Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Friday, September 9, 2011
from Hidden Treasures... to Sparkling Jewels
I can't believe it's been 25 years! What a journey. Eric and I celebrated our Silver Wedding Anniversary on September 6, 2011. Recently we woke up one morning and couldn't seem to find his wedding band. He puts it in the same place each night yet we both continue to be baffled as to what happened to it. So we decided to get him a new one. I thought about those with Hebrew writing and remembered Texas' James Avery has them AND they specialize in silver. But when I found it on their website, my eye was drawn to THE one I knew was just for him. I showed it to him and we knew this was a total "God thing." And, ironically, it had my birthstone.
James Avery Martin Luther Wedding Band
Luther's Engagement Ring and his Wedding Ring: Creative and Meaningful
Martin Luther on Marriage as a School of Character
Eric is related to Martin Luther. I have his Grandma Borah's wedding rings. She left them for him when she passed away when he was just a kid. Now both of ours reflect his heritage. In addition, he came home a few weeks ago with an anniversary gift for me from James Avery as well. He got me two Avery Remembrance Rings, one to represent each of our birthstones: a January garnet of transparent fire for me and a February amethyst of royalty for him:
You just can't plan these things. But that is how God seems to work in our lives. And oh, by the way... we'll let you know what we find in the vacuum cleaner bag. But for now we view the "disappearing ring" as something pretty special.
"Without God's touch in our lives - His work in us to will and to do His good pleasure - there is no sparkle or scant joy. But when we allow Him to work within us - when we feel His hand upon us - we are no longer hidden treasures; we become sparkling jewels that beautify His Kingdom."
- from Devotions for a Sensational Life
(I told you in a previous post I had more on sparkling jewels coming. Even MORE about sparkling jewels later...)
Friday, June 17, 2011
Three Days
After the long trek from Christmas to Easter, how will I live from May-November?
This year my catalyst lies in the time from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Little did I know the wealth that awaited me during this small block of time from Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
God would bless me with three videos... and an amazing cup of tea.
Death: There is no such thing as anti-aging...
My conclusion? God is preparing me for Heaven. I choose to age gracefully and naturally.
Burial: There is Hope...
This song has special significance for me. My father had a near-fatal stroke when I was 11. I remember praying to a God I did not know to heal him and let him live. He miraculously survived without brain damage or long-term paralysis, despite given less than a 10% chance of even surviving the brain surgery. He awoke in ICU seeing me "sitting on a window ledge waving" (I was in the doorway - not quite 12 yet so I couldn't go in) and "hearing" Elvis singing How Great Thou Art. It was a long, hard rehabilitation while he learned to walk and talk again. His doctors called him the Miracle Patient. Some things medical science just can't explain. And they were ok with that.
Resurrection: The Gift of Life...
Dear Recipient
My name is Sonia, the proud wife of Francisco Rodriguez. The reason for my letter is that I learned you are a recipient of my husband's donation and through this letter, I would like you to know a little bit about him. I'll start by mentioning that Francisco was a very loving husband, father and friend and most importantly, of a truly humble and kind heart, which to me made him extremely special. He was very dedicated to his family and his career. My husband was a professional athlete, who loved the sport with a passion … my letter is that I learned you are a recipient of my husband's donation and t
Hello Sonia,
My name is Sonia, the proud wife of Francisco Rodriguez. The reason for my letter is that I learned you are a recipient of my husband's donation and through this letter, I would like you to know a little bit about him. I'll start by mentioning that Francisco was a very loving husband, father and friend and most importantly, of a truly humble and kind heart, which to me made him extremely special. He was very dedicated to his family and his career. My husband was a professional athlete, who loved the sport with a passion … my letter is that I learned you are a recipient of my husband's donation and t
Hello Sonia,
My Cup of Tea
"His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower." ~ William Cowper
"There came a time when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin
"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." ~ Buddha
via Green Ganesh: "In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet" - or in this case, in their tea
John 11:24-26
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Welcome to 2011!
I'm Caren Hoehn. The '85 Chicago Bears were awesome! I love DA-Bears, even when they're DUH-Bears. I froze in 24 below zero Lake Michigan weather to see them lose the NFC Championship at Chicago's Soldier Field. I got a personalized, autographed football from Walter Payton for my 15th birthday (thanks dad!) I met my husband Eric at a football game. I got to fly in an open cockpit plane. There's no place like Portillo's. I started water skiing at age 5. I LOVE yoga. AND? I can tell you something about most everyone on my Facebook friends list. ZOOM ZOOM!
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (v.10,11)
“Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.” (Deuteronomy 8:6)
JESUS LIVED WORTHY OF HIS CALLING: HE DIDN'T SETTLE. SO WHY SHOULD I?
Christmas to Easter dragged, until the continuity of December-April struck me: anticipate the birth of our Savior (Christmas Eve), behold his arrival (Christmas Day), walk with him through his life; ponder his death and burial (Good Friday); celebrate his resurrection (Easter Sunday). Now I see it differently.
New Years and Valentines Day occur between Christmas and Easter; Thanksgiving precedes Christmas. Does January leave me unexcited about fresh opportunities before me? Do I miss the reminders of God’s love in February? Does November find me ungrateful? Or does the season in between Jesus' birth and resurrection change me? And how do I live from May-November? Am I tempted to settle for less than what God intended?
I can imagine the Israelites had some long, drawn out times trekking from Genesis through Joshua: Prepared, Redeemed, Taught, Tested–FAIL!, Taught, Tested–PASS! How much easier it would have been if they just passed the test the first time. Me too.
Jesus didn’t settle. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Who: Jesus, the Son of God
What: led by the Spirit
When: after fasting for 40 days
Where: into the wilderness/desert
Why: to be tempted by the devil
How: “it is written”, “it is also written”, “away from me Satan, for it is written”
Result: then the devil left him and angels came and attended him
1) Despair and Distrust (v.1-4)
Jesus KEPT GOD’s WORD, believing God would sustain him.
2) Pride and Presumption (v.5-7)
Jesus WALKED IN GOD’s WAYS, knowing “it’s not about me”.
3) Idolatry and Worldly Glory (v.8-11)
Jesus FEARED GOD THROUGH WORSHIP, convinced it’s all for God’s glory.
Jesus aced the test the Israelites failed. In Deuteronomy 8, they were challenged to remember God so they wouldn't forget him and go after, serve and worship other gods instead. Would they listen to God’s voice? Disobey because of pride? Choose the land–the center of God’s will for their lives–for their own good? Would they obey God from the heart?
Satan wants to annihilate the competition. He wants to be the superstar. Don’t cheat off his test. Don’t settle like he did. Live worthy of your calling.
"What" STRATEGY: Live Worthy of Your Calling.
from The Real Deal by Dan Webster...
1) Face Truth
What could be the consequences of my “Fatal Flaws” (areas I'm vulnerable to temptation)?
2) Accept Pain
Do I EXPECT Jokers, Valleys AND Graces in my life?
You must pick one: kidney stone or give birth? Similar pain, yet only one has a payoff!
3) Intercept Entropy
We walk away from God one step at a time. Am I confessing or covering up my sin?
"How" TACTIC: Don't Settle.
"Downshifting" by Bill Hybels...
yesterday’s highlights (Psalm 77:11)
clearing my conscience (Proverbs 28:13)
saying “thanks” (Psalm 111:1)
Lord, I need Your help with (1 Peter 5:7)
Lord, do You have anything to say to me? (John 10:27)
Spend 5 minutes daily getting in touch with God and your heart by downshifting. Stay focused-use your margin to log today's to-dos for later.
source: www.authenticleadershipinc.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
G-Harmony.com
Get right with God. Get right with others.
We're kickin' off this fall with our theme, "G-Harmony.com". And we are praying for our singles community here in Austin as we seek to provide a family atmosphere. Welcome!
Large Groups
Austin Pulse - every Thursday night singles in their 30s and 40s gather in the cafe at HCBC-NW to connect with each other and discover what God has to say to us through his word.
Single Purpose - every Sunday morning you can expect some great food and fellowship as well as teaching. This 40-50 something group knows how to cook!
We are grateful these two gatherings are family-friendly, as childcare is available for both.
Small Groups
SiNK - every Sunday night a group of singles without kids gathers at our Sparrow's Nest for "family" dinner together and a time in God's word. We've been talking about our interactions with others in our personal and professional relationships.
Proactive Single Parenting - Sunday mornings provide an opportunity to get together and benefit from others who experience similar challenges as single parents. Childcare is also available during this time.
AXIS - this is a group of 40 somethings that meets on Sunday mornings. Childcare is available.
REALife groups - other adult and child-friendly small groups meet at various times throughout the week.
Wherever you are in life, there is a group just for you!
One-to-one
Real Dealin'. It's one of my most favorite pastimes, especially at my Watercube. We also provide one-on-one man-to-man and mam-to-mam opportunities for mentoring, discipleship and leadership development. From heart change to impact, we believe in the power of God to change lives. And there is nothing more exciting than to walk with someone through that process. Start with your heart and the sky's the limit to your impact for the kingdom! Let God work in your person and He will transform your profession.
Special Events and Activities
We look forward to all sorts of planned adult and child/family-friendly activities designed to reach out to our Austin singles community, like the BBQ Cookout in August and our Sunset Dinner Cruise on Lake Travis last July!
Retreats
It's only a couple of weeks away! We are looking forward to our fall retreat in the Texas Hill Country. Our team is busy planning for an awesome weekend.
Communications
Visit our singles website for information and access to online resources such as iShare and Facebook where you can connect with others and register for special events.
Leadership
We are excited watching our ministry and leadership teams develop via gifts-based ministry. Who will God raise up to own their ministry and join our team? How exciting to be a part of what God has, is and will continue to do through our singles community here in Austin and the surrounding central Texas area.
"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' (Nehemiah 1:8-9 NIV)
Pastoral Care
Premarital and Biblical Guidance Counseling
Job Seekers
Divorce Care and Recovery
Celebrate Recovery for our hurts, habits and hang-ups
Financial Peace
Grief Share
Baptism, Membership & Child Dedication
Pastor Tim gave us two fabulous messages this summer. They really show us the difference between sharing our life with someone vs. building a life together. Watch them both! Whether you're single and dating or not, single again due to divorce or being widowed, separated or happily or struggling married, you shouldn't miss this! Here are the links:
We are encouraged to watch some of the fruits of our first three years here in Texas blossom as we transition to Austin singles family ministry. Our REALife groups have multiplied, including our young marrieds quickly turning into young families! Spanish ministries are taking off under their new pastor. The Steiner Ranch video venue launched last fall continues to grow. We've been excited to counsel those pursuing marriage and participate in their big day. Eric has also enjoyed providing biblical guidance, visitation and in some cases, ushering some people into heaven. This just scratches the surface of what God's been busy doing. There's lots happening and we are convinced God will continue to show up wherever we are and whatever we are doing! After all, THAT's our story.
Watch for our next quarterly blog entry!
2011 will be here before we know it.
Many Blessings,
Eric and Caren
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Bird's Nest, Water Cube AND Egg
"The Bird's Nest"... the National Stadium. It's the place where
people globally gathered for the opening and closing of the
Beijing Olympics. We love gathering and nesting here on
Sparrow!
"The Water Cube"... the National Aquatics Centre. In Chinese
culture, water creates a calming atmosphere and inspires
happiness. Living in Texas, "watercubing" has become a way
of life. I love my "bird bath."
"The Egg"... the Grand Theater. A first class art palace.
Opposite the Forbidden City, one of China's architectural
marvels and the country's most revered landmark.
God is The Master Craftsman who has made each one
of us a work of art. We are his masterpiece.
REALife Egg Babies
Remember "egg babies?"
I recall having to carry
around hard boiled eggs
for my high school sophomore
health class. Fortunately
I was paired up with a guy
who loved football and he
was very excited to be paired up with a girl who did too.
So we decided on "twins": Baby Fencik #45 and Baby
Plank #46 of the Chicago Bears. They travelled to youth
group and every place we ventured without getting
damaged or "egg-napped". We were excellent "parents!"
It was only after the project was over someone
grabbed the shoe box nursery in the hallway at school,
removed the eggs and threw Fencik and Plank against
the wall into retirement.
Last year we challenged our young marrieds REALife
group to multiply since we were up to 24 people plus
some kiddos. They took us very seriously. Not only did
the birdies fly the nest to create another group, they are
populating their own: Six babies - 4 of them coming in
December! AND two foster kids. WOW. Coming soon:
Baby Scouten 8/1; Baby Thorpe 12/8; Baby Scharfe
12/15; Baby Gaither 12/19; Baby Marek 12/19; Baby
Whitson joined our new group in March. After a sad
loss of one of their own in February, our young
marrieds would discover the very next month God was
at work hand-crafting little blessings of new life. Wow.
Helping and Healing Hands
I love painted ponies. I picked this up several years ago
after a trip to Durango, Colorado. I was looking for
something Cherokee since Eric is 1/4 American Indian
and something that represented our ministry to families
over the past couple of decades.
I am grateful to 4 people thisyear whose helping and healing
hands have helped me
tremendously: my aquatics
instructor, my yoga teacher, my
chiropractor and my masseuse.
I've had this photo for years.
Only recently did I realize it is a
picture of a baby in the womb
being operated on for
spina bifida. My recent back
x-ray showed in addition to
the scoliosis I've had since birth I had some degenerative
disks in my neck and the mildest form of spina bifida,
occulta. Wow. I am so grateful for people who are
"putting me back together again."
Our newest "baby"... Eric will be moving over to be the
Singles Pastor here in Austin at our church,
we can stay married!) Please pray for us and the singles
in the Austin area as we adjust to his new role and leave
behind the ministries we've invested in here for the past
3 years. We are excited about our new adventure!
By the way, Hoehn translates to "chicken farmer." How
appropriate.
"Without God's touch in our lives - His work in us to
will and to do His good pleasure - there is no sparkle
or scant joy. But when we allow Him to work within
us - when we feel His hand upon us - we are no
longer hidden treasures; we become sparkling jewels
that beautify His Kingdom." - from Devotions for a
Sensational Life
more about sparkling jewels later...
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