Home?

I feel like the little green guy above. I'm in Colorado, Kim is in Charlotte, our stuff is in a storage unit, I'm staying at a friends, we will move into another house when Kim and Ruthie get here, then we pray we find a house to move into.
Why the Alien you ask?
There are many references in scripture about being an alien or stranger in a foreign land. I have thought about those verses especially since I don't have a physical home at this point. Not to over spiritualize everything, but God has truly reminded me of my eternal home.....and that it's somewhat natural to feel like a stranger. I love the idea that this world is not our home, we are on vacation in a sense until we are called "up yonder". But while on vacation, God has called us to be faithful and that's a full-time yet rewarding job.
any who........
Kim and I have been blessed on both sides of the country to have kind folks who have taken us in and cared for us. We have seen the face of Christ in many of these people. This is a tough time....but it's also a good time. I can't wait for my family to get here as we attempt to settle into this new place.

under construction,
nate

Christmas photo shoot

(We took alot of pictures of Ruthie's first Christmas with my sisters camera...so I will have to post those later...hopefully these will tied you over.)






Grandma and Grandpa Stratman

Brother Vick

I read Michael Vick's letter to the judge the other day and something caught me off guard. He wrote a 5 page letter asking for the judge to cut him some slack and that he is not a beast. He listed several reasons why he was a good person and the one that topped the charts was; "I bought my pastor a church"....to which Neil Boortz replied "Mister Vick we don't buy churches....we go to them"

Just a little randomness to brighten your day
nate

The Farewell Party

Last night there were about 300 people gathered in our church gym to send us off to Colorado. They made a huge meal, a great video and sang some songs. It struck me on the way home that I just participated in a rare occassion.....and every aspect of that occassion gave the glory and thanks to our Lord. Kim and I received some incredible letters and gifts from our great friends here at St.Andrews-Covenant. After the meal, all the students and college kids and "real world" kids joined us in the HUB for a final time of worship and celebration. My tear ducts are dry and my back hurts from hugging.
I ran a diagnosis on my tears and It came back that they were tears of gratitude and thankfulness. This church has loved us well and we love them the same. At some point I will try and put the video up on the blog for yall to see.

God is Good
nate

The Advent Conspiracy

The Clan Namtarts head off to Colorado Springs for Chapter 3 in the Namtart Adventure on December 21st. We have some going away parties, I turn 30 on the 20th and then we go to Charlotte for Christmas and then I head off to the Rockies with my truck full of gear and a plethora of books on tape. To get in the right frame of mind I think I will get Lonesome Dove, Louis L'Amour and some other western romance books.
If you have a second, check out Advent Conspiracy and see what you think. There is a video under the title "what is it?" that explains this initiative. Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by worshipping Jesus through compassion, not consumption.

PSS- Ruthie and Kim are doing well. Ruth is saying "da-da" as well as "Deuteronomy, Ipod Nano and Bob Saggett". We are so proud of her. More pics to come when our camera is repaired.

Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease
nate