The Stewarts

Shane's arrival

2010-01-23T19:43:00.002-06:00

Shane Ernest Ray Stewart arrived December 15, 2009 and weighed in at 8 lb 10 oz and was 20 and 2/4 in long, I forget what exact time he was born, but sometime after 8:00 am. I don't have a long, involved triumphant birthing story, but he was taken via c-section and everything was very smooth, was WAY bigger that expected and we were thankful the anesthesiologist changed the medication ( f/ when ava was born ) , because I was alert and SO enjoyed and remember my precious time with Shane after his arrival. For pictures from his ' birth' day , check out : http://www.flickr.com/photos/eli_stewart/sets/72157623036714316/

November Post

2009-11-20T14:51:00.002-06:00

Not sure how it's November , or how I am almost 38 weeks pregnant , nor how there are only three weeks left in this semester .....but somehow, I'm sure most of you can relate , how quickly time really does pass by.
Its been a wonderful semester with Chi Alpha, really watching the Lord move in the hearts of so many students, its baffling to Eli & I how we are even able to be apart of such a great work of the Lord.
Here are a few prego pictures, Eli took three weeks ago. http://www.flickr.com/photos/eli_stewart/sets/72157622751306636/
I'm on the final count, nesting, having emotional breakdowns, not sleeping, I'd say, that's about how to measure if your almost due :) We're praying and hopeful for a VBAC, if your not sure what that is, it's a natural birth after having a prior c-section. My OB will let me go til 41 weeks, if I haven't gone into labor by Dec 16th, then my Doc will schedule a c-sec.
My family will be here Dec 15th, then Eli's family in Januuary, we're so looking forward to having them both here! It will our first Thanksgiving and Christmas not to travel, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm loving knowing that ,we are staying put, at least this winter.
Hope you are all doing well in blogging land. thanks for reading this, hope to post a bit more and keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of our sweet Shane.

Summer.....

2009-09-04T09:03:00.012-05:00

Dryden & Ryan came out for a visit f/ Texas and hiked Bishops Peak in SLObelow: Don't they look alike, great grammie and ava

Ava's favorite thing to do all summer, HOT TUB w/ grammie

Some freaks we saw at the San Diego Zoo in June

Grammie & Papa at the river with sleepyface

Elly, Ava & Molly at the waterslides!

My friend Hannah ( one of my dearest friends here ) & I at a wedding over the over the 4th in Texas

As most of you know, we spent the summer in Ca, and the first few weeks in August in Colorado. It was wonderful to have time with my family and see so many wonderful friends and supporters. It was a full summer , but also restful ! It's hard to sum into a single blog post, but it was refreshing, and also affirming of where the Lord has called us to serve in this season of life. We arrived home after almost three months away, and it felt so wonderful to be home. Our friends came over and cleaned, put fresh sheets on the beds, had flowers, breakfast, yardwork done, it was so wonderful and we felt so incredibly loved.

I have never felt so content either living in this tiny east texas town. I am always loved what we did but from time to time wanted out of the town itselt, yet our calling and wonderful frienships were far stronger than my moments of wanting away. However, it is so refreshing to be in a place where my heart feels so free and content to be here!

Ava is growing like a weed, and talks up a storm, will repeat and say anything. As I post, she's telling me " mommy, there's an A, mommy, there's an E, mommy there's an O" which are all the letters that are in an " AMORE" sign I have over a doorway in our living room. I'm 6 1/2 months along with baby Shane, due 12/9, feeling super excited and now these next weeks will pass quickly!

My sister was given a trip from work and there was someone in her office who couldnt go, so i was invited to go with her on an all expense paid trip to an all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta at the begining of October. I am so pumped, as this will be the last sisters trip we take before Jen gets married next summer! I was a little nervous at first about being gone from Ava that long, but now I'm just excited!

Our first meeting of the year we had 800 students attend, it was amazing, probably the best first meeting that i have been apart of since we starting serving here 3 1/2 years ago. It's so exciting to see so many fresh, new faces, that are full of wonder, and skepticisim of what we are all about, we're praying their lives are turned upside down for all eternity! So , so , so overwhelming and beautiful. I love our calling! It's always especially aparent this time of year!

It's a Boy!

2009-07-14T14:23:00.002-05:00

We found out last week we are expecting a baby boy.....Shane, Due December 9, 2009. I was in Texas for the weekend for a wedding ( we've spend the last month here in CA), and I also had a doctors appointment on Monday. Eli was in CA, so I was able to set up a skype video call , and Eli, Ava & my folks were all able to find out at the same time, it was really fun. The doctor was pretty amused too......
Just wanted to share the fun news!

The FRO

2009-05-14T14:30:00.003-05:00

Well, with Texas Humidity the Fro is alive and well in Ava, that's right, she's inherited my best feature....:) I love it, I think it's so cute!

We're Alive

2009-05-05T11:37:00.003-05:00

Hey Friends, After a blogging Hiatus, We have a lot to report! First things First.....We're pregnant with Baby # 2 and Due December 9, 2009. We're thrilled and can't wait.

To Blog the best parts of this Spring would take too Long, so I'll list highlights from this past semester. In no order of favorites, just random

1. It's been our favorite semester yet, the LORD'S presence has been with us, and it's been sweet. Students really grasping a hold of what it means to not just know God, but be filled with His spirit and rise up to minister to others, it's been wonderful.
2. Eli ministered in Armenia for two weeks in March, and it was a trip of a lifetime. He went with a team of other pastors from Texas to scout needs in that region of the world. The Harvest is truly RIPE! He lost is passport and was detained for a few days, but got home safe. His bag was also lost the entire trip, and was lost of the way back too, so he came home in the same clothes he left in.....but full of joy and adventure, Eli loves that kind of stuff, wish I could say I would be as joyful if it would have happened to me.
3. I've had Jenny visit twice this Spring, which was such a treat and we had great sister time, Although, now i gotta battle for time with Prince Charming in the picture :)
4. Miss Ava is chatting up a storm and is such a delight.
5. new kitchen.....Eli sold he motorcycle and over spring break we re did our kitchen, painted cabinets, new hardwood floors, stripped wallpaper, textured, put in fake beams, and it looks great, I'm so happy with it...all for $ 900 , pretty amazing.
6. great date night....Eli suprised me and took me to see Celtic Woman in Houston. We ate at a killer place before and then went to the show , it was so wonderful.
7. Missions: We're sending almost 200 students all over the planet! These college students have raised 300 K for the name of Jesus, and are going to minister and serve missionaries in: Chile, Spain, Netherlands, UK ( eli's leading this team), Athens, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Berlin ! We're close to the largest student missions sending campus in the nation!
8. We're spending the Summer in CA: to spend time with family and raise funds ( yes, as missionaries, this is a constant process, and one we enjoy, for the most part :)

Painting Wal Mart White

2009-02-10T20:58:00.009-06:00

Ava & I ventured to Wal Mart today for a quick in and out trip, so I thought. I went to the craft section, grabbed some craft paint and went to the children's section on my way to check out to see if there were any deals to be had, as I was looking, I looked at Ava and she had busted through the safety seal of the paint, opened up the entire bottle and had it EVERYWHERE . All over herself ( new jeans of course) , her vest, and she was having a hay day with paint all in her hands, and at this point all over myself. I didn't even know where to start..... I started pushing the cart to the bathroom and stepped in the giant pile of paint and tracked it all over the laminate flooring in the children's section. i was just laughing, I didn't know what else to do. On my way there I saw a maintenance dude, and. " uh sir, I'm so sorry, but my daughter spilled paint around the corner" , he was super nice and said " I'll tend to it, where is it?", then I said " just follow the footprints " hahaha. We went to the bathroom and i stripped Ava down to a t-shirt and washed out what I could , and stuck it in a shopping bag, then ran though the store to get what i need....with a toddler in a t-shirt, no shoes and a diaper,( in Wal Mart, I was fitting the classic sterotype) we both were looking pretty WT:)

On a sweeter note, at dinner tonight, Ava said" mama" , I said " yes ", she said " kee" kee", I couldn't understand what she was trying to say until she reached out for my face, put her hands on the sides of my cheeks pulled my face close to her , kissed me and the lips, then turned my face and kissed me on my cheek" , ah she melts me!

Are You Intrested ?

2009-01-25T15:19:00.002-06:00

Hey Blogging Friends: You might have seen this on my sister's blog, but wanted to see if any of you would have an interest in a blog ( a separate blog f/ this one) with meal ideas for your families, yummy and healthful toddler snacks, activities, ect. Jenny & I love cooking and know many of you do as well, and yet sometimes it seems as if I lose inspiration and ideas......it's always fun to glean from other girlfriends who are trying to cook flavorful and healthy meals. What do ya think ?

Whew...and we're home.

2009-01-19T12:10:00.011-06:00

Eli, Ava & I just finished traveling 20,000 each....whew. It's so wonderful to be home. We had a great time these past several weeks, and Ava traveled like a champ. Our first adventure was to Vail for Thanksgiving to spend time with my family and sister. We had great time, minus the flew that Ava and I brought up there that wiped everyone but my 92 year old grandmother out....go figure. Once everyone recovered, we had a great time in a wonderful, snowy cabin.

Trip II: Eli's sister was married in Ohau, Hawaii over Christmas, so we were there celebrating with her. We had a sweet time together as a family too. Ava LOVED playing in the sand, she wasn't too fond of the Pacific ocean though. It was a really relaxing time for Eli, Ava and I. After such a busy semester, it was so wonderful to spend such great time together. Eli uploaded a ton of great new worship music , so we had a wonderful time driving and getting caught up just being with one another. Below, Jasmine & Rick Gram....whoooo! Eli wind surfing on his 29th Birthday.

Trip III: The World Missions Summit , Cincinnati, OH.
WOW, where do we begin. We are forever marked and deeply changed by the missionaries we met, the vision to reach lost, hurting people. I have never felt more present and affirmed in our calling. We have 40 students that are getting ready to leave for the mission field in the next year ( more in the succeeding years) .....40 students laying their lives down, going to the ends of the earth ! We spoke with the neatest people there.....conversation, after conversation of
Eli& our worship team here had the honor of leading worship for this event ( 4000 people were in attendance) , The Lord was there and present with us, and we felt so thankful to be apart!Jen, my sister was able to meet up with us in Ohio, it was so wonderful to be togehter, we're so much better together than we are apart :) TripVI: Portland Area, Oregon.
yes, this was the last trip.....
Eli & I ministered to a youth group in Dallas, OR. This was the fourth time Eli had been up there. This year we weren't sure whether or not we would be able to go, because of Eli's school schedule, but it ended up that dates of the retreat were perfect for us to go. We also brought two of our students and dear friends, Ashley and Ryan. So we worked as a ministry team of sorts and it was so fun. Ashley and I had a wonderful talking and getting to know so many of the sweet young girls. There are countless stories that i wish I had the time to tell, but I know that our time there was incredibly signficant for us as well as the students at the retreat.
We were also able to see our good friends, Dave and Rachael Berry & Doris and James Casan, as well as Eli's sisters, Stormy and Savanah.

We took a red eye home last Tuesday night.....and have never remembered a time where I wanted to go absolutely no where, but stay at home. in the last week, I've been to the grocery store twice, other than that....I've been here. But can I say it's all worth it....

2Corn12:15 : " I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls"
Below is a clip of Eli playing a the World Missions Summit ( he is playing Savior of the World by James Rey)

Highlights of December

2008-12-16T22:54:00.001-06:00

Eli finished strong in school. Yeah…..He made 2 B's and 1 A…..He's done so wonderful balancing it all, being a daddy and husband, campus ministry , going back to school, I'm so proud of Him!

It's been cold in Huntsvegas….in the 40's and it even snowed last week…..yes, snow in East Texas ?! People were making tiny snowmen and everything, it was delightful.

We're going to Hawaii…..Eli's sister asked him to marry her on the beach in Hawaii….so she's flying us there…who could resist. We will be there for Christmas as well.

We had 37 students get baptized a few weeks ago, it was so powerful seeing so many students share of the redeeming power of Jesus in their life….man, we have rad jobs!

We hope to post some Hawaiian pics……so stay tuned.

Much Love to all of you..

The Stewarts

crunch , crunch

2008-11-18T13:19:00.004-06:00

It was an early morning here at the Stewart home. Ava was in bed with me , I was trying to get her back down, but she slipped out and ran into the living room. I was still in comatose, and heard her up to something, she didn't see me until I had the camera, and I was able to catch it on video. All I have to say, is however hard I try to feed her wholesome, nutritious food , she still has a flavor for junk food....her father being that major instigator of the chips;) Eli left his snack of choice out last night.....and this is how our morning looked .....

Ava Presence Preaches

2008-11-14T14:03:00.001-06:00

Last night at Chi Alpha, I watched Ava preach….her presence brought a source of Joy to me of course, but in particular to dear friend and student of ours. Eli & I have some good friends who recently found out they were expecting, he is still in school, she is the breadwinner and working to put her husband through, they have struggled to make ends meet the past several years. She recently found out they were expecting, and although excited for this new little life, its coupled with what so many people feel in those first few months ( us included) , Lord how is this all going to work ? how are we going to afford it? …..ect. Last night I watched this young daddy –to-be, play and interact with Ava, I watched Ava minister to this young daddy…..I saw a sense of joy and godly anticipation of what awaits him…….

Ava inspired me to allow God's contagious JOY flow through me. Ava knows nothing of having her joy inhibited yet, it just flows out of a totally innocent and pure heart….I pray I could be more like this. Ava's presence certainly preached last night.

2008-11-10T22:18:00.004-06:00

Our Sweet Skunk

Just a few fun pictures of Ava's first real Halloween. I got a sewing machine for my 28^thb-day and have had a lot of fun sewing the past several months, and what a better time to put it into action that to construct a costume for Ava. It was fun, it't been a while since I 've worked with a clothing pattern, so it took me a while , but it was fun and a good challenge for my brain. Funny fact: I

was ready to throw in the towel with the skunk costume about half way through, and I asked Eli if he might be able to help me, Eli's a savant, sure enough, he pulled through and helped me figure it out, I sure do need him! Anyhow, it was fun, we took Ava to a church festival, she had fun, I probably had more fun seeing her toddle around in her costume.

His Mercies Really Are new each Morning!

2008-11-02T09:57:00.002-06:00

Ok, so this is obviously a Google picture, but this is what we felt like inside when we woke up this morning! Thank the Good Lord, We made it threw the past few days!!! Ava came down with an ear infection and bad cold last week. I took her to the Doc on Wednesday, and he gave her antibiotics. She seemed to be getting better, then was up all night Friday with a fever, and crazy diapers if you know what I mean, about the same time she woke up needing comfort, Eli was in excruciating pain in both eyes, so we called a great friend at 4am to take Eli to the ER, turned out he had a massive eye infection, conjunctivitis. After Eli left, I started feeling super nauseous (no, I'm not pregnant……that was the start ;) I'm almost laughing as I type this. Yesterday we were an absolute mess between the three of us. Ava was actually feeling better and in good spirits, but Eli and I literally laid on the floor and couch in discomfort ALL day, being totally out of commission, both of us barely talked all day, just were miserable, only to rise to feed Ava meals, and change diapers…She was an angel, that was the saving grace, that and she took a three hour nap (amen, that's 2X as long as her normal naptimes). All I could pray last night was, Lord, Let your Mercies be SO apparent and new tomorrow morning!!!! Let it be…and it was! With the extra hour of sleep we woke up feeling so much better, we pulled the blinds in our room, to let beautiful light shine though and Eli made hot coffee……we just laid there with Ava relishing in feeling alive again. I know every family goes through this at one time or another, but this was our first experience all being totally laid out. I am SO incredibly thankful to feel ter and be somewhat functional today, enough to cleanup the aftermath of this home from the past few days.

"Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day"

Lamentations 3:23 NLT

2008-10-31T12:21:00.001-05:00

Social Mercy NOT Social Justice and my Thoughts on Hell, mandy

I'm constantly perplexed when Christian's so ardently support the causes of social justice and yet are slow to evangelize their own towns or dive into their own Church Bodies. Hollywood has glamorized the idea of social justice issues, and Christian's have jumped in the driver's seat, I could get on a soap box about this one, but I'll save that for another blog post. Don't get me wrong, I think providing for the basic needs, food clothing, shelter, is absolutely godly and we should provide for those in need! However, if we serve thousands rice, drill wells, hand out water, fight for their rights, and still neglect the most important part of their being, their souls…their eternity is Hell. Jesus wasn't into justice. Justice is getting what you deserve, and if he fought for that cause, we'd be separated from God forever, in Hell. Remember in the New Testament when the Jew's brought the prostitute to Jesus and they inquired what Jesus was going to do? If Jesus demanded justice, the law would have stoned that woman to death. Bu what did Jesus do, he bowed, wrote something in the sand, and said, go and sin no more………..that is the FULLNESS and absolute grace and mercy…not justice. Jesus was into Social Mercy! His ministry was cloaking life's in grace and mercy that otherwise deserved justice. I think that's the significant difference between social justice and Christian missions. Social justice causes focus entirely on the basic physical needs, and Christian mission's focuses on the condition of man's soul. We should not neglect caring for those needs, but the emphasis should be ministering social mercy.

A few thoughts on Hell:

I'm squeamish even mentioning it 2X above. I guess that's what has me thinking, we've become entirely too tolerant of not brining offense to anyone, that churches have gone years from even mentioning hell from the pulpit , or don't even believe in hell at all.

I don't know everything about Heaven or Hell, I don't even study Hell. I do know that Heaven is the presence of all that is good and the Fullness of God Himself. I don't think that God delights in sending people to Hell. I think many people think that God sits on a big chair , with a flowing white beard and fire flaring our of his nostrils as he casts people into a lake of Fire. Here's a questions: If someone has spent their entire life running from God, rejecting people that talk about him, every time a subject comes up about God , they run, every time a Christian song comes on they roll their eyes and turn the other way, why would a loving God force his presence on their life when all they have done is reject everything about him their entire life? Those are my thoughts on the heart behind Hell. I think God weeps over every soul that rejects Him. God is LOVE! Those are my thoughts on Hell, just so you know, my mind is stirring, I'm not a meat eating Texas that Loves to mention Hell, just a stirring heart.

Long Lost Post

2008-10-22T15:24:00.001-05:00

Hey Friends, First things first, we had a great date night last night! Eli took me to a place called the Black Walnut, super great place, with good atmosphere, great good, good coffee, and not too expensive! It was s o fun and romantic! Yeah! It had been a while since we ventured out on a real date and didn't incorporate some time type of errand or meeting. We had a special time together.This is the little miss in here aunthentic Indian Sari ( traditional indian dress). Our friend, Faith, was just married there 6 mo ago and returned home with her Indian Hubby, and they bought this for Ava. She was a smashing hit at the B-day party;)
Daddy Time ! Can't quite get the giggles on the camera...bum!
One of my girls here, Abby, she's one of my "right hands" here and a dear, dear friend!!!
I took a group of 25 of our college girls to a womens retreat with out district last weekend. It was wonderful. The Lord really did some significant things in our heart and it was so sweet to be away with them!

Just wanted to post a super quick update, more to come! Mucho Amore, The Stewart Family

We survived Ike!

2008-09-18T18:59:00.000-05:00

Hi Dear friends! Just a quick post to let you know that the Lord was faithful and protected us and our home through Ike. It did hit our neighborhood and town much more than expected. We had no power for five days, which was actually kind of fun camping and lighting candles, minus the air conditioning factor. It has been quite the experience. It's been beautiful in a really neat way. Seeing neighbors live along side one another, take trips to town together, share ice, talk out side, eat together, helping one another clean up yards, a really communal sort of living.
The night the Hurricane hit, we were in the ER with Ava with respiratory problems and didn't get out until 3 am, ( 3 hrs before the eye came through). They gave her breathing treatments and a steroid syrup to help open up her airways. They gave us a prescription, but when power is out, getting a prescription filled is out of question, as we found out. When we were out of the ER, we were tired, but enjoyed a wonderful family day on Sat.
Eli has been working like a mad man cutting trees since Sunday morning. Ava continued to stay sick, and I threw my back out pretty bad, so Eli thought it was best for us to come to CA for a bit ( mom to the rescue) and spend some time with family and have some help, so I am currently in on the Central Coast of CA, I'm getting chiropractic care, Ava's getting better day by day ...and we're enjoying being loved on and cared for by my Mom & Dad!
Thank you all for your emails, phone calls and outpouring of love and prayers, and most of all we Thank the goodness of God for his faithfulness and protection.
Pictures to post soon of Ike's visit!
Sorry This wasn't so quick.

Dogfood

2008-08-31T16:53:00.001-05:00

This is classic. Ava and I are out in the back office hanging out drinking smoothies together....The only corner in the whole room Ava can't resist is where the dog food and dog bowl, she knows this corner is off limits and will sometimes shake her head no over the bowls, and yet every day, sometimes several times a day she stands over it. Anyhow, she finishes her smoothie and is toddling around , I turn my head and she walks up and looks at me sweetly, and is shaking her head I couldn't figure out what she was trying to communicate until she spits out a wad of dog food on the floor as she shaking her head no.
Many more stories to come .....

Meet our Family

2008-08-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Hey , after almost three year's of serving here, We have our first official " staff picture". Quite the Crew huh? Acutally, about ten of them are part of our internship program here which trains students for a year on how to pioneer a campus ministry. The remaining 10 of us are full time staff here. Eli and Mary, our directors, in the center pioneered Chi Alpha here 16 years ago!
Just wanted to share a glimpse of life here in good ol' Texas looks like!
We're still in the throws of Welcome Week....which seems to be going great so far. We're praying for a harvest. Can you pray with us this week ? Especially for our first weekly meeting, This Thursday night, 9/4. Ok. Thanks for checking in!

Do you like Curry ?

2008-08-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Friends, this is random I know, Here we post about everything , ministry, family, euligies about espresso machines, even recipes. ! I know some of you are like me, you enjoy cooking, but sometimes find your self in a rut and need some fresh ideas, but don't want to have to buy a laundy list of items to bust out a flavorful meal for your friends or family, So here it goes: This is a BOMB, super tasty, CHEAP ( $6.91 , excluding spices) dinner that serves alot, ( probably 6) keeps well and is good leftover. The ingredients sound disgusting when you read this list, but if you like Indian / ethnic food, you will like this.
My friend Katie was giving me some dinner inspiration as I was planning meals for the week..
What you need:
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed ($.59)
1 can of original Rotel Tomatoes ( undrained, throw entire can in pan) ($.79)
3/4 c onion ( white or yellow) ( $.65)
buy small bag of frozen peas and carrots ($1.19) Only use 2 cups
1 c of chicken broth ( or 1 chicken bullion cube and 1 c of h20)
1 can of coconut milk ( 1.69)
Prepare 2 c of Jasmine or Basmati rice ( it will make alot of rice if you want some for leftovers) ( $1.89 for a 2lb bag)
salt to taste
1 1/2T curry powder ( i already had some, but I don't think its that expensive)

sautee onion until tender, add veggies, cook 5 min or until de-thawed, put in rest of ingredients, and spices in pan, cover in large pan and let simmer for 30 min, taste. I think the spices are correct, I'm not all that accurate of a cook, I just throw it all in, so you might want to start with what I put down and add according to your taste: ) This isnt too spicy for kids either, Ava had it for dinner, so its good for your entire gang.
Server over rice.
BOMB, Cheap dinner. And its good for lunch or dinner leftovers.

Fishnets

2008-08-23T01:03:00.001-05:00

Welcome Week is on. Week(s) really. The harvest plentinful, the workers are few.
In this very low quality picture you will see a roomful of freshman who are about to have their lives changed!
I talked to so many tonight who did not know Jesus- but couldn't believe the comradery they felt having just met our small group leaders!
I'll quote "How can I get to have these kind of friends"- and the answer "Hang out with me..."

And they are. I'm proud of our students they are being fishnets- and I didn't see whole lot getting through the wholes either.

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Beloved Friend, Faithful Companion...A Severe Loss In the Stewart Home!

2008-08-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Friends and Family and all our random blogging Friends, it is with deep sadness that the Stewart Family pronounces the death of our beloved friend, and Faithful Companion, Saeco Italia. She lived a brief life, but one that infused life to those in her home. She was constantly running and serving all those who passed her by. Sadly she died of being over worked, the biopsy indicated her internal boiler had lime/rust, consequently, the City of Huntsville is being sued for horrid water quality.
Miss Italia will be missed by the Stewart Family and their 50 closest friends in Texas. Please pray that in the right time a new Sista Espresso can me adopted by Stewart Ministries, Inc.

4 Years Of Marriage

2008-08-14T22:01:00.001-05:00

Today after we woke up and were well into our days Mandy called me and had been reading the passage in Luke- where it talks about whoever puts His hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom. These are hard words- surely they can't mean days of doubting.... Is God's character that harsh? No! No! And again No! This passage seems to be talking about when you are serving God, and then you look back to your old life and miss it. How you can you be serving the King of Kings and miss the Rotten fruit of selfishness?

Mandy and I have been through school together. I wrote some of her papers- she wrote some of my mine. She finished... I haven't (Yet!). We had sweet jobs that gave us lots of money. We had a year we went skiing 30+ times in one season! We've moved across multiple states- and We've heard a very clear call from God and laid down our lives where they were and moved to Texas.

We've lived here almost 3 years- had our first child, a little girl who is now 1. We've made new friends and a new family. we've been heartbroken together over souls we've lost, and we've been overjoyed as God filled our hearts till they overflowed and we've been overjoyed watching souls fall in love with God.. in short:

Prepare your dreams for ruin
It's time to answer the call
When you've tasted His love
All small ambitions will fall.

To our friends who read this in the blogosphere: THANK YOU FOR YOU LOVE AND PRAYERS!!!!!

Mostly we thank God for the privelege of growing in Him.

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Smokin' Hot Birthday- This Cowgirl's turning One

2008-08-10T16:02:00.001-05:00

Well we just threw Ava her first birthday- Smoking hot is in reference to the weather- but she is going to be a hottie too- but not yet- not until she's twenty- Which will be in the year 2028, and by then that probably won't be the proper terminology- But I'll worry about that later.

It was great to my newly Engaged sister Jasmine and her beaux Rick (Whom she call's Richard, but slurs the ch to make it friench - Ri Shard kind of thing)
Incidentally Jasmine wants to be Ava's favorite Aunt- which is trying to clinch by visting us more often than any other Aunt- Sorry Jenny.. :-)

We were in the debate of how much of a party to throw for Ava- she is only 1, and She will only remember the pictures etc. etc. etc. After a bit of thought Mandy and I decided that I shouldn't be a stick and the mud- and we would throw her a kicking smoking hot cowgirl party (Mandy thought of it- wish I had)...
So for Ava's future memory we took some pictures- and of course Mandy and I were tickled mostly to death all day long just watching her. Kids are such a gift from God- It's a wonder He trusts any of us to raise a child of innocence- but I'm sure glad He does- but she is one of the joys of our lives- and Mandy and I get to experience a lot of Joy.....

So for you viewing pleasure I'll let the pictures tell you about the party.

MUCH LOVE Y'ALL!!

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Compromise

2008-07-22T18:40:00.001-05:00

I am in Denver with a precious group of high school graduates getting ready to go to college. Last after I spoke I opened the altars. The carpet was dirty and we called a sanctuary- not a sterile hospital- but a sanctuary- sometimes I think of a sanctuary as a place free from the battle- a place to hide- a safe place of refuge- but today's sanctuary really is a place of battle- where the soul of a man is fighting the mannishness of the man- where God is putting His fingers on the hearts of the sinner- and holding gently- or pressing pointedly that bit of the heart which he wants to be regenerated- that dark spot on the heart that He is ready to pump life to heal the man.

The altars were full- there were real tears of repentance or sorrow (God is the judge), and there were hands held high in surrender- we began first to sing the lonesome prayer of GOD BE MY KING! Which then switched to a praise of His awesomeness and His mightiness- and then an overwhelming sense of that "Godly peace that transcends all understanding" began to permeate the room.

We broke up into small groups and there was a fresh eagerness to delve into the mind of God- but then there quickly came an attitude of the fear of tomorrow- them realizing with more maturity then ever that they've felt similar things during missions trips and it faded amidst the worries of surving the gauntlet of friends- and the daily onslaught facing the things they admire- with the things they ultimately want---- today as I've been talking to them they are still on the fence of "selling out", or "becoming a fool" and "leaving the plow" to follow Jesus.

I just took a shower- I was praying and seeking the Lord- asking Him to give me wisdom- to speak to me to give them the answer- I searched the bible and then the answer jumped into my heart- I thrashed around until I found the bible's hiding place for it:

We must be filled with His Holy Spirit

"Romans 8:

⁵Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ⁷the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

⁹You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you."

In a day when compromise is the daily stipend of the common Christian- on this we cannot compromise: We cannot live by our habits- but must live by the spirit.

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Happy Birthday Sissy, July 21 1980

2008-07-20T21:31:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful for my twin sister Jen, she is my best friend in the whole entire world and can't even imagine who we would be without one another, I mean we shared the same womb! So we're 28 years old and it's always a way better birthday when we are together. Last year she came down to Houston since I was a big waddling prego, and we had a sweet celebration at P.F. Chang's and just being with one another. If I could dream up the perfect day with Jen for my 28th, I think it would look like this..... sleep in, wake up and talk about our weird dreams, drink coffee together, talk some more about life, the Lord , new recipes, mtn biking, great runs, what her wedding will look like, Ava , Eli........basically everything in no particular order at all, and all run together, those of you who have heard us talk together or been apart of our conversations can testify to this! Then we would take a mountain bike ride that would would consist of a long up hill climb and great downhill under trees and though mtn streams, we would stop and the top of the climb and share a homemade granola bar and talk some more, then continue on our ride. It would end near a big water hole, we would jump in and lay out on a big rock and laugh and pray together out loud as we look at everything around . Then we would wonder around a fun little mtn town and hang out for a bit and then dress up and go to a great dinner with a group of close friends , we would have great fellowship and great deep conversations with lots of laughter too. We would share a birthday cake b/c we always do, we would both have a little cake with a lot of ice cream.....our night would end by having great pillow talk!
Happy 28th Sissy, I sure love you and hope this next year of life is filled with continued fruitfulness and immense Joy! Eli said the other day your the most fruitful girl he's every seen minister, you give life everywhere your at and we are so proud of you! Can we convince you to move to Tejas? yea...from Vail, It would have to be an obvious call from God, so I'll start praying. Happy Birthday Jenny~ I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!

I love summertime!

2008-07-16T13:33:00.000-05:00

I feel so thankful the Lord has opened up doors for us to do some traveling and connect with our families this summer. Being so far away, we miss our families dearly! My folks took my sister and I to Sedona, AZ ( Eli was in England), with my family in June and we just arrived home from Alaska a few days ago, after spending 12 days with Eli's family in Ketchikan, AK. We've enjoyed a little escape from the heat, and having good family time , with the three of us as well as with our families ! We have missed being in Texas though, God has put a fondness in our hearts for this place and the dear friends in our life's. It's been fun to be home for a bit to connect with our friends..... until Eli heads off to Colorado this Sunday to speak to a high school youth group for a week. I'm off to California to attend a friends wedding , whom I've known since grade school. I have a friend who gave me a buddy pass to fly on, thank you Lord! After that.....we hit the ground running.....students are back and it's a wonderfully full Fall!!!!!

Ava & I enjoying " Stewarts" rootbeer after a mtn bike ride with Jen

Alaska Pictures

hand knit sweater from Grandma Lynn

A Trip of " Firsts"

2008-07-06T23:18:00.000-05:00

Eli & I have been in his home town of Ketchikan , Alaska for the past week. We've had a wonderful time with his family, I have to say, I must have the best in-laws in the whole word :) !!! My mother in law looks like a rock-star, she's lost almost 100 pounds...and looks like a millions bucks...watch out Ernie ( eli's dad) . Ava's quite the traveler, and is doing great! This has been the trip of firsts.... She took her first step the night we arrived in front of Eli's folks, pretty special. Then she blew her first kiss to Grandma Lynn, When asked where her nose was, she pointed to Grandma's nose..that was a first....First time eating salmon......first time eating salmon berries! first boat ride........first time in a parade ( eli was in a parade on the 4th of July for his 10 yr reunion float) .....hmmmm I'm sure there are more "firsts" since Ava seems to be changing every day, but those are the big ones.
My folks joined for five days here in Alaska ..... it's been a wonderful time all together and so great to see my parents! There has been many laughs, lots of doting on Miss Ava and just a wonderful time together. My father-in-law and Eli took my Dad on the great Alaskan coast to fish and he caught 3 salmon's. We just finished one up a few hours ago....and it was pretty much......amazing.
I had the best Fourth I've had in a long time!!!! Eli's parents had a fire-work competition with the neighbors, and I saw the teenage boy living in my father in law.....or should I say - pyromaniac! It was a super fun night with a great fireworks show and only a few causalities.... Erie burned his hand pretty good and Eli had a roman candle blow in his ear. No joke, it was like a city run fireworks show!

Eli & I shared a bit at church this morning ( Clover Pass Community Church). It was so wonderful to be there, and to see many of our dear friends and supporters . It is one amazing fellowship, it's just one of those churches we feel privileged to be apart of when we're "home" away from home. It's always an affirming time for me personally and spiritually when we are able to share a glimpse of what God is doing in our ministry in Texas. I was thankful to have my mom and dad there , as it gives them the full circle view of our ministry and those who are so dear to us here in Ketchikan. I suppose I always feel indebted to so many of the people there because of the man they help Eli become. Many of the elders and families at Clover Pass knew Eli when we was born, saw him threw times with the death of his mom , a burnt down house, wrestling through finding God in all of it, and were there for him and his family every step of the way. Anyhow, it was wonderful to be there this morning!!!! Here a few pictures of our trip so far!

Both The Grandma's with Ava....Grammie Lynne and Grandma Lynn

Eli on the water on a sunny day.......we're still praying for one more before we leave!

Grandpa Ernie & Grandma Lynn

Ava with the totem ....she's getting in touch with her native roots!

28.....and still on Daddy's lap

World's Best In-Law's

playing cards.......

Stewart's in Ketchikan:)

Pyromaniac's !

Ava' eating Salmon berries right off the bush!

Ava Lynne 10 1/2 months

2008-06-20T10:15:00.001-05:00

Eli returned home from England a week ago, and we've been enjoying our time all together ! Ava's personality is really coming out and she is so fun and very active and everywhere...we love it, its so fun to see her curious personality and sense of humor. This is Ava playing with what used to be her toy...the asparagus that my sis Jen, gave her from when she worked in produce at Apio....little did we know it would be a household favorite....Mia never let's it our of her sight.....with that one eye:) grrr

Family lunch yesterday....Ava with her hat:)

Eli playing the song he recently wrote for Ava.

I have been told several times Ava looks like a Cupie Doll....what do you think?

Ahhhh.....I'm standing....

All giggles...most of the time!

Souls Wrestling

2008-06-11T10:03:00.001-05:00

On Sunday I preachied the morning service at Souls Harbor Church in Camelford. We led worship and then I was unsure of which direction to take the service so I opened the floor to democracy, letting the the parishioners vote on whether I was to talk about Childlikeness, or being a Love Slave, Childlikeness won in a landslide handsdown (hands up?) victory. I could sense the Lord was moving and young and old alike were paying great attention. There was an older, headshaven Cornish gentleman wearing the English equivalent of Harley Davidson leather. He looked quite strong but was very gentle, during one particular point about Children know their small and know it, I had used him as an illustration. He had to leave a bit early (was sitting on the front row), so he got up, walked halfway out the front door in front of everybody, turned back around at me, tillted his leather hat and said "right, proper job!", turned around and left. I was so tickled that the entire Audience laughed with me for a full minute. I was informed that He was very cornish. Proper Job, I like it.

After service we had a proper English Dinner (lunch) and Steve wanted to take us to Tintagel where it is thought that King Arthur's Castle was (there are still ruins there). So we were bumming around having "good fun". Climbing over ruins, taking pictures and climbing in and out of Merlin's cave (you know the wizard- he was banished here possibly).
\
When we left I felt grateful to have seen it, and I admired the beauty, but silly as it is, I was just wishing I had one highschool kid or some hungry heart to love and to serve. The sights were all pretty, and insided I pondered how Kingdoms fall and turn into myth until the stories told probably have no place in reality- - - and then I was beginning to be frustrated at myself and hungry just to read something GOOD...
Then we had a youth meeting with about 30 kids--- and GOD MOVED!!!!
The Holy Spirit came down and they began to seek Him and give Him some of the little but important things in their lives.....
King Arthur is dead and probably did not know Jesus---- and his kingdom was just a ruin- and here these little ones were- beginning to build something that would never fail- by the Grace of God.... it was a precious Juxtaposition- and given the opportunity to view ruins or be let influence and witness souls- I'll pick the souls any day of the week.... the only bummer: It's hard to take pictures of kids when God is moving- I think it would kind of ruin the "spirit of it all", so you only get to enjoy the pictures from a frozen history eroding. Life is intriguing.

One Last Thing:

John Wesley came to Camelford and was stoned: He ran into a cottage, and out the back door, He escaped barely. He came back a while later, and the town God saved: He wrote in his journal.. The lions of Camelford have turnded to lambs. A family separated their house and made a cottage for him: and this is it:

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Eli in Camelford

2008-06-06T18:26:00.001-05:00

Te Lord has been moving here and it has been especially fun building friendships and being flexible...
We've gotten to tour a lot more than we expected- which really means this: There are some people who have been really
excited that we were here and some have been fairly early on in their walk with God- so they took as around to different sights so that we could see them, and part
in a display of affection of their homeland.. The best part of it all has been steering the conversations to things that are eternal. Who knew sightseeing could give us so much time to push people to God. I have got a lot of odd looks though as I walk down the street and smile at people (and pray for them behind the smile)) some people look so shocked, but eventually I draw a smile out of them.. thank you Jesus.....
Tonight was a bit more of a testing night with all my insecurities at the forefront of my mind and either my past, my psyche or the devil telling me all the reasons I was a failure as a missionary.. whenever I feel insecure like this I find there are 2 great things to do. 1. Just think about the Lord and force every other thought out...(never stick up for yourself), or 2. Find a kid who needs loving and love him. So I started flicking penny's and play fighting and laughing and talking with bunch of the boys and it was wonderful....
Tomorrow they have formed a sort of men's retreat for us to be an influence at.....

It has begun to feel really natural though- the first few days I felt like an alien, and was nervous about inadvertently blundering through some sort of cultural faux-paus, but am settling right into the swing of things... (I think).

Much love- thanks all for the support that has let us be here:

Some pictures for You....

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a matter of serious concern

2008-05-22T14:54:00.000-05:00

Please be in serious concern for us....we have had two tragic incidents occur in the past few weeks. The first started with a broken espresso machine....yes, it stopped steaming and pouring shots....We were limping by with our Cuisinart Coffee Pot....but yesterday morning after sleeping walking to the kitchen to make the happy juice ( ava woke up 5 x) ...after the water was poured into the unit and the Pikes Place was perfectly ground....i realized that....our pot was BROKEN! Our thoughts are that when heard a power transformer break in our backyard the night before, that the power surge.... was too much for the pot to handle! Now I enjoy French Press every now and again...but not for the standard morning brew. I called Cuisinart...our warranty is expired and the espresso machine is in for repair....we better doll it out for a new coffee pot, ministry here might completely stop. PRAY FOR ELI.....he might need a blood transfusion to get rid of the headaches!!!

Texas Life...

2008-05-20T09:12:00.001-05:00

Mothers Day Bike Ride

They shur r purty

And time for a cheer,, go BANANAS

Our Last XA of the year

Baby sleeping to the noise of celebrating college students

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She melts me ...I love motherhood

2008-05-14T14:56:00.001-05:00

Ok, I just have to share this sweet story about Ava. This morning we were playing in her room, usually Ava is into everything , shes an incredibly curious little girl ( or maybe it's just that shes 9 months). She rarely chills, shes always a movin'. Anyhow, this morning while we were playing, she crawled up in my lap and was gently playing with my necklace, it was so adorable...then without me even prompting her, she kissed me , smack on my lips, i wanted to cry....she melts me. Anyhow, ust had to share that tid bit of love! Hope you all have a great Wednesday.

Chainsaws Consequences

2008-05-06T17:10:00.001-05:00

So as missionaries Mandy and I live by faith- which means we have a group of saints around the U.S. that the Lord has put it in their hearts to support us financially. This is a miracle! We have around 70 people that send their hard earned money in to U.S. Missions every month which in turn will send us a check at the beginning of the month- it is a gift of a way to live. Especially since there are times when we know we don't have enough- and we seek the Lord in prayer and He always, always, always gives us exactly what we NEED to get by, and sometimes He gives us what we want...He is a good God, and He has given us some very good friends. I am constantly astounded by the friends who I think can't afford to support us, sacrifice what they have to help the Lord's work here in Texas.

Our life here in Texas has gotten a little fuller with our sweet Ava and sometimes though living by faith we just don't have enough money to survive- but whenever this happens it seems the Lord opens a door for me to work. WHICH I LOVE! Those of you who know me, know I was building houses in Colorado before we moved here ( and some of you paid me to do things I was still figuring out how to do.. sorry)...

Well after reading about George Garcia's house episode (love you Garcia's!), I thought I'd share my little adventure:

So Ryan Queck and I had bid a tree removal job. Out of 8 trees, Two were right next to a house and the branches were intertwined in the electrical lines. Nne was a 100ft pine tree that had a 4 foot diameter- this ended up being the easiest tree of the job, surprisingly. It fell perfect. The 2nd tree by the house was about 60 feet, and it was a 65 year old Red Oak Tree. I put my tree spurs on, my tree saddle (harness), strapped my 24" bar Chainsaw, and climbed up. I put a pulley in the top of the tree and we started tying off limbs and cutting them so they wouldn't fall on the house. I got to one really big branch (about 1000 pounds), tied it in the middle so it' wouldn't swing and break the electrical lines. The Guys had the rope tied off on the ground, I cut, thee branch was free and then started to swing where we planned, then freak of physics and it came back the opposite way, and crushed my shoulder into the part of the tree where I was perched (about 30 feet into it). The base of the branch (the heaviest part) rolled the left part of my back and with a pop it pushed shoulder right out of joint. Did I mention that in my left hand was my chainsaw? The branch eventually rolled off, and the guys below started cutting the parts of the branch that were touching the lines and finally lowered the whole thing off the air.... the side of my face hurt a little and adrenaline was pumping- I knew that when the adrenaline wore off I could be in serious pain... so was debating whether or not to climb out of the tree as quick as I could (before the adrenaline wore off), or whether or not to put my shoulder back in and keep working.... We rented some heavy equipment (grapple bucket dozer etc.) and it was $750 a day total .. so If I didn't finish the tree, we wouldn't make any money.. so I did what any sensible person would do- I put shoulder back in joint and then I kept working..... but considerably slower...

Finally I got to the bottom of the tree and was on one of the easiest cuts of the entire job. A branch that was on the other side of the power line, still a big one, but an easy fall.. Normally I would've undercut this tree, but I was in a bit of pain so I just top cut it, it began to fall, the tip touched the grown and it sprung back and hit the power line and took out the little powerpole to the house. Ryan shouts up glibly "I wish you could've done that earlier.....
$780 dollar mistake. Bummer, should of come out of the tree earlier!

So I took a week break healing (ends up I have cracked rib), and had a hard time moving cause of the scabs wanting to break----- BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE..... It was funny that night at Chi Alpha I was talking about consequences.. The beautiful IRONY--- Why didn't God stop the branch?

Because if He took away all consequences Christians would think it was unGodly to be sensible... So I don't mind having to face Newton and Gravity and affirm thermodynamics---I BELIEVE!! Ha ha.

It ends up I still made a little money so we got pay some bills.. And the Lord gave me another job I could do.. plus thanks to President Bush we got a little extra this year too!!!

The devil loves for us to have bad attitudes- He loves us do the right things in the wrong spirit- because then it nullify's the good we were trying to do.... (..i.e be a cheerful giver)...

Mostly I was glad that I was alive and still have full functionality in my body- and the first thing that came through my mind used to be "Maybe I get to go to heaven today."... which I am really looking forward too! I cannot wait to look into the face of my Creator for eternity.. but on this day I knew it wasn't my time- but I had made a mistake that jeopardized it- and I thought about Mandy and Ava, and the rest of my ministry that I wouldn't have because of a stupid mistake- and God really convicted me and encouraged me with this: ELI you don't represent yourself- Be Careful.....
plus hey.. it's kind of a cool story...

Here are some pictures so you can see the love:
Face Owie:
Bicep Love:
Backpain1:
Backpain 2:
Remember Me when you sleep:

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it's the same battle....

2008-05-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

The more I search and read the riches God has for us in the Bible, the more I see that the commandments that the Lord gave to those he walked with then, are still so totally real to us today, we are still fighting the same battles and Jesus is speaking the same message:

How often do we have the " i want" or " i need", which goes so far beyond our basic needs.....or we worry about what Jesus so faithfully promises to us.

NIV: 5"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

I don't usually read the message, but I thought that this translation was pertinent to today:

25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

drumroll...please...I'm back

2008-04-25T23:30:00.001-05:00

I'm back.....Hopefully consistently too, but we shall see. This post is a rambling of life & ministry so hang with me:) Life in Texas is going well. Our Spring has been a whirlwind with life and ministry . We're amazed at what the Lord continues to do here and we feel so privileged to be apart of it. We're looking forward to summer , as life slows down and it's a bit of a time to breathe and be refreshed. Eli's been teaching Thursday nights to our group ( about 150 students) , he recently handed worship over to one of our friends, and staffers here Simeon. It's been a blessing to have him step in. Last week we did a "coffee house" outreach. It's basically an informal night that our students are challenged to bring friends. We try to make this night full of creative content, songs, wittings, art, pretty much anything goes, so long as it challenges people, what it's not supposed to be is a cheesy Christian talent show . Anyhow, the lord really moved, it was an incredible night. We have three more weeks with students here, so we're trying to make the most of every opportunity and conversation we have. Eli & I have had a great time being together on campus a few days in the last few weeks. The three of us (eli, ava & I) have gone to the Starbucks on campus, to just hang out and have good informal "chill" time with people.
Ava's been an angel and is getting big ( 20 lbs) ....she's crawling and pulling up and laughing lots and is the JOY OF OUR LIFE!

The Lord's given me a thankfulness of my life here and for Texas! I love Texas in the Spring, it's amazing. California springs can me windy and cool, Colorado Springs are muddy , but Texas springs are beautiful..TONS of wild flowers.....warm ( non humid) weather, full blooms everywhere, it's amazing. Another thing i love about Texas...cheap avacaods, which means great Gauc ! When Eli & I first moved here and were unpacking tons of boxes, we'd take a break and pound gauc and a half a bag of chips...and be good for the rest of the day ( gross I know). Another reason I love Texas....our neighborhood pretty much rocks. I've been running alot, and I think we have on the the greatest running neighborhoods west of the Mississippi ( i know that comparison is so southern ...gotta love it) . I'm logging in mileage on my bomb BOB stroller ( any mamma's out there looking for a good running stroller....fork it out for the bob if you can). Ava's become quite accustom to it as of late and is learning to enjoy her rides through the neighborhood and time on the baby swing when we finish our run. Anyhow, thats a brief update on life with the Stewarts, we sure love ya'll out there!( yes, that's Ava's first shiner healing, this was at the very end, it was quite a blackie when it first happened)Ava & I at the State Park Playground with my MOPS group ( mom's group)

Ava whooping it up on the baby swing in our neighborhood:)

a great week.....

2008-02-28T21:15:00.000-06:00

It's been a great week.....Ava and I are both recovered from the flu that seems to have wiped out about half of our towns population. It's warming up at bit and the harsh winter (haha) has broken and things are blooming. It's been a beautiful week of weather, great time with friends and family! Ava's has rounded a crazy "new" curve this past week ...she's changing so much, she's now scotting and rocking, pulling herself up, has two teeth that broke through yesterday, and is ABSOLUTELY in love with her Daddy. Eli is flipped out crazy over Ava too, and it is so rad to watch their relationship. He has written a song to her and it is beautiful. A few nights ago, he played piano with her in his lap while he sang the song to her and she feel asleep, it was precious. Eli just told me tonight that these last two weeks laughing and playing and spending time with her has put hin over the edge in love with her! She also has started reaching for people...well for her Daddy.

Here are a few pictures of our last few weeks hanging out with our friends. I've been spending time with a good friend of mine, Angie. Both of us are hosting Japaneese exchange students for a month, so we've gotten to gether more as a result. Angie is amazing....when I was sick, she made me dinners prayed with me, checked up on us, she was such a faithful friend. Then yesterday, just because, she showed up with dinner, it was such a blessing!!! This is a picture of Angie and I roasting hot dogs... her hubsand called me out on being a californian after declining to eat a hot dog, so i had to roast it up and eat it! Angie is a like-hearted friend and we laugh our tails off whenever we are together!

We hung out at the Huntsville State Park last weekend with our friends, Steve, Angie, Kailyn, Emily & Dawson and Mandi.

Dawson thinks Ava's pretty cute ;)

Ava's eating solids

My friend Mandi & Me & Ava

Ava with her one eyed pirate dog Mia....grrrr

Our good friend Raquel & Ava hung out together at the library..( Ava loves Raquie..she's got a gift with babies)

Anna Ingalls....

2008-02-04T22:55:00.000-06:00

My Friend Anna Ingalls took these beautiful pictures of Ava while her and her husband, Cameron were here visiting a few weeks ago. We just thought we would share them with you.

My Prayer Closet...

2008-02-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

Asking for the presence of God in my life in a more frevent way. I've been asking the Lord how to sense His presence in a more intimate way I was reading E.M. Bounds Power through Prayer, its been really ministering to. Here's a quote to chew on:

Real ministry is made in the closet of prayer; God's men and women are made in secret. Their lives and their profound convictions are born in their secret communion with God. Their burdened and tearful agony of their spirits, their weightiest and sweetest messages come from time alone with God.

wrinkles and smile lines

2008-01-29T22:34:00.000-06:00

Yes, she's still obsessed with the newborn pacifiers they give you in the hospital, they are gold to us, we never leave home without it.

Mirror pic: she actually smiles alot ,but gets enamored with the camera and stares at it, so it's tough to get her to smile in a pic, shes trying to figure out what I'm holding in her face.

Bath time: She loves baths ! Until recently I was still bathing her on the counter top in the kitchen, but she figured out how to splash, so we migrated to the bathtub.

so today i came to a realization....OK this might sound corny, but it occured to me that the reason I am noticing smile lines and wrinkles is because I smile at Ava so much . I try to get her to laugh and I smile at her all the time!!!! Now she is worth some wrinkles....don't ya think!

The Ingalls

2008-01-26T22:41:00.000-06:00

We've had a wonderful week with Cameron and Anna!!! They came here on Tuesday and we've had such a refreshing and fun time. Cam and Anna treated us to a great dinner at Huntsville's finest....The Homestead. Food was great, atmosphere was old frontier with country decor.....the food was great. Company, conversation and fellowship was great!!!

my california friends came to visit!

2008-01-24T10:51:00.000-06:00

We're so excited to have Cameon and Anna here visiting. It's been fun and refreshing!!!! Cameron came here to share about being a missionary in his workplace and to do a photography workshop with out students. We were at our leaders meeting last night ( about 120 + leaders) and Camerons "followers" surrounded him, it was really cool to see the Lord using him as such an influence right away. I've LOVED having Annabelle here , two 2am nights in a row just snuggled up on the couch getting caught up, sharing our hearts....oh i miss her so bad and wish she lived here!!!
Ava's growing fast and almost six months old. We've had so much fun getting giggles out of her and laughing , shes so fun and amazingly content!

I am the Modern Christian

2007-12-11T23:00:00.001-06:00

Our Friend, Duncan Chance wrote the poem...It's incredible...Read on

I am the modern Christian.

I say I know God, yet do not take the time to know Him.

I say prayer is good and Godly, yet I do not have time for it.

I say church is good, but the music, message, and lighting should be perfect. I say I go to church, yet do not know I am the church.

I am the modern Christian.

I find it hard to worship when the guitar is out of tune.

I find it hard to worship when there is no music.

I find it hard to pray on weekend nights.

I find it hard to know God, yet claim to know Him.

I am the modern Christian.

I believe in the Bible yet think its standards are too high.

I believe that God is just, yet think everyone is basically good.

I believe that missions are good, yet leave it up to others.

I believe in giving it all up for God, yet pursue my own dreams.

I am the modern Christian.

I know exactly what to say to the lost, but have no idea what to say to God.

I know about denying yourself, but cannot miss my favorite show.

I know about sacrifice, but will not inconvenience myself.

I know I am saved, but do not know what I am saved from.

I am the modern Christian.

I think the child in Africa needs Jesus more than my neighbor.

I think the man who gives up sweets for lent is holy, but the man who fasts from food for two weeks is a radical.

I think that crying is good during altar calls for others to see, but not in my own room for God to see.

I think being called to work for God is good, but would gladly give it up for a higher salary.

I am the modern Christian.

I wait on my calling in life, and will not venture out until I get it.

I wait for a miracle to happen, but don't believe in performing them.

I wait for my friend to get saved, yet will not make dinner for him.

I wait on God's timing, yet do everything my way.

I am the modern Christian.

I call God's laws good, but find them impossible to follow.

I call God's name holy, yet run to Him as a last resort.

I call the Word of God inspired, yet have never read it through.

I call others lost, yet am not aware my own depravity.

I am the modern Christian.

Redemption is a way to rid myself of faults.

Conviction is when I feel guilty about my actions.

Sanctification is a word I do not understand.

Salvation is my ticket into Heaven.

I am the modern Christian.

check out pics on flickr

2007-12-02T14:16:00.000-06:00

Hi Friends..... OK, so we have pics, but they are on eli's computer....so check out new pictures of our Texas adventures, Thanksgiving and family time the past few weeks at www.flickr.com/eli_stewart . Enjoy. Mucho Amore, The Stewarts

troops arrived

2007-11-21T16:39:00.000-06:00

Let the FUN begin! Stormy, Eli's sister and her little one, Greysen 10 mo, and Bailey 7yrs are here from OR.

Mama and Ava enjoying coffee.... yes that is a wild hairband....but shoot, sometimes ya just gotta bust those suckers out.

Gramma Lynn , Greysen & Ava

Greysen & Ava

thankful for this love

2007-11-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

Thankful for this season of life.....I love this little girl so much. Eli & I are absolutely in love and so grateful to the Lord for His entrustment. I know i've been slacking in the pics....so here is one of Ava today.... oh yes... and she rolled over for the first time a few days ago....and keeps on goin'.We are getting ready for her aunties, cousins, grandpa and grandma to come from OR and AK for thanksgiving! We love you all....

Free to be ...

2007-11-18T16:11:00.001-06:00

I think there will be many disappointed with what heaven actually is. There are many who think that it is a place where they are free to be selfish. Any fetter, fetish or fancy they have will be met on a whim....(by who?--- who will bring them their _____?)

In reality Heaven is a place where we are free to be selfless.

Selfish, or Selfless?

God's gift is freedom to,

The devil's is freedom from.

God's idea of freedom is the ability to BE what you OUGHT (keyword:OUGHT)

The devil wants freedom from restraint.

What is eternal life without eternal love?

And a poor artist will look at an empty 2' by 3' canvas and seeing the size of the canvas will say "I HAVE NO ROOM TO WORK HERE."

An artist will see a little gum wrapper and in crayon create a piece of art that expresses his soul.

Is it really the the "BOX of Christianity" that is the problem?

Or your lack of creativity?

Worship Music, Wife, Will

2007-10-23T22:31:00.001-05:00

One thing I've found that always helps an atmosphere is good worship music. I recently hooked up our speakers in the living room to the computer and we have been leaving worship music playing night and day. I wake up to make myself a cup of coffee and it just so happens that there is a song playing that reminds us of, increases or expresses our hunger for Him.

Another thing that I've found helps an atmosphere is a wife. Of course having a clean house and linens (I AM NOT BEING CHAUVINISTIC) and wonderful food helps- but having a wife who loves listening to worship music and feels taken of care when we reach out to God really makes an atmosphere. Sex may start in the kitchen, but worship starts in the heart- and a wife who wants to worship the Lord with her life is well. . . beautiful and sexy!

Another thing I've found that defines an atmosphere is a Will. My will to be exact. Yours too I guess. Funny that I can touch someone with my fingers, but I can walk into a room and my will can touch them almost instantly in another more intense. A Will that wills to worship defines a Godly atmosphere where God LOVES TO DWELL. A poor Will assumes that others only worship when "there is music". Really this is a statement of their worship life. "To the pure all things are pure." A kingdom divided against itself will never stand. My will divided against His for long can not stand. Loves is the constant WILL to FELLOWSHIP.

Worship, Wife, Will

Stewart Adventures

2007-10-10T20:39:00.001-05:00

Eli's buddies on the back porch a few weeks ago

Uncle Johnny's GIANT finger
Chubby Cheeks on Daddy's shoulder

Triathlon Pictures : October 6, 2007

Eli & I competed in a relay trialtlon last weekend. I competed with Mary and Kimberly, and Eli competed with their husbands Eli G and Jason...we had a blast together. I did the 24 mile bike portion and Eli ran 6.2 miles. Eli's team took first! It was a fun weekend and fun to get out of the normal, small town pace of life for a bit....Austin is a fun town, full of crazy people, it has a very "west" feel to it...I felt right at home with all the kooks and weirdo's!

September Highlights...in no particular order

2007-09-22T11:07:00.000-05:00

1) Spending time and knowing Ava ..... of course. She's winning more of my heart each day. I 'm so grateful the Lord's entrusted us with one of His most beauitful women of the 21st century :)

2) Healing up...Prasie God....ok so I admit it I'm a activity junkie..I hate sitting still, and waiting to heal up. For those of you who didnt know I had a c-section, so un-be-known(is that one word or two) to me i wasn't back running and biking a week after I had Ava....but a few weeks ago, I hit a milestone and was able to hop back on the bike, and this week I started running agian..... ahhh it felt so good to wake up with sore legs and tush. I'm feeling well enough to train with some friends for a team triathlon in Austin Oct. 5th, I won't be all that competitive, but it will be a blast. Yeah, we're so excited and Eli's training too, he is doing the running portion with His buddies Eli ( the other Eli here in Tejas) and Jason.

3) WINNING SOULS!!! We've had almost 100 students come to know Jesus and are being dicipled since the begining of school.....ahh so incredble.

4) I'm the Revrend Amanda Stewart....It's ok laugh , I did. I took my ministerial certification test last night and got a 96% .... thank you Lord, and it's done and feels great to not have it on my mind.

5) It's cooling off!!!!! Did you hear me....It's cooling off. For all you central coasters.... and Coloradans.......you have no idea how spoiled you are. ...Repent for ever complaining about any weather on the central coast of cali or CO. This week I was able to sit on my patio outside all afternoon and wasnt wet with sweat with I walked inside.

Have a great weekend. Here are a few Pics as of late. Peace Out Ya'll ( yes that word is slyly slipping into our vocab)

Ava Lynne

2007-08-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

Ava Lynne .....We're truly in love. The Lord's been so good to us!!!! She's been a great baby....shes doing all the things babies do...eating good, sleeping ( a few 7 hour stretches in the night...thank you Jesus), poohing, and letting mommy and daddy adore her. We love you all across the miles thank you for your love, faithful support and prayers. We love and miss you dearly!

The Presence of God make reality sweeter

2007-08-24T22:59:00.000-05:00

We are laying in bed, enjoying the company of one another, and our sweet baby girl Ava. We think her tummy is a bit upset...shes been a bit fussy.....but we even take joy in her fussy times. We've found out quickly, (Avas only 2 weeks and 3 days old) that when our thoughts and fellowship with Jesus is central......the Lord helps those potentially frusterating moments, into times of praise, joy, and even laughing with Lord....in other words, when Jesus is inflitrated into every part our lifes.... i mean every part.....therein dwells the oppertunity to have a fellowship with Jesus every moment of every day.....when the Lord blesses you with the gift of parenting it's another chance to know him in new ways... Call us Romantics......Check Out the GOOD NEWS.....Christianity is for ALL of Life.

what will she look like?

2007-08-03T09:25:00.001-05:00

I wanted to post these yesterday........ so here they are. Will she look like me ( or should I say, Jen and I) or will the Eskimo pull through ? Maybe she'll be one of her own. anyhow, a few days or prehaps hours ..... til we meet her. Love you ALL, thank you for all your prayers, emails and phone calls, we love you dearly.

waiting it out

2007-08-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

The last few days of pregnancy are going well, I stil feel good, and we're so excited to meet our daughter, Ava Lynne Stewart. What will she look like? will that 1/8th Eskimo be as strong as we imagine it to be? Will she be dark like Eli or light like me.... what a sweet mystery. I'm due today, not much action as far as signs of labor, but that could change at any time. If no baby comes this weekend, I'll go to the hospital monday night and they'll induce tuesday morning ( I lucked out, my Doc's leaving town next wed, so I don't have to wait a full week to be induced) please keep us in your prayers!
Eli and I are soaking up our last few "just the two of us" moments before Ava arrives. It's been a sweet, tearful last few days, contained with the anticpation and excitment of being parents with a sadness with the of the end of our "just us" days..... The Lord is good. He's given us some amazing stories the last few years, an we know he'll continue to as be blesses this new season of raising a baby girl. May the Lord give us wisdom beyond our years.

Diapers, Dyson's and The Incredible Body of Christ

2007-07-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

Well......2 1/2 weeks till I'm due......and the lavishness of the Lord has really been upon us! Friday night Eli & i ventured to Houston to have dinner with some close friends of ours, Andy & Angela Slaughter. We stopped at Ikea to try to find a dresser for Ava's nursery, it was a dry run, and I was feeling the pressure of having a disaster of a home, and two and a half weeks give or take til our daughter arrives. Eli was rushing me, very uusual for him, on top of the extra hormones raging through my system , I was crying on my way to dinner..... I thought fantastic......I'm showing up red faced and sowllen.....I was trying to pull it together.......when we arrive to their front door.......to a surprise shower...with our dear friends and students from Grace Pres. youth group! WOW....... what a beautiful evening!!!!! We visited, soked up our time with the students....... and opened gift card after gift card, cash, clothes, and over 1000 diapers................ The Lord provides.....If I've ever doubted...I've seen not only the amazing provison but the LAVISHNESS of the Lord!

The Dyson vacuum

Well the nesting instinct has taken over........last night I was staring at our basebords , and dog hair in random corners of our house......and could take it not longer so I called our good friends to borrow their Dyson to suck every last hair, dust and particle out of our home in the next few days.....Well today their was no need to borrow one....because we were given one of our own...... I can't belive it. The Lord has overwhelmed me with His goodness.....i can barely contain the depth of thanfulness and awe that God continues to pour out!
The Body Of Christ is amazing....this weekend is nothing more than beautiful display of God's hand at work in the body!

2007-07-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

<----- Eli in Cancun showing some guys home to tiderope.

We, we've done it, we are offically entering into the blogging world as ..... yep, you saw it.....a new kind of Texan. If you saw us here, or know us here, you know , that, well, were definately a new kind of Texan. We do Love Texas, minus the bugs and humidity , did i mention how big the bugs here are?

We just finnished a marathon....... nine months pregnant! read on.....

Eli & I are now enjoying our time at home, since January the Lord's opened up some doors for us to travel all over the U.S. In late February, we were in Oregon ministering to high schoolers....in the sticks in Or, then we split and were both in friends weddings in March, I was in Ca with Cameron and Anna Ingalls, and Eli was the Best man in John and Jess Fildes wedding the same weekend. We returned home, to find out I would be flying solo, leading a missions trip to Guadalaljara Mexico ( elis passport got delayed in the nightmare at the state dept). It was an amazing group of 30 beautiful students....... The Lord moved in many hearts, it was one incredible trip. I came home, and we continued on here with our friends and ministry life in Texas and faced many battles and victories in the midst of our travels here! .........Then.......we left for Alaska mid april to May to minister and fundraise in AK.... then we returned home for 10 days and off to Calif for 2 1/2 weeks...... I was showered beyond belief in the midst of it all.... did I mention we're having a baby ? We returned home from a wonderful time in Cali, I was home for 10 days, eli left four days later to speak to a 50 high school students for Grace Presb. in Houston Texas..... We could take up an entire blog post on the work the Lord completed there alone... it was truly a significant time in the lifes of many young lifes! Please pray for them!! I saw Eli for 3 hours when he arrived home, then I left for a 10 day training for campus missionaries in Springfield, MO ( it was the most crazy trip of my life on the way there , more to follow) ......... whew, I got home a few days ago, and am home for good. I'm now is serious nesting mode....or maybe taskmaster, honey-do would be a better name for it..... Our litttle girl, Ava Lynne Stewart is due August 2nd. What may seem to you as nuts or over-doing it, has simply been the Lord opening doors, and His hand has truly been over all three of us! From Cancun to Alaksa, Springfield to California, we've been the recipient of God's incredible faitfulness, provision and voice in our lifes. We would'nt want it any other way, it's been an adventure......and our life's are never boring or dull....When you're entirely sold out ..... being bored won't fit into the confines of a life called by God!

more pics to come.....still trying to figure this system out;)