Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Pain, Perseverance, Passion and Purpose

Sorry for the serious post today, but I feel inclined to share something with you. It's been two years since my last post, and there is reason for that. The past two years have been rough, but they have also been redemptive. Let me explain.

About two years ago, God shook our lives up completely. It felt like we were figurines in a snow globe, that some toddler was shaking up furiously. We didn't know which way was up, or which way was down. There was no one to help us because they were either in the "snow globe" with us, or they were completely oblivious to what was happening. It happened so fast, but looking back, it was actually a long time coming. About two years ago, we left our church.

This may not sound like a big thing to some, but for us, it was like leaving a family. It had been my family for 16 years and 4 years for Bobby. This wasn't an easy choice, in fact, it wasn't much of a choice at all, it was forced...by God. You see, the previous year we had been praying about where God would have us go, and He clearly said we would be leaving our church. So we casually looked at other places, but nothing really grabbed our attention, and things felt good where they were...so we stayed. But God had other plans for us. He was preparing another church, leadership, a new pastor and disciplers for both Bobby and I. It was at just the right time that God drew us out.

I'm reminded of the verse in Genesis, when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers who betrayed him. Joseph did not blame his brothers for his misfortune, but instead, viewed all that had happened to him as God's doing. He saw the end result, and knew that it had to happen that way in order for God to use him for his plan and purpose. Genesis 45:8, "It was not you who sent me here, but God." This so speaks to my heart because God has done this to me before, just like He has to so many others. Our Father has a plan for our lives, and when we resist, or hold on to the things we are supposed to let go of, He lovingly but sometimes forcefully takes it away. He will use whomever, and whatever details to get you where He wants you. Though extremely painful, it was worth it.

This push resulted in immediate disillusionment with God, the church, our friends, and each other. Without going into too much detail, Bobby suffered a time of depression and severe anxiety, and I myself felt lost, angry, abandoned, helpless, hopeless and worthless. But God was there to catch us. He provided healing, therapy, love, friendship and hope for our broken hearts and broken spirits. Our Savior rebuilt us and our faith into something that endures. Best of all, He provided for us a new family, a new church community, and new leadership roles. Jesus walked with us through the pain, helped us persevere, and has brought us into a season of passion and newfound purpose.
                                                                XOXO The Fricks

Saturday, June 13, 2015

I ♥ Saturdays

This Saturday was a lazy one for sure! We did something long overdue...we slept in! We awoke at 11:15, and it was glorious!!! The only problem is we had a date with some friends at 11:45! Talk about adrenaline. While guys may be able to put on pants, shoes, change their shirts and call themselves ready; this little lady needs some time. So much for washing my hair, thank goodness for dry shampoo!

We made it to our new favorite Thai restaurant in town, called Renoos. It is sooo good! For Las Cruces, it tastes pretty authentic to what I was eating in Chaing Rai 5 years ago. We met up with Daniel and Theresa, two of our favorite people, and spent the next 2.5 hours catching up on each other's lives. Our conversation quickly changed as the boys chatted away about the scary video games they were playing, and the girls talked about movies and TV series they just finished. It was effortless, natural...it was fun.

I so enjoy days like this. Good food, great people, and fun.

                                                                XOXO The Fricks

Friday, June 12, 2015

Nothing Like A Game Night

It has been faaaaar too long since Bobby and I have hung out with another couple, one on one! This may not seem like a huge deal, but it is something my soul longs for. The extrovert in me is crying out for it. My better half could not be more different. He is a wonderful introvert, who recharges on silences and isolation. But alas, he gave in!

So like I said, we had our friends Christy and Lucas over. They brought their adorable 20 month old son, Daniel, who became bffs with our pups, Google Maps and Penelope, pretty quick. They are the leaders of the Destino, the hispanic college ministry at NMSU. We got to catch up on life, ministry and break bread together...well they were more like pita chips, but anyways. Not to mention, we christened our new Settlers of Catan board game, which is a must play if you are affiliated with Cru!

It was so nice to be able to connect again with someone outside of work (not that I don't LOVE my work homies). But to have the freedom to talk about life; the good, bad and ugly of it, and to talk about faith and our relationship with Christ...it was refreshing.

We need this to be a reoccurring event!

                                                            XOXO The Fricks

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

A Little Bit of Texas

We. Did. It. Yes, we finally, after 2 years of marriage, took the leap, and took a vacation away from our chaotic lives! You would think we would go to our beloved California, or our dream vacation to Boston...but we didn't. We went to Texas (it's okay if you gag, I had the same reaction at first). The truth is I have always ragged on Texas as my least favorite state, except for a few cities within. But we chose Texas, and turns out it, it was great choice!


Our epic journey began with the drive. The drive from NM to TX is usually quite boring, but we were coming in on the tail end of the huge storm that was washing Texas away...so it was anything but boring. We had sunshine, then clouds, then blackness, rain, HAIL, winds, and radio warnings for a lot of it. But, alas, we made it to San Antonio, where Bobby's best friend and soul mate, Eric Asel and his lovely wife (whom I adore) Amanda preside. We had so much fun staying in their A-mazing apartment, and eating at random places with them. I think I ate tacos for almost every meal in San Antonio, but totally worth it. We ate dinner in the yard of a house, posing as a restaurant. We even ate breakfast from a gas station (but before you say gross, let me explain). This is not an ordinary gas station, it had a mini grill in it where a spanish speaking only mexican lady made us amazing breakfast tacos. It gave Santa Fe Grill a run for it's money. After our meal we went to Six Flags, and I felt like a kid again. I'm pushing 30 this year, so I did notice some logical fears entering my mind at the highest points of some of those roller coasters, but we had a great time and the Mr. got his Slurpee Boot (we walked ALL over the park to find it). It was a blast! Our time in San Antonio was finished in the morning with Eric and Amanda at a great brunch. It was a much over due reunion, but we had places to go and people to see!


So on we go to Dallas, home of the work airport in the US (in my opinion). We found our way downtown to our swanky hotel, the Hyatt Downtown. It was pretty impressive, not to mention it was connected to the Reunion Tower, which was awesome. Our favorite thing was the black out curtains in the room, as we took a nice long nap as soon as we arrived! The fun continued with a Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox game (which Boston being our team, see above mentioned dream trip). The stadium, the seats, it was great! The Red Sox losing...not so great! But we didn't let it rain our parade, and continued our night on to an odd but amazing restaurant recommended to us by a stranger on Reddit. The place was called the Blind Butcher, and they served unique foods that tasted out of this world. We had duck poutine, fried pig ears, and a ratatouille tower! Sounds gross but my taste buds disagree! I would eat there everyday if I could. The next morning we rose, got some coffee and pastries, and hit the road for a grueling 9.5 hour drive in the hot son.


Texas you may have changed my mind about you.

         XOXO The Fricks