Piper's 2nd Birthday!

These pictures of Piper with her cake make us all melt. When we sung "Happy Birthday" to her she could hardly contain her joy! Piper chose a yellow cake and chocolate frosting with sprinkles on top. She ate two pieces with ice-cream:)

It's hard to believe that one year ago (Nov. 29) we were making the trek home from China. It was a killer! It was also an extremely LONG day. Taking into consideration the time zones, after traveling for over 24 hours, we arrived home on the same day we left.

According to adoption regulations it was also the day she became a US Citizen.

Got to love that profile! Earlier in the day, while still in her jammies, she opened her gift. Puzzles and a Boz DVD. Piper LOVES Boz!

Gotcha Day!

This photo shows one of the happiest days of my life!

It's Gotcha' Day: November 20th, 2006, Changsha, China.

(Gotcha' Day is adoption lingo for "the day we got you.")

This is exactly one year later, November 20, 2007, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Piper has been a huge blessing in my life.

I cannot imagine life without her!

I LOVE adoption!!

You can read about our adoption journey on: pipers4everfamily.blogstream.com

Llama, Llama Duck?

This is Piper's favorite song! She likes the ducks best. She points to the computer and says "gucks". (Translation - I want to watch the llama song)

True Confessions

I've been reading "When People are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man" by Edward T. Welch.

Here's an excerpt from chapter 3:

"Sometimes we would prefer to die for Jesus than to live for him. If someone had the power to kill us for our profession of faith, I imagine that most Christians would say, 'Yes I am a believer in Christ,' even if it meant death. The threat of torture might make people think twice, but I think most Christians would acknowledge Christ. However, if making a decision for Jesus means that we might spend years being unpopular, ignored, poor, or criticized, then there are masses of Christians who temporarily put their faith on the shelf... In other words, kill me, but don't keep me from being liked, appreciated or respected."

Ouch! I've been wrestling with that for a few weeks. I am convicted by the truth of that statement lived out in my life.

What does the Bible have to say about this?

"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." Matthew 6:11

"Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you." 1 John 3:13

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:18-19

We should simply expect that obedience to God will mean others may not like us. Sometimes it is as simple as an underlying tension when others know (or sense) that we are walking in the light. It may mean being ridiculed or losing your credibility among a certain circle of people.

Why do we fear this so much? So much, that it keeps us from sharing the best news in the world?

Welch goes on to say in Chapter 7, "The problem is clear: People are too big in our lives and God is too small. The answer is straightforward: We must learn to know that our God is more powerful and more loving than we ever imagined." Meaning, we must learn to find our joy in knowing and fearing God!

INSIGHT Bonfire

Last Saturday night we hosted a bonfire for the INSIGHT students.

Yes, a bonfire in downtown Minneapolis.

It was a blast! We stayed up way too late!

Here's Josiah and Danny getting things ready.

Jackie, Martha, Emilie, Barb and Kassie

Piper on Emilie's shoulders.

Phil gets silly while holding his marshmallow stick.

Josiah, Taylor, Matt, Jackie, Robbie, Danny and Mike.

Robbie and Danny are two funny guys.

Katie, Whitney and Martha with Phil behind.

Whitney and Jackie

Ryan (INSIGHT Staff) and Brian (INSIGHT parent) holding Piper.

William, Nate B., Sarah, Emilie, Jackie, and Nate O.

Ryan, Mike, and Brian

Nate, Katie, Matt, Martha, and Kassie

Bryan, Sarah and Robbie. Bryan and Sarah are married.

Bailey and Jared

Around the campfire.

Brian, Jim, Jackie, and Josiah

Ryan, Mike, Nate, Brian, and Jim

Piper Pics

Piper and Whitney each have a stuffed Giraffe.

Piper likes to sleep with both!

Above she is giving this "girash" smoochies.

Here's the Pips emptying out the cupboard. Way fun!

Uncle Bud Comes to Visit

Actually, he was just passing through on his way to a Navy reunion in California. He stayed with us the night before his flight out and then again on the return trip. We enjoyed having him here! (We were just a tiny bit concerned about his shiny new PT Cruiser parked behind our building.)

Bud lives with Bette in Henning, Minnesota. They own a huge cabin on the lake that is a favorite family get-away. By the way, figure this out... Bud is married to Jim's mom's sister. (Hint: two Waldemar brothers married Hoppe sisters.)

Robbed at Gunpoint!

A few night's ago one of our students at Bethlehem had the unfortunate experience of being robbed while walking home late at night. We are so grateful he was not harmed. We are touched by his response to the whole experience as he's described below:

"As I am sure that many of you already know, last night I was robbed at gun point on my way back to my apartment. By God's grace, I was unharmed and all that was stolen from me was thirty dollars. This occurrence has shaken my perspective on life to the very core. During these past two months God has been teaching me immensely on my inability to go through life on my own strength. Last night, God showed me in a powerful way that not only can I not go about day to day tasks without him, but I can not hold onto this "fragile breath" we call life without him either. God not only demands that we rely on him in our daily lives, but he demands that we rely on him for our very lives as well. Please pray that this experience will only deepen my personal walk with my Precious Jesus. You are all such good friends and comforters. How great to be apart of the body of Christ. "

Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn wrote one of our favorite novels, "Safely Home." (If you haven't read it, please, do it! You'll never be the same!) God used this book to draw our hearts toward the people of China, especially fellow believers. We've sent Bibles to China many times. When the opportunity arose for Jim to carry God's Word in himself - he jumped at the chance. As we considered the possibility of adding to our family through adoption, we unanimously voted for China!

Last night at the DG National Conference we introduced Randy to Piper. He was kind enough to let us capture this photo.

This doesn't surprise us anymore.

Across the street from us is an abandoned, boarded-up house. A while back we noticed some tell-tale signs. A broken window. Movement through the windows. We kept an eye open on the place and eventually we saw a man coming and going through the upstairs window. Jim felt "the nudge" to go over and talk to him. He was a bit nervous, not knowing what kind of circumstances he'd be walking in to. Jim made up a huge plate of food and walked across the street. He called out, "Hey, I've got some food for you!" Finally, the man came out. Jim introduced himself and found out the man's name was Robert. Robert gladly accepted the plate of food and Jim took the opportunity to strike up a conversation. Robert was pleasant and receptive when Jim turned the conversation to spiritual things. Jim shared the gospel. He gave him and Bible and a Piper book. He arranged for Robert to have a job interview with Masterworks. The next day Robert came to the interview and got the job! The day after that he never showed up to work. We haven't seen him since.

A Father's Blessing

Last weekend Jim and Taylor had a chance to get away for a Father Son Quest. It is a time for a father to affirm and bless his son. A time to learn about what biblical manhood means. A time to do guy stuff like fishing, shooting and chopping wood.

Each father had an opportunity to introduce and bless his son. Here is what Jim prepared:

"This is my son, Taylor, whom I love very much. He is a fun-loving, people-oriented person and full of energy. Greater yet is his God-given ability to recognize right and wrong when he sees it. Taylor, may God take this ability, your hatred for hypocrisy, and your senstivity to other's pain, and use them to make you a warrior for the cause of justice in this world. A world that is crying out for men of integrity to stand up and fight. You are physically strong on the outside and adventureous and daring on the inside. These are traits of a leader who is not afraid to forge the way as an example to others. May you use these traits and gifts for King Jesus. May you keep your eyes fixed on Him, and He will daily guide your steps. May you be a blessing to others as you embrace your God-given role as a servant leader."

Shooting clay pigeons

Canoeing on a gorgeous day

Jim and Taylor had a great weekend!

INSIGHT Gals

Barb works part-time in Bethlehem's TBI (The Bethlehem Institute) department as ministry assistant to one of the elders. A big part of her job is housing coordinator for the INSIGHT program. (INSIGHT is a freshman year of college offered at Bethlehem. This year is our second year.) Theses ladies are living in the apartment directly beneath us. They are very sweet!

Kassie, Emilie, Martha, Brianna and Jackie

Spontaneous Moment

This was a spontaneous moment that any mom would love to catch! Piper is just getting to the point where she is willing to listen to the story - not just flip through the pages. Taylor is an awesome big brother.

State Fair

We figured it's been 10 years since we've gone to the State Fair. We are not crazy about large crowds (especially on a hot day), blaring music and deflecting our eyes from scantily clad women, but we figured we'd give it a whirl - maybe it's not as bad as we remember, besides there is always the food.

Despite the above mentioned drawbacks, and getting over the shock of the cost of parking and admission, we did manage to have a nice time. Whitney, Taylor and Barb enjoyed the Sky Ride while Jim and Piper followed along waving madly from the ground. We all loved the amateur talent show finals. Wow! We were blown away by some of the pre-teen singers. The photos below tell the rest of the story.

Taylor nuzzles a goat.

Jim shows off a fish he did NOT catch!



Piper takes her first ride on the carousel.

A Day at the Beach

This was a fun family Sunday afternoon. We love to explore the city looking for adventure! Here we are at Lake Calhoun--Taylor and Piper were the only swimmers but we all enjoyed some R and R.

20 Minutes of Uncertainty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U51zllYGTVQ

I love this guys attitude... Don't waste your life!

Why Did the Bridge Collapse?

This is bound to ruffle a few feathers.

Whitney leaves for Jamaica

Hey everyone, this is Whitney. On Saturday, August 4th, I will be leaving for Montego Bay, Jamaica, where I will be working in an orphanage called Robin's Nest.

I am very excited for this trip, and, by the Lord's grace, not nervous at all.

Would you please pray that the Lord would bless the ministry of my team as we encourage the people of Jamaica.

More when I return...

If you would like to know more about The Robin's Nest, visit: http://www.robinsnestchildrenshome.org/

Things You May Not Know About Taylor

Here's a current photo of Taylor (now 13) sitting on our front porch. He's grown about a mile these last few months and his voice has lowered an octave or two.

Air soft, skateboarding and listening to music are some of Taylor's favorite ways to spend time. He also loves participating in youth activities at church and hanging out with friends. Playing the piano and guitar come easily to him but he does not like to practice! Hawk Nelson and Lacrae are two of his favorite music groups. Recently Taylor has informed us that he wants to learn to swing dance!

He loves to laugh while watching old-fashioned, funny movies (i.e. Jerry Lewis, Abbott and Costello). Taylor has a great sense of humor which he uses to diffuse tense family situations:)

Every third Thursday Taylor volunteers at Desiring God, doing whatever is most helpful. This summer he also has a job mowing his Grandma's grass and occasionally works at Masterworks cleaning out cars.

Having been educated at home all his life, this year Taylor will be taking some classes through YEAH (Youth Educated at Home). They are: Writing Foundations, American History, Spanish and Improvisation (Acting). He will learn Pre-Algebra at home, and round out his schedule with Piano lessons and Bible Quizzing. (Last year he memorized 5 chapters and finished 47th out of 242 junior and senior high students.

We are crazy about this kid!

Hidden Treasure

Jesus said, in Matthew 13:44, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

This is why we do what we do! We've found the treasure our hearts long for - it's Jesus! We gladly leave behind the "safety" and comfort of suburban living to spend ourselves that others, too, might find their hope in Jesus. What joy!

We Have Two Piper Bookshelves

Thanks to the DG $5 booksale, we've been able to round out our (John) Piper library. Desiring God and Don't Waste Your Life (among others) have had a profound impact on our lives.

This is baby Piper's bookshelf. We've heard it said that the number of books in a child's personal library has a direct impact on their intelligence level. I wonder if Tumble Bumble and Are You My Mother? qualify?

We love this girl!

Pick me! Pick me! I know the answer!

I like to drive.

Are Blogs Narcissistic?

narcissism [(nahr-suh-siz-uhm)] noun

"A consuming self-absorption or self-love; a type of egotism. Narcissists constantly assess their appearance, desires, feelings, and abilities."

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved July 23, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/narcissism

According to that definition, yes, most blogs are all about self.

We hope to steer in a different direction. Our aim is twofold: 1) to keep family and friends current on what's happening in our lives and ministry and, 2) to encourage others and "stir one another up to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24) .

Hopefully there will be some "meat" and weightiness amongst the fun and trivial!

Great Lyrics

"O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love,
Here's my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above."

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" vs 3

Oh, how these lyrics are the cry of my heart! I am so thankful that it is the work of God to save us AND keep us.

--Barb

Afghani Pizza?

It's true! One of our favorite discoveries since moving to the city is Afghani Pizza. It's delicious! Tomorrow night we will celebrate a much needed family night at the Crescent Moon over a football shaped pizza. They serve it with a greenish colored dipping sauce, called chutney, that will light your tongue on fire. So good.

Crescent Moon Bakery
612-782-0169
2339 Central Ave. NE, Mpls

Thoughts on Support Raising...

This is a topic that makes most missionaries cringe. Support Raising. Ugh.

When we were first considering the idea of full-time ministry we had many long discussions about it. We prayed long and hard. Jim felt such a burden to spend his time not just earning a paycheck (which is a good thing,) but pouring himself out for things that matter for eternity. Feeling reasonably sure that God was calling us to serve in the city we began to rearrange our lives. We knew entering into full-time ministry would mean a huge cut in pay and moving our family to the city. That was the easy part.

One day, in passing, Jim said, "By the way, we'll need to raise at least a portion of our support." (My reaction? "Then obviously God is NOT calling us! I loathe that idea!)

This is how I came from that response to where I am now: willing yet reticent.

For years we delighted to give to (several) ministries each month. Many of them were instrumental in our spiritual growth. It is so pleasant to be a giver!

Now we find ourselves on the other side of the coin. We must seek support from others in order to forge ahead in the work we believe God has called us to do. It's not as pleasant, in fact it's quite humbling. Not simply because it's hard to ask people for money (it is!) but because we cannot do it ourselves --we MUST depend on others. Our self-reliant pride needs to die. We are learning to trust that God is already raising up others who delight to give.

Another humbling aspect is knowing that we, in and of ourselves, are not adequate for the task. (We sense this every day!) The last part of John 15: 5 says, "for apart from me you can do nothing." Translation: unless it is God doing the work in and through us we cannot do anything of real value. Oh, how we pray that He will accomplish good through our lives, despite us.

Our pastor reminds us that there are "goers" and "senders." Those that hang over the cliff and those who hold the ropes. Both are necessary for the Gospel to go forth. We love hanging over the cliff in Minneapolis! We are incredibly grateful to those of you who hold the ropes.

Silly Family Photo

While being photographed for our new prayer card, Piper was unusually cranky -- we had to work hard to get her to smile. Our photographer caught this shot as were were trying to humor her. Turns out it's our favorite! Of course, it's not the one we chose for our prayer card, which, as a matter-of-fact, will be in your mailbox soon.

Minneapolis Skyline

This is the view from our porch. We love it!

America's Melting Pot

This is a familiar sight from our porch. Only in Minneapolis! This Somali woman is working as a "flagger" for the parking lot across the street. What is the event? America's favorite pasttime -a Twins baseball game.

Oh, the Joys of Reading

What books are on your nightstand? Really, we want to know! (We'd love to get some feedback on this post in order to encourage one another in the reading of good books.)

Here's our line-up:
Jim is reading "First Theology: God, Scripture & Hermeneutics" by Kevin J. Vanhoozer. 375 pages with big words like supervenient grace, epistemology and deconstructionism, and loving every page.

Barb just finished two biography's: "Give me This Mountain" by Helen Roseveare and "Isobel Kuhn: the Canadian Women Who Felt God's Call to the Lisu People of China" by Lois Hoadley Dick. Admittedly, I had never heard of either woman, but after reading their fascinating stories I have come to admire their faith and perseverance very much. (Helen Roseveare is one of the speakers at the upcoming Desiring God conference - we can hardly wait.)
National Conference link: http://www.desiringGod.org/Events/NationalConferences/Archives/2007/

Hear John Piper talk about the conference: http://www.youtube.com/user/DGconferences

Whitney is reading Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," and Randy Alcorn's, "Deadline." Alcorn also wrote "Safely Home," one of our favorite family read-alouds. (Incidentally, Randy Alcorn is also one of the scheduled speakers at the DG conference. Hmmm... I detect a theme.)

Taylor is reading "Twenty-One Balloons" by Pene Dubois.

Piper is reading "Go, Go, Go" by P. D. Eastman (translated in English, "Go, Dog, Go!")

About the Blog Title

The name of our blog was chosen from a favorite passage of Scripture:


"Or do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God?
You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price.
So glorify God is your body."
--1 Corinthians 6:19-20


This is a needful reminder for us. It helps us willingly look foolish to the world as we say "no" to fleeting pleasures. It also causes us to treasure the One who purchased us.

Smile, Piper!

This is the most recent photo of our sweet Piper, adopted from China 7 months ago. She is a 19 months + here. We can't imagine life without her! She's just beginning to speak and we're finding we have a huge communication gap! "Butz" means "blanket" (very important), and "Lerdler" (rhymes with turtler) means "Taylor" (our son). Jim was very dismayed when after a week away over the 4th of July, (having consumed mainly junk food), Piper said, "pop" and "Coke" as clear as the nose on her face... er... maybe the nose on your face, no offense.