tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67644525173794913532023-11-16T06:48:00.372-08:00The Beakley Blogwagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-62288176265802963862014-06-05T15:54:00.000-07:002014-06-05T16:02:31.171-07:00...And On We GoAs you all know, life is busy! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much has happened since I last updated our
Blog. The snow has melted—the long, rough winter which felt endless is now a
memory. In fact, today we went for a jog on the beautiful Rock Island Trail on
a perfect 75 degree day! We are so thankful for the change of seasons that
remind us of God’s grace and mercy to His creation. <br />
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Our niece, Nora Jean Kitibwa Mitchell was brown on February
16<sup>th</sup>. She was born by an emergency C-section, which was not
anticipated. Although she was tiny and had some feeding issues she is now doing
much better! She is beautiful and we can’t wait to meet her in person.<br />
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“Baby Tour” trip to CA was a total success. Although it was
quick, and we missed visiting a few people this time around, we were thankful
to catch up with friends and to meet many of their precious little ones. My
dear friend Sandi and her husband Allan were sent off to the mission field in
the Philippines,
so I was thankful to see them one last time, say goodbye, and to meet their new
baby, Noah, before they left. Josh was able to celebrate with his long-time
friend Steve, as he married his bride, Katie. The wedding was beautiful! </div>
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We’ve seen the Lord answer specific prayer—providing me with
a car and a steady job. For the last several months I’ve been working as an aid
in a Pre-K class at Peoria Christian
School. What a blessing it’s been! The
school year came to an end over a week ago, so I’m on summer break. I’ve
already celebrated by taking the train to Chicago
for the day with two of my sweet girl friends.
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In just a few days we are leaving for summer camp with the
high school group. Josh has put a lot of time and effort into planning camp for
about 180 attendees. We expect God to do great things! Camp also marks one year
since we moved to Illinois and just over two years of marriage. We’ve
enjoyed looking back on the past year and recalling how God has guided and lead
and answered prayer so graciously. </div>
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The past several months have also brought some trials to our
family, but again, God’s hand is evident and we trust His plan as things continue
to unfold. Josh’s dad was experiencing pain in his chest when exercising and
the doctors thought there was a blockage that could require open heart surgery.
After an angiogram, they discovered there was no blockage, but he was born with
a heart “defect.” He is now on a beta-blocker medication to keep his heart rate
down—this will help avoid a heart attack.
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My brother-in-law is currently in the states in Indiana.
He became so ill in Uganda,
he was forced to return. He his in the hospital with malaria and is still
fighting with his autoimmune issues. Please pray that my sister can work out
some visa/passport issues so the family can all reunite in the states. (The
rest of the family is still stuck in Uganda).</div>
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Just yesterday I turned in all of our paperwork to become
foster/adoptive parents. It’s already been a long journey which has barely
begun, but we are excited to see what ministry opportunities God will bring
about through this new open door—hopefully we will be parents soon!<br />
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Time is too short to fully express all the Lord is doing and
teaching us. I hope to Blog more often so I can avoid the “update” style—filling
in many details in a short time. I’d much rather Blog more often and be able to
share our hearts. Hopefully I’ll be able to give you all the low-down when we
get back from camp. Until then, thanks for praying!<br />
<br />
<br />wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-57776505303390389632014-01-29T15:52:00.000-08:002014-01-29T19:39:45.460-08:00Below ZeroWhile January brings harsh
frosts, chilly, snow stormy, winter winds, and below zero weather, it also
brings our annual Snow Camp with our church youth. It was an incredible
weekend! Not only was there snow, good food (even for camp food), fun, and
wonderful friends, the teaching from God’s Word on evangelism was convicting
and instructive. Small group time with the students was vibrant and
productive—they asked some great questions and seem to be thinking deeply about
Scripture’s teachings on witnessing. We returned home exhausted after a late
night out (or should I say early morning) out with the senior class who will
soon be graduating. We heard how the Lord is working in their lives and what he
has been teaching them over the past year—definitely a highlight! We are
extremely excited and encouraged at what the Lord is doing in the youth group
at Bethany Baptist. <o:p></o:p><br />
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We are constantly in awe of
the Lord’s faithfulness. He has sustained us though sickness, tiredness,
continual adjustments to a new home and new weather, and scheduling puzzles (we
are still working with one car). We know God works through His people and pray
we will be willing to sacrifice to that end. God’s timing and call is perfect,
and we look forward to seeing how He will orchestrate the events of our life
here in Peoria for His glory. I have been reading through the Old Testament and
it never gets old to see God’s hand unfold throughout history—the grace and
faithfulness He showed to David by fulfilling His promise of the throne gives
me hope for His fulfilled promise of heaven! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Baby tour 2014 is officially a
go! We will be visiting California at the end of March to meet the many babies
that have been born in our absence and look forward to loving on these little
ones and catching up with dear friends. It will be a quick visit and Josh will
be participating in his buddy Steve’s wedding. While time will be tight, our
hope is to see as many of our friends and family as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Just for Fun:<o:p></o:p><br />
Here are the top ten ways I
spend my time when the cold weather is too much for me to handle (in no
particular order):<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
1. This American Life (radio
show)<o:p></o:p><br />
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2. Al Mohler, The Briefing<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Word with Friends<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Spirit Empowered Preaching
(Book by Azurdia)<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Alias<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. YMCA<o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Art Azurdia (sermons)<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. 24<o:p></o:p></div>
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9. Juicing for a meal
substitute (green goodness)<o:p></o:p></div>
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10. Keeping up with all of
your baby pics on Facebook<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some fun pics/highlihghts from Snow Camp 2014:<br />
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wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-76583883548255410312013-12-30T12:53:00.001-08:002013-12-30T12:59:46.509-08:00Happy New Year!<span class="null"></span><br />
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<span class="null">Dear friends & family,</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">It's been a wonderful year full of exciting changes for the Beakleys! Right after Josh's graduation from seminary we finished up with a class together--The Pastor's Home. Then we jumped into our Honda Civic and drove 2,000 miles to our new home in Peoria, IL. We love the church body at Bethany Baptist, and Josh is greatly blessed with his new job as the youth minister. I've been substitute teaching part-time at a local Christian school and enjoying getting involved at church and pouring into new relationships.</span><br />
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<span class="null">This Christmas Josh's brothers are staying with us for a few weeks during their winter breaks from school. We are all enjoying the holidays together, and Janea is getting a quick lesson on how much food two teenage guys can eat!</span><br />
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<span class="null">Fun news! We are planning a visit to CA in April and can't wait to see many of you! We are excitedly expecting the birth of our next nephew/niece in February. We are also thrilled to start classes to get our foster care license in January. We know God has amazing things in store!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">We pray your Christmas and New Year will include a time of reflection on the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers through His death. May your lives daily demonstrate the great gospel!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">Much love to you from a cold and snowy Illinois!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="null">The Beakleys</span><br />
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wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-12831352167446098152013-11-08T12:02:00.004-08:002013-11-08T12:32:25.183-08:00Thankful in Peoria<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As I type this update, I’m sitting in Starbucks, milking a
homemade green juice which I’ve accidentally camouflaged in a Starbuck’s cup.
I’m waiting to meet with one of the high school gals in our youth group. And
I’m filled with a deep sense of thankfulness. Now I know it’s November and
everyone is writing Facebook posts about what they are thankful for—and I think
that’s great! But without trying to sound pious, the gratitude I feel right now
is much more grounded than “thankful for caramel lattés."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I’m beginning to see more and more how every single day is a lavish love gift from the Lord. Every moment I enjoy with my husband, my family, my
friends, and my church body is simply a testament to God’s grace. Health can
decline over night, a healthy church can crumble before your eyes, political turmoil,
natural disaster, and persecution could be the mark of days ahead. If and when any of those things happen, I know God will give me the grace to see those trials as a love gift as well. He will help me to worship and praise Him as He deserves and to experience a different type of gratitude that is just as important. But not
right now. At this moment, I am comfy, healthy, and by all comparisons care
free. I don’t deserve that and I don’t want to scuffle around God’s grace
unaware of my flippancy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For the past several weeks, I’ve been listening to Al Mohler’s,
<i>The Briefing, </i>where he gives a daily analysis of headline news and points
believers back to the biblical principles we should draw out of them. The world
could collapse into chaos in mere months, weeks, or days, but today God’s grace
has withheld His wrath for another time. That's something to rejoice about. I’m confident this perspective is part of what
has contributed to the great gratitude I’m now experiencing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Through various sermons and some of my own personal reading,
I’ve been struck with our responsibility as the church to pray for the Holy
Spirit to work in our midst as we gather together on Sunday mornings, or any
time God’s Word is being preached. Without the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit,
a sermon, though true, is simply a theological talk. But when the Spirit works,
those same words have the power to convert souls and change lives! I need to
pray more for my pastor. I need to pray more for my husband. I need to pray.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Will you join me in praying for our nation, our churches, our
families, and with thanksgiving present these requests to our great God? And
together stand amazed as the peace of God that makes no logical sense protects
our hearts and our minds in Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." --John 14:16</i></span></b></div>
wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-41933482878105696892013-10-02T13:49:00.002-07:002013-10-02T13:49:13.439-07:00Cultivating God's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYru2zEuWQdZH8LFm1bNWufafCP56WSHW0gS-lkIOXK7uWKs_8EKa4MCHgkubMPfAdf8lvAOYFM_oeb_C9ozvmczFJI3dCuy-t0LRDTaTTvqT9di6gv3Y34G_XJJh6B3HQ9r-0Cb5bN9M/s1600/psalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYru2zEuWQdZH8LFm1bNWufafCP56WSHW0gS-lkIOXK7uWKs_8EKa4MCHgkubMPfAdf8lvAOYFM_oeb_C9ozvmczFJI3dCuy-t0LRDTaTTvqT9di6gv3Y34G_XJJh6B3HQ9r-0Cb5bN9M/s320/psalm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In the past few weeks, Josh and I began attending an orphan care class at our church. Now, no one is going to scoff at that, right. Every believer will nod their heads in agreement when the topic is brought up about caring for the orphan. But let me tell you, this class has opened my eyes to a much more biblical view of orphan care.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are non-believers who will, and can skillfully care for, love, and provide for fatherless children. But the motivation for a believer to do orphan care in any form is much different--it is the glory of God! Yes, most people will feel compassion when they see a picture of a poor, malnourished, dirty-faced child from Africa, but my compassion should be fueled by a passion for the glory of God!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">God has a special care for the orphan, widow, foreigner, and the poor. He is their advocate, protector, and He is passionate for justice! I want to reflect Jesus' heart by seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the life of a fatherless child. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation."</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>--Psalm 68:5 </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Please pray for Josh and I as we begin this journey of faith and obedience to God's command to love the often forgotten in our society. We haven't yet figured out exactly what our part is--foster care, respite, adoption...but we are confident in God's call, and look forward to discovering exactly what He has planned for our family. Right now, our initial plan is to begin foster care classes through the state of Illinois in January and then go from there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">To God be the glory!</span>wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-88559410698976340082013-08-23T14:41:00.001-07:002013-10-02T13:45:39.505-07:00We Are Family<span style="font-size: small;">We couldn't be more thankful for our family. And we praise God this summer has been filled with family time. We had some great time with Josh's parents before they headed back to South Africa and I (Janea) have already been able to see my sister three times! We met up in Chicago, I drove to Indiana for Nate's 4th birthday party and last week, they came up to Peoria to see our lives. You may have seen the zoo pictures on Facebook. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As I write this, Josh's best man, Matt, is here visiting for a few days and we are having a blast! Josh and I are showing Matt some Peoria "hot spots" that we have yet to visit ourselves, so we are all experiencing them together for the first time! In a few weeks my dad and Patty are coming to visit and we'll all see my sister off to Uganda. I'm also planning a visit with my dear friend, Sandi who will be coming out for a few days in the middle of August. As I said, lots of visitors! WE LOVE IT.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">There has been more exciting news on the family front. Earlier in the summer we found out some of the most wonderful/miraculous news I've ever had. We found out that my sister is pregnant! For those of you who don't know why this is "miraculous," I'll give a quick sum-up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">My sister and Caleb have been married for sixteen years <span style="font-size: small;">without any </span>pregnancy. They never felt God leading them to explore infertility options, especially after an initial appointment when the doctor said that things seem to be fine and he didn't know why they weren't getting pregnant. They left it in the Lord's hands and were content with my two adorable adopted nephews. So imagine all of our surprise when my sister found out about this new addition to the family. We are rejoicing with them as my sister's belly grows (slowly, but surely). :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We are rejoicing at God's great goodness in the lives of our family. We are greatly blessed!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhiJKQtApYUlKZLkFsDOGBmbYgo-wFxrVqbgXEcJhb1Nu_vu_PQkJyKB-OWtAIGZVIhXpYYgffcVt0ZUqylxGdhY0whQ5zsLzd9fSN24nBoQ2-7sO4qbO2N1x_K-1sUdjVOVzHd4deVu9/s1600/IMG_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhiJKQtApYUlKZLkFsDOGBmbYgo-wFxrVqbgXEcJhb1Nu_vu_PQkJyKB-OWtAIGZVIhXpYYgffcVt0ZUqylxGdhY0whQ5zsLzd9fSN24nBoQ2-7sO4qbO2N1x_K-1sUdjVOVzHd4deVu9/s320/IMG_3578.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-3521020040551147102013-07-31T14:13:00.003-07:002013-07-31T14:15:05.740-07:00Transition<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Are you feeling settled?"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't tell you how many times we've been asked that question both here in Illinois and from people back home in LA. It may sound like a simple question, but really, it's not that easy. How do you "settle" quickly after leaving a lifetime of memories, friends, family, and an amazing church home? It takes time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We LOVE Peoria, the people, and the church here! And we long to be at a depth of friendship and ministry with people that can take 10 years to build. But God has been gracious. Kind people are reaching out to befriend us, and Josh continues to grow in his preaching. It's a a big adjustment to start preparing two sermons a week. But Josh is a champ and is bringing the Word faithfully. He's definitely busy...there have been lots of church events, including a trip to Six Flags.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the boxes are gone out of our new apartment and pictures are hung. I (Janea) have been having a blast trying out new decorating ideas and I've discovered that you can find some pretty cool things from the Salvation Army and Good Will. :) I've pinned some pics of our new apartment. If you're on Pinterest, check it out. I got to visit my sister and her family for my nephew's 4th birthday party, which was a very special time. I also just volunteered to help write
content for our church website. They are revamping the entire site and
thought my skills would be helpful in the process. I'm excited to start a
fun project like this. We've decided to visit the idea of me working
part-time, but we'll make that decision in September. For right now, I'm
busy as you can tell.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
just got back from an overnight retreat with the graduating sr. high
students. They call it a "transition retreat." It's a time to prepare
the students for challenges they might encounter in college. We
discussed picking a church, and even practical things like study tips.
The ironic part about the transition retreat is that all of the leaders
are themselves in the midst of big transitions--Josh and I moving here
and settling in, and the other leader Dan and his wife Mandy just had a
baby a few weeks ago (their second). So, we had fun "transitioning"
together. Lots of junk food, good conversations, and we even figured out
how to start a pontoon after conquering some battery issues. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
are so thankful for how God is working here, and we know we are where
God wants us, but we still do miss CA for sure! We're excited for what God has planned, that we have yet to discover.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgrGRqAmEWO7Nng5EEuiymW03kbFuZRaIrlwpDOfZ7GoJaGQ1vdOvw12f4g7Comv7R3auq-KHoKeyIokh-CfZsysG_XTmM0pfk1wC8BOICuxDfJxmn45M_8Wlxy-nVnz4ITq5q_t92cDS/s1600/catinhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgrGRqAmEWO7Nng5EEuiymW03kbFuZRaIrlwpDOfZ7GoJaGQ1vdOvw12f4g7Comv7R3auq-KHoKeyIokh-CfZsysG_XTmM0pfk1wC8BOICuxDfJxmn45M_8Wlxy-nVnz4ITq5q_t92cDS/s320/catinhat.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pics: Me with Dan and Mandy's oldest<span style="font-size: x-small;">--</span>she's such a cutie.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Josh with <span style="font-size: x-small;">some </span>youth group <span style="font-size: x-small;">guys</span></i><i> at Six Flags.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My nephews and their cousins at a Ti<span style="font-size: x-small;">n Caps baseball game.</span></i></span><br />
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<br />wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-38739715075015425982013-06-17T14:28:00.001-07:002013-07-31T13:53:35.048-07:00Already in Love<span style="font-size: small;">As you can imagine, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind (in some ways, literally a whirlwind, but that comes later in the story).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">After a bitter-sweet goodbye, we pulled away from my dad's house in California. The only house my family (the Brown) family has ever known. <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>hen we drove (caravan style) with Josh's best <span style="font-size: small;">man, </span>Matt, to Phoenix, Arizona. There we spent three days at a resort (courtesy of Josh's grandma). We spent time with family, including Josh's grandma, aunt, and his grandpa's twin brother. What a blessing. And a relaxing time as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">From there we drove fourteen hours to Denver Colorado, where I got to see my longtime friend Holly, her husband Marty, and her two lovely little girls. It was a delightful time. I learned that I'm a pretty good bedtime story reader and dance partier!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">From there we weathered a tornado warning/storm as we drove through Kansas. Fortunately we didn't get caught in the tornado, but it was a VERY windy, stormy drive into Kansas City. At one point we had to stop and get gas. It was hailing, yet there was a hot wind. That made us nervous, but we made it to the Clubb's home--our dear friends--where we warmed up with some deeply encouraging conversation and hot showers!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">From there we cruised into Peoria, Illinois. We spent several days looking for a place to live. There were moments of frustration and discouragement, but the Lord is good and faithful! We found a place that we love. It is close to the church, and to grocery stores, etc. The apartment is brand new--it is just being built, so we will be moving into our new home on July 2, 2013. We are very excited. Until then, we are experiencing the wonderful hospitality of a family at our new church. They are allowing us to stay in their basement apartment area--so kind and generous.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We've already jumped right into church life, and ministry with the highschoolers. Tomorrow I will start attending a woman's Bible study on Nehemiah. I'm also signed up to help in the nursery and with vacation Bible school. We just returned from camp with the students on Lake Genevea in Wisconsin. It was a great time. We learned a lot of names and faces, and got to know many of the students, especially the seniors who allowed us to join their senior night out. Yes, we stayed awake until 3 in the morning--we can't break tradition. The students here are great, very encouraging. Three students professed faith in Christ at camp and we have reason to believe there is genuine conversion. Again, God is so good!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for your prayers, text messages, etc. We miss our CA family, but can already see God's hand here in Peoria. Yes, we are already in love. And as you can see from this picture from camp, the kids are already in love with Josh, for very good reason!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Ciao, until the next update! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWRQNsB80zPu3TiDGN60XPylFDuqzVONMoONoKpRgFJ9upK-2-0AQmAikRZu_a2Gp0WuVMShYpV1SNGavRRwFRDchRbKLaxsX5wrEflV-5N8hGA4Z0rYvm2tXx9OojVxYT1tsPotEGs7D/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWRQNsB80zPu3TiDGN60XPylFDuqzVONMoONoKpRgFJ9upK-2-0AQmAikRZu_a2Gp0WuVMShYpV1SNGavRRwFRDchRbKLaxsX5wrEflV-5N8hGA4Z0rYvm2tXx9OojVxYT1tsPotEGs7D/s320/photo(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-23758417946226255752013-04-29T12:33:00.002-07:002013-04-30T12:27:40.734-07:00Cooking With Gas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPekzVe1sDV0dKK8bho_F1Ad7M1H7vtevUB5QOQfGc6p7aqqUriY1qb-TaPep61RQ2XNT8Ixn-uT7acNDIU5qizHmRpw0Nl-ky2RmKxv-ISL6YxLzM3RCvOrYsC3Kx9hIsfjCesDLb2pb/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPekzVe1sDV0dKK8bho_F1Ad7M1H7vtevUB5QOQfGc6p7aqqUriY1qb-TaPep61RQ2XNT8Ixn-uT7acNDIU5qizHmRpw0Nl-ky2RmKxv-ISL6YxLzM3RCvOrYsC3Kx9hIsfjCesDLb2pb/s320/photo(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Please pray for us!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">This past weekend we moved out of our Darby St. apartment (our first home together), and packed all of our earthly belonging (minus a couple of suitcases) into a POD. We'll be staying with my dad and then with Josh's family for the next few weeks until we hop into our Honda Civic and begin our drive across the country to Peoria, IL.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">While in some ways it seems like our time in CA is coming to an end, there is still much to do before we pull away on May 25th. I (Janea) am still working part time, but am now able to slow down for a minute and enjoy some of my last times here with friends and family, but<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the calender is filling up FAST. I'm planning a good bye open house this week on Friday May, 3rd. You are all invited. The details are on Facebook. We'd love to see you and say goodbye. I'm also planning Josh's graduation open house. You are also all invited to that as well, and to graduation if you are interested. Details for that shindig are also on Facebook. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Josh is still hard at work, getting ready to preach tomorrow (Tues.), finishing papers and assignments, scrambling to finish some big projects at work, and leading us in the move/charge ahead. His plate is full, sleep is scarce, but God is good!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We'd appreciate your prayers as we close this chapter in our lives, and open up a new one with fresh beginnings.</span><br />
<br />wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-8060091483053203742013-04-29T12:13:00.001-07:002013-04-29T12:39:48.373-07:00Josh's Sr. Testimony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you're more of an audio/visual learner, here's Josh's Sr. testimony that he gave<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>at<span style="font-size: small;"> a </span>TMS<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>chapel.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXEq7D3O4jY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-89042590668280897682013-04-17T13:39:00.000-07:002013-04-17T14:12:57.779-07:00Josh's Testimony<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5TlWUWq8gAmHuT61mJ2GvykrvlkzK3K9JsZRJefNrBdcHUrmDZ6CF2Wdl1pKcjwgp2NVBI09esULTlM_cPJVA4maZkmV73zyWOPoIDXjAxFDZQ-vZsjqxBIqLZ5d3trG902mUw8Ixrq/s1600/167900_523465176030_7431625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5TlWUWq8gAmHuT61mJ2GvykrvlkzK3K9JsZRJefNrBdcHUrmDZ6CF2Wdl1pKcjwgp2NVBI09esULTlM_cPJVA4maZkmV73zyWOPoIDXjAxFDZQ-vZsjqxBIqLZ5d3trG902mUw8Ixrq/s320/167900_523465176030_7431625_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>"All we like sheep have gone
astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid
on him the iniquity of us all." --Isaiah 53:6</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was born in
Colorado, as the oldest of four siblings, to parents pursuing success in the
business world. Our family moved across the country, as our father followed
each new promotion, eventually leading us to Peoria, IL. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">While
our family was based on Christian values, we rarely attended church.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">I understood guilt at a young age
and felt depressed over my actions, which I knew were wrong, and feared the
concept of death. I had never heard of Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">My recurrent questions regarding God, eternity, and life
after death went relatively unanswered by my parents who wanted to avoid the
topics altogether</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, until
their hearts were drastically transformed through the ministry and prayers of
neighbors and members of a local church in Peoria, Illinois. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The change in
our family was dramatic. We were no longer the center of our lives—Jesus was. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">God
used the faithful witness of my parents to teach me the simple truth of the
Gospel: the only deliverance from my sin would be found solely through faith in
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where he bore God’s wrath on my behalf. I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> recognized my need for a Savior and
placed my trust in Christ’s death and resurrection with a childlike faith. By
God’s grace, I believed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">I’m
certain my story is shared by many. While the seed of the Gospel was present in
my life, as I entered into my teenage years, battles with sin became more
fierce. I felt my faith challenged by the offers of the world and was not
impervious to temptation. I faced daily battles with integrity, laziness, lust,
and pride. But that faith did not die, it grew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">Through
the years I can honestly say I have seen evidence of God’s grace continually at
work in my life. Disobedience has always brought pain, and walking with God has
always brought joy. My heart’s desire is longing to please my heavenly Father.
My life has only continued to confirm my confession as a young child: Jesus is
my only hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 1999, our
family moved to California for my father to attend seminary. Three years later we
were serving as missionaries in South Africa. My years in South Africa were
filled with invaluable experiences and numerous examples of God’s provision. I
cherish those times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I eventually left South Africa to attend
two years of high school in America and studied business at small Christian college
in California. I participated in a variety of ministries and grew profoundly in
my love for God’s word. I served as the junior high and high school intern at
local church </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">and felt a burning desire to preach and study God’s word at
a deeper level. I felt weak as a young man, but inevitably trusted that if I
could be used in such a way, God would have to shape me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;">In
2010, God cleared the path for me to attend seminary and provided a variety of
opportunities for me to grow, learn, face trials, and experience His grace. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By far, the greatest earthly grace God
supplied during my time in seminary was my precious wife, Janea. We were
married on May 19<sup>th</sup>, 2012. Janea is an embodiment of answered
prayer, joyous companionship, and Christlike love. Janea and I prayerfully
anticipate serving in full-time ministry leading high school students in
Peoria, Illinois after my graduation in May 2013.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings-Regular;"></span></div>
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<b></b></h4>
wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-74319035957566648982013-02-05T13:38:00.002-08:002013-04-17T14:14:42.666-07:00Janea's Testimony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrBcPIo6Zwq-Yku2xU7KgA28cs-Slp8TU-xfNcOO3r-10KXoJnUU_GG1qAR21sjpzcFt8P7LrSQTCyjO0fXCCQhxMHHJUZDHAjFZOauIAw2mVUD7-Vfu7J0hN2prTf781d9c03Y-wEsSh/s1600/janeaandmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrBcPIo6Zwq-Yku2xU7KgA28cs-Slp8TU-xfNcOO3r-10KXoJnUU_GG1qAR21sjpzcFt8P7LrSQTCyjO0fXCCQhxMHHJUZDHAjFZOauIAw2mVUD7-Vfu7J0hN2prTf781d9c03Y-wEsSh/s320/janeaandmom.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<h4>
"For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." --Psalms 84:10 </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<span style="font-size: small;">By God’s amazing grace I was born into a family that loves Jesus Christ and raised me in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I was brought up in the church, so I learned about Jesus Christ from the time I was little. I also attended private school for most of my education, so I was constantly surrounded by and immersed in the influence of believers. At a young age, I “accepted Jesus into my heart,” understanding as much as a six-year-old possibly could.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As I grew up, I continued going to church each Sunday, but I was basically living for myself. Practically, I lived as though I was saved because I was a “good person.” I had mastered the art of compartmentalizing my life. I was a Pharisee (Matthew 5:20). I would attend church on Sunday and Wednesday night and neglect to acknowledge God for the rest of the week. I was constantly disrespectful, disobedient, and dishonoring to my parents. I sought the approval of man rather than God, which manifested itself in my pursuits and goals. I was intensely involved in gymnastics and planned to train for the Olympics. Gymnastics was an idol in my heart, consuming all of my time and energy. It was my strongest passion, not God. I didn’t count the cost of following Christ (Matthew 10:38).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It wasn’t until I was at a winter camp with the junior high group at Grace Community Church that the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and showed me I was living hypocritically. It was then I realized I couldn’t rely on my parents’ faith to save me. I had to believe and obey the truths in God’s Word (Luke 13:24-30). I learned that true, genuine, saving faith is a relationship with Christ who died as the ultimate sacrifice and payment for my sins. (Romans 10:9). In a response of thanks for what Christ did for me, I am called to give Him every part of my life—not just Sunday (Romans 12:1). I believe it was then that I truly committed my life to the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Right away the Lord put trials in my life to prune me and shape me into His image. My mom was diagnosed with cancer. This made me evaluate my priorities and put things into perspective. I began to focus more on significant, eternal matters (Colossians 3:1-2). And for me, giving up myself meant giving up gymnastics. I quit the sport that had once consumed my entire life. Now I had a desire to read Scripture and to spend time with the Lord in His Word. My motives for attending church changed radically. I went because I loved God’s Word and His people (1 John 4:7-8).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I knew once I made the decision to follow the Lord, I should be baptized in obedience to His command, but pride held me back. (Acts 2:38). I thought to have an effective testimony you had to be saved from a life of drugs or outward sin. A leader in the youth group helped me understand the error of my thinking. Salvation is God raising someone from the dead (spiritually speaking). It is a miracle only God can perform (Ephesians 2:1). I was just as dead in my sins and praise God he pulled me from the pit of self-deception. I share my testimony to proclaim what a great and powerful God I serve—no salvation story can possibly be “boring.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Today I am blessed to be a member of Redemption Church of Northridge where I am able to use the spiritual gifts the Lord has given me to serve the body wherever I am needed (teaching Sunday school, women’s ministry, food team, etc.) The Lord has radically changed my goals and pursuits, and has given me a burden for the lost and a desire for a life of ministry. The Lord has used trials in my life, like the death of my mother, to remind me of my constant dependence on Him. Now, as a new wife, I look forward to growing even more in my walk with the Lord as I spend time in His Word daily and seek to honor Him by loving, serving, and helping my husband.</span>wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6764452517379491353.post-44290990525639825392013-01-29T13:56:00.001-08:002013-04-17T14:15:58.222-07:00It Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UiR2RAaFd46FiwE4LAD_cqhDR2asvhSRRzYqE9uT8O2M5-ncqAkMKV7Cbn0wYcRfVvKFwG1bPN_NGrV9TLt-R-2sLO0roaakxU4tqftWUcEoeEQl540HknV1L3gW4m_GXGGnV5pXf63l/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UiR2RAaFd46FiwE4LAD_cqhDR2asvhSRRzYqE9uT8O2M5-ncqAkMKV7Cbn0wYcRfVvKFwG1bPN_NGrV9TLt-R-2sLO0roaakxU4tqftWUcEoeEQl540HknV1L3gW4m_GXGGnV5pXf63l/s320/beach.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Since I (Janea) am no longer on this journey of life alone, I have given up my "single" blog! Josh and I are combining forces to create The Beakley Blog. The purpose? To keep our friends, family, and even casual browsers updated on our lives. We hope each post will be be encouraging, amusing, and well worth your reading time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">For our first post, I will follow the lead of my blogging buddy when she first began her married blog. They began with their individual testimonies of salvation. I'll start with mine and Josh's will soon follow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for visiting!</span>wagamamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576025776800157635noreply@blogger.com0