Peaceful Butterfly for our 9th anniversary

A friend of ours from RKCC in California received a peaceful picture as he was praying for us a few days ago. He told us about it in an email, " I received a picture of the most beautiful butterfly yellow and black with a bit of orange. It was sipping nectar from a flower (deep purple) from the vine that represents the fruits of your journey and ministry."

The best part is that the same day he sent us the email a beautiful yellow and black and orange butterfly visited our ger. It was crawling all over our hands without hesitation...just content as can be as we held it. In the moment, the butterfly was so meaningful to me because I love butterflies as they remind me of the old self that was put off and the new self that has been put on. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come.!" 2 Cor 5:17.

Our 9th anniversary was this week and I always love to reminisce and look back on how far the Lord has brought us in such a short time. I was thinking of the butterfly as a symbol of our relationship with Christ and with each other. As I reflect on our friend's picture, I am excited to drink in the glorious nectar as we grow closer and closer and our love goes deeper and deeper.

Also, purple (like the deep purple flower) is a recurring theme since arriving to Mongolia. We were only able to bring a few things that reminded us of home...one, the purple butterfly curtain in the picture with the butterfly, also some purple sheets, a purple quilt and some purple towels to match. When we arrived in Mongolia all the furniture in the apartment was purple and the ger is lined with a purple drape all around on the inside. God reminds me that we are His royal children, inheriting His love and peace while ruling and reigning WITH Him in all authority. (Also authority verses very significant right now Isa. 22:22).

Another friend responded to our recent prayer requests with this verse that reminds me of drawing nectar from the true vine:

Colossians 2:7

"Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done."