Inside the Mind of a Jesus Follower

The Christmas Letter is a tradition in a lot of homes around this time. However, in the Gardner household, it takes on a different meaning. We do not send out a standard Christmas Letter to our family and friends, instead, our Christmas Letter is a love letter written to one another.   We actually started the tradition because we did not have enough money to buy each other a gift on Christmas. We decided to write a letter in lieu of a gift and placed it on the tree with a pretty bow. Then on Christmas morning we sat cuddled together with a cup of coffee and opened our letters. The first year of the Christmas Letter created an annual outpouring of love. Even after we could afford gifts, we have honored and cherished this precious gift more than any material item that could be purchased. Therefore, we still do not buy gifts, as our letters are more precious than rubies. Our letters go on our tree every year, and we open the current year on Christmas morning together.  The l...

The morning sun begins to shine Time to get our computers online  For there are students to engage and greet Even though in person we can't meet We wonder how many students to anticipate and how we will get them to participate The once joyful noise of kids coming into the room  Is now a doorbell ding alerting they're on Zoom As we peer into the camera and smile bright We pray they are all healthy and doing all right We encourage them to show their beautiful faces Respectful and humbled to be in their personal spaces  A quick hello, Zoom norms, and we are ready to begin This is the journey of online learning once again  Scavenger hunts, a lesson on fractions and taking it times two  Apply this at home by doubling a recipe and make something new Time to head to a breakout room for a small group chat Beaming around to help make sense of this and of that A cascade of voices talking over the other or not all Wondering about those who did not make it on the call...

 It has already been close to two months since my feet found themselves planted back in the place we love, Alaska. I arrived about two months ago with a suitcase of clothing and a suitcase of books (#proudnerd). I arrived and started my new position, began house hunting, car shopping, and navigating life without my best friend by my side. It was the first time I was alone, and I recognized some things about myself in the last two months that I never knew.  #1 -Even if I am lonely, I am never really alone as God is always there #2- I have become dependent on my spouse - when he is not here things are more difficult #3- I can forget to eat for a few days when I am busy and no one asks, "what is for dinner?"   Let me fill you in on how this adventure has been going so far. (Warning- Long post so scan the headlines for what you want to know)  The Purpose-Driven Work:  I truly love my role at the Department of Education and Early Development. I work as the Progr...

I began my morning with a walk to my favorite coffee shop, Jitters. Then I set out to see as many FSBO and open houses as I could. 17 down and still looking. However, I was blessed with great views, plenty of sunshine, and good coffee. I had time to pray and converse with God and ask For His help and guidance. Then for dinner I had some fresh lettuce from my friend’s garden and enjoyed a creek view in the sunshine.

I am writing a quick note to let everyone know I have made it home! It was a wonder-filled day of God’s blessings. I traveled with my mask shielding my face but hope lighting my path. The airports were less crowded and I had my own row for one flight. The joy of just basking in the little moments along the way made me feel His presence in so many ways. My final flight into Anchorage I sat next to a group of military veterans. I was delighted to learn I was sitting across the aisle from a tattooed Marine named Scott. He and I chatted for quite awhile about military, kids, health, work, education, and the non-profit he supports called Base Camp 40. I t’s an organization that takes combat veterans out fishing and hunting to help them reconnect with nature. I was moved by his humble heart, his dedication to his brothers and sisters in arms, and how he talked fondly of his beautiful wife and four children. He had mentioned he was a musician and his tour was canceled due to COVId. So, he...

I am a child of God I have faith in the Lord, hope in His promises, and strive to love others as Christ has called His children to do. I believe that we are in a time when we can easily forget our human form was fearfully and wonderfully made. We can become so wrapped up in the what-ifs that we take our worry and anger out on anyone who does not reside in the echo chamber of doubt and fear with us. We can judge others if they do not believe all the fake-news stories that float through the air faster than a virus. However, in this household, we will not be plagued by unkindness, we will not show hatred towards our brothers and sisters (masks or no masks), nor will we fall victim to believing the media hype that tells us we should be afraid to be human. I am human This is a saying that I have always used with my kids, "God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt."   This attitude came in large part because I was raised by my grandfather who was born in 1918. He used to...

Our son, graduated early from high school this year and was sworn into the Marines by his dad, a Lieutenant in the Navy. This Friday he graduates from Marine boot camp as a United States Marine! OORAH. This amazing accomplishment is something families are not allowed to attend due to the pandemic, which is heartbreaking and spirit-crushing. However, we remain focused on the positives, as this does not change his goal one bit. His training continues albeit some new requirements and restrictions, but the military teaches you to adapt and overcome. As a military family, we use the term Semper Gumby, which means always flexible! We are well-versed in embracing change as an opportunity for growth, so we are looking at the pandemic as a way to improve our perspective moving forward. Our two daughters are also learning to adapt to this new normal. This next year will be our oldest daughter's senior year and I wonder about the impact this pandemic will have on her high school exper...

The Miracle of One Day Now  By: Allie Gardner  We have a calendar posted by the back door Detailing our lives and obligations and much more  There used to be something important listed for each day  And when I would rush by with a weary sigh I’d say,  “ One day God, I just want some white space.” Not just events piled with time, people, and place Until then my resolve, focus, and coffee would just have to be stronger  As I rushed out the door with my list of to-dos growing longer  I rationalized this busy schedule would only last for a season  That one day I would balance life, activities, and work within reason One day I would have the time to slow down and smell the roses  One day we would be able to enjoy what was right under our noses But for now, I had work to be done, money to be made, and children to raise  I justified that I have to give more, achieve more, succeed more in this phase Then one...