Mahshie Family

Holiday Letter 2011

2011-12-29T04:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family!

Happy Holidays! We hope your Christmas was filled with good food and people you love. 2011 has been a year full of work, work, and more work – but we are exceedingly grateful. In years past, our holiday letter has included at least two cool trips. Sadly, we did not do much traveling this year, except for a quick trip to Charleston. Here’s a timeline of what kept us here in Hendersonville instead of out and about:

January 2011: We got snowed in, a lot, we all had the flu, and we talked about moving to Hawai’i. However, we had a blast sledding with Anna-Joy and our friends.

February: We joined a new church and Anna-Joy was baptized. We are so thankful for the people we’ve been able to meet, and are so blessed to have shared so many meals and laughs and to have made friends that live near by.

March: Nicole worked, or really sat, at a Thai restaurant until the restaurant closed. John was in school studying horticulture and grafting things in the greenhouse.

April: Nicole was blessed to get a job at a busier restaurant in downtown Hendersonville with no lapse in work between the closing of the Thai place.

May: John finished school and immediately began the back-breaking work of planting a gigantic vegetable garden full of heirloom tomatoes. After hours of research, planting, paper-work, and permits, He set up a lovely looking produce stand to sell his wares. The stand is close to our home and is in the parking lot of a busy tourist stop: Elijah Mountain Gem-Mine.

June: We celebrated being married three years! We were able to enjoy the music of Moses Atwood at a lovely venue in West Asheville. We ate steak and drank wine after months of sticking to a tight budget, and boy was it good! Three years felt very sweet and we are grateful that the Lord has sustained our marriage and used it to teach and change us.

July: We took our one and only family trip of the year to Charleston. We enjoyed the beach, ice-cream, and the company of John’s brother and his wife.

August: Waitressing was a hard gig for our family. Nicole never had stable hours or guaranteed pay. She decided to look for more full-time office work and began the process of applying and interviewing.

September: On September 19^th she began working for a back-ground investigation company a couple miles from our home. We couldn’t be more in awe of how our Father leads, guides, and provides for us. This has been an amazing opportunity with wonderful people.

October - present: John has worked non-stop since planting the vegetable garden back in May. In the fall he transitioned to selling local apples and pumpkins, and now for the Holidays he has sold Christmas trees and hand-made gifts including olive wood sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. Oh, and he sells the best boiled peanuts in town! It has been a grueling, yet rewarding experience. He has learned a lot, and hopes to use all he’s learned to further future business endeavors.

Anna-Joy has been in day-care since Mom started working. She enjoys her teachers and her friends, and has transitioned really well. We are constantly surprised by the funny things she says, and, every once in a while are blown away by a profound truth that comes out of the “mouth of our babe.” Her favorite things right now include howling with our dog Eastwood, sprinkles, Dora the Explorer, everything princess, tooth-paste, her grandparents, painted toe-nails, spinning in circles to the “Guy on the Buffalo” song, and all forms of sugar.

Thanks for reading about the major events that took place in our lives in 2011. The really major stuff was what went on in our hearts and souls, and how the Lord used those events to teach us about who He is what His love looks like. We’re so thankful to have a Father rich in mercy! He grabs us and takes us out of a miry and miserable pit. With every step we are learning how to trust him, and gaining more glimpses of his beautiful Kingdom. Pray for us in 2011 for continued perseverance as the path is long and narrow. Pray that we’d remember that we are not just stuck on a narrow path, but that we’re being saved from destruction and traveling towards life.

Grace and Peace to you and yours,

John, Nicole, and Anna-joy Mahshie

16th Annual Green River Race

2011-11-09T10:06:00.001-08:00

(photo courtesy of Bo!)

I just started a new job: a desk job. And while I love the job itself, I don’t exactly love the constant sitting, indoors. I decided I need to make it a priority to get out and get moving, and thankfully I live in an area with an abundance of beautiful trails. For the past four weeks I have hiked every Saturday. I’ve hit the trail in Dupont, Glassy Bald at the Carl Sandburg House, and the Davidson River. As the fourth Saturday approached, I wondered where I would go. And then Christine called.

Christine is an old friend from college. Through Facebook we learned that we were now living close to one another: she in Spartanburg, and myself in Hendersonville. I’ve known for a while that she drives up the mountain often to go kayaking at the Narrows on the Green River. So, when she informed me that the Green River Race was this Saturday, I knew my hiking destination question had been answered.

It was the perfect fall day as I started down the trail with Christine and her good friend Annie. We were running because Christine needed to make it down to the river by the start of the race at noon. I didn’t last very long at this pace and soon Christine took off and Annie stayed behind to keep me company the rest of the way, at a slower pace. We were taking the longer way in, about 3.5 miles, in order to avoid some of the crowd. This was a really great trail with a good mixture of uphill, flat portions, and sloping down-hills.

We finally arrive at the head of the descent to the river. I am amazed at the number of people standing in line waiting to go down, there are a least two hundred or more. We get in line and chitchat with folks, when a young boy of about 12 comes running up the hill, breathless. “I found a faster way to get down,” he says to his Mom, panting. Annie starts following him, and I follow Annie. We’re thinking about catching up with Christine, about not missing the race, and avoiding waiting in the line for at least an hour.

We follow the boy down the incredibly steep descent to the river. We’re moving fast, grabbing roots and trees to keep us from tumbling down. We’re parallel to the folks who have been waiting in line for who knows how long. Some call out frustrated remarks, as we fly by. But we figure, we’re just following this kid, and it is the woods after all…not a grocery store line.

We make it to the bottom and the number of spectators once again shocks me, there must be a thousand people down here, crammed on to rocks. We find Christine perched with her camera on the edge of a rock right near the main run, the Gorilla. We squeeze our way near her. The excitement in the air is tangible. I first notice the strong smells of all the people I’m crowded in with. It smells like armpits, pot, adrenaline, beer, all mixed with the fresh scent of the woods and the fall air.

I can’t really concentrate on the race yet, I’m still taking in all that is around me. I’m surprised by some of the folks I see at the bottom. “How did you make it down here?” I think. Some are older, some are overweight, and some have lots of makeup-on and nice clothes. The majority, though, are the regular outdoorsy types – folks who eat, sleep, and breathe any kind of outdoor activity. These folks are decked in popular outdoors brands in one of five colors. It’s a sea of black, grey, green, brown, and the occasional blue.

There’s a loud gasp through the crowd and I turn to see a kayker going down the Gorilla, backward. At the bottom, he’s upside down, and then after a few tense moments, he rolls and pops back up, shaking his head to catch his bearing before he continues down the rapids.

The Gorilla is the most extreme and challenging part of the Narrows. For the next half hour I cheer and gasp with the audience as we watch the racers run the Gorilla. Some do it with such ease, precision, and skill. One man goes down raising his paddle in the air, like he’s riding a roller coaster. The crowd goes wild for him. At one point we all hold our breath waiting for the rescue team at the bottom to get hold of a man that went down backwards, then upside down, and then came out of his kayak completely. It continues on like this: the sound of a horn, the tip of a brightly colored kayak appearing at the top of the falls, and the cheering or pained “ooooohhhhhs” of the crowd as the kayaker runs the Gorilla.

After a while I decide to leave. I am dreading the climb back up to the trail. Every muscle in my body is all ready sore. I sit on a rock and watch the crowd, drinking some water, and trying to give myself a pep-talk for climbing out of here. All of a sudden there is the sound of whistles and the crowd starts to move. Then I see the rescue team carrying a kayaker on a stretcher, yelling at one another to “keep him flat, cover him up” and then at the crowd, “move out of the way or make a line to pass him!” I wonder what happened. I didn’t see his run. I hope to God he will be OK.

As I hike back out, after I’ve caught my breath from the challenging climb up from the river, I start to think about the people brave enough to race. The kayaker on the stretcher represents what can happen if the run doesn’t go smoothly. These athletes take a huge risk, hurtling themselves over this white-water. The water is powerful and unyielding. I wonder what it’s like to look at that power and decide that you’re more powerful, that you can actually take the Gorilla on. I am in awe of their tenacity, knowing the many hours they must have trained to make it to this point, this race.

This has definitely been the best of all my Saturday hikes. In fact, this has been the best event I’ve attended all year. The fresh air of the woods, especially in the fall, makes me feel so much more alive, not to mention, the way my heart starts pumping as I trek up and down hills for miles and miles. The real beauty of this day, though, is not just the woods or the rushing river; It’s been watching brave people who are not afraid to take a risk.

I don’t know about you, but I need to be challenged to take more risks. This does not mean I will be hurtling myself over the Gorilla any-time soon, or even taking up kayaking at all. However, there are other kinds of Gorillas in my life, things I need to decide that I am more powerful than, that I have the skills and the training to take head on.

They forgot to mention...

2011-08-26T10:01:00.001-07:00

Whoever "they" are ... they did a very poor job of helping us when we were young. They didn't really mention how hard grown up life is. Maybe "they" are just being protective to the young and naive. However, I think we would have appreciated a little more straight talk to prepare us for the extreme struggle involved in becoming a spouse and a parent.

We have been married three years as of June 7th. We have done a home renovation (twice!), had difficulty finding careers, been in school, had a baby, changed churches, and lived on a very limited income.

We have had a lot of "stressors" which many people all across the world experience. I think, perhaps, ours have come on in a condensed way to where we feel like we haven't had much of a chance to catch our breath between one difficult experience and the next.

However, overall, I don't really believe that we're experiencing things that others haven't. I do believe, however, that our faith makes it harder.

What?!? Come again?!?

Yes. I am aware of how our faith has made the past three years of our life burn like hell. They have burned because He has had us in His refining fire. He has been removing our selfish desires, our quest to build our own kingdoms, our materialism, our self-protective instincts, unhealthy patterns from the past, and much more.

It reminds me of the scene in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia)when Eustace was changed into the dragon. Aslan approaches him to free him from his Dragon skin. Here's an excerpt from the book (Eustace explaining the experience):

"Then the lion said- but I don't know if it spoke - 'You will have to let me undress you.' I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it. The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off."

If we didn't desire to give ourselves over to Jesus we could avoid a lot of pain. It's very painful to let Him take off our dragon skin. At times, we'll admit, we've both wanted to just run away from the Lion and his claws. The situation that is tearing off our dragon skin has largely been our difficult marriage and the knarly parts of our dragon skin our relationship reveals. We could run and deny our knarly skin, self-medicate, and try to create a false sense of peace.

But our Father's way, although vastly more difficult, is the path to freedom and the lovely pure skin he intends for us to have.

I could include lots of scriptures to go along with these thoughts. However, I really want to include one last quote that I think sums all this up very beautifully:

Kahlil Gibran, "The Prophet - On Love"

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

Love,
John & Nicole

Because I tipped the Subway guy...

2011-03-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

We have a 2000 Volvo wagon that my parents gave to us when we got married. It has been the primary car for our family and we've been really thankful for it. It's had some issues here and there and the trouble with Volvos is that the parts are expensive. We've had a hard time finding a mechanic we like.

It has needed some work for a while and we finally saved up enough money in our emergency fund (thank you Dave Ramsey) to have the car checked out. After John haggled with the lady on the phone back and forth throughout the day, the best deal they could offer us was $1,083.27 to complete most of work the car needs. We had $1,000 in our emergency fund and John was going to tell the lady, "sorry, but we really can't do any more than $1,000."

We would basically be back at square one, trying to buy parts online, possibly watching tutorials so John could install them, and wasting time and energy and keeping ourselves in a stressful situation. This is, obviously, a lot of money, and a big decision. John was really tense all day as he looked up things on-line, made phone calls, and talked with the dealership.

So it's decision time. Do we draw the line at $1,000 and say goodbye and no thanks to the dealership? John asked me if I had any cash on me other than what we had in the emergency fund. I've been waiting tables lately so I have to keep cash on hand to make change for customers. I counted the money and before I was even done I started laughing. I had exactly $83.27

THIS IS THE COOL PART:

Right before I got home to help make this decision with John I stopped at Subway. I got a famous $5 foot-long and felt strongly from the Father that I needed to tip the guy who made my sandwich (he was really nice to AJ). I really did not want to do this. I had felt like it was a waste of money and was negating my great $5 deal! I struggled with it for a second and reluctantly put the $1 in the jar and left.

Then I came home to a husband in distress who needed to hear from his Father about our car situation. His Father knew what he needed and so he had me give random Subway man that $1 so that the money left in my wallet would be the exact balance needed to pay for the car.

Do you understand how $84 isn't as powerful as the exact amount of $83 needed?

He cares for us you guys! Constantly he is shouting out his love for us. But we are participatory. If I hadn't heard and obeyed the Spirit about tipping the Subway guy, this whole scenario wouldn't exist. There have been SO many times I've heard that still small voice and not trusted, thought I knew better, thought I understood more about wasting a dollar on a guy at Subway.

You know what I'm saying? This stuff is just so exciting! This is what makes life vibrant. We are so poor and needy, dumb, and weak and our Father is so willing to come through for us. He want's to be our Hero, to send us love notes, to give us kisses. But we have to be willing to participate in the process.

Praise Him!

~ Nicole

2010 Alphabet

2010-12-08T17:45:00.001-08:00

Anna-Joy. Our eighteen month old sweet, smart girl is truly a joy.

Boulder,Colorado. We traveled there in August to meet a wonderful community of folks the Lord connected us with over 1. 5 years ago. The people at Pathway Fellowship have impacted us very deeply and we are extremely grateful for them.

Cut. John cut off his dreads after 5 (or 6?) years of friends and strangers saying "Hey, you know who you remind me of? Bob Marley!" they proudly exclaim. Geez! You know - we never thought of that!

Debt & Dave Ramsey. By the Lord's grace we have payed off some debt this year and are working on the rest. Some of these financial lessons have been difficult, but we are believing it will be worth it.

Eastwood. "Our" dog comes over to the cabin for occasional visits, but he mostly resides with Grandma now. He prefers her warm house and cookies and the company of her two dogs Max and Maude.

Folley Beach, Charleston. Anna-Joy really enjoyed our visit to Uncle Roy and Aunt Jenna and had a blast in the waves.

Grace. Our Father has been so gracious to us and has brought/ is bringing us up out of a very miry pit.

Home. We moved back in to the cabin in July after our second round of repairs. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful place as our home.

Insomnia. Thankfully this has lessened quite a bit as Anna-Joy has gotten older, but we still have our sleepless bouts here and there. Pray that we would have a well rested 2011.

Jam & Jelly. Nicole attempted her first jams and jellies this year with fruit from a friends small orchard. It was a labor intensive but rewarding process.

Know. We know a lot more in 2010 than we did in 2009. We know certain truths about ourselves, our lives, and our Father which are radically changing us. Often, we have to fight to know them. Pray for us that we would continue in the fight to believe and know the Truth.

Leaf. John made an incredible rhododendron leaf bench that placed at his college's art competition.

Milkin' Molly. We purchased a dairy goat back in the spring and have been diligently milking ever since. We have learned a lot from the farmer who sold her to us and it has been a fun, sometimes frustrating, definitely demanding, and unique experience that ultimately we are thankful for.

Nowhere. Now here? We are learning to reject the idea that we are headed no where, or that we are now here. Our desire is to rest in the peace that comes from simply obeying our Father

One. Anna-Joy had a pretty cool first birthday party. We have watched the miracle of a helpless baby become a walking, talking little girl.

Patience and Perseverance. These have been our only options quite often this year. But how great is that?!? Because perseverance produces character and character produces hope. And best of all?!? "Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Rom. 5:5

Quilt. Nicole started working on her first quilt project with Mamma Mahshie.

Root vegetables. John planted an amazing garden this year and we enjoyed some beautiful beets and carrots along with lots of other tasty veggies. Anna-Joy had a lot of fun picking food, tasting it, and playing in the dirt.

Sunrise. We got up really early on a cold morning to attend the sunrise service at Chimney Rock State Park. It was awesome. It really was. And it was free!

Thai Bistro. Nicole got a job as a waitress at a Thai restaurant and is thankful for all the free 7* spiciness, the great staff, and the extra income for our family. Pray that the business picks up so that they have more hours available.

Unity. We are seeking the Father to help us become a more unified couple and family. Pray that we will work together as a unit, and put our selfish desires aside for what's best for our family.

Vacation. We were able to go to Colorado, Charleston, and Florida this year. All three were really exciting, fun times with many great memories made for each of us.

Water. John worked really hard digging a ditch and crawling under our house to get our water back up and running and connected to the city line.

X. It's been a long, eXacting year. Can we just skip trying to figure this one out?

You bless us tremendously. Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Zoo and Zucchini. Two goals for 2011.

Merry Christmas. We love you!

Long Over-Due Photos from 2010

2010-11-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Enjoy some photos from our annual Fair date (back on September 14th):

Neglect! Sorry!

2010-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Wow. We have neglected this blog. Sorry about that.

It seems like life is so busy for us, I wonder if it will ever be a little more slow-paced. I find there is this really delicate balance between being bored and being so busy I get over-whelmed and very tired.

John & I have been talking to a counselor/friend in Colorado for the past couple months and working through a lot in our own hearts and in our relationship with one another. The Lord has had us go through a lot of hard work emotionally and relationally - and there is still much before us. We are so thankful, however, for the support and the words of truth we are receiving and beginning to embrace and believe.

Anna-Joy has started at pre-school twice a week. She loves it and her teachers are soooo sweet. We are really blessed to have a scholarship so that we can afford to send her. Our dear friend, Fran, runs the school. She gets to play inside and outside, do crafts, have snack, and have music-time. She is always so happy when I pick her up, but she falls asleep almost as soon as I put her in the car-seat. All that fun wears her out!

We went on our 4th annual fair date. We had a great time and stayed for 4.5 hours! Anna-Joy ate pinto-beans and corn-bread, fed the goats, road the Carousel, and danced to some music. John and I split a blooming onion which was pretty gross (decided to go to Outback for that treat from now on), he rode a crazy ride, we watched pigs race, and we saw our good friend Mo-Daddy. Pics to come soon!

I love that fall is almost here - it's still pretty hot for the end of September. John would like for the warm to hang around for as long it wants. Not me, I love it just cool enough for a hoodie.

We are back in our cabin and praying about whether or not to sell it. We're also trying to fix up our cars to sell and buy something a little more reliable. So those are the bigger issues we're dealing with right now, along with John seeking the Father on what to do when this semester of school is over. We would appreciate your prayers that we would know where he wants to take us next!

I'm still doing photos and really enjoying it. I'm hoping to set up some kind of office-space for myself soon. I'm trying to organize and file more than I have in the past, and I would love if the I could continue to get jobs. Check out the updated look of www.vaporphoto.com and tell your friends!

Grace, and PEACE!

Nicole (For US)

"Molly Tomorrow"

2010-04-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

We are the proud and giddy owners of our very own dairy goat, Ms. Molly Tomorrow. (Her name was given by our clever friend, Jim)

I (Nicole) am especially excited and thankful. I have wanted to own animals for some time now, and our Father who loves us worked out a great situation for me to step into goat ownership slowly and with a mentor. Our neighbor, Clyde, is an old southern farmer that was getting tired of milking his goat twice a day. The goat stays on property that he doesn't currently live at, so he has to travel twice a day to the property to milk. His wife has had some health problems and it's just been too much for him to keep up with.

I saw the sign in his driveway "Milk Goat for Sale." John and I had just been at the Carl Sanburg house the day before visiting with their famous goats and dreaming about the day we could own one. I called the number on the sign and went over and met my neighbor for the first time. He is willing to teach me milking and cheese making, plus I get to keep the goat on his property where he already has fencing and a stanchion set up! The corners of his property and my mother-in-laws property meet up so I can walk there in the mornings and evenings when it's time to milk.

What in the world are we going to do with a gallon of goat milk a day?

We're hoping to barter with some of it for local honey or other things.

John's Garden is officially planted, and we are so excited about this season, summer, and this season of our lives. We are stepping into some things we've desired to do for a long time. I'm sure there will be obstacles and trials and frustrations as there always are, but we're learning the beauty of this journey is found in what we learn through those things.

Much love to all.

John, Nicole, Anna-Joy, Eastwood, and Molly Tomorrow

Boohoo & Blessing Wheel

2010-03-14T06:41:00.001-07:00

Finally, an updated photo of our little gremlin, I mean munch-kin!

This is how AJ sometimes wakes up from her naps. NOT a happy camper, but ridiculously cute!

Have you heard of a blessing wheel? We were in an artist's studio recently in Greenville and she had a couple hanging from the ceiling. Basically you use some kind of circular frame (like the metal from an old lamp shade) and hang strips of canvas from it along with little acquired pieces of odds and ends jewelry or the like. On the strips of canvas you can write memories, accomplishments, or blessings that have happened in the year. You can use multiple circular rings to make levels and just keep adding onto the wheel. I thought this was a tremendous idea, mostly because I liked the way it looked, but it's also so easy for us to forget all the great stuff that has happened when I get lost in my disappointment. My goal for april is to make one for 2009. Here's some of the great stuff that went on last year:

- We had our first Anna-Joy!
- We celebrated our first year of marriage.
- We saw U2 in concert (a life-dream fulfilled for me)
- John went to Israel (a life-dream fulfilled for him)
- We went to Maine and ate pop-overs in Jordans Pond at Acadia National Park (a life-dream fulfilled for me)
- We lived in community with Nate Dawg, Coda, the McAfees, Erin, Carolyn, and Michelle
- We heard Donald Miller speak
- We had our first family photo
- We took a ceramics class together
- I won a weight-loss competition
- John rescued a bird
- We've both found some great and wise folks to "mentor" us

Last year was a great year and this one is off to a really good start!

We're really thankful, we feel like we are in a season of rest and abundance.

First Successful Video Upload!

2010-02-25T06:54:00.000-08:00

New Old Blog

2010-01-25T11:18:00.001-08:00

Hey Friends! I revived my old blog to post on my food adventures. I figured I'd save this blog for family and spiritual matters. Here's the link:

http://ashevillewawakened.blogspot.com/

love!

Vegetarian (Again) For '010

2010-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

***Home-made french bread. Greek salad (cucumbers, olives, green peppers, tomatoes, iceburg & bibb lettuce, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, vinegar, and feta cheese). Roasted potatoes with grated parmesean, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, capers, LOTS of garlic, olive, and salt and pepper.Blackstone Merlot.***

We're vegetarian in the New Year. That was our meal the other night and it was soooooooo good.

I feel so good when I eat this way. I have a very sensitive stomach and I never felt better than when I was a vegetarian for two years in college. I told John I wanted to be vegetarian again, and he decided to go along for the ride as well. It's nice not doing it by myself.

I have an old hippie cook-book called the "Vegetarian Epicure." Along with some great recipies, it also has advice on entertaining and reccomends serving a light snack after dinner "if grass is smoked sociallly."

Solid advice.

I'm excited about all that the Father has for us in this new year. It's all kind of up in the air for us - but it's a new season as John leaves the airport. As for me, I'm learning how to enjoy my life and the Life that God has for me. He has Life and not death for us, all we have to do is embrace it.

Grace & Peace

Wow! Snow!

2009-12-18T20:17:00.001-08:00

Pam the "Water Lady"

2009-12-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a re-play of a telephone conversation I had this morning regarding our community well being shut off and switching to city water. Pam sounds like she's in her 60's, is a smoker, and has a thick NY accent.

Me: "Hi, my name's Nicole Mahshie - you had left a message on my husbands phone regarding the water situation."
Pam: "Yeah, I was calling to see what you had done for the wata switch-ova"
Me: "I actually just got off the phone and found out we didn't get the grant we applied for. Apparently a lot of people applied for it and they only had so much funds. We haven't been able to do anything yet, we can't afford it."
Pam: "Oh my God you haven't done anything yet? You guys betta get 'crackin you're gonna end up with no wata."
Me: "Well, we don't really have the money to get crackin. We have a six month old."
Pam: "Yeah, but they're gonna turn off the wata really soon you really got to get it done. Here, let me give you the numba for Micky Robinson down at the wata department..." (she gives me a few plumbers numbers...)
Pam: "So how you doing in that house, I heard you got mold problems?"
Me: "Uh...(seriously?!?) Well, not too bad, we did a lot of renovations when we moved in."
Pam: "Old houses are alotta work, ok, well best of luck to ya sweetie."

It was hillarious in a depressing sort of way. But not really. It's exciting. I look forward to watching our Daddy provide.

Much love, Get crackin!

Turban Head

2009-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here's some pics of the munchkin, it's been a while since we've updated photos of her. We're so thankful that our dog, Eastwood, is so chill around her. The last photo is of our friend Alvarez who came to visit from Greenville. Isn't that a sweet shot - she fell asleep in his arms.

Song of the Day 11-17-09

2009-11-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Gotta Have You.

The Weepies.

Very nice.

Food ethics? Really?

2009-11-15T10:52:00.001-08:00

Is it possible to apply ethics to the realm of food? Does that thought seem strange to you? I mean, it's just food, right? Tastes good and keeps us alive and makes us fat.

For quite a while now I have been growing in my knowledge of food ethics. I don't know if this has a singular definition, but I'll explain what this means to me: Real food, real close.

There is a new "diet" called the "real food" diet. Seems strange, doesn't it? I mean, most people aren't munching on their kid's Playskool plastic muffins...but most people might as well be.

How often do you read the ingredients on your food? Well, I do, often. I can't help it. And I try not to buy many foods that contain ingredients I don't recognize or can't pronounce.

But we're so spoiled! And this makes a diet, or eating habits/choices such as the "real food diet" difficult. It's hard to return to baking your own bread, mixing up your own oatmeal, searching out local folks with chickens, and canning/freezing produce, among a long list of other things. It means less microwave, more stove-top. It means 30 minutes to an hour for a meal, not 5 - 10 minutes. It's hard!

But I desire to do it. It's not entirely about health, even though there are real great health benefits to such natural eating. Primarily, it's about ethics. It resonates in my spirit as the "right way."

I'm not saying this in a judgmental way. It's a personal conviction, something that resonates in my spirit. Maybe it's because I love food, I love cooking, I love the art of it all. I reject all imitations of real, pure, beautiful ingredients.

And I love my daughter. And I want her to grow up knowing that God gave us the earth, and he gave us wonderful, nutritious, delicious food that grows up from the ground underneath the warm sun. It's a beautiful thing.

Marmallow fluff, however.....where's the beauty?

ha.

So, I'm embarking on a journey of slowly making changes toward this lifestyle.

I've been baking bread, but not as often as I could, and one day I'd like to grind the wheat and all that jazz. I am learning the art of a southern biscuit. I've stopped buying produce from other countries, and hopefully soon I'll transition to mostly local. I'm making most of Anna-Joy's baby food.

Now as for making my own yogurt/butter/chicken stock.....

Good grief! That intimidates me. But I'm taking it one step, one heart-beat at a time.

This blog ... wow. This girl is rockin' it.

Love,
Nicola Mahshie

Unpluging

2009-11-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

I finally did it.

I canceled my Facebook.

I've been saying I was going to do it for some time now. The phrase, "Don't talk about it - be about it" has really been challenging me lately, and so I actually deleted my account.

I have a dear friend that lives about 5 miles down the road. Anna-Joy is now nearly 6 months old and this friend still hadn't met her. I dropped by her office the other day, and apologized for not getting together with her sooner. She responded, "It's ok, I've been keeping up through Facebook."

It made me wonder...

If my friend hadn't been able to gratify her desire to meet our daughter by pouring over the endless updates of photos I had posted online, would we have met in reality sooner? Did her cyber-space introduction to Anna-Joy delay the real interaction that can needed to take place?

I imagined myself becoming like the humans on the space-craft in Wall-E. They sat right next to one another, and yet they communicated via computers.

I am afraid of living a life full of pseudo-relationships. I want friends that I really love and that really love me. I want to have coffee, drop by their homes on my way to the grocery store, share dinners, watch movies, go on walks, and talk face to face.

I don't want to constantly update my Facebook status proving how wonderful and exciting my life is. I want to share that wonderful and exciting life with my friends and family.

But as for this blog...

I think it will continue - because I love to write.

Speaking of which, the Father provided me with an awesome job writing short essays online for a company called Demand Studios.

I hope you are blessed by a face-to-face interaction with someone you love today.

Grace & Peace,
Nicole Mahshie

Laughing With

2009-09-24T11:11:00.001-07:00

"God is In"

2009-09-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

I heard a cool song on WNCW, this is Nicole typing, John didn't care for it. Sometimes the Lord uses strange things to encourage me and unexpectedly speaks to me. I'm thinking the message of this song from the author's POV is kind of a relativistic approach to who God is. For me, however, God was just reminding me of how big He is, and how "God is all, and in all." There's nowhere you can go and not find him, he's everywhere, and you can't box him out. He's even in our inventions and our flaws. Everything points to him. Here are the long lyrics, but it's better to listen to it.

"God is In" by Billy Jonas

God is in the child's eyes, see them wide, wondrous, wise
God is in the rain and snow, and each snowflake: this we know
God is in the trees and air; the rocks, the birds, the bees, the bears
God is in the clouds above; God is in each act of love
God is in the oceans deep, some say God goes there to sleep
God is in the mountains high, whistling a lullaby
God is in the darkest woods, God is in your neighborhood
God is in a place that's near; sometimes it's just not so clear
God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in

God is in your strangest pleasure; some say God is into leather
God is into body piercing; in your nipple, lip, and nose ring
God is in your new tattoo, in your scars and birthmarks too
God is in your brand new nose in your control top pantyhose
God is in the latest fad, except for bungy jumping -- thats dangerous and bad
God is in your cellular phone, God will not leave you alone
God is in the internet, wondering why you're not there yet
God is in Vogue, and Spin, and Rolling Stone cuz God is IN! God is in .... God is in ....
God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in

God is in the Christian house; bread and wine and holy cross
God is in the Jewish home; shalom chaverim, shalom
God is in the Muslim, Allah hu akbar salaam
God is in the Hindu way, jai bagwan! namaste
God is in those dancing Pagans, in each drop of perspiration
God is in the Wicken coven; twelve plus one -- a perfect dozen!
God is in the Druid's song, that's why they go on so long
God is in the Buddhist's chair saying "don't just do something -- sit there!"
God is in the Vatican; God goes there for vacation
God is in the Quaker meeting, sleeping 'til they start the singing
God is in your guru; how do you spell that? "Gee, you - are - you"
God is in the atheist, saying "yeah, I don't exist"
God is in the flowing Tao, then and now and now and now
God is in the Rastaman; I and I and on and on
God is in the Moonie wedding; who gets who -- begin the betting
God is in the Hare Krishna, rub their heads and make a wish now
God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in

God is in your bank account, sometimes juggling the amount
God is in your ATM, counting bills and stacking them
God is in your college fund, laughing cuz it's gone gone gone
God is in your IRA, adding interest every day
God is in your pocket change, your job is giving it to strangers
God is in the beggar's cup; sometimes God just fills it up
God is in the empty hand, spent it all on cheap Almaden;
God was in the S & L's but left, that's why they went to hell
God is in the Wal-Mart; greets you with a shopping cart
God is in your old jalopy, makes it go when it should not be
God is in the Greyhound bus, sitting in back, watching us
God is in 'tourist class,' on a frequent flyer pass
God is in the pilot light; dancing through the night
God is in the radio, Wolfman Jack told me so
God is in the microwave, unless you try to use something metal -- then the microwave is
the devil; also don't microwave with plastic wrap cuz it forms molecular bonds with
your food and turns your intestines into Tupperware
God is in your Tupperware, but not the lids so buy some spares
God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in .... God is in

God is in the ozone layer; holier and holier
God is in the atom bomb, or at least the atom bomber's mom
God is in Chechnya, Sobrenica, Slovenica, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovia, Montana,
Oklahoma
God is incredulous at all the stuff we do to us
God is inspired by those who fly and those who try
God is insatiable so sing and dance way past full
God is in you and me, someday God will help us see that
God is in love with love so live and love and that's enough
God is inside of you and all you don't and all you do
God is in your greatest doubt, the jury's out, the doctor's out, but
God is in, God is in, God is in your darkest sin, and out and in, and out and in, and God is
in .... Goddess in .... God is Zen .... Got us in .... God is in

Credits:
Words by Billy Jonas, Laura Mahr & Chris Chandler
Music by Billy Jonas

Mount Jesus Blog

2009-09-16T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hey there... I wanted to share the latest addition to the Mount Jesus blog. It's titled "Open Heart Surgery, with a spoon". ~enjoy!

As we continue our eclectic discourse with “the teacher”, we now entered into a section that can be appropriately titled: “you have heard it said”. For our first course we will be served a hearty plate of paradigm shattering concepts addressing the topic of anger. The cliffs notes might be summarized by saying Jesus likens anger and insults to the act of murder and says that they are liable to judgment and the fire of hell!

So, because I am sure there are many excellent commentators who have written many, many books on the exegetical context of this passage, I think I’ll spend time attempting to pull a plank out of my own eye…

A spiritual mentor once told me that a good way to gauge my comprehension and embrace of the Fathers agape love is by observing my thoughts and reactions when driving. He said: “do you want an indication as to whether or not you believe the father loves you? Observe your reaction to slow and incompetent drivers while rushing to get somewhere”. As I began thinking about this concept I quickly admitted my frustration with bad drivers and incompetent behavior. Honestly, the term frustration is a far cry from my real feelings; the truth is I absolutely hate incompetence, both in myself and in others. It makes me furious.

A perfect example of this could be in event that occurred last Tuesday when I pulled my car into a no-parking zone. I needed to load up a heavy box of clay and accidentally locked my keys in my car while it was still running, then as I searched for the hidden key I realized my wife had used it and failed to put it back.

Forgetfulness, non-efficient methods, irrational behaviors and bad directions drive me mad. It’s like my emotions become a pressure cooker building up, and although I often feel like placing my hands around the neck of countless numskulls who cross my path daily, I have mastered the craft of “Christian behavior modification”. Unfortunately I am usually oblivious to this deep-rooted hatred and when/if I do become aware of it I often succeed at convincing myself that my thoughts are justified. I mean really, is it my fault that I work with a bunch of lazy, good for nothing slackers who cant seem to accomplish the most trivial of tasks?

This type of thought pattern, which is pervasive throughout our society, makes perfect sense according to rational logic, however stands in direct opposition to the Gospel of Grace. Just as Christ called the Scribes and Pharisees a bunch of hypocrites and whitewashed tombs, he says to me: façade, façade, façade. Although controlled by deep breaths, hypocritical prep-talks and pharisaical veneers, it’s all a masquerade. My disease-infected heart is filled with bitter rage and hidden by a thick layer of religious camouflage. The outside of my cup is clean but my inside is often more wretched than a mountain mans spittoon. Judgmental condemnation and curses fill my heart as I look upon failures, slackers and those who just can’t get it right.

Now comes the how and why questions. How can a person who claims to embrace a message of grace and peace, so powerful that it transformed a ruthless assassin into a faithful disciple who gave his life away, become filled with such anger and hate? Why is it so easy for me to become pissed off because grandpa took a tad bit too much of his medicine before driving to the bingo lodge?

Thankfully the answer to this question is fairly simplistic, yet incredibly profound. I hate because I feel hated, because I fail to truly believe my daddy loves me. The most judgmental people are always those who feel most judged. Condemned people find it natural to condemn others; likewise, loved people find it natural to love. People who stand firm in the gospel of grace haven’t much need to cuss and swear when they make a mockery of themselves, because they find not their value in outward appearances and achievable results but in proclaimed truth.

And this is the truth… I am a new creation in Christ, the old has gone and the new has come. I have been crucified with him and it is no longer me who lives but him who lives in me. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for my incompetence because I am made perfect by the blood of the Lamb. I am free to embrace, love, accept and forgive because I am totally embraced, loved, accepted and forgiven.

She looks like us! And she's going to fly!

2009-09-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love this photo. I think it's one of my favorites so far. I can see so much of John and myself in her, and it gives me a glimpse of what she's going to look like as a little kid. Love it!

In other news, Anna-Joy and I are going to partake of John's flight benefits for the first time on Wednesday. Our dear buddy, "Nate Dawg," has his roots in Portland, Maine and lives there when he's not in Asheville. Right now he just so happens to be residing there and has invited us up. I am very excited about going to New England and about having a vacation! John and I haven't been anywhere together since Hawai'i. I'm not too worried about traveling with baby, I just plan on nursing her throughout the flight as needed. It's actually easier to fly now before she is mobile and antsy during the flight. I have a lot of anxiety over flying, but it's a good exercise for me. It's good to be stretched out of your comfort zone, even when it makes you feel like you're going to throw up and sends you to the bathroom every 5 minutes.

Maine is going to be fun! Fresh lobster here we come! Actually, we're mostly excited about seeing our rock-star buddy.

Some fun family pics!

2009-09-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

It's been crazy to realize that John, Anna-Joy and I are a family. Anna-Joy will one day drive through Hendersonville and say "I remember going there as a kid, that's the cabin I grew up in, etc." It's just neat to think that she is becoming a little person and forming experiences and memories. Here are some of mine:

My beautiful Grandmother:

My handsome grandpa:

My Mom in high-school:

My Dad (I don't look ANYTHING like him haha):

Me and Daddy:

My big 'ol baby blues:

Playing with Mommy:

My 5 year old birthday:

My awkward "tween" years. I remember using about half a can of hairspray for this picture because I didn't want any "bumps" in my pony-tail...that look turned out nice...

One of my favorite places on earth: My Grandmother's dining room table seated next to my Grandpa.

Playing with our first computer camera:

Wow! A little over-kill for the first year of 9-11 memorial:

My conservative, teacher look...I was only 17...haha.

Senior Prom:

Gradutaion:

"Hang Loose" says Anna-Joy Marley

2009-09-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Three Things...

2009-09-02T14:59:00.001-07:00

Three things I am extremely excited about:

1.) Tonight's Mexican themed potluck at 'the body.'
2.) The arrival of fall air which transforms me into an 8 year old again.
3.) The new season of "The Office" starting shortly. Pam is pregnant!

Updated Anna-Joy pictures to come soon.

More About Israel

2009-08-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Mt. Jesus Blog

2009-08-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you guys know about a blogging trio I've been apart of called Mount Jesus. My dear friend Nate Dawg (the multi-talented vagabonder), his pops Bob (an out-of-the-box librarian) and I have been observing and conversing our way through the Sermon on the Mount (a.k.a. the riddle on the hilltop) as three Jesus-followers sitting at the masters feat. My desire from the beginning has been that this conversation would step outside the typical "commentary talk" and become a place where the mature and educated learn how to become young children who climb onto their daddy's lap with a sensitive spirit, mind and heart. Please stop by Mount Jesus and join the dialogue!

Touring Israel

2009-08-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, after more than 6 months of lug'n 50 lbs bags, dealing with hostile customers and getting paid a menial wage, I was able to take advantage of my flight benefits and took off for a short visit to the Israel. On the 19th of June I sat into a nine thousand dollar Business Elite “pod” seat, thumbed through a menu with 4 five-course meal options and headed off to the holy land, or as my family would call it, “The Old Country”. Unfortunately, without going into too much detail, the entrance and exit through customs took much, much longer than I had originally anticipated and was the result of the Lebanese and Palestinian heritage of my last name.

Nicole and I have two dear friends who live out there so I was able to hook up with them and had an absolute blast. They toured me around the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Dome of the Rock, Western Wall and many other touristy/local hotspots. Although there is much more to this story, most of the rest would be best told in person so if you'd want to know more than just ask and we’ll go out for a coffee!

Our favorite flower

2009-08-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing consignment sale twice a year at the Agricultural center. I bought Anna-Joy her first haloween outfit and couldn't resist trying it on. Hopefully it will still fit in October, although John is planning on making her wear it often! Here's some updated pics of the munchkin. It's an amazing thing to watch a little human grow.

One of Many

2009-07-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

Our daughter has big nostrils...She is so cute.

John took advantage of his benefits for working at the airport. He took a business class flight to Israel on Sunday. He called me from the plane and was so excited. Apparently, his chair completely laid back into a bed and the menu had six different five course meal options! I can't wait until he comes home to share every detail of the trip and pictures. I am so excited for him, this trip is a dream come true. "One of many" he said.

Enjoy some updated pics of our little one! I'm at my parent's home and they are enjoying every minute with her.

She smiles now

2009-07-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying every smile! She is so much fun!

Friends and family are enjoying her as well...

Taeta feeding little miss.

Auntie Ally came to visit all the way from Scotland!

Poppie is totally in love.

"Tu-tu wahine" Anna-Joy's Hawaiian Grandma. haha.

With my midwife, Martha, who delivered her.

She is a good sleeper, like her Daddy.

That's all for now. Much love.

Blurbs from Nicole

2009-07-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

- Anna-Joy and I enjoyed a walk in the park today with our new friend Susie who is pregnant with a baby boy.

- Home-made whip cream with almond extract is very tasty.

- I have 5 work-out DVDs from the library and hope to use one today.

- I got a free watermelon at Ingles with my purchase of over $50.

- Tonight's dinner: New Orleans flavored sausage (whatever that means), fresh beets, cabbage, and rice.

- I have on socks from South Korea.

- Anna-Joy doesn't like to sleep as much as she used to and it makes it harder to get things done. And she just squealed.

- My house only stays clean for about an hour ... and then there are magically more dishes in the sink, stuff strewn about the living room, and the bed is all un-made again.

- I've been watching court TV lately in the afternoons while I nurse Anna-Joy and it is always ridiculous.

- I recently decided that I want to be a doula and a personal chef at some point.

- Fixing one of the many issues with our car has made our budget extremely tight this month. But...

- I am starting back to work next Wednesday (for real this time). Just once a week.

- There is a wonderful cool breeze in the mountains today.

- I made a new friend at the park who told me all about how dogs sweat and insisted on getting water for Eastwood.

- I had coffee with Ally Croley Tuesday at the West End Bakery and it was fabulous. Well, seeing her was fabulous, my nutty-ginger muffin was not fabulous. I was thinking "ginger bread" but they actually put chunks of ginger in the muffin, I thought I was biting into a piece of apple - nope! yuck. But West Asheville is lovely in the summer time and any-time.

- John made me giggle last night. I don't remember over what, but it was nice to be silly with him.

- I have about a gazillion pictures on my computer that I desperately want to get printed.

- Outings to waterfalls are not as easy as they were without a baby. Duh. That shouldn't have surprised me.

- I find it hard to eat veggies lately. I don't want to buy them and then let them spoil but I hate going to the grocery store everyday. Any ideas? Any healthy, easy meal ideas?

Updated Pictures to come soon!

Scooby-Dooby doo you expect the unexpected?

2009-06-24T20:00:00.001-07:00

Although we live in a cute cabin in the mountains of Western North Carolina, our next-door neighbors aren’t your typical conservative southern family. Visits from the department of social services and police are fairly common due to the combination of drugs, alcohol and violent rages. The husband (I’ll call him Jack), and wife (lets call her Jane) have two great little girls and a cool dog named Charlie.

The only bad thing about the location of our home is a major highway that runs right outside our front driveway. This highway has a ton of traffic and is a very dangerous place for kids or pets to be near, so I’ve always been strict about our dog Eastwood never crossing the fence on our lawn. Jack on the other hand has never been very concerned about this danger and allows Charlie to wonder close to the road without understanding the reality of this situation. I’ve attempted to bring this to his attention on many occasions, yet with no avail.

Here is where the story starts. Yesterday Charlie was hit by a car and died shortly after it happened. I was in the pottery studio when it happened but my wife Nicole heard car tires squeal just before a loud thumping sound ended Charlie’s life. It took about 5 minutes before Jack and Jane realized what happened, but by that time it was too late.

I would like to say my first response to this devastating scenario was one of grief and a desire to “mourn with those who mourn”, but it wasn’t. Thoughts of judgment and condemnation immediately flooded my mind as I recounted the numerous warnings I gave Jack. Even after Nicole told me about the tears that flowed becuase of the loss of his beloved pet, my mind was consumed with thoughts of “Jack, I told you this would happen.”

As I was standing outside of my house today Jack walked over and greeted me. He asked me if I had heard about the death of Charlie and I told him I had. He continued to tell me how he had tried to make it to an emergency vet but that he died before they’d arrived. I told him I was sorry (in a shallow, superficial way) for his loss and then touched his shoulder, careful not to touch his sweaty shirt. Then I began to walk him down the driveway when I noticed a green piece of paper on the ground. This was not a normal piece of paper but more like a laminated card of sorts. When I picked it up and flipped it over, (thinking it was just some trash which needed to be thrown away) I was quickly surprised to see what was on it.

Right in the middle of the green card someone had cut out a square comic strip of Scooby-Doo. In it Shaggy and Scooby are having a conversation which says the following:

SHAGGY- “WELL, PAL… ‘SNIFFLE’… LIKE, IT’S BEEN SWELL KNOWING YOU.”

SCOBBY- “REAH… ‘SNIFFLE’… RIT’S REEN RUH ROOD RIFE!”

As my eyes scanned the words on the comic I immediately got goose bumps and knew the Lord had big plans for this random scrap of trash. At first I was not sure what to say except for “I think this is for you,” but quickly after he walked back to his house I heard the Lord’s voice leading me after him. By the time I made it back to his house he had already showed the card to two other guys who where helping him build a shed.

When I opened my mouth to speak I knew what the Father wanted me to say, however I had to push past an initial fear of exposing the hypocrisy and self-righteousness in my own heart. To be honest, I don't remember the exact words I said to the guys, but I do know it was powerful because when I was finished all three of these “big macho construction workers” were in tears. The basic gist of what I said is this:

Jack was absolutely responsible for the death of this helpless puppy and deserved nothing but judgment and condemnation, yet God has chosen to bring comfort to his sorrow and give him unconditional love instead of punishment. I shared with him that, operating out of my flesh in the natural, I desired to hold him responsible for his action and see him experience justice and the due consequence. But God has granted him mercy, forgiveness, grace, rest and peace instead.

It was then, and only then, when I was able to feel his pain and mourn with him that I wrapped my arms around his drenched body and hugged him firmly while telling him how much his Heavenly Daddy loves him.

So, about 10 minutes ago, I just got back from another visit with Jack, and this time he did most of the talking. He shared with me how exhausted he is at “trying to get it right” and how much of a failure his life has become. A life time of drug abuse, theft, adultery, violence, alcoholism, bankruptcy and a number of other addictions have left him with a life in hopeless shambles. During this conversation I was able to share the incredible good news of Gods Gospel which brings hope to the hopeless and freedom to the captives.

I explained to him how his eternal destiny was no different than his peers who where more successful at their job and family life. Our status of success in God's eyes has notthing to do with our ability to get it right. I told him: “Jack, God’s heart for your life has very little to do with you stopping certain behaviors or doing a bunch of tasks for him. His main desire for you is that you would experience and embrace his unconditionally love. This is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. If you understood and embraced his love and grace then your behavior would change naturally as a result of the Holy spirit working in you. However, no amount of behavior modification will lead to his rest, peace or love.”

God did a super-natural act to show Jack that he loved him. We don’t use that term lightly – the circumstances for Jack to receive that card were super – normal – above and beyond what should have happened. First of all, I (Nicole) noticed that scrap of paper a couple days ago and thought about picking it up but decided I didn’t have enough energy (aka I was being lazy). Second of all, the card was laminated to withstand the substantial rain we’ve been having lately. Third, it somehow managed to stay in our common driveway for days with cars whizzing by at 50 mph. Lastly, the actual message on the card is totally incredible! Jack experienced the love of the Father and it seems now that he has and is responding to his love, his Gospel.

We often hear preachers share stories of miraculous events, and they often involve famous people, as our friend Clayton King likes to share stories of meeting the lead singer for the Red Hot Chili peppers, Hulk Hogan, and Billy Graham. We, however, really enjoy seeing God miraculously love the least of these, the sorrow filled mountain man who just lost his Charlie.

Wow.

Jack posted this on the tree above Charlie's grave.

2009-06-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

One Year

2009-06-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last night we took the VW out to celebrate our one year anniversary. What a wonderful year it's been!

Loving the tub!

2009-06-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Anna-Joy's total lack of self-control (and self-awareness)

2009-06-06T05:23:00.001-07:00

This morning I was feeding Anna-Joy and as she's laying there happily eating, looking around, kicking her feet ... would you believe she farted on me?!? Seriously - who does that? Doesn't she know how inappropriate that is? And she wasn't even embarrassed - not in the least!

She made me think of how painfully self-aware we become as we grow up. We're not just self-aware, but we're self-conscious - constantly looking around to see who noticed that we just tripped over our own feet. Anna-Joy is so free right now, and I pray somehow we can raise her to continue in this freedom. We become enslaved to the opinions of others so easily, so "naturally." But it is the farthest thing from natural. God has made us to be free from the worry of impressing others. This is what is truly natural.

Announcements

2009-05-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Photos

2009-05-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Birth Story!

2009-05-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

I sit here with a little 7 lb human being on my shoulder. I feel like I left planet earth and have landed on new ground. I was addicted to reading birth stories while I was pregnant, and I am excited to share mine. This has been a hard year for me spiritually, and I wish I could say that having a baby instantly gave me perspective and answers to all the questions I've been asking of God. It hasn't. But I knew the moment a warm squishy human being shot out of me, that I could never be the same, or see the world in the same light. Having a baby is completely life changing in every way; which is often said, but now I really know.

I have a tendency to prefer old-school, natural, down to earth methods to some of the ways technology and inventions have changed things: from cleaning products to the way my food is grown. When I got pregnant in August, I knew that I would want a natural birth, and so I ate up every resource I could get my hands on. I felt well prepared for the birth of Anna Joy and didn't experience much anxiety about the labor. I was under the care of an awesome group of midwives and had a healthy pregnancy. Still, I didn't really enjoy being pregnant like I thought I would, and it brought on a lot of worry that I didn't expect. I had a very pessimistic attitude in my heart that all my friends would have wonderful births and beautiful babies and that mine would end up terrible and that the baby would have some kind of problem or abnormality. I battled in my mind to know that God loves me and that no matter what the outcome of this pregnancy, he is good and knew what I needed. But in my heart I doubted if he really cared about the desires of my heart, and wondered what secret punishment or hard lesson he had in store for me. When will I learn that he is full of mercy? When will I learn how he DELIGHTS to give me good gifts? I don't know.

I was sure all along that Anna Joy would come about 3 weeks early. John's brother is getting married on May 30th and I figured I needed a good month to get used to being a mom before that big event rolled around. Anna Joy would understand and oblige to coming out of her cozy coccoon just a little earlier than expected. I mean, that's not so much to ask, right? I ignored my midwives who told me that first time babies often come a little later. Well, that might be true for other mommies, but not for me.

So I was a little annoyed when my due date came and I didn't even have any signs that labor would be starting soon. At 38 weeks I decided to stop going to work. My days were spent trying to clean to get ready for the baby and stock up on food. Just after I got everything perfect and ready the food would run out and my house would be dirty again. I watched lots of movies, and slept with not guilt. I was determined to be well rested for labor. My frustration turned into thankfulness. I was enjoying my last few days before mommyhood.

Being a first time pregnant lady, I was so anxious to know how my labor would start. Would my water break in the middle of the grocery store? Would I wake up in the middle of the night with contractions? How would it start, and how would I know that it was real?

From here on out I might share some things that seem TMI, so don't continue reading if you will be grossed out.

On Tuesday, May 12th (four days after her May 8th due date) I woke up and went to the bathroom and was excited to have bloody show. Yay! Things are starting to happen! I told John we would have a baby in the next 24 to 48 hours. He told me not to get too excited. He is a smart man. We went about our day as normal, and to my dismay, not much happened. Not contractions. No water breaking. Nada. The next day, Wednesday, I had an appointment with my midwives at 2 PM. I had a couple of contractions that morning, but nothing strong or consistent. My midwife checked me and I was dilated 2 cm. She said she hoped to see me the next morning with a baby in my arms. I left the appointment really excited and called my Mom. My parents live two hours away so they decided to leave work early and come "up the mountain."

Around 4:30 in the afternoon I sat down to watch Deal or No Deal and decided to time my contractions. They still weren't painful, but they were coming consistently 3 minutes apart and lasting about 40 seconds. They say you should check in with your midwives when your contractions are less than 5 minutes apart for over an hour. I knew I wasn't in serious labor yet because I wasn't in serious pain. My parents, however, were really pushing me to go the hospital. I tested positive for Group B Strep. It is a common bacteria that women can have in the birth canal. The baby can catch it on it's way out if the mother is not given antibiotics during labor. The mother needs to receive at least two doses of antibiotics four hours apart via IV during labor in order to eliminate most risk of the baby contracting the strep. Anyways. long technical explanation, but that's why my parents were pushing me to go the hospital.

So after we had dinner out, we went to the hospital around 8:30 or 9. I was checked and was still at 2 cm. No change from earlier in the afternoon. They said we could stay and walk the halls and see if anything changed, but I preferred to go home and try to rest. We got home around 10 and caught the last bit of the Lost Season finale. My contractions were still regular and progressing in the intensity level, but they were still very tolerable. We went to bed around 11. I tried to sleep but I couldn't. The contractions were too distracting and getting stronger. I took a shower and got on the birth ball in the living room and watched a Shirley Temple movie. I was so unsure of when to go back to the hospital. I was afraid of going back and being told there was still no change, but I was also afraid of not going there in time.

Around 4:30 in the morning I told John I was ready to go back. They checked me and I was barely at 3 cm. I was disappointed because I thought they would send us home again, and I wanted to stay and have access to their unlimited hot water. The shower felt so good! Thankfully, they offered to give us a room. I was so relieved and after we were admitted I immediately got in the shower.

So now it's Thursday. We're walking the halls, taking showers, getting on the birth ball, getting in the hot tub, filling out paperwork, getting antibiotics. I was starting to get exhausted. I had been up all night with very little change. Thursday night, around dinner time, after a long time in the tub, I was checked and I was still only at 4 cm. I was devastated and started to lose it because I knew how much further I had to go, and how intense things were going to get and I was absolutely sleep deprived and worn out.

It was here I started talking crazy talk. I told my midwife I wanted to go home. She told me I could, but that I was still going to have contractions. I had been absolutely dead set against getting an epidural, knowing that they too often lead to c-sections. But 4 cm is not much in the labor progress, and I had been at this for over 24 hours. Thankfully, my husband knew that even if I was talking about an epidural, it was not what I wanted nor what I needed.

I received the biggest blessing of the whole labor process around 11 pm Thursday night: nubaine. I was so afraid to take it. Fear was taking over all my thinking at this point. I was afraid I would have a weird reaction to it and vomit. Exhausted and in labor, I did not want to add throw up to the mix. But John knew I needed to sleep a little bit to be refreshed. He helped me know it would be ok and so they put it in my IV. It's not a pain killer, but helped me rest. I would still wake up and moan during my contractions, but in between I was dead to the world. The nubaine lasted a couple hours and when I "woke up" I felt like I had slept a whole night. I was totally refreshed. I got back in the tub and labored there until about 2 in the morning. I was checked again and was at 6 cm.

After this things seemed to move really fast. I forgot to mention that this whole time I had TERRIBLE back labor. Anna Joy was not turned right and didn't turn right until the very last second. Her hard little scull was pressing like hell against my tailbone. Anyways, I somehow made it down the hall back to my room after the check that found me at 6 cm. I laid on my side in the bed for a while. The contractions were soooo intense at this point. It's not a sharp pain like I thought it would be, but like someone was reaching inside me and squeezing me to death.

Finally I really started feeling like I needed to push. My midwife had gone home for the evening and was called back in. I was checked again and was at 8 cm.

I got on the birth stool and labored there. I finally started to get the urge to push. I told my midwife and she told me just to do whatever my body told me. It felt SO good to push. It was my favorite part of labor. It is a crazy urge like needing to throw up, you can't really control it too much. After the birthing stool I got on all fours on the bed. The baby's heart-rate started to drop during pushing. They were pretty sure the cord was around her neck and so they quickly made me get on my left side and breath through a couple pushing urges (which was SO hard). They called in an extra doctor because they thought they might need to use the vaccum to get her out quickly.

I told my midwife I couldn't breath through anymore and I HAD to push. I moved onto my back and it seemed like within 10 pushes she was born. I am not sure on the number, but it seemed really fast to me. I screamed bloody murder, not because of the pain, but because it was the weirdest sensation to have a live squishy warm human being come flying out of me. They immediately put her on my chest and there is a video you can watch of me saying "No way, no way, no way! you made me so tired!"

I started to hemorrhage after she was born. I felt the blood gushing out and new it was no good, but my midwife was so awesome and took care of business getting me pitocin right away. I tore a little and was stitched up, but nothing bad. I just felt such relief to be done. It felt great that it was over.

I have to say I couldn't have done any of this without my husband. We are truly one, and he was in labor with me, helping me keep perspective, guarding me, being my shield. He was SO SO amazing and between him and my awesome midwife, and the grace of God, I did not get an epidural or hence the c-section that probably would have ensued due to my need to move around when her heart-rate was dropping, and the need to push her out fast.

God was so gracious to us. I am falling asleep writing this long long story and I need to go feed my baby, but I hope that blessed you in some way. We are immensely blessed. I am constantly forgetting and re-learning just how much God loves and listens to me.

Good night.

Anna-Joy's Arrival

2009-05-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

28 Days

2009-04-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

We love watching the show "30 Days." Last night we watched an episode where the host spent 30 days living in the Navajo nation. It was really interesting. The people there have such an amazing story. Follow this link to watch the episode: http://www.hulu.com/watch/26682/30-days-life-on-an-indian-reservation

In other news, we only have 28 days left until our due date. At first I was thinking Anna Joy would arrive early, I don't know why, I had a strong feeling she would. But as it gets closer I don't feel that way. And that's OK, she is measuring a little small for the amount of weeks that I am, so I'm content to have her remain in utero, packing on the baby fat.

I have felt really nostalgic lately. I think it's because I'm realizing how much in my life is about to change - but I've also paused to reflect on how much my life has changed in the past two years! I have been looking over photos of when John and I first met, my bridal shower, the wedding, and Hawaii. I feel like such a different person than the girl in those photos. I can see the areas I have grown up, and my physical appearance is much different. People say I look like a mom now. I think that's partially because of the short hair which WILL NOT be around for long. I am definitely growing it back out, I have just had to keep cutting out the dread hair this year, thus I have had a year of a short "do." I really miss my long hair, and I'm starting to get a little nervous about losing this 50 odd pounds I gained with the baby. I know it seems trivial, that it is trivial, but remember me in my attempts to return to a "normal" body. Overall though, the transformation I've gone through this year has been a really beautiful one, and I know the transformation into "mommy" will be the same.

I'm not too terribly nervous about delivery. I love my midwives, and I know John and my Mom will be a great support during labor. I have been walking every day after I drop John off at work. The weather is finally nice enough to enjoy the local park. Although, my allergies have been killing me. I feel like a zombie!

I want to try to update this blog more often. I have a friend, Tara Burch, that is a pro at blogging. I know it will be especially useful once the baby arrives to post pictures and what not.

Thanks for reading my rambling for today.

Our VERY First Date:

Before Engagement:

Bridal Shower with my cousin Jaymie:

Wedding:

Mommy:

It's getting close!

2009-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

A lot has been happening here in Mahshie land. Anna Joy Mahshie is due May 8th, and that date is seeming very close these days! Thankfully, we have begun on her room and my parents blessed us with a crib and bookshelf for her room. This Valentines weekend we enjoyed a weekend with my parents. My Mom and John painted the baby's room green and pink. Carolyn, John's Mom, is going to make curtains for the room. It is very bright and girly and I love it. My Dad assembled the bookshelf. I cooked lunch and worked on baby shower invitations. My Mom and I also went to a baby consignment sale and I was able to purchase all the cloth diapers I should need! Last Spring, I nannied for a little girl that used cloth diapers and I decided that's the route I wanted to go when the time came. Little did I know that time would come so quickly! The newer style of cloth diapers are much more user friendly than the ones of old that used pins. The ones I got are contour fitted and they close with snaps. They come with water proof covers. I got 66 diapers and about 12 covers. I love the idea of not filling up a landfill with diapers, plus if we have one or two more children in the future, we are saving lots of money with cloth.

Awesome Quote

2008-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

To be truly challenging, a voyage, like life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen, who play with their boats at sea - “cruising” it is called. Voyaging belongs to sailors, and to wanderers of the world who can not fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.
“I’ve always wanted to sail the South Seas, but I can’t afford it.” What these men can’t afford is NOT to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of “security.” And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it our lives are gone.
What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat, shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yield a sense of accomplishment. That’s all - in the material sense. And we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposterous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade.
The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it the tomb is sealed.
Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?
- Sterling Hayden

This choice is always before us. The Lord beckons us to great adventure. Everyone's adventure looks different, but no adventure comes with security. There is always risk. However, in the beautiful Kingdom of the Father, we have the promise of his never-ending love. We are free to step into all that he has for us; all that he dreams for us.

We long to be free! This is probably the greatest longing of our hearts.

THERE IS MORE.

Mahshie Update

2008-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since June 7th! We wanted to write and update you on all that has transpired since our wonderful wedding. We are on an amazing journey that is teaching us every day about the Father’s love.
Our first adventure as a married duo was flying to the middle of the Pacific for our honeymoon in Hawaii. John had been blessed to go there twice before, but it was Nicole’s first “international” flight and trip to the Island. We learned a lot about how to interact with one another as we were blessed to stay there for three long weeks! We rode tour buses with senior citizens, got lost on the city bus, wandered around tourism ridden Waikiki, kayaked in the ocean, camped in Kauai, feasted on wild mangoes, and enjoyed lots of pancakes with delicious coconut syrup! We came back refreshed and rested. Nicole was glad to back in the mountains she loves so much, John, however, wouldn’t have minded being stranded on the Island.
It is a good thing we got lots of rest in Hawaii, because it has been a whirlwind ever since we arrived home. Nicole was quite excited to start our home together, however, the Lord had different plans in mind for us than catering to our comfort. We discovered water damage to the floor in our 1920’s cabin. John and his brother Roy had to completely gut the kitchen and the bathroom, jack up the house, get rid of the mold, put down a vapor barrier, lay down a sub floor, and that was just the beginning! We have had a wonderful friend, Keith Greene, lay hardwood floors in the kitchen and tile in the bathroom. Our good friend Nate Spencer helped John paint the cabinets, and a neighbor offered his skills in sheet-rocking the bathroom. We have had to depend on the Lord every step of the way in this big project from where the money would come from to who would help us. He has provided. Not always on our time schedule, but that has been his wonderful way of teaching us patience (especially me, Nicole).
Our second big surprise came at the end of August when Nicole took a pregnancy test and it turned up positive! We are more than half-way through the first trimester and anxiously anticipating the lessening of nausea and crazy hormones as the second trimester approaches. We are so excited to be parents and can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl.
When John isn’t working hard at the cabin, he has been building websites and putting together the 7th volume of Sermon Jams. This is an important volume for him as the “success” of it may depend on whether or not Sermon Jams will continue. He has thoroughly enjoyed the ministry the Lord gave him, and desires his will for it. The time and energy it takes to run the site, create the mixes, and respond to important e-mails however will be impossible to keep up without some kind of support. We are in the process of making a final attempt to really launch the site and to get some steady support, otherwise we move on to what the Lord has next. We trust in his wisdom.
Nicole has been spending lots of time pouring over pregnancy websites, sleeping, fighting off nausea, working for the photographer Tim Barnwell in Asheville, and doing some free-lancing projects. She also had a brief love hate relationship with her hair (which she dreaded) before finally deciding to comb out the locks. To all the worried Grandmas out there, “normal” hair should return quickly with all the prenatal vitamins!
Our dog, Eastwood, has been working on his baby bark (it’s getting manlier by the day!), chasing lots of birds, and is patiently waiting for the fall and the death of the flees which have bothered him quite a bit this summer.

Expect the Unexpected

2008-09-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

As you can tell by our picture, we are expecting a baby in the Spring! We are excited and thankful and a little nervous. The estimated due date is May 9th 2009. John has been hard at work at the cabin and we hope to be back in there in a couple of weeks. The Lord has provided so abundantly for us! A good friend, Keith, came and installed hardwood floors in the kitchen. John's Mom gave us the wood (extra from when her house was built) and our good friend Nate Spencer helped John paint the kitchen cabinets a pretty shade of yellow. The plumber is coming on Thursday, and we are astonished that we get to move back into such a beautiful home. Thanks for your prayers and support. John hopes to start working on Volume 7 of Sermon Jams any day now, and is pumped to produce tracks with some different and awesome speakers. Nicole's first visit to the midwife is next Tuesday and she has been doing lots of Yoga to prepare for baby Mahshie. Eastwood has been going for walks with Mommy, and catching some zzz's with Dad (who is currently sleeping on the floor because the mattress at his mom's hurts his back). Lots of exciting changes around here. Pray for Baby Mahshie to grow strong over the next couple of weeks especially (the first trimester is one of the most important in pregnancy). We'll try to update regularly. Much love to all!

Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole

To Seek Not Our Own

2008-08-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of some of the fun we have had since we've been home. We love His waterfalls!

Things in Mahshie land have been especially crazy lately!

After our wonderful summer of traveling, we returned to our lovely base in Hendersonville. We love being here. The town is great, the people are great, and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful.

Here's what we expected to happen in this next season of life:
- Move into our cute and cozy 1920s cabin with our dog, Eastwood, and enjoy beginning a home together
- Nicole would work in Asheville with a photographer, and pursue freelance photography
- John would focus his efforts on Sermon Jams - making the site more dynamic and community oriented, he would work at our church in Asheville part time, and pursue ceramics with mentor Michael Sherrill
- Nicole would help with administrative things of sermon jams, such as e-mails, updates, and thank you notes

Here's What Actually Happened:
- We discovered water rot in the kitchen and had to completely gut the kitchen and the bathroom, making it impossible for us to stay at the cabin. We moved into John's Mom's down the road and have transported only the necessities to her guest room.
- Nicole's car broke down and we had to spend an unexpected $300 to fix it
- We've had to put our goals with Sermon Jams on hold to focus time, effort, and energy to restoring our cabin on a limited budget...and so John's been building websites and I have been freelancing.

It has been a struggle (especially for me, Nicole) to be at peace with such a change of plans. We are thankful to have a comfortable and close-by place to stay, but it is not without its challenges. We know that the Father loves us and that He knows what's up, and so we try to wait patiently for his provision.

Keep us in prayer, we know perseverance is born of such events, and from perseverance hope!

Gardo, Gardlo, uh, Ghiradelli?

2008-06-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from a wonderful honeymoon. We flew far, far away into the middle of the Pacific and landed in Hawaii. We kayaked in the sea, feasted on free wild mangoes, saw some of the highest sea cliffs in the world, snorkeled, hiked, rested, rode the bus (more than we intended to), made friends with our neighbors, camped on the beach, and met Gardo.

It seems that we continue to experience meetings such as our encounter with Gardo. We see these encounters as miraculous blessings. Others see them as normal, chance, or coincidence. But as we live in the Kingdom of Jesus, we are able to realize the beauty and complexity of the things unfolding before us.

After a day at the beach in one of the ritziest areas of Oahu, we were ending the day as we usually did: trying to figure where to catch the right bus home. I questioned whether we were heading in the right direction, and so John decided to ask a guy who had just turned the corner in front of us where the bus stop was. A dread-head, ty-dye, beer carrying 30 something turned to answer us. As we walked John struck up a conversation with him and found out that he was heading to a house party. "You guys want to come?"

But, of course!

We learned that our new friend's name was Gardo and he was from Brazil. We soon arrived at the mansion where the party was happening. I knew the people were fancy before we even entered the house, because the guys that greeted us at the door kissed me on the cheek. Only rich, fancy, or foreign people kiss as a greeting. The house was cleared out of furniture and the grand piano covered, leaving plenty of space to dance to the blaring techo music.

Gardo is 36 and moved to Hawaii to surf. He is a DJ, and had a very sweet spirit and generous heart, only a little misdirected - he offered us acid, pot, and beer. Gardo danced in place to the um-ch-um-ch-um-ch beat the whole time we talked - yet, we were able to have a really good conversation. I say we, but really John talked the whole time, and I just observed and enjoyed the experience.

John was able to ask Gardo what he thought about God, and after talking about the crazy state the world is in, had a brief discussion on where or whether there is hope.

The coolest part of the story, however, began in East Asheville under a torch.

Our friend, James Yaun, is a renown glass artist (www.jamesyaun.com). John buys his glass jewlery periodically and it has proved to be a great way to bless others.

John recently bought a bracelet with a really trippy design. The environment of ecstasy, acid, and DJing would easily appreciate James' art. John showed the bracelet to Gardo and slipped it on his wrist as a gift. The crazy part is that this particular bracelet was hard for even John to fit, and Gardo was much bigger than John. Yet, it was a perfect fit and John was able to put it on, and as he did he pulled Gardo in to whisper "Jesus loves you." They broke apart to leave and John said "Did you hear me?" Gardo responded, "Yes, Jesus loves me. He loves you too!"

We realized later that as Gardo goes to parties, he might wear that bracelet. If he does, others will no doubt notice the intricate design and inquire or comment about it. Everytime that happens Gardo will be reminded of the truth that Jesus Christ loves him.

We were blessed by this experience and glad for the reminder that it is much better to give than to receive.

This is our favorite story, among many, that the Father blessed us with while in Hawaii. We would love to share more stories with you over coffee at our little cabin in the woods. If you need a mountain retreat, our house (that we moved into - together!) is always open.

We are currently in FLA visiting family, but will soon be updating about our future hopes and plans for life and ministry, so stay tuned.

Grace & Peace,
John & Nicole

Sermon Jams & Relevant Revolution