Wes and Ellen

We've Moved!

2009-12-26T19:46:00.001-06:00

We've moved! Stop by our new website/blog at wesandellen.wordpress.com

A Weekend to Remember

2009-12-01T21:48:00.005-06:00

We’re not falling apart or on the brink of divorce, but some there were. Ellen initiated it and I decided that our relationship was important enough to get uncomfortable. We’ve been married for nearly three years and this was our first marriage conference. We met 350 other couples in San Antonio for A Weekend to Remember, a weekend to rejuvenate and inspire our relationship.

In a culture where marriages are replaced like an old pair of shoes, it’s not easy to hold on to what you have and keep it healthy. We heard comments from some of our acquaintances like, “My husband would never do something like that.” Fact is, not too many husbands, even the good ones, would get excited about sharing feelings, communicating, and being challenged over the course of three days . . . I’m one of them. I can tell you though, this side of things I am thankful and proud that we did this. Our relationship is immensely important to us and it was the least we could do for each other and God who brought us together.

Great Outdoors

2009-11-14T12:35:00.004-06:00

Our team, save the very special Deanna, was able to spend some time together recently at our nearby state park. It was good to fellowship and rough it for while. We went all out! Grilled chicken and zucchini with baked beans for dinner. Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, Pancakes, more bacon, and more sausage for breakfast. We also enjoyed the tastiness of camping favorites like smores and jiffy pop. We didn't go hungry!

QWERTY

2009-10-21T21:26:00.005-05:00

Do you know what QWERTY refers to? It is the first six letters on the upper row of your keyboard. Have you ever wondered why the keys on your keyboard are placed where they are? Probably not, it's a pretty random thought. Well, I have, and I discovered the answer the other day. The inventor of today's modern keyboard fashioned the keys very intentionally in order to slow the keyer's typing speed. Strange, huh?

Did you know there's a more efficient keyboard out there that actually locates the keys in position according to the frequency of their use in order to increase efficiency?

This keyboard was designed more than seventy years ago but the QWERTY still dominates. It reminds me of the difficulty we all have with accepting new ideas.

Monster Triathlon

2009-10-18T22:18:00.002-05:00

This weekend Ellen participated in the Monster Triathlon held in Denton, 250 meters of swimming, a 16 mile bike ride, and topped it off with a 3 mile run. She did great!

Divine Appointment I

2009-07-05T21:35:00.005-05:00

Wes refers to "Divine Appointments" as special encounters with people that are unplanned. In other words, a meeting that only God orchestrated. While in Concepcion, God scheduled 2 "Divine Appointments" for me.

The first occured as our team was walking the streets of a neighborhood called Collao. At the end of one street was a gated community that caught mine and Meriden's eye. Frances, Miss Go-Getter, approached the gate entrance and opened it. Spontaneously, Frances, Meriden, Reid, Wes and I ran through the gate into an unknown community. Thankfully, curiousity didn't kill the cat this time! We quickly learned that we were approaching a nursing home, one of only 2 in Concepcion. Two elderly ladies, Lily and Rose, eagerly invited us into their homes and offered us a tour.

Lily and Rose showed us all over, even into Lily's room. The nursing home was exceptionally nice and offered 27 single bedrooms. It reminded me very much of the current nursing home I work in, Wesley Court. We were able to speak with a nurse about rehabilitation services that are offered. Unfortunately, services for the elderly are only offered in the hospital. For example, if a resident has a swallowing disorder, they send them to the hospital to be treated. Meriden and I were beginning to tangibly see how our current profession and passions could be useful in Concepcion.

Lily and Rose ended the tour in the Catholic chapel. Lily shared how she used to sing with the choir during services. Frances asked Lily to sing us a song, which she did beautifully. We then reciprocated the singing (in 4 part harmony!) for Lily and Rose. As we were leaving the nursing home, Lily followed us out the door, singing a Spanish blessing over us. Every one of us knew that it was only God who orchestrated this "Divine Appointment."

Divine Appointment II

2009-07-05T21:00:00.017-05:00

The second "Divine Appointment" occured the same day, but was being orchestrated beforehand. A few nights eariler, the girls were walking downtown and Meriden spotted a hearing aid clinic called "Gaes." Frances, again, took the initiative to walk right in. Meriden was able to learn about the field of audiology, which is fairly limited. The technician proposed we meet with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT**) doctor because they pracitce more of what Meriden is trained to do. He also thought the ENT would provide helpful information for me in regards to speech pathology.

Kelley and Frances took Meriden and I to the ENT clinic to schedule an appointment. The ENT we were referred to was out of the office for the rest of the week; however, there was another ENT we could meet with the next day. We excitedly scheduled the appointment and planned on Kelley attending with us to translate. We had no idea that God had something so special in store for us.

Well, doctor offices in Chile are the same to those here in terms of having to wait for a long, long time after your scheduled appointment to actually see the doctor. We didn't care though - our nervous energy made time fly. Doctor Pablo Roja invited us in, fortunately speaking English. Meriden shared with him our future plans of moving to Chile and our desire to learn about compensated or volunteer opportunities for our professions in Concepcion. Doctor Roja professionally explained the current profession of audiology and what opportunities he could envision. He emphasized that Meriden's doctorate will be eagerly accepted and respected.

Dr. Roja then turned to me, and asked that I explain my profession and credentials. He immediately refered to patient cards that he had seen previously. One patient was diagnosed with a swallowing disorder. He had referred that patient to the hospital to see a speech pathologist. He emphasized that my skills in swallowing and interpreting x-ray swallow studies would be valued, as well as in voice disorders. Dr. Roja welcomed the idea of Meriden and me working alongside this clinic to gain experience and/or through compensation (he was careful to add that we would need to investigate mal-practice and licensure for us in Chile).

By the end of our appointment, Dr. Roja felt connected with our desire to help those in need. He shared with us, "I can relate to wanting to help people. When I was in school, I lived in small villages among the poor and gave them what they could not give. I feel very special about what you are coming here to do."

Kelley transitioned the conversation to learn about Concepcion. Dr. Roja explained that he did not have enough time to discuss these things, due to his next and last appointment. Then, truly uncharacteristic of Chileans, he invited Meriden and me, along with Wes and Reid, over to his home to meet his wife and discuss Concepcion over coffee. We were taken back! Chileans aren't this trusting and welcoming after one visit. In the 10 years Kelley has lived in Chile, he has not seen a Chilean open his or her home this quickly before. We left the appointment knowing that God was at work. We were so giddy!

That evening, Kelley, Meriden, Reid, Wes, and I went to Dr. Roja's home. We drank coffee and discussed the life of Concepcion, good and bad places to live, and discussed nothing professionally. It was as if we were already good friends. We were able to connect so easily with Pablo (now on a 1st name basis) and his wife, Maria Jose. As we were leaving, Maria Jose repeated over and over that her home was ours, that we could call on her for anything. She genuinely anticipated our arrival...and taking Meriden and me to the mall! Pablo walked us out and gave such a sentimental good-bye. He told Kelley, "The pleasure was mine in hosting this group tonight. There is something special about you, something radiates from your faces. I was the one to be thankful."

God was the only one who orchestrated this "Divine Appointment." Our time with Pablo and his wife affirmed God's guiding to Concepcion and the unique ways he has gifted us to help advance His Kingdom. This was a precious gift from God, one that I didn't deserve, but that he knew would bless me and ultimately draw me closer to Him.

**Side note: the Spanish word for Ear, Nose and Throat doctor is this: otorrinolaringologo. This is extremely difficult to say! There is an intense tongue rolling 'r' in the word! Dr. Roja had to break the word into segments for us several times until we could say it perfectly. He kindly suggested to us that it would be helpful for us to learn Spanish before moving to Concepcion. Good thing we have language school in the plans!

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-29T20:11:00.004-05:00

We pulled into town not long ago. We're worn out! We will do our best to catch you up on the things we experienced with some photo blogs and reflection over the next week or so. Please be praying for our team over the coming weeks as we sort through the things we learned during our trip.

Here's a shot of our team on the campus of the University of Concepcion.

L:R Wes, Ellen, Sara, Chad, Deanna, Meriden, and Reid.

Leap, Frog!

2009-06-16T20:24:00.006-05:00

In less than 72 hours we'll be "hopping" on plane bound for Chile. We are ecstatic! Hopefully you'll see a post or two from us while we're there.

I almost made frog legs out of this guy. I stepped on him last night as I was cutting the grass. No worries frog lovers, he's just fine.

One Step Closer

2009-06-04T20:49:00.006-05:00

We are less than two weeks from returning to Chile. It is a very important trip for us for a number of reasons. For nearly four years now I have been working my way back to South America. It was four years ago in Buenos Aires that this dream took root in my heart. It was four years ago in Schaffhausen that this dream took root in Ellen's heart.

In a number of days we will return to Concepcion with our full team to further investigate the city and it's spiritual climate. Part of us fears we have misheard the call and part of us feels like we don't have what it takes either way. There is this other part though that presses on, a part that would rather be faithful and adventurous than faithless and timid.

We could use your prayers during our time there.

-For unity among our team.
-For the Spirit to guide us and impress the Father's will on our heart's.
-For safety.
-For courage.
-For compassion.
-For vision.
-For clarity.
-For open ears.
-For divine appointments.

I'll leave you with a shot from our last visit when we were just four (Reid, Deanna, Ellen, and Wes).

Kingdom Leadership

2009-04-27T20:47:00.007-05:00

This past weekend our mission team traveled an hour south of Abilene for a weekend of training. Teams to Thailand, Australia, and various locations in North America joined us there. The theme for the retreat was Kingdom Leadership. It was an incredibly unique and refreshing approach to the topic of leadership.

Instead of spending the weekend being prepared for public speaking or other spotlight positions in the church, the focus was on seeking intamacy with the Father and letting our relationship with him form our identity. From there, an intimate relationship with the Father and a healthy understanding of who we are, we are lead into ministry, the grace by which we are called, or our vocation. It is also from a healthy identity that we seek to live in Christian community.

We had opportunity for self disclosure, confession, worship, prayer, solitude, study, fellowship, discussion, play, and more. It was a spectacular weekend! I have never felt more blessed by the team that God has assembled and partnered me with.

Here are some photos from the weekend:

A Light

2009-03-21T11:48:00.001-05:00

About two months ago I (Wes) made the decision to change jobs. I had been employed at a local Christian nonprofit organization for over two years. Many factors were considered during the decision process. High on the list of items in consideration was a desire to be rubbing shoulders with non Christians on a daily basis.

For the last half dozen weeks I’ve been doing just that. I had forgotten the challenge of being a light in dark places on such a day in and day out basis. The transition I’ve made isn’t an easy one for this very reason. To be different, yet someone that isn’t out of reach or self righteous is one of the Christian life’s greatest challenges.

I’ll tell you though, it has revitalized my spirit. To be living the life I am called to without being so insulated has made it all so much more real.

Our Day in Snyder

2009-03-01T11:00:00.005-06:00

It's been a long time, I know, but I figured, what better way to get back in the groove than posting a picture of our recent trip to Snyder.

Our team meet up for lunch, coffee, and visiting yesterday. With Reid and Meriden living in Lubbock for a couple more months and the rest of us here in Abilene, it was really special to get together.

You can experience Deanna's account of the reunion here.

Righteousness’ Bad Wrap

2008-12-22T09:25:00.001-06:00

If I were asked what true religion looks like, honestly, I might paraphrase half a scripture from James 1 about caring for orphans and widows.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress . . .”

“Right on!” many would say. As I took another look at James this morning I realized that this response is both half the scripture and half of James’ message.

He continues, “To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Sadly, a righteous life has gotten a bad wrap among many Christian circles. To guard yourself from spiritual pollution is to be ignorant, uncultured, and out of touch.

I pray that we all would value holiness more and more and that we might recognize that religion accepted by God is more than one dimensional.

San An Tone, here we come!

2008-12-18T18:37:00.005-06:00

Sulphur Springs High School (my high school) is heading to the Texas Class 4A Division II state championship!

The Cats have had an incredible season and they are one win away from their first ever title. You might recall a post earlier this season regarding their spotlight game on ESPN 2.

Jump on the Blue and Gold bandwagon and let's cheer them on!

Read More

***Update***

Wildcats win! 69-49

How spiritual are you?

2008-12-16T08:38:00.003-06:00

Recently I learned that a good test of your spirituality is whether or not you can read the various Bible genealogies and be touched. Boy do I have a long way to go!

Our First Christmas Tree

2008-12-02T10:20:00.006-06:00

We now have our very own Christmas tree!

Last Christmas we were treeless, aside from the miniature decor tree that set a towering foot tall on an end table in the cozy space we started in. We are thankful to be able to celebrate this Christmas, our second married Christmas, in style.

I realized recently that if our plans and dreams continue to unfold as they have been, we have only two additional holiday seasons with our families before traveling south. It is kind of a gloomy thought but even more exciting as we realize that this long awaited moment is quickly approaching.

Maybe next year we can place presents below the tree without fear of the Blanconator.

For the Love of the Gain

2008-12-02T08:21:00.002-06:00

There is a part of me that longs for wealth. Not just any small fraction of my being but a big part, too big a part. I want luxury, security, and pleasure. The thoughts of comforting insurance policies, smart financial investments, and higher salaries float around in my head too regularly.

I’m facing a very difficult tension. A Christian society that says most of these things are good and wise to pursue. In fact, this is often termed good stewardship, a godly trait. And the other side, a radical lifestyle of poverty, sacrifice, and selflessness that Christ’s own life portrayed.

I attempt to filter our culture’s espoused needs with the values of scripture and it exhausts me. Isn’t it a good thing to be concerned with retirement and children’s education funds? Was Christ not worried about such things only because he knew he would die at the age of 33 and that he would father no children and leave behind no wife?

I’ve been reading through the New Testament books that follow the Gospels and this morning concluded I Timothy. Here is the passage that continued my wrestling over this matter.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Why am I not content with just knowing that I will be clothed and fed till the end of my days? Oh, and does this assurance entail name brands, large wardrobes, and fun dates to our favorite restaurants?

Some seem content with their answers to these questions but for us it is an ongoing battle. We are striving to make wise decisions with the provisions we are given without falling in love with the safety and material possessions we can purchase with it, remembering that we take nothing with us.

It seems that my longing needs to shift to contentment.

Instal Me One

2008-11-12T08:53:00.005-06:00

Maybe you've heard about the MSNBC host that dropped the "F-bomb", as it's called, on national television. Thanks for the aricle Yahooo! News.

After an F-bomb dropped on "Morning Joe," the MSNBC news-talk show has installed an early-warning system.

A seven-second delay was added with Tuesday's broadcast, to protect against future eruptions such as that of host Joe Scarborough, who seemed to surprise even himself with his verboten utterance.

Scarborough slipped Monday while attempting to describe the rawboned manner of Rahm Emanuel, incoming White House chief of staff for President-elect Barack Obama.

Amid his many on-air apologies, Scarborough said, "My wife is going to kill me when I get home" and spoke of washing out his mouth with soap.

The delay will not be on any other MSNBC programming, according to spokesman Jeremy Gaines. When asked whether it had been ordered up by network brass or requested by Scarborough, Gaines said, "It was a mutual decision."

Former MSNBC morning host Don Imus aired his show with a similar delay, Gaines noted.

Poor guy, I watched the clip and it was pure accident. I don't know him well but it seemed out of character for him to throw around such a crude word. It was a clear slipup.

So MSNBC is installing this new system that will provide a 7 second delay in order to censor any more slipups by Joe. I'm wondering if I could get one.

Wouldn't that be nice?

I mean, I wouldn't need it for crude language. That never happens to me. But for the less unusual moments when I am overly confrontational, insensitive, or just plain rude, then it would get some use.

How much do you think one of those costs? Maybe they have price breaks for ordering larger quantities. You know . . . group rates! Anyone else need one?

Missions Training, Part 2

2008-11-03T09:06:00.004-06:00

Througout this semester our team has meet each Tuesday evening for a time of mentoring with Gary Green, the Latin America Missions Coordinator for Halbert Institute for Missions. Gary is a dear friend of ours and has been so encouraging and influential in our team's formation.

Our time together this semester has largely centered around genograms. Each individual on our team drew their genogram (similar to a family tree) and presented it to the team. There were times we laughed hysterically and times a box of kleenexes would have been handy. Our families, whether for good or bad, have been very formative in our lives. By learning more about each other's family of origin we are able to better understand each others personalities, values, and background.

Here's a shot of our most recent get together.

Also during our time together each Tuesday we have spent time in prayer, discussing pressing issues, and processing other training experiences. After each meeting it has practically become a tradition for us to go to dinner together. It has been a great semester so far in our team's development.

Green After All

2008-10-30T16:50:00.003-05:00

Turns out I'm green after all.

Check how big your foot print is here.

4.55! Who wants some!?!

Missions Training, Part 1

2008-10-22T21:47:00.011-05:00

Recently our team was approached by Halbert Institute for Missions at ACU, the organization training our team, about us planning and hosting an upcoming event. Each semester Halbert sponsors an event like this to inform the ACU community about the organization and missions opportunities.

Here are some pics from the Missional Learning Party that we threw. These are shot by DPS.

Fellowship

Game Time

Discussion

This was a great opportunity for us to get some practical experience organizing and implementing a plan. It definitely served as a good preface for our weekend training retreat just a week later (Which we'll get to in the next post).

Rosa

2008-10-15T13:34:00.004-05:00

Today at work I received a letter from Rosa who is serving a life sentence in prison. She has been in prison for more than ten years. She hasn’t seen or heard from her husband in nearly eight years; her mother for five years; her daughters and brother the whole time she’s been there.

Rosa wanted to know whether to quit writing them.

She went on to tell me that the sentence she is serving is unjust since she was erroneously convicted of the crime that brought her there. As I wrote Rosa back I wondered whether I had any wisdom or encouragement to share. I continued either way. Just before slipping the letter into the envelope I realized that maybe it didn’t matter what I wrote but that I was writing.

Near my signature I jotted, “Write to me. I’ll write back.”

I pray that she finds hope in Jesus and finds the strength to press on.

Champions League 08-09

2008-09-29T11:56:00.008-05:00

As all of you know the Champions League got rolling a couple weeks ago.

Eight groups of four, the best club teams of the 07-08 season in Europe, are battling to take the trophy from Manchester United, last year's victor. This is the most prestigious tournament in club soccer.

Since I track Manchester United most closely I'll catch you up on their situation.

They have found themselves in a challenging but still optimistic situation within Group E.

Group E:
Manchester United (07-08 English champions and 07-08 Champions League champions), Villareal (07-08 Spanish runner-up), Aalborg Boldspilklub (07-08 Danish champions), and Celtic (07-08 Scottish champions).

Each team will play their group opponents twice, once at home and once away. Tomorrow's games start the second of 6 games played within the group stage. Manchester United will be traveling to Aalborg after their 0-0 draw with Villareal at home. Fortunately the other two teams within their group (Aalborg and Celtic) also ended in a scoreless draw so little ground was lost.

After the first round of matches a couple formidable teams to watch are Chelsea and Inter.

Check back in later this week to find out how Manchester faired against Aalborg.

Manchester United after winning the 07-08 tournament.

***UPDATE***

3-0 Manchester, thanks to Wayne Rooney (22') and Dimitar Berbatov (55' and 79')

The Youth of Chile

2008-09-26T09:46:00.005-05:00

I've sat here for some time now trying to figure out how to introduce this article to you. I've been searching for words that would keep me from sounding "holier than thou" or as if I have confused our plans for working in Chile with some heroic or messiah-like mission.

Darkness like this, stealing the beautiful hearts and robbing the innocence of the young in Chile, it's one of the reasons we press on. It's surely one of the reasons we feel burdened to go.

A teammate passed this article to us today from the New York Times.

"In Tangle of Young Lips, a Sex Rebellion in Chile"

Being Cultural

2008-09-25T10:10:00.007-05:00

I’ve been troubled by something lately and I’d like to hear your opinion on the subject. Ellen and I have chosen to limit our intake of certain media/entertainment (I didn't say eliminate all). Not because sitting around on the couch all day and night promotes obesity . . . which it does. Not because it eliminates the opportunities for quality conversations . . . which it does. We do this because much of the content of these sitcoms, blockbusters, and musical best hits are contradictory of what we value most.

I have had multiple conversations lately with people in a position of spiritual leadership who take a much different stance on this subject. I have heard a couple different arguments for why this is appropriate but the number one response is:

Christians need to be in touch with culture in order to effectively engage the world.

This is the response that has me staggering. For me it doesn’t add up how Christians who supposedly value holiness would consistently subject their spirits to things immoral. Now maybe a person can admit that they are entertained by these industries but aren’t cloaking this indulgence with a claim to such higher intentions. I can respect that. At least they are being true to themselves. Maybe some genuinely believe that these tendencies are actually praiseworthy and honorable since their intentions are to understand culture in order to reveal Christ in a relevant way.

Seriously?

So it’s not because the vulgar humor is absolutely hysterical? Or that the dramatic love triangles excite the romantic in you? And it’s surely not that the suspenseful violent combat leaves you on the edge of your seat? And you definitely don’t watch because the steamy sexual scenes make your heart pound?

I find these same things entertaining. I’m disappointed to say that sometimes we stretch and bend our stance on this issue since we too are in battle with our fleshly nature. Another reason we are tempted to compromise is that quality wholesome entertainment is few and far between. I’m just wondering if Christians are watering down their convictions and values so that we’ll have something entertaining to experience and then masking our reasoning behind a pursuit of being relevant for the world’s spiritual sake. Meanwhile our spirits are under attack.

Do I have to know the cast and current happenings of Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes and the like to be culturally relevant in our world?

What do you think? Are we watering down God’s call in our lives? Or is this a truly honorable attempt at eventually sharing Jesus more effectively?

Dancing Machines!

2008-09-11T13:03:00.001-05:00

Turn your speakers on and hang on tight for a special surprise around 1:50.

Leader?

2008-09-10T08:31:00.008-05:00

Brant Hansen put together this list contrasting LeaderMan and Servant Leader. LeaderMan leads. Servant Leader leads to Jesus.

Enjoy!

-----------
Servant Leader: Has something to say

LeaderMan: Wants a platform on which to say something
-----------
LeaderMan: You almost feel you know his family, because he's your Leader

Servant Leader: You allow him to influence you, because you know his family
-----------
LeaderMan: Wants you to know he's a Leader

Servant Leader: You're not sure he knows he's a leader
-----------
LeaderMan: Loves the idea of the Gospel, and the idea of The Church

Servant Leader: Loves God and the actual individual people God brings across his path
-----------
LeaderMan: A great speaker, but self-described as, "Not really a people person."

Servant Leader: Makes himself a people person
-----------
LeaderMan: Helps you find where God is leading you in his organization

Servant Leader: Helps you find where God is leading you
-----------
LeaderMan: Gets together with you to talk about his vision

Servant Leader: Just gets together with you
-----------
LeaderMan: Resents "sheep stealing"

Servant Leader: Doesn't get the "stealing" part, since he doesn't own anyone to begin with
-----------
LeaderMan: Wants the right people on the bus

Servant Leader: Wants to find the right bus for you, and sit next to you on it
-----------
Servant Leader: Shows you his whole heart

LeaderMan: Shows you a flow chart
-----------
LeaderMan: A visionary who knows what the future looks like

Servant Leader: Knows what your kitchen looks like
-----------
LeaderMan: If it's worth doing, it worth doing with excellence

Servant Leader: Not exactly sure how to even calculate "worth doing"
-----------
LeaderMan: Talks about confronting one another in love

Servant Leader: Actually confronts you in love
-----------
LeaderMan: Impressed by success and successful people

Servant Leader: Impressed by faithfulness
-----------
LeaderMan: Invests time in you, if you are "key people"

Servant Leader: Wastes time with you
-----------
LeaderMan: Reveals sins of his past

Servant Leader: Reveals sins of his present
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LeaderMan: Gives you things to do

Servant Leader: Gives you freedom
-----------
LeaderMan: Leads because of official position

Servant Leader: Leads in spite of position
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LeaderMan: Deep down, threatened by other Leaders

Servant Leader: Has nothing to lose

Sweet Home Sulphur Springs

2008-09-09T15:22:00.004-05:00

Thursday night ESPN2 will be spotlighting my hometown's high school football team as they take on recently number two ranked, Texas, Class 4A, Wichita Falls Rider (see here).

Not sure if I'll get the chance to watch but all 14,551 Sulphur Springsinians will be.

Go Wildcats!

***Update***

Sulphur Springs pulled it off! After being down in the first half they battled back to upset WF Rider 22-16.

The Intruder

2008-09-08T12:45:00.007-05:00

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.”

-Jesus

This weekend we had an intruder in our home. Before you become too frightened for us I’ll spoil the story by admitting it was only a tiny mouse. If you knew the terror that surges through Ellen at the smallest evidence of such a creature you might better understand this reality. Animal activists beware!

Recently we noticed that some creature had taken shelter within the walls of our home.

I laid out snares in hopes of capturing and disposing of our unwanted guest. After the sticky pad method fell through the cracks I resorted to more extreme measures. Last Christmas my brother gifted me with a very nice pellet gun outfitted with a scope. On Sunday morning I entered full-blown sniper role. I suspected the tiny rodent had evaded the sticky pads, garnished with dog food and a pinch of cheddar cheese, to hide itself under our china cabinet or possibly inside it. So I waited, positioned at the foot of the staircase, taking aim. At last the fur-ball peeked out. In a hurry I tried to center the cross hairs but was spotted before squeezing the trigger. It raced back underneath its shelter.

For another 10 minutes I waited, reciting the line from The Patriot silently within my head, “Aim small, miss small”. Indeed, my target was small. Only an expert marksman could take down such a beast from nearly fifteen feet. Again the fuzzy critter reared its head and inched out cautiously from underneath the cabinet. With fingers crossed I squeezed the trigger and watched my prey scurry in a small circle before darting back under its hideaway.

I could hear it rummaging around underneath. I felt certain I had missed and that it had lodged itself somewhere within our cabinet. So I dug through each drawer, armed with cooking tongs in one hand to open drawers and shuffle there contents and a three foot piece of quarter round trim in the other, ready to wallop any sign of life. After successfully clearing each possible compartment with no sign still of the enemy, I decided to pull the cabinet from the wall in order to take a better look. In full man-mode I didn’t even consider simply grabbing a flashlight to shine underneath or maybe I did and I was too concerned that in my absence it would evade my pursuit.

When I pulled the cabinet from the wall I noticed a tiny tail lingering at the edge of the cabinet’s new position. Concerned that it might only be in freeze-mode, hoping that if it didn’t budge it would go unnoticed, I poked around with the stick of quarter round hoping to thaw its freeze. The little tail didn’t shift a bit. My heart leaped at the realization that I had successfully defended our home and put to rest Ellen’s discomfort. As I pulled out the trespasser with the quarter round by its still stagnant tail, I took noticed that I had actually struck it with my earlier shot. The man in men stood proud.

I trotted back to the bedroom to boast to my wife that I successfully guared our house.

Out of Africa

2008-08-28T10:08:00.015-05:00

I've just returned from a two week trip to Africa. It was a great experience, but I am so thankful to be back home. Here are a couple of snapshots from my trip.

Me and my bed.

Speaking at the Leadership Seminar.

Boy inside the Malawian church.

Me on the bus preparing for the 15 hour ride into Mozambique.

A view from the bus ride. Mt. Mulanje, the tallest mountain in Malawi. In the foreground, a field of tea crops.

A view from the Malawi-Mozambique border.

A Mozambican boy.

A crowd that gathered to listen.

Me.

Greatest American Dog!

2008-08-08T09:03:00.003-05:00

We've Got a Lot to Learn

2008-08-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

We had the chance to unload some of our faith questions and spiritual journey status with some good friends of ours recently. It was definitely motivating for each of us. One of the things we realized is how much more we need to immerse ourselves in God’s word. An idea that was suggested was to explore the Word in search of some guidance for being a disciple. That’s what we are right, disciples?

Disciple essentially means “learner of Christ”. Sometimes we get into slumps and we stop learning. Together we decided that it would be good for us to reenter the role of being a student of Christ. So we are examining God’s word to find out what Jesus taught his disciples, what mistakes they made, what they got right, etc.

I’ll tell you what has gotten me so excited about learning more. We’ve realized this is a mutual need and desire and we are going to “hit the books” or “The Book” together, sharing what is revealed to us about being a disciple, a learner of Christ. It’s such a blessing to share transparently where you are in your faith and then to link up and pursue God more intensely.

Please pray for us because while this is a step of faithfulness our faith has been weak lately. Thankfully God is steadfast and he rejoices in our decision to press on.

Pastel de Choclo

2008-07-14T11:19:00.011-05:00

This past weekend Ellen and I were in definite need of a quiet evening to our selves. I did some checking around trying to find a fun recipe for the two of us to cook together. Cooking has always been something we enjoy doing together. I decided to look into some Chilean dishes that I had read were popular.

That's when I discovered Pastel de Choclo. Ellen and I shopped for the fixings and on Saturday evening we enjoyed this authentic Chilean cuisine.

Choclo is Spanish for clog but Mapuche for corn. I guess the latter is a better translation since it is a Mapuche dish. So a good English translation might be Corn Cake. It's basically a corn and chicken casserole, but it has lots of other interesting additions that make it very unique, like raisins and boiled eggs.

The Mapuche are Indians that still inhabit parts of southern Chile. Similar to the history of many other Latin American countries and the United States for that matter, native Americans (or native South Americans) have played a significant role in the development of national culture.

We proudly present to you our very first homemade authentic Chilean dish . . .

Here's the recipe.

The Farm

2008-07-08T22:45:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from our 4th of July weekend. We were able to spend it with three of our teammates, Chad, Sara, and Deanna. It was a blast! It was really awesome to share with them my family, my hometown, and the farm.

Chile and Global Peace

2008-07-01T10:05:00.008-05:00

As reported recently by our fellow teammate, Deanna, our team recently decided to shoot for next June for our next journey into the beautiful country of Chile. This will only be a "survey trip", research gathering in preparation for our move that will begin just a year and a half later.

It is exciting to have made this unified decision about the timing of this important trip. Together we will be surveying more extensively the physical and spiritual characteristics of Concepcion and the nearby cities. Hopefully with the research we will gather then we can strategize more intelligently, leaning heavily on the Spirit for lots of guidance along the way.

The other day I stumbled on these interesting findings. I thought some of you readers would take special interest in this since you are either, currently living abroad, wanting to eventually, or do/will have children living abroad (neither Ellen or I currently have children living abroad).

Thanks Vision of Humanity for composing this very interesting list ranking the worlds' countries by their peacefulness.

#1 Iceland
#5 Japan
#12 Switzerland
#19 Chile
#34 Costa Rica
#56 Argentina
#90 Brasil
#97 United States
#100 Ecuador
#113 Philippines
#140 Iraq

I am proud of our dear Chile for coming in 19th as the most peaceful of all the Central and South American countries. Mom and Dad, I am terrified by the fact that you are even considering the thought of continuing to live in the United States.

You can see the full list here.

Authentic?

2008-06-26T09:36:00.003-05:00

Recently I attended a class on spiritual warfare. One of the messages the teacher was hitting on was immoral sensual indulgences. Sounds like a topic that could really stir up a good sized crowd, doesn’t it? The illustration used by the teacher was incredibly disappointing. [Side note: I have taught and it’s not as easy as it looks, but I am going to go off about this anyways.]

The teacher confessed that sometimes he struggles with eating too many sugar free cookies. I wanted to stand up and scream, “ARE YOU SERIOUS?” That’s your immoral indulgence?

Now it would be different if this person was chronically obese and he was chowing down on Twinkies and cupcakes 10 at a time. Not the case here though. I also realize that not everyone has to have an “immoral sensual indulgence” to confess at any given moment of their life. However, I can guarendainteeyou that someone in that class of 100 sure did, and that person swallowed theirs for another day.

How do confessions like this one help the church’s authenticity problems?

I’m not petitioning for some erotic or pornographic struggle to be confessed to this crowd of 100 on Sunday morning but surely there’s something a bit more concerning going on in our lives than the skinny person’s eating of a handful too many sugarless cookies?

The real admission should have been: “I get daily cravings for disgustingly tasteless cookies.”

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2008-06-25T11:22:00.004-05:00

Is maintaining a blog vain? If a blog is for journaling or self reflection, aren't there notebooks for that which can be hidden under your mattress or something?

Maybe a blog is for maintaining relationships. That might be a less vain usage of the technology. Technologies like this one, texting, email, skype, etc., have aided to our over extendedness. Yeah, we can keep up with more old friends but friendships of any depth seem to be less common. Maintaining relationships or friendship building via blogs sounds good, but I suspect their truer application is a manner to spy on each other's inner thoughts or life happenings. How often do you blog hop without leaving a word behind? And if you did leave a word or thought, how long would it take before you wore yourself out?

I mean, what are these counters for but to measure how popular your blog is? Seems vain to me. The biggest reason I haven't included one here is because it likely wouldn't budge. You see, I'm concerned about popularity too.

The usage of blogs, and the like, which seems least vain might be to chronicle experiences for those from far away who are invested in you, whether, emotionally, spiritually, financially, or otherwise. This is typically a way to satisfy a need for connectedness to those supporters of you or whatever you are doing.

I guess some people just like to write and for their writings to be read and appreciated. It sounds dumb to even say, but if people weren’t doing it, putting there thought to “paper”, we would have a lot less to read out there. So I’m glad some do.

So, I guess I’m not advocating that folks shouldn’t write. Rather, I’m asking, what leads you to write?

Is this something that you, fellow bloggers, have asked? What keeps you blogging?

Our New Place

2008-06-14T12:02:00.007-05:00

Here are some pictures of our new place. This is proof that we do own our own camera and are capable of not pirating pictures from the world wide web.

Blanco keeping a watch out.

Angel, the Shutt family's dog, visited Abilene a few weeks ago. This is a sweet moment she shared with Blanco. It's pretty much the only sweet moment that the two shared. Blanco was quite a nuisance to Angel so she was glad to finally get home.

Euro 2008

2008-06-11T11:26:00.007-05:00

Another soccer tournament has started. It's a tournament between the top 16 international teams in Europe. It happens every four years and last year's victor was Greece. Out of the eight games played so far I have called all but one right.

I'm a bit sour that I still have to go to work. Tournaments like this should really be coupled with some holiday time.

***********

We are in our new house now and have settled in quite nicely. We lack finishing some decorating projects and assembling our dining table. We are so grateful to be in a larger place where our passion for hosting can thrive without so much limitation.

I am going to do my best to get some pictures of our place up soon.

How Bush Celebrated Memorial Day . . .

2008-05-30T13:22:00.001-05:00

Thanks AP for the pic.

A Scary Confession

2008-05-29T16:08:00.007-05:00

I cringe at the thought of church. That’s a scary confession for me to make. Scary because of what some of you might think of me even though I was honest enough to admit it. Many of these feelings are new to me. I just started unreservedly evaluating “church” in the last two years or so.

I have always found myself smack dab in the middle of a church that boasts of its unique friendliness, but I am felling far less than friendly towards church lately . . . and it hurts. The problem is that most any church I attend would in all likelihood fall short of my standard.

In reality a good portion of the things that set me off are things that I need to get over. However there is an even larger portion of things that can’t or more accurately shouldn’t be overlooked any longer.

This isn’t a tangent to devalue or even affirm your perspective of your church or church in general but to share my own. Not that I’m uninterested in your perspective but that this for me isn’t a soap box or a manner to persuade.

Another Angle

Let me give you some hope. Hope in me and hope in the church.

I am learning that church is Christ’s body and Christ’s body is his followers. In that sense of the word I am falling more deeply in love than ever with the church.

Special relationships are flourishing because of the common core we share which is Christ. We have begun to dream together about how we can take part in God’s kingdom. We spend time talking, laughing, eating, playing and praying.

I am learning that this too is church . . . and it feels great.

The Root of My Problem

To no one’s surprise I blame Satan. Is this a copout to you? Not to me. I think Satan expends a lot of energy trying to distort, dilute, and destroy the church.

He does so by challenging the good in us and highlighting the bad. We have let him get away with it to easily.

How I Can Fight Back

Dry it up! Quit my belly aching and be joyful, constructive, and optimistic.

Pray! Pray for the unity of believers that we might see the good in each other and strive for our full potential.

Get Out of the Rut! Pry off the shackles of traditions and paganism and live more fully. We've gotten lazy, uncreative, and boring. It’s time for this “body” to get in better shape. Get out of the Lazy Boy and go for a jog. Heck, even a road trip! Live a little!

Bucket List

2008-05-23T16:33:00.003-05:00

From Wes:

On Wednesday I caught the Champions League final with my brother. Manchester United won by the way (It’s a big deal to the rest of the world). We were talking about our futures, and I mentioned to him that the 2014 World Cup is to be held in Brasil while we are living and working in Chile and that if he can he should visit. He got so pumped and was all like, “I’m there!” He said, “No, seriously, it’s on my bucket list”, which is when I asked him if he had seen the movie. He hasn’t.

He was so excited about the possibility of catching a World Cup game together that he immediately whipped out his cell phone calculator and started estimating what it might cost to pull it off. I loved it.

All this got me thinking. “Do I have a bucket list?” Not that it matters a whole lot because Jesus can come or God take me home whenever he wants and I won’t feel like I got gypped. Nevertheless, here are some of the biggies on my still growing Bucket List, all of which shall be done or accomplished with Ellen at my side.

Wesley’s Bucket List

1. Live in another country.
2. Become fluent in Spanish.
3. Attend a World Cup match in person.
4. Tour Europe.
5. Be a faithful follower of Christ.

So how about you? What do you want to do before you kick the bucket?

Off Center

2008-05-09T08:23:00.002-05:00

From Wes:

Tomorrow is Ellen’s graduation. She is finishing her master’s degree in Speech Pathology. I am very proud of her for her academic accomplishments and maybe more so her perseverance.

This is just one of the many life changes that we have been on the brink of or have already undergone recently, each of which are exciting and have long been anticipated. You might be anticipating a “but” fast approaching, and I suspect in this post I can’t entirely avoid its use. Between changing positions at work, applying and beginning graduate school myself, Ellen’s graduation, her job hunt, a new season in our missions training, moving, etc., I am running out of steam and maybe even thankfulness.

At least life isn’t dull for us right now, right?

Would you pray that we would do better with maintaining our center? It’s easy to loose sight and faith in life when so many distractions are bombarding us. Pray that ours, our sight and faith, well be renewed in Christ Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit.

Speed Demons

2008-05-05T10:28:00.002-05:00

From Wes:

Within the span of two weeks Ellen and I both have received our first ever speeding tickets. Can you believe this!? Now that I ask I recognize that many of you are actually likely surprised that this hasn’t happened before or even more regularly.

When Bo, the gentleman who served me my first ticket, pulled me over and leaned down outside the front passenger window, and said, “License and registration, please.” I knew I was hopeless. Things got even more hopeless when he said that he had clocked me at 80 mph, and I responded in disbelief, “80!” The surprised and contradictory tone that continued didn’t help either, “I had my cruise control set on 76!” I recognize that this shameless response only affirmed my guilt since the speed limit is 70.

Then this morning, Ellen called to tell me that she too had been handed hers while traveling back from Ft. Worth. Interestingly enough she was also cruising at 76 (I won’t include here that this was a 60 mph zone).

So . . . we will be scheduling a special date to celebrate this momentous occasion together by attending Defensive Driving.

Table for two!

Scholes' Scintillating Strike

2008-05-01T13:38:00.001-05:00

This amazing strike from Manchester United's veteran midfielder, Paul Scholes, added the only aggregate that mattered to the teams tally and helped them progress to the final of club soccer's most highly esteemed tournament, the Champions League.

They will face fellow English club, Chelsea, in Moscow. It is the first all English championship in the tournaments history.

Interesting thing is, these two teams are also battling it out in the English Premier League which concludes soon. What a dream come true it would be for Manchester to walk away from this 2007-2008 season with both trophies.

Go Reds!

*My apologies if you have little interest in my futbol team*

**Yes, I do know what the word scintillating means**

-Wes

Keeping My Gut in Check

2008-04-14T10:16:00.006-05:00

From Wes:

Today during my daily perusing of Latin American news I stumbled upon this embittering article on Yahoo News.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay - One of South America's smallest countries proved on Sunday it can hold the biggest barbecue in the world.

Some 1,250 Uruguayan grillmeisters sizzled up 26,400 pounds (12,000 kilograms) of beef Sunday, beating a 2006 record set in Mexico.

"It's all so beautiful. It's a record," Guinness World Records judge Danny Girton said after the chefs, in white hats and aprons, smoked and barbecued their way into the record book with help of 6 tons of charcoal and 1,500 metal barbecue stands.

The barbecue was so big that firefighters were called in to light the grills and make sure the flames did not get out of hand. It beat the previous record of 17,600 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of beef, Girton said.

Uruguay, a ranching and farming nation, last year exported more than US$1 billion (euro630 million) in beef — its chief export.

The load of meat cooked Sunday set off swirling clouds of aromatic smoke, as 20,000 spectators devoured the cuts quickly.

Why would an article on the world’s largest barbecue embitter someone? Well it’s not because I am an animal rights activist (nor do I believe in animal cruelty) or because I have been debating on whether or not to become a vegetarian (nor is this a knock on you Dee, only coincidental).

Well, truth be told, I’m dieting. It’s no easy confession since during my younger days I held this notion that my high metabolism and regular activity would be enough to maintain this handsome physique forever. Well the metabolism is evidently slowing and the activity is becoming less regular, but my appetite is as steady as ever.

So yesterday I kicked of this diet that begins itself with a nine day first phase which allows only fruits and vegetables to be ingested. It was the imagining of the succulent aroma of that massive barbecue, the wafting scent of the mouth watering grilled beef . . . and mounds of it, that’s what made me a bit bitter.

Considering it is day two of nine I might need your prayers in the coming days.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Aston Villa

2008-03-31T15:41:00.001-05:00

Check out this masterful goal by Cristiano as he flicks this bouncing deflected cross off the heel and through the legs of the Villa defender and into the back of the net.

The last angle shows most clearly what took place.

Enjoy.

-Wes

Faith and Medicine

2008-03-28T14:10:00.003-05:00

The following story appeared in Yahoo News.

Police are investigating an 11-year-old girl's death from an undiagnosed, treatable form of diabetes after her parents chose to pray for her rather than take her to a doctor.

An autopsy showed Madeline Neumann died Sunday of diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that left too little insulin in her body, Everest Metro Police Chief Dan Vergin said.

She had probably been ill for about a month, suffering symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, loss of appetite and weakness, the chief said Wednesday, noting that he expects to complete the investigation by Friday and forward the results to the district attorney.

The girl's mother, Leilani Neumann, said that she and her family believe in the Bible and that healing comes from God, but that they do not belong to an organized religion or faith, are not fanatics and have nothing against doctors.

She insisted her youngest child, a wiry girl known to wear her straight brown hair in a ponytail, was in good health until recently.

"We just noticed a tiredness within the past two weeks," she said Wednesday. "And then just the day before and that day (she died), it suddenly just went to a more serious situation. We stayed fast in prayer then. We believed that she would recover. We saw signs that to us, it looked like she was recovering."

Her daughter — who hadn't seen a doctor since she got some shots as a 3-year-old, according to Vergin — had no fever and there was warmth in her body, she said.

The girl's father, Dale Neumann, a former police officer, said he started CPR "as soon as the breath of life left" his daughter's body.

Family members elsewhere called authorities to seek help for the girl.

"My sister-in-law, she's very religious, she believes in faith instead of doctors ...," the girl's aunt told a sheriff's dispatcher Sunday afternoon in a call from California. "And she called my mother-in-law today ... and she explained to us that she believes her daughter's in a coma now and she's relying on faith."

The dispatcher got more information from the caller and asked whether an ambulance should be sent.

"Please," the woman replied. "I mean, she's refusing. She's going to fight it. ... We've been trying to get her to take her to the hospital for a week, a few days now."

The aunt called back with more information on the family's location, emergency logs show. Family friends also made a 911 call from the home. Police and paramedics arrived within minutes and immediately called for an ambulance that took her to a hospital.

But less than an hour after authorities reached the home, Madeline — a bright student who left public school for home schooling this semester — was declared dead.

She is survived by her parents and three older siblings.

"We are remaining strong for our children," Leilani Neumann said. "Only our faith in God is giving us strength at this time."

The Neumanns said they moved from California to a modern, middle-class home in woodsy Weston, just outside Wassau in central Wisconsin, about two years ago to open a coffee shop and be closer to other relatives. A basketball hoop is set up in the driveway.

Leilani Neumann said she and her husband are not worried about the investigation because "our lives are in God's hands. We know we did not do anything criminal. We know we did the best for our daughter we knew how to do."

I am sadened by this tragic story. My heart is burdened for the families and loved ones that knew this sweet child.

The story leaves me wondering some tough questions about faith and medicine.

Are they enemies? Which do we put our trust in? And can they work together?

What are your sentiments on this story, the parent's decision, and the relationship between faith and medicine?

David Beckham

2008-03-27T08:48:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of watching David Beckham play. Some friends and I had the opportunity to catch the game in Frisco as FC Dallas faced off against the LA Galaxy (Beckham's team) in a charity game.

This was more than just a preseason game for Beckham though. As some of you may know he has faced a lot of adversity in the sport in recent years. Last season when he joined the Galaxy he played very little due to injuries. As international friendlies, World Cup qualifies, and Euro 2008 picked up it appeared that Beckham's time with England's national team might have expired.

Frank Capello, England's new coach, who is very familiar with Beckham's abilities after their time together at Real Madrid, was hesitant to call him up since he has been in offseason with the Galaxy while most of the leagues elsewhere in the world are in full swing.

With preseason games like the charity event in Frisco picking up it was time for Capello to see just exactly what kind of form Beckham was in.

Capello must have been as pleased as we were with Beckham's abilities and fitness because last night in France, Beckham started for his 100th Cap with England.

It's More Than Just a Good Idea

2008-03-24T14:29:00.005-05:00

My father-in-law gave me this book for my birthday and it is really hitting home. I am realizing that I am more of a visionary than I thought. I am only six chapters in but already it is worth the read.

Here’s a few simple things that have made a big impact in me:

*Most if not all biblical visionaries experienced a “desert” period in pursuit of their vision. We are in Abilene!

*The wait refines the vision and the visionary. I guess that’s why it hurts sometimes.

*To focus on the “how” (how things will come together) of the vision instead of the “giver” of the vision would be counterproductive.

-Wes

DIRTy Hair

2008-03-13T15:47:00.005-05:00

You would think that the weather 20 minutes WEST of Abilene would not be that different...that assumption is highly incorrect.

On Tuesday and Thursday I have a speech pathology internship in Merkel and you would not believe the horrific weather changes that occur just 20 minutes away. Everyday the wind feels like a tornado is about to sweep you away. Merkel doesn't ever need a weather man because all he would say is, "It's going to be another windy day. Hang on to what you got."

I used to be kinda okay with the forceful wind - now I'm just annoyed. My hair feels like dirt...which is the only thing that can be blown around in Merkel.

Just felt compelled to share this information with those who read our blog.

~ Ellen

Reflection

2008-03-11T16:55:00.002-05:00

Today I needed to remember days like this one.

-Wes

Down South

2008-03-06T13:44:00.004-06:00

I've been following the news of Latin America as closely as possible (limited because of language barrier) over the past couple years. Earlier this week tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, Venezuela, and most recently Nicaragua have grown unstable. Colombia has long struggled against its own people (rebels). The guerrilla group that has given Colombia all this trouble is known as Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (or FARC). They have been responsible for many murders, kidnappings, bombings, drug trades, weapon trafficking, and other high crimes.

Recently Colombia has become increasingly frustrated with its neighbors, Ecuador and Venezuela, for their allowance of the FARC to take refuge just their side of the Colombian border. On Saturday, the Colombian military attacked a group of around 25 rebels that were encamped about a mile inside the borders of Ecuador, killing more than twenty on foreign soil.

Venezuela and Colombia's relationship has been strained in the past few months due to complications in a prisoner exchange between Colombia and the rebel group, FARC. Venezuela has played the mediator during the exchanges and crossed some line along the way in the eyes of Colombia.

They said some words, yanked diplomats back home, threatened trade, etc. Now this.

Venezuela stepped in quickly to make clear to Colombia that if the same thing happened inside of their borders, there would be war.

Colombia claims that hey have uncovered rebel laptops which yield evidence that Venezuala can be linked to supporting the rebels financially (300 million dollars worth).

With already uncomfortable relations in this region, things have thickened quickly following the attack.

-----------

Chavez, Venezuela's president, has been itching for war or at least paranoid of a possible attack for months now. He has been buying Russian fighter planes, submarines, and machine guns left and right.

Correa, Ecuador's president, is recently elected but has been snuggling often with other socialist/dictators like Castro and Chavez.

Uribe, Colombia's president, has been getting cozy with the United States as they try to tighten down the screws on the drug trade that is rampant in this region. Colombia's army is U.S. backed. With this warm and fuzzy relationship between U.S. and Colombia, Colombias' neighbors have become nauseous to say the least.

-----------------

I pray that things cool down soon. Join me.

If you want to keep up with this story, yahoo news does a pretty good job of keeping me up to date.

Champions League

2008-02-20T09:50:00.007-06:00

I love futbol. Futbol is the sport of my childhood. I
have some soccer loving friends but nothing compares to the soccer culture that exists almost everywhere else in our world. I think that is one of the bigger reasons I am in love with Latin America.

This week is the first leg in the round of 16 knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League. Each year, 32 of Europes finest clubs compete to decide who the top club in Europe is.

Today my team, Manchester United, will play against the French great, Lyon.

I must confess days like today make me want to call in sick.

Confession

2008-02-14T15:56:00.003-06:00

I just became giddy thinking about my evening planned with my bride. I am a very blessed man.

Love is a wonderful gift. It should be celebrated.

Grumpy Old Woman

2008-02-13T13:14:00.013-06:00

I (Ellen) am currently at a nursing home for a speech pathology internship. I had a memorable experience this week.

A lady was brought to me to begin speech therapy. Instantly, I could tell she was in a bad mood, and trust me, when an elderly woman is in a bad mood the last thing she wants to do is speech therapy. Upon arriving to my table she screams, "Take me back to bed! I'm about to DIE!" I am far from an expert in working with the elderly, but I know that many of the people are not too far from death. This lady in particular didn't look to good. I couldn't figure out if she was being serious or if she was just mad. As I sat there stunned and scared, she yells to me again, "Take me back to bed. I'm about to DIE!"

Thankfully, the physical therapist came over and bluntly responded, "Honey, you're gonna have to hang on for at least 30 more minutes 'cause that's how long Ellen needs to see you." She responded, "I'm about to DIE! Get me back to bed."

I distracted her with some apple juice (very strange, but it worked!). I was able to get in my 30 minutes, but it was tedious. About every 3 minutes she would drop her head on the table and scream, "I'm about to die. Take me back to bed!"

I was back at the nursing home today and she was alive, participating well in therapy. Morale of the story: if possible, stay away from old women in bad moods, they really exaggerate.

A Walk in the Dark

2008-02-12T09:30:00.000-06:00

Last night I went for a walk with a friend around our neighborhood. We spent our time talking and praying about wanting to share the news of Jesus. We also spent our time confessing how unequipped, inexperienced, and inadequate we feel.

I think that is right where Satan wants us.

He wants us to forget that we have been greatly empowered by the Holy Spirit. Far more than any book on evangelism could ever empower, far more than any sermon could ever motivate, and far more than any formalized training experience could ever equip, the spirit of God wants to empower us.

If the evil one can keep us from ever opening our lips and confessing Jesus as lord of our lives and potential savior to all than we will never have the experience we long for. Even if the message we share isn’t polished, at least we would be sharing it.

I feel like that darn pot of clay, beat up and cracked, wondering if there is really anything special inside of me. Isn’t that what he would have us think? Questioning the truth of scripture and doubting that we would have such a high calling.

I’m ready to start sharing Jesus.

How about you? Can you identify with these barriers?

-Wes

Our Guilty Pleasure

2008-01-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night the fourth season of LOST premiers. We are anxious to see where this season goes. One thing we know, this season will be cut short thanks to the greedy writers in Holywood. Only eight episodes so we hear.

This is our one Television indulgence, outside of the occasional "Big Game". We will be gathering with other avid fans for LOST and supper tomorrow night.

Where will you be?

Pre What?

2008-01-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

This weekend our training begins. Our missions team will be retreating to Leuders, Texas for our first training module. This is a monumental moment for us because our team has been in a stage typically known as "formation" for the past two and a half years. The formation will undoubtedly continue as things turn to a more mental and spiritual focus.

Most of us are oblivious to what the weekend will hold. This particular stage of our training is known as the PreMAC weekend. Which means Preliminary Missionary Assessment Conference, I think?

Over the Christmas break we each filled out this huge application called the MBIF. Another Halbert acronym meaning Missionary Biographical Information Form. In addition to this 18 page form there were three essays. It should come as no surprise to Halbert that we are a bit jittery as to what awaits us this weekend.

Some of us are envisioning some sort of spiritual gauntlet. Or maybe the missionary version of American Gladiator.

Starring . . .

Gary the Green Mean Machine and company, including Sonny Tsunami Guild, Steve Alligator Allison, and Kent the Comanche Smith.

Each will be a part of the grueling weekend. Bible trivia, relational evangelism simulators, restoration history jeopardy, who knows? As the saying goes, hope for the best but expect the worst. If we are fairing well they might turn it up a notch. Encounters with the demon possessed, the lame beggars of the Big Country, or even one of Abilene's modern Pharisees, all of which could enter into the picture.

Check back next week to find out what all went down at our PreMAC weekend.

-Wes

For the Box Heads

2008-01-22T13:40:00.000-06:00

"There's not any thinking inside the box."

-Pop

The Great Architect

2008-01-18T15:44:00.000-06:00

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I (Jesus) will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 18:18

A book that I am reading (recommended to me by Guy Muse) lead me to this verse. I have been thinking a lot lately about how church should be done, and how I can contribute. I have been plagued recently by some of the things in church that I am currently frustrated by. It should be noted that I mean the church as an institution. It should also be noted that the things pestering me seem to be built by man instead of by my Jesus.

This verse comes to me as a reminder that I am not supposed to be the builder of the church. Jesus is. Jesus is to be the mastermind behind this beautiful and historic architecture. So what does that make me? A foreman, a surveyor, a contractor, or just some regular construction worker?

Because Jesus is the builder it doesn't take much off my shoulders, but the load does look different.

Trusting Jesus to build the church is something that I am not very experienced at. So I am beginning to ponder what I should be doing in the meanwhile.

Here's my start . . .

Pray- Pray more. A lot more. Even when I'm sleepy and especially when I'm tired. Whether it seems pointless or powerful; futile or instrumental; draining or inspiring; I must keep on praying.

What else can we do that will allow Jesus to build the church instead of us?

Your thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

-Wes

There's something I think you should see . . .

2008-01-15T12:43:00.001-06:00

1000 Better Things

2008-01-14T15:50:00.000-06:00

Today at lunch Ellen and I went to a nearby park. I really enjoyed our time together especially with the way my day started off (I’ll get to that shortly). We sat on the park bench eating our sandwich, chips, and fruit. It is kind of chilly out today, so the bright sun on our backs felt especially good.

While we sat there a homeless man walked up with his cart full of belongings and settled in at a bench nearby. I looked over and waved at him, wanting him to know that we appreciated his presence. He walked over and was grumbling about the way some people in our city had treated him, saying, “You sure do have a bunch of faggots here . . .” He is new to Abilene from Hollywood. Very curious who and what he might be talking about and a bit nervous because he was clearly disgruntled, I peered up at him from our bench. He explained that he was not going to “stress these rich folk” that are trying to push him around; instead he would just push back. After getting that off his chest he moseyed back over to his bench for a cigarette. Short of words, I just listened and looked at him sympathetically. As he walked away I thought of all the things I wished I would have been prepared to share with him. Moments later he left the park. With a wave from his cigarette hand, he signaled goodbye to us.

After he left I recognized how similar our day must have begun. I was rattled this morning by some discouraging words from someone I am acquainted with. I will say no more than that because I do not wish to bring any further discouragement upon myself, so let your imagination go. I can however say that there were a 1000 better things my acquaintance could have shared with me today.

As my friend in the park walked away this afternoon, I wished I would have had the presence of mind to share with him this one thing, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

It was what I needed to hear this morning.

Januvery Busy!

2008-01-04T15:41:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas break spent with our families. Ten full days away from our daily routines and schedules was definitely refreshing for us.

There are a few things that transpired over the break that we would like to update you on . . .

*The Lukkasons called on Christmas Eve to share with us that they desire to join our team, bringing our total team members to seven people (five family units).

*Our team will begin training with Halbert Institute of Missions (ACU) this semester. Towards the end of this month we will attend the first of several retreats centered on preparing us for our endeavors. These retreats are referred to as “Modules” and are spaced out over the next two years or so. During the semester we will have routine mentoring meetings with Gary Green, Latin American Missions Coordinator for Halbert. These times will be spent expounding on the principles encountered during the Module.

*Blanco, our puppy, recently suffered a strained knee but seems to have fully recovered.

*We celebrated our first anniversary last weekend (December 30th) while on a mini vacation with my Dad, Kelly, and baby Sadie. We enjoyed the scrumptious cuisine at P. F. Chang’s together. It was the first time for both of us and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

*Wes’ grandfather, Pop, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for an early morning surgery the next day. Recently a growth was discovered on one of his lungs, so Wednesday’s surgery entailed a biopsy and the growth’s removal. Early tests show that it was an airborne infection that attached itself on his lung and decided to stay a while. He is now recovering and is expected to be released in a few days. Please pray for his recovery.

*Ellen begins her final semester of graduate school next week!

We hope you all had a blessed Christmas and New Years!

King of Kings

2007-12-19T13:07:00.000-06:00

"A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." -Proverbs 19:12

I have been puzzled by who He is.

I recognize that arriving at a final answer anytime soon is unrealistic. I understand that I do not have the capacity to fully or maybe even nearly understand who he is, what he does, and what he allows.

I have been bewildered by who He is.

From gore and vengeance to loving one’s enemy. Surely there is no easy explanation.

I have been astounded by who He is.

Love for the imperfect and the weak like me, who should have been His footstool but instead I am his heir (Galatians 4).

Who is this King of Glory?

I take comfort in knowing that even David pondered the question (Psalms 24). I take special comfort in Proverbs 19, “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass”. The questions do not go away, and it is no final answer, but it does reframe for me my King.

The imagery of power and violence within the lion’s roar is mysteriously beautiful. How could its roar be so beautiful while all the while so terrifying?

His favor being like the early morning dew, blanketing anything left uncovered. So comforting is the thought of his renewal every morning, his peace, his mercy, his love.

There is no tidy conclusion for these thoughts of mine which may be fiting since these things are still evolving in me. So I will toss it to you. What has helped you understand our King?

-Wes

Breaking the Silence

2007-12-07T12:55:00.000-06:00

In Pilgrim Heart; the Way of Jesus in Everyday Life, by Darryl Tippens, Tippens discusses spiritual disciplines that can be practiced without your removal from the world. In fact, they are dependent on our interaction with a Christian community and/or the world.

Currently I am reading the section on confession. This quote mentioned by the author really stands out to me:

"In a room where people unanimously maintain a conspiracy of silence, one word of truth sounds like a pistol shot." -Czeslaw Milosv

For me this quote has even more relevance today in the area of accountability.

There was a time when I rarely felt uncomfortable (if I even noticed) in those silent moments when I was among other Believers and we began to journey down a troublesome road where there existed no holiness. Today I have a great conviction that when I arrive at such forks I am obligated to choose the path of holiness. This is not to say that I always do choose holiness (which goes without saying), but a persevering voice does resonate inside of me, beckoning me to choose the road less traveled.

By practicing the gift of accountability we become sensitive to the Voice that beckons us to beckon others, to break the silence.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. -Galatians 6:1

-Wes

2007-11-15T09:29:00.000-06:00

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." Pillipians 2:3 (NKJV)

I want to embody this. If I can, the gossip, slander, malice, sarcasm, cynicism, resentment, bitterness and many other of the vices of this heart will be loosed.

Do you stand in need of this? Can you relate?

-Wes

Your attention please . . .

2007-11-14T12:25:00.000-06:00

This website that calculates the reading level of your blog has ranked the Wes and Ellen blog with a reading level of:

Get a Cash Advance

Now I discovered this undoubtedly highly scientific and faultless tool by way of a friend of a friend's blog (lets give credit where credit's due), and he also included a list of rankings for other sites and blogs that he frequents.

Lets see how ours fair . . .

Deanna - Genius
Jonathan - Junior High School
Jeremy - High School
Guy Muse - High School
Yahoo News - Junior High School
ESPN Soccernet - College (Post Grad)
NY Times - Junior High School

Well folks, there you have it. If you wish to heighten your blogs readability results, I would recommended frequenting the Wes and Ellen blog more often.

Good Day!

A Case of Nostalgia

2007-11-13T08:36:00.001-06:00

I (Wes) recently completed Isabel Allende's, My Invented Country. It is the first of Allende's writings that I have sampled. Because this post isn't a book review I wont begin to go into detail, other than to say that it is a reflection on Chile and Chilean life. She has spent many of her recent years living in California so she often finds herself reminiscent of her life in Chile.

This morning my heart is heavy with a desire to return to the Chilean port of Talcahuano. To sit atop the overlooking hill that provides a splendid view of the sea, its industry, and all of its hurry. The wind spreading upwards to me the chilly sea air and the noises of the bustling harbor.

There my spirit would be quieted and my purpose renewed.

The Outcome

2007-11-06T09:09:00.000-06:00

Last week I (Wes) made a bold statement predicting the outcome of Saturday's big game. I must admit that Man U and Arsenal had to share the spoils after their showdown, each walking away with a point.

Man U fans look forward to another Champions League victory tomorrow against winless Dynamo Kiev. Manchester stands atop Group F with nothing but wins.

---------------------------

Tomorrow night at HIP (the Wednesday evening service at church) a short series on spiritual warfare continues. Last week's lesson was very challenging. It was a time to get real and be more aware of the spiritual battle that we are in. Such prophetic messages seem to be less and less frequent, but truth is being spoken boldly here about spiritual life and death.

Saturday's Showdown

2007-11-01T13:56:00.001-05:00

Q: Recognize this man?
A: He's no wanna be gangsta. That's Sir Alex Ferguson, the boss of Manchester United.

Q: What is he hyped up about?
A: Saturday's clash with current Premier League number one, Arsenal.

Q: What is going to happen?
A: Mark my words, Arsenal is gonna be dethroned.

World Mission Workshop

2007-10-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

This past weekend Ellen and I traveled to the World Mission Workshop in Edmond, Oklahoma. It was such a blessing to be there. It just so happens that the couple (the Lukkasons) that is considering joining our missions team lives in Edmond and is going to school at Oklahoma Chrisitian University, the host of the workshop.

Ellen and I enjoy so much the company of the Lukkasons. We all continue praying for God's will to be made known about whether we should partner together.

The workshop was such a great experience. Hundreds of likeminded students and others gather together for a weekend of lectures, classes, worship, interest groups, prayer, etc. The biblical text that the weekend was centered around was Revelation 5:9, ". . . from every tribe and language and people and nation." A beautiful image of what heaven will look like.

In other missions news, ACU and Halbert Institue for missions will be presenting teams in formation tomorrow night. Our team will be part of the showcase.

Update

2007-10-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

Recent happenings . . .

A couple from OCU visits us. They are investigating Abilene, ACU, and Missions!

***************
In Gossip: Reid gets a girl friend. Meriden gets a boy friend.

***************
Our missions team unites for the first time since being in Concepcion, Chile together almost five months ago. We celebrate relationships, dreams for the future, and God’s love together.

***************
Deanna* drives twelve hours (one way) to spend four days with us.
*Deanna is one of our teammates for missions and is currently living in Colorado.

***************
Finished the Graduate School of Theology application process and began considering Organizational and Human Resource Development at ACU. (Wes)

***************
Blanco turns 6 months and on his B-Day gets neutered.

***************
Camping trip with the guys for my brother’s B-Day . . . he did not get neutered. (Wes)

*Some pictures coming soon!

On my errands

2007-09-26T12:59:00.000-05:00

I was running my errands today and something happened to me that got me thinking. Daily I make a trip downtown for work to the local post office and bank. Today there was no need to go to the bank, but I found myself making the subconscious decision to go there anyways. I made the same right turn I would have made any other day, followed by another right turn, and had just put my blinker on for the left turn when I realized what I was doing. I guess you could say I am a creature of habit.

Have you been there? Too often I find myself living my life short of the focus I long for; passing up opportunities, living unintentionally, falling into ruts, and zoning out. I want to be more mindful of heavenly things and my heavenly calling (Col. 3).

New Website

2007-09-17T09:49:00.000-05:00

Let me direct you to the new Hope For Life website.

Hope For Life:

"HopeForLife.org is based in Abilene, Texas. We are part of a larger nonprofit organization called Herald of Truth. Our goal, and the goal of the larger organization of which we are part, is to use the best means of the times (whether that be radio, television, or—in our case—the Internet) to reach the most people with everlasting hope."

There are several powerful video testimonies that can be seen by clicking on the "Profiles" link. Select the video in the list that interests you. Then view the continuations of these testimonies by clicking on the "more information" options under the video.

Enjoy!

-Wes

The Arts

2007-09-05T09:19:00.000-05:00

I want to invite you to check out this powerful video of a group of young people who combine music, role-play, and song to portray spiritual truths. Praise God for the different avenues He has given us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Please, check it out.

Wes

Does the church experience coups?

2007-08-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

Have you seen someone be ousted from a position of service in the church because of differing perspectives that exist in the body?

Maybe a youth minister got on the bad side of one too many parents? Or at least the wrong sets of parents?

Maybe a worship minster who lifts his hands to high or gets long winded sharing how a song touches them personally?

Maybe a preacher who calls the body to too high of a standard or spends too much time out of the office?

There are presumably many reasons someone, lets just be literal, just plain and simple, there are many reasons ministers get fired. Some, likely more appropriate than others. I am biting my tongue (restraining my typing hands) from expressing how frustrated I am with particular coups in the church that I have witnessed and others that seem to be underway. Of which, there seems to me to be a better way.

In your experience, has this type of occurrence been justly handled? Or was there a better way?

Lima, Conce, and Becks

2007-08-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

This morning I learned of the earthquake that hit Peru last night. My heart hurts for my brothers and sisters, in and out of Christ, whom have been affected by this tragedy. Only days ago some of my closest friends were in Peru not far from the epicenter of this seven-point-niner. I know that they particularly must be burnedened for those affected.

To read about the hundreds in churches in that region whom's bodies lay covered by the rubel of the church building that they gathered in last night, my heart grieves. However, for their faithfulness I am encouraged and prayerful that their souls will now find rest from life's troubles. For their families that are left behind I remain prayerful that they will receive comfort and assistance so that their spirits will be lifted.

God, please, work good out of this tragedy.
------------------------------

Yesterday was a great day for our developing plans to live and work in South America. Concepcion, Chile is the city that we have selected, unless God turns us another direction. Yesterday we heard news of others interested in joining our team. I am so thankful for the way God is affirming our direction and the decisions we are prayerfully making.
------------------------------

Yesterday, David Beckham finally was healthy enough for his first start, his first goal, his first assist, and his first yellow card in the Galaxy's game versus D.C. United.

Pretty cool!

Good Bye Freddy

2007-08-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

Well, to all of our futbol fans out there, Major League Soccer has suffered a recent blow. The American futbol child prodigy, Freddy Adu, has signed just recently with FC Benfica, located in Lisbon, Portugal. Benfica is one of the most premier clubs in Europe and more specifically in the Portuguese league.

I am not heart broken necessarily, but for a league that is wrestling for recognition, I believe that letting this player slip away without more of a fight is a mistake.

With that being said, I think it is a great move for Freddy. I can't blame the guy for choosing Benfica over Real Salt Lake. I wish him all the luck in the world. Who knows, maybe when he's 30 or so, he'll come to the states and save the MLS. Sound familiar?

So, what do you think? I'd like to know.

-Wes

Did You Know?

2007-07-31T11:58:00.000-05:00

Today is Ellen's Birthday!

Happy 23rd Birthday Babe!

Blanco Danco!

2007-07-16T19:38:00.000-05:00

Blanco is 14 weeks old today! Big deal, right? Well, he thinks he's a "big deal". This past weekend we gave him a haircut. It's basically the "dog mullet" . . . "Business on top, party down below".

Cool News

2007-07-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

Herald of Truth has just debuted their new website. Check it out at: www.heraldoftruth.org

A rough cut

2007-07-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

From Wes-

I have recently been wrestling with a measure of discontent at work.

For almost 30 years my dad has worked for Federal Express. He is a smart and talented man capable of succeeding at many life ventures. He has a knack for knowing how to do things that he has never done before, be it carpentry, construction, mechanics, pluming, masonry, stained glass, you name it, and my dad could do it. Of these skilled labors, he succeeds most evidently in carpentry. He is a master at turning a slab of wood into something beautiful.

Maybe what is equally impressive is his perseverance. I mean, 30 years of blue collar work and never once have I heard him ache and groan for something else. It seems like he decided a long time ago that this is what he wanted to do with his life. I am proud of him for it.

Meanwhile, I set at a computer desk, in my temperature controlled office, with the kitchen and its beverages just a walk down the hall. I feel spoiled and selfish.

I wonder sometimes if it is truly God's call in my life to be a full-time professional minister/missionary or if it is more so a desire to be doing something “else”. Believe me; I know that there are plenty of moments in ministry that aren't "fun". With the world and all of its brokenness, and a life dedicated to a ministry of reconciliation, it can’t be all fun.

I ache to be used in bigger ways for God’s glory.

Sometimes I feel like that “slab of wood” that my dad picks out to do something special with. I feel dull, rough to the touch, rawness, but wanting to be turned into something profound, something beautiful. I wait patiently and prayerfully as parts of who I am are chiseled slowly away. Those parts of who I am are given up often times too begrudgingly. I get impatient, anxious for the next stage in life and a clearer image of who I am supposed to be.

This ancient hymn is the song of my heart this morning.

Oh! To be like Thee, oh! To be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
-Thomas O. Chisolm

What I fear most . . .

2007-07-02T12:26:00.001-05:00

Recently I completed Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne. The book challenged me in ways that I had never been challenged before. I know that I am one of many, who have been touched by this book and others like it. I believe that the Church (Christ’s Body) in America is on the verge of a revolution, and that it is gaining momentum. Hearts all over our nation are longing to become impassioned by something they believe in and something they can participate in. They are searching for something fresh, no longer stagnant, but ever changing in correlation to the environment it finds itself. Something not tossed around by the culture or conformed by, but that is relevant. Well I am on board! My soul bursts with excitement knowing that there is revival taking place.

What if the word’s “church” or “Christian” would trigger thoughts like: haven, love, and faithful instead of hypocrisy, judgment, and boring? What if Christians were almost as loveable as Christ to those who are broken and in need of healing?

My father-in-law warned me that Claiborne’s book would “mess you up” and, well . . . it has. I have been sent a gut check, no, a heart check and I am afraid of the results. The question that reverberates within me that is so frightening is this: Will nothing change?

Will I continue to leave Jesus’ words to the Rich man (Mark 10:17-31) and to Peter (Mark 8:34-37) for interpretation? A matter of opinion and situational, or are they words for my life? Are they words for all of our lives? How many times have you and I been the rich man? I’ll tell you! Every time we read the passage and walk away with everything we had before we came.

Will nothing change? Will my life be a pursuit of wealth and success? Aiming for a beautiful new home, dependable newish cars, romantic dates to popular restaurants and the latest blockbuster, exciting vacations, a comfortable savings account, and a worriless retirement? Oh don’t get me wrong, it would be garnished here and there with subtle undertones of commitment to “carrying my own Cross” and a hint of “compassion” from time to time for the weak, the forgotten, the burdened, the searching, and the sinful like me.

I’m sorry but that is exactly the lifestyles that have gotten the “church” to where it is today. I want to be different. I do want to be changed and I don’t want to accept just pieces of Christ’s life. I don’t want to explain away anymore the radical lifestyles of Jesus and his earliest followers.

I want to be changed.

This verse summarizes both my biggest life ambition and my biggest fear. I John 2:5-6, “But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

Would you pray for Ellen and me to be formed into the truer likeness of Christ? Pray that we and others would change.

Just Me and Blanco

2007-06-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

Wes has to be in Dallas for a week for some work training. I spent my first night alone...just me a Blanco. I thought I would feel protected with a dog - but then I realized that he is just an 11 week old puppy that loves people, including strangers. He is not a protector yet! I went to a devotional last night and got home just before a thunderstorm rolled through. Scary movies always have a thunderstorm...I tried very hard not to remember any scary movies I'd seen. SCREAM was the first scary movie I ever watched - I watched it in middle school secretively behind my parents back (I was 12 and it was rated R...why we thought that was cool I don't know!). I had nightmares for weeks and finally confessed what I had done! I wish I would've stopped there with horror movies...SCREAM is funny now when I think about it, others are not so funny - like The Chainsaw freak.

On the bright side, I was able to read more of Blue Like Jazz, and I've really enjoyed it. I was also able to talk with my mom (who is also alone right now because my dad is traveling for business). Conversations with her are always easy going and fun.

Laura and I will be going to Dallas on Wednesday to meet up with our husbands. I'm already looking forward to it - a great time to get away for a while and to have a relaxing weekend with family. Until then, it's just me and Blanco!

The Problem Lies Within

2007-06-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

I (Ellen) just began reading Blue Like Jazz this week and I am really enjoying it. It's a book, though, that you have to take time to think about - much like Irristible Revolution, which Wes is wrapping up. One chapter is called Problems. In this chapter the author reflected on a time that he and a close friend went to politically protest in honor of global poverty and the War on Terror. He and his friend felt that this would be an excellent way to share their opinion and request for change. So they made signs and held them extra high and yelled as loud as they could. But nothing happened - they weren't even noticed. Troubled, the author went home and wondered why he even went to protest when he wasn't noticed and nothing changed about global poverty or the War. His convictions that day are applicable for all of us.

He realized that he wasn't actually doing anything to help global poverty come to an end - he just made a sign and held it high. Was he more concerned with actually helping people or being politically active? His response was that he wanted to be known as a politically active person, but when it came down to it, what he was fighting for politically did not match up to his day to day life. He confessed that he wasn't giving (tithing) to his local church who has a great homeless ministry. How interesting - he was willing to make signs, scream, and stand for his convictions, but when it came down to it, his actions didn't say that he really cared.

It may seem easy to think that he's awful - What small, thin faith he has. But the more I think about it, the more I've got stories like that. There are times that I talk about how the church needs to change this or that, but I seldom do anything about it. Much less, pray about it. So I have to ask: Do I want to have the label of a consistent church go-er or do I want to be Jesus in a dark world? Do I actually do things to help people or do I just talk about how awful the world is, or how church isn't done "right"?

The authors conclusion and conviction was that the core, underlying problem isn't political, but the problem was deep within himself. He realized that if he would have a heart check-up and change his perspective and actions, then something could actually happen. He believes that we all need to recognize our own brokenness before we can actually change or help anything going on around us, whether that is poverty, hunger, abuse, sexual immorality.

So I'm asking you - do you think you need a heart check-up? Maybe it's time that we accurately diagnose the problem and then make the appropriate and necessary changes.

Chew, Chew, Chew

2007-06-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Well, Blanco has kept our hands full! In fact, our hands are getting a little worn out! It's been a little over 1 week and he's already gotten taller - he's so precious, but the reality of puppy world has set in for us. This is the reality - puppies love to chew on anything! I mean anything! Although this may be fun, cute, and priceless, Blanco's favorite "chewable toys" are our hands...he literally attacks our hands. This was cute, um, maybe the first couple times, but now it really hurts! In a sea of chewable dog toys, he chooses to attack the hands that feed him, hold him, and take him on numerous potty adventures!!! No matter how many times we say no and offer a chewable toy, he leaps for our hands!

We know that all puppies go through a chewing phase, but we aren't sure if all puppies attack their owner's hands at every opportunity! We are praying that this hand eating phase will die out soon...even more, we sure hope that Blanco won't try to eat our friend's hands. If you're coming over soon, you may want to wear some gloves! Haha.

Meet Blanco

2007-06-13T11:18:00.000-05:00

We have a dog! He is a nine week old Miniature Schnauzer, and he is keeping our hands full. His current past times consist primarily of chewing our hands off (going through a major biting stage), eating, sleeping, and going potty (outdoors . . . mostly).

We are super pumped about having him and promise to be good parents. We broke down and purchased a dog crate for the training, he is liking it a lot better than the cardboard box we originally had, which was dug out of the United dumpster.

We have both wanted a puppy for a long time now so we are excited to share a few pictures with you.

Ellen and Blanco

Wes and Blanco

We're Back

2007-06-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

Ellen and I got back from Chile Monday morning. We are now back into the swing of things this side of the equator. We are excited to have a low-key weekend ahead of us. We haven't had a whole lot of time to be still since we got back. There is a major need in our hearts and souls to spend some time giving this dream back to God. Not as if we don't want it, quite the opposite. More than ever we are anxious to run with this, but we believe this dream is God given. By giving it back to Him we are saying that we recognize it will require His blessing, His guidance, and His timing.

God was so faithful to us on our trip. We prayed prayers for safety, health, clarity, direction, and unity. He has answered them all and so we boast together in the faithfulness that God has shown us.

Please continue praying for us as we try to hand over to God this throbbing desire in our hearts to grow the Body of Christ in South America. Pray that God will add to our team people with diverse gifts and a deep passion for the lost and searching in our world. Pray that we will be present minded also, not forgetting that God has a will for how our lives should be lived TODAY. Thank you for your prayers while we were abroad; they were answered.

The Oregon of the South (Concepcion, Chile)

2007-06-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

This is downtown Concepcion. It is super clean and trees are everywhere. There are lots of buses, but a lot of people own their own cars, too.

We had lunch with Vick and Pam who are missionaries of the Independent Christian Church. They helped us learn a lot about the Chilean culture.

This is a neighborhood in Concepcion. The streets are typically wide, lined with nature, and most areas have playgrounds for children.

Our meeting with Maria Jose, a Campus Crusades representative in Concepcion. We met with her on the largest campus in Chile, Universidad de Concepcion.

Our team on the campus of the Universidad de Concepcion. The campus is so beautiful. The leaves on the trees are changing colors and everything is fall.

Us having lunch with Rick and Laurel, missionaries to the First Assemblies of God church here in Concepcion.

We've had the opportunity to learn a lot about the Chilean culture and the need for work here. In fact, we were planning on staying in Concepcion for 2 1/2 days and then go to Temuco, Chile. We read and heard a lot that Temuco is very evangelized - in fact, the most evangelized city of Chile. After prayer and conversations, we decided not to go to Temuco and spend more time in Concepcion. This is now our 4th day and we are loving it. We have been able to see the city and learn about the history. This trip is more of a qualitative trip - getting a feel for the cities and getting a yes or no. Later, we will take a more quantitative trip - learn more about the cost of living from groceries to furniture to housing. However, because we are staying here longer, we are going to get a jump start on some of the details. So, today (Friday) we are going to meet with some Realtors about houses and apartments. They usually have abundant information about the city and neighborhoods, etc. We will be meeting with one shortly. We hope to fly to Santiago Saturday night and spend the evening and Sunday with Kelly Grant's team. We are eager to talk with them about their experiences.

Day 2 - La Paz

2007-05-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

Our second day in La Paz consisted mostly of two meetings.

1) We were able to track down the one and only Church of Christ in the city of almost two million people the day before. We worshiped with them Sunday morning and were blessed by their welcomeness. After service, we sat down with Rufino and Luis, two leaders of the La Paz congregation, and chatted about the history of the church in La Paz.

2) We met with the Director of SIM missions, Greg Hurst, in La Paz who is currently living in the southern zone. The previous day we met with a ministry located in the poorest urban community, of the poorest country in South Amercia, El Alto. El Zono Sur, the southern zone where Greg works, is the wealthiest community in La Paz. Reid is the hairy faced guy on the left.

Randy, a Youth For Christ connenction we made in La Paz, was so helpful to connect us with the right people in to make our visit productive. Randy also provided accomodations for us while we were there. The time we spent in La Paz was incredibly formational, and will always be a contributor to how we strategize for the future wherever we end up.

La Paz

2007-05-26T18:49:00.000-05:00

It's only 8:00 PM, but we feel exhausted. We have had a wonderful first day in La Paz. We have not experienced any severe altitude sickness; only a mild headache and major shortness of breath when climbing stairs or walking up hills. We took a lot of pictures today and would like to share a few of them with you.

Having some issue posting the pictures in reverse order. So . . . start from the bottom.

The "Word Made Flesh" ministry is a para church organization that is working in El Alto to help bring women in prostitution into the light. We had a wonderful visit with them.

A cute kid in the plaza entertaining himself with a bunch of nails.

Ellen and I outside of a plaza next to a government building.

Ellen and I on one of the most historical roads in La Paz.

The tranportation for the day was a contracted driver and minibus.

An early start to a long day.

A poor attempt to capture the spectacular view of the city of La Paz through the window of our bus. The city is like a giant bowl, lined with houses, and at the top of the cliff starts El Alto.

Tomorrow

2007-05-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

----Tomorrow we leave on possibly the most defining trip of our lives. It is that "roller coaster felling". With excitement and anticipation we have waited, and now, it is our turn. Our stomachs are churning as we anticipate the experience on the other side of this ever so slow climaxing. The metaphorical "Click, Click, Click" as the ride slowly reaches its peak and a vantage point for what to come is made more clear.

----Many emotions are bubbling to the surface of our hearts right now. We are incredibly excited about what is to come. Please pray for this experience. Pray that God would bless our team with safety, clarity, discernment, and unity. Thank you for your prayers. We will try and keep you updated!

One Week

2007-05-18T13:37:00.000-05:00

La Paz/El Alto
We arrive early early on the 26th to La Paz, Bolivia where we will spend the first 2 1/2 days of our trip. Accommoda-tions are still being confirmed but so far it appears like we will be hosted in homes by Christians in the area, which is super exciting!

Concepcion, Chile
The next three days of our trip (29th-31st) will be spent here. Just a one hour plane ride south of Chile's capital city, Santiago.

Temuco, Chile

And last but not least, Temuco, where we will be for 2 1/2 days (1st-3rd). Our flight leaves Santiago to DFW late the evening of the 3rd.

Kelley Grant will be accompanying us during our time in Chile, which we are very grateful for. Kelley is a veteran missionary in Santiago. Our prayer is that during this nine day adventure, God would lead our team to an unanimous decision about where we should begin a long term effort to help grow the Body of Christ.

Survey Trip

2007-05-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

T-Minus Eight days and counting!

Eight days until our whirl-wind tour of South America. We (Jeremy, Reid, Deanna, Gary, and Ellen and I) depart from Miami at 11:30pm on the 25th. The first leg of the trip for most of us starts in DFW, departing at 5:20pm. At 5:30am the next morning our feet will be on Bolivian soil. Super exciting!

First stop . . . La Paz/El Alto, Bolivia. 26th -28th
Second stop . . . Concepcion, Chile 29th-31st
Third stop . . . Temuco, Chile 1st-3rd

More on this trip coming soon!

"Testing, 1, 2, 3"

2007-05-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Ellen and I are super pumped about our opportunity to share what is transpiring in our lives. Ellen doesn't yet know about the blog, but she will soon. So I guess more accurately; I am excited to share what is transpiring in our lives. Ellen will be too, but later.

Anyways, I am an avid reader of blogs, particularly missionary blogs, and I become frequently frustrated when the authors of my favorites seem to go on vacation for a bit. I make no vow to be much different. However, this is a great avenue to share with our family and friends things that are worth sharing as well as occasional epiphanies that arise day to day.

I heard once that everyone craves the opportunity to share the story of their life with another. I think that's why blogs have really taken off in this world. So, to whoever's listening, here goes!