Abundant Mercy

Dearest friends and family~

Why, hello! Happy New Year to each and everyone. As is typical, I desired to stamp beautiful cards and even took a picture or two to send your way but alas, the stamp's in my craft drawer and the cards have yet to be purchased. However, I am not sad about how we spent our time because much of it involved being with you! And you, dear ones, are well worth it.

We started our holiday celebrations early with a trip to Kansas City to see Tim & Amelia Gardner Benefiel wed. It was a beautiful wedding! Ron, did a wonderful job administrating and Janet, was true to form, stunning, beautiful & profound. It was so wonderful to be together. We loved getting to see our Kansas City friends. Nicole Morrow always opens her beautiful home for us to stay with her & we were able to reconnect with our Taco Tuesday crew for a Saturday morning brunch! (*Soon after Liz & Adam gave birth to their new little one Lena! Can't wait to meet her!). And of course, it did not pass us by we were watching a wedding ceremony in the same chapel where on one fateful October 16 our paths were forever intertwined....what a good day...

Soon after, Dave's folks were kind enough to take a trip north for an early Christmas celebration. They had their maiden stay at an adorable little bed & breakfast in Takoma Park and frequented yummy coffee/cheesecake shop next door. We still have more of their recommendations to try sometime in the near future! We sent our love and Christmas greetings back to the Spaite clan in AZ. Thankfully, Dave was able to be with the Spaite family in September for Dana's birthday, flying in as a birthday surprise! What a gift. While he was there, he also was to spend time with our delightful sister Becca, hug Grandma and Grandpa Spaite & attend our friend Joni's wedding. It was a wonderful trip.

Oh yes, and this part if out of order, but I was able to stand with Libby & Jeremy in their much anticipated September wedding in Wyoming. I loved being there, being a part of the celebration! The outdoor mountain top wedding was breath-taking and Rev. Tom's faithful pastor message was truly the kind of sermon which caused me to recommit to my wedding vow's. I wouldn't trade being there for the world. Thankfully, Wendie & Michael made the trek as well and provided all fun & support this "brides-matron"could ask for.

Dave and I both learned of our continued employment opportunities sometime throughout the month of December. Dave has the opportunity to manage at the local Roti Mediterranean Restaurant and I am now gainfully employed at Manna, Inc. as partner in the advocacy and organizing office. It's such a blessing to both of jobs and communities to be a part of! As I continue to learn, God's provision in our lives, for the things we need and those things which we've never thought of....continues to amaze me.

After some uncertainty of whether Dave would get off work, we were able travel to Michigan for a couple of days! Felix, Audrey & Peter's new fluffy puppy stole the show. He's full of energy, delight & hours of fun. It was wonderful to get to meet the pup that A & P so adore. Mom really went full out for Christmas this year and decorated a tree to remember, I think the fire department was standing by on speed dial since there were 4,000 lights adorning it. Yep, you read it right... 4,000! (*Hope Dad makes it through the taking it outta the house part....we'll see, stay posted). My Grandma & Grandpa Richardson were able to eat some McDonald's with us when we stopped on our trek homeward. After we left to head home, we didn't get very far since the snow decided to pummel us! A night's stay along highway 80 proved much safer than muddling through. When we returned to DC, we were able to spend New Year's day cheering on Michigan with Taft & Courtney, the best family in town :)

Oh yes, one more thing. Our church in Washington, DC: Mosaic. We are thankful to both be serving with Pastor Rob Kazee & Pastor Andy Miller to join in God's work here in the city. We have much to learn but thankfully Pastor Rob is giving us opportunities do this. This fall, we took part in hosting a small group which we call "Face-to-Face" that sometimes met in our basement or at other friends houses across the city. It was such a blessing to have a group of people to intentionally gather and pray with & for throughout the week.

Gratitude fills my heart as I think of each one of you. Thank you for all of the ways you love us. Thank you for thinking of us and praying for us and cheering us on. 2013 is bound to be another full year of adventure, it is my hope that we'll give thanks often, courageously try new things and continue to celebrate the abundance of this life we're given.

May God's grace and abundant mercy fill your hearts & lives this Christmas season. We love you!

Dave & Diane :)

From KC to DC (*we kept the "C" part the same)

Goodbye, 3433 Charlotte!

Liz & Adam :)

Training for our half-marathon!

Getting ready to run in Ann Arbor

Chillin' at Mom & Dad's at the lake!

Rarr!!!!!

Hello 7508 12th St. in DC!

I get to live with the bearded man :)

The entrance to our apartment is so pretty :)

Taft took us to an Orioles v. Tigers game!

What a cool stadium!

Cheering for the Tigers

Taft & Courtney!!!

Now that you've seen the pictures.... let me tell you what's going on with us in D.C.! As most of you know, we decided to move across the country & try our hand at the East Coast. So far, it's been a stellar decision. We signed up to serve Life Stream Church of the Nazarene throughout the summer working with their children's & youth programs. We've met lots of good people & we really enjoy the young people. Waldorf, MD--where the church is---is about 1.5 hours from the heart of D.C. It's full of trees, deer & good people.

As we were continuing to decide what we would do next, we spent time in D.C. with some good folks. Taft & Courtney have provided some wonderful sanity for us in our transition. We got to go down to the National Mall for fireworks on the 4th & then to the Tigers v. Orioles game in Baltimore. What a cool city!

After figuring out where we wanted to live, we found an apartment in the Takoma Park neighborhood in D.C. It is on the other of side of Rock Creek Parkway from where Taft & Courtney live and on the Red Line of the Metro. Dave also was able to get a job at a yummy restaurant called Roti: Mediterranean Grill. He was offered a leadership role on the spot & will work in Union Station off the Red Line for the next several months. Whoo!!!! Hoo!!!

We will move from Waldorf, MD where we have been living in some kind folks house from the church to D.C. on August 11th. Thankfully, my family will be around to help transport us. (*After moving stuff across the country moving it again isn't quite as attractive). After we move, both Dave and I will continue to seek the opportunities job-wise which will best connect with our desires & passions. I'm in conversation with some non-profits about different possibilities and also have talked with Wesley Theological Seminary about an administrative role which may open up there.

For the last two weeks, we have been sermon writing machines! Dave preached two weekends ago and I had the opportunity to preach this last Sunday. We both preached twice in one day! It has been really encouraging to have the opportunity to serve Life Stream with the gifts we have been given. Even though our assignment with them will only last through the end of August, we are thankful for the opportunities we have had to serve.

On the list of the top three most fun things we have done during this transition are:

1.) We drove to Michigan to run the Ann Arbor Half-Marathon with one Mr. Ed Richardson. Dave ran incredibly well for his first race! I was so proud of him!
2.) Site see & visit friends in D.C. We went on a bike tour of the monuments at night...it was so beautiful!
3.)Find ways to enjoy our abnormal time of unknown together through watching fun movies, running together & supporting each other through each day. Life together is a blessing :)

We miss our friends in Kansas City dearly, of course....so we hope to visit often. We are VERY ready to be in our own apartment, mostly so I can decorate & not worry if we are going to mess anything up...but we wouldn't have made it through the summer without the hospitality of Life Stream church. We are grateful.

Your love, prayers & support mean the world to us. We are practicing in real time, waiting for the Lord and learning to find our direction, worth and help in the God who sees us. Praying for you all often!

With crazy hope,
Di & David J.

And we are thankful...

Dear family & friends~

This no-snow January in Kansas City (knock on wood), comes with many things to be thankful for. I have been busy at work at Saint Paul School of Theology as I was officially offered a full-time job partnering my current Academic Life responsibilities with Admissions/Development work with the school. Dave has continued at the Nazarene Publishing House being acknowledged for his hard work and providing pastoral care for pastors who sometimes just need a listening ear over the phone--he is amazing at loving people (maybe I'm biased ;)

For this we are thankful and a few other things---I don't have much time to write---but I thought I would update you with the gratitude Dave and I have for many things:

1.) For the provision of food and shelter here in Kansas City-we are thankful
2.) For our Taco Tuesday community-we are thankful
3.) For Martin Luther King, Jr. and his work towards justice-we are thankful
4.) For spending time with friends & family over Christmas-we are thankful
5.) For the gift of seeing Ron and Janet in December-we are thankful
6.) For the opportunity to care for Nelson(our lab dog who only stayed with us a week and a half) even if it was just a little while-we are thankful
7.) For the classic book Jane Eyre-we are thankful
8.) For random road trips to Weston to grab a burger-we are thankful
9.) For an opportunity for Dave to preach at a youth retreat in January-we are thankful
10.) For life together and the Hope that sometimes lies uncovered but always shines through just when we need it most-we are thankful

Below is a picture of Dave's family which we got to spend time with in Arizona this Decemeber. What a crew! :)

With much love & peace,
D & D

Candy,Cars and Carvings

Getting dressed up for Halloween has always been one of my favorite things to do. Who wouldn’t be willing to look a little silly if most folks would give you some candy in return? It’s a young person’s lucky day, right?  Yesterday, when I got home Dave and I decided really quickly that we were going to get dressed up to hand out candy at our friend Nicole’s house. Quickly we transformed into Michael Vaughn and Sydney Bristow from the show Alias. (It’s a must see if somehow you missed out the first time around in 2000 when the show was more popular). We had a grand time dreaming up our costumes and something lightened in our spirit’s after a pretty typical Monday… it was a good way to welcome November.

David J. never ceases to amaze me…for the last couple of Saturdays he and a friend from work have been working to replace the starter in his truck. It seems like a lot of fun although I have not yet ventured underneath the truck cavity to find out, maybe next weekend I’ll don my work clothes and head on down under “Baby Girl” (as Dave fondly calls his S-10). We are both excited to continue to learn ways to do things ourselves and save money. Also, it’s awesome to learn new skills which are helpful for us and others. It has been apparent in watching Dave’s friend work that he sees this as something he can do for/with others which is a good gift to them. I have admired his selflessness and service to us as he helped us change the fuel filter on “Harmony” or 1994 Saturn a couple of weeks ago as well.

And we just can’t wait for Thanksgiving! Dave and I have had the opportunity on a couple of Thanksgivings now to get together with some people who the holidays may not be that fun for since they may not have folks to be with. I am not sure who will end up getting to come and celebrate with us, but I am hopeful our sweet neighbor Irene may be able to join and maybe some young people from the neighborhood. Dave already seems to have mastered making the turkey after his first run last year and I am thinking I may try Mom’s pumpkin pie again. Of course, I won’t be able to master the crust just yet, but I figure I have some years to grow in my crust making abilities. Plus, we love to cook/host together so it’s even more delightful....

Well, we are off to celebrate Audrey and Peter’s day of “weddedness” (yes, I know that’s not really a word)what fun :)….. Wish the groceries could buy themselves and the laundry could wash itself while we are gone… wouldn’t that be nice?

Oh ya, and one more thing-my Dad keeps sending me pictures of the cutest three little kids hanging out in their pajamas or playing together…..so glad Taft and Audrey were a part of my childhood, I was and am a lucky sister. Hours and hours spent playing outside or in the leaves were hours were well spent. Maybe that’s why I still love fall.

October Update from D & D

It's the most beautiful and wonderful season here in Kansas City! What a beautiful month! I have been walking and walking around the city during different stints and opportunties to be mobile and it is pure delight.

This is a full month for us as we anticipate hosting Becca from Arizona this weekend (ya!), throwing a bridal shower for Audrey in Michigan, celebrating our one year, running a part of the Kansas City Marathon (a joint 5k to be exact) and anticipating with great joy the upcoming marriage of Audrey and Peter (the first weekend of November).

In other news: we just found out some of our new favorite neighbors on Charlotte are moving to Minnesota. We are really sad to see them go because we were enjoying getting to know them but also, they mowed our grass! Turns out we may be in the market to find a lawn mower because they also mowed our sweet neighbor Irene's lawn and she may need some help. She has already enlisted our phone numbers and help with anything they used to assist her with but we know she will be sad since they had been neighbors for nearly 20 years. Irene and Amy are two of our favorite ladies who often sit a couple porches down, read the news and exchange a beautiful friendship only years could grow.

In more than one way, God has continued to provide for our needs and remind us of God's deep awareness of the creation and the created. On Tuesday nights we have had the opportunity to get together with a couple fo friends as we go through Shaine Claiborne's "Economy of Love". I am so thankful to have community and a group of friends to share life with... and to top it off we eat some sort of taco-like food everytime we get together :)

Much love to those we love in states far away!

Love,
D & D

A reflection

I embarked on this thing and journey called marriage came with much fear in my little heart. A couple of wise people along the way shared some really important pieces of wisdom and these words-nuggets of fresh air really-have reverberated in my being.

“Life is better together. Sure, when one or the other of you is away, you feel a sort of freedom to be and do the things you want to do the ways you want to do them. But it’s still better together.”

“My husband is my best friend. I love talking to him and telling him about my day. I love just getting to sit and talk and share. It is probably my favorite thing to do with him.”

“It’s worth it.”

“My husband and I are still trying to figure out what spiritual practices we do together. We are now praying together on Saturday mornings but it has taken years to figure out how we connect in this way.”

These words along with the words of Jesus, like: “Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, and love keeps no record of wrong...” or like “Be slow to anger…” have provided a pathway to learning how to live in relationship. Along with these words, Dave and I have disciplined ourselves to play together over the last year of life. Disciplined to play, you may ask? Yes. You see, it became apparent after the love drugs wore off that we were quite different sorts of birds. Simply put, if left to our own devices, we would choose to recreate and play in very different ways. So we have created space in our life together to play together.
Some of our favorite memories include but definitely aren’t limited to: throwing a single mattress in the back of Dave’s truck and watching a movie at the drive-in, taking a random trip to out of town and stopped to stay overnight at a cheap hotel, going to see movies one or the other of us is excited to see together, cooking dinner together, going to a bed and breakfast in Indiana, watching the Lord of the Rings movies, playing basketball together with church folks and driving to watch the most beautiful Kansas sunsets. What a joy! What fun!

Early on in our marriage, we have the opportunity to go and hear a dear friend of Dave’s preach and he encouraged us to play together as a part of our spiritual discipline. What a good piece of advice. These shared play times have created shared memories and laughter for the weeks to follow. Although we have gone through challenging times as well in the first year, I’d be surprised is those would be the things I will remember solely. I’m pretty sure these fun adventures will dominate my reminiscing most often.

What's going on here?

So we (Dave & Diane) have lots of friends and family who live far away from us and would like to include them in on our life together. Calling on the phone would literally take all of our days and weeks together in order to properly update everyone we love, so we decided we would keep a blog.

We hope you check in on this and enjoy our posts of our journey and blessed life together as often as you like.

With love & hope,
Diane and Dave