Ten years ago my family faced possibly one of the most dreaded and difficult things a family can face. A quiet, clear January day turned nearly fatal. My sister was hit from behind in her car by a fully loaded log truck, right in front of our home. They say its a parents worst nightmare, a call no one wants. My family didn't receive that call, there was no need for it, we were the ones calling for help. Neighbors came to help, rescue vehicles arrived. It was obvious, the evidence clear. The officer looked at us with sympathy and pity and said "I'm sorry". I already knew, no words were needed, a simple glance was I needed to know.
Or so we thought.
For a moment in time we thought we had lost my sister. That is not a moment one forgets or takes for granted. We were given a miracle that many have wanted and prayed for. She moved and time stood still as they confirmed vitals and worked to get her out of the car that now resembled a mangled piece of metal that no longer resembled the Ford that it had been.
She was alive and breathing. She did have injuries, minimal compared to what it appeared it was or what it could have been. Truly a miracle. It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years. 10 years of miracles. She is married, has two beautiful girls and a baby boy on the way in just a few weeks. Each day, each milestone is not lost on us. I am so thankful for her and the gift that we were given by God. He is good and I know that no matter what the outcome of that fateful day, He would have been still good. Not an easy thing to always say or live out but the truth remains. He is good, He was good as that accident happened, He was good as we faced the reality of the moment and He was good with each breath she took that day, He is good today and will be good tomorrow.
Thank you God for the tens years you have given me with my sister, thank you for her life and thank you for Your goodness in all things.
R
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
13 for '13
I promise this will be a shorter list than my last post. My 13 words for 2013 are words and phrases that express what I am feeling, hoping and looking forward to for the year.
1. Anticipation. Anticipation for what God has in store for me and my family and friends. I look forward to seeing where He takes us, the growth, challenges, our response to them and victories we will experience this year!
2. Goals. Every Janurary I make goals for the year. I check in with my list every so often. This is not a plan or rules to live by. I don't make the traditional long-term plans, but rather goals. The other day I was talking with a wonderful lady. She and her family spend many years on the mission field of Spain. She asked me what I had planned for the future. This question is difficult for me to answer and I don't necessarily like the question because it evokes the idea that what I am doing now is not enough or the right thing, because I like what I do and where I am and firmly believe it is where God wants me.
I don't make plans(i.e. 5 or 10 year plan) because life happens, things change and most importantly I am not God so I cannot see the future. I can only trust the One Who holds the future in His hands. Now, before you start to think I am a free, unreliable spirit, hear me out! Making goals gives me a chance to improve things that need improving and prevent me from becoming stagnant or irresponsible.
Some of these goals will be seen throughout the following words.
3. Financial Peace. My hope and goal by the end of the year is to have all my bills (medical, school) paid off. I have bought a book to walk me through it and hopefully this will be achieved so I am no longer serving this master!
4. Creativity. I hope to continue making the majority of my gifts and use the resources I already have on hand. I also hope to learn to sew and use the sewing machine that has been sitting on my craft table all year! :)
5. Discipline. Yes, that word that means work! I hope to continue being disciplined in my daily life including my workouts, being on time, going to bed early, drinking lots of water and so much more!
6. Heart of Rest, Joy, Peace and Thanksgiving. These four can only be experienced through Christ as I let go of things and spend more time with Him, in prayer and scripture. To be still before Him.
7. Ministry. I look forward to the work God has for me and how I can best serve Him through the young girls ministry, Don Shire ministries and whatever else He may have me do.
8. Recipes. Yes, I know it seems odd to have this word with all of the serious things of this year but I am hoping and planning on challenging myself in trying or creating new recipes to better enjoy the foods I can have. I am also hoping this will help me enjoy meals in general and not seem so much liked a chore to prepare and cook the food as I make most things from natural and non-processed sources and that means cooking from scratch!
9. Words of encouragement. I aim to be more of an encourager ot those around me.
10. Balance. I hope to find balance in the crazy thing we call life of work, play, ministry, health and the day to day process.
11. Blog and journal(more). So you will probably see me on here more often!
12. Vulnerable and sensitive. This is not an easy thing for me, friends. Pray for me, that I will be open to what the Lord has to show me and what he has in store for the year.
13. Take time. I so often do not take the time to enjoy the little things in life that are significant. Sunshine through the clouds, sunrises and sunsets, the opportunity for a chance to bless another all because I am busy. Yup, this is going to take balance, sensitivity and to let the things that don't matter go!
Whew, there it is! It is shorter like I promised:) What are some of your hopes, goals and words for 2013?
R
1. Anticipation. Anticipation for what God has in store for me and my family and friends. I look forward to seeing where He takes us, the growth, challenges, our response to them and victories we will experience this year!
2. Goals. Every Janurary I make goals for the year. I check in with my list every so often. This is not a plan or rules to live by. I don't make the traditional long-term plans, but rather goals. The other day I was talking with a wonderful lady. She and her family spend many years on the mission field of Spain. She asked me what I had planned for the future. This question is difficult for me to answer and I don't necessarily like the question because it evokes the idea that what I am doing now is not enough or the right thing, because I like what I do and where I am and firmly believe it is where God wants me.
I don't make plans(i.e. 5 or 10 year plan) because life happens, things change and most importantly I am not God so I cannot see the future. I can only trust the One Who holds the future in His hands. Now, before you start to think I am a free, unreliable spirit, hear me out! Making goals gives me a chance to improve things that need improving and prevent me from becoming stagnant or irresponsible.
Some of these goals will be seen throughout the following words.
3. Financial Peace. My hope and goal by the end of the year is to have all my bills (medical, school) paid off. I have bought a book to walk me through it and hopefully this will be achieved so I am no longer serving this master!
4. Creativity. I hope to continue making the majority of my gifts and use the resources I already have on hand. I also hope to learn to sew and use the sewing machine that has been sitting on my craft table all year! :)
5. Discipline. Yes, that word that means work! I hope to continue being disciplined in my daily life including my workouts, being on time, going to bed early, drinking lots of water and so much more!
6. Heart of Rest, Joy, Peace and Thanksgiving. These four can only be experienced through Christ as I let go of things and spend more time with Him, in prayer and scripture. To be still before Him.
7. Ministry. I look forward to the work God has for me and how I can best serve Him through the young girls ministry, Don Shire ministries and whatever else He may have me do.
8. Recipes. Yes, I know it seems odd to have this word with all of the serious things of this year but I am hoping and planning on challenging myself in trying or creating new recipes to better enjoy the foods I can have. I am also hoping this will help me enjoy meals in general and not seem so much liked a chore to prepare and cook the food as I make most things from natural and non-processed sources and that means cooking from scratch!
9. Words of encouragement. I aim to be more of an encourager ot those around me.
10. Balance. I hope to find balance in the crazy thing we call life of work, play, ministry, health and the day to day process.
11. Blog and journal(more). So you will probably see me on here more often!
12. Vulnerable and sensitive. This is not an easy thing for me, friends. Pray for me, that I will be open to what the Lord has to show me and what he has in store for the year.
13. Take time. I so often do not take the time to enjoy the little things in life that are significant. Sunshine through the clouds, sunrises and sunsets, the opportunity for a chance to bless another all because I am busy. Yup, this is going to take balance, sensitivity and to let the things that don't matter go!
Whew, there it is! It is shorter like I promised:) What are some of your hopes, goals and words for 2013?
R
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
12 for 12
It is hard to believe that it is already 2013. It has been a long, long, long time since I have blogged. Suffice it to say 2012 was not always easy for me. To be honest, I stepped away from blogging because I needed to process what God was saying and showing me and I simply did not have the words to put down on paper or online as most of the processing was between myself and God. I would consider myself a person who has a hard time opening up with my innermost thoughts.
Another thing that kept me from blogging was job searching, (a seriously fulltime job!)finding a job and starting work in ministry, which kept me busy! to wrap up the events of 2012 for those of who read my little blog I am going to narrow it down to 12 words/lessons of 2012 that were meaningful and impactful. I have noticed many other bloggers do this after I had already started processing what I wanted to say. I am in no way trying to "copy" or jump on some unspoken bandwagon! In no specific order...
1. Blessed. One of my favorite and most meaningful songs reflects my heart well for 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM
I have SO many reasons that I feel blessed of which I will be reflecting on more depth but the greatest reason I am blessed is because I have a heavenly Father who is Faithful, Loving, Forgiving, He is the Jehovah Jirah-the One who Provides, He is the One Who took my place(and your place) on the cross so that I may live eternally in heaven and not hell, a place that I deserve so much more than heaven because of my sins. you can know Him also. Ask me. I would be happy to introduce you to Him, He is pretty Great!
2. Humbled. In early 2012 I was largely under/un-employed which greatly challenged me financially, emotionally and spiritually. Through this time I had to learn to depend wholly on God to provide. More than once I was reduced to tears in utter humility as I saw Him provide in His timing and in His way. Honestly, I am tears as I recall this time in my life. At one time I thought that my jobless position may be moving me to going into ministry fulltime with a organization out of state. I pursued this for a time but God moved me in a different direction. In His timing He provided a job that I have loved from the very moment I started. I am (again) a nanny. This job is beyond what I could imagine in greatness. I am so thankful for this time to give(and get) cuddles, kisses and hugs! My days include the aforementioned along with diapers, bottles, playdates, library visits, playtime and the opportunity to share Jesus with a little girl who I pray will be a Daughter of the King someday!
3. Transition. I know myself enough to realize that I am a person who does best with a few close friends and one-on-one times rather than large groups and many aquaintances to bare my soul to. Two of my close friends have lived in Minnesota and Pennslyvania, respectively. Two of my other close friends lived here in Wausau, that is until this fall. Both moved, one to Minnesota and the other to China(yes, China!) These friends were the friends I found I could talk to and know I wouldn't be judged. I could depend on them, enjoyed the time we would spend together and knew I could tell them anything. Well, I can still talk to them, thanks to technology but there is distance and time differences. To say the least, I found myself lacking close and dear friend time. Yes, I have other friends that I have spent time with but I had not known that deep friendship that I had with others. I missed the chat and tea times, going to events together and so much more.
I realized that the void I was experiencing was an opportunity to know my Best Friend (God) even more because I could and needed to talk to Him even more and that I could and should seek out friendships with other women. I knew I needed to be more out-going and intentional in reaching out to others. God provided in His own timing, as always. A renewed friendship with a friend and a new friendships with 2 new ladies in town has given me someone to hang out with and enjoy local events with.
Other transitions include another move to a new apartment. I now live in town, closer to work, the gym, church and downtown. I have enjoyed the closeness of my location and what it offers. I also switched to a different church, not for major issues or reasons, rather I felt that this church was a better fit for me.
4. Creativity. This past year I have been enjoying my creative side by attepmting to learn to sew and make as many gifts and home decor myself as much as possible. I have been using what I already have/own to upcycle and recreate new things. This past Christmas I was able to make 985 of the gifts with my own hands and resources. I enjoy doing this and plan to continue doing so. This winter I hope to become more proficient in sewing. Pinterest and Hobby Lobby have become my friends in this endeavor:)
5. Discipline. This word can evoke groans of dread and guilt to many, myself included. I have been working on not having a legalistic view of many things that I do each day but rather finding enjoyment and challenge in the things I do. I committed to a healthy 2012 and plan on continuing to do in 2013. I have also aimed to be better on time management and being more organized. To read and be in scripture daily and be more intentional on spending time in the bible study materials I am part of.
6. Joy. I have found joy in the little and big things this year. I think is largely in part to God's work in my life. Having lead me through the challanges of earlier this year I find joy in the early morning sunrises, the smell of rain, time with my nieces and baby giggles. I plan on documenting more of the joys that see each day, the things I am thankful for in future blogs.
7. Peace. With God and Joy actively in my life I have peace. If you are looking for peace, get to know the One Who offers Peace. My life is not perfect, I have many moments of fear or insecurity over many things. I have experienced stress and discouragement. I have also tried to find peace on my own volition, which doesn't work, friends. True peace is not temporary. True peace is sourced from the hope of and surity of salvation for those who have accepted it.
8. Ministry. Along with a wonderful job, God in His great timing provided the opportunity for me to serve Him in a way that I had sought for many years. As you will see in previous posts I have wanted to be in missions in a global way. Through His Ways and a friend who knew my passion for missions, I am now planning and organizing mission trips for a organization that ministers through music, orphan and widow care and sharing the Gospel. Don Shire Ministries takes several teams to many different countries throughout the year and I work from the start of the trip(applications, flights, lodging etc.) to the end of the trip in whatever way is needed. At some point, there may be a chance for me to visit the main countries that DSM works with Honduras, Haiti and India. Of course, I will have some challenges to meet being gluten free but I am so thankful that the leader of the trips and organization is really familiar with Celiac so travel may be easier with his knowledge on it.
I have also had the opportunity to be part of a minsitry reaching out to young girls, grades 7-9, encouraging them to be the women God desires them to be. The ministry is based off of Titus 2. This is a parachurch, ground roots endeavor started by a friend. It has been incredible to see God work in this ministry!
9. Sharing from life. I struggled with a word/phrase to express this. Three, nearly four years ago, when I was diagnosed with Celiac and had to drastically change my diet and also realized the ramifications of my allergies and its impact on my health I was over whelmed, scared, stressed and overwhelmed. I was on a meal-to-meal survival mode. This lasted for quite some time. I relied on a few people I knew, blogs and websites I found and my Chiropractors and Nutritionist to get through the first few years. This year brought the opportunity to walk along side a few people who were in my same position as I was in not that long ago. I have realized that something that I thought was a curse and a black cloud in my life has been used to encourage others. I have been called on by a few near and far who are struggling with food allergies/celiac who need suggestions to survive. I look at this as an opportunity to use what is ugly in my life to be a blessing in anothers.
I am starting to be more confident in being gluten free. trying new and different recipes and food options. I have been discovering more of God's creation in food products and have been enjoying it!
10. Part Of But Not Defining. Along with #9 I have been striving to not let being celiac and the issues it brings to define me. It is part of who I am but I don't want it to control me. Friends, this is not easy to do. Food is central in all societies, so when one cannot take part of this at parties, events or even communion in church, I and others feel a seperation or disconnect from society. I strive to focus on fellowship, conversation and creating new dishes that I can introduce to others. I have failed at having a right heart attitude in this at times and by God's help I have accomplished this at times. This will be an ongoing thing for me.
11. Family. Oh, family, I love them! This year it has been a joy to spend time with them and get to know them more. My nieces are growing into wonderful girls who I pray know Jesus someday soon! They are all girly girls who love to dress up, twirl in tu-tus and play with their babies, give and get hugs and kisses and I will soon have a nephew to love on also! I love being Auntie Rachael!
My sister, Ashley, recently married so our family has grown with adults also. This Christmas, all of the adults spent some great time sledding, playing Wii and target-shooting,fun! My youngest sisters are growing up to be wonderful and lovely young ladies. They are now 12 & 14 which makes me feel old but also blessed to see them develop interests and excel in them(and benefit from their creations);)
12. Defining who I am. The year of 2012 has been a challenge, as I have noted. I have seen God work around, in and through me. I have been learning who I am and who I find my identity in. It's not what I do or not do, my singleness, my looks, size of jeans, time spent at the gym, what I say or keep to myself, or the depth of my organization or cleaning. It is my identity in Christ. Redeemed, saved, loved, meant to love, serve, encourage others, minister, worship and share christ with others. This living out of my true identity has been a challenge for me in 2012, one that I have experienced great growth in and I praise God in working in me in this and I have no doubt He will continue to challenge me in this! :)
Well, thanks for sticking with me in this recap of 2012, I know it was a long one!I encourage you to take some time to reflect on this last year and ask God what it may be that you can work on/change with his help in the new year. I have no doubt that it will be a blessing in your walk with Him!
Rae
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His merceis never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Another thing that kept me from blogging was job searching, (a seriously fulltime job!)finding a job and starting work in ministry, which kept me busy! to wrap up the events of 2012 for those of who read my little blog I am going to narrow it down to 12 words/lessons of 2012 that were meaningful and impactful. I have noticed many other bloggers do this after I had already started processing what I wanted to say. I am in no way trying to "copy" or jump on some unspoken bandwagon! In no specific order...
1. Blessed. One of my favorite and most meaningful songs reflects my heart well for 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM
I have SO many reasons that I feel blessed of which I will be reflecting on more depth but the greatest reason I am blessed is because I have a heavenly Father who is Faithful, Loving, Forgiving, He is the Jehovah Jirah-the One who Provides, He is the One Who took my place(and your place) on the cross so that I may live eternally in heaven and not hell, a place that I deserve so much more than heaven because of my sins. you can know Him also. Ask me. I would be happy to introduce you to Him, He is pretty Great!
2. Humbled. In early 2012 I was largely under/un-employed which greatly challenged me financially, emotionally and spiritually. Through this time I had to learn to depend wholly on God to provide. More than once I was reduced to tears in utter humility as I saw Him provide in His timing and in His way. Honestly, I am tears as I recall this time in my life. At one time I thought that my jobless position may be moving me to going into ministry fulltime with a organization out of state. I pursued this for a time but God moved me in a different direction. In His timing He provided a job that I have loved from the very moment I started. I am (again) a nanny. This job is beyond what I could imagine in greatness. I am so thankful for this time to give(and get) cuddles, kisses and hugs! My days include the aforementioned along with diapers, bottles, playdates, library visits, playtime and the opportunity to share Jesus with a little girl who I pray will be a Daughter of the King someday!
3. Transition. I know myself enough to realize that I am a person who does best with a few close friends and one-on-one times rather than large groups and many aquaintances to bare my soul to. Two of my close friends have lived in Minnesota and Pennslyvania, respectively. Two of my other close friends lived here in Wausau, that is until this fall. Both moved, one to Minnesota and the other to China(yes, China!) These friends were the friends I found I could talk to and know I wouldn't be judged. I could depend on them, enjoyed the time we would spend together and knew I could tell them anything. Well, I can still talk to them, thanks to technology but there is distance and time differences. To say the least, I found myself lacking close and dear friend time. Yes, I have other friends that I have spent time with but I had not known that deep friendship that I had with others. I missed the chat and tea times, going to events together and so much more.
I realized that the void I was experiencing was an opportunity to know my Best Friend (God) even more because I could and needed to talk to Him even more and that I could and should seek out friendships with other women. I knew I needed to be more out-going and intentional in reaching out to others. God provided in His own timing, as always. A renewed friendship with a friend and a new friendships with 2 new ladies in town has given me someone to hang out with and enjoy local events with.
Other transitions include another move to a new apartment. I now live in town, closer to work, the gym, church and downtown. I have enjoyed the closeness of my location and what it offers. I also switched to a different church, not for major issues or reasons, rather I felt that this church was a better fit for me.
4. Creativity. This past year I have been enjoying my creative side by attepmting to learn to sew and make as many gifts and home decor myself as much as possible. I have been using what I already have/own to upcycle and recreate new things. This past Christmas I was able to make 985 of the gifts with my own hands and resources. I enjoy doing this and plan to continue doing so. This winter I hope to become more proficient in sewing. Pinterest and Hobby Lobby have become my friends in this endeavor:)
5. Discipline. This word can evoke groans of dread and guilt to many, myself included. I have been working on not having a legalistic view of many things that I do each day but rather finding enjoyment and challenge in the things I do. I committed to a healthy 2012 and plan on continuing to do in 2013. I have also aimed to be better on time management and being more organized. To read and be in scripture daily and be more intentional on spending time in the bible study materials I am part of.
6. Joy. I have found joy in the little and big things this year. I think is largely in part to God's work in my life. Having lead me through the challanges of earlier this year I find joy in the early morning sunrises, the smell of rain, time with my nieces and baby giggles. I plan on documenting more of the joys that see each day, the things I am thankful for in future blogs.
7. Peace. With God and Joy actively in my life I have peace. If you are looking for peace, get to know the One Who offers Peace. My life is not perfect, I have many moments of fear or insecurity over many things. I have experienced stress and discouragement. I have also tried to find peace on my own volition, which doesn't work, friends. True peace is not temporary. True peace is sourced from the hope of and surity of salvation for those who have accepted it.
8. Ministry. Along with a wonderful job, God in His great timing provided the opportunity for me to serve Him in a way that I had sought for many years. As you will see in previous posts I have wanted to be in missions in a global way. Through His Ways and a friend who knew my passion for missions, I am now planning and organizing mission trips for a organization that ministers through music, orphan and widow care and sharing the Gospel. Don Shire Ministries takes several teams to many different countries throughout the year and I work from the start of the trip(applications, flights, lodging etc.) to the end of the trip in whatever way is needed. At some point, there may be a chance for me to visit the main countries that DSM works with Honduras, Haiti and India. Of course, I will have some challenges to meet being gluten free but I am so thankful that the leader of the trips and organization is really familiar with Celiac so travel may be easier with his knowledge on it.
I have also had the opportunity to be part of a minsitry reaching out to young girls, grades 7-9, encouraging them to be the women God desires them to be. The ministry is based off of Titus 2. This is a parachurch, ground roots endeavor started by a friend. It has been incredible to see God work in this ministry!
9. Sharing from life. I struggled with a word/phrase to express this. Three, nearly four years ago, when I was diagnosed with Celiac and had to drastically change my diet and also realized the ramifications of my allergies and its impact on my health I was over whelmed, scared, stressed and overwhelmed. I was on a meal-to-meal survival mode. This lasted for quite some time. I relied on a few people I knew, blogs and websites I found and my Chiropractors and Nutritionist to get through the first few years. This year brought the opportunity to walk along side a few people who were in my same position as I was in not that long ago. I have realized that something that I thought was a curse and a black cloud in my life has been used to encourage others. I have been called on by a few near and far who are struggling with food allergies/celiac who need suggestions to survive. I look at this as an opportunity to use what is ugly in my life to be a blessing in anothers.
I am starting to be more confident in being gluten free. trying new and different recipes and food options. I have been discovering more of God's creation in food products and have been enjoying it!
10. Part Of But Not Defining. Along with #9 I have been striving to not let being celiac and the issues it brings to define me. It is part of who I am but I don't want it to control me. Friends, this is not easy to do. Food is central in all societies, so when one cannot take part of this at parties, events or even communion in church, I and others feel a seperation or disconnect from society. I strive to focus on fellowship, conversation and creating new dishes that I can introduce to others. I have failed at having a right heart attitude in this at times and by God's help I have accomplished this at times. This will be an ongoing thing for me.
11. Family. Oh, family, I love them! This year it has been a joy to spend time with them and get to know them more. My nieces are growing into wonderful girls who I pray know Jesus someday soon! They are all girly girls who love to dress up, twirl in tu-tus and play with their babies, give and get hugs and kisses and I will soon have a nephew to love on also! I love being Auntie Rachael!
My sister, Ashley, recently married so our family has grown with adults also. This Christmas, all of the adults spent some great time sledding, playing Wii and target-shooting,fun! My youngest sisters are growing up to be wonderful and lovely young ladies. They are now 12 & 14 which makes me feel old but also blessed to see them develop interests and excel in them(and benefit from their creations);)
12. Defining who I am. The year of 2012 has been a challenge, as I have noted. I have seen God work around, in and through me. I have been learning who I am and who I find my identity in. It's not what I do or not do, my singleness, my looks, size of jeans, time spent at the gym, what I say or keep to myself, or the depth of my organization or cleaning. It is my identity in Christ. Redeemed, saved, loved, meant to love, serve, encourage others, minister, worship and share christ with others. This living out of my true identity has been a challenge for me in 2012, one that I have experienced great growth in and I praise God in working in me in this and I have no doubt He will continue to challenge me in this! :)
Well, thanks for sticking with me in this recap of 2012, I know it was a long one!I encourage you to take some time to reflect on this last year and ask God what it may be that you can work on/change with his help in the new year. I have no doubt that it will be a blessing in your walk with Him!
Rae
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His merceis never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Monday, March 19, 2012
The Process
As I start this post I can't think of a title, there are many, many thoughts running through my brain and my motivation to clean my apartment is zilch, so have patience with me as I (hopefully) process and articulate what is on my heart. :)
I have been working on my Formal Application for Pioneers. It is a long, long, long application but in that I find comfort in the process, challenge in thinking and writing down theological topics that I haven't thought deeply about since college and excitement in the future and what it may bring. Some of the questions are kind of fun. Take the question "What books have you read that have influenced your life and thinking" Well, for those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE to read and have a bountiful library that I enjoy building. When I go to the mall or shopping center I usually skip past most clothing stores and find a bookstore and if a bookstore is not nearby I pull out one of my books from purse and perhaps a cup of coffee or tea from a shop and become lost in the book of choice. So, for this question I have a lot of books to add to this answer.
I will give you a glimpse of my answer, some of the books that were influential in my life are: ALL of Jim and Elisabeth Elliots books, biographies and autobiographies, the books about Nate Saint, Rachel Saint, and all five missionaries that gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Ecuador so many years ago. David Livingstone, Warren Wiersbe books, John Pipe, especially "Let the Nations Be Glade", "Operation World", "Revolutions in World Missions", the "Road to Reality" and "Living in the Light of Eternity", all by K.P. Yohannon, "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, "Introducing World Missions", by Moreau, Corwin & McGee, the "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" manual....Okay, you probably get the idea:) I am currently reading Kisses for Katie book and blog and LOVE both!
Another of the questions is about my home church. Let me pause here for a moment as it is part of my quandary and to be blamed for part of my restless spirit and swirling thoughts. Within the last year I had started to transition to a different church. There were no theological issues, no hurt feelings, I simply had more growth, fellowship and friendship within this new church. I did not make this decision easily or quickly and I am still completing my commitment with the teens, whom I love, of the old church. So, here is my quandary. Which church is my home church? I know many people from he church I attended for several years and am just now getting to know the people of this new church. In the home church/sending church column of the application they have many questions for the church to answer. Do you see my quandary? Please be in prayer about this.
I have been praying and thinking of where and what area I could potentially serve in and with Pioneers. This has brought me to reading more about ministry, missions online and in books. I have also reading more about the ministries of Pioneers. Friends, I am so excited about this. I sense more and more that God a place for me within this agency. My heartstrings are tugged each day as I continue in this process. It is not easy to sit on my couch and just want to BE THERE, where ever that may be! The needs are so great so that all may worship our Savior, which is the ultimate reason missions exist.
Won't you continue to pray for and with me as I continue with the application process, the clarity of where and what I will do in service and the home/sending church process. Also, please be in prayer as I continue to look for another job, part or full time.
Thank you, dear friends. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. How may I pray for you?
Romans 1:5
.. through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
I have been working on my Formal Application for Pioneers. It is a long, long, long application but in that I find comfort in the process, challenge in thinking and writing down theological topics that I haven't thought deeply about since college and excitement in the future and what it may bring. Some of the questions are kind of fun. Take the question "What books have you read that have influenced your life and thinking" Well, for those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE to read and have a bountiful library that I enjoy building. When I go to the mall or shopping center I usually skip past most clothing stores and find a bookstore and if a bookstore is not nearby I pull out one of my books from purse and perhaps a cup of coffee or tea from a shop and become lost in the book of choice. So, for this question I have a lot of books to add to this answer.
I will give you a glimpse of my answer, some of the books that were influential in my life are: ALL of Jim and Elisabeth Elliots books, biographies and autobiographies, the books about Nate Saint, Rachel Saint, and all five missionaries that gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Ecuador so many years ago. David Livingstone, Warren Wiersbe books, John Pipe, especially "Let the Nations Be Glade", "Operation World", "Revolutions in World Missions", the "Road to Reality" and "Living in the Light of Eternity", all by K.P. Yohannon, "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, "Introducing World Missions", by Moreau, Corwin & McGee, the "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" manual....Okay, you probably get the idea:) I am currently reading Kisses for Katie book and blog and LOVE both!
Another of the questions is about my home church. Let me pause here for a moment as it is part of my quandary and to be blamed for part of my restless spirit and swirling thoughts. Within the last year I had started to transition to a different church. There were no theological issues, no hurt feelings, I simply had more growth, fellowship and friendship within this new church. I did not make this decision easily or quickly and I am still completing my commitment with the teens, whom I love, of the old church. So, here is my quandary. Which church is my home church? I know many people from he church I attended for several years and am just now getting to know the people of this new church. In the home church/sending church column of the application they have many questions for the church to answer. Do you see my quandary? Please be in prayer about this.
I have been praying and thinking of where and what area I could potentially serve in and with Pioneers. This has brought me to reading more about ministry, missions online and in books. I have also reading more about the ministries of Pioneers. Friends, I am so excited about this. I sense more and more that God a place for me within this agency. My heartstrings are tugged each day as I continue in this process. It is not easy to sit on my couch and just want to BE THERE, where ever that may be! The needs are so great so that all may worship our Savior, which is the ultimate reason missions exist.
Won't you continue to pray for and with me as I continue with the application process, the clarity of where and what I will do in service and the home/sending church process. Also, please be in prayer as I continue to look for another job, part or full time.
Thank you, dear friends. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. How may I pray for you?
Romans 1:5
.. through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,
Monday, March 12, 2012
A Fresh Hope and A New Journey
As a little girl I always enjoyed the times when missionaries came to our little town church and shared about their ministry to the people God had impressed upon their hearts. Carolyn, Rich and Margie, Bryon, the Baumanns and many more people made a difference in my life even if they did not realize it at the time. To be honest those where favorite times to go to church up until my relationship with god became a personal relationship not just an expected relationship, which was when I was 14. 14 was also the age of that I went on my first ministry trip. That trip to Ecuador, South America opened my eyes to not only the utter poverty of places beyond my little bubble of North Central Wisconsin, where I had grown up, but also the complete joy one can have when they worship their Lord and Savior.
It was during that trip and the transition back to my life in the states(even if I had only been in S.A.) for a few weeks) that I realized that I wanted the same joy that I saw others have. I NEEDED that. I needed a personal relationship with Jesus.
So started my journey. A journey that has been interesting, challenging, exciting, difficult and amazing. A journey I would not change because of where it has brought me. It has brought me closer and nearer to my Savior.
Since that pivotal point in my life, I knew I wanted to be in ministry. For years I was convinced missions only happened overseas. Then I went to New Tribes Bible Institute where I sat in the midst of missionaries who served all over the whole but also in their neighborhoods, wherever God put them they served. Even with those personal examples I still wanted to be part of missions overseas. Very soon before graduation from New Tribes a health scare was the start of a 9 year health battle, and the medical bills that went with the health issues. I soon realized as a college grad with no insurance and lots of medical bills that my hope to be overseas would no longer be an option, at least not anytime soon. So I grew up fast, got a job with benefits and coasted through life for the next several years.
It seemed that every time I made a sliver of moment towards paying my bills something would happen(car break down, new tires etc) and I would be 10 steps behind. This. Happened. Every. Single. Time. To say that I would get discouraged, depressed, sad, and frustrated would not be a lie. Not only was I not able to seem to get rid of the bills I also couldn't seem to get healthier. Nearly three years ago I was handed a medical hammer and nail that seemed to seal the coffin of hopes and dreams of being in full time ministry. Okay, I know that sounds dramatic but let me be completely real hear for you. In the midst of relief in having answers came dismay at thinking that for sure I would not be able to work overseas and most likely because of the expense and detail it took I would not be able to afford or function in full time ministry in any capacity. Yes, this was part reality but mostly fear, lack of understanding and satan working to take me out. The diagnosis of Celiac blew my life apart and forced me to start rebuilding it piece by piece. Food really does affect pretty much every aspect of life. There is hardly any point in life that food is not part of that.
I went through, and am still going through the process of the transition of a gluten free diet, among other food restrictions but then when I was starting to get used to the change in my life I realized that some symptoms I thought were just from not being healthy where actually neuro-muscular issues and most likely something that is genetically handed down to me. Again, I am in the process of adjusting to what is needed to be healthy and safe. Again, I thought that this would keep me from ministry beyond working through the church as much as I could, which I have been doing faithfully since I came home from college. These years have been amazing and a great blessing in my life. These years have included working with teens, mission trips to British Columbia, Colorado, Nassau Bahamas, and South America, Hmong youth club, taking a Perspectives World Movement class, training and planning a Perspectives class and being involved with many great Bible studies.
Despite going through these amazing experiences there was a part of me that felt like I was not anchored. For example, I have struggled with only a Associates in Biblical studies degree, I struggled with finding jobs that where stable and healthy(an issue I am currently dealing with). I have dabbled with school, different careers and feeling like I was just treading water and "getting by" in life.
This is what I was telling a dear friend recently during a delicious lunch and visit when we were discussing my life. She asked me what would I like to do in life if there were no limits in life. I answered quickly and easily that I would love to be in ministry and to be a wife and mother. She encouraged me to pursue ministry and gave me an idea of where I could start with that dream. It didn't take me long, a few day really, to decide to take a leap and give it a try. I filled out an application of interest with Pioneers Missions and also inquired with another mission(of which I have not heard back from) Surprisingly I heard back from Pioneers within 24 hours and they set me up with a phone interview with a wonderful woman named Kim. My interview with Kim was amazing. Going into the interview my top concerns and hesitations were my health and bills. My concerns about my health were calmed when she told me that within Pioneers there are a few people with Celiac who are serving successfully, one of them being her close friend, someone she told me she will put me in contact with and that even the HQ chef is Celiac(!, we then talked about the bills that I am still faithfully working on paying off. She assured me that she had seen God work in amazing ways to wipe away bills and reminded me that God is bigger than my health or my bills.
This is getting to be a long post(sorry-I just have a lot to tell tonight:)) So I will get to the point....drum roll, please...............I have been approved to continue on with canidating with Pioneers!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This means that I have the Formal Application to submit and have several references completed. I was also invited to attend a week long Pioneers Orientation(Celiac chef=GF food=I can eat there!) in Orlando, Florida sometime this year(I have a few dates to chose from). At this orientation I will be interviewed in person, learn more about Pioneers, the organization and what it means to be part of Pioneers. At that time I will know if I am accepted as a missionary with Pioneers.
This has all happened in a WEEK! Wow, how things can quickly change and in ways that I thought were long impossible. It was a great reminder that God works in the impossible and beyond our finite minds. He is bigger than the challenges you and I face in life.
In closing, will you pray with me and for me in the following, as I delve into this new chapter in life?
Praise:
1. His provision on a minute by minute and day to day basis.(see prayer request#3)
2. God's faithfulness in the times we feel like we are treading water and the times things are going well.
3. For the people He puts in our lives to spur us on, to speak truth and to encourage us.
4. The clarity and peace He has shown me in the last several weeks about some difficult decisions I have made.
5. For the sunshine and warmth, the promise of new life.
Prayer Requests:
1. That I continue to seek God's will in this opportunity
2. That as I work on the extensive application I will be able to communicate thoroughly and answer the questions to the best of my ability.
3. That I am able to find a second job or a more stable and suitable full time job since in the the last several weeks my hours were cut from 40 to 25 or less each week. Not only do I want need to pay for everyday life, I also want to get rid of my bills as soon as possible and I also need to save for the week of orientation with Pioneers and the ticket to get there. Have I mentioned that God timing that I can't fathom based on the fact that my job is less than it has been and He is giving me this ministry opportunity?
4. That I continue to trust Him in ALL things, every day.
5. Clarity in this time in my life, that I am able to, along with Pioneers discern if and where I would be a good fit in the ministry.
Dear friends, thank you for reading this to the end I know it was long and thank you for your prayers.
In closing I am going to share a portion of scripture that has been precious to me for so long and is always true even when we do not see or feel it.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
It was during that trip and the transition back to my life in the states(even if I had only been in S.A.) for a few weeks) that I realized that I wanted the same joy that I saw others have. I NEEDED that. I needed a personal relationship with Jesus.
So started my journey. A journey that has been interesting, challenging, exciting, difficult and amazing. A journey I would not change because of where it has brought me. It has brought me closer and nearer to my Savior.
Since that pivotal point in my life, I knew I wanted to be in ministry. For years I was convinced missions only happened overseas. Then I went to New Tribes Bible Institute where I sat in the midst of missionaries who served all over the whole but also in their neighborhoods, wherever God put them they served. Even with those personal examples I still wanted to be part of missions overseas. Very soon before graduation from New Tribes a health scare was the start of a 9 year health battle, and the medical bills that went with the health issues. I soon realized as a college grad with no insurance and lots of medical bills that my hope to be overseas would no longer be an option, at least not anytime soon. So I grew up fast, got a job with benefits and coasted through life for the next several years.
It seemed that every time I made a sliver of moment towards paying my bills something would happen(car break down, new tires etc) and I would be 10 steps behind. This. Happened. Every. Single. Time. To say that I would get discouraged, depressed, sad, and frustrated would not be a lie. Not only was I not able to seem to get rid of the bills I also couldn't seem to get healthier. Nearly three years ago I was handed a medical hammer and nail that seemed to seal the coffin of hopes and dreams of being in full time ministry. Okay, I know that sounds dramatic but let me be completely real hear for you. In the midst of relief in having answers came dismay at thinking that for sure I would not be able to work overseas and most likely because of the expense and detail it took I would not be able to afford or function in full time ministry in any capacity. Yes, this was part reality but mostly fear, lack of understanding and satan working to take me out. The diagnosis of Celiac blew my life apart and forced me to start rebuilding it piece by piece. Food really does affect pretty much every aspect of life. There is hardly any point in life that food is not part of that.
I went through, and am still going through the process of the transition of a gluten free diet, among other food restrictions but then when I was starting to get used to the change in my life I realized that some symptoms I thought were just from not being healthy where actually neuro-muscular issues and most likely something that is genetically handed down to me. Again, I am in the process of adjusting to what is needed to be healthy and safe. Again, I thought that this would keep me from ministry beyond working through the church as much as I could, which I have been doing faithfully since I came home from college. These years have been amazing and a great blessing in my life. These years have included working with teens, mission trips to British Columbia, Colorado, Nassau Bahamas, and South America, Hmong youth club, taking a Perspectives World Movement class, training and planning a Perspectives class and being involved with many great Bible studies.
Despite going through these amazing experiences there was a part of me that felt like I was not anchored. For example, I have struggled with only a Associates in Biblical studies degree, I struggled with finding jobs that where stable and healthy(an issue I am currently dealing with). I have dabbled with school, different careers and feeling like I was just treading water and "getting by" in life.
This is what I was telling a dear friend recently during a delicious lunch and visit when we were discussing my life. She asked me what would I like to do in life if there were no limits in life. I answered quickly and easily that I would love to be in ministry and to be a wife and mother. She encouraged me to pursue ministry and gave me an idea of where I could start with that dream. It didn't take me long, a few day really, to decide to take a leap and give it a try. I filled out an application of interest with Pioneers Missions and also inquired with another mission(of which I have not heard back from) Surprisingly I heard back from Pioneers within 24 hours and they set me up with a phone interview with a wonderful woman named Kim. My interview with Kim was amazing. Going into the interview my top concerns and hesitations were my health and bills. My concerns about my health were calmed when she told me that within Pioneers there are a few people with Celiac who are serving successfully, one of them being her close friend, someone she told me she will put me in contact with and that even the HQ chef is Celiac(!, we then talked about the bills that I am still faithfully working on paying off. She assured me that she had seen God work in amazing ways to wipe away bills and reminded me that God is bigger than my health or my bills.
This is getting to be a long post(sorry-I just have a lot to tell tonight:)) So I will get to the point....drum roll, please...............I have been approved to continue on with canidating with Pioneers!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This means that I have the Formal Application to submit and have several references completed. I was also invited to attend a week long Pioneers Orientation(Celiac chef=GF food=I can eat there!) in Orlando, Florida sometime this year(I have a few dates to chose from). At this orientation I will be interviewed in person, learn more about Pioneers, the organization and what it means to be part of Pioneers. At that time I will know if I am accepted as a missionary with Pioneers.
This has all happened in a WEEK! Wow, how things can quickly change and in ways that I thought were long impossible. It was a great reminder that God works in the impossible and beyond our finite minds. He is bigger than the challenges you and I face in life.
In closing, will you pray with me and for me in the following, as I delve into this new chapter in life?
Praise:
1. His provision on a minute by minute and day to day basis.(see prayer request#3)
2. God's faithfulness in the times we feel like we are treading water and the times things are going well.
3. For the people He puts in our lives to spur us on, to speak truth and to encourage us.
4. The clarity and peace He has shown me in the last several weeks about some difficult decisions I have made.
5. For the sunshine and warmth, the promise of new life.
Prayer Requests:
1. That I continue to seek God's will in this opportunity
2. That as I work on the extensive application I will be able to communicate thoroughly and answer the questions to the best of my ability.
3. That I am able to find a second job or a more stable and suitable full time job since in the the last several weeks my hours were cut from 40 to 25 or less each week. Not only do I want need to pay for everyday life, I also want to get rid of my bills as soon as possible and I also need to save for the week of orientation with Pioneers and the ticket to get there. Have I mentioned that God timing that I can't fathom based on the fact that my job is less than it has been and He is giving me this ministry opportunity?
4. That I continue to trust Him in ALL things, every day.
5. Clarity in this time in my life, that I am able to, along with Pioneers discern if and where I would be a good fit in the ministry.
Dear friends, thank you for reading this to the end I know it was long and thank you for your prayers.
In closing I am going to share a portion of scripture that has been precious to me for so long and is always true even when we do not see or feel it.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Carried
"When you are too weak to walk, God will carry you."
This is a phrase I just read and it fit so well with how I can describe life lately. It has been a whirlwind of ending one job, starting another, going on a missions trip, finding a new place to live, pack up to move and resume training at my new job-all in 3short weeks!
I am thankful that everything has fallen into place but I am not suprised that it has because they have fallen into place because of The One who holds it all in place-God. To be honest, I have no energy or strength to keep the pace that I have, humanly speaking, but I especially have felt God's strength while on the missions trip last week. It was a challenging and at times difficult trip.
The children we worked with came from hard situations. It was heart-breaking to hear of their experiances and know that when they left camp they would be goiong back to those deplorable places. One 12 year old was pregnant from rape. Words cannot express the ill feeling I get when I think of what she went through and how her life will always be like because of the sin forced upon her. I can only pray that she clings to God and that He is glorified through this ugly situation. We met kids who were homeless, came from homes riddled with addictions and abuse. Many had a hard time letting down their guard long enough to listen to the gospel or to talk to the staff. That was the case for the cabin I worked with.
This cabin was led by two aamzing young women, one from Haiti and a recent college graduate and one who grew up as a New Tribes missionary kid in Indonesia(!), both were strong believers and I was so blessed to have worked along side them ministerting to the older girls group of the camp. These eight girls(one of them the 12 year old pregnant girl I mentioned earlier) were defiant in every possible way so much of the time, not wanting to participate in activites or work as a group, nor, did they want to hear about the Bible or talk about life-most of the time. When we had a chance we jumped at it and listened and offered compassion and love mixed with a healthy dose of scripture. A few were familiar with God and the Bible but were to angry with the world and the life they were living to turn to The One Who could change their eternity. We know seeds were planted and trust they will be harvested someday. Please join me in praying for these young ladies who are hurting.
Whenever I work with out youth group on an event as a chaperone I am always challenged and taught many things and last week was no different! I now expect and look for it because it is always a growing experiance. To protect the innocent(haha!) I will not go into detail but suffice it to say that I was challenged in my faith, my prayer life, seeking God for wisdom, watched God change the lives of many of the teens and see them grow closer to God and each other. Last week was a week of borkenness for many, a time for many of the girls to realize their need for each other but also their need for a deeper relationship with God and to be open and receptive to what God is showing them that needs to change.
In the last two trips I have gone on(last year to South America and this year to Allegan, Michigan) God has been faithful to show me in little pieces His bigger desire for me in life, much of which includes ministry but most likely not in the way I had thought for so many years. I hope to continue chaperoning youth group mission trips but would love to bring back Perspectives sometime in the very near future. I also realized a few ways I can encourage my friends who are in ministry bith near and far and how much joy I get from doing it knowing it is blessing others and bringing glory to God!
The God who counts the sands of the dunes we visited, The God who painted the sunset we watched on the shores of Lake Michigan and The One Who measures the water we splashed in in our last day, The God who created the forest I zip-lined through(!) and the God Who is faithful, gracious and full of mercy is also the God Who works in and through all circumstances despite what what I or anyone thinks or feels is working out how He wants me to do ministry. He is calling you and I to follow Him and will give us strength when we are weak. When you ask, He will carry you. Friend, allow Him to work through you, to give you the strength and when needed, to carry you. Its the best place to be.
This is a phrase I just read and it fit so well with how I can describe life lately. It has been a whirlwind of ending one job, starting another, going on a missions trip, finding a new place to live, pack up to move and resume training at my new job-all in 3short weeks!
I am thankful that everything has fallen into place but I am not suprised that it has because they have fallen into place because of The One who holds it all in place-God. To be honest, I have no energy or strength to keep the pace that I have, humanly speaking, but I especially have felt God's strength while on the missions trip last week. It was a challenging and at times difficult trip.
The children we worked with came from hard situations. It was heart-breaking to hear of their experiances and know that when they left camp they would be goiong back to those deplorable places. One 12 year old was pregnant from rape. Words cannot express the ill feeling I get when I think of what she went through and how her life will always be like because of the sin forced upon her. I can only pray that she clings to God and that He is glorified through this ugly situation. We met kids who were homeless, came from homes riddled with addictions and abuse. Many had a hard time letting down their guard long enough to listen to the gospel or to talk to the staff. That was the case for the cabin I worked with.
This cabin was led by two aamzing young women, one from Haiti and a recent college graduate and one who grew up as a New Tribes missionary kid in Indonesia(!), both were strong believers and I was so blessed to have worked along side them ministerting to the older girls group of the camp. These eight girls(one of them the 12 year old pregnant girl I mentioned earlier) were defiant in every possible way so much of the time, not wanting to participate in activites or work as a group, nor, did they want to hear about the Bible or talk about life-most of the time. When we had a chance we jumped at it and listened and offered compassion and love mixed with a healthy dose of scripture. A few were familiar with God and the Bible but were to angry with the world and the life they were living to turn to The One Who could change their eternity. We know seeds were planted and trust they will be harvested someday. Please join me in praying for these young ladies who are hurting.
Whenever I work with out youth group on an event as a chaperone I am always challenged and taught many things and last week was no different! I now expect and look for it because it is always a growing experiance. To protect the innocent(haha!) I will not go into detail but suffice it to say that I was challenged in my faith, my prayer life, seeking God for wisdom, watched God change the lives of many of the teens and see them grow closer to God and each other. Last week was a week of borkenness for many, a time for many of the girls to realize their need for each other but also their need for a deeper relationship with God and to be open and receptive to what God is showing them that needs to change.
In the last two trips I have gone on(last year to South America and this year to Allegan, Michigan) God has been faithful to show me in little pieces His bigger desire for me in life, much of which includes ministry but most likely not in the way I had thought for so many years. I hope to continue chaperoning youth group mission trips but would love to bring back Perspectives sometime in the very near future. I also realized a few ways I can encourage my friends who are in ministry bith near and far and how much joy I get from doing it knowing it is blessing others and bringing glory to God!
The God who counts the sands of the dunes we visited, The God who painted the sunset we watched on the shores of Lake Michigan and The One Who measures the water we splashed in in our last day, The God who created the forest I zip-lined through(!) and the God Who is faithful, gracious and full of mercy is also the God Who works in and through all circumstances despite what what I or anyone thinks or feels is working out how He wants me to do ministry. He is calling you and I to follow Him and will give us strength when we are weak. When you ask, He will carry you. Friend, allow Him to work through you, to give you the strength and when needed, to carry you. Its the best place to be.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Chapters in my life
Well, today was the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of a the next, as I mentioned in yesterdays post. Thank you, dear friends, for your encouragement and prayers they mean so much to me. It was not an easy day, a little tear-filled on my part but I felt the prayers! Thank you God for the chapters You have written in my life and Your Faithfulness through out each page.
My weekend in the new chapter in life will be filled with preparing for my new job and the missions trip that is fast approaching (8 days-yikes!). These preparations include scrub size shopping and manual reading for the job and creating a menu and making the food for a week at camp ahead of time because of my food allergies(ideas, anyone?). I am sure that at least one trip to a grocery store will be part of the day tomorrow along with a little swimming with my sisters and maybe even cheering on a few of my youth group girls and friends in the local Gus Macker basketball tournament, Fathers day and my niece's dedication celebration and a campfire and game night with friends after a trip meeting! Whew, a busy weekend already but a person needs to have some fun occasionally, right? :)
My weekend in the new chapter in life will be filled with preparing for my new job and the missions trip that is fast approaching (8 days-yikes!). These preparations include scrub size shopping and manual reading for the job and creating a menu and making the food for a week at camp ahead of time because of my food allergies(ideas, anyone?). I am sure that at least one trip to a grocery store will be part of the day tomorrow along with a little swimming with my sisters and maybe even cheering on a few of my youth group girls and friends in the local Gus Macker basketball tournament, Fathers day and my niece's dedication celebration and a campfire and game night with friends after a trip meeting! Whew, a busy weekend already but a person needs to have some fun occasionally, right? :)
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