I have been feeling broken hearted these past two days. On Friday I found out that a man I looked up to and felt like he was such a strong believer took a big fall. This man was a missionary I served alongside when I used to work at LeaderTreks and he had such a God-sized vision. He also had God-sized faith to accomplish the mission.
A month ago he announced that he was moving on to something else, but recently I discovered that he is leaving the ministry he serves because of a divorce.
It just broke my heart, it made me realize how much you have to fight for a strong marriage. It doesn't simply happen. That has been my prayer for our marriage and for many of your marriages these past few days...
That God would strengthen your marriages and give you the desire to pursue your spouses for the rest of your lives.
30 May 2009
28 May 2009
Great Memorial Day Weekend
We had a great weekend in Minneapolis with Kristin's Mother and Brother. To say that Joshua was spoiled by 24/7 entertainment would be an understatement.
Joshua loved playing with Paul and Nana... and they loved playing with him. He'd barely finish eating, want down from the table and start pulling on Paul and Nana's shirts saying "train, train" or "bus, bus" until one of them would gladly play with him.
On Saturday we went to the zoo in St. Paul and on Monday we made trip to the Mall of America. Inside the MOA there were four places that were like heaven to an almost two-year old boy:
- Lego store - out front of the store you could build cars and play with legos
- FarmToy Store - plenty of trucks tractors and barnyard animal toys abound
- Rainforest Cafe - All the animals were so fun to look at, but the fake thunderstorm was a bit scary.
- Nickelodeon Theme Park - Inside the MOA there is a little theme park. Joshua was convinced that all the roller coasters were "train! Train! WOW! TRAIN WOW!!!" He didn't want to go on any rides but he sure liked watching the trains!
21 May 2009
12 May 2009
Joshua's Words
An attempt at ALMOST every family name (sorry Great Grandma and Grandpa).
Plus a few more words for good luck.
22 April 2009
17 April 2009
AA.com Business ExtrAA
Business Name : Casa Viva
Business ExtrAA # : 798383
When you book a flight through American Airlines you have the opportunity to include a business ExtrAA number to go along with your registration.
Adding this number allows you and our organization to draw frequent flier miles.
Next time you book a flight online please use Casa Viva's ExtrAA number. This is a small way you can donate to this great organization.
Your gift will help place fatherless children into the loving care of a family.
Business ExtrAA # : 798383
When you book a flight through American Airlines you have the opportunity to include a business ExtrAA number to go along with your registration.
Adding this number allows you and our organization to draw frequent flier miles.
Next time you book a flight online please use Casa Viva's ExtrAA number. This is a small way you can donate to this great organization.
Your gift will help place fatherless children into the loving care of a family.
16 April 2009
A different kind of team
Casa Viva hosts 10-15 teams a year, but this team was different. It was the kind of experience that was more like a breath of fresh air than a crazy, hectic, leave-you-feeling-exhausted type of experience. Not because they didn’t work hard, because they did. As a matter of fact by Wednesday evening we were accomplishing projects that were on our “someday-maybe-hopefully” list. Instead it was a breath-of-fresh air trip because it was a reminder that God has a plan for each and everyone of us. He has uniquely gifted us to fill a specific need in His Kingdom.
As the week started out we were excited to discover some specific skills that we would have never even thought to ask for. We quickly learned that this was the kind of team
Rich, a commercial door installer by trade, brought a high-level of construction knowledge that lead to the repair of several commercial doors in our offices as well as the construction of three professional grade desks that we only dreamed of having some day.
Cindy, a realtor turned stay-at-home-mom, quickly set out to sew curtains and a slip cover. Her skill was far beyond anything we had ever even thought to petition God for.
A father-son-son combination, the Hamms, saw the trip as an opportunity to grow and serve together. And while they did accomplish much, they also served as friends and encouragers for the Aspegren boys.
Jeff, at a towering 6’ 6” was a great encourager and motivator on the team, but his physical stature came in very handy on Tuesday when a portion of the team replaced the ceiling in a Casa Viva home.
Connie and Bitsy’s cooking prowess was tested when they served a meal to 100+ Costa Ricans. The last person through received the last scoop of green bean casserole and the final role. A feat that was reminiscent of Jesus’ feading of the 5,000.
Greg and his son Cody were on the trip to serve alongside each other, but Greg’s role as a business coach and trainer came in very handy. At a time where Casa Viva is standing on the edge of something great, God sent Greg to provide professional coaching for Philip and Matt.
Tom’s heart for God’s work in the lives of the fatherless was evident from the moment he joined the team. He was there constantly encouraging and caring for Casa Viva families and fellow team members shown through.
See Photos
(This team originated from Wheaton Bible Church.)
As the week started out we were excited to discover some specific skills that we would have never even thought to ask for. We quickly learned that this was the kind of team
Rich, a commercial door installer by trade, brought a high-level of construction knowledge that lead to the repair of several commercial doors in our offices as well as the construction of three professional grade desks that we only dreamed of having some day.
Cindy, a realtor turned stay-at-home-mom, quickly set out to sew curtains and a slip cover. Her skill was far beyond anything we had ever even thought to petition God for.
A father-son-son combination, the Hamms, saw the trip as an opportunity to grow and serve together. And while they did accomplish much, they also served as friends and encouragers for the Aspegren boys.
Jeff, at a towering 6’ 6” was a great encourager and motivator on the team, but his physical stature came in very handy on Tuesday when a portion of the team replaced the ceiling in a Casa Viva home.
Connie and Bitsy’s cooking prowess was tested when they served a meal to 100+ Costa Ricans. The last person through received the last scoop of green bean casserole and the final role. A feat that was reminiscent of Jesus’ feading of the 5,000.
Greg and his son Cody were on the trip to serve alongside each other, but Greg’s role as a business coach and trainer came in very handy. At a time where Casa Viva is standing on the edge of something great, God sent Greg to provide professional coaching for Philip and Matt.
Tom’s heart for God’s work in the lives of the fatherless was evident from the moment he joined the team. He was there constantly encouraging and caring for Casa Viva families and fellow team members shown through.
See Photos
(This team originated from Wheaton Bible Church.)
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