Click the link to see where we will be traveling.
May 29: Forest City, IA to Mount Rushmore in Rapid City, SD
May 30: onward to Utah!!!
May31: Utah to TEMECULA, CA
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Forest+City,+IA&daddr=Mount+Rushmore+National+Memorial,+Keystone,+SD+to:Provo,+UT+to:Temecula,+CA&geocode=FcwflAId9ENr-ikF8qYcFnvxhzFxHCs222pV-Q%3BFdeNnQIdQ1_V-SknDh893zV9hzFE4VejsgiHtw%3B%3BFYcS_wEdM3UE-Skjvhr1UmLbgDGoBjigiA68aA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=38.85682,-111.796875&sspn=15.451111,39.331055&ie=UTF8&dirflg=d&ll=40.078071,-102.084961&spn=15.185451,39.331055&z=5
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
T-minus 7
Seven weeks left until we begin our journey home to California. We will be leaving between June 1-3, and arrive about 4 days later. We are excited to see what God has for us. Jason and I learned a lot about ourselves and our marriage while in Iowa. We learned that we can survive anywhere, no matter how lonely, cold, or small it is-as long as we have each other and God. We learned that we want more from life...Jason wants to get his degree in History, and has a desire to teach High School, I have learned that no matter what I am doing, or where God puts me I need to have a ministry-And I need to work with kids. We learned that we can save money! And we look forward to saving for a house!!
Jason and I have grown a lot. I feel we are more spontaneous, loving, and grateful. We have learned that we can do things without spending money: fishing, hiking, gardening, bonfire, and just enjoying each others company with movies and games!
We miss California's great worship and church services and we cannot WAIT to be a part of it again! The Lord is good, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us next!
"Even from Everlasting to Everlasting, YOU ARE GOD!!!"
Psalm 90:2b
Jason and I have grown a lot. I feel we are more spontaneous, loving, and grateful. We have learned that we can do things without spending money: fishing, hiking, gardening, bonfire, and just enjoying each others company with movies and games!
We miss California's great worship and church services and we cannot WAIT to be a part of it again! The Lord is good, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us next!
"Even from Everlasting to Everlasting, YOU ARE GOD!!!"
Psalm 90:2b
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
This Mornings Devotions
From FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes):
Decisions, Decisions Monday, April 12th, 2010 READY: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."-Joshua 24:15 (KJV) SET:
I used to love watching the old WWF. Back when Hulk Hogan was the strongest man in the world and Macho Man Randy Savage was leaping off the tops of steel cages with the flying elbow drop. Nothing could beat waking up Saturday morning to watch wrestling.
Even at my young age, I loved the storylines that played out like mini soap operas. My favorite scenarios were those in which a wrestler was torn between choosing two groups of people. One group was always the “bad” guys. These guys were generally the charismatic group, those who talked tough and usually had to cheat to win; but they got all the glory and put others down. The other group was the “good” guys, the group that fought fair and within the rules. They never cheated, and they took losses with dignity and honor knowing that they gave their best effort. Even though it was all fake, it was still interesting to see these characters struggle with what they had to do: take alliance with the bad guys and win more title belts by cheating; or join the good guys and lose a few more matches with a clear conscience.
Don't we face this every day of our life as Christians, walking with God's team? There are decisions that we face several times a day that put us at odds with what God wants in our lives. The world around us is slowly transforming into a place that goes against God's will. In the Old Testament, Joshua was in the same boat. He was living in a world that rejected the notion of our Lord being the one true God. He saw this around him and said, "…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Say what you want about Joshua, but he had his priorities in order!
Today, keep this in mind: We shouldn't be focused on worldly accolades. Our focus should be on our ultimate goal of Heaven. And the great thing is that when we focus on doing the will of God, we will have the ultimate victory. No matter what happens here on earth, because of Jesus' victory over sin and death, we are assured that same result. Whenever you find yourself put in a position to go against God's Word, think about Joshua and the words he spoke so long ago. Today, whom will you serve?
Decisions, Decisions Monday, April 12th, 2010 READY: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."-Joshua 24:15 (KJV) SET:
I used to love watching the old WWF. Back when Hulk Hogan was the strongest man in the world and Macho Man Randy Savage was leaping off the tops of steel cages with the flying elbow drop. Nothing could beat waking up Saturday morning to watch wrestling.
Even at my young age, I loved the storylines that played out like mini soap operas. My favorite scenarios were those in which a wrestler was torn between choosing two groups of people. One group was always the “bad” guys. These guys were generally the charismatic group, those who talked tough and usually had to cheat to win; but they got all the glory and put others down. The other group was the “good” guys, the group that fought fair and within the rules. They never cheated, and they took losses with dignity and honor knowing that they gave their best effort. Even though it was all fake, it was still interesting to see these characters struggle with what they had to do: take alliance with the bad guys and win more title belts by cheating; or join the good guys and lose a few more matches with a clear conscience.
Don't we face this every day of our life as Christians, walking with God's team? There are decisions that we face several times a day that put us at odds with what God wants in our lives. The world around us is slowly transforming into a place that goes against God's will. In the Old Testament, Joshua was in the same boat. He was living in a world that rejected the notion of our Lord being the one true God. He saw this around him and said, "…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Say what you want about Joshua, but he had his priorities in order!
Today, keep this in mind: We shouldn't be focused on worldly accolades. Our focus should be on our ultimate goal of Heaven. And the great thing is that when we focus on doing the will of God, we will have the ultimate victory. No matter what happens here on earth, because of Jesus' victory over sin and death, we are assured that same result. Whenever you find yourself put in a position to go against God's Word, think about Joshua and the words he spoke so long ago. Today, whom will you serve?
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Countdown
Today marks 8 more weeks in Iowa...Lord willing, we will be heading home the first week in June.
Although the winter was extremely tough, I cannot help but feel that I will miss this place and these people. Now that spring is here I have really begun to realize just how beautiful and peaceful it is here...I will miss it, but not as much as I miss my family and friends in California-Although the current earthquake activity has scared me a bit. :) Awful lot of it happening out there.
I have applied for a few college coaching jobs, knowing that I do not have near enough experience, but taking a chance anyway...it can't hurt. I will be working at the Cafe Bravo Roasting Facility-and I am very excited to be a part of such a great company again, working with great people and one of my greatest passions, and being in Temecula!
Keep praying for us and for the Lord's will in our lives! :) We miss you all and are excited to be back with you soon.
Although the winter was extremely tough, I cannot help but feel that I will miss this place and these people. Now that spring is here I have really begun to realize just how beautiful and peaceful it is here...I will miss it, but not as much as I miss my family and friends in California-Although the current earthquake activity has scared me a bit. :) Awful lot of it happening out there.
I have applied for a few college coaching jobs, knowing that I do not have near enough experience, but taking a chance anyway...it can't hurt. I will be working at the Cafe Bravo Roasting Facility-and I am very excited to be a part of such a great company again, working with great people and one of my greatest passions, and being in Temecula!
Keep praying for us and for the Lord's will in our lives! :) We miss you all and are excited to be back with you soon.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
"Food of my fancy"
So I'm doing my devotions this morning; I always like to read a Psalm because its just always been a favorite of mine. This morning, I came across Psalm 78....simply one of the best chapters in the Bible. I know I have read it before, but this morning it was more.
As I began to read, I decided that I better pray first (which is me writting in my journal)....as I prayed, I put down all my feelings about how I didn't feel "close" to Him, and how I missed home, and just wanted to finish school and get home to my family. I told God what I missed and how much I missed it....but He already knows. I asked Him to bring me close to Him and to help me shine for His kingdom. I totally meant that, but it wasn't until after reading the first part of Psalm 78 that I realized what was happening to me......
The 78th chapter of Psamls is the story of the Israelites in the wilderness...it is 72 LONG verses of God providing for Israel, Israel complaining that its not enough, Israel sinning, tempting God, and forgetting all about who God is.
Verses 12-18
"Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, And all the night with a light of fire. he split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of teh rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. But they sinned even more against Him by rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness. And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy."
Israel was so distracted with what they wanted -"food of their fancy" -that they ignored all the things God had done and brought to them in the wilderness! He was taking care of them, showing them great and marvelous things, and they just ignored it. This was not at all where they wanted to be, but it is where God had them, and while they were there, He still showed Himself, and provided great things for them.
Then I realized two things, and I prayed:
1) Lord, while I am here, help me to not be so distracted with "going home" that i miss out on what You have for me, want for me, and what You want me to accomplish for You.
2)I realized that I need to come to a point where I don't need "food of my fancy", but that all I need is what God chooses to give to me.
Seems simple right? Well, when you're 2000 miles away from just about everything you know and love; its not as simple as you might think. I have Jason, yes. And he is one of the rocks I lean on right now....but what are we doing here? I know it's for more than just getting my Masters. And I must not be distracted by what I want (going home) my "food of fancy". I must come to a place where God can teach me what I am supposed to do while I am here---If I am distracted; I might very well miss the true reason He has me here....to shine for His Kingdom.
As I began to read, I decided that I better pray first (which is me writting in my journal)....as I prayed, I put down all my feelings about how I didn't feel "close" to Him, and how I missed home, and just wanted to finish school and get home to my family. I told God what I missed and how much I missed it....but He already knows. I asked Him to bring me close to Him and to help me shine for His kingdom. I totally meant that, but it wasn't until after reading the first part of Psalm 78 that I realized what was happening to me......
The 78th chapter of Psamls is the story of the Israelites in the wilderness...it is 72 LONG verses of God providing for Israel, Israel complaining that its not enough, Israel sinning, tempting God, and forgetting all about who God is.
Verses 12-18
"Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, And all the night with a light of fire. he split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of teh rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. But they sinned even more against Him by rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness. And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy."
Israel was so distracted with what they wanted -"food of their fancy" -that they ignored all the things God had done and brought to them in the wilderness! He was taking care of them, showing them great and marvelous things, and they just ignored it. This was not at all where they wanted to be, but it is where God had them, and while they were there, He still showed Himself, and provided great things for them.
Then I realized two things, and I prayed:
1) Lord, while I am here, help me to not be so distracted with "going home" that i miss out on what You have for me, want for me, and what You want me to accomplish for You.
2)I realized that I need to come to a point where I don't need "food of my fancy", but that all I need is what God chooses to give to me.
Seems simple right? Well, when you're 2000 miles away from just about everything you know and love; its not as simple as you might think. I have Jason, yes. And he is one of the rocks I lean on right now....but what are we doing here? I know it's for more than just getting my Masters. And I must not be distracted by what I want (going home) my "food of fancy". I must come to a place where God can teach me what I am supposed to do while I am here---If I am distracted; I might very well miss the true reason He has me here....to shine for His Kingdom.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Encouragement
I read this in my Devotions this morning:
"It is...weariness that makes the words of the carpenter so compelling. Listen to them. 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.'
Come to me...The invitation is to come to Him. Why Him?
He offers the invitation as a penniless rabbi in an oppressed nation. He has no political office, no connections with the authorities in Rome. He hasn't written a best-seller or earned a diploma.
Yet, he dares to look into the leathery faces of farmers and tired faces of housewives and offer rest. He looks into the disillusioned eyes of a preacher or two from Jerusalem. He gazes into the cynical stare of a banker and the hungry eyes of a bartender and makes this paradoxical promise: 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'
The people came. They came out of the cul-de-sacs and office complexes of their day. They brought him the burdens of their existence and he gave them, not religion, not doctrine, not systems, but REST.
As a result, they called Him Lord.
As a result, they called Him Savior.
Not so much because of what he said, but because of what He did.
What He did on the cross during six hours, one Friday...Jesus wasw the only man to walk God's earth who claimed to have an answer for man's burdens. 'Come to me,' He invited them.
My prayer is that you, too, will find rest. And that you will sleep like a baby.
(from Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado
"It is...weariness that makes the words of the carpenter so compelling. Listen to them. 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.'
Come to me...The invitation is to come to Him. Why Him?
He offers the invitation as a penniless rabbi in an oppressed nation. He has no political office, no connections with the authorities in Rome. He hasn't written a best-seller or earned a diploma.
Yet, he dares to look into the leathery faces of farmers and tired faces of housewives and offer rest. He looks into the disillusioned eyes of a preacher or two from Jerusalem. He gazes into the cynical stare of a banker and the hungry eyes of a bartender and makes this paradoxical promise: 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'
The people came. They came out of the cul-de-sacs and office complexes of their day. They brought him the burdens of their existence and he gave them, not religion, not doctrine, not systems, but REST.
As a result, they called Him Lord.
As a result, they called Him Savior.
Not so much because of what he said, but because of what He did.
What He did on the cross during six hours, one Friday...Jesus wasw the only man to walk God's earth who claimed to have an answer for man's burdens. 'Come to me,' He invited them.
My prayer is that you, too, will find rest. And that you will sleep like a baby.
(from Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas
McMillan Wonderland is a video that we made for all of our family and friends!!
Merry Christmas and Enjoy!
Love,
The McMillans
if you double click on this one it should take you straight to youtube....but here is the link anyway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOMWE7d77S8
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