for that part of ministry is. I can tell you what mine and Josh’s thoughts are of children’s ministry.

While, we do see some benefits of children’s ministry, we believe that the sole responsibility of “training up our child in the way he should go” is the parent’s responsibility. Unfortunately, many parents today have left this awesome responsibility up to the church and not that some churches don’t do an incredible job, many churches have softened the message, so hundreds of children/teenagers are graduating out of the “system” not really understanding the true meaning and application of what they’ve been taught all these years. AGAIN, LET ME REITERATE, I AM NOT SAYING THERE IS NO VALUE IN CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES… There are numerous values. We just want to ensure our children receive the bulk of their spiritual teaching from us – their parents…and we want other parents to see the value and importance of this as well. Children are not too young to understand adult teachings of the Word of God. We have friends with four boys, all under the age of 13. When we hear stories of their level of knowledge of the Word and faith in God, I am amazed and inspired. My prayer is my children will have that same level of knowledge of the Word and faith in God at their ages. I fear our church today has lowered the expectations we have in our children. I don’t want that to happen in our children.

Josh and I have been blessed with an incredible baby sitter for Madison while we have our Bible studies. Her name is Rachel. She works with Josh and has an incredible heart. We are thankful God has brought her into our lives and are excited to see how this relationship grows.

Another question we have been asked is about how we tithe as a church? While we firmly believe in the commandment and value of tithing, our method is quite different. Since we don’t have a facility, pastor or staff, we don’t have administrative expenses that tithes normally help pay for. Therefore, we are thankfully able to put our gifts to the Lord in other areas of ministry that need it…this has been referred to as a “Relational Tithe” by others. Corporately, we do not collect tithe, but teach the importance of finding ministries, needs within the Body and needs within the community to give to. As a Body we have been able to help each other when needed, help a hurting family purchase appliances after they lost theirs in the floods here, help another follower of Christ replace his stolen bicycle, help the homeless, etc. Wherever each family believes God is leading them to give they do. It’s been an incredible thing to be a part of.

While I myself haven’t done extensive research on tithing just yet (as far as the distribution of tithes) I wanted to share with you the findings of Shane Claiborne. He shared these findings in his book, Irresistible Revolution (that I mentioned in my previous posting). I’m still trying to do research on my own, so please know this is only his thoughts. While I’m uncertain about the exact statistics, I agree that the church today has gotten their priorities mixed up.)

(Paraphrase)

According to Shane’s study, only 10% of the tithe was allocated to the priesthood leaving 90% to be redistributed to the poor, needy and widows. Unfortunately today, the church has done just the opposite. The average church uses 85% of their tithe to pay for their pastors/staff and administrative expenses (utilities, educational resources, EVENTS, etc.), and take the remaining 15% to allocate to the poor, needy, etc.

How incredibly sad that our church today has built this machine that requires 85% of its resources to function, while we stand back and watch thousands of people suffer, starve and die daily. There is something wrong with this picture.

Others have asked what does the future of this church body look like and how will we be involved? We don’t know. But one thing we’ve learned here is patience and reliance on God’s good timing. We don’t know if God will ever allow us to start a house church with the tenants in our apartment complex, but we are always willing. We don’t know if God will continue this church plant with this group of followers and how that will look…but we are willing. We don’t know if God will move us to the slums to minister to the poor…despite some fears, we are willing. We just don’t know definites right now and that’s okay to us. God is working here in incredible ways and we are so thankful to be a part of this movement…whatever it may look like. We do know though…that when we tend to plan things out, it never seems to work out the way we planned. So, we are just being patient, taking one day at a time, praying and seeking guidance from the Lord.

Let me share some incredible things God is doing right now within this group of followers we are a part of.

In August 2007, Matt Strubhar moved to Maui, Hawaii to start a ministry combining the wealthy Christians with the skaters and surfers, while sharing the love of Christ.
Just this month one of our friends named Mattie also moved to Maui, Hawaii to join Matt’s team as they continue to reach the lost for Christ.
Just this past weekend, we had Pastor Tucker from Uganda Africa come and shared how God is working in his community. They are providing skills for people to learn to work, while at the same time sharing the love of God and witnessing people come to the Lord daily.
As a result of this testimony above, a family (good friends of ours that will remain nameless right now) are seeking guidance from the Lord as they have accepted His calling to move to Uganda Africa to serve long-term. They are selling EVERYTHING they have to be able to pay for this move. They also have a 4-yr old son.
Another family, Greg, Debbie and Sara Strubhar (friends of Pastor Tucker) are also going to Uganda for 8-9 weeks to help serve the people of Pastor Tucker’s congregation and the surrounding communities.
Another young married couple in our group is also praying about going to Uganda to serve the Lord.
Before Christmas, many of the men of our group had a few opportunities to go to Vernonia, OR to help with the disaster recovery efforts after the recent flooding. As a result, we were able to provide a family with finances to replace most, if not all, of their appliances.
A number of our people in our group help the hurting homeless on a daily basis.
A couple of families, including Josh and I, are fortunate to serve as volunteers at a home that currently houses five homeless families for three months helping them acquire jobs and homes. Check out their ministry and how God is moving there at www.mfhshelter.org.

Please don’t take the things I have mentioned above as boasting of what our church body is doing, but rather boasting about what God is doing in our community and world! I ask that you please pray for the families of our church body, as well as our church as we seek God for the direction we are supposed to go.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. We would be happy to hear from you.

Ordinary Radicals

2008-01-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

Recently, a friend of ours lent us a book, Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne. Shane is a college graduate who fell in love with Jesus during his college years. His original plan going into college was to find a job that paid the most to do the least, but after experiencing God through hanging out with the homeless he saw new meaning in life. Shane spent months living on the streets and in abandoned houses and churches ministering to the homeless in anyway he could. He later spent a summer interning under Mother Teresa in a leper colony in Calcutta, and then, went to the opposite extreme and did an internship at one of the countries largest churches, Willow Creek in Chicago, IL. Shane’s desire is for the wealthy and the poor to coexist so everyone has what they need. Today, Shane is part of a ministry called the Simple Way, with the purpose of living among the homeless/poor and ministering to them where/when needed.

In one of his chapters, he said many people call them (The Simple Way) radicals. Shane corrects them saying he’s not radical…this is how Christ lived, so what he is doing is actually ORDINARY! WOW! What an incredible concept! Christians today have been lost in the mundane routine of being a Christian that when they witness someone doing something unheard of (like giving up a medical degree to live with the poor) they consider it radical, when actually this is just ordinary in Christ’s eyes. We should all be living with this mindset. Not saying we should all live in the slums and live with the homeless, but that we have the heart and the willingness to serve people, help people and sacrifice ourselves for other people who need more than we do. Mother Teresa is remembered saying, “Everyone has their own Calcutta.” So I challenge you to find how God want you to serve others continually. Christ never intended serving others and meeting people’s needs to be a temporary thing. We should be living day to day with our eyes open wide for ways we can help others and love them with the love of Christ.

Shane suggests (and I believe it’s true) that Christians today don’t have a problem helping those in need as long as they can stay a safe distance from them. Many times, Christians try to isolate themselves from the evil of this world, which ultimately keeps them from experiencing God to the fullest. These are a few quotes out of Shane’s book:

“Tithes, tax-exempt donations and short-term mission trips, while they can accomplish some good, can also function as outlets that allow us to appease our consciences and still remain a safe distance form the poor.”

“Christianity can be built around isolating ourselves from evildoers and sinners, creating a community of religious piety and moral purity. That’s the Christianity I grew up with. Christianity can also be built around joining the broken sinners and evildoers of our world crying out for God, groaning for grace. That’s the Christianity I have fallen in love with.” (Luke 18:10-14 is the verse he put with this.)

What are we afraid of? Christ was poor and was homeless (“…Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Matthew 8:20) He has never promised that our living our lives for Him will be safe or easy. Should safety be our top priority? I don’t think so. Loving people and reaching them for Christ should be our top priority, no matter the cost.

We need to step it up and start living as ORDINARY Christians. We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zone in suburbia or wherever you live and go wherever God leads you to serve people in need where they are.

Let me boast in how God is using some good friends of ours. I will keep them nameless as we don’t want to jeopardize their safety or plans as they prepare for God’s calling. Since we’ve been in Oregon, we have been blessed to meet a group of followers who are in love with Christ and sincerely want to meet the needs of people where they are while sharing the love of Christ. One of the couples recently was called to go serve in Africa. They have been convicted with the sin of consumerism here in America and are tired of trying to keep up with what American culture tells them they need. They feel called to serve others and their “Calcutta” has been named Uganda Africa. They have not completed any “official” training to be missionaries, and that’s what I think is so incredible (not that those who have are any less important). Because they have no official training or are not going through any official organization, they have no funding. As a family of three, you can imagine the financial strain that can be caused to even just get to Africa. The plane tickets have been priced at $2300 a piece! They have thoroughly sought guidance from the Lord through prayer, the reading of Word and through Godly counsel from other followers and believe God has called them no matter the cost. So, they are selling most EVERYTHING they have to be able to go and serve in their “Calcutta.” They have no official plan or don’t know how long they will be there. They’ve never been there before and still they are willing to sacrifice all their earthly possessions to be able to go. What an inspiration!!! Many people (Christians even) would say it is radical, crazy and stupid to sell everything you have…going to a place so extreme that you have never been before. I don’t agree. I think this is exactly what God has called us to do…to live ordinary lives as Christians being willing to sacrifice to bring others to Christ. I ask that you pray for this couple as they prepare to leave before the end of this year. Pray for clarity and for finances as they need to purchase the tickets within the next month or so. I also ask that you pray for the selling of their house as you know the housing market is not that great right now. But their faith and lack of fear is just incredible. I wish you all could meet this couple and just see God shinning in their faces as they are excited to go and serve for the Lord – no matter the cost.

A New Addition to the Family...

2008-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, just in case you couldn't figure it out from the ultrasound photo on the homepage, Josh and I are expecting our second child at the end of July. This pregnancy has been so different from the first...for the good and bad...I guess you can say. First of all, this baby was planned to the day, unlike Madison who took a year. (That is a good thing.) I had morning sickness the first few weeks unlike with Madison. And I've been A LOT more tired, but I think that is because of Madison. LOL. It's all good though. Josh has been absolutely INCREDIBLE since the beginning. He's so helpful with everything: Madison, cooking, cleaning, etc. Not that he wasn't before we found out we were pregnant again, but even more so since then. I'm very blessed. We were able to share the news with our friends and family in Mobile as we celebrated Madison's first birthday (yes a month late). We bought the sequel book to God Gave Us You (which Grampa and Nana Robinson bought Madison last Christmas. God Gave Us Two is a book to help prepare the older sibling for a new arrival. So, we bought that book and attached the ultrasound photos to it. At first my mom thought it was the first book but it didn't take long to realize what it really was. B told me later she was enjoying everyone else's reaction when she realized the surprise was for her. LOL. So funny. It was fun to be able to share that moment with family. We should find out what we're having in March (probably while our good friends, Greg and Chenille Gaumer are in town). People always ask what we want (girl/boy). I'm not going to say on here because I don't want to look back and regret it. LOL. Let's just say, we will love and be excited about whatever God has decided to bless us with. We went out last weekend just pre-pre-shopping for bunkbeds as that is all Madison's room will work with including a crib. Of course, that won't be purchased until closer to the due date because Madison is to "busy" at night to be in a big girl bed just yet. HAHA. Speaking of Madison, she is INCREDIBLE. She's so independent and curious about everything. Like right now, she's climbing all over the couch unafraid that she could fall backwards and hit her head. Daddy has learned a good trick in wearing her out so she'll sleep 12 hours at night - take her to Fred Meyer's to walk around. She really LOVES that. Josh is more patient than I am with that. HAHA. Like I mentioned earlier - 12 hours at night - she's actually sleeping till 8 am now! Ever since our trip to Mobile she has stuck with that schedule. THANK YOU GOD! I guess that is all for now. More updates later.

2007-10-05T06:48:00.001-07:00

Josh Doing the Truffle Shuffle @ the Goonie's House

2007-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.mediafire.com/?49eli9njftm

Adjusting to Life in the Northwest

2007-08-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

So, we've been here in Oregon now for over a month and some ask what we think...WE LOVE IT! The weather has been absolutely incredible. It has only rained maybe 5 separate days since we've been here and the majority of the time it's upper 70s, so it's great! The Oregonian's here though keep saying, "just wait til the winter." So, we'll see. Okay. Let me give you an update on our time here so far.

Josh is enjoying his job as one of the now two apartment maintenance guys. There were four when we arrived here, so a possible pay increase is in view. YAY! He is learning a lot of different trades, which I believe will help him in future home remodeling - HIS DREAM! So, that is good. The negative part about his job is that the owner has refused to allow us to start a house church with the tenants here as it is against their policy to build relationships with the tenants in fear of potential lawsuites. SO SAD! He was fine with us having a house church with ppl outside our apt. complex, but not with tenants. After two attempts of asking him to reconsider, we are seeking God for wisdom. Well, I mean we have done that all along, but you know what I mean. We BELIEVE God brought us to this apt. for a reason and we are meeting people and slowly building relationships, so we don't want to be quick to move onto something else in OR just because one person said no. So, please be PRAYING for us in this situation. We were very discouraged at first, but now are learning to be patient because God wasn't surprised by this even though we were. We BELIEVE in His Power and His Will. So, please join us in prayer - not only to change the heart of the owner, but to keep our hearts and ears open to what God would have us do.

I am learning to adjust to my new schedule at work. Well, it's not really new it's just that I have to work in CST rather than PST, which means 6am - 3pm. The 6am is hard to do, but I LOVE being off at 3pm...so does Madison. We go shopping and swimming. It's great. Work has definitely been busy, but it's good. It helps the day go by fast.

Madison is growing more and more each day. She has a dr's appt. scheduled for next Thursday for her 9month check up. Hard to believe it's already been 9 months. It's been amazing! I believe she will be walking soon, but we shall see. She's definitely got her own little personality, which has been funny to witness. She had no problem adjusting to life in the NW. She is meeting new people constantly and making new friends. Josh and I joined a fitness center just down the road, which offers child care. So, 3 times a week, she is in there for about an hour. She has fought it hard this past week, but I think it's great socially for her.

Church - Josh and I have been attending various churches throughout OR/WA since we have been here. We have gone to Crossroads in WA with Charlie and Brooke Granade, Greater Gresham with Larry and Mosaka Brenner, and a house church network called Church of the Cascades in WA with new friends Brian and Julie Pinson. We have attended the house church a couple of times because we are praying about joining up with them to start our house church here. They are an incredible couple and we have enjoyed getting to know them. JOsh has also been invited to preach at a new church in Dayton, OR next Sunday. So, we will be going there as well. They are a new church seeking a Pastor and have a vision to do great ministry opportunities in their community.

Family - We miss our families very much. Fortunately, my mom and Clarence visited two weekends this past month before and after their road trip through ID to see her sisters. We went to Mt. Hood, Multanomah Falls, Astoria and Cannon Beach. It was a great time and the Sunday they left, we had church in our home and studied Luke 22 - the Lord's Supper and shared the Lord's Supper together...with actual unleavened bread...it was gross. :) It was a special time though. Madison truly enjoyed her visit with Grampa and Nana. We are excited that B has acquired high speed Internet so she too can receive a web cam and we can share videos online...that is if we can ever figure out how to get it to work. :) We are excited about coming home for Christmas, just right after Michael and Jean will be welcoming the birth of their first child. We are so thrilled for them and can't wait to meet our little niece/nephew. (They find out if it's a boy or girl next week. YAY!)

I guess that is about all for now. Here are some prayer requests below:

Josh - wisdom for knowing whether to stay with this job or find a new one so we can have a house church with the tenants here

Jamie - courage to step out of her "I'm shy" shell and meet people when Josh isn't there. :)

Madison - she's teething right now, so we have our good days and bad

Our Apt. Complex - That God continue to work in the hearts of the people here and provide divine opportunities to share the love of Christ with them.

Church of the Cascades - wisdom for knowing whether to team up with them in their house church network or not.

Owner of our apt. complex - That his heart would change as a believer and see the work that God can do here.

Thank you guys so much for your continued support in prayer. We love you all and miss you very much!

2007-07-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Story of the Move

2007-06-25T18:58:00.001-07:00

Well, some of our pictures are below in a slideshow of our five day road trip to Gresham, OR.

After spending two weeks in Mobile, AL visting family and friend, we started our long journey. Our first stop was in Fort Worth, to pick up our trailer and say goodbye to our seminary friends. We stayed with Greg and Chenille Gaumer and enjoyed some homemade icecream. :) Thanks to you both for your hospitality and your great gift. We LOVE our our memory book.

The next day, we were determined to make it to Lamar, CO so we could surprise my Grandma Moore. We knew it would be a long day, but we had no idea it would be that long. We finally got there about 8:30pm, so we decided to wait till the morning to visit Grandma. Our hotel smelled funny, but by the point, we were so tired, we didn't care.

Tuesday, we made a brief surprise visit to the nursing home in Lamar to see my grandma, Madison's great-grandma. They had never met and it was a good surprise for grandma. It was nice visiting with her, even if it was only for a short while. That day was much better, as far as the length of travel goes. We made a stop in Colorado Springs to go to Pikes Peak. Well, too bad. We didn't go there, but did go to the Garden of the Gods (GOG). It was a nice excursion and very pretty. We got to Cheyenne, WY by 5pm and treated ourselves to Outback. We stayed in a Motel 6 that night, which I swore by. Boy was that a mistake. Loud neighbors screaming at each other some of the night. Oh well. It was cheap.

Wednesday was another long day. You would have though Wyoming was the size of Texas. After an unexpected hour excursion (the wrong direction) and because of another traffic jam, our day went long and Madi had had enough. By the time we arrived in Utah, she was screaming ready to get out of the carseat. We didn't care how much it cost or where it was, we just needed a place to stay. That night, we stayed at the Comfort Suite. VERY NICE! We went swmimming that night. Madison had a good time.

Thursday - our last full day - and the day we would arrive in Oregon. We were so excited. It was a good day. We saw lots of sites and different landscapes. We stayed in Pendelton, OR that night. Very cute town and very good pizza!!! We stayed in the Kings Inn - it was so 70s, but there was a huge bed so we slept very well.

Friday - THE FINAL DAY!!! The drive along the Columbia River was absolutely breath taking. We are so excited to live in such a beautiful place. We arrived in Gresham, OR about 11am, met Josh's boss, got our keys and moved in our new home. We really like our new place. It's bigger and nicer. :)

Overall, our road trip was good with very few obstacles. Thank you God. Thanks also to Dayspring youth ministry for providing the finances for our move. You guys are incredible. We would have never been prepared for the gas. We knew that the gas mileage wouldn't be as great pulling a trailer, but 120 miles to the tank - we would have NEVER though. We filled up about 6 times a day! So, THANK YOU GUYS SO VERY MUCH! You are incredible and such a blessing to our family.

Saturday and Sunday, we spent unpacking, shopping and resting. Sunday, we had church in our home - the three of us. We studied Acts 20:1-18. We miss worshiping with our friends and family, but are excited to see what God is going to do in our community.

Today, Josh started his new job. He said he likes it and the people he works with. I also started working again today. 6-3 PST. A new challenge for me, but it wasn't too bad. I got a lot done. Josh met our neighbor this evening. So, that was cool. He is now on his way to pick up the rest of our stuff that was moved here by another couple we met when we visited OR in March. Thanks to them, we were able to bring another car load of important items that otherwise would have been left behind.

So, okay, i think that is it. We are here and are almost settled in. Just taking it easy and exploring the area. In the three days we've been here, we've covered a lot of ground. A lot more to go.

Please keep us in your prayers as we begin to meet the people here and start a church in our home. Also, another special thanks goes out to the Dayspring Church family for the financial contribution to the ministry in the Northwest. Please know and trust that money will be used wisely to reach people for Christ.

Thank you all. We love and miss you.

Cross Country Move

2007-06-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

2007-06-23T22:08:00.001-07:00

WE FINALLY MADE IT!!!!

Josh, Madison and I are here in Gresham, OR FINALLY! It took us 5 days driving from Mobile, AL, but we made it safe and sound. We love our place and are still getting unpacked. More details and pics later.

Madison is doing great! She's learned to whine though. Her tooth is all the way in now. So cute. She's so much fun.

Ok. Got to get some sleep, more details later.

2007-06-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we are one week through our two week visit here in Mobile, AL, visiting family and friends. Although, it has been extremely busy and I am extremely exhausted, Madison has done GREAT!

Our normal 12 hour drive only took 11, so that was good. The only bad thing was our AC only worked for about 4 hours out of the entire trip. All good now though. it is FINALLY fixed.
Sunday, we spent all three services at church from 7:30-12:30. Madi did WONDERFUL in nursery and met a lot of new friends. One, Ayden, is her future husband and they LOVED playing with each other.

MOnday through Friday (day) I had to work (in the office) while Josh and B (Josh's mom) watched Madison. From what B said, she did great the whole week, so that is good. They shared some special time together.

Monday night, we had dinner with Grandpa & Grandma Hammontree (my dad and step-mom). They enjoyed Madison and we enjoyed their company. We are sad we don't get to see my sister as she is working all week at a camp.

Tuesday night, we had dinner at Uncle David & Aunt Sandy's house (Josh's family). It was great fellowship. Madison played with Charlie, Melanie's dog. SO CUTE.
WEdnesday night, Josh, B, Madison, Uncle Michael, Aunt Jean (and baby duncan) and I went to the Original Oyster House (famous in MObile) for seafood. Madison enjoyed chewing on the menu as we enjoyed our dinner. Afterward, we had dessert at Tayo & Amy's house with other friends: Kevin & Ashley and Amanda. It was fun hangin out with the "gang" again.
Thursday night Josh and I cooked dinner for 16 family members and friends. Madison once again did GREAT hangin out with everyone.

Friday, Josh, B, Uncle Michael & Aunt Jean left for Portland, Maine for a mission trip. We're going to miss them very much, but are heading to the beach with Grampa & Nana Robinson (my mom & Step-dad), for the first time tomorrow. I know madi will love it!!! Maybe we can get some new toys too. We'll see.

Today, Grampa, Nana and I took Madison to Gulf Shores. We didn't stay too long because it was extremely hot, but we got some cute pics.

2007-05-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot is going on in our lives and Madi is being such a great sport through it all - but this is just the beginning. :) Saturday (6/2), we leave Fort Worth, TX for a two week visit to our home town (Mobile, AL) to visit family and friends before moving to Gresham, OR.

Our house is currently in shambles, which is driving Josh crazy. We had a yardsale last week and sold our living room furniture, which was good. Madi's room is filled with boxes and our week is packed with places to go and people to see.

Madi got a new carseat this weekend. She is now facing forward, which is a whole new world for her. Many are shocked that she is already turned around, but she's already 20 lbs, so it's ok and our other carseat was not that great. (not your fault Grampa and Nana - we picked it out.)
So, we are getting ready and looking forward to our visit home. I know B, Grampa & Nana, as well as Uncle Michael and Aunt Jean and others are dying to see Madi. Most haven't seen her since December - BOY HAS SHE CHANGED! Get ready!

Please be praying for us over the next month, especially for Madi. This is going to be a change in routine for her and it's going to be difficult...not to mention the 3-4 day drive to OR. Poor thing.
It will probably be a few weeks till I can get back to updating. I will update you guys though when we get settled in OR, if not before. Thanks for your prayers!

2007-05-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A (TEXT) COPY OF THE NEWSLETTER WE SENT TO FAMILY & FRIENDS. IT'S NOT AS FANCY,

BUT OH WELL. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Duncan Family Adventures

Special Interest Articles:
- Moving to Gresham, OR.
- Full Story on Vision Trip to OR/WA in March 2007.
- Update on Madison.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Northwest – Gresham, Oregon

Many of you received our Christmas letter updating you on our past year in Fort
Worth, Texas. This newsletter is to again update you on just the past few months.
About 6 months ago Josh began to feel a call to the Northwest area. We’ve always
known we wanted to serve in an area where there is a need and from what Josh was learning
in school, there is a need in the Northwest. So, we began praying about us moving there and
when. We had no idea what area or even when we were supposed to go. Some friends of
ours, Charlie and Brooke Granade, live in Vancouver, WA. They invited us to stay with them
during a trip out there so we could survey they area and really get an idea of where we
needed to be. So, Josh, Madison and I made a trip out to Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR in
March. We met many people who were very encouraging and honest with us as far as how
there is a need, but how extremely hard it is to minister in the area – especially in the way we
want to minister.

Through Josh’s studies here at SWBTS, he has learned of a church model called
“House Church Networks.” This is very similar to Life Groups or Community Groups that
many of you are involved in through your church. House Church is the church though. We
would meet people through our work, leisure activities and community involvement, build
relationships with them and ideally, have “church” with them in our house. After discipleship,
our hope is that our house church would multiply into a house church network.
We met with a two men who are working together within a House Church Network in
the Vancouver area. They told us of how difficult it is, but how much they believe in this way
of church. Our trip in March helped clarify God’s will for our lives right now. After a two -week
visit to Mobile, Josh, Madison and I will be relocating to Gresham, OR on June 18th.
God has continued to bless us by allowing me to keep my job with Televox-West and
work from home. My “job” has also transformed to where I no longer have to talk or work
directly with customers and will only be writing. God has also provided a job for Josh. He wil l
be working in apartment maintenance at Alpine Meadows in Gresham. This job provided an
apartment with a discount, medical benefits for Josh and a full time salary, which we are
looking forward to having again. He is very excited about this opportunity as we believe it will
help us to develop relationships within our community and reach people for Christ. He will be
taking a semester off from school, but will probably continue his Biblical training at the
Northwest Campus of Golden Gate Seminary located in Vancouver, WA.

We are sending each of you this newsletter asking for your prayers. We absolutely
believe in the power of prayer and know that with your commitment to pray for us continually,
God will use us to the fullest. We ask that you pray for us in the following areas: acclimation
to a new culture, being so far from family and friends, our families back home, finances,
meeting new people and most importantly starting a House Church that multiplies (meaning
people are coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior).
Please be sure to visit our blog, www.duncanadventures.blogspot.com, to stay up to
date on our latest adventures and our adjustment to being Northwesterners.

“If You say go, then we will go.

If You say wait, then we will wait.

If You say step out on the water, though they say it can’t be done,

we will fix our eyes on You and we will come.
(song lyrics)

Our Visionary Trip to OR/WA States – March 2007

In March, Josh, Madison and I took a trip to the Vancouver, WA/ Portland,OR area. We were fortunate to have stayed with our friends, Charlie andBrooke Granade. They were kind to show us such popular tourist sites asMultnomah Falls and Hood River. We enjoyed our fellowship with them andthe opportunity to get to know them better. We also met with a number ofdifferent people either associated with the Northwestern Baptist Convention,the Northern Campus of Golden Gate Seminary, and the area House Church,The Church of the Cascades. These people were great in showing us thedifferent areas in the Vancouver and Portland, treating us to lunch and dinnerand just being honest with us. In just our first day and a half there, weprobably traveled over 100 miles just surveying the area. It was a lot of timein the car, but it was great. Thursday, Josh, Madison and I searched forapartments (what a frustrating task). We did find an apartment that we hadpretty much decided on until the job opportunity in Gresham happened. Thatday was also our 4 th wedding anniversary. We celebrated by meeting with myUncle Jerry & Aunt Nancy from Idaho, who were so kind to drive five hours totreat us to dinner and of course, meet Madison. The next day, we three drovetwo hours to Canon Beach (where they filmed part of the Goonies,Kindergarten Cop and Point Break). It was absolutely beautiful! Madisonslept through most of our time there. That was the end of our trip. We headedout on a flight back to Fort Worth the following day. Although our trip wasshort, it was well spent with good friends, new friends and family.

Update on Madison

Madison turned six months old on May 8th! We can’t believe that six months has
already gone by! These past six months have been incredible though. All three of us
have learned so much – about each other and about life in general. Madison is
growing so fast. She remains consistent in the 97 percentile of other children her
height and weight, but there is no concern from the doctor. He says she is doing
great! She is developing well and in my opinion above average. She is smiling,
laughing, cooing, screaming, talking and rolling over more every single day, which
keeps us laughing and entertained all the time. She usually sleeps from 9pm until
8pm, which is great for us! She loves playing with all of her toys, helping mommy
clean the house, playing with daddy when he gets home from work and taking walks
around the neighborhood. She is truly the joy of our lives and an answered prayer.
We thank God daily for blessing our lives with this precious gift.

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.
I Samuel 1:27

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-04-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

What exactly is a house church??

2007-04-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have asked, "what exactly is a house church?" Well, I thought I would further explain my previous description using one of Josh's school books that he used for his Church Planting class this semester. One of the chapters out of Ed Stetzer's "Planting Missional Churches," describes a house church using the term, "Koinos Church," meaning churches that function completely by face-to-face relationship. "Koinos" is used in Acts 2:44 where the believers have "all things in common." We believe Koinos Churches or House Churches are the same - a group of believers who, “at their core, have committed to face-to-face relationships in a way that they truly live life together.”

“A relational church stays relational by staying small.”

A House church is not associated with a larger body – it is the church itself. We will perform all the functions of the church including baptism, Lord’s Supper, discipleship, giving, evangelism, mission work, etc. “Our intention is to always stay small so that people cannot be part of a church without being truly connected in biblical community.” We will not plan on ever purchasing a facility. As our house church grows, we will multiply into additional house churches forming a house church network, each being led by a discipled and trained leader. We will maintain our relationship with each group by gathering together for fellowship on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, but “church” takes place weekly within each house group meeting.

There are many American Christians who do not believe in the effectiveness or, I guess, even the sanctity of "house church," although they support such a platform in foreign countries such as China, where there are more than 50 million "underground" Christians who meet in house churches. Although, some American Christians don’t “buy” into the whole house church strategy, it is starting to spread country-wide. It is estimated that there are about 5,000 house churches in North America with an estimated one million people involved.

We truly believe in and will actively support the house church platform. We believe in its effectiveness not only in the level of discipleship and biblical community, but also in the effectiveness of showing and teaching people to reach others for Christ in their everyday life. We believe:

“A New Testament church exists when its people function as a church and see themselves as the church. A Koinos church of ten is a church if it functions as a church and sees itself as a church.”

I hope this helps you better understand our purpose and our mission as we begin our House Church in Oregon this summer. We ask that you support us through your prayers. Please continue to check back into our blog as we will continue to post information about our upcoming move and the planting of the House Church.

(Everything quoted in this blog was retrieved from Ed Stetzer’s “Planting Missional Churches.”)

Camping Trip Photos

2007-04-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Make your own | Click to play

2007-04-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well, Josh and I have made it back from our camping trip and have learned a valuable lesson - don't ever go if it's going to be below 50 degrees! It was freakin' cold!!! We were supposed to camp Friday and Saturday night, but due to a severe storm with tornadoes, we decided it would be best for us to stay the first night at his Uncle & Aunt's house in Wichita Falls, TX. So, we did. This helped transition Madison for staying there the entire weekend too.

Early Saturday, Josh and I headed to Lake Murray in Oklahoma. It was a beautiful lake, but it was really cold. Most of Saturday we stayed wrapped up in our blankets in the tent answering questions we both had come up with about our beliefs and plans for our house church we are going to do in Oregon. We got a LOT accomplished there. That afternoon it was still cold. Josh grilled steaks on the fire. They were delicious!!! We tried baking potatoes under the fire - not so successful. :) It was an experience though. That night was 37 degrees and we ran out of fire wood about 6pm. Needless to say, we were cold. We made it though.

Sunday, we spent a little time "hiking." We went up to Tucker Tower, which is a nature center that overlooks the lake. Very pretty. I'll try to post some pics of our trip later.Depsite the frigid cold weather, Josh and I accomplished what we wanted to accomplish. We have our beliefs written out and our vision statement established. The only thing we need to decide now is if we will team up with Church of the Cascades which is already doing House Church in the Portland/Vancouver area or do we start on our own. Please be praying for us there.

Thank you for your prayers this weekend. Madison did great with Uncle Lowell and Aunt Judy. They said the only time that was "bad" was when she was in nursery. There's something about nurseries that she just doesn't like. We're working on it though. Thanks again to Uncle Lowell and Aunt Judy for watching her. We appreciate it so much! We enjoyed some time to ourselves, but we did miss her very much. Now we're back into the swing of things.

Other things to pray about -- Madi has had a cold for about a week and now Josh is fighting allergies. Please keep them both in your prayers for a speedy recovery. Thanks so much. More details and hopefully pics later.

2007-04-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Josh and I are going on our first trip without Madision this weekend. We planned to drop Madi off at Josh's Uncle Lowell & Aunt Judy's house in Wichita Falls, TX before heading to Lake Murray in Oklahoma to camp for the weekend and map out our vision for the House Church we will plant in Oregon. Due to weather issues, the plans have changed a little. We will be staying with Uncle Lowell & Aunt Judy tonight to avoid tornadoes and high winds and will head out to OK tomorrow morning.

Please be praying for us in two areas: (1) that we hear from God in how he wants us to build this House Church and minister to the people in Oregon, and (2) that I not be worried about Madison since this is our first time being away from her this long. More details of how the trip went, what we decided and what we learned later...