2008 Can you believe what God has done!!!!

Wow so here we are again on the brink, on the edge of a New Year. You can't help but look back on this year as well as wanting/longing to get a peek of what is to come.

Last year at this time I was with my Family while Joel stayed at the warehouse to work.
This time last year God gave Joel the release for him and I to leave Friend Ships in May and start a new adventure in life and it was ABOUT this time last year that Joel and I got an email from Joi wondering if we were keeping Dynamite:

"Hey Guys! Any chance that beautiful dog needs a permanent home? My brother is looking for a good dog. (A dog that is NOTHING like Buddy!!!) let me know if he is a good dog...you can email me cause I don't check blogs very often! Would love to hear from you! -joi"

Before that email we were making all the plans and arrangements to keep our pets. But after reading that email from Joi the Lord spoke to me saying He wanted us to give up our pets.
I bawled like a baby.

So from January to May Joel and I spent our last few months with Friend Ships in Los Angeles at the warehouse. Making arrangements for our pets, getting the warehouse ready for us to leave, and other odds and ends that goes with closing a huge, life changing chapter in our lives.

It was at Friend Ships I became born again and found what having a true relationship with Jesus Christ was all about. It was a Friend SHips Joel and I grew and matured in our walk with God and it was at Friend SHips that Joel and I met, fell in love, and married. Joel had been with Friend SHips for just one month shy of 8 years and I had been a few months over 5 years.

We left Friend Ships May 1st and gave up our three cats in that same day. Wow what a big first step. Joel and I stayed with my family for 2 and 1/2 months. We volunteered for a Women and Childrens Free Restaurant that provided groceries once a week and a lunch 3 days a week. We only volunteered Friday.

After that Joel, Dynamite, and I went to Virginia to visit our dear and wonderful (ex-Friend Ships crew) friends who love God just as much as we do. During that week visit is when we gave Dynamite over to Dan and Mary. They are the best couple for Dynamite and God was so gracious during this transition.

We then headed up to Canada to spend 2 and 1/2 months with Joel's family and seek God where He wanted us next. It wasn't until September with much prayer and tears and joy that we took Mom and Dad Wendles request to take their 3 churches for 3 months so they could have a time of rest and seeking God.

So that is where we are now. Over three churches (one in Idaho and two in Montana) Our time ends after the 1st weekend in Febuary and as of now we are praying and seeking God what is next for us.

I do wish God would give us a little peek for the year to come but we have options and are praying for God's perfect will for our lives. That we would present our bodies as a living sacrfice and that our words and actions would be pleasing to Him.

SO as you rethink this past 2008 we hope that it was joyful for you with some struggles but above all else you will see clearly where the hand of God has been.

May He, our Lord, richly bless you this year with His peace, joy, and love no matter what you go through. For we are all more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.

Blessing to all,
Joel and Dess

Just before the 3 Christmas eve service.
(I know we look super pale but it was the flash of the camera.
No really. No really really.)

Joel and Flowers

I totally have to brag on my husband. He is the most wonderful man I know. The biggest problem I have is that since we spend every minute of every hour of every day together I tend to take Joel for granted and forget just how wonderful he truly is.

So this week I hurt my back. I have had back pains in the past but this is and was just to painful to do anything. It was so bad that Joel had to put on my boots for me because I couldn't do it myself.

This brought us to the point that Joel had to do the craft fair all by himself and he was more than willing. Telling me if he didn't love me he wouldn't do the craft fair at all especially by himself. And you know what is even more of a heart twister no one bought anything the first day. (As I write this Joel is by himself on the second day of the craft fair)

Then yesterday Joel brings home a dozen roses for me because he loves me and wants me to get well. What a man. I love that guy.

SO this blog is all about Joel and how great he is and how much I appreciate him. Thank You God for my man whom you have blessed me with.

There are tons of other things that Joel has done that are just awww moments but it would take to long and I am sure you would get bored. SO I will keep it short and sweet.

Thank you Joel for being a wonderful man and treating me like a Queen.

Loved by Jesus and Joel,
Dess

Joel with Smokey the Bear (My brother-in-law, Forrest in the bear suit)

My Dozen Roses (I just couldn't help trying to capture their beauty in the snow)

A piece of pie can bring peace!!!!

Greetings to ya'll,

Since writing the last blog so so sooooo much has happened in events and what God is doing on the inside of Joel and I.

Captain Jake was able to come up and preach at the three churches. He was our guest speaker so we took him around to each of the three churches. Joel and I did everything but the message and it was wonderful!!!! The message was off the hook and it was nice not to have to preach on Sunday. I love being fed the word of God. Joel and Jake had a great time with "GUY/MALE" bonding. Joel and I also took Jake around our cabin to show him the sights and what this part of the country had to offer. Thanks Jake for such a wonderful time. He will be (God willing) back in January to do another round of preaching at the three churches.

Being over the churches is a stretch for Joel and I. WE have never done this kind of thing before, EVER. It really is overwhelming and mind blowing at times but with God leading and guiding us we can look back on each day and see where the Hand of God was in each situations. WHICH IS AWESOME!!!!!

One of the things that makes me chuckle, laugh, giggle and is a challenge all in the same breath is that in Clark Fork across from our church we have a baptist church. Rumor has it they don't like us, which I find fun, funny, and a challenge to kill them with kindness. I love it I love it I love it. I wave to them and say good morning in a very girlly high pitch voice. (Not to make fun of them, I feel if I were to do it in a serious voice and they were to not respond I would feel rejected. I am being very serious on the inside with wanting to greet them!!!) Some have greeted me back very suprised. Others have turned the other way.

The other day was so much fun. WE (the church) after service put up Christmas decorations. on the inside and kind of on the out side. WE put up the tree on the inside and Mary, Joseph and Jesus on the outside. A man from the church started yelling at us or "evangelizing" Saying we shouldn't worship a Catholic holiday, and we shouldn't go to bars and he was going to sit there and preach the gospel to who would ever listen. Well being we were the only one's on the street besides him my guess was he was preaching to us. Hehehe so fun, RIGHT? Me being the adventurous one and wanting to conquer with kindness I went inside grabbed a piece of pie we had had from "fellowship" time and went out to give it to him. Every one else had gone inside by this time. I really didn't know what the man was going to do. He could have thrown it back in my face or threw it on the ground and stomped on it. All of these scenarios were playing in my head as I approached him. I said "Hello sir would you like a piece of pie" He looked at me smiled and took it. Just before I turned away to walk back to the church he said "Thank you and God Bless you" I was so pumped you wouldn't even believe it. A few minutes later both Joel and I got in our car to leave and the man and I waved at each other and said Good bye to one another. I was loving it. Thank you GOD!!!!

Other things have happened with the three churches. Joel and I both felt really really really strongly to start a prayer meeting at each church. We find it so important to cover the church, the people, our loved ones, community, and anything else on our hearts in prayer. There have been a few who have came out. One woman had never been to a prayer meeting and asked what happened at a prayer meeting so we explained it to her. It really is great to pray as one body with the saints!!!

We had a death in the church. A lady lost her life to Cancer. That was really hard. I cried and cried. I don't really want to go into details or talk about it but God is good and has been speaking peace over me as Joel and I mourn. Please pray for her husband as he grieves over her death.

Bible studies have been good. We have homework every once in a while. Last homework we had was "Do good people go to heaven" "Did Jesus sin" "Is questioning/doubting God sin" You know even when Joel and I have answers to the questions we like to have homework so everyone can go and study the bible on our own and seek out God. I love it.

One last thing to praise God for. I was really wanting some girl friends that I could talk to that I knew and they knew me. I prayed to God asking for this and within 30 minutes if not less Kippin my best friend called. We talked and I felt better and over a course of a few weeks I have had at least 5 girls from around the country who I know through Friend Ships email or call me saying that God had put me on their hearts or that they had been really wanting to talk to me. Thank you God for providing what I need when I need it. Thank you for answering prayer!! You are a good and awesome God!!!

Well that is it. The following pics are from being in Idaho and from our "American" Thanksgiving we had at my parents place. I love family. It is so good to be with loved ones.

WE love ya'll very much and miss all of you that are far away from us. May God richly bless your day. And know that Jesus came to give us life and to give us life in Abundance!!! Amen

God's love through Jesus,
Dess

Joel and I

My Sister Tammie, Mom, and I

My Nephew Dean and I

A Video that will touch your life!!! It did mine!!!

I just got a video from YOu TUbe that made me bawl. It is really deep and touched my life. Watch it because it will touch your life too!!!


I love ya'll,
Dess

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

Update Smup-date

Hello Hello,
Things here have been going really well. Just to update ya'll. Our two bible studies that had homework went better than I ever thought they could or would. The first one we had was the one that was studying "Can we use our culture (Such as rap music or dance) to spread the gospel?"

SO I started out really studying. I found all these neat things to talk about in bible study BUT then I went to the Lord and He showed me a whole other thing. God showed me that I was very hurt by what had been said about me in bible study. That I needed to apologize and be honest with him. God also showed me that I was just looking up things to prove the guy wrong who had hurt me. The only scripture the Lord gave me was in 1 Samuel 16:7 "The Lord does not look at the things that man looks at. Man Looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Wow that was an EYE OPENER BABY!!! So when I went to bible study I said just what the Lord and told me to. Things really turned around. Even to the point of the guy mumbling fast and quietly after much discussion "Well I don't believe rap is completely bad" Joel, I, and the other lady just starred at him mouth open and everything. Since then the bible study has been soooooo much fun. God's ways are for sure better than ours.

Then came the next bible study. Our homework "Is suicide okay if you are terminally ill and have been sick and in pain for a long long long time" Hm DO you know what?: when I went to study I thought the bible would be more black and white than what it was. It doesn't say about suicide. It is all interpretation and what not. I was blown away. SO all of us came to the table blown away. Most of us that believed that suicide was bad, no matter what, came back with scratching our head and saying it is personal between you and God. The lady that believes suicide is okay didn't come back with any new thing but it is still good to go back and check the scriptures.

One of the things I was most most most excited about was a different lady said I have never studied the bible so much in my life trying to find answers. I squealed with delight. That is the whole point of the "Homework" that we search and seek God that much more. That we ask the Holy Spirit what He thinks and what HIS ways are. Oh it was such a joy to hear that.

So I still came away with believing suicide isn't the answer. I read the book "Same Kind of Different me" And it totally has me believing that even if you are on your death bed and can't move and what ever else God can still use you for His glory. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord Praise the Lord and Praise the Lord. But that is just me, you will have to find the answer for yourself. But the scripture I came away with from this whole suicide thing is in Jeremiah 10:23 "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."

Other than that things are going really well. Joel is working hard on chores Dad wanted done outside, like burn piles. Today Joel did a few and at the end of the day we roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, and snickers on the fire. It was fun.

We have also been picking apples in my parents two apple trees. HENCE the picture at the top of the page. I took that pic. Joel liked it the best and I am quite excited about how well it turned out.

Also my parents live on a game preserve. So we feed the deer, pet the deer, and even kiss the deer. Here is a pic of Joel feeding a buck. It is really fun here.

So that is it from us. We are taking each day as they come and making the most of it as we seek our Lord and Savior. I also wanted to update you on how the two bible studies went.

We love ya'll and pray God's blessings over you, over your friends, and over your family,
The Butlers

"JONAH" . . . . and other things of God!!!

I don't know which stories to start off with first or end on. So many things are happening with so little time to really think about it all.

Lets start off with the 3 Churches and Joel and I. As of Sunday we are offically the Lay-ministers. I don't have a dictionary definition for Lay for those that don't know but to my knowledge (and you can CORRECT me DAD BUTLER) but Lay-people are those that are not ordained or have not gone to school to be a pastor/minister. It is those that are in the church and step up to be a minister when there is not an "offical" one around. My parents for example are lay-ministers as well but have over the years become ordianed by the bishop.

Any way we have started the journay for these next three months of ministering to the three chruches. Can I tell you I already started to freak out. There is just a ton of stuff to lean on God for, to pray about, and to think about. I already feel over my head with one older gentlemen at one of the bible studies. (He just comes to our bible study because his church doesn't have one) Get this: He doesn't believe in dancing, whether to the Lord or other wise (uh-oh), He thinks Rap music is from the Devil (my own words) but he doesn't think we can use the culture of Rap or that kind to reach young people because it is not biblical.

You can imagine how the first bible study went with my parents. There was head butting and what not. I made a new rule in the bible studies, one I learned from our womens bible studies on the ship. If two people can't agree about a subject that is the homework for the week.

You know it really isn't bad that he doesn't believe in those things at all it is when he tells me I am "LESS of a Christ follower" or that "I don't really love Christ" because I do those things or believe those things. That is when it hurts and that is when I struggle. SO pray for me. I need God's wisdom but most of all GOd's love in my heart and forgiveness to love on this Man.

The second bible study wasn't sooooooooo bad (we have three, One for each church) I would like your input. I have until Next Wednesday to study. So a week from this wednesday. We couldn't agree, therefore it is our homework. It is Suicide; is it biblical. But We are going deeper than that. When you are terminally ill and are in so much pain is suicide okay. I said no, the older ladies said yes. I have a disadvantage being that I am young and have a limited prespective for I have not lived a full life and never been ill to the point of wanting to die. So any biblical points of view would be appreciated. I read the book "Same kind of Different as me" And it made me feel even more that suicide is wrong. Read it. It is a great book/tesimony.

Any way I feel over my head but at the same time called to what we are doing and know that it is almost good to feel over my head because I will lean on My Lord and Savior that much more. And I have and gotten some answers that even blew me away from Jesus.

Okay on to a more fun subject. JONAH!!!! Hehehe

Last week my dad came in with a Fish he just caught from the Lake. It was a beautiful fish. My little child came out when Dad brought it in. When I was growing up we would go fishing all the time. My dad being the biologist taught me how fun and fasinating the insides of a fish really are. Did you know that even when a fish is dead that the heart beats for a while after. And that you can see what the fish had for his last supper by cutting open his stomach AND you can see if the fish is a girl by knowing what her eggs look like on the inside. SO much fun I tell you.

When Dad brought up the fish I started being like a little kid again with my biologist dad. I first asked him to cut open the fih so I could see if the heart was still beating. It wasn't. I was a bit disappointed I wanted Joel to see. My next obeservation was that the fish had eggs. They are this pale yellow color. But my next question, which was the funniest of all was what did this fish have for it's last meal. My dad looked at the stomach from the outside and said "it looks like a menow" I was excited and watched my dad cut the stomach open. You wouldn't believe what happened next. Out popped a craw fish or a crawdad or a mudbug (as the Louisianians would know it) and it was ALIVE!!! He looked around stunned and shocked. I mean who wouldn't. I can only guess how Jonah felt when he was spit out of the whale. So we called him Jonah. I was so excited that I asked Joel to come with me so we could set this pour guy free in the lake. I was really suprised with the deadly bacteria in the fishes stomach that Jonah had survived this long. But dad explained it was his exoskeleton that probably kept him alive. Or for all of you: that is his hard shell on the outside with his soft body on the inside. We as humans have it opposite. Our skeleton is on the inside and our soft body are on the outside.

Anyway the following pic is Jonah. Isn't God great for such suprises as this.

We love ya'll. Please pray for us as we continue to walk out this life and our salvation with Fear and trembling.

LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Dess

God and his beautiful work!!!

God is doing Crazy things ya'll!!!

It has been crazy since Joel and I have been back. We have been preparing to take on my parents three churches for the next 3 or 4 months. AND on November 1st Joel and I have our first Christmas Craft Fair where we will be selling the jewelry that we have been making. We have about 150 necklaces. I am super pumped. Also in December 12 and 13 we signed up for another Christmas Craft Fair.

But God topped it all off with two events that still have us in awe. So my parents decided to have a week at the condos in Montana. They have been asking if Joel and I would go. Mom and Dad wanted to spend time with us and to go over things needed for the churches as well as things around the house while they are gone off and on. Joel and I were going to stay a week but my oldest nephew had his last TACKLE FOOTBALL game that I really really really wanted to see. Joel and I stayed Sunday evening until Wednesday morning. On Wednesday morning we headed to my sisters house which was 4 hours away from the Condos.

On our trip to meet my sister Joel and I had been discussing where the best place to get gas was. We had talked about Sandpoint Idaho. But when we hit Libby Montana we saw great prices and to top it off Joel really had to go to the bathroom. Which was pretty odd because I am usually the one needing a pit stop. When we stopped Joel jumped out and headed to the washroom while I got gas.

But the machine didn't want to take my pin number for my debit card. It kept telling me to re-enter my pin. I tried 3 times on the 4th time I was going to tell the machine that my card was a credit card that way I didn't have to put in any pin number. But just as I was about to put my card through Joel showed up I explained what was happen. I then wanted to see if his visa card got the same response. I left him with the problem and decided to go to the bathroom myself. When I came out he was just about done and told me he had to tell the Machine to read his Debit as a Credit card.

After all of that Joel and I were on our way again. I started dazing off about who knows what and all of a sudden Joel said Jokingly at a stop light "There's Janelle" For all of you that don't know Janelle she worked on the ships at Friend Ships with us. We loved her to death and hadn't heard from her or about her in years. Last we heard she went back to her home state Montana to help a friend on their farm. But we didn't know where the farm was and didn't know if she was still helping her friend.

I looked at the woman Joel had pointed out. She had her back to us. "Joel that is Janelle's hair, Joel that is Janelle's walk.'' "Dess when the light turns green, take a good look at her. If you think it is Janelle I will pull over" I think there was more to the conversation like Janelle is from Montana but where or yeah right like that is Janelle but you get the jist of it.

When Joel drove by her Joel was the one that spoke up "That is Janelle" Joel pulls over I jump out and yell Janelle!!! She looks at me for a second to study who on earth I was and then starts screaming. We ran to each other and gave each other a big bear hug. It was so awesome. We just couldn't believe that we were running into one another.

Janelle convinced us to at least come to her cute little apartment that was just 2 blocks away. On the way to her apartment she kept saying what was on all of our minds "What is God doing?" She asked the most funny question that I love and still giggle at just thinking about First: "What is God doing" Then "What were you just talking about before you picked me up?" I giggle just writing that. It was the cutest question ever.

So Joel and I stayed at her place longer than we should have. It was just too good and we didn't want to leave. But we had to get to my sisters to go to my nephews game. It was sad saying goodbye. For all of three of us (Joel, Janelle, and I) it was so refreshing catching up and talking about the Lord. He is so awesome for putting us back together like that.

The next day Joel and I got an email from Janelle saying that she stayed extra long at Mass that day to pray and she had decided to take a different route walking home then normal. She would usual goes a more residental way but she was right on main street of Libby.

Isn't God awesome. I could just see him working it out step by step so that we could run into each other. What an awesome God we serve.

Second coolest thing happened: Usually when Joel and I come to the Northwest we try and make a trip out to Captian Jakes place to spend time with him. This time I wrote and said HE should come see us. He responded and said he would. During our correspondance I got this idea (or so I thought it was MY idea) that Captain Jake should come be the guest speaker at the three churches for a Sunday. Joel suggested I ask my dad, so we did, and got the approval. (Just a side note. Joel and I wouldn't ask just any one to talk at my dad's three churches but we have heard Captain Jake preach on the ship. We loved his preaching. It is insightful, funny, and easy NOT to fall asleep to. Plus He loves God with all his heart. Who wouldn't want him to preach at their church)

I then wrote Capt. Jake and asked and told him to pray. He, in response, wrote: "Does it count if my praying about this offer came before I was given the offer? Yeah, the thought flashed through my mind when I first read your note on my blog, and then I got all excited and told God that if it was His idea, He could have you mention it without me mentioning it. So you do, and I didn't which I'll take to mean that it is - His idea that is. Oh, if only I could just preach for the rest of my life . . . "

God again puts me in awes of Him. Working things out so intricately. I love the way He works.

Well that is my two coolest stories. God is working Ya'll and I am just glad to be apart of it.

The following pic is with Janelle, Joel, and I.

May God Rock your world.

Love,

The Butlers

Life as we know it!!!

It has been so much fun these past few whatevers. Whether it is months or weeks or even days. Joel and I have had a blast. So as of October 13 we left Kingston, On to head to Hope Idaho. We decided to check out Uship.com. It is a website that has a lot of people trying to ship things around Canada and U.S to name a few countries. Then you bid on items you would like to help ship. We bid on a small beagle to ship from Indiana to Idaho. Joel and I got the bid and she turned out to be the best thing in the whole wide world. Sunny was her name and she was the sweetest cutest beagle I have ever seen or met. She sat on the passengers lap the whole time. With her came a kennel and a back pack. At night in the Hotel she would go right into her kennel with no problems. We could not have asked for a better Uship experience. It was a little sad to say good-bye but it was a huge blessing all at the same time.

Joel and I have a few things on our plate. If you think about it please pray for us as we make transition and decide on other things.

For One thing we are preparing to take on three churches (sub-pastoring as I like to call it) so my parents can have a break. It is a bit nerve racking and I have to keep focusing back on Submitting to Joel and letting God do what he does best; Lead and Love!!!

Second thing is that there are a lot of craft fairs going on and I am hopefully going to send in my application on Monday so that I can be selling for 2 to 3 days. There was one craft fair that I could not attend because our church is having their Christmas Bizzare on that day but my mom found out from a lady that a week later another town is having their craft fair. I am so pumped!!! I have been making a lot of necklaces since getting to my parents place. Joel has jumped in with me and is helping make kids jewelry and other items I feel are needed for this event. Isn't he just the most wonderful guy in the world. I love that man!!!

Third the praying, thinking, and planning for the next step after my parents place. Right now are thought and heart is to go to California and start a food minstry. There are so many detials and things to pray about. I am too excited and trying not to think about it too much because my energy and focus needs to be on the churches. But I am so excited. We are praying that we will clearly see the path that God has for us as we spend precious time with Him!!!

Well that is it for now. Below is a pic of Sunny and I. She is so cute. I wish ya'll could have met her (that is if you like dogs of course!!!)

Love to ya'll,
Joel and Dess

THE SHACK!!

READ "THE SHACK". IT IS SOOOO GOOD.

I HAVE COME AWAY WITH A LOT. I NEEDED IT.

NOW I FEEL ALL GOOGY ABOUT GOD, JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

PRAISE BE TO THE ONE WHO LOVES US MORE THAN ANY ONE OR THING.

READ IT IF YOU CAN!!!!

IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE, I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.
MUST READ!! :) HEHEHEHE

I LOVE YA'LL
READ READ READ

HEHEHEHEH LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH

GOD LOVES YOU AND ME!!!

The Next Step (God Willingly)

Hello Hello,

I have been learning a lot in this new time of Joel's and my Life. I am learning about "Submission" And what it truly means. It is pretty exciting. Before Joel and I left Friend Ships the Lord had been very clear that the next step after Friend Ships was up to Joel . . . COMPLETELY!!! That I needed to stay out of it.

I am learning that by doing that it is a lesson in submission. Laying down my own will and allowing my husband to be the soul leader. Wow. I thought submitting to God was hard. But trusting in someone so much that has faults and could screw up (Not that Joel has) and allowing them to make decisions for your life has been an eye opener baby!!! It has shown me how strong willed I am and how much I want things MY WAY!!! I am starting to actually appreciate the lesson, now that I know what this whole thing is about "what it truly means to submit" NOT OBEY, submit. Children obey - wives submit. Any way I know there are Taboo subjects on this especially in America, Canada, or any "Free" country because woman want equal rights. And I am not dissin' that I am just saying that I have gotten into a lot of trouble trying to have it my way in the relationship and that I need to realize that Joel is the head of the house hold and I am his armor bearer. Just as Jonathans armor bearer said was the two of them were about to attack 25 or more guys on the enemy side

"Do all that you have in mind. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."

Man what a powerful statement not just for that armor bearer but what if all the Godly wives of the world were to say that to their husbands.
I am getting excited that God put me on this lesson. I am learning a lot. So I am starting to see more why God told me that it was Joel's decision next that I needed to stay out of it. Joel and I are both learning. Joel is learning to be the leader of the house and I am learning to submit. It is great.

Now there are other cases out there where it is unbiblical to submit like if your husband said go and murder my enemy. "Just say no"
But if you truly get what I am saying then Cheer with me while I tell you what Joel has decided.
THis is getting exciting you better get the popcorn for this!!!

Joel has decided that if my parents bosses approve we will be taking over my Dad's three churches for three months so they can have a break. And then after that it sounds like we are going to Stockton. I am pretty pumped. I am pumped to submit that is. This is a hard task and I kind of dragged my feet and I am a littler nervous. But after God being kind and showing me some things and learning even more about submission I am excited to follow my husband.

Pretty cool eh!!! So Joel says that after Canadaian Thanksgiving (Oct 13) We will be heading back to the great northwest (God willingly if it gets all approved)

Sincerely,
Joel's Armor bearer

Bare with me here!!!

Hey Guys,
I know I have been writing a lot lately on the blog. It is a mix of nothing to do and having a lot of things happening (if that is possible)

As you know Joel and I are looking hard to finding the next step. It would be nice if someone just dropped something into our lap that fits us perfect. Well something has fallen into our lap, BUT it is NOT for us. I wanted to put it out there on the blog just in case any of you were looking for this type of thing and wanted to go for it. YA NEVER KNOW!!!

So here is what I wrote on my myspace site enjoy:
I recently saw Eduardo Verastegui interviewed by a christian program. At one point Eduardo was making it well in Hollywood. Had everything ever wanted, fame, chicks,money. Then through things happening He got saved.

Now he is making movies that have Christian value and is changing the lives of people that see his movies. His recent move was named Bella. I haven't seen it but I want to. It is about abortion for the most part but has a great story line.

I just got an email from his organization that wants to have a Christian Internship for people wanting to go into the media business.

Here is the website. Check it out if this is the direction in your life you are heading.

http://www.bellamoviesite.com/pmi/new/home.html

Sincerely,
Dess

ps or you can just check out the Bella movie at www.bellamoviesite.com

Things are Happening in Canada!!!

It has been a pretty exciting couple of weeks. We had a blast with the whole (I mean WHOLE) Butler family. We were all nearly under one roof. Then Ben, Kim, and the boys went to Korea and there was half as much under one roof. Joel and I have been spending time with the fam. Hanging out with Sarah and Paul, Making trouble with Tara, and trying to help Mom and Dad around the house.

Joel and I also went to Toronto which was 2 and 1/2 hours away to spend time with Uncle Bill and Aunt Michelle. After we got back Joel and I took mom and dad out for Dad's birthday dinner. We did the progressive dinner fun night and had a blast.

SO here are some pics to catch ya'll up on what has been happening.

This is the only shot we have of the Ben, Kim, Nathan, and Elliot Family.

Paul, Sarah and Tara

Niagara Falls

At the IMAX with Bill and Michelle


The barrel of the First lady that ever went over the Falls. (And SHE LIVED!!!)


At the Zoo







The Air show (It was awesome)


Dad's progressive Dinner


Tim Horton's having the first course (soup)


We were way to hungry at for the main course to shot photos so all we got was this pic.


Dessert at Denny's. It was to die for. (as Mom would say)


Dad Enjoying himself.

Well that is it in a nut shell. We love ya'll very much.
God Bless,
Joel and Dess

Ted Bundy and Secret Sin!

Every since Joel told me that Ted Bundy got saved before they executed him I have been very interested in reading his story and what happened.

I was extremely blessed to have my first and only search be of Dr. James Dobson interview with Ted Bundy. For all of you that don't know anything about Dr. Dobson he is a Christian that is on a radio station called Focus on the Family.

The biggest thing I came away with from the reading the interview was that Ted Bundy had an addiction with Porn that started at the age of 11 or 12. He kept it a secret his whole life and by keeping it a secret the urges just spiraled more and more. Ted went from soft porn to hard porn to having the urges be so great that fantasies could not feed his hunger any more so it went to real life.

This was a huge eye opener for me in that I realize when I don't confess my sin to a person I trust and love and that loves and trusts me back that my sin or craving for a certain sin gets more and more. But when we confess our sin God is faithful to forgive us and when we confess it to the body of Christ whether it be a lot of people or to one person, we trust, we are some how set free. It made me stop and think that I need to be more open with the things I am struggling with and not keep it a secert any more. That is why I wrote about my weight problem because for all these years I kept it inside and it just got worse and worse.

Man God's ways are not our ways but they sure are better. It talks in the bible about confessing our sin. What an amazing God we serve.

So that is all I wanted to share. The following website is the interview between Dr. James Dobson and Ted Bundy. I would highly and strongly recommend reading it. You may walk away with something even better than I did.
http://www.pureintimacy.org/gr/intimacy/understanding/a0000082.cfm

Love you guys,
Dess

Weight Problem

Okay so here it is.

I Dess Annette Butler have a problem in my head and heart with my weight. I usually get the "Oh no not you Dess" Or "Dessy you look fine" Yeah yeah blah blah is all I hear. NO I am getting this out there. I feel the devil really has a foothold on me because I keep my disease in the closet. No I am really sick of this since I was 12 I have been OBSESSED about my weight. But no more. The Lord has promised to release me and I feel the only way I can do that at this point is to announce it to the world.

I HAVE A VERY UNHEALTHY WEIGHT PROBLEM.

So this is where it started when I was in 2 grade through 6 grade I had a best friend who was tiny I mean tiny tiny tiny. And me being competitive I thought I needed to be her size. For goodness sakes I was 8 to 12. And looking back in all honest it was like a Lab Dog comparing herself to a greyhound. No matter how much weight the Lab loses it will never be able to fit into the outfit of a greyhound (not bus the dog).

I remember being in 6th grade in the bath tub looking at myself and crying and telling myself over and over again I am Fat, I am so Fat. I hate myself I am so fat. (I just saw a pick of me from when I was 12 I was no were near the weight I thought I was)

Then I got to the summer before my Senior year of high school, for you Canadians that is Grade 12. So the summer before Senior year I got my wisdom teeth out. I couldn't eat very well. When I did get well enough to eat I only had one bagel a day and Power aid. When I went in to get my physical the doctor said "Oh you are a little heavy for your height you could afford to lose some pounds." I thought in my head "I am barely eating anything now, what does he want me to do eat nothing."

Volleyball came and I had to choose between volleyball or not eating. I loved volleyball more so I choose to eat. Then first year of college I puked twice on purpose to try bulimia but I told a friend because I was scared and didn't do that again.

Every day it follows me. I mean come on, you have to eat to live. It is not like I can just walk away and never look at another piece of food again.

I do really hate my body. My whole life I have always wanted to be 145 lbs and a size small. I guess you could say I wish I were something instead of what God made me.

So what now. Well I have given it to God. "YOU DID WHAT" That is right for so long I fought it thinking if I give it to God He will make me fat. Yikes that scared me. Lame thought but true.

Finally I have given it over to God. I know He is going to deliver me or He is actually delivering me layer by layer piece by piece.

This is what God has shown me so far that has really helped me:

1) We went to a dog beach one day and I saw all these different kinds of dogs. Tall, small, wide, slim, different shapes, sizes and color. And God really brought to my attention that if a Great Dane wanted to be the same weight as a Chiwawah (Spelling?) it would be impossible. That God made us all different. He made some people short and some tall, He made some people wide and some people lanky, God made some to be size 27 and others to be size zero. That we need to appreciate the body type that we are.

2) Did you know that when God made our body he made us naked. That was a gross thought to me at First but it is true. One day I was standing before God naked. I mean super naked and he was showing me that he curved my butt (All these years I hated my butt because it was so big) But he made it the size he wanted to. He showed me all the curves he put on me and all the time he put into me. Then he said "Your body is beautiful just the way I made you" Wow. If we could just get a hold of that. Instead of wanting to be super models if we could love our bodies the way God made us how free would we truly be.

3) The way I judge myself I judge strangers. I would look at peoples legs and arms and other parts and if it wasn't up to the standers of Vogue I didn't like the way their body looked either. But now that God is showing me that he made every ones body different I look at others different. I see them now and go "Wow God made their legs like that and He thinks it is beautiful"

4) The enemy has glasses he wants you to look through. There was this one day I was struggling with looking at my body in the mirror. I mean just hating what I saw (This was a month or 2 ago. So I said Lord you show me what you see you show me the way you see my body and how you see it. Man it was as if Glasses came off my eyes. I saw my legs for the first time the way God did. It was amazing. Not that I was like Hey BABY. Instead I was at peace with what God created.

SO this is where I am at now. I still am struggling wanting to be free. That is why I told you. The more sin is a secret the harder it is to be free from it.

That is my story. That is my struggle. God is working on me. Praise God!!!!

I love you all. SO hopefully this story will free you. Maybe there are skeletons in your closet the devil has a foot hold on. Let it out and Let God do what He does best.

"He set the captives FREE!!!"

I LOVE YA'LL,
Dess

Presenting my Dog as a living sacrfice.

What an emotional ride I am on. When I truly stop and think about what is going on inside me I just want to cry all day until all the pain has been washed away.

So Joel and I headed to our second journey of our vacation. When God released us from Friend Ships we felt a peace about taking 5 months off to rest and see family. We completed our time with my family which was sad and heart breaking to say the least. We had the best time with them. It was a direct blessing from God. There were few and far betweens moments where it wasn't absolutely fabulous.

But then came the transition. The point I wish we could have skipped all together. Well at least the part of giving up our dog or as I like to call him our first child. The Lord had put on our hearts 5 months ago that He wanted us to give up all of our pets. And God even had a couple in mind to give Dynamite to. So Joel and I drove from Idaho to Blacksburg Virginia to see friends that we had met at Friend Ships and to give our precious loved dog away to a young couple.

My heart broke. The idea of not having Dynamite was hard beyond description (unless you had been there). After 14 months of being with him, 24 hours a day 7 days a week except for a week and a half of him being away from us, we had to give Dynamite away.

I can't even tell you how bad my insides hurt. How much I had loved and cared for this living being. How much time and energy we had put into Dynamite and then completely giving him up. When we got to Virginia we had a few days with him all to ourselves. And each morning (around 4 or 6) The Lord would wake me up or my broken heart would wake me up. I was crushed. So all I could do was go to my heavenly Daddy and lay in his lap or hide under Him and just abide in the one that loves me more than anyone. It was during this pain and during spending time with my Daddy that I found a place I had never known before. A place where I could be fully in my fathers arms and feel no pain even in the midst of my deepest heart ache. It was incredible. I had been there before a few times but it wasn't to the point of my God taking away every once of my pain and sorrow. My Lord gave me such peace and such reassurance that this is where dynamite should be. That this was his home and that the couple (dan and mary) were perfect for him. That during those morning hours I spent with my Daddy and that it didn't hurt one bit.

I still cried and I still hurt with everything in me after wards but it was mixed with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding and all emotions. It was unbeleiveably hard and unbelieveably joyful all at the same time.

So the day came when Joel and I had to go to Dan and Mary's house and give dynamite over. I cried all morning. But my prayer was that I would not cry at Dan and Mary's house so that they would feel joyful and comfortable about taking dynamite. And my God my Daddy granted my prayer request.

Dan and Mary are so awesome. And I feel so blessed that they are so great and wonderful for Dynamite. One of the things that made me happy is that when Dynamite stands beside Dan they make each other look normal. Explanation: Anyone that knows Dynamite knows how tall he is. Everyone calls him a horse because of his height. Dan is so tall as well and that when they stand by each other they don't look above average in height. I knew, when driving away, that God had blessed us in having Dynamite for a time and during that time we were to prepare him for dan and mary (which we didn't know) And that God had created dymamite for Dan and Mary. Oh yes Joel and I learned a lot from Dynamite, but in the end he was for Dan and Mary.

So You may be asking why would God have me give away our Dog. Why would God take pleasure in what I went through. If he really is a loving God he would have never of asked us to give up dynamite. So many questions so many feelings so many hard times.

A lot of scriptures have run through my head during this time. One being from Job: "The Lord gives and the Lord Takes away, Blessed be the name of the Lord." I know there are seasons where the Lord gives gives gives or I also know that God gave us dynamite. I had be praying for a dog for a year before God provide the right time and the right Dog for us. I prayed for our dog to have floppy ears (Dynamite did) I prayed (this is weird but true) I prayed for God to give us a dog that was so beautiful that every time we went out or saw people they would comment on how beautiful he was (and it happened almost every time we were out) God is so good. I prayed for other things and God gave almost everything I wanted to us in Dynamite.

But I also know that God sees Joel's and my future. I also know that God is good and that He is trust worthy. I know that Joel and I have given over every part of our lives, that we are God's property, and that He will tell us where to go and what to do as He sees fit.

So from knowing these things and having peace about giving up dynamite though we can't see what is next (only God) I know that there is a huge reason for God not allowing us to take dynamite into our next step, whether it be that we won't have enough finances for us and him or that the next place God takes us won't allow dogs and or that Dynamite would have been miserable in the next place we go to. I know when I find out why God asked us to give him up I will be thanking him for it.

My God is so good that He provided a great home for Dynamite. My God is so great that He gave us the strength, guidance, peace, and joy to give dynamite away. Which if it would have been all up to me and on my strength I couldn't have done it. 2 months before giving dynamite away I kept asking God "How am I going to be able to give up Dynamite, How am I going to be able to give him up and walk away from something I have wanted for so long and love with all my heart now"

Man I love my God. He has been so good to me. So as Job said I will say too BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!!!"

Fun on Vacation in the Great Northwest. Thank you God!!!

Hey Everyone,

It has been forever. But before I get started wanted to holla to all my canadian family and Friends "Happy Canada Day!!!!" Yipee. JOel, I and my fam celebrated it by going to an amusement park. Well they didn't know that is why we went but it was.

So JOel and I are having a blast here in the Great Northwest. GOd has been so good to us. I can't even believe how wonderful it has been. We have been playing kickball, basketball, soccer, football, hide and seek, and more with my nephews.

Joel and I have been helping mom and dad around the cabin. We had a big project of putting up glass railing around my parents house. We just have to put in the glass now.

My sister, her husband, joel and I and a few of their friends have had some crazy spades games. Where it was three against three.

So to share our experience here are some pics. Enjoy. We love you.
And BUTLERS we will be seeing you soon!!! YIPPPPEEEEEE
Joel and I (Of Course)


Forrest, Tammie (my sister), and their two boys
(Dean and Christopher)


Okay those two on the Right look nice but watch out
they are mean spades players (I guarantee)


Our Neices and Nephews. Ashley, Kialee, Alyssa, Allen, and Jami

My Sister getting married. Dad really was happy. Can't you tell by

his face!!!

SO that is just a few bloopers of what has been happening in Joels and my world.
God is richly blessing us with Family time and fun.
To God be the Glory,
Joel and Dess

Attitude and a Free Restuarant

So what do you do when you feel God called to you to help an organization and later you realize it is not an OUT LOUD christian organization.

Yep that is the question I have been asking God since Joel and I started Volunteering for a Women's and Childrens free Restuarant. So this is the story:

THe last time Joel and I were in the great northwest together we had lunch with my aunt and uncle who raved about this "christian" group who feed a meal and give groceries to woman in need. So when JOel and I got off the mission field I felt kind of empty not doing anything for God. Yeah I know that God gave us this gift of resting but when I felt a stir in my spirit to do something for Jesus I, two weeks later, thought about the "Free Restuarant" my aunt and uncle told us about.

I was pumped and ready to volunteer for Jesus again. I felt this huge leading by the Holy Spirit to go in that direction. We contacted my aunt and it was a go. When Joel and I got to the church I was pretty pumped. I had never been on the end where we were actually giving to those that needed the food. WEll not in Los Angeles at least. We were always the one giving it to the people who would them give it to the needy, poor, hungry, and lost. So I was pumped to be able to pray and tell about Jesus while giving groceries to these women.

When we got there I said something about Jesus to my Aunt that is when she threw in the bomb. "WE don't pray for anyone unless they ask" I was sooooooooooooooo disappointed. THinking what kind of Christian are these? THen I asked the lady who was in charge of hiring volunteers about God in the mix and she said "This is not a faith base ministry but an organization with good people doing a good thing" She is a great christian who I talk with about God at times but if it had not been for the Holy Spirit promting me to go on by saying"This is where I want you" I probably would have done my first day of volunteering and then said thank you but we are done.

ON the car ride home from the first day I was nothing less than majorly disappointed with much signing and hming and haawing. Joel doesn't like me that disappointed and felt I was being too much of a drama queen or too judgemental. Later he explained to me that since they get grants from the government then it is probably rules from the government that they can't do any thing religious. Made more sense but I started arguing with God on the way Home (I had a little over an hour to have this discussion.) This is kind of the way it went.

"BUT God you know how I feel about doing a "GOOD DEED" Good deeds don't last but it is your love and doing things in your Name that last forever."

God "Dess I want to show you that even a good deed is a good thing."

Me "But God I want to pray for people and love on them and tell them about You and how great You are"

God "If you give a cup of cold water in my name ...."

Me" BUT . . . . (can't remember)"

God "This is where I want you every week for the rest of your time here"

Guess who lost the argument.

Later that day I had an old hymn back in my head that had been playing in there for a week or more "Freely freely you have received freely freely give. Go in my name and because you believe, others will know that I live"
That is when the Lord spoke to me again "I put that in your head to prepare you for the work I want you to do at the Woman's and Childrens give out."

I later looked up the scripture about the cup of cold water thinking it was in Matthew 25 where Jesus talks about the goats and sheeps I later found the real scripture the Lord had given me, "If you give a cup of cold water to the least of these little ones as my disciple you will surely not lose your reward."

Wow I thought I am your disciple and the reason I am doing this is because I want to let the world know about You.

Then I saw a frame I had made for my sister and brother in law. We had put scriptures all over it and one of the verses popped out at me. It says "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" Isaiah 12:3

WOw Lord, I thought, if I have your joy over flow from me to the women I interact with at the organzation then you could bring forth waters of salvation for these women. Oh Lord show me how to tell about you with out using words that could get me in trouble. Or show me how I can tell them about you or give me oppertunities.

Later Joel and I spoke. He kind of rebuked me for being disappointed and I just shared what I was struggling with by not being able to ask if people wanted prayer. While we were in Los Angeles I saw major miracles from simple prayers. I saw a marriage be saved from praying 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week, I heard people tell Joel and I about healings and attributed it to the prayers we were praying, I heard about break throughs for salvation by praying with the people who were on the front lines once a week. I felt the power of God with each person I prayed for. SO it was hard knowing that some of the women we meet could have major life changing break throughs with just one question and one answer "Can I praying for you and yes"

But the Lord knows my heart and still has a purpose for me even though I am not allowed to ask if people want prayer. ON our second visit Joel and I were able to talk to the workers about Jesus and the mission work we did and how good he has been to us.

SO what ever the Lord has, I am game. All you and I have to say is "Here we are Lord, here we are!!!"

Still Learning GOd's lessons in Life,
Dess

Pets and Gas Money

Joel and I left Friend Ships over a week ago and it is pretty crazy.

A lot of old Friend Ships crew gave me advice and said if I needed to cry about leaving Friend Ships that they would be there for me. I actually haven't been very sad about leaving Friend Ships. It is crazy how God works. I am way more emotional, sad, upset, etc about giving up our pets. Yes yes I have been bawling like a baby every other day about giving up our three cats and dog. I thought I would be over the cats by now.

So a few months before we left Friend Ships the Lord really put on my heart that we had to give up our pets. (I cried right then and there) So Joel and I went throught the process of trying to find really really really good homes. Man it was hard but at the last minute of the last day it all worked out. One went to Grady and Ivy's home town to a really good friend of theirs. And Sheba and Patch went to one of my closest friend in Los Angeles. Her husband offered to take them to find good homes but when they got them they said "we might just have to keep them" WHo knows what will happen . . . It is now fully in God's hands not mine.

And my friends husband is allergic. Wow what a blessing it was for him to take them. But when I call my friend she told me he is the one that goes looking for the cats and pets them. And Sheba warmed up to him first. Thank you my God. But I still cry.

I have learned that animal movies are very bad for me. I knew this after the first time seeing an animal movie and bawling like a baby so when my nephew wanted to want alvin and the chipmunks (yeah i know they are a fur-ball cartoon-give me a break) I said no. But I went to get dynamite outside and passed by the TV in the middle of the movie (big mistake Big HUGE) I probably saw less than 5 seconds and it was the part when Theodore wanted to sleep with dave and he indeed up sleeping on dave's shoulder . . . I started weeping. I mean mega weeping.

So following GOd isn't always easy and it isn't always fun.

But He does bless and my favorite scripture right now is "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD"

But God has been so faithful. I didn't tell any one this except Joel, Kristin, and Rebekah Larson but before we left Friend SHips I was freaking out about getting home. We didn't have enough money for Gas to make it from Los Angeles to Washington state. Shoot I wasn't even worried about eating I thought "I can fast" The problem was gas money. SO I emailed Rebekah and asked her to pray for me. I knew my problem wasn't gas money it was my fear of God not providing. That is a way bigger problem than gas money. And During the months before we left I read in Deuteronomy 28 about "Blessed in the city blessed in the country. Bless when you come and when you go." I was like Lord I give you my finaces but as of now I don't feel blessed with us leaving. But with Rebekah and Joel praying for me I really calmed down and gave it to my God who is my provider. I didn't want to tell any one else because I wanted God to provide and not telling people so they would provide.

SO what happened? We got 100 dollars for gas and Jim and Kristin got us a hotel room for on the way to my parents. I was like thanks Lord. Then in one week I got 14 orders for my handcrafted jewelry. I was like wow that is so awesome we may have enough to make it home. But God was pretty much like Dess I haven't even started yet.

ON the last day we were at the warehouse and I mean the very last day people came to say good bye and each time they did they brought us money or gift cards. The first guy that came and gave us money I felt the Lord say "There's more Dess" THen another guy came and gave us money "THere's more Dess" THen my friend gave us a gift certificate "There's more Dess" Then a really great friend from church had gotten the whole church to get us cards and gift certificates for gas and food stops. That is when the Lord said "That is it, Dess" By the end of the day the Lord had blessed us through people with over 1,000 dollars. I was blown away. On the car ride leaving Los Angeles I started crying asking God to forgive me for doubting that he would take care of me who is His child.

WE truly never have to worry about tomorrow for God our Father who loves us so much and never leaves us nor forsakens us will truly take care of us.

Love ya'll
GOd's Daughter,
Dess

Graduation Presents

Greetings,

It has been one roller coaster ride of emotions. Joel and I only have about 6 more days here at Friend Ships. I can't believe it actually. I am more in shock than anything. Plus there is so much to do that our goal is to drive out of here. So I haven't thought MUCH about leaving Friend SHips. It feels more like a long vacation then actually leaving.

So I had an awesome thing happened to me that was a God thing for real.

The other day during my quiet time with God I starting thinking how scary it is to leave Friend Ships. That was one of my first times that it truly hit me. So I started to get nervous about us going out in the big bad world. Not knowing what to expect. Then in the middle of my worry the Lord put on my heart that leaving Friend Ships is like graduting from college or a university. That people do it all the time and have great excitement thinking about all that can be offered to them now that they have a degree. And for me graduating Friend Ships I have learned a lot about ministry and what God wants me to learn as well as growing in the Lord to which I am now more like Christ than ever before. (I still have a lONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ways to go but it is better than when I came to Friend SHips over 5 years ago) So these thoughts of graduating brought me much peace and I really hadn't thought much of it since . . . UNITL TODAY.

There is a lady named Renee that goes to Hope Chapel. She picks food up for her church every week so that a hand full of people from her church can go out and give food to people or families who are in need and share the love of Christ. Renee and I have become good friends over the past year. We even went to an awesome Christian concert last summer that had TOBYMAC. WE got our praise on like no other.

Well Saturday is the day Ranee comes and picks up food for Hope Chapel. Today when Renee came she brought a present for Joel and I. She explained that during the week she started to get sad that Joel and I were leaving. And she didn't know what to do but then she got the idea that we were graduating just like her daughters did a few years ago. And that it wasn't a good bye good bye but that just like any college/university student graduating we would still be in touch.

The "graduation" present touched me so much. Not just because it was very thoughtful of her to get them for us but it was God's way of showing me that things were truly going to be alright.

What an awesome God we serve. I can't believe how much He loves us and takes care of us.

Thank you Lord for your blessings you pour in our lives and through us like no other.


In Love with My GOD,
Dess

This is Hope Chapel praying before going family to family to give food, love, and prayer.

New Necklace blogger Website

Hey My Friends and Family,

It has finally happened and I am so excited. I have been praying about it for months and I finally got the Yes I wanted from GOd. NO Joel and I are NOT having a baby.

But I am starting to sell my jewelry online (kind of). So check it out. Mainly I want you to tell your friends so they can tell their friends and so on. So please do not think this is for you to buy but I just want my website to spread by word of mouth.

Love you Guys.
THANKS,
Dess

www.sarahsjewelry.blogspot.com

PS if you really want to know why I call it Sarah's Jewelry it was not named after Sarah my sister in Law. Though I love her to death. There are other reasons. So email and ask me if you would like to know. I might tell you . . . I might not. Hehehe

Can you believe it???

Hello Everyone,

We just wanted everyone to know we are leaving Friend Ships in May. Our time has come and God has released us. We are pretty excite and are praying about the next step.

It is really hard right now because God is only telling us "Be Still and know that I am God" And "just wait"

I think the hardest part for me is going home and maybe running into old Friends. Especially those that don't believe in God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. I guess I am stuck on the verse, Faith without deeds is dead. "I will show you my faith by what I do" But for me it is hard to articulate my faith with out really having anything to show for it at the time (like this summer). But as both Joel and I agree there are times I emphasize my work too much and some times put too much of my identity in my work. So it will be a challenge and a place to grow in God. I don't think I will shy away from telling about Jesus.

So yeah that is where we are. Working here at the warehouse until the last minute and closing this huge significant chapter in our lives.

We would not be the followers of Christ we are today if not God calling us to Friend Ships. It has been great and we have nothing to regret about our 7 years for Joel and 5 years for me. Wow can you believe it. Look what the Lord has done!!!

We can't even write a big enough book to tell you all that the Lord has done since coming here. Not just to us but all the miracles we have seen, the lives it has changed, and the people we have met. There were so many times I was in a "moment" at Friend Ships and thought wow I wouldn't even be here if not for saying yes to God or I wouldn't be talking or knowing these people if not for saying yes to God and coming to Friend Ships. There was one time during Hurricane Ivan relief in Florida we had just got done putting vinyl on an older couples house until they could get carpenters to put a really roof back on their house. They asked us to stay for dinner and as I sat with Joi, Joel, Jon, and the couple I couldn't help think "wow I wouldn't be here with these people sharing this wonderful moment if not for God." It has been incredible. Both incredibly wonderful and incredibly hard. Lots of laughter, lots of tears, lots of happiness, lots of sadness, lots of growth, and lots of love.

Thank you Lord for what you have done and we look forward to what you will do next and forever more!!!! Amen!

Joel's Birthday (progressive dinner)

Hey Guys,

Joel and I had the best time on his birthday (Jan 31). I took Joel out to do a progressive dinner. What my idea for a progressive dinner is to go out to nice restaurants. Have a salad at one place, the main meal at another place and then dessert at another. Joel said he did it with his church where you went from house to house and each house had a different part of the meal.

But Joel wanted a fast food progressive dinner. It was so much fun. We went to Wendy's for the salad. We split a Chicken BLT salad. For the main course Joel wanted to go to Churches Chicken but when we got to the place it was a donut shop. SO we ended up going to a restaurant that was called both the Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken and the China Bowl. WE don't know how they knew about Louisiana Chicken since they were all orientals but the chicken was off the hook. Then we went to Dairy Queen (Joel's favorite dessert place ever)

Here are some pictures from our adventure.


Here is Joel about ready to dig into our salad at Wendy's

Here am I, licking every last drop of our yummy salad.

This is me thinking really hard where to go to next since Churches Chicken turned out to be a donut shop.

Joel Pouting since we couldn't find a Church's Chicken

You get the picture .


Joel diving into the greasy yummy Louisiana Fried Chicken (the only thing different between Fried Chicken and Louisiana Fried Chicken was the creole seasoning.)

Joel with his dessert at Dairy Queen

I didn't want what Joel wanted so I got my own.

SO that was our adventure. Isn't life fun. Joel's birthday was a blast. You should try the progressive dinner thing. You might actually have as much fun as we did.

Love ya, Bye

What happened last year and what could happen for 2008?

It is crazy to think back on what happened last year. I was just talking to my mom today about all that had gone on. The most odd thing I realized is that Joel and I only spent a month or less at Port Mercy (Friend Ships home base in Louisiana)

Lets Recap, Shall we:

1) To bring in 2007 Joel and I were sailing back from the Canary Islands on the Spirit of Grace.
(It was Joel's and my first trip out of the USA since we got married . . . immagration stuff)

2) After a few days off Don and Sondra had a meeting with Joel and I to send us to Los Angeles for a month to check everything out.

3) Drove to Los Angeles

4)Three weeks later we had another meeting with Don and Sondra and all decided Los Angeles would be Joel's and my new home.

5) Drove back to Lake Charles only to fly out for our long awaited vacation

6) Flew to Canada to visit Joel's parents and family for a month

7) Flew to Washington/Idaho for 3 weeks to see my family.

8) Came back to Port Mercy to study for Joel's and my Truck driving licenses and we got it. And we became Class B truck drivers (watch out now)

9) Drove to Los Angeles in a big truck for the first time. (YIKES) Ms. Bird did okay with the drive.

10) Have been in Los Angeles since May.

11) Got a Bird, three cats, and one dog with in three weeks of each other.

12 - 100) Lots of things happened in Los Angeles too much to mention.

Any way what a year. I can't believe it is over and now on to 2008.

What could this year bring? Maybe:

1) Leave Friend Ships?

2) Have another 7 year commitment at Friend Ships? (Yikes, reminds me too much of Jacob who had to stay at his uncles for 7 years and got leah and then another 7 years for racheal)

2) Have a BABY???? NO WAY

3) Have more pets??? (maybe!!! I hope, Joel says no)

4) Become President (well Joel can't because he wasn't born in America, but I could)

5) Learn how to knit (NEVER!!!)

So any way we love you guys. Thanks for coming along on the ride with us. What a year with Jesus and now we can start a new one. What does the Lord have for us next???

Love,

Dess

This is the lake at my parents house. Isn't it beautiful!!!