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!