Love>Fear // On Loving Refugees Even When It's Scary

[Read her story here.]

As the internet has been exploding with opinions and articles and arguments over whether or not the US should let Syrian refugees in or not, my heart has been hurting. The fact that these people are even in refugee status and having to flee their country is heartbreaking. And seeing some of the things that are being said about these people adds to this heartache. 

I get it. People are scared. The threat is real (maybe not likely, but real). But, at least as Christians, we don't have to fear this worldly threat. You don't have to read much of the Bible to see that Jesus did not fear worldly threats, but instead ministered to those who were the weakest, sickest, in the most need, regardless of what it cost Him. And He calls His followers to do the same. To pick up their crosses. To love their enemies. To care for the least of these. (1) Nowhere does He command that we stay safe or comfortable. (2) 

This doesn't mean that we have to throw caution to the wind and let in whoever comes knocking. Which is definitely not the case in the US refugee vetting process. (3) But it does mean that we're willing to take risks in order to love. (4) It means that we follow Jesus' example because if His ministry would have been filled only with safe, comfortable, non-threatening things then there'd be no hope for us at all. It means that we don't let fear rule our lives and make decisions for us. (5, 6) 

Fear is a liar. It says that we have to take care of ourselves, protect ourselves, build lots of high walls and do whatever we can to stay safe. But 2 Timothy 1:7 says that "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." Love is greater than fear. 

And as an average citizen in the Midwest there might not be a ton that I can do to practically and tangibly love these people that are fleeing for their lives. But I can control how I'm feeling. I can choose to let God's power and love and self-control in me be bigger than my fears and be open to how He might use me. I can pray for these thousands of lives that are on the brink of survival... these human beings that are made in the image of God and loved by Him. I can be loving on social media and advocate for their care and support. I can love my enemies because this is how the world will see the light of Christ. 

And if loving your enemy sounds too radical, too hard, then can't we at least love the innocent ones who are being terrorized by our enemies?

1. Rejecting Refugees, Rejecting Christ

2. Something Christian Millennials Don't Get

3. Here's What the U.S. Process for Vetting Syrian Refugees Actually Looks Like

4. The World is Scary as Hell. Love Anyway

5. Do Not Be Afraid

6. Fear, Love and Refugees

Bonus: Why Turning Away Syrian Refugees Is the Wrong Response to ISIS Acts of Terror 

Bonus #2: Humans of New York Refugee Stories

P.S. Here are some oldies (but goodies) that I've shared before, but they are kind of perfect for this post. Download away!

              

Black // Mint // Peach

Weekend Wrap-Up

//via

Happy Friday, folks! This graphic pretty much sums up how I'm feeling right now. Sun is shining, gourmet pizza for lunch, and just a few hours out from the weekend.

This weekend is looking like it will be the perfect mix of social, relaxing, and productive. We'll be visiting some art studios, having coffee with new friends, and going to an old friend's housewarming party. We will also be picking up our new (to us) car at the dealership tomorrow (cuz, that one time), working on a mailing that we'll be sending out soon (keep your eyes on your mailboxes!), and meeting with BASE to plan a purity conference. Good stuff.

This past week I found a few things on the internet to be extra helpful... drumroll, please...

This blogpost on adopting first has really impacted me this week and reiterates a lot of the thoughts that Loverboy and I have had on this topic.

Although not super pretty, this graphic from the UN is super helpful in understanding what makes up trafficking:

And last but not least, this recipe for Sausage & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash not only looks amazing, but I have had it recommended to me by two ladies that I work with. Needless to say, I may have a couple acorn squash sitting on my kitchen counter ready and waiting!

TDM: Kitchen // After

Welcome to another installment of Team Douglas Moves! Over a month ago I shared with you what our kitchen looked like when we moved in. I thought it was about time I showed you what it looks like now! Obviously, since we're renting it's not like we made any real big changes (we're no Chip and Joanna Gaines!), but we have put our own special touch on the room and it really is one of my favorite upgrades in our move. So without further ado...

We love that we get lots of natural light and the amount of space makes cooking so much more enjoyable! And I like that I get to sit at the table and watch my cute husband do the dishes. BEST part ever!

Sources//
Polka Dot Rug: Ikea
Black Wire Shelving: Target
Minnesota Cutting Board: Bed Bath & Beyond
Dishes: Target
Tea Towel: Bed Bath & Beyond
Hanging Planter: Ikea

Anything else you'd like to know, just comment below!

Just Say It

I can be awkward with words. As far as love languages go, words are near the bottom for me. I can have a hard time expressing love, comfort, appreciation, and gratitude through words. (I personally think it all started when I was a toddler and would grunt and point at what I wanted and my sisters would oblige and thus crippled me for life. JK, sorta...)

So when I married a man that had words at the top of his love language list (like many men do), I was like... uhhhhhh. Anyone else there with me? 

But I feel like this is something that I have definitely been growing in—how to not be as awkward about affirming this guy of mine, or at least pushing through the awkwardness and just saying it anyway. 

So today, when I stumbled across this article on 24 honest phrases we need to say to each other more often I felt like I had struck gold (or found that killer high-end brand-name score at the thrift store... ya know, to each his own).

So things like "I don't know what to say, but I'm here" and "what can I do to support you?" and "I disagree but I still love you" are like little nuggets of awesome thrift-store finds for my vocabulary. They help me see that loving, affirming, comforting, they don't have to be awkward, but instead can be super simple phrases that mean a lot to the people that I say them to.

So next time that I'm not sure what to say, or feel like my words don't mean that much, I'm going to try some of these phrases. I'm going to be honest with how I'm feeling and just say it—awkward or not.

A Few of My Favorite Things // Places I Heart in Northeast Minneapolis

Hey there friends, and happy Monday! Today I wanted to share with you a few places that I <3 in NE Minneapolis! We've lived in two different neighborhoods of Northeast now, so we've gotten to try out a few local spots. Some we've liked, some not so much... but the list that follows is what we've loved! So read on for some hip/quaint/delicious/fun/adorable NE Minneapolis suggestions! And I'd LOVE to hear the places that you <3 around NE. (Side note: some of the websites for these places are hilarious/embarrassing! I guess that's what you get when you're a tiny local spot, huh? But I promise that these places are awesome, even if their websites would suggest otherwise.)

DRINK

Mojo Coffee Gallery, California St
This is officially our new favorite spot. Located just a few blocks from us, it's the perfect excuse to go for a walk. ;) Plus, it's also an art gallery so there's always unique art to look at while you sip your tasty drink. And if you get lucky, there might be an artist working on the pottery wheel!

Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge, Marshall St
Another super local-to-us spot... this place is a gem! We went last week for happy hour (which only caters to people in the couple zip codes nearby), and were not disappointed by the over-the-top tiki theme! The drinks were each served in their own unique cup and the solo pizzas were yummy and filling. It was even warm enough for us to enjoy their huge tiki-lit deck by the river. Such a fun experience!

The Coffee Shop Northeast, Johnson St
This coffee shop is a Northeast staple and is a great place to meet up with a friend for a bite to eat or cup of coffee. They have a large menu and lots of space... what's not to love? (Plus, they have quite tasty chai tea lattes!)

EAT

Marinos Deli, Johnson St
This hole-in-the-wall deli has amazing (and super affordable) Italian food. Every single time I get the daily special, because it never disappoints (thank you, pasta, for always being there for me). The atmosphere is definitely not date-night material, but if you're looking for good, cheap Italian food, this is the place to go! Plus, you can always order to-go and put it on fancy plates at home with a little bit of candle light and wah-lah! Effortless date night!

Holy Land, Central Ave
If you are a fan of Mediterranean fare, then this place is for you! We usually get a gyro combo and it's more than enough for the both of us, and so satisfying. They cook the meat right before your eyes and not that I'm an expert, but it feels like a very authentic place. Once again, the atmosphere is a bit lacking, but when you find food this good it really doesn't seem to matter! And also once again, two words—to. go.

SHOP

Bloom & Buttercup, Johsnon St
This cute little shop is a florist, old-school candy shop, and fair trade gift shop all in one! I got a plant there a few months ago and she's still going strong! This place is definitely worth a stop in to look around!

A Little Refind, Johnson St
If you're into vintage furniture and decor then you must check this place out. Everything is styled just so and I've enjoyed window shopping there many times!

TO TRY

Betty Dangers Country Club, Marshall St
The Sample Room, Marshall St
Antiquified Antiques, Lowry Ave

When One Person's Sacrifice is Another Person's Suffering

"Do you hate me for recruiting your parents?" I laughed a little at this preposterous question posed by a friend at a potluck on Saturday night, but then quickly reassured her that I didn't, because even though it was a preposterous question, it was at the same time plausible. You see, I didn't know her at the time, but this friend recruited my parents to move to Mongolia for a couple years while I was in college. 

The first time that Loverboy and I walked into our Sunday School class as brand-spankin-new-lyweds, I was approached with a warm smile by this woman who quickly asked if I was Pam Block's daughter. Guilty! (This has happened multiple times—my mom or I will be out and about and some stranger (who knows the other one of us) asks if we are related. Spittin' image right here!)

So after fessing up to being Pam's daughter, we made the connection that she had recruited my parents to move to Mongolia a few years back and we laughed at how small the world really is. Since then we've maybe mentioned this connection a time or two and I've caught her up a bit on my family's life, but it wasn't until this past Saturday that I really got the chance to process with her. 

As I reassured her that, no, I did not hate her, I also shared how that was a really hard part of my life and I really missed my parents while they were gone. I shared how there was a season of tears and deep sorrow as I prepared for them to move to the other side of the world. But I also got to share of God's faithfulness during those years and how I learned to depend on Him throughout the experience. I shared how those years are now a big part of my testimony of seeing God work through tough circumstances. 

It was a sweet time of sharing and hearing about her heart as she recruited my parents (and subsequently little brother who was in high school at the time). It was sweet to hear how she worried about us. She talked about how often, one person's sacrifice is another person's suffering. When my parents chose to move to Mongolia, they were sacrificing much to do so, but it also led to the suffering of the family they left behind. 

And at the time, that suffering was hard and bitter. But looking back, I know that Jesus has taken that bitterness and turned it sweet. He has taken the short suffering and turned it into eternal joy for those that were able to hear the Good News while my parents were there. He has taken the suffering of one small family, and multiplied it into gladness for a much larger family—HIS family. 

So do I hate her for recruiting my parents? Of course not! Yes, at the time it was hard. Yes, at the time I wanted them to stay. Yes, at the time I couldn't see why they would leave. But after years of seeing God's work not only in my life and the lives of my family, but in the lives of Mongolians that otherwise might not have heard about Jesus, I can confidently say that the suffering was worth it. And I know that one day in heaven I will meet Mongolians who will take one look at me and ask—"Are you Pam Block's daughter?" 

TDM // Living Room Reveal

Happy Monday, friends, and welcome to segment 2 of Team Douglas Moves (TDM)! It's been two weeks since we've moved into this quirky house, and every day I love it more. We've had our small group over for a bonfire, enjoyed cooking on all our counter space, had friends over for games, grilled out in our yard, and gone on walks around the neighborhood. 

I thought I'd give you a glimpse into the living room today. This was one of the first rooms (besides the kitchen) that we completed, because let's be real, you've gotta have a comfy space to lounge and watch Netflix at the end of a long day spent cleaning and unpacking, amiright?!

The couch is Nockeby from Ikea. It was the first ever new piece of furniture that Loverboy and I purchased together. After a year of marriage, people! We've bought tons of used furniture, whether from relatives, Craigslist, or thrift stores. But buying new furniture, now that was a rush! AND a hassle, let me tell ya. We ended up going to Ikea three time (three!) in order to finally get this couch...  and yes, it was due to our own poor planning of what vehicles to bring, but you live and you learn, right? (Also, count yourself lucky if you got to be a part of that Snapchat adventure. Sitting in line for an hour really provides lots of good Snapchat content.)

That beautiful little palm tree is from Ikea. I'm not really that good at keeping itty bitty plants alive, so I'm really crossing my fingers that I don't kill it... so if anyone has any tips on how to keep that baby thriving, bring it on!



The rug was an awesome find from Rugs USA during their Labor Day Sale. It's huge, and about the thickness of a towel, but as the husband of one of my friends put it, "it really pulls the room together." (And no, of course he didn't follow this super nice compliment with a twitching mouth and snort, letting on that he really didn't have strong opinions about the deep rug conversation his wife and I were having). But really, I couldn't agree more!


That's our backdoor and kitchen that you can see to the left. The backdoor goes out to a mudroom, which also provides nice storage for our bikes, shoes, and misc. car stuff and cleaning supplies.

So there you have it! The living room as it stands now. We have an awesome big vintage mirror and cute little bar cart (that is currently in Nebraska until a grandparent brings it over to MN) that will probably get added soon, so keep an eye out for updates!

Let me know if you'd like to know where anything is from... although unfortunately most of it is thrifted or the like. But if you can buy it at a store, I'll definitely let you know! :)