Update on my progress:
My old boss, Jeff, taught me how to write effective goals for my ministry when I first started at Sunshine. I have taken to writing goals for just about everything. It's the first thing I do monday morning when I'm planning out my week and the first thing I do each semester and summer for ministry.
I even write goals for my vacation time. Thus, this post. If I don't write goals, I'll end up watching HGTV or the 'Deadliest Catch' marathon all day. So...I am on vacation this week, despite a 5 hours meeting tomorrow evening. These are the things I'm hoping to accomplish:
1. Clean my bathroom! Check!
2. Scrape the wallpaper off the 1/2 bath. Half Check...still a ways to go.
3. Finish crocheting the baby blanket I'm working on (baby due Jan 28!)
4. Hang pictures in the hallway, bedroom & office.
5. Have a date night with Marc (he's laid off this week :( ) If bowling tonight counts...check!
6. Read a book. This may have been too lofty a goal.
7. Use my gift cards to buy some new clothes. Lost the gift card, but bought new clothes!
8. Have breakfast/lunch/coffee w/ friends I haven't talked with in a long time. Check several times.
9. Bring in the patio furniture...this might be a few months late, but better late than never! Marc accomplished this goal for me! Thanks babe!
10. Workout a couple times. Bought the Biggest Loser Yoga w/ Bob. Have done it once.
11. Figure out January budget. That's what I should be doing right now...
12. Paint toenails. Check!
13. Buy/make everything for Leah's shower. Check!
14. Buy/make/clean for New Years Eve party. Check!
15. Catch up on my Bible study. ugh....
Okay, it's beautiful and sunny and I'm highly motivated right now. Time to tackle some of these goals!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Degage - Release and rest
For several months now, I have been encouraging the small groups in Lifeline (high school ministry) to participate in some act of service. I lined up a night for a group to go to Degage downtown and facilitate Bingo. I was uncertain if I was going to go with the group or not, but decided in the last few days that I really wanted to be a part of this experience for the students. Not many of them have been in a situation similar to what is experienced there. I had not been in a situation like this in a while either.
God had been preparing me to go tonight. I needed to be reminded.
As late as an hour before leaving I was still contemplating cancelling the whole thing. The winds were horrible and then the snow started in. News 8 was telling me that a lot of other activities were cancelled this evening, and I was continually disappointed throughout the day as students texted me one after the other that they couldn't (or wouldn't?) come. In the end, I couldn't justify cancelling an activity because of weather, when the people we were going to meet and serve did not have the luxery to choose if they wanted to venture out into the cold tonight.
6:30 came and 3 students came to my house and we headed downtown. They were a bit apprehensive, but still excited. We parallel parked on Division (think of the golf cart scene in Austin Powers...that was my parking job tonight) and walked through the cloud of smoke and into Degage. We met Dave, who told us a little about the ministry got us set up for our Bingo game.
After the first game, I could see the girls feeling a bit more comfortable as they took on announcing the letters/numbers in the Mic. They made everyone cheer whenever they called out "B-1". They started to interact with the people as they checked their BINGO cards when they had won.
We met several individuals and heard a few different stories that are stuck in my brain as I sit all wrapped up in my cozy blanket, on my comfy couch in my warm and large house.
Story #1: Mary and Peter. They've been homeless only a few weeks. They fell on hard times and it's Peter's birthday today. We stopped Bingo to sing him happy birthday and try to make him feel a little special during a tough time. I lost count of how many times he thanked us. All we did was sing 'Happy Birthday' and that made his day. I was reminded that simple, intentional acts can be used by God in powerful ways.
Story #2: Daniel & Lisa. They've been homeless for over a year. She came up to one of my students and asked for prayer. I was able to meet her and her husband, along with a fellow named Joe (up next) and we stood hand in hand and prayed. Neither of them can find work. The car they sleep in when they're not in the shelters has major issues. When they are able to go to the shelters, they are more often than not separated as there are not many facilities to accomodate married couples. They looked like any other happily married couple. Through our conversation and prayer I was reminded to be thankful. Thankful for my loving husband to go through life with, for work, for functioning vehicles, for being able to sleep in the same bed as my husband, etc. I was also reminded to have faith in prayer.
Story #3: Joe. Joe is a Vietnam vet. He has cancer. His wife died 5 yeas ago. He has been homeless for years and sleeps at Guilding Light. He shared about his searching for God amidst the pain and how he questioned why God was punishing him. He came to the conclusion that God was punishing him because he had killed someone in battle. He eventually realized that God is love and full of grace and talked about his love for the Lord. Joe talked for at least 20 minutes and I stood and listened. I was reminded how much a listening ear can be a witness, and how humbling it is to really hear about God's work in others.
Story #4: The music man. Watch out American Idol. If this guy ever stepped foot in front of Simon, Paula and Randy they would cancel the competition and delare him the winner then and there. I don't know his name or story, but he had a guitar and before we left the four of us listened as he played and sang an origional song. If he had an album I would buy it. Amazing talent and still using it to sing for the glory of God. I was reminded that each story is unique and we have each been uniquely gifted by God.
Story #5: T-Brown. He guessed that I was 36 and my high schoolers were 13. He though I one of them was my daughter. I was a little annoyed. Then he told us he had done some drinking that night and I didn't feel so bad. If he was sober and guessed me to be 36 I would've been ticked.
Interactions like these were my life for an entire year as I did Mission Year. Now I'm doing well if it happens a few times each year. There is a lot on my mind tonight after God reminded me of so much. I'm thankful for tonight and thankful that 3 high school girls want more of it.
God had been preparing me to go tonight. I needed to be reminded.
As late as an hour before leaving I was still contemplating cancelling the whole thing. The winds were horrible and then the snow started in. News 8 was telling me that a lot of other activities were cancelled this evening, and I was continually disappointed throughout the day as students texted me one after the other that they couldn't (or wouldn't?) come. In the end, I couldn't justify cancelling an activity because of weather, when the people we were going to meet and serve did not have the luxery to choose if they wanted to venture out into the cold tonight.
6:30 came and 3 students came to my house and we headed downtown. They were a bit apprehensive, but still excited. We parallel parked on Division (think of the golf cart scene in Austin Powers...that was my parking job tonight) and walked through the cloud of smoke and into Degage. We met Dave, who told us a little about the ministry got us set up for our Bingo game.
After the first game, I could see the girls feeling a bit more comfortable as they took on announcing the letters/numbers in the Mic. They made everyone cheer whenever they called out "B-1". They started to interact with the people as they checked their BINGO cards when they had won.
We met several individuals and heard a few different stories that are stuck in my brain as I sit all wrapped up in my cozy blanket, on my comfy couch in my warm and large house.
Story #1: Mary and Peter. They've been homeless only a few weeks. They fell on hard times and it's Peter's birthday today. We stopped Bingo to sing him happy birthday and try to make him feel a little special during a tough time. I lost count of how many times he thanked us. All we did was sing 'Happy Birthday' and that made his day. I was reminded that simple, intentional acts can be used by God in powerful ways.
Story #2: Daniel & Lisa. They've been homeless for over a year. She came up to one of my students and asked for prayer. I was able to meet her and her husband, along with a fellow named Joe (up next) and we stood hand in hand and prayed. Neither of them can find work. The car they sleep in when they're not in the shelters has major issues. When they are able to go to the shelters, they are more often than not separated as there are not many facilities to accomodate married couples. They looked like any other happily married couple. Through our conversation and prayer I was reminded to be thankful. Thankful for my loving husband to go through life with, for work, for functioning vehicles, for being able to sleep in the same bed as my husband, etc. I was also reminded to have faith in prayer.
Story #3: Joe. Joe is a Vietnam vet. He has cancer. His wife died 5 yeas ago. He has been homeless for years and sleeps at Guilding Light. He shared about his searching for God amidst the pain and how he questioned why God was punishing him. He came to the conclusion that God was punishing him because he had killed someone in battle. He eventually realized that God is love and full of grace and talked about his love for the Lord. Joe talked for at least 20 minutes and I stood and listened. I was reminded how much a listening ear can be a witness, and how humbling it is to really hear about God's work in others.
Story #4: The music man. Watch out American Idol. If this guy ever stepped foot in front of Simon, Paula and Randy they would cancel the competition and delare him the winner then and there. I don't know his name or story, but he had a guitar and before we left the four of us listened as he played and sang an origional song. If he had an album I would buy it. Amazing talent and still using it to sing for the glory of God. I was reminded that each story is unique and we have each been uniquely gifted by God.
Story #5: T-Brown. He guessed that I was 36 and my high schoolers were 13. He though I one of them was my daughter. I was a little annoyed. Then he told us he had done some drinking that night and I didn't feel so bad. If he was sober and guessed me to be 36 I would've been ticked.
Interactions like these were my life for an entire year as I did Mission Year. Now I'm doing well if it happens a few times each year. There is a lot on my mind tonight after God reminded me of so much. I'm thankful for tonight and thankful that 3 high school girls want more of it.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Holiday Cheer Overload
Is it scary to anyone else that some people actually think dressing like this spreads holiday cheer?
Hidden feelings coming out? Naw, just some good ole' family fun.
Someday this picture will be in Isaacs wedding picture powerpoint. People will question our parenting. Or they'll think we dressed really obnoxious in 2008.
What a Cheery family we are.
My two handsome elves
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
All I want for Christmas...
I stole this title from my sister, who yesterday wrote a post about Noah (6 year old nephew) who lost his first tooth last night. My son just popped his third tooth today! My mother in law was over this morning to watch Isaac while Marc worked on school stuff and I went to the office. She asked about a tooth this morning, and me, being a clueless mom, said, "oh, no new ones popping through yet". I got home in the afternoon to find out I was wrong.
Isaac and I have been fighting a cold the last few days, so I thought his being a little more clingy and grumpy was because of that. I suppose it could be a combination of the two, but I had no idea he was cutting a tooth! I think the 4th tooth is coming soon.
Isaac and I have been fighting a cold the last few days, so I thought his being a little more clingy and grumpy was because of that. I suppose it could be a combination of the two, but I had no idea he was cutting a tooth! I think the 4th tooth is coming soon.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Let it snow & Let him go!
Isaac is pretty excited about all the snow outside!
Isaac has been walking like a pro for about a week now. It's so fun to watch him learn this new skill. He's getting better at avoiding things in his path, turning himself around and stopping and starting.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Vacation Day after Vacation
We hosted thanksgiving at our house this year. I didn't screw up the turkey (so I'm told) and everything else was ready on time! It was a nice day and great to have the space to host it at our house!
The previous picture warrented this next picture.
I'm taking a vacation day. I'm sitting at my kitchen table drinking coffee in my PJ's while Isaac takes a nap, the washer is running, the dishes are being cleaned and President Elect Obama is speaking on the TV. My goals for the day are to get caught up on housework, laundry, decorate the Christmas tree a bit, finish my Bible study and do a workout video. I love going away for the weekend, but I hate the feeling of jumping right back into a work week feeling behind on everything around the house. Thus, using a vacation day.
Our favorite family game: Settlers of Catan.
Marc and I went to the Symphony 2 weekends ago as part of my birthday celebration. It was a fantastic night out!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Discipline
I'm lacking discipline lately. I find that when I slack in one area, other areas suffer and it perpetuates my slack-i-ness.
Area 1: Devotions.
We are doing a great new Bible study on Thursday nights with our Oasis group. It's a Max Lucado study called "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus". I really gained a lot of knowledge and insight with the two chapters I've completed, but I have yet to finish last weeks. Why don't I hunger for God's word like I should? Total Depravity, yes. Putting other things first, yes. Playing Pathwords, yes. Excuses about being tired, yes. I know it's not about me trying harder - God's grace doesn't require me to try harder (thank you, Jesus!), but the hunger isn't there.
Area 2: Health & Fitness
I am trying to do Weight Watchers in order to get these last few baby pounds off. I started out strong the first 2 weeks and lost 3.5lbs. Last week I lost 1 and I'm pretty sure I'll be gaining this week. I really want to be healthy - not skinney. Why am I so motivated some days and not others? This truly does require me to try harder.
Area 3: Household
There are some weeks I feel like I have plenty of energy left at the end of working & taking care of Isaac, cooking and running errands, to still clean up around the house. The last 2 weeks have not left me any energy for this type of work. I finally tackled the dishes today, but the mounds of laundry in the basement completely cover my green shag carpeting. Isaac's toys are everywhere. Mail is all over the counter. Bills need to be sent out. How will this all get done before Thanksgiving? No clue.
Area 4: Being a good and godly wife
I have been incredibly critical of my husband lately. This is one of my greatest faults and it's one I am constantly fighting against. I say the first critical thing that I think, rather than thinking if it's worth saying, or if I'm right in thinking it in the first place. Example: Marc ran the dishwasher last week. Rather than say, "thank you babe - I really appreciate you running the dishwasher" I said something like "why didn't you fill it more? There is plenty of space left in there" and I got annoyed.
Marc is an incredibly wonderful husband. I don't tell him that enough, and I certainly don't show him my apprecaition enough. I have so much respect for him and for how hard he works. I wish I could lighten his load through these last few semesters.
So, any suggestions about how to become more disciplined? Prayers are always appreciated too.
Area 1: Devotions.
We are doing a great new Bible study on Thursday nights with our Oasis group. It's a Max Lucado study called "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus". I really gained a lot of knowledge and insight with the two chapters I've completed, but I have yet to finish last weeks. Why don't I hunger for God's word like I should? Total Depravity, yes. Putting other things first, yes. Playing Pathwords, yes. Excuses about being tired, yes. I know it's not about me trying harder - God's grace doesn't require me to try harder (thank you, Jesus!), but the hunger isn't there.
Area 2: Health & Fitness
I am trying to do Weight Watchers in order to get these last few baby pounds off. I started out strong the first 2 weeks and lost 3.5lbs. Last week I lost 1 and I'm pretty sure I'll be gaining this week. I really want to be healthy - not skinney. Why am I so motivated some days and not others? This truly does require me to try harder.
Area 3: Household
There are some weeks I feel like I have plenty of energy left at the end of working & taking care of Isaac, cooking and running errands, to still clean up around the house. The last 2 weeks have not left me any energy for this type of work. I finally tackled the dishes today, but the mounds of laundry in the basement completely cover my green shag carpeting. Isaac's toys are everywhere. Mail is all over the counter. Bills need to be sent out. How will this all get done before Thanksgiving? No clue.
Area 4: Being a good and godly wife
I have been incredibly critical of my husband lately. This is one of my greatest faults and it's one I am constantly fighting against. I say the first critical thing that I think, rather than thinking if it's worth saying, or if I'm right in thinking it in the first place. Example: Marc ran the dishwasher last week. Rather than say, "thank you babe - I really appreciate you running the dishwasher" I said something like "why didn't you fill it more? There is plenty of space left in there" and I got annoyed.
Marc is an incredibly wonderful husband. I don't tell him that enough, and I certainly don't show him my apprecaition enough. I have so much respect for him and for how hard he works. I wish I could lighten his load through these last few semesters.
So, any suggestions about how to become more disciplined? Prayers are always appreciated too.
Friday, November 21, 2008
One Word
TYPE ONLY 1 WORD... IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!!
1. Where is your cell phone? couch
2. Your significant other? couch
3. Your hair? messy
4. Your mother? giving
5. Your father? sacrificial
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? pathwords
8. Your dream/goal? debt-free
9. The room you're in: living
10. Your fear? alone
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? anywhere
12. Where were you last night? home
13. What you're not? patient
14. Muffins? poppyseed
15. One of your wish list items? camera
16. Where did you grow up? g-rap
17. The last thing you did? email
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? CABLE!!!
20. Your pet? Oslo
21.Your computer? red
22.Your life? busy
23. Your mood? tired
24. Missing someone? nope
25. Your car? garage
26. Something you're not wearing? earrings
27. Favorite Store? Navy
28. Your summer? fast
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? unsure
32. Who will/would re-post this? Kelly
33. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER: a) Goodwill b) Biggby c) church d) parents 34. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: a) Kelly b) Al c) Kim d) Melissa
35. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: a) pizza b) potatoes c) mango d) salad
36. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? a) Hawaii b) cuddling c) Bed
d) Africa
1. Where is your cell phone? couch
2. Your significant other? couch
3. Your hair? messy
4. Your mother? giving
5. Your father? sacrificial
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? pathwords
8. Your dream/goal? debt-free
9. The room you're in: living
10. Your fear? alone
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? anywhere
12. Where were you last night? home
13. What you're not? patient
14. Muffins? poppyseed
15. One of your wish list items? camera
16. Where did you grow up? g-rap
17. The last thing you did? email
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? CABLE!!!
20. Your pet? Oslo
21.Your computer? red
22.Your life? busy
23. Your mood? tired
24. Missing someone? nope
25. Your car? garage
26. Something you're not wearing? earrings
27. Favorite Store? Navy
28. Your summer? fast
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? unsure
32. Who will/would re-post this? Kelly
33. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER: a) Goodwill b) Biggby c) church d) parents 34. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: a) Kelly b) Al c) Kim d) Melissa
35. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: a) pizza b) potatoes c) mango d) salad
36. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? a) Hawaii b) cuddling c) Bed
d) Africa
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Crazy, Crazy, Crazy for you baby (ies)
My very good friend, Kim, is having twin girls today. She went to the hospital at 9am for a C-section and I haven't heard ANYTHING yet! I'm going crazy. I check my gmail every 10 minutes. Facebook every 1/2 hour...ugh! I'm not a patient person when it comes to babies!
UPDATE: Lydia Mae and Eve Marie are both here and healthy! Both at 181/2 inches. Lydia at 5lbs 6oz and Eve at 4lbs 13oz.
All are doing well!
UPDATE: Lydia Mae and Eve Marie are both here and healthy! Both at 181/2 inches. Lydia at 5lbs 6oz and Eve at 4lbs 13oz.
All are doing well!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Stepping into the future
Isaac stood in the middle of the living room this morning and took 2 steps with proud parents cheering him on from the couch. I had this immediate "uh-oh" feeling as I watched my almost 10 month old son try out this thing called 'walking'. It is so thrilling to watch your child learn a new skill and realize that somehow you are a part of that. It is also a little scary to think of what having this skill means. More chasing, more exhaustion, more curiousity...
I think about the future and the countless other skills Isaac will learn. What an honor to be a part of his life and his learning. I can go through so many days without realizing the weighty responsibility of being a parent, but today it hit me again. As Isaac begins to explore his world a little more, I want to encouarge his curious mind, but protect him from the things that can harm him. Right now, those things are pretty concrete - stairs, outlets, cords, our crazy swinging door, etc. As he gets older there is a line between protecting him and sheltering him that I imagine will sometimes be difficult to distinquish.
Rick & Scott were talking on the radio yesterday about media's influence on teenagers. A dad called in who only allows his children to listen to Christian or classical music and moniters what they watch like a hawk. If you know Marc, you know that the idea of Christian music only will NOT fly in our house. Nor would I want it to. There is so much more out there.
I once showed a brief clip of 'The Bourne Identity' in our high school youth group at Sunshine. I had a parent come in to yell and cry because her 15 year old son went out and watched the movie after seeing the clip. She didn't allow him to watch PG-13 movies, and this parent could not believe I would show a clip from that in youth group! It didnt' matter that I was relating Bournes lack of identity to our secure identity in Christ...I showed 4 minutes of a PG-13 movie! Granted, she has great kids, but um....sheltered much?
Anyhow, don't we believe that God is Sovereign and a God of redemption? There are redeeming qualities about "secular" music, movies, art, etc.
Marc I'm sure could say so much more about this, and much more thought out, but these are a few of my thoughts as I look at parenting Isaac as he grows.
I think about the future and the countless other skills Isaac will learn. What an honor to be a part of his life and his learning. I can go through so many days without realizing the weighty responsibility of being a parent, but today it hit me again. As Isaac begins to explore his world a little more, I want to encouarge his curious mind, but protect him from the things that can harm him. Right now, those things are pretty concrete - stairs, outlets, cords, our crazy swinging door, etc. As he gets older there is a line between protecting him and sheltering him that I imagine will sometimes be difficult to distinquish.
Rick & Scott were talking on the radio yesterday about media's influence on teenagers. A dad called in who only allows his children to listen to Christian or classical music and moniters what they watch like a hawk. If you know Marc, you know that the idea of Christian music only will NOT fly in our house. Nor would I want it to. There is so much more out there.
I once showed a brief clip of 'The Bourne Identity' in our high school youth group at Sunshine. I had a parent come in to yell and cry because her 15 year old son went out and watched the movie after seeing the clip. She didn't allow him to watch PG-13 movies, and this parent could not believe I would show a clip from that in youth group! It didnt' matter that I was relating Bournes lack of identity to our secure identity in Christ...I showed 4 minutes of a PG-13 movie! Granted, she has great kids, but um....sheltered much?
Anyhow, don't we believe that God is Sovereign and a God of redemption? There are redeeming qualities about "secular" music, movies, art, etc.
Marc I'm sure could say so much more about this, and much more thought out, but these are a few of my thoughts as I look at parenting Isaac as he grows.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Forth Photo
Kelly tagged me in her blog to go to MY PICTURES, go to the 4th folder and go to the 4th picture. I'm supposed to share a story about each photo. Well, my photos are not so organized, so I have a MY PICTURES, then I have a PICTURES folder, then one on my desktop...I took the 4th of the 4th from each of those.The picture of Marc and I is from November of 2006. My sister and her family & Marc and I took a family picture and had it framed for my parents for Christmas. We did a few shots of us couples too. How much has changed since then! Whew!
This one is my friend Melissa's children, Hannah & Dylan right after they were born on November 16, 2007. It's hard to believe they are almost a year old already! They live in Chicago, so we don't see them as often as we'd like, but they are Isaac's buds.
This one is from our youth group kickoff. It's really blurry, but I think they are playing "Can you take the heat". Good game.
Now I tag four people: Emilie, Kerri, Leah and Tera
Monday, October 20, 2008
Full House
Our Quimby street house is now rented and moved in to! Thank you all for your prayers during this stressful time. Once again, the Lord has provided. It is a huge weight off my shoulders.
Isaac went to the Doc on Friday for his 9 month appointment. He is 23lbs 7oz and 30 inches. 90% for height, 93% for weight. Apparently Marc and I breed 'em big! He has started clapping a lot lately. He also tonight for the first time said "dada" when I opened up my cell phone to show him a picture of him and Marc. SO cute. I'm not sure if he relates "dada" with Marc or opening of a cell phone, however. We shall see.
Isaac went to the Doc on Friday for his 9 month appointment. He is 23lbs 7oz and 30 inches. 90% for height, 93% for weight. Apparently Marc and I breed 'em big! He has started clapping a lot lately. He also tonight for the first time said "dada" when I opened up my cell phone to show him a picture of him and Marc. SO cute. I'm not sure if he relates "dada" with Marc or opening of a cell phone, however. We shall see.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Count your blessings, name them one-by-one...
I finally got the call today from the housing commission. Our inspection is next week Wednesday at 4:00pm. If we pass the inspection, our prospective tenant will be able to move in and we will finally have Quimby Street rented out! Please pray that there are no set backs and that our home passes!
I was thinking just yesterday about the idea of 'counting your blessings'. I decided to list 10 blesings in my life today:
1. A loving husband who works SO incredibly hard not only at school and work, but also at home as a husband and father. (I love you so much Marc!)
2. A healthy and hearty son who is hard to leave in the morning, but brings such joy to my life! I love watching him grow and learn.
3. An amazingly lovely (and large) home to live in and share.
4. High school exchange students who are teaching me things about parenting, high school boys, Korean culture, and hospitality.
5. Unexpected surprises: last week Marc and I came home to find several warm outfits for Isaac (very cute outfits too!) which was a huge blessing. He grew to fast and we wern't prepared with the right clothes and we have limited funds until Quimby is rented out. This was such a gift! Also, a family from church brought over a meal for us last night, because the mom knew how busy I had been lately and wanted to do that for us. Wow. Sometimes it's hard to accept these unexpected gifts - I want to be strong and think I can do it all on my own. I'm grateful though.
6. Great friends & family. I am so grateful for the amazing friendships I have formed at church over the last year. I love having family close by to spend time with. Our oasis group at church is becoming community! Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
7. A toilet that flushes! From the time we moved into the parsonage, our master bath toilet could only by flushed by taking the top off the tank and pulling up on the lever inside the tank. We finally got a plumber this past week who fixed it! Yay!
8. Seniors in the youth group. We had a senior meeting this past week and I was encouraged by the energy and ownership displayed by these students. It's going to be a great year!
9. Free babysitters. Thank you mom, Em & mother in law for the time you spend watching Isaac. Marc and I would really be up a creek without you all. I LOVE the fact that my son gets to bond with his Oma, Grandma & Auntie too.
10. The Word of God. What a blessing the word of God is in my life. I wish I was more dedicated to reading it and studying it. It truly is my daily bread.
What are some of the blessings in your life?
I was thinking just yesterday about the idea of 'counting your blessings'. I decided to list 10 blesings in my life today:
1. A loving husband who works SO incredibly hard not only at school and work, but also at home as a husband and father. (I love you so much Marc!)
2. A healthy and hearty son who is hard to leave in the morning, but brings such joy to my life! I love watching him grow and learn.
3. An amazingly lovely (and large) home to live in and share.
4. High school exchange students who are teaching me things about parenting, high school boys, Korean culture, and hospitality.
5. Unexpected surprises: last week Marc and I came home to find several warm outfits for Isaac (very cute outfits too!) which was a huge blessing. He grew to fast and we wern't prepared with the right clothes and we have limited funds until Quimby is rented out. This was such a gift! Also, a family from church brought over a meal for us last night, because the mom knew how busy I had been lately and wanted to do that for us. Wow. Sometimes it's hard to accept these unexpected gifts - I want to be strong and think I can do it all on my own. I'm grateful though.
6. Great friends & family. I am so grateful for the amazing friendships I have formed at church over the last year. I love having family close by to spend time with. Our oasis group at church is becoming community! Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
7. A toilet that flushes! From the time we moved into the parsonage, our master bath toilet could only by flushed by taking the top off the tank and pulling up on the lever inside the tank. We finally got a plumber this past week who fixed it! Yay!
8. Seniors in the youth group. We had a senior meeting this past week and I was encouraged by the energy and ownership displayed by these students. It's going to be a great year!
9. Free babysitters. Thank you mom, Em & mother in law for the time you spend watching Isaac. Marc and I would really be up a creek without you all. I LOVE the fact that my son gets to bond with his Oma, Grandma & Auntie too.
10. The Word of God. What a blessing the word of God is in my life. I wish I was more dedicated to reading it and studying it. It truly is my daily bread.
What are some of the blessings in your life?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Homecoming Weekend
We had a busy but very fun weekend! Friday night was the homecoming game at GRCHS. Tim was on homecoming court, so the whole family bundled up and went to watch.Saturday, Marc and I headed to my friend Kelly's wedding. It was at Indian Trails camp and was a beautiful fall setting for a wedding. The boys had the homecoming dance Saturday night and both had a fun time.
Sunday we had an oasis lunch at the Buists home. Oasis is our new name for our 'young professionals' group at church. It's a mixture of single & married, with and without kids ranging from post college - 35ish. It's a great group and we're really starting to take off! A few weeks from now we're all going to a haunted maze.
I'm loving the fall colors and temperatures. This is probably my favori
te time of year!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mommy & Isaac Day
So last week I worked over 80 hours. We had a weekend retreat at Timber Wolf Lake which was amazing, but I still worked 40 hours before I even hit the weekend. That is what warrented a few hours of Mommy & Isaac time on Friday. We went to the zoo with our good friends Kelly & her daughter Allison, Kelly's sister in law and her 2 kids. It was so nice to get out with friends & other moms. Isaac was a big fan of the fish - I think because they were constantly moving. He doesn't have much of an attention span for sleeping Lions or Tigers.
We had a little picinic out in the park and then the kids crashed on our way home. It was nice to feel like I actually had some quality time with my son amidst a crazy busy week!
This weekend should be fun too. Tim Kim (one of our exchange students) made homecoming court, so I'll be going to the game Friday night. Five other students from Plymouth are on court as well. What fun! Saturday one of my good friends, also named Kelly, is getting married.
We had a little picinic out in the park and then the kids crashed on our way home. It was nice to feel like I actually had some quality time with my son amidst a crazy busy week!
This weekend should be fun too. Tim Kim (one of our exchange students) made homecoming court, so I'll be going to the game Friday night. Five other students from Plymouth are on court as well. What fun! Saturday one of my good friends, also named Kelly, is getting married. September has flown by and with 3 weddings and 2 youth group events in October, it's bound to do the same. I do love the fall though and can't wait for the changing color of all the leaves!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Goodwill Glasses
I finally got glasses. I guess I've had glasses, but it had been about 6 years since I got them & my prescription was more than a little off. I actually went to Goodwill Optical for everything. It was a good experience & a little cheaper than elsewhere. I would recommend it!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Bullet Point Update
* Isaac is taking a few steps on his own. He has gotten good at balancing the last few weeks and has started letting go of things and just standing. Yesterday he took about 3 steps, stopped without falling and stood there. Whoa. I was NOT prepared for this to start happening so soon! He also discovered the stairs yesterday. I was right behind him the whole time as he climbed up 3 steps. I got out the gate this morning.
* We have a GREAT potential renter for Quimby Street. She has Section 8, which is government assistance for rent. Pretty much the gov't pays us, not her. This is nice because we don't have to worry about non payment of rent, or late payments. It's guarenteed. Also, she had a great reference from her current landlord who said she will be sad to lose her as a tenant. Now we have to pass an inspection and then we can move forward! Please pray our home meets all the requirements!
* Lifeline retreat this weekend. SOOOO excited to head up to Timber Wolf Lake with our group. I'm working on the theme & talks today. I think we'll be looking at the life of Peter. I still have a lot to work through on this.
* We have a GREAT potential renter for Quimby Street. She has Section 8, which is government assistance for rent. Pretty much the gov't pays us, not her. This is nice because we don't have to worry about non payment of rent, or late payments. It's guarenteed. Also, she had a great reference from her current landlord who said she will be sad to lose her as a tenant. Now we have to pass an inspection and then we can move forward! Please pray our home meets all the requirements!
* Lifeline retreat this weekend. SOOOO excited to head up to Timber Wolf Lake with our group. I'm working on the theme & talks today. I think we'll be looking at the life of Peter. I still have a lot to work through on this.
Quimby Street
A prayer request: We REALLY need to rent out our home on Quimby Street. We've had 3 people go through last week and I'm showing it tomorrow. We are really praying for responsible and clean people to rent it out. One of the prospects turned out to have a horrible reference, so she's out. The next 2 are Section 8, which I'm fine with, but they don't have their vouchers yet, which keeps us in waiting. The one tomorrow also has section 8 and already has her voucher. So, if she likes it & her references check out, I could already call for a Section 8 inspection Wednesday and get the ball rolling. Please pray for this to work out. The stress of this has been overwhelming to me and this is proabably the worst time of the year for me to be overwhelmed. Things are extremely busy at church and home now with Jung and Tim. Church & home are by all means great things, and I'm not trying to complain, it's just the house stress on top of being much more busy is not a great combo right now.
I'm also weening Isaac this week, which is more of an emotional thing than I thought it would be. It was a hard decision to make, and even last night I was second guessing myself. I'm doing it because:
a. it's less convenient to nurse & pump w/ 2 high school boys in the house
b. the fall is busy & I'm getting really sick of pumping
c. Isaac will be getting his front bottom 2 teeth any day now. It seems like that might be a good time to stop :)
d. my goal was 6 months and he just turned 8 months on Saturday, so I've already surpassed my goal.
We'll see how this goes. I think I'm going to miss the closeness that it brought. How did other moms go through this transition? Any helpful insights?
I'm also weening Isaac this week, which is more of an emotional thing than I thought it would be. It was a hard decision to make, and even last night I was second guessing myself. I'm doing it because:
a. it's less convenient to nurse & pump w/ 2 high school boys in the house
b. the fall is busy & I'm getting really sick of pumping
c. Isaac will be getting his front bottom 2 teeth any day now. It seems like that might be a good time to stop :)
d. my goal was 6 months and he just turned 8 months on Saturday, so I've already surpassed my goal.
We'll see how this goes. I think I'm going to miss the closeness that it brought. How did other moms go through this transition? Any helpful insights?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Happy BIrthday to Marc
Marc turned 28 on Saturday and spent it in bed & on the couch after a long night of puking. Almost everyone in our house has had a 24 flu over the last week. Not the best of birthdays for my poor husband. Thankfully, we had spent the previous weekend in Detroit going to 2 Tigers games (1 win, 1 loss) staying overnight in a hotel & visiting Ikea.We returned home Sunday evening & Monday went to the airport to pick up Jung (holding Isaac). Thursday afternoon, Tim moved in (blue shirt).
These boys are both Seniors at GRCHS & are exchange students from Korea. Tim will be living with us all year, while Jung is with us temporarily until a permanant placement opens up. They are both very nice, respectful and fun guys! We're glad to have them & I LOVE having people to actually cook for. We had family meals almost every night last week! I haven't done that since I lived with my parents!!!!
My friend Kelly figured out how to get pictures off my camera & on to the computer, so hopefully I'll be a bit better about updating this thing! Thanks Kelly!!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Proud parent of 2
No, I'm not pregnant. Marc and I (and Kerri) have decided to host an exchange student this year! He is going to be a Senior at Grand Rapids Christian High. He is from Korea and was here last year too. He is already friends with some of the youth group guys which will be great!
I feel a peace about it despite all my questions about how this is going to work. He will be moving in on Monday and thus begins another Driesenga adventure!
I feel a peace about it despite all my questions about how this is going to work. He will be moving in on Monday and thus begins another Driesenga adventure!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I'm slow, but my computer is slower
I realize I have been horrible at updating this blog, however I blame my computer. I typically want to update with pictures, but for some reason my computer will not recognize my camera cord. I even went to the website to download the drive, and NOTHING! Any suggestions?
This one picture is from when Em & I, along with the 3 boys, went camping for 3 nights near Gun Lake. It was fun & somewhat relaxing, although I had my mini-van completely full (back seat & 1 bucket removed) for just me & Isaac. It's incredible how much stuff a baby needs!
There has been a lot going on this summer with the Driesengas. Most of it is family related. Some good, some bad, some stresses me out, some excites me incredibly. Beyond family 'stuff', a issue currently on the top of my stress list is that the renters backed out of our lease and our Quimby street house is sitting empty. This means we have both rent and a mortgage - they are only $30 different, so we're a little up a creek right now. I know the Lord will provide. He always does. He's just giving me another opportunity to trust him, and I completely do. I'm tired of dealing with it, but I truly am trusting him. Why do I need to re-learn this lesson so often?
Speaking of lessons learned, I am learning more and more to admit my shortcomings. This is hard for me. I am a prideful person. I get defensive easily when I don't want to admit my faults (Marc would probably insert an "amen" in here). I was reminded the necessity of this at the Leadership Summit I went to with the staff here at PH. One of the speakers was talking about how you need to call your own 'bads'. Stupid language, but valid point. And one I needed to hear. I'm still not great at it, but I've had a few opportunities to practice (unfortunately). It actually feels good to admit when I'm wrong and ask for forgiveness. I need to do this more.
I am getting excited for the fall and the kickoff of all the ministries here at PH, but it's a busy time of year. Please pray for details to fall into place as the Lord would have them.
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Franciscan Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love an pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love an pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Random thought of the day
I was recently thinking about the wonderful invention of sunglasses. I broke a pair right before my trip to Colorado and spent most of the trip squinting. It made me appreciate sunglasses more. I was thinking yesterday as I was driving about the Israelites wandering in the desert- with no sunglasses. It's just one of the numerous modern conveniences that I am grateful for.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Colorado Challenge
From June 21-29 I was leading a trip of 11 high school students to Woodland Park, Colorado. We participated in all sorts of 'challenge' activities such as high ropes, rapelling, rock climbing, white water rafting, and paintball. We also went horseback riding, fly fishing, did a low ropes element, went to the hot springs and drove up Pikes Peak. It was an amazing trip for those experiences alone. Then you add to it the spiritual challenges on the trip and it got even better! We had a terrific speaker and worship band who led us each evening as we went on a journey with the Israelites from captivity into the wilderness and then the promised land. It was probably the only time that I've heard a speaker on a trip like this use the Old Testament a majority of the time. It was fantastic! There is so much depth and richness to the OT scriptures that we often neglect, especially in youth ministry. We want to use the Pauline letters and the gospels because we wrongly assume they are more 'relevant' to the youth in our groups.
Anyhow, it was a terrific week despite having to leave Marc & Isaac at home, having to pump all week and the camp bear that terrorized us periodically. Seriously this bear was on the porch to our cabin - not 10 feet from our bedroom window. Another evening we were all spread out around the chapel having some quiet prayer time when one of my students thought she heard something, turned around & the bear was less than 10 feet from her. Thankfully she did not panic, but got up and moved slowly away. It was a cub (maybe 2 years old) but we always wondered if mother bear was lurking nearby.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My Dad's Heart
Yesterday was a day you hope you never have to live through. I've now lived through it twice. My dad had a heart attack. He is doing fine now, but obviously it was a highly emotional and stressful day. He had 2 stents put in to open up the blocked arteries and is coming home today. I have too many emotions to even try to write thoughtfully about this, so I will wait for another time. Instead, I will post some pictures from Memorial Day. 
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