Facebook

2011-03-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

I think it's going to take me a little while to get back into the swing of blogging again. It's such a great discipline to write regularly. When I used to post regularly, I began to see life through "blog-colored glasses." I guess people still think like that but with Facebook instead.

Personally, I have to be careful with both blogs and Facebook. I feel like I'm the only one who struggles with this - but envy knocks at my door pretty regularly if I'm not careful. I've written about that struggle a couple times before. Pastor Matt has preached about how envy is the need to be special. Or was it the need to be needed? Now I don't remember. Anyway, they both resonate with me.

My friend is writing a book on abiding in Christ. I've been able to read one chapter, and it's amazing. Just that one chapter has stuck with me and has encouraged me to set my eyes on Christ in various situations. Usually those situations have to do with envy, since that's such a big weakness.

In her book, she talks about Jeremiah 17. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He will be like a tree planted by the stream. I won't go into everything she teaches about, but one thing has to do with where we send our roots for nourisment. So on a good day, I'm asking myself, "Where am I sending my roots? To God or to man?" I still have a lot of growth to do in this process, but I do think I'm moving forward rather than backwards.

I think I'm back

2011-03-11T00:32:00.001-08:00

Today I was inspired by a client to start writing on here again. It's been a long time, and I have a feeling that it's going to take me a little while to get into the swing of things.

I have two "new years resolutions" this year. One is to get my front yard to look great. The other is to discover how to use my photography business for God. The first one I have made very little progress on. The clock is ticking as it's beginning to get hot and my planting window will continue to narrow down. We would love to plant one or two fruit trees as well as some roses and lavender. We also need to stay on top of the weeds and put some mulch down. I have Lisa to thank for these plans!

My second resolution is coming along. It's not as easy as it seems. I know that art is glorifying to God, but I personally don't want it to be that foggy and indirect. I want to give this business completely to God and have it be an open vessel for him to use. That's scary and exciting at the same time. If you have a business and have figured this out, give me advice!

I have the urge to end this with "Love you" as if I'm writing an email to a close friend.

Back Then

2009-06-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

When I was little we had a dog named Winston. He was a little Shih tzu, and we had him drink his water out of a hamster water dispenser. Often my friend and I would lock ourselves in the bathroom where his drink dispenser was kept. Then secretly we would drink out of it.

When I was little my grandpa told me that it's easier to catch fireflies if you sprinkle salt on their butts. It didn't work.

When I was little my sister and I used to wrap tooth paste in toilet paper and eat it.

When I was little I had a crush on a boy named Robert Vis and was convinced that he had a crush on me too. He didn't...yet.

When I was little my friend and I were excited about selling perfume we made by soaking roses in water.

When I was little I was horribly afraid of the dark and of sleeping by myself. Every night I would pester my mom to come in my room and tuck me in again because I was scared. Eventually I felt I needed a better reason. So, I went in the bathroom, filled up a cup of water, poured it in my bed, and told my mom that I wet the bed and could she change the sheets for me.

When I was little my sister and I would play barbies with the radio playing in the background. To this day, 80's music makes me think of playing with barbie dolls.

Have and Have not

2009-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

You are alive today for one reason, one purpose. And that is for the glory of His name.

You may have an awesome job today, but that's not why you were kept alive.
You may hang out with great friends, but you weren't given this day for that.
You may have a spouse and children, but that's still not your primary purpose.

You may hate your job as it brings you so much pain. Praise God because that's not what defines you.
You may feel so lonely and left out. Praise God because that's not what gives you worth.
You may long for a spouse and children and feel like it will never happen. Praise God because you can still fully glorify him.
And, that's why God sustained you through the night to open your eyes and breath this morning.

I'm not saying we shouldn't have good things. Enjoy your awesome job, friends and family. I'm thankful for those things. But, often as I enjoy them, I grow so accustomed to them. Then when they're taken away, I doubt my purpose and worth. It seems silly.

Or, if you feel like you've never had those good things, you are waiting for your turn. Maybe you're in despair and never expect that chance. Lift your head because you are here for the glory of his name and not to enjoy good things. For his glory, not yours. That's true for the most fortunate and the least fortunate. Often it is the ones with the least who are able to grasp their true worth while the ones with the most are blinded and may never see. If you feel unglorified, praise God because you can more freely give it all to him!

A process

2009-05-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

I suppose there are a lot of constants in my life lately, but one of them is some kind of pursuit that I can't quite articulate. It's a pursuit of God. It's a desire for complete freedom. It's a search for who God created Leah to be. It's a lot of confusion about how to get to those places.

I'm convinced that there's so much more out there for me to know and experience in God. I know because I see it in other people; I know the stories. I know with no doubts that I can be free on earth from many of the things that weigh me down. And I am pretty sure that I'm not living as the Leah that God had in mind. Some of the God-intended Leah comes through but not wholly.

I'm not discouraged right now. I am just in a process that won't take as long as I thought before.

Jealousy

2009-04-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a word study throughout the Bible of "Envy." It's been good but also left me wondering what the difference between envy and jealousy are. Often they are both included when a bunch of sins are listed. So, now after a little bit of digging, I have discovered some definitions.

Envy: Wanting what someone else has.
Jealousy: Liking something so much that you don't want to share it.

Most of the verses containing "jealous" have to do with God being jealous for his people. He does not want to share when it comes to his children. They are his and his alone. All other gods and idols better step off. Or, jealous is also used in reference toward God's people being "zealous" for him. I don't know why zealous is listed in my concordance with jealous, but it must be related (Haven't dug that deep yet).

Bottom line, the only thing we should be jealous for is God. God is the only thing we should like so much that we don't want to share (Evangelism. I know. Just bear with me). If I like anything so much that I don't want to share it, that's idolatry. For me, I love realizing how horrible a sin really is so that when I'm tempted with it, Satan can't convince me that it's not that big of a deal. Hopefully, the next time it comes on I'll be able to remember the ugly underbelly of this beast, resist the temptation, and watch the enemy run in the opposite direction.

A word for my evening

2009-03-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

My friend, you are precious to God. If there are areas of your life where you are bound and captive, bow before Jesus Christ and ask Him to set you free. Get to know the Lord as your best friend and he will never let you down.

Brother Yun - Living Water

Favorites

2009-03-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

I love when Abel gets the little smile that happens when he's trying so badly to hold it back. It's closed mouth and reaches wide across his face. I have yet to get an adequate picture of that precious little jewel.

I love getting my hair played with, cut, or accidentally touched when someone is scratching my back.

I value and also have fear of those brief moments when I realize how fragile we are walking around in these temporary bodies. But, at this moment I'm reminded of how invincible are our souls. Cool.

I love Carl's Jr. chocolate chip cookies, but I really don't like anything else about that place.

I have a new found love for horchata. Honestly, I feel like Starbucks could put it in a fancy clear cup, name it something froofy, and make millions.

I love Helga, our body pillow. She was introduced to our bed when I was pregnant and couldn't enjoy sleep anymore without her help. Since the pregnancy, Rob has stolen her and we have renamed her Olaf.

I love freckles. When I was little I used to take an eyebrow pencil and try to darken mine and make more.

Our consolation

2009-03-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was reminded in Brother Yun's Living Water that God is always on the throne and nothing takes him by surprise. Whether or not he causes things to happen, he is still in control of all things in the past, present, and future.

Rob and I have had to remind each other of this truth at least four times today. Today wisdom and trust will be displayed in how well we can let go or jump in depending on the Lord's leading.

Welcome Back

2009-03-08T22:46:00.001-07:00

Three seemingly unrelated things:

1. I realize that I've totally let this blog go in the last couple of months. But now I'm inspired again to begin writing.

2. In the last year I've grown in the Lord in some ways and slipped back in others. I've grown in my faith in the workings of the Holy Spirit. I've slipped in my discipline to be in the Word and prayer regularly. I try to blame it on mommyhood, but really it's a lack of discipline and a "losing of my first love" - Rev. 2:4-5. Obviously this is not ok. I'm very motivated right now to repent and begin doing the things I did at first, which is really simply being in the word and prayer regularly.

I read today in Living Water that God only uses those who are in intimate relationship to him. I totally agree. I think I've been used less and less as I've let my love grow cold.

3. I'm hungry to see the power of the Holy Spirit. I've tasted it, but I want to see it all around me. I've seen someone be miraculously healed. Rob has met a man who God used to raise a young girl from the dead. I know people who have stormed the gates of hell in Mount Carmel-like prayer battles - and won! I've met a man who was healed of insanity.

So, yes, I've tasted. But, I read in Acts 1:8 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." I read a book called Defeating Dark Angels that tells the story of a born again woman who used to be involved in the occult. At that time, she had the ability to sense people's spiritual power. She recounts that they could always discern who the Christians were because they had the most spiritual power out of everyone. However, they were rarely intimidated because Christians don't know how to use the power they've been given.

I'm ready for that reality to come to an end and the power of the Holy Spirit to be the well-known characteristic of every believer.

A Christmas solution

2008-12-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I have been discouraged. Over the last couple of months a few things have continually frustrated me causing me to distrust and want to take control of situations. I guess that's how I respond to injustice. I feel the need to protect and make things right. Then that's where the discouragement comes in because usually it's not possible to respond and succeed in that way. I can't always fix things and create justice again.

A couple of minutes ago I was reading My Utmost for His Highest. It really had nothing to do with this subject, but all of a sudden I got a flash of thoughts about Christmas - not lights, trees, and presents this time. No, this time it was real Christmas that flashed through my mind. I got a surge of reassurance that Jesus is King and in control of it all. Nothing else matters because he's the only one who can bring justice to little or big issues. Everyone else will be frustrated. But with our eyes on him, we will begin to see real justice even if not immediate. I feel better.

My new blog!

2008-12-03T00:23:00.001-08:00

Finally, Vis Photography has its very own blog. I only have one post up so far, but there's more to come. Check it out!

Long post, but totally worth it

2008-11-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Please read this and follow it by praying and committing to continue.

Diary of Joseph Ciza Nakamina: Director of HEAL Africa's North Kivu GBV programs
Goma, Congo
Saturday, November 1st, 2008

A tense but quiet night, thank God. In the early evening, there was gunfire by the airport, and we thought, "This is it! They are attacking!" But it died down. It was probably looters meeting a patrol. Col. Padiri has given orders to shoot looters on sight. Two dead men in military uniforms were left outside ULPGL gates (Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs), to make sure the message gets through to the others.

I left the house at 8 am. It makes my children anxious when I leave. My oldest son, Jean-Felix, who is six years old, has refused to eat. He is afraid all the time that the soldiers will break in. He asks, "When will the war end? When can I go back to school?" Even if some shops are open again in town, the schools have not re-opened. The stalemate could flash back into war at any minute, so parents are afraid to let their children out of their sight.

My wife is also anxious when I leave; she is finding it hard to feed us. No fresh food has come into town because no one will risk sending their truck out past the multiple army check points. The depots are not open, for fear of looting; a sack of beans is selling for 80$. A few Rutshuru traders got their trucks into the humanitarian convoy yesterday, bringing some vegetables and bananas to the market.

I took a car and drove out of town to Kayaruchinya, a health center just north of the airport. There's not much traffic about because people don't want to risk their car or motorbike being requisitioned by the military. What a contrast to the usual scene of bumper to bumper vehicles, with the cloud of motorbike taxis weaving in and out like mosquitoes.

The scene in Kanyaruchinya breaks my heart. There must be around 10,000 people crowded round the health centre. They are despondent, sitting in lines, waiting for someone to bring them help. The scenes of yesterday are fresh in their memory. Two children were crushed to death underfoot by adults in their rush to grab a handful of biscuits. These people have been waiting in the torrential rain, and the sun, without shelter, without water, since Tuesday. Kanyaruchinya is at the foot of the volcano: there are no wells, no streams, and no piped water in this vast expanse of black volcanic rock.

I look for the camp manager to see how HEAL Africa can help. These people came from the Kibumba camp, but no one has seen their manager since they fled; there is no one to orgnaise an orderly distribution. UNICEF is preparing for a distribution of rations again today; Mercy Corps is bringing in water with a tanker. All I can do is pray: May God multiply these rations – they are insignificant for such a crowd; and that is what causes a stampede.

We go back to the hospital around mid day. Since Friday, 23 more civilians have been brought to the hospital with serious war injuries – 15 men, 5 women, 3 children. My colleague Timothée Mwamba in the GBV emergency response team, brought help yesterday to 7 victims of rape – all of them under 18. In Katoyi, two teenage girls were shot during an attempted rape by men in uniform. We are limited in what we can do to respond: our vehicles are blocked on the other side of the battle front, and we cannot reach the people who are calling us to help. Tomorrow, we will try to get out to Bulengo and Mugunga on the road to Sake, to see how our partners have fared over the past week. Also Kirotshe and Minova hospitals, on the western shore of Lake Kivu, have asked us to take back to HEAL Africa two patients that they cannot help : a woman and a young girl, both with war injuries.

Since the beginning of this fresh round of fighting, our hospital with 150 beds has received 42 war wounded civilians, 27 of them from Wednesday and Thursday. I am so sad to see a little five year old girl, whose face and chest is completely burned. She just happened to be passing by a group of youngsters who had collected bullets around the edge of the army camp. They were playing with them, burning them, and some cartridges were still live. This little girl happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, when the live bullets exploded in the fire.

Bernard Kouchner and David Milliband arrive around 4 o'clock. It's pouring torrential rain. European security forces are all over town; we don't know where these two are going, or where they are staying or who they are seeing. But their arrival is a glimmer of hope for us. We are convinced that our town was saved by the outcry in the world, pushing these big powers to get involved.

It's evening, and I'm going home after the rain. I can see some Goma people straggling back into town. These are the ones who fled to Sake on Tuesday. And then there are the new arrivals, the people who have been on the run all this year. It's pitiful to see mothers spreading their tattered cloths on the bare black rocks of Goma, and huddling against the wooden walls of houses, surrounded by their hungry children. They are begging for food. When I talked to some of them this morning, their one question was: When can we go home? Many of them have been living like this since April, with no help. They have survived by digging other people's gardens in return for a share of food. If there will be no more fighting, they want nothing more than to go home.

Back at home, I am so thankful for our meal of beans and rice. It comes from the stock we bought back in October. Always the same thing, but at least we have food on the table. The neighbourhood is quiet. There are many patrols of military police, and anyone suspected of thieving will be shot. So everyone stays inside, under voluntary curfew: no one comes out for fear of being mistaken for looters.

Uganda here we come!

2008-11-19T23:12:00.000-08:00

By the way, the Vis family is going to Uganda in January. I'm pretty sure most of the people who read this blog know that by now, but I thought I should cover my bases. To stay up to date on our trip, go to www.robandleah.wordpress.com.

Honestly, I think this trip is going to be much different than normal short term trips. We are really trying to focus on how to build up the ministry that's already taking place and thriving there. Our first project starts now, and that's raising $20,000 extra dollars to purchase cows, pigs, chickens, a barn, supplies, and some crops. These items will help feed the Favor of God Ugandan staff as well as the orphans in the House of Hope Children’s Home. In addition, Favor of God can also sell meat, milk, and produce in the markets. This is another step toward becoming a self-sustaining ministry.

$20,000 is a ton of money, so if you know of any businesses or companies who would be interested in giving to this project, please send them our way or tell them about it yourself! But, hey every $5 adds to the final goal, so don't be bashful!

More about the trip later....but if you want to give to the trip or project you can donate online here. Make sure to type Rob and Leah Vis in the memo line.

Vis Photography Special

2008-10-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

50 free custom-designed Christmas postcards when you refer someone and they book a photo session.

Free Pictures!

2008-10-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

My website has undergone a much-needed extreme makeover. Check it out: www.visphotography.com. In celebration I'm offering a free photo shoot and 50 free custom-designed Christmas cards for your family pictures. All you have to do is look through my website and find the word "vis" on one of the photos. Then be the first to email me, and we'll go a' shooting!

We're very excited. Soooo excited that I'll be offering more promotions in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

M&K

2008-10-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful wedding. My favorite part was seeing how Matt was different before and after the ceremony. Afterwards, he was so relaxed and happy. Then to see how he looked at Karen was the sweetest thing. I have a friend who says that once two people are married, it's no fun to hang out with just one of the two because their other half really does complete them. I totally got to see that with these two. Check out their gallery here.

The tree

2008-09-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

My best friend from college recently asked me to paint a picture of a tree for her boyfriend. All she told me is that she wanted it to be an oak tree because of Isaiah 61:3 which is special to the two of them.

Isaiah 61 is incredible. It's about God taking the broken down and oppressed and making them stunning examples of his glory. In verse three he says, "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." This definitely intimidated me since I had the responsibility of portraying such a powerful message. But, I was pumped to have the opportunity of trying. I hope that God blessed it so that when they look at it they can sense the Lord's love and future glory for his hurting children.

Horrible News

2008-09-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

This is shocking. I just heard about a gang of armed men who ravaged a small suburban neighborhood in New York. They marched house to house and demanded that every family give up the children. By the end, they had kidnapped 90 kids. Some were killed, others were tortured. The ones who managed to stay alive were meant to be assimilated into this new "family." I'm heartbroken. How does this make you feel? What if these were your kids?

Well, that didn't actually happen here. It happened in Congo. The LRA, a rebel group, abducted two classrooms full of 5th and 6th graders. What happens to them now? They will be brainwashed, tortured, raped, taught and made to kill. Will they be rescued? Possibly not. Who would care enough? It won't be the government, that's for sure.

Are you relieved that it didn't happen in New York? Would you be willing to suspend that relief and give your burdened heart to these kids in prayer and action? This is such a normal occurrence in many countries in Africa. In northern Uganda children were stolen and made to kill for 20 years before anyone took notice.

President Bush is meeting with the president of Uganda this week to discuss the crisis. Click here for an easy way to tell the president our concerns.

Please realize that prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. We have been given authority over the angels and demons. Our prayers are instrumental in the spiritual battle constantly in action. Please take an erasable marker and write Congo, Uganda, and Sudan on your bathroom mirror to remind you to pray regularly. Go here to learn more so you know better how to pray.

J&B

2008-09-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

This wedding was very special. After witnessing their big day, I can definitely say with confidence that this is a well-loved couple. We were blessed to be a part of the celebration! Check out their gallery for more photos.

Belly Imai

2008-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

I photographed the cutest, most well-behaved belly last week. I can't decide if the precious belly looks more like its mommy or daddy. We'll have to wait a couple more weeks I suppose.

Rob and Uganda

2008-09-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

At this moment, Rob is off in dreamyland. It's 2:08 am over in Gulu, Uganda.

I have to admit, the thought of Rob taking this trip made me pretty nervous a couple months ago. However, God has definitely given me much peace over the last couple of weeks. I'm happy to say that when I dropped him off at the airport, I wasn't scared at all. But, don't get me wrong, I definitely have triple the reason to be in constant prayer.

As I drove away from LAX on Saturday morning, it was a cloudy morning with one break in the clouds. The sun's rays were peaking through making stunning upwards lines. I knew God was using it to give me peace. It stayed like that for quite a while, and then I noticed a plane fly through that sun-drenched opening.

God told me that's how he's going to bring him home. In his presence and with his glory. What a homecoming!

Please be praying for Rob during these next two weeks and the following months. Health, safety, open eyes, an open heart, opportunity, favor, understanding, and an experience of God like he's never known before.

Mommy and Abel

2008-08-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Let's see if you can go here with me. I'm not sure if this is something every mom feels or if I'm just a weirdo. So many times I look at Abel and have a smidge of disbelief that this is really my kid. Really? Am I a parent? This baby is all mine to raise and love? It happened again tonight. I had him in my arms and felt strangely like I didn't recognize him because of the craziness that this could all be real.

That is usually followed by the strangeness that when Abel looks at me, he has no doubts about reality. I'm his mommy and that's all he's known. Rob and I are his security. He wouldn't even think of us as security because his whole world is a rock of stability. He is more sure of my mommihood than I am.

Does this stop, or do you go through their whole lives being amazed that these are your kids, no kidding?

A Word

2008-08-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I have a struggle with possession. For me, this doesn't display itself with material things It's more in the intangible stuff like position or relationships. I'm most "content" when it's mine and mine only. That was a strange realization this morning.

To that God told me, "Yours, I am yours. There's so much that you desire, seek and strive for, but it's all only a reflection. And the idea that it's the best is a lie. I will show you what is true, honorable, worthy of reverence, just, pure, lovely, loveable, kind, winsome, gracious, and worthy of praise."

It's hard to understand why that long list of good things is better than the things I strive for. But, that is the truth, and the happiness that comes with possession, for example, is a momentary reflection. When it's brought too far, a lie.

Little Leah

2008-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Rob and I got to go to Michigan last week to visit some of Rob's family. As an added bonus, we visited Hudsonville, where I spent 5 years of my childhood. Almost nothing has changed except for everything shrinking, of course. Funny how that happens, huh? For some strange reason, being there made me really appreciate my parents and the rich childhood they gave us. Love you guys!

This is where I spent kindergarten though second grade. To you this is just a normal old wall. But, I remember waiting there every morning for my best friend, Amanda Boreson. If she didn't show up, I'd fake sick and go home. What's the use in staying at school with no best friend?

These doors stood for the end of recess. I have vivid memories of the bell ringing and everyone on the playground screaming at the top of their lungs and charging for this small opening. We would all crowd and squish until we finally made it through to the hallway.

My dad took me on a date here once. All I know is that I felt like I was out of my territory. I guess I'm a sensitive one. Also, I ordered chili with the little octagon crackers.

All around our church were these window crevice things. Real midwesterners probably have a better name for them; just bear with me. My sister and I would hide in these deep caves and our imaginations would run wild. I had a feeling that they wouldn't be so immense this time around.

I know this looks like a gutter of some sort, but to us it was a creek. I loved it. I remember when I fell in and my sister got in trouble. It may have only been 6 inches deep, but I got some good sympathy out of it. I was wearing a cream shirt and we went to McDonald's afterward. Just let me be random.

C&H

2008-07-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

This was definitely one of our favorite locations of all time. It was in Camarillo at this beautiful home/farm/ranch...I don't know. I just liked it a lot. Congratulations Cambry and Heather! Check out their gallery.

The Guys

2008-06-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is from the last wedding we shot. I think it's the cutest thing ever. We didn't set this up at all. They did it all by themselves! How in the world does that happen? It's like they just finished singing and dancing and we caught their big finish. Good job, guys!

K&N

2008-06-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, we had the priveledge of shooting Ken and Nikita's wedding. It was such a blessing to be a part of. They had a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony along with a typical American-style wedding. This day was so cool because I love learning about new cultures. I definitely appreciate how this family honored each other and mixed so much fun in at the same time. Check out their gallery!

More about Kansas City

2008-06-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

Lost is the best show ever. It's this huge story. Epic is the word that I keep thinking of. I think we all love it because we know deep inside that it's real. Not the actual story but the climate and feel of the show. It's huge, supernatural, not just normal everyday life.

When I was at IHOP, I think I felt for the first time the weight of God's kingdom and this war that is waging right in front of us. Lost makes sense to us and grips us because we're made for something that huge, well bigger actually. The people I met at IHOP live in this reality. They live with an urgency I've never witnessed before. But, it's not just a type of urgency that they were taught to have in a sermon. They long for Jesus to come back and they hurt for all the people who haven't heard.

I've been really excited since then, and I've been told that nothing's going to be the same again. That could be very exciting.

D&T

2008-05-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Such a relaxed, fun, and BEAUTIFUL couple. David and Taylor, I'm so excited for what God has in store for your marriage. You both are very special, and we loved shooting your wedding! Check out their gallery!

Another adventure

2008-05-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Rob and I had the amazing opportunity to join Carole in Kansas City, MO. We have 1 1/2 weeks to hang out with Carole and just soak in more and more of what is this amazing ministry that we serve. As an added bonus, we are a 1/2 mile away from IHOP.

At IHOP, prayer and worship never stops. We can go anytime of the day and be led in worship and prayer. It's incredible. Rob and I definitely needed this to be refreshed, get a vision for what we're doing, and also to be stretched.

And boy are we being stretched. As I meet person after person dedicated to the ministry at IHOP, I am left speechless. I have so much to learn with God, prayer, ministry, and my worldview. In my life so far, I haven't even scratched the surface of all there is in God. Listening to the stories of the sovereign move of God humble me, and I am inspired to learn and join what God is doing.

If...

2008-05-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

If I could be anything and it didn't depend on skill, talent, or education, I'd be a doctor or an opera singer.

If I could take on a new hobby, I'd dance.

If I could have an accent, I speak like a Scotsman. Scottish accents sound so friendly.

I'm not complaining about the ways God has blessed me. I'm simply looking outside of myself and appreciating what's out there. I think it would be very enjoyable to dance, sing opera, and fix people all with a Scottish accent.

Random thought: Martin Luther was one of the bravest people I've encountered in a long time. Can you imagine? He thought for himself and decided he was right and the rest of the world was wrong. He rebelled against a world-wide church, rule, and culture. What! Who does that? And it worked! Sheesh, just sheesh.

J&K

2008-05-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Kristy's wedding was so much fun - unique in so many ways. Hmmmm...just like them. Check out the gallery.

Breaking Free

2008-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, this might seem a little dorky, but bear with me and love me anyway.

Last night the church service was all worship - no sermon. It was amazing and just what I needed. A small tangent - I really miss playing on the worship team and will probably be going back soon. But, it has been very very special to worship in the crowd. I feel so much more free to let go. I'm able to just soak up and pour out without thinking about playing notes, coming in on time, or hundreds of people watching me. It's been a blessing and maybe exactly the refreshment that I've needed before I start playing again.

Back to the service. Later in the service they started playing the song, "Break Free." You know, I've never really been a fan. It's about breaking free in worship especially in the area of dance. "Break free, get up and dance in his love, his love never ending." I want to get up and dance especially since the song tells me to. But, there's something about the beat or rhythm or something - I just can't dance to it. I don't claim to be an awesome dancer, but I can usually do a little something resembling dancing if I want to. Break Free - forget about it. It's impossible to dance to.

As I sang the song, I smiled to myself and thought, "Ya know, maybe I'll be able to dance to this song in heaven." Call it a coincidence, call it a miracle, but little by little I found the beat. Hmm. I broke free and danced - my version anyway. I thought it was kinda funny. It's almost as if God overheard me and gave me a little surprise present.

Reminiscing

2008-04-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last week my sisters and I visited my parents in Wisconsin. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to the farms where my mom and dad grew up. I loved trying to imagine them as little kids enjoying the wonders of such a thing.

This is the farm where my mom lived in Wisconsin.

Here's the Iowa farm where my dad grew up.

And then the farm where my grandma grew up.

Grandpa and candy

2008-04-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

I don't really have memories of this, but my oldest sister remembers our Grandpa buying us these huge, magnificent lollipops. My dad decided to continue the tradition for her son, Dominic. There's something very magical about these suckers when you see them through the eyes of a 3 year old.

Envy

2008-04-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

As gross as it is, I struggle with it. Envy.

Envy isn't wanting what someone else has. It's wanting to be better. It's mourning the success of others and feeling slightly secure at their failures. Envy has been a companion of mine for many years. Lately it has been much much better, but tonight it came back to say hi.

Rob came home and I made him sit down with me and talk me out of it. He tried to tell me to just drop it. I tried. That worked a bit, but really it was still there. The pride in me wants to think of all the reasons why I am better and therefore have no reason to be envious. Nope, that's not going to work. That's just as disgusting.

Rob, tell me why I shouldn't be envious from a God perspective. So we talked about the idea of kingdom building versus Babel building. I can focus on building God's kingdom or I can focus on building my own. When I focus on my own masterpiece, along comes envy, pride, and fear to help in the process.

When I focus on building God's kingdom, it becomes important that those around me be the best they can be, even if it is better than me, because the more talent the better. With my own Babel, I get bummed when others succeed. With God's kingdom, I should get bummed when people aren't succeeding at the gifts God has given them.

I'm feeling a lot better. It's amazing how burdensome and corrosive envy is compared to the freedom of humility.

Nightmares

2008-03-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

Last night I had a horrible dream. Let me set the scene. Rob and I were hippies and we were living in Farimont park. I had really big curly hair (The hair part isn't bad. That would actually be pretty amazing).

It was a really long dream, but somewhere in the middle I gave birth to two more babies. Abel was still at the age he is now, so two more babies is craziness! One of them was 13 pounds and double the height of Abel. The other one looked like he was 10 years old! I was so bummed. In my dream I kept hoping and hoping that it would be just a dream, but I wasn't waking up.

But, don't worry. It was just a dream. No new babies in the Vis household. Just Abel, thank goodness. Boy am I glad that babies don't come out looking like 10 year olds!

A Fragile Moment

2008-03-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

The country of Uganda has been in a horrific war for 20 years. It hasn't been a normal war where it's two equal parties against each other. It has been one group supposedly fighting the government for the justice of their people. However, this one group, the LRA, are not led by normal people. Their leaders are tools of the devil in more obvious ways than I've ever seen. They are not fighting for the innocent. They attack the innocent. The main victims of this war are those who have nothing to do with it. The LRA has repeatedly invaded villages to torture, kill, and abduct children to fill their ranks. Children don't understand death as well as adults, so they can be more easily brainwashed to kill. The LRA is an army of brainwashed children, adults who have grown from the same beginning, and their leaders whose hearts have been taken over by evil.

For the last two years, the Ugandan government and the LRA have been participating in peace talks. At this moment they are in the final stages where they will sign the peace agreement. It is a fragile situation because these are not sane, good, or peace-loving people. Back in 1994 the two parties were hours away from signing the peace agreement, but mistrust and lack of international support caused them to fall through.

I believe God's people brought about the peace talks in 2006. God put it on the hearts of people who could get the word out, and his prayer warriors began doing what they do best. In the same way, prayer is the most powerful weapon we have in our participation in this war. We can come before the Almighty God and plead with him for our Ugandan brothers and sisters.

Now that you know about this war, you are a part of it. Put on your armor and join the front lines in prayer and advocacy.

Practice makes perfect

2008-03-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not a perfect mommy yet. Friday night my sisters were over with Dominic, my 2 year-old nephew. I thought I'd help out and put his shoes on. When they got to the car, my sisters started laughing. Whoops. Wrong feet. Well, Abel's not wearing shoes yet. You can't expect me to be a good shoe-putter-onner!

It runs in the family

2008-03-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Check out abeljustice.com. Baby Abel has his very own blog! He needs a space just for him so he can share his thoughts on life. It'll be a place for him to be real about the ups and downs of life, ya know?

The Dance

2008-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

This morning as I drove to Rob's parent's house, I was listening to "Savior King" by Hillsong United. Just as the music was beginning to reach its peak of excitement and power, I was passing the corner of Magnolia and Adams. I looked up at the group of palm trees to the left. About half of them are tall and skinny, and the rest are shorter and full. It looked to me as if they were dancing to the music in large and fast movements. It was quite a moment. I felt like I caught them when they didn't think anyone else was looking. I watched anyway, even if it was meant to be private.

It made me think of all the verses that speak of the creation waiting, groaning, and being held back in its praise until the sons of God are revealed and we can all worship together. The creation is supposed to be patient in expectation, but I caught it this morning. I caught those trees letting loose when they weren't supposed to. Oh well, I won't tell. I liked the show.

Black & White

2008-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

What we learn

2008-02-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago, I read a book called Walking On Water. It's about creativity and the arts. The author's theory is that all people are born creative. Then as we grow older, we are taught how to fear. As we master the art of fearing, our creativity starts to dwindle. Then you often end up with a person at 26 who wouldn't dare try to paint a picture or write a story. "It would be so stupid."

I'm starting to develop my own theory about walking with God. I know a lady who grew up very alone. However, she would take walks with Jesus and hang out with him in the mango trees. As a child, her intimacy with the Lord was more intense and real than most adults will ever experience in their maturity.

I think that if children were to grow up without outside influences, in a vacuum of sorts, they would all have that deep intimacy with Jesus that would last into adulthood. They would be people who could witness miracles, have visions, and see his glory day to day. Now, I know, we're all born sinful. But, pretend a child is introduced to Jesus and then just allowed to experience him as a child might - fearlessly, doubtlessly, full of life and wonder.

We learn how to fear. We learn how to proceed cautiously. That's good for some things in life. I would want a child to act that way around a rushing river, for example. But, how sad that it translates into how we approach Jesus. My friend, as a child, had the chance to sprint full speed ahead into the wild life with Jesus. She's still running faster than ever and knows him more than anyone else I can think of.

I think about these things as I wonder how to raise Abel. I hope that somehow I can let his child-like faith and imagination take him so close to our fascinating God. I hope I never train that abandonment out of him.

Daddy's away

2008-02-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

I've been a mommy for 5 weeks now. Fortunately, I've avoided the baby blues. All around things have been good. But, there has been one constant wonder in my mind. "What am I supposed to be feeling right now?" Do I love him enough? Do I love him like other mommies love their babies? A lot of times I don't feel the deep bond to him that I thought was instinct.

Rob's been away now for 3 days. He's in Washington D.C. with the Favor of God crew for Uganda Lobby Day. Friday I took him and Matt to the airport, got home, and instantly missed him like crazy. We've been apart before, but this time was different. Having sweet Abel sitting in my lap made me miss Rob more. He is 3/4 Rob, you know. He looks just like him except for his toes. Those chubby guys are mine.

Over the last couple of days, I just miss Rob more. But, Rob's absence has done a funny thing. It's brought me closer to my son too. I don't really know why. I feel a stronger bond. He's more precious. My love is deepening.

More of the same cuteness

2008-02-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

You know it'll be a while before I stop posting pictures of Abel almost every time. You can't blame a mommy for wanting to share her cutie with the world!

We work well together.

Best Friends

You're so funny, Daddy.

Just in case you think we're not feeding our son enough. This should put your mind at ease.

Abel stuff, again

2008-02-15T23:35:00.001-08:00

Last night Rob was up late with Abel. He ended up sleeping a grand total of 4 hours. What a great Valentine's gift to me! Tonight it's my turn. Abel's all wrapped up and finally sleeping. But, I do have to wait until he's sleeping deeply enough. For some reason anything can wake him up at night. During the day a plane could fly one inch above his head and he'd be forever lost in dreamyland. One of these days he'll figure it out.

Lately Abel has been doing a few new cute things. As I tell my friends about the great news, I realize that these events can't possibly be as interesting and ground breaking to them as they are to us. But, we make them listen anyway. They have to, right?...they love us, and love isn't always exciting!

Here are a few things that I decided are amazing to new parents and just plain ordinary or gross to most normal people:

1. The right color poop and a good quantity of it in the diapers.

2. Burps and farts from baby. That means a lot less crying from baby.

3. Little sounds that weren't there yesterday. I crack up laughing every time Abel tries to talk to me. It's so stinkin' cute.

4. The smiles. Oh, the smiles. He can keep me entertained for as long as he likes with those little guys.

You know what. I quit with this list. Everything is amazing. You don't want to hear it all. Yay for babies.

Kissyfur

2008-02-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

What's up, Daddy? What do you want?

A kiss?

Daaaaaad...that was so embarrassing!

What's Normal

2008-02-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Rob and I keep asking each other, "When is life going to seem normal again?" I'm pretty excited for when that day comes. I'm guessing it'll be a couple weeks at least. Maybe all you parents out there are laughing and yelling at the computer screen, "Life will never be normal again!"

Right now I never really know what the day holds. I have some responsibilities that weigh lightly on my shoulders. But, they never seem to get taken care of, so they begin to weigh not so lightly. I'm trying to enjoy every moment with my new baby while I begin to let real life slowly show its face again. I'm afraid of putting real life before Abel, so maybe that's why I'm so reluctant to peek at my to-do list that started way before he came.

Normal? Who knows what that will be now.

Honestly, I have a feeling that normal isn't what God wants for any of us. Normal life probably really means a comfortable life, security, ease, a schedule... complacency? Now that I think about it, a normal life could be the result of holding on to my life, saving it. But, Jesus tells me that whoever tries to save her life will lose it, but whoever gives up her life will find real life. Jesus wants to take Rob, me, and Abel on a wild ride where our only security is that we have life eternal. Right now that wild ride is not what sounds nice, but I'm pretty sure it's what God wants for us.

Daddy

2008-01-30T22:18:00.001-08:00

This is what dads are for. Well, dads have lots of great purposes, but this is one of them. You won't find this mommy giving her newborn a noogie. Daddy takes care of the boy part of life.

My Two Boys

2008-01-23T23:53:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time looking at Abel lately. So much so that when I look up at Rob, I'm amazed at the size of his noggin. I guess I'm just not used to adult faces right now. Maybe this is a sign that I need to spend more time making googley eyes at Rob.

Irresistible

2008-01-23T23:43:00.000-08:00

I have to say, it sure is a challenge keeping these little guys warm. They're just too little to hold on to any of his cute booties.

Sorry, Mr. Blog.

2008-01-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog,
Even though you have definitely been the most neglected in this whole process, just know that we are notoriously horrible at keeping people up to date. With this momentous occasion, we only got worse - just ask our family and friends. But, I promise the wait was well worth it. He's here!... and has been for 4 days.

He was born on his due date, Friday the 18th. However, he started his journey on Wednesday. He takes his time with things. He just knows he's special and worth it. Why rush things? The labor was not what I was expecting, but it was special. Many many times I cried out to the Lord in my silence. A couple of times I asked him to stop the contractions. It doesn't hurt to ask. But, he was with us in a unique way. Looking back I'm amazed at his care and tenderness throughout it all. He sure loves me, and he sure loves my new baby.

8 lbs. 11 oz. 21.2 in. Did you see the size of my belly? It's all making sense now. His precious name is Abel Justice Vis. His first name means "breath." Abel was the first martyr in the Bible and the first to offer a pleasing offering to God after the fall. I'm excited to see him grow into his name. His middle name is close to our hearts. We want him love justice and seek it for the lives of others as he lays down his own. And...Vis means "fish" in Dutch. Hmmmm....I could make something cool up. Let's see...nah - that's just our last name, and it sounds rockstar. You know you want it.

Soon... very soon

2008-01-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy for blogging right now, but we are now in labor. It's been going on all day since I woke up. It's still pretty mild except that I'm nauseous. My contractions are about 5-10 minutes apart and really not that bad yet. If I weren't so nauseous I'd be pretty functional still. So, instead of walking around and getting the baby to come down, I'm stuck on the couch trying to keep my food down.

It's going well so far. Keep us in your prayers. Pray that we won't get nervous or scared but just stay relaxed. Pray that the labor is as easy as possible. Pray for health for Rob, me, and the baby. Pray that my cold will stay away during all of this.

I'll see you on the other side!

The Journey from Two to Three

2008-01-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

We are 39 weeks and one day. That means - any day now. Soon we'll go from a family of two to a family of three. I think that fact is too big to actually wrap my head around. Somedays it excites us, and other days it scares us. In answer to my prayer, God has made the exciting days more frequent than the scared days this past week.

A big bummer is that I have a bad cold. I pray for healing and energy before this baby starts its journey into the world.

For maybe the last month or so, Rob and I have running around like crazy people trying to get millions of things finished. Work, baby stuff, cleaning...it all fills our days very easily. Today we decided that we need to take these last couple of days and focus on what's left - silence, just the two of us, relaxing moments. We might have today to do that, and we might have two weeks. But we've made it a goal.

So, these are all things you can pray for.

Names

2008-01-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

I was just looking at babycenter.com at an article about names. Rob and I are almost decided on what to name our boy or girl, but it's still fun to look at all the options. I saw a list of the top 100 names of 2007. As I looked through each gender, I found both my name and Rob's name on the list. AND THEN, I realized something, "Hmmm, How special. We're the exact same number." Check out #86. I think that means we're supposed to be married or something.

Another day

2008-01-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

I'm alive today.

It's not because I'm only 26. It's not because I am healthy. It's not because I live in a safe area. I'm alive today because God decided to keep all of my organs running together. Is my heart really smart enough to just keep beating like it needs to? No way, it's just a lump of flesh. God is working that thing and keeping it pumping.

This is what I read this morning to make me think about all this:

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." Psalms 3:5

Yesterday I worked all day. Seriously all day. Is that what he sustained me for yesterday? I think it's an interesting idea to wake up and contemplate what God's reason is for sustaining me this day.

My secret for you

2008-01-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Do you feel like you're always struggling with the same thing? You want to be closer to God, but no matter what you try there's always some road block or perhaps the same roadblock? I've definitely been feeling like that the last month or so. But, a couple of days ago I discovered a secret, and it's already helping me.

I'm reading The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. In one of the chapters, he explains that faith is keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. We need to keep our focus on him, being in awe of him, enjoying his presence, seeking his glory, striving toward simple intimacy with him. If we can only keep our eyes fixed on him and nothing else, he will take care of the things inside us that need changing - the things we've been focusing on so long, the things we think are keeping us distant from God. We just need to ignore those things, focus our eyes on him, and he'll do the work.

LIE - Let us fix our eyes on the things we can do to increase our faith.

TRUTH - "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:2

LIE - It is my determination and obedience that makes me stand firm in Christ.

TRUTH - "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:21

Freedom.

Getting closer

2007-12-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

We're four weeks away from our due date. Up until yesterday, I was hoping for a overdue baby. I just felt like we have a lot of decisions to make and things to do before I would feel ready. Well, I'm happy to announce that yesterday I entered the realm of discomfort - the stage where the mom just wants to not be pregnant anymore.

I'm pretty excited to be in this stage because I know it's going to make me more ready to actually have our baby. God really thought of everything. I think if we were comfortable the whole pregnancy and if it were all just fun and special, we'd be much more reluctant to endure the labor. And, the fears of being a new mom would be overwhelming. But, my belly is growing and overtaking my body. Therefore, I'm much more ready to have this baby. Funny how that works.

Fun with Friends

2007-12-15T00:14:00.000-08:00

Matt and Brittany. One of the cutest couples around, that's for sure! We love you guys!

A Call to Pray

2007-12-09T23:27:00.000-08:00

Please join in crying out on behalf of the people of Uganda. Right now there is an outbreak of the Ebola virus. It is very deadly and terrible. It is spread as easily as skin to skin contact. A simple handshake could spread it from person to person. 90% of the people who catch the virus die, and death can occur as soon as two weeks.

Uganda has been the home of a horrible war for twenty years. Right now God is moving mightily throughout the overly crowded IDP camps. People are finding hope in Christ, being discipled, and being raised up as leaders to continue to spread the light. Uganda is a prime sending ground for these new believers to go into the 10-40 window and reach out to the countries right above Uganda. God is building a mighty army from the rubble of this broken nation.

But, now the people of Uganda are under attack. The church in Uganda has come together to pray and fast. As the complete bride of Christ, let's join with them in prayer and fasting.

Taken from an email update from Libby Collier, here are specific ways to pray:

1. PROTECTION- That Lord would be a "Wall of Fire " around Uganda
(Zech 2:5) and the Ugandans would be physically protected from this
deadly outbreak.

2. AGAINST FEAR---Pray 2 Timothy 1:7- that there would not be spirit
of fear, but of power, love and sound-mind. (Because of the last
outbreak there is much fear to mobilize. –the spirit of fear can
paralyze.

3. LACK OF KNOWLEDGE- -- Pray Hosea 4:6 as there is resistance to
adhering to the medical instructions to not touch or even be in close
contact with people as this furthers the rapid spreading of this
disease!

4. THE CHURCH- (locally and globally) would see it is the
responsibility of the collective, army of the Lord to pray for this
nation to be spared as in Acts 12: 5 When the CHURCH prayed for
Peter's release from Prison not just individuals, but the whole
CHURCH! And finally in 2 Samuel 24:25 as the Lord answered
prayer on behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel stopped.

5. THE FORCE OF PRAYER: as Uganda is a southern doorway or
"gate" to the 10/40 window and the powerful forces ISLAM rule
all of the countries in North Africa The Lordsaid, in Matt 11:12,
the kingdom of heaven has been force-fully advancing, and forceful
men lay hold of it! 'He will be our source of strength as we turn back
the battle at the gate! (Isaiah 28:6)

The church in Uganda is taking this next week to fast. Then every day at noon they will be specifically coming before the Lord against this virus. If you would like even more specifics, comment or email me. Also, here is a website with more info.

Let's pray!

In my head

2007-11-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

Random thoughts from the motherland:

Yesterday I saw five seagulls in Riverside. Am I oblivious, or do seagulls not belong in Riverside?

Rob and I spent three hours in JoAnn's yesterday picking out fabric for some pillows. We're very indecisive.

Rob and I are reading Revelation right now. In one of the first chapters, it talks about the seven spirits of God. Hmmm. I don't ever remember reading that before.

Rob and I are trying to start studying the Bible together in the mornings. We call it "Joe and Jesus" because every good Bible study needs a name. We drink a cup of Joe and hang out with Jesus together.

The last three sentences started with "Rob and I." That's because I like him, he's my favorite, and we seem to do almost everything together.

We just bought Cream of Wheat tonight. It's a surprisingly good source of iron, and I love it. That was my treat from the grocery store, and Rob got a Hersey's chocolate bar.

Just because you're wearing good quality shoes, it doesn't mean your feet won't stink. Don't be deceived.

Everyone should buy deodorant without anti-perspirant. It's not good for you. Ask me why later. I'll give you the low-down.

Peace out from the motherland.

And some more...

2007-11-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I have've been putting a lot of pictures up and not much writing. I'll get back to that, I promise. But for now take and look at a very dear friend, Jenn, and her fiance David. I studied abroad with Jenn, and she was my angel in a very lonely and homesick time in my life. Very special girl! Here's their gallery on my website.

Desiree & Dexter

2007-11-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Two days after we returned from Maui, we photographed this wedding. Looks like Hawaii, doesn't it? Actually, they're from Guam. And boy, do Guamanian's know how to party! This wedding and reception was so sweet and full of life. It was definitely one of the funnest that we've been a part of so far.

Cutie!

2007-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

George & Luz

2007-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

It was very special for us to shoot George and Luz's wedding. Rob and George have been friends for a long time, so it was awesome to share in their special day.

The Family Business

2007-10-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

We like to teach our kids young.

Another way

2007-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. - Col 3:2

That's the verse that I wrote about yesterday when talking about sweets and how fasting from them is one way for me to do that. Today I discovered one more way.

I was thinking about the children in Cambodia who are sold into the sex trade to be raped repeatedly everyday of their lives. I wanted to pray for them again. But, it's has been a couple weeks since I first read my friend's encounter with the sex trade. In such a short time, my heart wasn't feeling broken anymore. I still know it is horrible and evil definitely needing prayer, but the actual feelings of empathy were fading.

However, I had a couple of newsletters in my inbox from AIM in Cambodia who does the ministry of loving on these girls after they are rescued. I also had a newsletter from Carole Vezey who is in Uganda spreading the light of Christ to those traumatized by torture, war, and brutalities we could not imagine. I sat down and read these newsletters.

My heart was broken all over again. I went into my bedroom and prayed with a renewed compassion and a deeper understanding of God's breaking heart. So, my discovery is that I need to be constantly reading newsletters from people who are on the front lines seeing the things that my earthly surroundings keep me from knowing. It keeps my heart in step with God's and sets my mind on things above. How can I think my worldly schedule is so important when my mind is brought to the heavenlies, feeling a bit of what God feels and joining him in battle?

If you want to be reading reminders of God's heart, I recommend these websites. Get on their newletter list so that you can hear more detailed stories.

AIM
Favor of God
Safari Yangu
International Justice Mission

Helpful tidbit

2007-09-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

During my sugar fast, the one thing that has been helping my self control is water with LOTS of lemon in it. When we went to Justin and Burgundy's house, Burgundy made it for us.

Just recently I decided to try it. I don't know if this is how Burgundy does it, but I just get a big glass of water, take about a third of a lemon, squeeze it in, and throw the whole thing afterwards. I love it! It still tastes like water but with a definite taste. But, the taste is refreshing and encouraging to my sweets-loving tummy. I have found that if I'm constantly drinking my lemon water throughout the day, I don't really have the normal unhealthy cravings. Plus, I get all that valuable water that my body needs.

Good stuff. Thanks Burgundy! You should go to her if you ever want a fun fact about health or food.

A new challenge

2007-09-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I had another midwife appointment. She asked me about cravings. Have I had any? Well, just for sweets, but that's not any different than my prepregnancy days. She follows that with, "Are you giving in to those cravings?" Yeah, I am, but not as much as before. She suggests that I start to fulfill those cravings with other sweet things like fruit and stuff. I guess sugar makes tissue less elastic. So, if you refrain from sugar, you have a greater chance of not tearing during delivery.

Hmmmm... That's a toughy. Sweets versus owy tearing. I decided to try a fast from sweets until the baby is born. It'll be good for me because even though I have cut down on sweets I probably still eat more than the average Joe. I started my fast after we had the Richey's over for one last 'smores indulgence.

Wednesday was my first full day without sweets. I honestly thought about it all day. In the evening I became really frustrated. My true ugly feelings are, "What fun is life without sweets?" Man, I think I'm actually addicted to this stuff. Does a normal person really get mad when they can't have a cookie? Yesterday I did a lot better. Slowly but surely I will lose my taste for sweets...hopefully.

This morning I was reading Colossians and was struck with how heavenly focused Paul is and expects his readers to be. In chapter three he encourages us to set our mind on things above, not on earthly things. We died and our life is now hidden in Christ. Christ is our life. I felt very earthly reading these verses, and yet I was inspired to practice setting my mind on things above. Then I thought about my battle with sweets. I think this is going to be a perfect exercise in getting my mind off of earthly things. If I think that life is no fun without sweets, I obviously have some work to do in finding my life completely in God.

Don't think I'm all holy and sweets are the only earthly thing I need to work on. It's just the one in the foreground for me right now consuming my every thought! It's a good opportunity for me to let God transform me.

Maybe we need to revisit this picture to convince you of my addiction...

A long time comin'

2007-09-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Last year Rob and I wanted to visit some fellow Christians in the Middle East and Central Asia. Our dream was to go on behalf of Sandals Church. When I say Sandals Church, I don't mean an organization. I mean a community of Christ followers. We wanted our church to love on our friends overseas through us. We would be the hands and feet, but they'd be the heart.

And, it happened. People came together, prayed, gave generously, and we were on our way!

Our other goal was to bring a taste of these people and their ministries back home to our church. So, we took a million pictures and had the goal of creating a coffee table book to give back to our church.

It has been 9 months, and it's actually almost completed. Pray for us. Just pray that God would work through us as we finish creating this book. We want this book to impact you and speak, really speak. We need the Creator working through us to do that.

(By the way, if you gave to help us love on these people, you're already getting a coffee table book as our gift to you. We are so excited to give you a piece of their lives and ministry. But, if there is anyone out there who didn't get the chance to give but still would like a book, let us know really soon. We're going to print them in the next week and a half, and if you want one we'll add you to our number).

It's still great

2007-09-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

We don't have a ton of pictures from the last couple of days because we've been spending a lot of time snorkeling. Can't get pictures of that...just have to plain enjoy it. Sometimes that's better, I think.

Rob hasn't had to go to a job for a week now, hence the extra facial hair. I like it. Just when you think he can't get any more handsome, he goes ahead and gets more handsome! Tricky guy.

Oh, and that ice cream sandwich cost 4.95. Please enjoy this picture as much as you can so that the cookie can be more worth the money. It's not Diddy Reese, but it was good.

We're in Maui!

2007-09-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

We're taking our babymoon, and it has been awesome. That's about all I have to say!

Children

2007-09-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, Kierra, just spent the summer in Kenya working for Empowering Lives International. On her way home, she had the opportunity to visit a couple other ministries in Thailand, Cambodia, and New Zealand.

After her trip to Cambodia, she wrote this blog. Please go read it. It will break your heart. But, when tears flow from a broken heart, we can use those tears to cry out to God. We can use those tears to decide what our part should be in the solution.

ABC's

2007-09-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went out for lunch with my sisters. The health nuts that they are, they chose apples instead of chips for their side options. Looking at the apples made me think of that game that you play when you're young. You twist the stem of the apple while saying the ABC's. Whatever letter it lands on tells you the first letter of the name of the person who has a crush on you.

I thought I should try it to make sure that Rob has a crush on me. Bad news. It landed on "G." Ok, whoever is out there with a name starting with "G" better back off. I don't know who you are, but I'm happily married with a baby on the way. I don't have a crush on you back.

Don't worry, I took care of things. I put the stem back in the apple and twirled it til it came to "R." Rob made a profound observation. How does anyone at the end of the alphabet ever get hooked up with anyone? It's true, the stem never lasts that long. Wow, God moves in mysterious ways in getting those at the end married.

Justice

2007-09-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Lately there have been things around me that haven't seemed fair. The "lover of justice" in me makes me want to step in, force my opinion, and make things right. Sometimes I can do that, and I feel better. But, this time, what I could do would really only make things worse or more complicated.

I've begun to realize that this feeling of helplessness is a good one. What it does is bring me to my knees to intervene in the heavenlies. Ephesians 2 says that God has seated me with Christ in the heavenly realms. I can influence much more when I bring things to my Lord, addressing them from the heavenlies on down. Ephesians 6 says that when we struggle, it's never against flesh and blood. Even when my struggle seems to be against people, it never is. I need to always address things from the very top.

However, as I battle in prayer, the thing that keeps me calm is a verse in 1 Peter 2. Jesus submitted, even to horrible people as they were in the process of killing him. Instead of retaliating, "he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." So, as things are unfair around me, I need to entrust myself to the only one who is fair and let him take care of it.

Ephesians

2007-09-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Ephesians. Something that stood out to me a couple times throughout the book is the fact that we need each other in order to know God fully. I don't think of that very often. Actually, I hardly ever think of it as I try to grow in the Lord. But, the truth is that I'll never know the fullness of God without other believers.

In 3:17-21 Paul prays that we would be able to grasp how immense God's love is for us. But, when he prays asks that we would have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. --Together with all the saints.

In chapter 4 he talks about how God has give us each different jobs: some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists... And, we all have these jobs in order to prepare God's people and build up the church until we are all united in the faith and knowledge of Jesus...until we all become mature and discover the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. We can't get here without each other.

As each part of the body does its job, we will know God more and more. If I do my part by myself, I won't know God any more than before. But, if I do my part along with other believers, I will be helping them experience the fullness of Christ as they are also helping me grow.

Thoughts and galleries

2007-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

I added a new gallery to my website just for babies. There is so much to capture in a baby; it's amazing. Is there really anything more precious and beautiful?

Even now that I've begun to feel the baby move around inside of me, it still doesn't make sense that there's a living human being in there. I have a feeling it will never make sense because it's just so strange. Why is it strange? I have no idea. This is how we all came into the world. But, still I cannot put my mind around it. It is completely crazy that in only 20 more weeks the Vis family will be three.

By the way, I think it's a boy. A crazy dream with a carton of cookie dough ice cream told me so.

Hot mamma

2007-08-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time, my friends. I promise I haven't given up on blogging. I just got very lazy with blogging and very busy with the rest of life.

It's currently 200 degrees here in Riverside, CA. Pregnancy translation: It's currently one million degrees here in Riverside, CA. The day it rains and refreshes us all, I will be rejoicing and truly on top of the world. That's how I always am when it rains. Do you blame me? I live in a desert.

Just a short one to get me back in the swing of things.

Pregnancy metabolism

2007-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

One word to describe me: Ravenous.

Who knew that when you get pregnant food doesn't work anymore? In normal life you get hungry and you find something to eat all for the purpose of not being hungry after you eat it. Well, my friends, my baby is one bottomless pit.

As I've been pregnant, I've been enjoying the challenge of eating healthier. I've been putting extra effort into fruits and veggies. Maybe that's why I'm never full. But, anyway it's interesting to be eating healthier for someone besides just myself.

I leave you with a fun pregnancy fact: If you're trying to get more iron into your diet, be careful what you eat your iron with. If you eat iron along with dairy, the dairy blocks your body from absorbing the iron. Now that's a challenge! How often do I have a hamburger without cheese!

Read this slowly.

2007-07-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Haiti - 80% of the population’s average income is $100 a year.

We have brothers and sisters in the Lord who live there. I hope that in heaven they will receive a double portion. I'm guessing that even here on earth, the Lord is so near them. In their consistent turmoil, I think they may know God more deeply than we ever will on earth.

Let me introduce you to...

2007-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

God's been doing something inside of me lately. He's been busy at work, creating stuff, putting things together, forming, and loving. And, up there in his book, he's been planning out the days - planning out a timeline for his new little kingdom warrior.

Three months old but still confined to a belly for it's home. God must need lots and lots of calories to get his job done because I sure have been tired lately.

Rob and I are very excited. It's weird at the same time, but I comfort myself thinking that many people probably find it to be a weird step in life as well. God has shown us that he has something very special in mind for this time of pregnancy. So, we wait in anticipation to see how God is going to draw us closer to himself. He might draw us in through really hard times or really sweet times. We'll see. But, we think he has already begun, and we're ready for the ride.

J&L

2007-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

I'm getting close to finishing up Justin & Lindy's wedding pictures. Although I'm not completely finished, I have posted a gallery of some of my favorites. If you're curious, check 'em out!

Old people revisited

2007-06-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

I went to the women's retreat last weekend at our church. It made me think about a couple of things. Right now I've been pursuing photography. I work for a wonderful and very talented photographer and I am building my own business as well. It hasn't been completely consuming my heart and mind, but it's definitely what I do at least half of the available hours.

On Saturday the pastor's wives were challenging us to examine our personality, passions, skills, and how that should relate to our mission in life. As I ran through the many exercises, I realized that one of my hugest passions is seeing the oppressed have justice. One subset of the oppressed is the elderly - in my opinion. I think they're oppressed in that they are forgotten, unrespected, unloved, pushed aside, and hidden away.

So, those were some interesting re-revelations. I'm not quite sure how this all fits with what my life has become and where it's going. All I want to know is: do we ever stop wondering what we're going to do when we grow up? Sheesh! I sure hope I get to the end of that question very soon. I'm ready to pursue some defined mission.

To a beautiful couple

2007-06-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Justin & Lindy got married on May 19th. It was a really great day...beautiful places and two very special people surrounded by a lot of special friends and family. I'm finally getting around to some post-production, and I wanted to give them a little reminder of their special day.

Miracles

2007-05-31T23:36:00.000-07:00

I'm on a quest to discover God's passionate love for me. I believe it's a fact, but when it comes down to feeling it and living as a result of it...I begin to doubt. So, I started reading about Moses' life because I believe he had an incredible intimacy with God.

Today I read about the plagues, how God brought his people out of slavery with crazy miracles. Then once they were out, he led them with a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud in the sky. Then he caused the Egyptian army to pursue them JUST so that he could show another miraculous sign...parting a massive body of water with a dry path in the middle.

I realized something. God is willing to do huge things. He wants to show us his glory and power. He longs for us to trust him and know him. Here's the difference: Back then he did big things all the time, and few people paid attention. Now he does it only for those who want to see Him. He desires to show himself; but he cares more than we seek him as a precious jewel.

Hanging on

2007-05-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

I have two plants in my home. They're the kind that are green, leafy, and impossible to kill. If they were in my mom's house, they'd probably get watered everyday. In my home, I water them....oh....maybe once every two months. My signal to water them is when they look dead. But, I don't worry anymore. Just give 'em a good sip of water, and they're brand new by tomorrow. That's crazy!

Do some stretches before reading this

2007-05-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm having a philosophical moment right now. Well, actually this moment began two days ago and came back to me today.

What we experience everyday is not real. Now, it is a small portion of what's real. But, if we really think about how our lives seem, what we would describe really isn't complete.

For example, let me explain my life. My name is Leah. I'm married to Rob who I love so dearly. We both have jobs that we love. We love the Lord and really want to know him more and more. We go to a great church and are involved in the worship ministry. We're usually stinkin' busy with the many little or big things that come our way. But, we're happy; we have been blessed with great friends and family. I enjoy life.

Now here's the reality. God. God is more powerful and frightening that most of us realize (and I'm included in that). His majesty would make people, trees, demons, and kings tremble before him. The things I described in my life are truly happening, but all around is a spiritual world of glorious angels, fighting on God's side, on our behalf, as well as fallen angels and Satan himself. There are spiritual battles going on all around us. Each moment in our lives are eternal moments that have spiritual significance.

It's just strange that what I experience and am aware of 90% of the time is only partly true...making it not the whole truth...making it a lie. I'm inspired to see God and his majesty in my life and the people around me. I want to be living in the complete reality rather than just the earthly portion.

Nighttime rituals

2007-04-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

So, one of the amazing contributions that I bring to our marriage is that I make Rob floss. He hates it, but I faithfully make him anyway. Tonight we were about to shut off the lights when I remembered we hadn't flossed yet...

"Hey, we didn't floss yet."

"I don't want to!"

"Well, you didn't want to go to Kindergarten either, but aren't you glad you did?"

"No, I didn't learn anything in Kindergarten except the fire drill."

My funny husband. I love him...and he has really clean teeth.

Life and Art...again

2007-04-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

I always hope for my art to mean something. Someday I want to be able to cause people to hunger for life with my art. However, I've never been a good creator. I feel like my art is always copied, and that bugs me sometimes. I wish that I could just pull something out of my head and paint it. But, today I learned that even copied art can impact someone.

I was talking to my mom today, and she was telling me about my great Aunt Mable. She's 90 years old, has cancer, and can't see anymore. The other day she told my mom that she can't really remember any images of her sister (my grandma) except for this one painting I did of my grandma in high school.

All I did was take a photo of my grandma and paint it bigger, detail for detail, no creative interpretation...just straight rendering. But, that painting touched my Aunt Mable, and that's the only reminder that has remained in her memory of what her sister looks like.

I was so touched today - grateful to be a part of such a special memory.

Here's a quote that encourages me with art and being creative/original:

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

-C.S. Lewis

Virginia Tech

2007-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

My heart broke today hearing about what happened. I actually felt like throwing up listening to the details of the tragedy.

I've been thinking about it. I've been thinking about the strangeness of the United States. Even with the news of what happened, I still feel safe going to the grocery store or walking to my car. Isn't that weird? It's weird because the fear and pain that people are feeling today over in Virginia is felt everyday in places like Northern Uganda. When something extremely tragic happens in that country, countless other extremely tragic things are happening simultaneously just miles away. And, they'll probably happen tomorrow.

I sometimes feel like I live in this strange, unreal Pleasantville. I hurt for those people, here in the States and all over the world. But, as I sit here, safe and content, I know that I have a huge responsibility. I can't only enjoy it, I should be active in the midst of it...active to help those who can't help themselves.

God's heart

2007-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting verse today. Do you want to know God? Here ya go:

"He did what was right and just, so all went well with him.
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 22:15-16

More to discover

2007-04-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Life...fun...love...beauty...the one...the wonder

Bridges

2007-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Rob and I had the priveledge of shooting this wedding a couple of weeks ago. One of my favorite things about doing weddings is getting to interact with the huge variety of people involved. I love photographing people who I wouldn't typically know or have contact with. I get to see their tender and vulnerable side. I get to see them excited, nervous, and relieved. By the end of the day, I feel connected to them and am so excited to give them the gift of their day seen through another eye.

Our new friend

2007-04-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Meet Hank.
We did, and we connected for a couple minutes.
He let us take his picture;
we attempted to capture the meaning that stands behind him.
He has a lot of days lived.
He has a lot to share.
Things left un-understood.
Things left un-done.
Things left to be discovered.
Things to create.
Holes to be found.
Holes to be filled.

A special week

2007-03-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

In one of my dad's emails, he reminded me that it's Palm Sunday tomorrow, the beginning of Holy Week.

So, this is my favor to you, a reminder of the same. I have no fancy devotional for you. I'm going to do my best to remember this week and pay closer attention to what Jesus did for us and the hugeness of what that means.

Don't you want some?

2007-03-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Aren't these so cool? These are handmade cards and paper. Empowering Lives International works alongside nationals in Kenya, the Congo, and Sudan to help the people living there rise up out of the grasp of poverty.

Through the Paper Project, people living in poverty learn how to make and design paper with the things that are already around them in their villages. All of the money goes right back into this program.

I have a big box full of cards, paper, envelopes,and little purse things. Comment or email me and I'll bring some to you. (leahvis@gmail.com)

Oh, the coolest thing is that on every piece is a number. You can go on ELI's website, look that number up, and read about the very person who made your paper.

Life

2007-03-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

When I hit my head on something, it makes me mad. Isn't that funny? Anytime I hurt something else, it just hurts - no emotion. But, if I bump my head it signals some part of my brain that really really frustrates me. I'm pretty sure it's not just me though. I've seen other people bump their head. It's the same thing. They usually don't want to talk afterwards. They're a little irritable when other people say, "ooo, are you ok?" They really want to yell out but are too polite so they hide it behind a stiff face.

I bumped my head yesterday and I got very grumpy for about two minutes. It went away, and then I was normal. But, I just think that's such a funny phenomenon.

Fun fact: Wahoo's Fish Tacos has the most amazing iced tea. Iced tea puts me in a strangely good mood. Some of it's the caffine. But, I think most of it is that it is so stinkin' enjoyable that it really makes me love life.

Vacation

2007-03-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Rob and I escaped to San Diego. This was our first ever relaxing vacation. We've been on adventures together, but never ones where we could relax and recoup.

We spent all day on Saturday trying to capture life and be creative with our photography. We have this new goal to make our output really be good art whether it's a paid photoshoot, taking random shots at a park, our music, our writing, our paintings...everything! Now when I say "good art," I mean it has to portray truth in some way. In one of my classes at APU, my prof taught us that good art is true and bad art is what is untrue. That can be tricky. It's not truth in the surface sense of the word. For example, a fairy tale can be fiction and yet still be true. Yeah, I don't get it yet either, but I think there's something there.

Our other goal is for our art to give people hunger for life. Life more abundant...not just breathing. We have a big task ahead of us. We have only begun to learn.

Here's some of our fun from the day. All I want to know is, who's that cutie with the camera!

Mrs. G

2007-03-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

I've talked about Mrs. Grams before. But, for those of you who haven't heard about her, she is my friend who is about 86ish with Alzheimer's Disease. She is, by far, one of my favorite people in the world. Lately she's been a lot weaker, skinnier, and just going downhill. Whenever I pray for her, I just ask that God would make himself so real to her in the midst of her confusion. I want him to wrap his arms around her and keep whispering to her that it's ok.

This last Monday, I had the priveledge of hanging out with her. We went for a drive in the mountains because that's her favorite thing to do. The whole time I was thinking/praying/hoping that the Jesus in me would shine on her so she could feel comfortable and maybe think she's hanging out with him.

As we drove and as she repeated the same five phrases over and over, I started to feel really good...I mean really really alive. The fog that's sometimes in my heart cleared and I was seeing life more clearly. Man, I was on some kind of high. Then it hit me-that sneaky Mrs. Grams was shining her Jesus light on me. I was experiencing Jesus being with her.

I think it's so cool that someone who has served the Lord can have Jesus working through them even when they don't know what's going on around them. Sneaky, sneaky!