I Fell Off the Face of the Blog World

Well, it has been quite a while since I've updated y'all on what's going on in the Dearborn home.  I fell off the face of the blog world for several months and thought up numerous posts, but never had the time to sit and actually write.  I'm hoping to hit the biggest events over the last couple months, so this could become a bit lengthy....you can't say I didn't warn you!  And unfortunately no picutres...I am in the process of cleaning out my computer (hard drive and all) due to a possible virus.  Thankfully I have everything backed up, now I just have to clear it and reinstall everything!  But enough of the mundane...

Mike is working at Alliance Defense Fund and has been there close to two and a half months!  ADF is an amazing organization that works to defend our First Liberty.  Go to their website and check it out http://www.telladf.org/ or to their facebook page www.facebook.com/AllianceDefenseFund and become a fan. You will truly get a much better understanding than I can accurately provide, and hopefully get a glipse of how excited we are to be part of this organization!

God has been so good as we were waiting on Him for direction for Mike's job.  During the two months that Mike was unempolyed God provided just what we needed.  We knew this was a posiblity and had several months savings to use as we prayed, waited, interviewed (5 rounds of interviewing with up to 6 interviews in a round), prayed and waited some more.  The family I nanny for also needed me to work 3 days a week instead of of my usual two during those two months--coincidence, I think not!  Mike and I also started taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class through our church, and completed the course on Wednesday!  Although all the topics are relatively simple and things we've heard/learned before, it gave us some great practical tools for us to use in helping us to better our financial sitation (especially since Mike was unemployed when the class began).  I found it encouraging that even though we had a relatively good handle on our finances and were in a fairly good position--we were able to take on what we learned and really apply it in a way that is making a big diffence for us right now.  It is safe to say I am a Dave Ramsey fan and would encourage others to take this course even if your financial situation is "not" in need of "help"!  I think we call all learn something and become better stewards of what God has blessed us with.  Let's face it, here in America we have so much more than most people in the world....use your resourses (home, money, health, car, everything!) to make a difference in peoples lives!  Imagine what God can do if we're willing to be used by Him and the gifts He has given us--impact the world for Christ!!!!  Okay, I'm off my soapbox, but promise me you'll consider it! :-)

We also celebrated our Two Year Anniversary on October 18th!!!  We had a stay-cation in a house 45 minutes north of our condo (Terrivita for those family members reading this) the weekend leading up to our aniversary which was on a Monday.  We went there Friday after I picked Mike up from work and stayed over through Sunday night.  Mike worked on Monday so I took him to work and then went back to the house and packed up our stuff.  I brought some candles for decorating to make it nice and cozy and I brought our food to cook so it would be more economical.  I forgot my camera so I took a couple pics on my phone, which of course doesn't do it justice! 



As you can see from Mike in the backround we really got a chance to relax and just be.

I made maple french toast and scrambled eggs two mornings in a row because it was so good!  We also spent the afternoon on Saturday with Mike's dad.  We got a call around 6am from his dad saying that he wasn't feeling good and a friend of his was going to take him to the hospital; he would call us if he needed us.  Thankfully he had no problems and at that point was just really tired.  We picked him up from the hospital around 1 or 2 and went to a late lunch with him while we waited for his perscription to be filled.  The beauty of having a stay-cation was that we could be available for my father-in-law, and still be "away" from the normal pace and daily demands of being in our own home.  Sunday after having our french toast and eggs for brunch we walked through the small shopping center down the street (literally) from the house for a bit of excercise and to enjoy the beautiful weather.  That afternoon we treated ourselves to going out to see a movie before heading to chruch for the evening.  On our actual anniversary we went to dinner at Oreganos where we stuffed ourselves on garlic bread, a specialty pizza and pazookie...Delicious!  I'm hungry just thinking about it!  I have to say I am extreamly blessed that God gave me Mike as my husband!  I couldn't have asked for a better man!  I love thinking back to how God brought us together and knowing that it was His hand that placed us in each other's life and ordained our union.  I know I cerainly didn't have anything to do with it; other than obediance and telling God that my hands were off--I was not going to try and control this; if we were to be together it would be His will and doing.  It's refreshing when we let God be God in our lives--amazing things happen! 

I think I will leave you with that for now--time is quickly passing.  I'll have to write a round two soon.  Remember to keep Jesus the focus of this Christmas season--that's really what it's all about.  He came to give us the Gift of Life through His blameless life, and ultimately His death on the cross to pay the penalty for all our wrong and then bring Victory over sin and death with His Resurrection!  He came for You and for me--grateful doesn't even begin to describe what I feel!            

4th Round Here We Come

God is SOOO GOOD!!!  We received a call on Friday morning saying that Mike made it to the next round of interviews!!!  So, Friday, Sept 10th from 8:30-12 Mike will be interviewing with 6 different people!  Five of the interviews will be 30 minutes and one will be an hour...and this is the last round of interviews that Mike will go through!  We are hoping and praying that it will go well and God will continue to open doors.  We know that either way God will be glorified because that is what our lives and our marriage is about.  Please continue to to pray for us as we go through this process and trust the Lord for His provision!

In some other news Mike performed a wedding yesterday for some friends of ours that joined our small group Bible study a year ago.  It has been such a blessing to watch their relationship grow not only together but also in their relationship with the Lord and their desire to serve Him and have a God honoring marriage.  It was truly a beautiful wedding and God was glorified!

Pastor Mike & Ryan aka "The Groom"

Kristen the Beautiful Bride

Doug giving his daughter away

Taking a look at all the family and friends who came to celebrate.

"You may now Kiss the Bride!"

Presenting for the first time Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Loynd!!

 Wahoo!  They're Husband & Wife!

Pastor & the Mrs!

 

Michael & Rhonda--they open their home

every week for our Bible study! 

Beautiful Sunset to close out a God-glorifying day!

Truly a Blessing!  Thank you Lord!

Interview Update

Thank you so much for your prayers for Mike's interview on Monday!!!  He feels it went very well so as of now we are waiting to hear back from ADF.  Mike interviewed with 4 different people, about 30 minutes each, he had 3 short essays to write since part of his job would be communicating through writing and another phone interview to see how he communicates on the phone.  It's been quite the process!  We also found out that there is still one more round of interviews so we are waiting to hear back on if Mike will continue to round 4!  Mike did get a voicemail today from HR at ADF asking him to call back, but he didn't get it until after 5:30.  He will be calling tomorrow morning to respond to that message.  We are both hoping to hear that he made it to the next round, or course, but that is in God's hands.  I'll write more when we find out.  What a great adventure we are on--it's certainly exciting and stretches our faith--may God be glorified through every detail!

Mike's Interview Date

Really quick update--please keep Mike in your prayers as he has his interview with Alliance Defense Fund on Monday, August 30th at 10am!!!  This interview will be almost a full day at ADF interviewing with various people within the organization.  We are super excited and truly want God's best for us--if it's at ADF great, if it's elsewhere that is great too, we just have no idea what that other possibility would be right now!  Thank you so much for your prayers--it is truly a blessing to us!!! 

I Love How God Shows Up!

Recently I have been convicted on how I need to spend more time with God--in all aspects.  I pray throughout my day, but too often I don't sit down and really listen to Him or focus on His character and Who He is and what those attributes tell me about the God I love and serve.  Yesterday I had some focused time where I just laid everything at His feet.  One of the biggest events in my life right now is Mike finding a job.  As I mentioned a month ago he had an interview with Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) and has been waiting to hear back on if he made it to 2nd round interviews.  I prayed that God would just open and close doors and place us exactly where He wants us, even if that means waiting longer or even moving somewhere for the right job.  Mike and I certainly are not looking to move, but if we were not willing to move, I truly believe we would be wrong.  Something I've seen and noticed is that sometimes all God wants is a willing heart for whatever He asks--at times that means hard circumstances and changes other times it means that God blessings you for your willingness.  I don't know where God will take us--it could be somewhere here in Phoenix, it could be across the country and maybe someday He may take us out of the United States--all I know is that my job is to make sure that I am willing to obey and go wherever that is.  Well, as always God showed up in answer to my prayers; less than 24 hours after fervently praying for Mike, wisdom in his job search and whatever the future job may be, my business--in essence our lives--early this afternoon Mike received a call from ADF saying that he made it to 2nd round interviews!!!!  Praise the Lord!  Obviously there is no guarantee that this will be where God places us, but we are one step closer to seeing if this will be one aspect of our ministry for a time.  Mike is also busy writing resume's and cover letters to all sorts of different job opportunities that he's heard about, so your prayers are very much appreciated!

I don't know about you, but I love a good storm--it reminds me of God's power.  I especially love the sky and how it looks before, during or after a storm.  I have a couple great pictures that I took on my phone over the past month.  For those of you who do not live here in the wonderful Valley of the Sun it is currently our monsoon season--big, fabulous storms.  They sky is amazing if the storm rolls in late afternoon/early evening before it gets dark--at least for those who have no photography knowledge.  I've seen some amazing pictures of  storms at night by googling it!

Driving down the road and I look out my window...

 

These next two I took yesterday leaving my parents house on the way to the gym:

Sunset outside of my apartment back in 2007 just after a monsoon,

yes all the same storm--I have 30 pictures of this sunset--it was amazing!

These next pictures were taken in 2008 by the front office of my old apartment:

 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures and were awed by God's creation!  Expect God to show up in your life, not just in the big and important things but even in the small and seemingly insignificant things, because everything is significant to God!  

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Updates

What a month!  This past month has been a blur--it's already the last day of July!  So many changes have taken place and it is so exciting to see what God is doing in our lives.  Mike had his last day of his internship on July 15, also my sister's 30th birthday, and had a phone interview on July 16th with Alliance Defense Fund which is a non-profit organization that fights for Christian rights.  He made it to first round interviews and had his interview this past Monday.  Currently we are waiting to hear if he made it to the second round of inteviews--if he does then he will spend the better part of a day at ADF interviewing with different key people.  We should hear back beginning of next week if he will continue interviewing.  The week between Mike's phone interview and first round interview he and his dad drove out to North Carolina to take Matt his car and bring some of his things back home since they were in storage.  That was a grueling six days of driving and he returned last Friday afternoon which worked out well since I left for Dallas early on Saturday morning.  I was certainly glad to see him and spend time with him before being gone myself for 5 days.

I went to Dallas for my annual Mary Kay conference and absolutely loved it--as always!  Our new holiday line will be absolutely fabulous!!!  They have some great rewards for those who choose to step up into a leadership position with the company which include a $1,000 bonus upon qualifying as a Director and if you are in the process of qualifying to be a Director you can go to Houston for our Leadership conference which is specifically for Directors and National Sales Directors!  I am really excited about this opportunity and plan to take advantage of it!  Of course there are some other fabulous benefits and rewards that new Directors will receive as well.  Mary Kay also put out a company wide challenge to have 10 parties in a week--so I'll be working hard to accomplish that challenge this next week!   I'll post some pictures when I get them all on my computer!

Speaking of pictures, here is the link I promised if you would like to see Diane's wedding pictures: http://thevisionyard.zenfolio.com/diane-rodrigo-wedding

All for now!  Please keep us in your prayers as we wait for God's direction in a job for Mike!
  

Patriotic & Summery

With the Fourth of July less than two weeks away I thought I'd prepare my blog to be patriotic--yet at the same time be summery, bright and fun...I am satisfied!

There are much more important things that have been going on in my life than analyzing backgrounds for my blog--for instance my sister got married on Saturday!!!  It was a beautiful wedding and Mike did such an amazing job officiating Diane & Rod's ceremony!  I was a complete mess walking down the aisle but thankfully I recovered after Diane came down.  She was an absolutely radiant bride and I don't think I've ever seen her so happy--not even when Rod proposed!  We had so much family in town on my side coming from Canada, Oregon, Washington, California and I'm sure there is a state or two I missed...and Rod had family that was able to make it from Mexico City.  I would have to say that they are a very loved couple!  Diane has such great in-laws and the family I was able to meet and talk with from Mexico were delightful!  Saturday was truly a day in which we all celebrated with great joy!  I'll have to get some pictures from people that were there since I couldn't snap pics from the stage as Diane's Matron of Honor.  Visionyard, the same company who did photography for Mike's and my wedding, did Diane and Rod's wedding--gorgeous!!!  I'll put a link to their pictures when I see they are up on Visionyard's website. 

A few other event's going on in the Dearborn home is that Mike's internship at Scottsdale Bible Church is coming to a conclusion in about three weeks.  God has graciously provided an extra two weeks for Mike so he can train up the new MIT (Minister in Training), the original conclusion of Mike's internship was June 30th, now his last day will be on July 15th (also Diane's 30th b-day).  We don't know where God will take us next but I know it will be great!  God has given me such a peace--normally I would be freaking out at this point, but I know He is faithful, in control and He's our ultimate provider!  There are a couple opportunities for us--one as a part time young adult pastor.  There is a church not too far from us that is looking to launch a new young adult group--which is what Mike does now with SomaNorth at Scottsdale Bible.  No concrete vision for this group has been set, so this could be a really great and exciting opportunity for us.  The other position is as a full time Children's Director at church north of us.  Mike is great with kids but also knows how to organize volunteers to accomplish the goals of the ministry.  As a Children's Director Mike would work with the kids, but much of the work would be with the parents and volunteers.  Perhaps God even has something different than these two opportunities.  It's exciting, yet scary at the same time!  Please keep us in your prayers, they are much needed and we covet them!   

Backgrounds

I find myself in a dilemma as I am every time that I'm ready to change the background of my blog...25 pages of choices!!!  What am I to do?  Not to mention it doesn't help that I can be very indecisive!  I see beautiful color combinations that I love, but the problem is that summer is coming and those colors shout Fall--I feel the need to have something bright and cheery--which is why the classic black and white just isn't working right now--although those are some of my favorites!  Hmmm, what to do, what to do? 

I hope you've enjoyed the brief ramblings of my mind as well as the product of my procrastination--we are having friends over for dessert tonight which means the condo needs some major work!  But that will have to wait a bit longer--I leave in 10 minutes to go play makeup with my mom and my sister (aka Bride) for her wedding!  You've also witnessed my attempt at writing more than just once in a month's time!  I hope you've been briefly entertained--thanks for indulging me!

Life Changes

The theme of recent posts seem to all include life...this one is no exception!  So many changes are already taking place--some already determined others not so much.  May has been a huge month for Mike and I--especially for Mike.  The beginning of May was spent finishing up the last papers and assignments for Seminary and now Mike has graduated!!!  WOW!!!  I must say I am extremely proud of him!  So, change #1 Mike is done with school--no more books, no more classes, no more papers....What a relief!  Graduation day was May 14 which started with a Graduation Breakfast at Phoenix Seminary, followed by meeting up with Diane & Rod, dropping Mike off at church so he could work on the next weekend's retreat while I went to my parent's for a couple hours.  I met Mike at church for the graduation ceremony rehearsal and then people started showing up!  As Mike's wife I was privileged to escort him across stage while he was "hooded" with his Master's hood and our picture was taken with the Seminary's President, who also happens to be our church's pastor emirates, Dr. Darryl DelHousaye.  Saturday was party day!  Mike slept in while I went to a workshop for most of the day before setting up for Mike's graduation party that we had a church.  We had a great turnout and tons of dessert!  It was really fun for me to plan all the details of the party and let them be a surprise to Mike that evening.  I had put together a video montage over the past 5 years of  different friends, service opportunities, and trips that Mike has done and he told me later what a great variety I had chosen!  I also had Joe Gordon & Steve Eriksson (men Mike has interned under) on video since they could not make it to the party to share some thoughts and encouragement.  I also had four men that have influenced Mike over the last 4-5 years speak as well.  Mike then got to share some of his thoughts and have a Q & A.  The evening was perfect and such a celebration of Mike and his graduation!

Along with graduation will come the conclusion of Mike's internship at Scottsdale Bible Church--thankfully we still have a month before that wraps up.  Please be praying for a job for Mike--we have no idea where the Lord will take us!  Lord willing we will be able to stay in Phoenix.  Mike would love to be an Associate Pastor or work with small groups, short term missions, marriage ministry (in the future perhaps), things of that nature, but we will go where the Lord leads!  Along with that prayer request is one for me as one of my nanny jobs has drawn to a conclusion earlier than expected.  Their oldest boy (of two) is needing some prayer--I'll leave it at that for their privacy--and with that they needed someone with much more flexibility that I can offer.  I believe that will be hard to find, but hopefully it will work out for them.  My income has just been cut by a third or so and Mike will be out a job in a month.  I'm hoping this is an opportunity to take my business to the next level--from hobby to business so I've prepared some tools for myself and am ready to work hard!  Pray that I use my time well and that God multiplies my efforts and my business.  I want to build it to a point where when we have a family I can work solely from home and plan my business around our family.

So these are two huge life changes for us and we are certainly excited for the future, but if we dwell on it in our own strength it almost seems impossible for everything to work out.  However, we know that nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26b).  We are blessed by each of you and pray for the Lord's blessings on your lives!!!

Lifesong

	Casting Crowns - Lifesong .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Celebration!!!

What a month and great accomplishments for my hubby!  I must brag on Mike just a bit...he's worked so hard!  The end of the spring semester for Mike is getting close and with that will be the completion of his Master's of Divinity Degree from Phoenix Seminary!!!  (Graduation is May 14th!)  I can't cheer enough...Wahoo!!! 

On Wednesday, April 7th Mike had his Ordination Exam--it's kind of like the Board for becoming a doctor or the Bar exam for a lawyer.  Scottsdale Bible Church has an ordination committee of three SBC pastors that they appoint and then Mike got to choose two other qualified people so he chose two of his professors from the seminary.  His ordination committee was composed of Steve Eriksson, Pat Sullivan & Randy Walters from SBC and then he chose Fred Chay and Paul Wegner.  The ordination commitee was able to ask Mike anything they wanted and all Mike had was his Bible--this was a very grueling 3 hours and I know Mike was so glad when it was done (total understatement)!!!  We got home and he took a nap before we went to Islands to celebrate.

  Dinner at Islands after Mike's Ordination Exam

Yesterday (Thurs, April 22nd) Mike and I went before the Board of Elders at SBC and Steve Eriksson, who was also on the ordination committee, recommended Mike to the Elder board to be a Pastor endorsed by Scottsdale Bible Church.  They then asked Mike where he feels his strengths are and where he would like to minister, so of course Mike shared that we are hoping to stay in the Valley and looking for an Associate Pastor position, but also the areas of small groups, short term missions, marriage ministries and such are also of interest to us.  He also shared that we are really looking forward to having children in the near future, which is another big reason we want to stay in Phoenix.  Lord willing we will be able to stay here, but if He calls us elsewhere we will of course go there.  I was teary through this whole process, no surprises there, and after Mike shared with the Elder Board they then gathered around us, laid hands on us and prayed for us.  The only person I remember praying for us was Tim Kimmel, whom some of you may know or at least be familiar with his name.  He's got a great ministry called Family Matters and has written the book "Grace Based Parenting" among others.  There were also two other elders who prayed for us.  One thing I thought was just really cool is was when Jamie, our Sr. Pastor, came over to me after and told me that they would be praying for us, for God's direction in our lives and for our ministry--and I know that he will be.  Our Executive Pastor Tom Sharda came up to Mike and I as we were getting ready to leave and told us how exciting it was for him to hear how excited we are to have children and how special that will be.  It was truly a sweet time and one I will treasure in my heart for the rest of my life.  

 SBC's Board of Elders praying over & for us.

In the back are words that say "With God All things are Possible"

How fitting are those words for this time in our lives! Love it!

The ordination process is all about a church endorsing our ministry and last night we completed that process and the Elders of Scottsdale Bible Church have said "Yes!" we want to back up Mike and Danielle Dearborn and God's call on their life to ministry!!!  I get teary just writing because God is so good!  We have two huge, and I cannot emphasize the hugeness of these two events, behind us.  Next steps as we continue to look for a church to serve in, are to finish off this last semester, Graduate on May 14th and of course get a job!!!!  So, these are three things that y'all can be praying for for the Dearborns'...especially the last one of getting a job!  But there is one thing that I have been constantly reminded of throughout these past four months, and I know I'll be reminded even more, is that God is our  Provider--Jehovah Jireh!!!  May each of you be blessed and know that He too is your Jehovah Jireh!!!  

Life is Precious

My heart is heavy and I am inspired all at the same time!  There is a couple that I know from church and they are going through so much with their precious baby!  God is strengthening their faith and their marriage as they take one day at a time with their son who is in the NICU.  Their faith and trust in God is encouraging me to have a greater trust and faith as well.  God uses all things for His glory and I can see that already in their desire to serve and trust in Him daily as all things can change in an instant with a baby who is in the NICU.  Just through reading their blog I've seen God's hand at work in baby Gavin's life as well as in the life of Jeramy and Tracee.  I do not know them well, but God has placed them on my heart to pray for them and I know they would covet your prayers as well--it's evident through their blog and they are so encouraged by it.  I just spent the last couple hours reading their blog starting at the beginning of this year with Tracee's textbook pregnancy and how quickly things changed and they were brought to their knees in prayer for the life of Gavin and how God was answering their prayers and continues to.  If you are interested here is their blog www.asformeandmine.blogspot.com  May it encourage you in your faith and deepen your relationship with Him!  To God be the glory!!!

In other news here are the pictures I promised almost a month ago...I ended up going to my mother-in-law's house for the evening, which of course was great!

 Squeezing OJ with my KitchenAid Juicer!

 Coyote's Hockey Game

(First Time)

Fight, fight, fight! (okay, it was a scuffle...)

 Our Friends who took us Tyler & Lisa--so fun!!!

Fun at Jenny & Topher's Wedding Rehearsal.

We're practicing our dance moves!

 Beautiful Bride Jenny
(I'm fluffing her dress for pics!)

Mike & I were both in the Wedding Party

Strike a pose!

 Lovin on the Bride

The girls have the groom!

Jenny and her niece Rachel who was the flower girl.

Special moment for the Bride and Groom

Love this pic of them leaving!

Pictures are coming!

Well, tonight I will be back and posting a lot more pictures to show some of the fun and exciting events that have been going on in the Dearborn household.  I have a goal to post once a week--I'm hoping that's not too ambitious due to my lack of posting...lol.  Now I've got to get back to the sweet 3 year old that I nanny!  He's up from nap and it's time we play some more before I leave in an hour.  Until tonight...

Closing out 2009 and Bringing in 2010

Here we are half way through February and I haven't written since the beginning of November!  I have had so much that I wanted to write about and never got around to it!  One of the families I nanny for is extending my hours which is great, but it also means less time for everything else!  I'll have to post some pictures of the playdough animals that Scott and I made last week for 2 hours before I put him down for nap.  They are pretty cute!

I think the best thing to do is to give an overview of the past several months in pictures so I hope it isn't too overwhelming and I sure do hope you enjoy all the pictures...now to see if I remember how to add pics...lol!

 

Rod proposing to my sister on Thanksgiving Day

 

You know she said YES!

 

The four "kids" with our stockings celebrating Christmas

with my parents.

 

Mike and I got a Wii!!!  Super exciting!!!

 

Visiting my Auntie Catherine in CA the day after Christmas.

 

Jenny's Bridal Shower...with mimosas!!!

 

The beautiful Bride and her ribbon bouquet! 

There are more pictures to come I just need to get them from other cameras onto my computer!  Happy 2010 everyone!!! (I know I'm only a couple months late!)