Last Moments in Roglaland

Astrid, my lovely friend who actually drinks smoothies, took us for a final spin through the countryside of Bryne (Rogaland).  It was our last day in Bryne and the sun was shining so it was a wonderful day to look around. I don't think there is a speck of Norway that isn't fabulous so it's pretty easy to find things to photograph. These are highlights of our day.

It was lovely having sunshine instead of the rain!

These rocks are called Hitler's Teeth.

This is a great bit of history.

To find out more, click here

Another beautiful little harbor along the way.

The water and sky are SO blue!

Egersund Kirke, built around 1693 when the original church was torn down.

I love how old everything is and what great details the architecture offers.

Egersund is really cute. Lots of shops and cafes as well as an incredible

place that makes chocolate creations called Egersund Chockoladefabrik.

Another stunning view along the way home!

What a lovely thing it is to breathe Norwegian air.

Hello Bryne!

After a lovely bus trip including two ferry crossings and a couple of undersea tunnels, we arrived in Bryne yesterday. We're staying here during the first half of the Easter break and will be living in a nice little apartment in downtown Bryne. It's really cute! It looks like something you'd see on Househunters, Int'l. We can walk to the Library for Internet or to the store down the street. We are so grateful for the kind hospitality of the folks who loaned it to us. They really are sweet to allow us to have our own space here.

This is one of the outlaying bridges on the way to Bryne.

Of course, it's beautiful!

We will be here for a week and then move back to the Kristiansand area until we head out to Skien on our next ministry trip. We're going to use this break for a personal worship & intercession 'retreat' and contemplate the resurrection of our most wonderful Lord.

More to come.....

Bergen Experience

We have had a lovely time in Bergen and I wanted to share some of our favorite experiences with you. One of the best, of course, was worshiping at the Reform Norge Conference with Mark Stibbe (from the U.K.), 'Surprise' Sithole (from Mozambique) and the Reform Norge leaders including Elin Fagerbakke and Håkon Fagervik.  The teaching was inspiring and the worship was wonderful! Thank you, Reform Norge, for the privilege of being here with you to pray for this beautiful land.

Vivien with her mandolin. That smile says it all!

Praying for Norway with passionate, on-fire Bible Students.

Bergen is a beautiful city established on the edge of a fjord. Originally the capitol of Norway, it is considered the center of trade in the nation. Learn more about Bergen here:

The Bryggen: a famous row of Hanseatic businesses now part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and a must-see when visiting Bergen.

Another cool statue of a fisherman with Bergen in the background.

There was a marching band making its way through the streets that we weren't quite sure about. It had several boys from ages six to sixteen with drums and also guns that looked like crosses.  They were very serious about what they were doing but there wasn't any banner to tell us who they were. I thought this wee fellow was particularly adorable.

Onward Christian Soldier!

Norway is filled with awesome details like the faces of the King below. 

Typical Norwegian folk art. Vivien has that flute, of course ;)

In addition to cool, amazing details like the faces of the King,

Norway ALSO has weird and funky art like this sculpture of Ibsen.

Seriously. Really???

I will leave you with this last peak of Bergen before we head off to Stavanger

to hang out with our dear friends, Astrid og Paul and Helga og Ordin.

Kisses to you, Bergen. You have been delightful!

Oddernes Church (Oddernes Kirke)

We visited an historic site in Kristiansand today: Oddernes Kirke. A runestone which was originally in the cemetery reads that the site has been central to the community as far back as the time of Saint Olav Den Hellige! Discoveries in burial mounds in the area bear witness that the settlement dates back to 400 A.D. 

In 1630 the Church was extended to prepare for a visit by Christian IV in 1635. In 1699, the present Church Bell Tower was built. It holds three bells and the oldest is from the 13th century. (We've heard the bells peal several times and it's a beautiful sound, by the way.)

There is a Baroque altar and some amazing painted works along the ceiling and woodwork through the church. It is considered one of the oldest churches in this part of the country and is very popular for weddings and special occasions.  I love the sense of history in all the details. It really is a lovely church and well-worth seeing if you're ever in the Kristiansand area.

Oddernes Kirke in Kristiansand at Sunset

And in the Sunshine

Candles against the painted ceiling with blue sky and clouds

Sunlight pouring through the aged glass by the altar

Beautiful silver chandelier in front of amazing pipe organ

 Runestone carved with Viking script declaring the God-son of Olav the Holy

used his inheritance to build this church in 1040 A.D.

Standing in front of the preacher's pulpit: Ann Elisabeth, Vivien and Me

Paintings along the front of the choir loft depicting the Saints

and also virtues. This one is for JUSTICE

True story: I had my heart set on seeing the inside of this church because I'd heard it was spectacular. We tried going there the evening before and it was locked so we went this afternoon in hopes of seeing inside. It was locked again  so we decided to stroll through the graveyard and check things out. A young guy popped up and I caught sight of him just as he was going through the back door of the church. Ann Elisabeth bravely chased him down and asked if we could see inside. Not only was he happy to let us in but he knew a lot about the church and gave us a private tour. Isn't the Lord sweet to answer the desires of our hearts?

What a wonderful Father You are!

Kristiansand & Flekkerøy

We finally arrived in Norway after thirty-two hours of travel. The sun is shining and we've had a break today and it's lovely. We are staying with a YWAM family who is also involved in worship in the area. They have a lovely house that was built in the 1700s and Ann Elisabeth has made it both beautiful and cozy. It has been nice staying with them as we share the same heart for worship and the nations.

Here are some snapshots of life right now:

Jet-Lag (Also known as Yet-Lag)

Smiling Jesus Painting in our Bedroom (Soverom)

Typical Norwegian Breakfast (Frokost)

Ivar and Ann Elisabeth Hanging Out

Ivar's Cat Sunning Himself on the Roof

Beautiful Spring Crocus in the Garden

 Possibly the Best Chocolate Cake I've Ever Tasted!

Kudos to Ann Elisabeth :)

Worship Last Night in the State Church on Flekkerøy

We are in the Kristiansand area until Thursday evening when we travel to Bergen for a Reform Norge conference. We will stay a few days after the conference to learn about Bergen and see the sites. 

It is SO good to be back in the Motherland!

Tusen Takk, Far!

A Thankful Heart

Vivien has been writing about the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving here and I am reminded again of how abundantly the Lord has blessed my life. I have a heart that is over-flowing with gratitude to Him for the beauty I see around me. Here are a few examples:

Shya Simone - 4 yrs

Hunter Augustus - 2 yrs

Samson Jude - 1 yr

Spencer Bailey Walden - 4 yrs

Chaddy with Spencer in his pocket

 Stephen & Jenn; Megs & Bryan

Chaddy, Sharon, Vivien and Corky

Raelynn in St Helena, CA (Yes, Raelynn, there are only photos on my Plog)

And last but never least, NANNY!

Life is so very, very GOOD!

I Just Needed This.....

With the stress of packing, preparing four tax returns, and a multitude of other things before leaving the country for three months, I needed a chuckle today. Thanks, Richard :)