52 Days and Counting

Oh how the days are flying by!  Somedays I feel it would be so much easier to have a video blog where I could just sit and talk about everything that happens everyday.  Maybe one day I'll get that sophisticated! Until then, you'll have to read about it.

Our 2011 ended on a really strong note.  We were blessed to have Daddy come home for 10 glorious days!  Christmas was the first "holiday celebration" Mike has been able to be home for all year. So we made the most of it! We fed 115 homeless and people in need on Christmas morning, had Christmas at home just the 4 of us, which was marvellous, then we celebrated Heidi Jo's birthday on the 30th with friends, and New Year's Eve with friends, too.  Having this longer stretch of time together (compared to 5-6 days) made us realize that we only spent about 60 days together as a family last year. Definitely not enough!

Praise God that is all changing.  In April Mike will be attending Redland Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma to complete a 5 week course in Drilling Fluid Technology.  The employment rate out of this class is currently 94%.  The good news is that Mike would work 2 weeks away then be home for 2 weeks! He would earn more income and be home more. Yay God!

Our mission trip to Thailand is quickly approaching.  We will be leaving March 9th, only 52 days away!  We have a tentative schedule of our daily outreaches, and the anticipation is growing in my heart. I cannot wait to see what God is going to do!  If you have plans to partner with me please consider having any support submitted to myself or First United Methodist Church by mid-February so that we can pay all the deposits we need to.  Very great thanks to those who have already sent in their support because I was able to purchase my airline ticket last week!!

For those of you partnering with me financially and in prayer I want to provide you with our tentative itinerary so you can pray for our specific outreach each day:

March 9th
arrive in pm

March 10th
Orientation at The Bridge Children's Center
prayer walking the city

March 11th
Serve @ True Friends Church
host party for disabled children

March 12th
Team outing day / street ministry

March 13th
hospital outreach
treasure hunting pm

March 14th
Parent teaching
Beach time with Bridge Kids

March 15th
free time
worship with Pattaya House of Prayer

March 16th
prep time
royal sleepover with True Friends church (older girls)
teaching about purity, identity, etc

March 17th
royal sleepover (younger girls)

March 18th
help True Friends church
kick off Supernatural VBS

**The VBS is so exciting for the children because they don't have children's church, no crafts, lessons etc for kids. This is anticipated to be the highlight of the trip for the children we will encounter!
Children from the Pattaya Slums Ministry will be joining us as well!

March 19th
VBS

March 20th
VBS

March 21st
VBS ending

March 22nd
processing and goodbye dinner
then 24 hours of travel to get home to Abilene

I will have the opportunity to teach, preach, minister deliverance and just love on so many people.  I am so excited and grateful for everyone who has come along side to partner with me! My heart cries thank you!!  The Kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Big, Huge Announcement!

It is nice and refreshing to have a new month starting even though it is the second last month of the year already!!  Where has all the time gone?

I have a very exciting announcement to make! If you are really observant you may have noticed a couple new gadgets added to to the sidebar menu on my blog.  One is "Partner with Me" and the other is a ticker tracking "Thailand Missions Trip Fundraising!!"  That's right, I'm going to Thailand!

I am SO excited about the opportunity that the Lord has presented to me through my school TSSM.  A small group of students and instructors will be going to Thailand for 2 weeks in March 2012 to minister to women and children affected by the horrendous sex trafficking that occurs there.

As you read the next paragraph really truly allow your heart to FEEL something.  Don't shut down and pretend it doesn't exist.  Just take in the scenario...

What would you do if a 10 minute walk from your house put you in the middle of cheap hotels where babies, toddlers, children, teens and adults were available for sexual purposes? What would you do if you had to walk by these places and know there was no way to help them? What would you do if you passed by children sleeping on the streets during the day because they were up all night on the beach selling gum and themselves to tourists? What would you do if you saw an old man pay for taking pornographic photos of children? What would you do if you saw a 10 year old boy following an old man into a rent for an hour hotel room? Would you stop? Would you turn your head? Or would you ask God what He wanted to do about this?

On the mission trip we will be directly partnering with an ministry that is established in the middle of the red light district, in Pattaya, Thailand.  The Bridge Children's Center:

*Provides a place full of the light, hope and love in the midst of darkness.

*It is a daytime Early Learning Center for children of ex-bar girls who are studying and working towards a better future for their children.

*It is a nighttime Child Care Center for children whose parents are working in the walking street area and for tourists on the streets to have a safe fun place for their kids. 

*It is a place of mentoring, a place for parental help and training and  a place of encouragement for parents and children.

*It is a place of safety and refuge.

Over the next week or so you will be receiving a personal letter from me.  I would love to explain more about the mission trip and more details on how you can partner with this very important Kingdom work.  Together we can all make a difference.  Would it be worth it to save one child?  Jesus says yes! Stop for the one.

If you are as excited about this opportunity as I am and cannot wait to receive my partnership letter please go ahead and locate the DONATE button in the top left margin.  Donate once, or donate often!  All major credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders will be accepted.  

I look forward to you and I joining our hearts to Jesus' and making a difference!

ESTABLISHED

It's finally official.  The Burnett family has been ESTABLISHED in Abilene, TX!  Since Mike and I have been married we have always had part of our possessions divided - in another country, another city or another house.  After 4 years we finally have all we own under one roof. More importantly it is in a house in the city that God has called us to.  I will admit that it will be very, VERY nice to have a full arsenal of kitchen devices at my disposal, but this last move was FAR more significant than that.

I believe that finally having all parts of our lives in unity that we are unlocking an important spiritual key for our lives.  We shall see as things are revealed in the new season!

Now for sorting, selling and re-packing!!

Te amo mucho gusto,
J

Yes, slightly overwhelming

stuff galore!

boxes anyone?

way taller than my little people!

So grateful to have a path to the door!

Falling Behind...

What a summer!! I believe I heard several times that it was the hottest summer in Texas and replaced the record from 50 years ago.  That's HOT!  I think that we had 40+ days over 100 F.  So grateful that we have dipped consistently back into the double digit numbers, again. Thank you Lord!  We've even had a little rain - pair that with cool weather and we have green grass. Just in time for fall. How strange for this northern girl!

The mornings recently have been delightfully cool and crisp and have reminded me of autumn in Alberta.  I consider it a small kiss from God.  The season changes are something I miss most about Alberta.  Although I am happy to experience autumn now without the dreaded 6 months of pending winter & snow!

There have been many, many, many, MANY, changes in our life over this summer that I am excited to catch you up on.  I just need to keep repeating "I will sit down and write. I will sit down and write" so that I don't have to do it all at once.

Since my last post was dated in June I will try to summarize chronologically:

June & July:

We really just hung out at home, in the AC because it was way too hot to take little ones outside for very long.  By the time we were awake it was already 88-90F.  At the end of June we moved to a different house, still in Abilene.  We are literally 2 blocks away from Champions Church, which we love! I continued to train with my friend Amanda for a triathlon that we did together in San Angelo, TX on July 10.  I had a wonderful time; it felt so good to compete again! I did not have a road bike, so that is not a decision I will repeat ever again, but it was a fun race to ease back into triathlon again.

race prep, 6:20 am

getting body marked, #71

so glad to have a friend to race with!

pre-race meeting

Lake Nasworthy, San Angelo, TX

I attended a Discipleship class all summer, a worship conference and a women's conference, all wonderful and time well invested.

August:

I started volunteering at our church as an administrative assistant, which was really a much answered prayer for me.  Being at home all day, every day without an adult outlet (since Mike is not home) was really "getting" to me, so I had been considering if I should return to work.  I really didn't feel like that was the right thing, and when the opportunity to volunteer at the church opened up it really made sense to me!  I absolutely love it there, it is just the right amount of time for me to be out of the home.

So with that, we had to find someone to care for the children while I was away.  We hired a lovely young mom from Oklahoma and the kids really loved her! We all loved having her baby, Grace, around too!

We made the decision to start Harrison in pre-K at Champions Christian Academy, which was really hard on me emotionally.  I wasn't sure I was ready to "let go" yet, but he was definitely ready for more than just Mommy could offer.  Now two months down the road I can confidently say it was the best decision we could have made for him!  He is thriving in his small class of 4 other children.  He is loved on, encouraged and stretched in all areas of life.  He loves going to school and looks forward to it every morning!

In August I made the commitment to attend school for myself.  I really felt God tugging at my heart strings to reach for the higher things of God and to go deeper in my understanding of His love.  I was accepted into the TSSM (Transformation School of Supernatural Ministry), which began classes in September.  I love it there.  I cannot begin to describe the process I am going through, but I am becoming a sold-out lover of Jesus who will pay any price to see Heaven on Earth!

On August 13, Mike and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary!  It is really, really hard to believe how much we have been through in 4 years.  It was hard being apart that day but Mike spoiled me with beautiful flowers and money to pamper myself.  He's so amazing!  Michael Burnett, I love you more that I did 4 years ago!

September:

Harrison and I started school. I started working at our church. Hillary started as our nanny.  Life got very busy very quickly!  I sincerely thank the Lord every day for how smoothly we all transitioned into our new roles and environments.  I was concerned about how Heidi would feel being left at home without her big brother but she did so well.  Having Hillary's daughter here was such a blessing.  Days and weeks went by so fast, I can't believe that we are already nearing the end of October!

first day of school

first day of school

first day of school

with teacher, Ms. TIffany

literally crashed in mid play after his first day!

We attended an amazing intensive in Dallas called Re_Orient, taught by Kevin & Michelle Weaver.  It was held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the NYLO hotel, Los Colinas.  This was an amazing experience, done in excellence and really encouraged Mike and I to pursue the Kingdom as disciples together.

Harrison swimming @ NYLO

pool area

cool egg-shaped beds

NYLO

My honey!

Mike returned to work from Dallas, back to Oregon.  He is doing really well at work, just tired of being away for his family for such long periods at a time.  We miss him greatly and can't wait for God to open the door to something better for all of us! We know He will do it because He is faithful and loves us with an everlasting love. He really wants the VERY best for the Burnett Family!

That was pretty much our summer in a nutshell.  I look forward to writing more as the season changes yet again.  There is so much to share, so many praise reports of what God is doing in us, through us, and in Abilene.

Until next time...

Love & Blessings,
J

Joggedy Jog, Bloggedy Blog

You read that right!! I'm jogging again.  Actually I like to picture myself as a runner.  I know I'm not quite there yet, but it's what I like to picture.  I have started training for another triathlon race - I'm so very, very excited about this.  My first race in Texas and the USA, second race ever.  It is September 11 in Grande Prairie, TX (part of the DFW metroplex).  I even have a friend wanting to train and race too - even more exciting!!

Brace yourself because I have bigger news than that.  Last week we had some friends over for dinner and as we were visiting and talking afterwards, our conversation drifted to running.  I casually said that I'd like to run a half marathon but I was aiming for the end of next year.  My sweet friend said that she had recently reviewed a half marathon training plan and was going to go for it this year, in November!  I'm so proud of her.

It made me think though.  After they left I was asking myself "why am I waiting until next year?"  Carpe diem, sieze the day!  So I texted her to say if she'd like the company then I'd train and run a the half with her in November. So crazy! We will be doing the Marathoning for Miracles race here in Abilene in support of Hendricks Hospital.

This is a huge goal for me.  Running intimidates me, probably because most who run are super lean and fit and seem to do it effortlessly.  That's not me.  But I'm still a runner and I still have goals.  Basically the half marathon is one step on the way to my ultimate goal which is to complete an Ironman by the time I am 35. Go Momma!

Haven't had much time for blogging since Mike has been away in Washington.  To be more accurate he is living and working in Oregon.  He flew into Washington, which is literally across the Columbia river.  So saying either place is fairly safe.  He is doing well at work, enjoying most days, and we are both so very grateful for the provision God has for us in this season.  Mike has been promoted at work and now supervises a 5-6 man crew.  I'm so proud of you honey!

My days are filled to the max with caring for our 2 lovely children.  As challenging and temperamental as they can be it is mostly fun and always rewarding.  It is exhausting though, I'm not going to sugar coat it!  It's tough being a "single" parent.  Thankfully I do not carry all the burden that a single parent does.  I am still blessed to stay home with them, instead of having to work to provide.  I definitely have much respect and compassion for all the single parents out there who still manage to make their kids their top priority.

We are mostly settled into our new house.  I am totally loving the neighborhood and being 3 minutes to our church.  I am sure I will like it even more once I have a jogging stroller with which to run around the neighborhood with.  We are hoping that the finances will be there in July for us to finally move all of our belongings to Texas from Alberta. What a glorious day it will be when all of us and all of our stuff will be unpacked in the same household.  My heart aches for it!

Burnett Swim Club

Chillin'

after a hard day at swimming

self portrait - Heidi didn't really get the idea!

Letter J

I just played this silly game on facebook:


Letter J...
Like: jewellery
Dislike: junk
Someone I Like: Jesus
Something bad: jealousy
Like and you get a letter


then it sparked a random thought.  I've been working on the "I dislike junk" statement - A LOT lately, especially since moving again.


I think that everyone has "that" place.  The counter that never stays clean and clear, or my personal pet peeve - the drawer of random odds and ends, the infamous JUNK drawer!  I'm not exactly sure when the need for clean came into my life because I know I wasn't always the tidiest child/adolescent (sorry Mom & Dad.)  Probably when I became a home owner for the first time, if I had to guess.  I really can't stand to see "junk" laying around.  It actually may be a very valuable item but if it is out of place and looks like clutter, it has to go! If you have ever seen the tv show Hoarders that is one of my worst nightmares!


My husband will attest to my motto: "Everything has it's place".  


I know especially as a mom and the keeper of the home it can be hard and even over-whelming to stay on top of the constant clutter.  My solution? Another motto: One thing at a time.  This applies to everyone in our home.  Use one thing at a time. When you're done, put it away. No coloring until the cars are put up.  Finish the laundry before starting another task (unless efficiently multi-tasking, the key being efficiently otherwise it is better to stick to one thing at a time.)


I specifically like how one thing at a time applies to helping clean up the clutter!  That huge counter covered with stuff looks over-whelming and it would be so easy to just put it off. Simply start by picking up one item and finding it's home.  I find it really makes a difference to deal with the mess in pieces instead of as a whole. Before you know it you have your space back!


That brings me to the end of my random thought.  Just say no to junk, ok?  Today's inspiration was brought to you today by the letter J!

Sink or Swim

Oh. My.

Harrison loves his swim lessons! I thought he'd like them but I wasn't expecting he'd really LOVE them.  His teacher Ms. Stacey is awesome.  She is great with the kids, relates to them on their level and is patient yet firm; all qualities of an excellent teacher in my opinion!

There are 6 kids in Harrison's class, ages 3-5.  He looks like one of the tallest/oldest but he barely qualified age wise to take the lessons this year.  Everyone wears a floaty belt for the first 15 minutes of the lesson then they get the option to swim without their belts.

Well, of course Harrison chose "no belt" and jumped into the arms of his teacher from the ledge.  Then while another child was having their turn (when he was supposed to be hanging on to the edge of the pool) he decided to try again, without the teacher.  Under he went.  I panicked initially until I saw that both Ms. Stacey and the lifeguard were both springing to action.  I'm actually glad that he did it on the first day so that from now on he might be a little more careful!

Here's to 3 more weeks of great progress & fun!

Getting his belt on

patiently waiting his turn

what a cute class!

not quite getting the idea of "big" kicks

pulling himself out of the pool

chasing after the ball

just before he went under (no belt)