tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184049362024-02-07T14:35:55.753-08:00Frame of MindFirst a child of God. Then Heidi Frazee's Husband. Then a father to Drew, Joe, and Harley Joy. We are headed to France then Mali. I hope you can keep up with all the changes in our lives!Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-15727793054748354372014-11-14T09:54:00.001-08:002014-11-14T09:54:09.329-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBayN2BZrQSbGiXAZE4UIHxB6ur_fsBO7FaYyz3aGbrlyZXVTnPLaRI5CzV3n-pmvq2SzN3iRXiyYYv6sDEHtINt1xLkWF4R4FCQSrGIevXRCH0eHWqbkFXHHF2Zen6xpEgsUjJw/s1600/holloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBayN2BZrQSbGiXAZE4UIHxB6ur_fsBO7FaYyz3aGbrlyZXVTnPLaRI5CzV3n-pmvq2SzN3iRXiyYYv6sDEHtINt1xLkWF4R4FCQSrGIevXRCH0eHWqbkFXHHF2Zen6xpEgsUjJw/s1600/holloween.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Halloween in America is an exciting experience for seven kids who haven't seen it in 5 years! We had fun this year taking the kids to a harvest party at East Valley Church and door to door trick or treating. <br /><a href="http://mali.jefffrazee.com/">Check our our Frazee's in Mali site.</a>heidibellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07056721416647042684noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-4823120318689272432010-11-29T13:13:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:13:40.260-08:0010_11_19_update-YouTube sharing.mov<div>So... This is a little out of date now. There are only 18 days left until we leave. </div><div>We have been totally consumed with the leaving process for the past week and a half. Well, we had some friends visiting us for a week too. So between that and trying to get a shipment off, I haven't been to school in a week. My head is swimming, and my feet ache from being on the go non-stop. I'm not complaining. Everything is going really well. It is just a really busy time of life. </div><div>... If this post doesn't make much sense... you are probably understanding what I'm trying to say.</div><div>Anyway, we think of all of you way more often than we are able to say... for instance, in line at the Malian Embassy in Paris. </div><div><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gl-NTldc4i0?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-25753512515522528512010-09-11T06:36:00.000-07:002010-09-11T06:36:05.089-07:00Frazee Update for Fall 2010<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dcM9xzsa-80?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dcM9xzsa-80?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-10075861684957012202009-12-22T11:18:00.000-08:002009-12-22T11:22:48.651-08:00God's Economy Has Exactly EnoughWe are 3 days away from our planned departure; leaving America to tell other cultures the truth about Jesus Christ. We still need final clearance from our sending organization. We are waiting on God and fully expecting Him to provide the remaining $169/mo. <div> The following is the most encouraging and God glorifying letter we have received. Click on the post title to listen to me read the letter to you, or continue reading below. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Dear Jeff and Heidi,</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">We continue to be thrilled about the faith walk you are currently taking for the Lord. We know, and have been in your shoes in other areas, that when we press into the Lord in belief that outweighs logical circumstance the Lord always uses it to 'stretch and bless'. One of the reasons we knew God was calling us to support you was because of this dangerous faith... the kind that really does move mountains. We would like to share our testimony in becoming connected with you, and hopefully encourage you towards God's soverign hand as you wait for the Lord to finish opening doors!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">God laid a very clear conviction upon us regarding the use of birth control several years ago. Both Christopher and I recognized the need to submit to his leading. This was scary, totally unknown, and not a little bit outside of our comfort zone. However, we knew we could trust our Lord, and so - we took the plunge. We already had 2 children. Within 2 years we had 3 more. Yum... hello, God? Yeah, remember us? The ones who are trying to serve you and are only succeeding in going INSANE? Okay, just checking.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Not the smallest concern in the jumble was our finances. We had long before become convicted about debt spending, and living within our means but, like most consumer Americans, had not always walked that line obediently. Added to that was the debt we were incurring from multiple births, closely spaced. To say we lived hand to mouth would be an understatement.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">I must admit that during this time my husband continued in faith that the Lord would always provide for our needs. I became aggitated, depressed, and irritable. Christopher challenged me to really press into God, and give this issue to Christ. I got on my knees, cried out to the Lord for help in understanding what exactly he wanted from me, and gently ;) reminded him that these were HIS children. Using scriptural promises, and the faithfulness to tithe I chose to believe the Lord would work this out, but I asked the Lord to give me a scripture that I could pronounce as my own. Christopher just had an annual review, where his boss intimated that a promotion might be in the works. I asked that God would work a miracle, promoting him two positions, rather than one. That extra money would finally give us the overage we needed to succesfully pay off our debt.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">I prayed. I prayed some more, and during one of my prayer times, on January 18th, 2007 the Lord spoke to my heart with this scripture:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Leviticus 19:23-25.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Now, you two might be mighty in scripture memorization, and immediately know what this little gem says... I didn't! Eagerly, but with a little fear over the possibility that I heard indigestion, rather than the Holy Spirit prompting my heart, I turned to the passage.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">"When you come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food, then you shall regard its fruits as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden to you; it must not be eaten. And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD. But in the fifth year you may eat of its fruit, to increase its yield: I am the LORD your God."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">I wept, as God opened my eyes for his plan. I believed that the raise was going to come through, and that for three years the money would be forbidden to our use, by merit of debt repayment. The fourth year we would need to tithe it, and the fifth year it would finally see its use as "investment income," something we could use for our retirement portfolio. I was thrilled that God had so clearly answered my prayer. Christopher was nervous.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">My husband is an incredibly faithful man of God, and his concern was valid. I had just come off of a mountain heaped in despair, postpartum, and not a little struggle with the Lord. To lay claim to some random promise about the Lord paying off our debt as a sign of his devotion to us was... well, looney. Afterall, the Lord didn't owe us anything. To add to this was the very real issue of how exactly the raise would come into effect, namely the double promotion. Christopher works for the Department of Defense, where everything is regimented in steps. You don't skip a step. You aren't promoted out of turn. You put in your time, and at the specified date of tenure, the completion of the step, the fulfillment of the term you are given what any other DoD civillian is given - your wage as agreed upon by Congress. Not a lot of personal growth potential. Christopher reminded me of all this, and then gently asked me what I would do if the raise didn't come through.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">I had to think about that question. What would I do if the raise didn't happen. I realized that God was asking me to believe - to believe that he was capable, and to trust him, even with the scary idea of "failing". The Lord was still sovereign, was still reigning, was still in control of our future, and would still provide. I knew that, and knew that would not change. Christopher was convinced that I was not holding onto a name-it-and-claim-it promise, and encouraged me to wait for the Lord's movement, but still gently reminding me that the government doesn't work the way I was determined it needed to for my miracle. But isn't that the essence of a miracle?</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">On June 15, 2007, nearly 6 months later, Christopher received his raise, and double promotion! The extra amount the second half of that promotion provided us was $266 a month. The Lord multipled it supernaturally, and before the three years were up we had not only paid every dime of our debt but added 2 more children and bought a house! We were stunned by the goodness of God. It was a phenominal reminder that when we agree with God about his provision for our lives, he really does come through in amazing ways. Our fears are still somewhat present when we think about future children, how we will provide for them, but we have such a tremendous testimony of his blessing that we know all things will work together for our good.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">But there is a second part of this story, and that's why we wanted to share it with you. The stipulation, as given in the passage, was that we would be given this gift of a fruitful tree, but in the 4th year the Lord required its fruit to be tithed. We spent the three years paying off debt asking God to share with us his vision for the year of tithe. We knew when God provided the promise to us in January of 2007 that he had a specific purpose for the money. In September of this year we began praying earnestly for God to reveal the purpose for our tithe year. Because of his bounty towards us we were ahead of 'schedule' and looking forward to fulfilling the 4th year of the scripture even though technically we were just barely over the 3 year mark.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Then we had this great family, the Frazees, come speak at our Christmas in October!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Christopher and I left that Sunday so taken by your desire to be real with a mission that wasn't clear-cut. You were following God in belief that he would take care of your provision, even when the culture surrounding you said that wasn't very practical. And your pursuit to see children as a blessing, even when that blessing can mean very real inconveniences, was incredibly refreshing to our hearts. The Lord works mysteriously. We almost didn't go to that church service. But we believe that it was your family, and your the desire to meet the needs of the Mali people, that the Lord sovereignly chose our money to support all along. We were so excited.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">When we got home that night it didn't take long for us to agree that you were meant for our tithe year. We quickly went through the steps of signing up with World Venture for our support promise. In the back of our minds we had always assumed this time of added giving above our regular tithe was something that would last a year, as the scripture in Leviticus alludes to - "...And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy... but in the fifth year you may eat of it..." Then something remarkable happened. Christopher again prepared for another annual review. Our hearts were turning towards allowing God complete freedom with this money, and in the midst of that burgeoning desire a possible pregnancy reminded us of the need to trust his provision. We knew it was time to sink or swim. Either we believed God for his hand in our lives and knew that he had a greater purpose for our money, or we took a giant leap backwards, forgot so much of the good God had already shown us, and clamped our fists shut. Praise the Lord, he won out!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Suddenly, "eating the fruit to increase its yield" took on more meaning than our retirement portfolio. It meant allowing that money to bring in the harvest waiting in Mali! As soon as we made the decision to stay with you for the long haul (encouraged by your continued faithfulness in setting your sights on the "impossible" for your financial support) our own concerns for another pregnancy, and the financial provision necessary for it, vanished. Such a gentle reminder that God is so good! We are not currently pregnant, but welcome the Lord's timing. And Christopher is once again blessed in his work, creating the money we need for our financial needs at home. In fact, another double promotion is likely on its way!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">I hope that this brings joy to you, as it has to us. We see the sovereign plan of the Lord working to create community in his children, as they lay their needs before his throne. We are bursting with excitement to be in your back pocket as you travel to Paris - on Christmas day!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444; min-height: 15.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">With Love,</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">The Randalls</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; color: #444444">Christopher, <span style="background-color: #c7cacc">Trisha</span>, Hannah (11), Bethany (9), Caleb (6), Leah (5), Mary (4), Josiah (2), Phoebe (7+ mos)</p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-12377425924516832962009-04-29T09:33:00.001-07:002009-04-29T09:33:41.585-07:00Julie Phillips cf fundraiser<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/swvz7yqyv5Y' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/swvz7yqyv5Y'/></object></p><p>This is the most recent video I've done. It really enjoyed it though it was just like a taste on the tip of my tongue of what I'd really like to do. Praise God that He keeps giving me little opportunities to work on small projects, reminding me of how much I enjoy it. It was a real privilege to hang out with Julie, who sincerely loves God and has hope, believing that He has lovingly planned out her life.<br />I think my wife's voice sounds pretty good in this video too!</p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-44583341315159350432009-04-17T12:37:00.001-07:002009-04-17T12:37:56.750-07:00Monterey Bay Aquarium Church<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/FJiFnT2_68I' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/FJiFnT2_68I'/></object></p><p>What I say on this video doesn't sound quite right. I really meant to highlight that God is at work providing for our needs. <br />There is a lot more to the aquarium, but I edited to a song, and these are the clips that matched the mood of the song. I really like this song from one of my favorite movies, "Life Is Beautiful."<br />Thank God for FBC Monterey. They are really a blessing to us.</p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-68256513873410221162009-04-13T15:40:00.000-07:002009-04-13T16:03:43.470-07:00We like trees!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPa0jr30_diKEh5O7QMR6g7gNwKp0CktYNk1pAf4N00YXI2Juc-QsWX-eUS-tGneUm-vwVLEVNK8chVckr0lVEpY8GP9UQJx_Ga5CDCHqekCwQw3_E0G5Yl9s6uBpDA1PIgvW/s1600-h/_JEF8951_w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPa0jr30_diKEh5O7QMR6g7gNwKp0CktYNk1pAf4N00YXI2Juc-QsWX-eUS-tGneUm-vwVLEVNK8chVckr0lVEpY8GP9UQJx_Ga5CDCHqekCwQw3_E0G5Yl9s6uBpDA1PIgvW/s400/_JEF8951_w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324315518255864690" border="0" /></a><br />Heidi and I just shaved our mailing list a little. So now we're saving trees and about $14 in postage for each mailing we do. We love sending people real mail, and we love getting real mail. But if you've moved fully into the digital age or if you loath paper cuts let us know, and we'll just send you our newsletters via e-mail. heidibelle@gmail.comJeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-179425254948149002009-04-06T07:28:00.000-07:002009-04-06T07:49:43.448-07:00Recession RewardsThese are five points that make this recession God-glorifying. They were taken from a recent <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2009/3566_What_Is_the_Recession_For/">John Piper sermon</a>. Some of your Ojai/Goleta folks may have heard them as I shared them on our most recent visit.<br /> <ol><li>He intends for this recession to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.</li><li>He intends to wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.</li><li>He intends to relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods, in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.</li><li>He intends to advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.</li><li>He intends for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.</li></ol>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-35281465116779432422009-03-19T01:25:00.000-07:002009-03-19T01:32:59.660-07:00Princess in TrainingCheck out <a href="http://harleyjoy.blogspot.com">Harley's blog</a> ➜Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-46639280759212378352009-03-10T10:29:00.000-07:002009-03-10T12:47:07.313-07:00Back With Our BoysWe had a great trip down to Ojai, CA. Heidi and I took Harley and Zechariah, and Drew and Joe stayed with Jeff's parents.<br /> You wouldn't even believe how good Zechariah and Harley were! On average we were in three different homes each day, and they just played happily and quietly while we talked and talked until we were blue in the face.<br /> Our trip was like a visit to the amusement park for me. There were constant ups and downs, but my heart was in all of those experiences. I have such a deep and abiding love for the church. So it just sucks my energy out, the good and the bad. I pour myself into it. It is utterly fulfilling and wonderfully draining.<br /> Check out <a href="http://drewfrazee.blogspot.com/">Drew's Blog</a>. I just put a video there. I'm also going to post on <a href="http://jefffrazeephotography.blogspot.com/">my blog</a> tonight. I heard something a pastor said about missions, and it got my wheels turning in a good way so I think it will help me communicate what I've been wrestling with. Check back on March 11 for <a href="http://jefffrazeephotography.blogspot.com/">my new post.</a>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-1287722101322814132009-03-06T08:29:00.001-08:002009-03-06T08:29:06.766-08:00Caleb's 1st Birthday<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/ni_lUIqaCHI' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/ni_lUIqaCHI'/></object></p><p>This is a little out dated. Caleb was born on December 31st 2007. He's walking and starting to talk and taking the world by storm now. We will definitely miss spending a lot of time with family when we're overseas. Luckily, my parents and all of our siblings love to travel! We expect to have a lot of visitors in Mali! Maybe France too.</p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-85536562348353128162009-03-02T10:28:00.001-08:002009-03-02T10:31:01.625-08:00Swim Lessons 08<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/l70Bm_LkJ_E" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/l70Bm_LkJ_E" height="350" width="425"></embed></object></p><p> This was a hard video for me to edit. Drew's scream for help on the video is so primal that it tore my heart out each time I heard it.<br /> I'm proud of my boys. They do what we ask them to do, even when it's really tough. I pray that it builds trust in them for when their Father asks them to do difficult, insurmountable things.<br /> Pray for us, especially our kids, that we would obey and glorify God as we follow Him in this adventurous mission to Mali, West Africa!<br /> I know people like to see these videos. I'll put another one up soon! Oh yeah! I wanted to thank DrewB and Heidi for the work they did on this video. They don't enjoy it like I do, but they did a great job, and it means a lot to me.<br /></p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-12361059447242396012009-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:002009-02-09T15:25:00.731-08:00Wolf's Bane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfnIbF5mumdw9kVAsQKPfc8ZM-SGmKxyW2iwnA4BP_6rCGqbz3DVpFv6oYVt5V-e1iu2tUSkvp0Ug2y1XHX-bQz3VWYt0aSjwLFOsVatBEWhIxCKGcCWqE_mLHS5jIp1xZpMG/s1600-h/british-wolf.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfnIbF5mumdw9kVAsQKPfc8ZM-SGmKxyW2iwnA4BP_6rCGqbz3DVpFv6oYVt5V-e1iu2tUSkvp0Ug2y1XHX-bQz3VWYt0aSjwLFOsVatBEWhIxCKGcCWqE_mLHS5jIp1xZpMG/s400/british-wolf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300936391363840722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"> As the stunned fog cleared from reading heresy written by someone I believed to be in love with Jesus, I wrote this on an envelope just as it poured from me. </span><br /><br />I believe:<br /> God is Holy, set apart, and His very nature ordains glory and praise.<br /><br /> Mankind was created by God chiefly to glorify Himself.<br /><br /> God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.<br /><br /> The chief method in which God glorifies Himself today is through the proclamation of truth about Himself by His Church/Body in word and deed.<br /><br /> Jesus' clear instructions were to go to every ethnicity and language making disciples, baptizing, and teaching obedience.<br /><br /> The Spirit provides unity among believer that goes beyond all barriers.<br /><br /> The church (catholic, worldwide) should seek equality.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-22534239754136650202009-02-05T09:15:00.000-08:002009-02-05T09:16:05.487-08:00I hope it's okay to post someone's article...<table width="576"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><a href="http://www.worldmag.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#990000;"><img src="http://mail.google.com/mail/?name=87d8b1217f10d06c.jpg&attid=0.1&disp=vahi&view=att&th=11f46be78c893aab" alt="Your browser may not support display of this image." height="54" width="156" /></span></a></td> <td> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <p align="justify"><a name="0.1_graphic04"></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><img src="http://mail.google.com/mail/?name=4107d42b65e1dd6b.jpg&attid=0.1&disp=vahi&view=att&th=11f46be78c893aab" alt="Your browser may not support display of this image." height="8" width="8" /> <b>THIS WEEK |</b> </span><a href="http://www.worldmag.com/archives/2009-01-31" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"> January 31, 2009</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#990000;"> </span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:6;"><b>Profound witness</b></span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;color:#990000;"><b>Charity: </b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:130%;">Giving money in tough times says much about Christian security | <i>Rusty Leonard and Warren Cole Smith</i></span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">William Lobdell's recent book <i>Losing My Religion</i> chronicles his conversion to Christianity—and his subsequent rejection of Christianity after a decade of covering religion for the <i>Los Angeles Times</i>. Many of those stories had to do with Christians and the way they handled money. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">"Evangelicals don't give anywhere near 10 percent of their income to charity," Lobdell said. "Only a very few, often on the fringes of mainstream or evangelical Christianity, behave with their money as if they believe the Gospel is actually true." </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">The data suggest that Lobdell is only half-right. Studies by Syracuse University and others make a compelling case for the generosity of theologically conservative Christians. Philanthropy expert Arthur C. Brooks said that the most important predictor of charitable giving is religious commitment. But even Brooks admits that "very few" Americans practice the biblical tithe. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">That's a shame, according to Randy Alcorn, whose books on giving include <i>The Treasure Principle</i> and a book on Christian giving that some consider to be a classic: <i>Money, Possessions, and Eternity</i>. In an interview with WORLD, Alcorn says that giving is a "powerful witness of the gospel" that he calls the "greatest form of evangelism." According to Alcorn, "the words charity and grace come from the same Greek word, charis. When we give, we are both experiencing and sharing God's grace. God's grace is the lightning. Our giving is the thunder. Thunder is both a result and a testimony of the lightning." </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">Alcorn said that giving in tough economic times is particularly important for the Christian. "For one thing, in tough times Christian charity is needed all the more," he said. "For another, the testimony of that giving is even more profound. Giving in tough times tells the world that it is God's providence—not a large checking account—that is the source of our sustenance and security." </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">Alcorn lives these principles. All the royalties from more than a dozen books he has written go to charity. He said that in 2008 that amounted to about $750,000, and since he began the practice more than a decade ago, the total exceeds $4 million. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">It's possible that Christians are getting this message. According to <i>Philanthropy Journal</i>, arts and cultural organizations have seen giving declines. And high-profile ministries such as Focus on the Family have announced layoffs and budget shortfalls. But the nation's largest Christian relief organizations—including World Vision, Compassion International, and Samaritan's Purse—all report 2008 giving increases. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">So, if Christians were giving sacrificially, would that make a difference for atheists, agnostics, and skeptics such as Lobdell? "If you get outside of the Christian bubble," Lobdell said, "you find a lot of people who want to believe, and perhaps even did believe, but who are disillusioned. What they read in the Gospels is not what they see in the church." </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">He added: "Would seeing Christians give sacrificially make a difference with me? I'm not sure. Would it make a difference with those disillusioned? I think it might." </span><br /></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;color:#31659c;"><b>Giving big</b></span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">Even as the economy slips into recession, the nation's biggest givers keep on giving. According to <i>Philanthropy Journal</i>, at least 16 people made gifts of more than $100 million in 2008. That's the largest number of such gifts since the magazine started tracking these mega-gifts more than a decade ago. The total amount of these 16 gifts exceeded $8 billion, a record amount. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">That's the good news. The rest of the story is this: The biggest gift on the 2008 list was a single $4.5 billion bequest from James LeVoy Sorenson, an inventor and investor who left the money to his family foundation in Salt Lake City. If you take out that single gift, 2008 was down slightly from 2007. </span></p> <p align="justify"> <span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">Also, some question whether giving to a foundation set up and largely controlled by the giver is really giving. Al Mueller of the Christian group Excellence in Giving said, "Why do you consider a gift to your own foundation a 'gift'? Until someone besides you benefits, it is a gift in the eyes of Uncle Sam only." — <i>Warren Cole Smith</i></span></p> <p align="right"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Copyright © 2009 WORLD Magazine<br />January 31, 2009, Vol. 24, No. 2 </span></p>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-1782443662121734682009-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:002009-02-02T12:32:51.639-08:00A picture of my heart in the form of a sermon.I hate for my most recent post to be largely of content from someone else, but every once-in-a-while somebody says what you're thinking and feeling better than you do. John Piper has done that for me on several occations. When he talks about a <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/1790/Audio/">Holy Ambition</a>, who I am resonates with what he says. When he calls people to be <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/3361/Audio/">senders</a> in the church's effort to reach all people, I dream about the power God intends His people to have. Piper's <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/3346/Audio/">sermon on Col. 1:24</a> gave God-glorifying purpose to a long-time attraction I've had to suffering.<br /> If you want to know me better, if you want to better understand what God has called our family too, I really encourage you to listen to these sermons. It is an investment... almost three hours of listening, but that's what we want. We want people to invest in us. We want people committed to taking the gospel to unreached people through us, whatever suffering and sacrifice it will take.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-23959751748454760512008-12-18T09:33:00.001-08:002008-12-18T09:40:55.174-08:00A picture in the form of a memory. (also from a recent e-mail)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBjpLgW1CM3ZlWLC3jRZW3JUbYXVjGSITahvzd5BvrLZtpQUm6jalvi-iT06Hyk6D7BKWqruHYIoRk2MBOGHlwAHk1aytB5FjDgLJzqCognLvC0ciktwolA_m6HXhRHvNfNb4/s1600-h/_JEF3248_w.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBjpLgW1CM3ZlWLC3jRZW3JUbYXVjGSITahvzd5BvrLZtpQUm6jalvi-iT06Hyk6D7BKWqruHYIoRk2MBOGHlwAHk1aytB5FjDgLJzqCognLvC0ciktwolA_m6HXhRHvNfNb4/s400/_JEF3248_w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281184879301344626" border="0" /></a><br /> My dad's father couldn't talk for the last 5 or 6 years of his life. I have one particularly fond memory of him during that time.<br /> He wasn't a believer, and his life wasn't marked by joy. One time we came to visit him. When he saw our son, he lite up. It was obvious how my grandfather wanted to be with my son and enjoy him. Unfortunately, it was short-lived with our squirrely toddler. The only picture I have of it is in my memory.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-39648649028060661292008-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:002008-12-18T09:33:07.952-08:00God's specific will (from a recent e-mail)<span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;"> Question, how do you know that God really wants you to go to Africa? Could this be a test of your faith?</span><br /> I'm certain this is a test of our faith. God is deeply interested in our faith.<br /> We know that God wants us to go to Mali because He has opened doors in that directions, and, more importantly, it is the greatest desire of our hearts. The Bible is rife with the command to go, make Him known, proclaim His works, and glorify His Son. Heidi's and my hearts resonate with going. It's one of those things that is so ingrained in us that it's a little hard to understand how everyone else isn't completely leveled with the wonderful and adventurous task set before us. The ways that Heidi's and my desires match is a confirmation for us. At this point, I would go to my grave trying to reach Mali. Admittedly our inability is frustrating. We don't understand exactly why God is leading us down the scenic route, but we're confident it is for His greatest glory, just like a missionary we know that took him nearly 20 years to get where God was leading him. That struggle now defines his as separate from this world, unique in his pursuit of God (or more accurately, God's pursuit of him).Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-84915459640172439962008-10-27T09:04:00.001-07:002008-10-27T09:04:57.538-07:00Pumpkin Carving Timelapse<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/48raPaUStuA' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/48raPaUStuA'/></object></p></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-24747860596915874342008-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:002008-09-25T11:26:15.993-07:00Beautiful Boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zechariahjob.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V69obaw4ejlTl8XgSHon3lqrYKwnuIKQCHQaMzMRi7vRP3fCAWUixYB8M9NZt7k89OlIrfM54BNmtvkWgUYK7R3NGinMEaKRblOyQAskxHDl35GcTS5PPNM60T_San6qmhCo/s400/_JEF9561_w_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250026488061139634" border="0" /></a><br />Zechariah Job brings us so much joy! Every day and every night I snuggle him, talk to him, make him laugh, and pray for him. He is just full to the brim with smiles and curiosity.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-71959209083360150852008-09-10T10:10:00.000-07:002008-09-11T09:56:11.855-07:00Some MTI pictures to help you understand.<div>So here are some photos to illustrate some of the things Heidi talked about in our newsletter. The picture below is another way of looking at the process of bridging two cultures. It shows a missionary being transplanted. </div><div>I tried to transplant a pine tree in our yard. It died, but I learned some things about being transplanted. Roots go deep, and a lot of them get cut. A plant begins to die immediately after it is uprooted. It takes copious and consistent watering for a long time for a plant to re-root itself in a new location. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPD46NwzwDeOBuFqYYBW3fUG-mhcW7W-6h6IG04eZkj2SPmpxGWF3BDPbbteIkyTUkdfH43b1OzJkaIjwqH_V70Llddx3uO9fz5lGG7VfwMfstAL_jjfUhMEvQ4goBM8uylHV/s1600-h/MTI2_008w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPD46NwzwDeOBuFqYYBW3fUG-mhcW7W-6h6IG04eZkj2SPmpxGWF3BDPbbteIkyTUkdfH43b1OzJkaIjwqH_V70Llddx3uO9fz5lGG7VfwMfstAL_jjfUhMEvQ4goBM8uylHV/s400/MTI2_008w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244444755995785570" /></a><div>This happens in some way ever time a missionary leaves. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUULNnbwsa1CVLOp2lhSW1rCV-VoM3u2hXEDvHdBdGhJqLu3ni107g46BKjWH-KUmO8taMSn9lSY_zVrU5KaWPswF2VSkHNj_uq5xzR5AmQV46HvR-TcDQx-0r4cD34hiGx0q/s1600-h/_JEF6346w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUULNnbwsa1CVLOp2lhSW1rCV-VoM3u2hXEDvHdBdGhJqLu3ni107g46BKjWH-KUmO8taMSn9lSY_zVrU5KaWPswF2VSkHNj_uq5xzR5AmQV46HvR-TcDQx-0r4cD34hiGx0q/s400/_JEF6346w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454656771868946" /></a></div><div>You can imagine how much this helped our children understand what they are headed for. We were able to have some good discussions with them at MTI.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQaor9eOvztt8mpiY2HZH2RcuAxtwR-F0P5_Dw6On70DmTmUAYf6JYnKGf0ZrDTR7AGbzGhp82Z6DkhY4xZsTSWGZocJh1HeF5PCIqCRrIuYcSiEKRYDpmU8EhmyhPvrw7AM4/s1600-h/_JEF6349w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQaor9eOvztt8mpiY2HZH2RcuAxtwR-F0P5_Dw6On70DmTmUAYf6JYnKGf0ZrDTR7AGbzGhp82Z6DkhY4xZsTSWGZocJh1HeF5PCIqCRrIuYcSiEKRYDpmU8EhmyhPvrw7AM4/s400/_JEF6349w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454662518430530" /></a></div><div>Drew dives right in to new situations. His personality is shy, but he is emotionally eager to be a part of other peoples lives. The hurt of leaving and transitioning catches him by surprise. </div><div>Joe sees it coming a little more, and he's a little less likely to attach himself emotionally. He says he knows the places we're going "aren't home."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhS8x9c5YLRCHjLWdxDi95G1_jigVphY5yiGi9QV4rMG3HLX2z0OreL8fopE2bwoXKLwLDn5YNgPC54F0jxHIsFpiVdTQZ0jruV9_U7YV09WUwGQAeNWlTPAmlng-2M1Go2eO/s1600-h/_JEF6352w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhS8x9c5YLRCHjLWdxDi95G1_jigVphY5yiGi9QV4rMG3HLX2z0OreL8fopE2bwoXKLwLDn5YNgPC54F0jxHIsFpiVdTQZ0jruV9_U7YV09WUwGQAeNWlTPAmlng-2M1Go2eO/s400/_JEF6352w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454666724361426" /></a></div><div>Below is the bridge illustration. It starts with those sturdy, firm chairs. Next comes rocking office chairs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUTFx5Ga3BVGQg9o6sKcSrWx9OzfWICWDk9i1tAUAo8YDdjZFJQDx5rhAvXdHBs2su1SMkG-FlBafe2RHTKHVJh9qxzc6SM0fzRBBlnyAI3MJjVX6C-u6GNMOatFD2oJaR7Nt/s1600-h/_JEF6362w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUTFx5Ga3BVGQg9o6sKcSrWx9OzfWICWDk9i1tAUAo8YDdjZFJQDx5rhAvXdHBs2su1SMkG-FlBafe2RHTKHVJh9qxzc6SM0fzRBBlnyAI3MJjVX6C-u6GNMOatFD2oJaR7Nt/s400/_JEF6362w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454664293755186" /></a></div><div>After the shaky office chairs came exercise balls held together with Saran Wrap. This guy (Isaac Barnes) actually made it all the way across (He's an MK). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzO0iPK_D16FfcISszsOnvSO4dRrw8KyyUh5RgdS4VFmXr3hQntA1OnZVbA19r4TMXinEFnSBZVPF3PcZzKeg2vLZfHUnqFOoVoLq0FF-S6xcsUxDFrzn2RkJm34nIIY0fFbL/s1600-h/_JEF6364w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzO0iPK_D16FfcISszsOnvSO4dRrw8KyyUh5RgdS4VFmXr3hQntA1OnZVbA19r4TMXinEFnSBZVPF3PcZzKeg2vLZfHUnqFOoVoLq0FF-S6xcsUxDFrzn2RkJm34nIIY0fFbL/s400/_JEF6364w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244454671107048546" /></a><div>After Isaac they had 4 people cross together, and they were all linked together with climbing gear to represent family bonds. No one was on the same stage of the bridge at the same time, and they were able to help each other make it across without falling off. They told us not to expect everybody to be experiencing the same thing during transition, but to help each other at each stage. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b2Fr_ZSHzcgIBeYq8AWDwGNEygD-45P0Jzg2tithhKj0jlgKtMwCCzA26zeHUrP6p_qDm4MFpPCc0FLbuMzBN_ozIyYv0PG8-XvH9hH7-bsKlgMtHce7fB614pCYJ8Ee-kFw/s1600-h/_JEF6366w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b2Fr_ZSHzcgIBeYq8AWDwGNEygD-45P0Jzg2tithhKj0jlgKtMwCCzA26zeHUrP6p_qDm4MFpPCc0FLbuMzBN_ozIyYv0PG8-XvH9hH7-bsKlgMtHce7fB614pCYJ8Ee-kFw/s400/_JEF6366w.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244455379295882658" /></a></div></div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-21377803619463068242008-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:002008-09-09T10:47:44.884-07:00$13 Away From Our Goal!!!Okay... sorry, that could be a misleading and coercive title, but Heidi and I are very excited by the fact that if each person on our mailing list (minus the people that already give) committed to give $13 a month... we'd be completely supported for full-time ministry in Mali, West Africa!!<br />Heidi and I support several missionaries to the tune of $10 a month. It felt insignificant at first, but we knew what a blessing it is to have someone commit to help you accomplish what God has called you to, and honestly, it has kept us connected to those missionaries over the years and over the miles.<br />So we're praying that you won't be afraid to be the little guy. <a href="https://worldventure.com/CommitmentForm.aspx?id=19110&aliaspath=/Give/Make-A-Commitment">POWER TO THE PEOPLE. CLICK HERE</a> to make a commitment to us on-line.<br />If you don't get our snail mail, send us your address, and we'll add you to our super cool mailing list where you'll receive the coolest quarterly up-dates ever.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-52671457746154074082008-09-08T07:52:00.000-07:002008-09-08T07:58:39.784-07:00Mission Training InternationalWhile we were at MTI in Palmer Lake, CO for five weeks this summer we received fantastic training that we're so eager to use when we move over seas. In fact, the things they taught us have already helped in out ministry and communications here in the States. The language learning tools haven't helped much yet, but we're so ready to buckle down and learn a new language. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6FuUCj1sbc">CLICK HERE</a> for a link to a short video I did for MTI. The people that work there have to raise support too, so I was more than happy to use my video camera to help communicate what they do.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-89072151249002374582008-09-02T11:12:00.000-07:002008-09-02T11:28:36.887-07:00Time to catch up!My best blog reader, Christine, sent me this forward, and I figured it's a quick way to catch people up since I haven't posted in a while.<br /> <br /> 1. What is your occupation right now?<br /> <br /> I'm a support-raising missionary. We expect God to provide for all our needs, like He promised (Luke 12 27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!)<br /> So I see the biggest part of my job right now to be encouraging the American church to live like Christ called them to live.<br /> <br /> 2. What color are your socks right now? <br /> bare feet<br /><br /> <br /> 3. What are you listening to right now?<br /> A John Piper sermon about what the Bible says about husbands... It's called Lionhearted and Lamblike <br /><br /><br /> 4. What was the last thing that you ate?<br /> A bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats (Honey Roasted)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYIA7BWqkN4IGIo3pL_QT0JuixK8luoG4W_z4OVxFz6mIvAsVLDZcLDW8SQMcFiHhOJaqDxaBYGZ6HpAksVG1XTCPUpwgxPMU97OamVDvDx4pYuVe3ZGCZFxjBPMiAgYIuJy6/s1600-h/honey0.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYIA7BWqkN4IGIo3pL_QT0JuixK8luoG4W_z4OVxFz6mIvAsVLDZcLDW8SQMcFiHhOJaqDxaBYGZ6HpAksVG1XTCPUpwgxPMU97OamVDvDx4pYuVe3ZGCZFxjBPMiAgYIuJy6/s400/honey0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241489497165516946" /></a><br /><br /> <br /> 5. Can you drive a stick shift?<br /> Like Speedracer...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRbUq0OJsSZfJCBCU34mNPGNnB6MmI99JOBQxbaWq3usYuiNgG4IlAb2svs23eZKnLPuoZvpY-qt2Aw_QN-aD6t6jDK3NRhzHxGiESQeDPDVjnDd8PWAYlZOLqYEXOXmYj5Lg/s1600-h/speed-racer-vintage.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRbUq0OJsSZfJCBCU34mNPGNnB6MmI99JOBQxbaWq3usYuiNgG4IlAb2svs23eZKnLPuoZvpY-qt2Aw_QN-aD6t6jDK3NRhzHxGiESQeDPDVjnDd8PWAYlZOLqYEXOXmYj5Lg/s400/speed-racer-vintage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241490815973690674" /></a><br /><br /> <br /> 6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?<br /> My dad, telling him I was on the way home from vacation with my boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVl-r6FTgZUu4n71lD2O1azDNZls4iSekzmdLsbKYNIRfsVTpQ30JjpKxq9fKyg1Eyiqj8lb-2iXqX8abx59eA3qaHAREkODZc3c9eK-6uaqb984e52Rd4TeHdiUjyzFTYcxk/s1600-h/IMGP8266_w.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVl-r6FTgZUu4n71lD2O1azDNZls4iSekzmdLsbKYNIRfsVTpQ30JjpKxq9fKyg1Eyiqj8lb-2iXqX8abx59eA3qaHAREkODZc3c9eK-6uaqb984e52Rd4TeHdiUjyzFTYcxk/s400/IMGP8266_w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241491277270504050" /></a><br /><br /> <br /> 7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?<br /> Despite the fact that this question makes me feel like I'm in Jr. High, I do like the person who sent this to me. Christine lives like I want to live. She is a phenomenal example of a wife and mother the scripture honors. Plus, she is definitely the most likely person to comment on my blog.<br /> <br /><br />8. How old are you today?<br /> 31<br /> <br /> <br /> 9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? <br /> American Gladiator (at least back in the day) and the sports section of America's Funniest Home Videos <br /><br /> <br /> 10. What is your favorite drink?<br /> A big fat glass of milk<br /><br /> <br /> 11. Have you ever bleached your hair?<br /> Thanks to my girlfriend (now wife) I unwittingly put henna in my hair. The results made me look like a runway beacon.<br /><br /> <br /> 12. Favorite food?<br /> I've been waiting for someone to ask me this question for a while because I always forget to say communion. I love communion. I really savor it on every level. I can't get enough of it!!!<br /> <br /><br /> 13. What is the last movie you watched?<br /> Night at the Museum<br /><br /> <br /> 14. Favorite day of the year?<br /> I've gotta say Christmas. I've always loved Christmas.<br /> <br /> 15. How do you vent anger?<br /> Worst case scenario: yell at people I love or hide<br /> Best case scenario: pray or go for a run<br /> <br /> 16. What was your favorite toy as a child?<br /> I guess I'd have to say I was a Legos guy. I took some time to make a little wooden model airplane with my boys the other day. That was pretty great. <br /> <br /> 17. What is your favorite season?<br /> Spring (though winter and fall are close behind) I love to see things grow, and (because we don't get much) I love rainy days.<br /> <br /> 18. Cherries or Blueberries?<br /> ehh... I guess Cherries. Joe has been saying he wants some cherries.<br /><br /> 19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?<br /> Getting a good e-mail can be the highlight of my day.<br /> <br />22. Living arrangements?<br /> There is a house and a studio at my parents place. The six of us live with my grandma in the main house, and my mom and dad live in the studio.<br /> <br /> 23. When was the last time you cried?<br /> I got a little teary-eyed on the communion question, but I'm having a little trouble remembering the last time I really cried. I almost always cry during worship at our church. So I don't know if that really counts.<br /><br /> 24. What is on the floor of your closet?<br /> A pair of rollerblades, camera equipment, mailing boxes, about 1/3 of my clothes, shoes, and our DVDs... big closet.<br /> <br /> 25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?<br /> I guess this doesn't really apply, but it's good timing because I was just looking at pictures from our wedding, and there was Cindy (Smedley) Garcia. I was thinking how wonderful it was that she flew out to Michigan for my wedding. She is my longest friend, and she's been a great one.<br /> <br /> 26. What did you do last night?<br /> I got home from a long vacation just with my boys. So Heidi and I spent most of the night getting reacquainted.<br /> <br /> 27. What are you most afraid of? <br /> Someone got bent out of shape the last time I answered this way, but basically, the worst thing I can imagine is to have one of my kids not fall in love with God.<br /> <br /> 28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburger<br /> Definitely not plain, I like lots of stuff on my burger.<br /> <br /> 29. Favorite dog breed?<br /> Australian Shepherd, they have been the best dogs in our family history.<br /> <br /> 30. Favorite day of the week?<br /> Today<br /> <br /> 31. How many states have you lived in?<br /> 4 states, 3 countries<br /> <br /> 32. Diamonds or pearls?<br /> Now I feel gay for answering this survey without reading all they way through it.<br /> <br /> 33. What is your favorite flower?<br /> I actually have a favorite flower, Ranunculi.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNRFZwQo3zROFbX1MfF6J_SeD59lkBMAdMNj0TD1lBeeDT7DWV8frEx2gCu28zMqvt1us12VRelghR1XLBrQlIOEN_imfGygabS5tPFFqK3ibtPTb8ovc3E7byLt5enRrZ0fB/s1600-h/610x.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNRFZwQo3zROFbX1MfF6J_SeD59lkBMAdMNj0TD1lBeeDT7DWV8frEx2gCu28zMqvt1us12VRelghR1XLBrQlIOEN_imfGygabS5tPFFqK3ibtPTb8ovc3E7byLt5enRrZ0fB/s400/610x.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241491722876773490" /></a><br /> They are my family's business on my dad's side of the family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV88zC3Hy7Y9yAT9o48hdylCRTP_0O6_udIMglqZLOQML2-XN3yWiBQEAP77xGSvwSp-I6qo8WKsEedcCE8gKbYU4T1sMmpXVXoCh594bQERGsDA7JJ09U2AxhY4n-W9Ng0yo/s1600-h/242890563_611cbe8191.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV88zC3Hy7Y9yAT9o48hdylCRTP_0O6_udIMglqZLOQML2-XN3yWiBQEAP77xGSvwSp-I6qo8WKsEedcCE8gKbYU4T1sMmpXVXoCh594bQERGsDA7JJ09U2AxhY4n-W9Ng0yo/s400/242890563_611cbe8191.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241492093644700370" /></a><br /> My grandfather was instrumental in changing ranunculi from this...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZjdmQJI8Vkiqta9r3nDU0EmpBFcet75kN6HKn-j6BTaqcHG2VQjtUwY0Ru05joB5Q3TeQR8FKY9RpL2eNeYR5JnqdUmFn56zrOsLCXIggs8P2Qjw6HsPqbQYeOTNulvV2YxC/s1600-h/2444308817_9eb6d5a434.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZjdmQJI8Vkiqta9r3nDU0EmpBFcet75kN6HKn-j6BTaqcHG2VQjtUwY0Ru05joB5Q3TeQR8FKY9RpL2eNeYR5JnqdUmFn56zrOsLCXIggs8P2Qjw6HsPqbQYeOTNulvV2YxC/s400/2444308817_9eb6d5a434.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241492362217845602" /></a><br /><br /> to this.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-53379840142726525522008-07-23T12:44:00.001-07:002008-07-23T12:58:43.219-07:00Declare His Glory Among the Nations!This is the kind of preaching I long for. It's fifty minutes long, but I really urge you, Tivo ER and take the time to listen to this. Get someone to sit down and listen with you. Pray before you start, and listen and be encouraged!<div><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/2940/Audio/">Click Here</a> to listen to the audio.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also click on the title of this post to read or watch the same sermon, but I like the audio best because they read the scripture to you first. </div><div><br /></div><div>The way John Piper communicate... the urgency in his voice... that's how Heidi and I feel. We're so hungry for a healthy, obedient church... willing to lay down it's life and the lives of others for the honor of God's name, for the praise of God's name. </div>Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18404936.post-20410140133127108722008-07-10T11:47:00.000-07:002008-07-14T08:29:01.768-07:00Anniversary #9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH1Z09zD1lmSGDIUIyZRk5Shl0J9m1iC6lTsIgPcgmzRR3RIygjeDpfpydBMQ3VwMAGaZW_XW-YdqseRII4Ost2v9xuBxUKFA3KSYIUwDEXdSgDP0RKbrmjqa4jjW_TUCrrwC/s1600-h/07_09_05_web_slideshow.005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH1Z09zD1lmSGDIUIyZRk5Shl0J9m1iC6lTsIgPcgmzRR3RIygjeDpfpydBMQ3VwMAGaZW_XW-YdqseRII4Ost2v9xuBxUKFA3KSYIUwDEXdSgDP0RKbrmjqa4jjW_TUCrrwC/s400/07_09_05_web_slideshow.005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221459843106841378" /></a><br />Yesterday was Heidi's and my 9 year anniversary.<br />I have to admit. I was worried. I am almost every year. I've never had much to offer her. At least that's how I feel. We have been penniless nearly all of our married lives.<br />I remember back when we were dating. We didn't have much money. We were in school full-time. But we would go on long walks together. We window shopped a ton. We talked constantly about the things we wanted to get for each other. And when we had the means, we would buy that special gift and deliver it in grand fashion!<br />I really shouldn't worry. I know Heidi. She's amazing. She would never hold something like a forgotten gift against me, not for long at least. She loves what I get her, no matter what it is.<br />Now that I think about it... It's hard to remember the gifts we've given each other over the years. The things that are most memorable are the thoughts behind it all. I kind of feel like we are the "Gift of the Magi" couple. You know the story were Jim sells his pocket watch to buy hair combs for Della who has just sold her hair to buy a gold chain for Jim's pocket watch.<br />This year Zechariah woke me up at 6 AM. I put on my running shoes and went nine miles (9th anniversary) to get Heidi flowers and breakfast which included our favorite, pain au chocolat. When I got back, exhausted (because we live at the top of a really steep road), what could Heidi be bringing out of the oven but pain au chocolat. We both appreciate each other so much. We didn't need anything else.Jeff Frazeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00498849265804909845noreply@blogger.com5