A Gift To Be Simple

There are few times in my life when someone has said something that instantly and directly pierces my heart.  Two times now my brother, Blake,  has been able to do this. I am not trying to put him on a pedestal, merely invoke some thought and give glory to God who has used him to speak love and encouragement in my life (although I am VERY proud of him...he is about to finish his masters in counseling!) 


The first piercing came in the form of a musical wedding gift, a homemade CD.  I wasn't even aware that the lyrics of this song were EXACTLY what I had been longing for, but somehow Blake knew. I was sitting next to Ian when I first popped the CD in, and immediately I started to cry. Ian was a little surprised by the instant emotions, but I knew in my heart that Blake had just been used as a vessel by God to tell me "This is what it is to held, to be loved, and to know that the promise was that when everything fell....We'd be held"  - Natalie Grant. 


Not only did the covenant that Ian and I make that day ensure that I would always be held by him, but that no matter what troubles may come in our lives, Christ would always be the hands that held us together.  That is what the promise is for, when our worlds are shaking, heaven will stand. 


The second time this happened came quite unexpected. God, however, spoke in his perfect timing, and again through Blake. I received a gift in the mail. Like the last, it might not have had much monetary value, but it is an eternal treasure without a price tag. 


As a matter of fact, it is so precious that I don't even want to disclose the details, only share with you my thoughts. 


Ian and I moving out here was a HUGE leap of faith. We were leaving behind our families, friends, good jobs, etc and headed into literally the middle of nowhere. 


One of the things were were most looking forward to was the simplicity of being "off the grid." Going back to our roots, Christ, and learning to live apart from as many worldly demands as we could. This meant no cell phones, grocery stores, movie theatres, cars...you get the point. In our time here, just being really thankful with less has brought us so much more. 


I imagine this is how Jesus walked the earth. SImply loving his father and doing his will was to him a gift, pure joy. I imagine that if he walked the earth today he wouldn't spend hours sitting on the couch watching TV or playing his DS or Wii, gluing himself to Facebook, or wallowing in self pity. He knew he was created for something much greater and truly didn't need anything this world had to offer. 


The sufferings of his present time were not worth comparing to the glory that was to be revealed to him.  The things that often give identity to our lives, he didn't seek or live according too...he didn't live in a palace, wear priestly robes, on dine on fine meals...his joy was simple: being with God the father. 

I will share only this from my Blake Blessing: 

Its a gift to be simple, Its a gift to be free, 

Its the gift to come down where you ought to be, 

And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 

Will be in the valley of love and delight. 

When true simplicity is gained, 

To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed, 

To turn, turn, will be our delight, 

Till by turning, turning we come round right 

Its a gift to be simple, Its a gift to be free, 

Its a gift to come down where you ought to be - Jewel

One of the simplest things I have done in my life is to follow Jesus. This is also the hardest, the most rewarding, the most fulfilling, the most frustrating, and the most fearful thing as well. 


I have been plucked from so many dangerous and sinful situations in my life, I know it was because of the love of my Lord and the showering of his blessings.  - Ezekiel 36:11


Do you remember being a child, the pure joy of a sunny day, homemade cookies, the smell of walnuts (inside memory), somehow as we grow we forget how to be simple....it seems that maturity equals the acquisition of more stuff. However, we often find ourselves being unhappy with less, yet unhappier with more. 


I really felt lead to share this today, to really examine in your heart what happiness is and how far you have complicated its meaning in your life. I know for me it is a simple and refreshing as this if you choose life:


"He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler - Psalm 91:4


And to my brother Blake, I love you so much...Your words have been tangible blessings from above. Glory to God, brother!


-Sarah

Sumer Has Found Aniak

Finally summer has found its way to Aniak. The weather has actually been in the 70's, sunny, and green. It seems that overnight Aniak has bloomed. From brown bare trees to lush forest it feels like nature has awaken. It really is beautiful here. 

Ian and I have also been very busy with new jobs and preparing for the flood.

Every year as the Aniak and Kuskokwim river breaks up people fear the floods. We have heard that the actual break up is quite amazing, though. The loud churning and rush of 200 miles of ice pushing its way down stream is a favorite event to watch around here. Unfortunately this year a village 30 miles up river was destroyed by a 30 ft water wall. The entire village had to be evacuated. Thankfully our village didn't really see anything that destructive. Actually our break up this year was abnormally tame.  Ian and I watched a very peaceful break up from the river banks. Below is the video. Click on the center to watch it.



Frozen Aniak River


However, we were prepared! We filled up two large 50 gallon containers along with several other smaller water bottles. In addition, we stocked up on lots of non-perishable foods and quick meals (sandwiches, power bars, chips and salsa) just in case the power went out.  In years past as the water level rises the village will usually experience 1-2 days of no electricity. For much of two wks our apartment resembled a small refugee camp. Again, this is something that you don't usually have to worry about in the lower 48, but the thrill and anticipation was kind of fun.







Ian and Michelle Putting Up Our Tent

Over the Memorial Day weekend Ian and I went camping (along with our new provider Michelle, seen above). The actual camp site belongs to a friend, and he is in the process of re-building a new cabin. His old one literally blew up, quite a story....He is an extremely talented wood worker so when he finishes I am sure that it will be a very nice place. Even though he had two wall tents set up to use, Ian and I opted to try out our northface two person tent. And, I would give it a 5 star rating....it survived swarms of mosquitoes and rain, keeping its inhabitants dry and itch free! 

Boat Ride To Camp: Michelle, Randy, Ian

For most of our camping adventure it was raining, but that didn't matter, we had a great time anyway. Sitting by the campfire in the rain puts a whole new level of excitement in camping, at least for us it did.....The best part by far was the view.

Fire Side Chat

The camp site sits on the bank of the Kuskokwim river overlooking the mountains. The view really belonged in a magazine.

Apparently a moose and bear frequent the opposite shoreline for water. We didnt get to see them this time, and thankfully our only run in with nature was a porcupine. Sadly his life ended just after this photo :(

Ian has also started a new job in behavioral health. It has been a very good and smooth transition for him, not to mention a good use of his two masters degrees! In his new position he will be doing some counseling, planning community events, school education, and village travel. Last week he was in Anchorage for a conference and this week he is in Bethel for training. If you ask him, the best part about his new job is his HUGE office.

View From River

View From Camp

Overall we are both doing quite well and are excited to have Ian's parents, Jon and Dianne, come visit in a few weeks. This will be the first time we have seen any family in over 6 months, so we are very much looking forward to their arrival.

Also, I want to thank all of you who wrote letters to my friend Marie. I received over 15! If anyone still wants to write her, please do.....She was EXTREMELY blessed! They have been such an encouragement to her and she said that she re-reads them frequently. As a matter of fact, she shared them with a child who was going through a similar nightmare and was able to direct her toward getting some help. Marie said that the letters have been tangible evidence that she is loved and that her life matters...How awesome!  I am so proud of her courage and am excited to see how she will continue to be an advocate for others.

Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Darian on May 16th and my brother Jason on May 27!!! Love you guys!

-Sarah