Waiting and wondering...

I'm waiting to see what God is going to do next. About a month ago, Steve and I had our hours cut at work. The budget for the next few months are going to be tight. It is a bit disapointing to us because we had so many things that we wanted to do. Our first goal is to be debt-free then after that the plan is to move to Texas. It seems like everything is going to pushed back a little bit. It's really stressful because I dont know what's going to happen next. Steve and I both looking for little ways to make extra money. We are trying to make extra money online with some of the "pay to read email" places and have found some that really work. We earned last month a $50 gift card to Walmart which helped us tremendously with our grocery bill. Steve is also trying to find a second part-time job. Nothing major, just something that he enjoys that will bring in a few extra bucks each month. We toyed with the idea of having a garage sale but havent got the plan in the works yet. We might sell Steve's old bed and a few other things. Steve's car finally died it's last death so he is going to junk it. Hopefully, the junk yard will pay us a good amount for it.

I see God working in all of it but I still wish life wasnt so hard. Sometimes it feels like whenever life is going well something goes wrong. Please keep us in your prayers as we try and make it through this chapter of our life.

A good weekend

Yesterday was a pretty long day. Steve and I started the day getting up early (about 10 which is early for a Saturday) and decided to go on a bike ride. We ended up riding around Mishawaka for almost two hours. I wasn't sure I was going to make it home at a few points. We both made it home though. Saturday night we invited some friends of ours that just married over for dinner.
Steve made beef brisket, baked potatoes, corn, and some fresh bread. It was some good times. After dinner the four of went to see Transformers at Showplace 16. The guys picked the movie. It was an alright movie. I was a bit disapointed. They could have made it alot better, I think. I never really got into Transformers as a kid so I'm sure I missed some things I was already suppossed to know. I didnt think they did a very good job defining the characters of the robots. The did a really good job defining the characters of the humans though. Overall, I give the movie a 6 out of 10.

Sunday after church, I went to Fitness USA for the first time in awhile. I'm hoping that since I already have a membership there I can use it instead of going to Physical Therapy. I hope it works. I didnt go for very long. I didnt want to over do it the first time. Then it was off Hacienda to meet with my sister and some friends to celebrate our friend Greg's 21st birthday. He turns 21 next week. We had the waitresses sing to him with the hat and everything. It was much fun. The rest of Sunday is going to be a lazy relaxing day.

Making Extra Money!

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School Supplies Needed!

The YWCA is looking for donations of school supplies and backpacks for the new school year. Many of the mothers come to the YWCA with their kids with nothing. Wouldn't it be great if we could provide the kids at the YWCA new school supplies for the year.
The following items are needed:

• Backpacks


• Crayons


• Pens/Pencils


• Rulers


• Notebooks


• Folders


• Binders


• Notebook Paper


• Calculators


• and much more

The YWCA has students ranging from Preschool to Highschool aged.If you need more information, Call the YWCA at 233-9491.
Ellen Woodruff, Children's Service Manager: ewoodruff@ywcasjc.org

I'm glad God is in control

I'm so glad that God is in control and I'm not or I would be going crazy right now. Steve and I have been a tight budget the last few months because rent where we live is really high. We are on a waiting list at another place right now and we are hoping to get in their in a few months. This week the YWCA found out that it is losing almost 300,000 in federal and state grant funding for the next fiscal year which started July 1st. Due the lower funding, the YWCA had to cut some positions completely and cut hours for others. Luckily, Steve and I only got our hours cut but our benefits arent affected. Which is good because I cant afford for us to lose insurance, especially if I want to do the physical therapy for my shoulder. Steve is going to be going down to only 4 days. This is going to cut a few hundred dollars from our monthly budget. Please pray for us as we try to figure out where the money is going to come from. Steve is thinking about getting a part time job or doing some on the side handy-man work to make some extra money.

I know I should feel down and discouraged, but I feel relaxed about this. I trust that God is in control. I can see God all over it. God helped us keep our jobs and only get hours cut and He is helping get money from other places. Steve and I have been messing around with some "pay to read email" websites and we found some that really work. Last week, I received a $50 gift card from Walmart and $25 gift card for Walgreens. That helped us tremendously with groceries. It may be a few really long months for us until we get into the new places, and maybe a little after that.

Our Wedding Pictures!

Pre-Wedding Pictures

Ceremony Pictures/Formals

Reception Pictures

Click on the pictures above to see the pictures. We finally got our wedding pictures from Loretta. She did a great job. I really love them. I am putting them online because I know alot of people wanted to see them. You can download or order prints right from the website they are on.

I'm Normal

I know. I was just as surprised as you are. I have been having these horrible headaches since about Sunday night. I hurt my should my senior year of highschool when I was in the car accident but never did anything about it. I tried a chiropractor but it was too expensive. I have tried various exercises and stretches but nothing seemed to realy work. Sometimes the pain seemed to go away for a little while but then it would come back.

Since Sunday, the pain had gone from my shoulder into my head. It was horrible pain. I was having trouble working. The only thing i could do to help the pain was to lay down. Yesterday during lunch, Steve and I went to Medpoint because the pain was so bad. The took some X-Rays of my shoulder, back, and neck. The doctor everything looked fine in my bones except my neck seemed to be too straight. He is going to wait until the Radiologist's report before making the final judgement though. He said he would guess that the problem is in my muscles. The muscles may even be so tight that they are causing the neck problems. I might have to start going to physical therapy. I'm so glad that we have insurance now or I would have no idea how we were going to pay for this.
We got me a new chair for work that has a massager in it. It is amazing. It's not a top of the line massager. It just mostly vibrates but its still cool. Maybe it will help loosen up my muscles so i dont have to go to physical therapy.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Monday was 26th birthday.
On Saturday, weekend Steve and Damian throw me a "Surprise" birthday party at our apartment. It was a good time. Steve made some chicken and we ate some cake. Afterwards, Damian, Steve, the Bones, my sister, and I went to see the movie Fantastic Four. The movie was pretty good. I wasnt sure what i would think of it since I dont really like comic books movies usually, but it was good. Then we went to the Steak N Shake in South Bend for some fun hang out time. We didnt leave Steak N Shake til almost 2. I was pretty tired when I got home. Shere came over with her girls to my apartment but she didnt come to movie with us. Ill have to try and find some time to hang out with just her later in the week.

Sunday, we got up for church at Gospel Center this week. After church, we just went home and relaxed. My parents went out of town for the weekend but when they got home Steve and I went to my parents to have Father's Day dinner. Steve and I did some grocery shopping to on Sunday.

Monday we both had to work. I didnt take my birthday off work this year. After work, Steve and I got dressed up and he took me out to The Emporium. The food was really good. It wasn't as expensive as I thought is was going to be. I was actually a little disapointed. I was expecting it to be more elegant than it was. Oh well, it was a once in a lifetime thing. It was a good relaxing birthday overall.

Busy...Busy...Busy

Apartment hunting is alot of work. Steve and I are trying to find a another apartment or house to rent. Autumn Lakes is just too expensive. It was fine when i was living with my sister because I only had to pay half of the rent but now the whole amount is coming out of just mine and Steve's budget so it's harder. We are trying to find something before the end of the month so we dont have to pay for another month at Autumn Lakes. Our budget will be very happy when we move.

It feels like life is flying by really fast lately. I'm hoping that life slows time soon. I just need time to relax. Our current apartment is almost all organized. Steve is still moving in some of his stuff. Some of the bigger things he is going to leave where they are until we move again. It's been an adventure.

Oasis went to Cedar Point. I hope they had a good trip. It is beautiful here. I hope it's nice in Ohio too.

Oasis Graduation!

Final Count: 1066!

No that is not a typo above, we really had more than 1000 people at Oasis last night. It was an amazing night. I got there at about 5:30 and ran back to the cafe. They was already a huge line formed since they cafe actually opened at 4:30. Carole and Wendy were working hard so I jumped in to help. We had a non-stop line of students until about 6:40 when the students went outside for the annual graduation picture.

Judy gave a great message last night. She encouraged the students to take leaps of faith. What is the next leap of faith you are going to take? She talked to students about the 3 big leaps of faith she has taken starting with when she gave her life to Christ, then when she came on staff at Granger. The last leap of she is taking is joining Jeanne Mayo in Atlanta. She told the students last night what she told all the leaders on Tuesday night. She is leaving Granger to join her mentor and hero, Jeanne Mayo, in Atlanta. There was an extreme quiet in the room last night when told everyone.

I'm excited for her. I hate to see her go but it sounds like this is something that she will really enjoy doing. Jeanne Mayo has been her hero and mentor for a few years now. A few weeks ago Jeanne asked Judy if she would be willing to join her in the mentorship of other youth pastors, helping lead the Mastors Commission, and doing some things with Jeanne in Atlanta. She is going to leave a huge hole in the leadership team at Granger, but i am more than confident that Judy has raised up some amazing leaders that will keep this ministry going.

The graduation was a success. After we cleaned up the cafe a bunch of leaders and a few students went to Steak N Shake for some relaxing and hang out time. I didn't leave until almost midnight. I should have left earlier but I didnt. I'm so tired today. I need to take a big nap later.

Shere's Girls :)

Shere's Girls

My best friend came over to my apartment with her girls last week. I have to share them with you because they are adorable. I love these girls. :)

Oasis 2006-2007 School Year

Wow! What a year it has been? This year seemed to be a little over shadowed by my engagement and marriage but Oasis is still a huge part of my life. One of my greatest desires in my life is to be a positive role for my students. My group has changed a bit throughout the year. A few students have moved away or stopped coming and some have joined us new within the year, but there have been a few faithful that have been there every Wednesday, or really close to it, the whole year. These girls are special and I want them to succeed to life.

Steve and I started doing a devotional on wisdom after we got married. We read a proverb every day and a little note about what we read. Today's reading got me thinking about my students. We read proverbs 2. Proverbs 2:9-10 says "You will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy." Our quote of the day is: Training in wisdom is life preparation.

God is the ultimate teacher and he wants us to learn as much as we can in our lives. Good teachers and leaders know that someday their students will leave the nest and fly on their own. Our goal is to teach them as best we can so when they get out on their own they will be able to survive on their own. My desire for my students is that they look back on the last year and see it as a year of growth. I hope they made at least one new friend, they learned valuable wisdom, and most of all they took a step towards Jesus. Do they know Jesus a little more personally did they did a year ago?
I wish I could have some assurance that they will make the right choices, but God gave us freewill so they will make their choices. This world is getting tough to be a Christian in, but with the wisdom they have learned this year I believe they will overcome.

As I reflect on the last year, I pray for my girls that they remain strong and avoid the temptations that are so ready to attack them. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl that lives with integrity.
As Graduation comes close, I want them to know that they can count on my even in the years to come. I don't stop being there leader on Graduation day. I am their leader for the rest of their life if they need me.

180 Oasis Reception

Oasis Reception 2007

It has been a month since I posted anything on here. I guess I've been a little busy. Ill try to catch everyone up with pictures. On Sunday, April 29th, I opened my apartment to my 180 small group for a small "wedding reception" since they werent going to be at the actual reception. I hope they had a good time.

Honeymoon in San Diego: May 5th - May 11th

Honeymoon in San Diego

Our Honeymoon started on Saturday night at a Bed and Breakfast in Michigan. We flew into San Diego on Monday morning.

Our Honeymoon was wonderful. It was absolutely beautiful. Neither one of has ever been to California so we chose San Diego for our vacation. It was a very relaxing vacation too. We originally didnt get a Ocean View room but when we got to the hotel they had upgraded us to an Ocean View room for free. We spent most of the days walking up and down the beach. There was a boardwalk along the beach with little shops and resturants. We did some jumping in the waves too. We water felt really nice. It wasn't really that cold. The weather was warm and sunny the whole week we were there. Steve and I ate Calimari for the first time at one of the beach resturants. It was actually good. I never would have guessed that it was going to be good.

Thursday, we drove around the city and stopped at the Historic District of San Diego. It celebrated the Mexican history of the city. We ate at the best Mexican resturant I have ever been too. The food was great.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. The last night I watched the Sun Set over the Pacific Ocean. The pictures were taken for our Hotel balcony.

Bridal Shower: Sunday, April 22, 2007

My sister and my best friend, Shere throw me a Bridal Shower at my parent's house last Sunday. It was some good times. I'm not used to being the center of attention. It was fun to see a bunch of my friends hanging out together. Shere brought her girls and so did Carole, so Kariana got to make some new friends. We had a cookout lunch with some hamburgers and hotdogs and such. Shere and Erin had everybody play some games then I opened presents. My sister thought it would be fun if I wore a string on head as a tiara. My Grandma made us a handmade blanket. The blanket is really soft. It was a beautiful day to be outside. I went on a short walk around the block with Kariana after most of the guests had left. I hope my wedding day is as nice as it was Sunday.
Here are some fun pictures. It was a good time.

Bridal Shower

Oasis Throughout the Years

Oasis: Kickoff 99	2000 - 2001 School Year	2001 - 2002 School Year
2002 - 2003 School Year	2003 - 2004 School Year	2004 - 2005 School Year

My Hero and Mentor: Judy Gregory

I have been attending Granger Community Church since April 1997. I was a sophomore in high school. It was a tough year in my world. I have been a Christian my whole life but I still felt there was something missing in my life. I had no real purpose in life and felt like if I disapearred no one would really care or come looking for me. A few of my friends invited me to a concert at Lifeline (our high school ministry) and I immediately knew there was something different about the people there. There was a sense of community that I had never felt before. I was surprised at how many people I already knew that were there. That was 10 years ago. I have grown and changed alot since that first night. I can't even begin to thank everything that helped bring me to where I am today.
I want to focus my attention on just one: My mentor and hero, Judy Gregory. She reached 10 years on staff of GCC this week, with several more before that. She is the Middle School pastor at GCC. I have been doing ministry along aside her, either as a student or a leader for almost 10 years and I would not change a thing. This year marks my 7th school year as a middle school leader and I was a Lifeline student for 2 1/2. Together, we've done seven mission trips, 8 Acquire the Fires, seven 30 Hour Famines, 5 New Years Eve Bashes, and so much more, either as a student or a leader.

Her love and committment to her students inspire me to a better leader. She is the ultimate encourager. Whenever I am feeling down and feel like I'm not really making a difference with my students, I can count on her to encourage me. Ministry is who she is. I can't imagine anyone else doing her job. She builds her life into her leaders, training them to be everything God wants them to be. She searches and finds the talent in you that you didnt know you had. I am a better leader today because of her leadership. I feel honored that she is going marry me and my fiance in two weeks. I look forward to 10 more years of ministry, even if I have to do them from afar.

Helping Middle School Students Take Their Next Step Towards Christ...Together!

Wednesday!

I was sick this week from Sunday to Thursday morning. I dont think the stress of having to drive in tons of snow Wednesday helped much. I'm so glad that is gone. I have been trying to catch up on my sleep and get less stressed. Nurse Wendy told me I'm not allowed to be sick at my wedding. She is so awesome. I am so glad she is my co-leader this year.

This Wednesday was Steve's birthday but we celebrated it on Tuesday because I have Oasis on Wednesday. I felt horrible all day at work on Wednesday so I decided that I wouldnt make it through Oasis. I believe this is the first Oasis I have missed during the school year since I began doing Oasis in the fall of 2000. I haven't seen my girls in 2 weeks since last week was Spring break. I miss them tons. I hope they had a great night.

Here are this weeks questions:
1. What are some words that you would use to describe Jesus?
How is He like you and not like you?

2. Have a student look up and read Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Did you use any of the words in this passage to described yourself?
Did you use any of these words to describe Jesus?

3. If you had to pick the one you're the strongest in of the nine (love, joy, peace.), which would you choose? If you had to pick the one you're weakest at out of the nine, which one would it be? Why?

4. These are words that will describe us as we become more and more like Christ. But, let's just say that they don't very well right now. What could someone do to get better in one or all of these areas?

5. Have a student look up and read Romans 12:2:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

One way we can get better is by renewing our minds. What do you think that means and how would you do that? What do you see in this world that Paul is warning us not to do or be like?

6. What is one thing mentioned that you could do to renew your mind that you could practice at school tomorrow?

How do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years? I know that seems like a really long time from now but you are starting your foundation now. Things you are doing now can and will effect your life in the future, either for the good or not. You have a choice to decide today what you stand for. What will define your life?

Easter 2007

I'm dreaming of a White Easter....Huh?...What? Don't you mean White Christmas? No, I case you didnt know it actually snowed here on Easter. I was talking to my best friend's dad last night and he said it snowed there on Easter too. He lives in Dallas, TX. He said it got down to 32 degreess last week. That is just crazy to me. Hopefully, it will warm up soon.

I spent Easter relaxing around Mishawaka. Steve and I went to Granger for church. I have been goin gto Granger CC for almost a decade and this was my first Easter service. Usually, I go out of town for Easter. It was an interesting experience. Third service was really packed.

After church, we took a nap because I wasn't feeling good and was tired. Steve worked on his budget while I napped and he cleaned my apartment a little. We are still working on making my apartment look nice since my sister moved out. We are starting to combine all of our stuff. He moved most of his kitchen stuff into my apartment. We put the stuff we think we are going use in the cabinet and packed the othe stuff away. You don't realize how much stuff you have until you have to pack it. Between the two of us, we have alot of stuff. We are planning to have a garage sale this summer after we get married so we can downsize a little in the kitchen area.

How much are you worth?

Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
(Matthew 10:29-31)

How many times are we 'down in the dumps' and feeling pretty worthless because of circumstances beyond our control? Life can sometimes be unbeatable, but other times it gives us a 'beatdown'. Perhaps this week you know exactly what I mean. Good thing our worth isn't based on our circumstances or behavior, if it were I would have zero hope.

Check out this story and see if speaks to your heart.

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."

He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.

"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.

"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us 'as the apple of His eye.'"

The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!
(courtesy: Mikey's Funnies)

Questions:

• Who or what determines how good you feel about yourself?


• Have you 'checked in' with God lately with your issues and problems? Why or why not?


• What is one way you could show your thankfulness to God for His love this week?