Awaiting The Greater City

'Tis The Season

2011-11-17T21:39:00.001-05:00

The end of fall/early winter means fresh venison, lots of carrot and potato dishes, pumpkin spice lattes, goulash, cozy blankets and a good book and putting your feet up after a long summer. Our summer harvest has paid off again in more ways than one. This year, for Thanksgiving I am thankful for many things, one of which being my friends and family who have taught me many 'tricks of the trade' in homemaking, gardening, canning/preserving, and cooking. This fall I have found myself totally enjoying these things and the satisfaction that comes from them. I love that my husband enjoys the land as much (if not more!) than I do. It's so rewarding to do these things together as a team and then to sit down to a meal that is almost completely home grown/harvested. It makes me want to do crazy things like make my own butter next so it will be completely home grown! :) I don't know that that will ever happen but it would be cool! So thank you to those who have shared their tips/recipes/ideas with me because they are like little gems that will last a lifetime. And for getting me hooked on Pinterest! :) And if you're not already doing some of these things but maybe you'd like to, don't be afraid to just start somewhere. Bake a pie with store bought filling & crust, create a mini garden, try a new twist on an old favorite, learn how to fish (even ice fishing maybe!?)...that's all I did and every day I learn new things!

On another note....I'm afraid to tell you that I've been in somewhat of a stall as far as my book list goes. I don't know if I've been distracted or what but I haven't picked up a new book in WAY too long. So my goal is to pick up another book during Thanksgiving week and I shall report on how that goes in another post! :)

Until then...

God Bless, Sleep well
-CW

Change

2011-09-06T15:56:00.003-04:00

Fall has come how refreshing it is. The leaves changing colors and the breeze having that slight hint of winter in it. Life seems to change like that too. Always moving on to something new something different taking the same shape as it always has and yet having a difference about it. We are constantly changing and having to give up something in order to have the new come. Sometimes the giving up of the old is hard but the new is about to step in and we never know what it might bring. Either joy or pain. Just like the seasons. Winter can bring blistering cold and winds that never seem to give relief and then just as we are ready to say goodbye to winter we have summer's heat blasting us day after day so much so that we are drowsy from humidity and drenched with sweat. But in winter we have the heat of a fire or the warmth of a cup of coffee with friends, a blanket and a book on a snowed in day, and slippers....ahh slippers. Then in summer we have the warm wind that refreshes us on the hottest of days, the green and the vibrant colors of the flowers to remind us what color is truly meant to look like, and the taste of fresh picked cherry tomatoes right off the vine still warm from the sun. Life is full of uncertainty but we can be certain that God knows what he's doing and that we can be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 His plans are good if we will only stop to look for them, be thankful in all things, and trust that even pain is repurposed by God to produce good.

Random sketches

2011-08-08T14:46:00.003-04:00

Getting back at the sewing thing is not as easy as I might have thought. During summer, sewing seems to be the last thing you think about doing simply because it's warm out and who want to spend an afternoon cooped up in a tiny room sewing? Well, it's still summer but my quilt project is calling my name. So I must try. It's really a pretty quilt with a flying geese pattern made out of mismatched pieces of fabric. I started the project back when my sister first announced she was pregnant for their 2nd baby, thinking, 'if it's a girl, this will be a cute little gift.' Well, my niece has been here for a month already and her quilt isn't ready....what a bad aunt I am. I got distracted and lazy and the project got pushed to the side. Since I bought my sewing machine back in January I am ashamed to say I have not used it very much. But I really do want to learn this skill. So if I want to learn how to sew well, I'm going to have to actually use my machine and not be afraid to make mistakes. After all, quilts with mistakes in them add character. Even the Amish quilters always put at least 1 mistake in their quilts. :)

On another note, our gardening has already paid off this year. So far we've harvested 18 pints of pickled banana peppers, 3 pints of pickled jalapeno peppers (For JW, I'm too much of a sissy for that!) lots of lettuce, sweet peas and green beans, and soon we'll have an abundant harvest of tomatoes to can. Yeah! With some added plants to my landscaping outside and finally planting grass seed where we took some trees out 3 years ago our small yard is looking cozy and homey. I so appreciate my husband's diligence in the yard work, and gardening is becoming something that I thoroughly enjoy helping him with every summer!

Here's what we're reading now:

JW just finished "The Land Between" by Jeff Manion (Pastor of Ada Bible Church) and is going to start the book "Radical" by David Platt
I'm reading "Adopted For Life" by Russell Moore. This book discusses the biblical view of adoption not only in the traditional sense of the phrase of adopting children who all deserve loving homes but it also discusses adoption from the view point of our adoption as sons and daughters of God and Christ's adoption by Joseph and how we as the church should respond to adoption and cultivate a culture of adoption not out of 'charity' but out of a response to see where our Father God is working and join him in that work. I'm not finished yet, actually I'm only on chapter 4 but it's transformational in the way we view adoption and our own adoption into the family of God. I will give a complete review once I'm done.
On my list to read is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. My stance on books that are made into movies is to see the movie first because if I read the book first then I will be so critical of the movie and what they get 'wrong' that I won't be able to enjoy the movie. So I always see the movie first and then read the book so I will like both. (I usually still like the book better but I can at least enjoy the movie without tearing it apart while I watch it.) :)

That's all for now, on to my sewing....

God bless, sleep well,

-CW

Thrifty Joys

2011-06-27T17:40:00.002-04:00

As I prepare for our annual camping trip to Mesick MI I have a seemingly never ending list of things to get; food to buy, supplies we've run out of, and gear that we need to replace/add to our collection. SO I turn to being thrifty and shopping at Big Lots, Save a Lot, dollar stores, Meijer, and using gift cards from last Christmas. I admit that it is totally my nature to always assume that if you buy from name brand stores you're always getting the better products BUT I'm coming to realize that this is not always the case. Sometimes you can find really great stuff at the off brand stores at a much better price.... the trick is to keep what you get nice and then you will be able to use it for a long time! :) Something I learned from my thrifty mother in law and my husband. For example, I think my husband is the only man I know who, after a long week in the woods, comes home and thoroughly cleans his tent, coolers, lanterns, grill, and even his tarps! I am convinced that this lengthy clean up process is saving us time and money in the long run. At least I hope so. Being thrifty is sometimes hard but I'm finding that the joys in life don't come from the brand name on your camp chairs but the time that you spend enjoying your friends, family, and God's creation while using them! So this is my encouragement to you to get out there and be thrifty and take over-the-top good care of your stuff so you can get back to enjoying life! :) Happy 4th of July week!

Live well,

Breathing Deep

2011-06-03T19:50:00.002-04:00

"'You've been out! You've been out! There's that nice smell of leaves!'... 'It's so beautiful, you never saw anything so beautiful! It has come!'...'Open the window!

Perhaps we may hear golden trumpets!'" -Colin & Mary in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

My own heart feels like this after taking in the beautiful spring air all around us! I see my plants blooming all over white and pink and green and I can't help but smile. It makes me hopeful that indeed they will come into full bloom and for a little while we will have summer. Ahh...for a little while. Yesterday I just sat in my backyard and listened to the spring all around me as I finished reading Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden". This is a perfect book to read in the spring. It must be read outside. It must. I grew up watching the 1993 rendition of this classic novel and being fascinated with it so the other day when I was at Barnes and Noble I picked up this classic to read. For just $5.95 how could I have not? I found that this is one novel in which the 1993 movie actually did a good job of capturing. Most of the time when I read a novel after seeing the movie I am sorely disappointed with the movie and refreshingly glad that I picked up the book! Ahh such is life. We cannot fully capture the beauty of a well written novel in film the way it was meant to be captured...in the imagination.

God Bless, Sleep Well,

~CW~

Update

2011-04-19T14:54:00.002-04:00

Just a job update :)

Things are going really well with the new job. I have a fantastic trainer (Thanks Lynn!) and she has been guiding me through the whole process and it has been such a joy. Yesterday I was on my own and while it was a little intimidating I felt good about it. Today was more training/shadowing so tomorrow will be even better! Thanks to all who have been praying for me during this transition. I am already loving the consistency of my schedule and the time it allows me to be home versus traveling far to work. It is a great schedule that gets me up and out of the house in the morning and then allows me to be home in the afternoon to get things done around here. I'll even have more time for things like P90x now...Hmmmm not sure I want that! :D " You love it, but you hate it" is the only way to describe that workout!

That's all for today. Hope you all are well!

Blessings,

Pioneer Woman & Spring Changes

2011-04-09T19:20:00.002-04:00

Hello faithful readers...

It's spring! I am like a kid in a candy store! There have been a few changes taking place this spring starting with a new job. I haven't started yet so I don't have very much to tell you about it but I can tell you I will be working as the Housing Assistant at Harvest Way in Sparta. Harvest Way is apartment housing for elderly adults. I am excited about this change since it is so close to home and I will be working with the elderly, which I enjoy, and I will get to use my clerical skills. I will say though, that I will miss my friends at Kregel's who have been like a small family to me. I will also miss seeing those customers that I have gotten to know over the years not just as customers but as friends. So this is a bittersweet change.

Another change is that I have finally discovered the Pioneer Woman cookbook! And I'm in love...with the food that is! :D I enjoy a lot of things about this great cookbook. For starters, I appreciate very much the pictures!! I know there are many women out there that can have a list of ingredients in front of them without the measurements or any instructions and they just 'know' what to do with it all....NOT me. I need visuals. I love cooking and especially with fresh ingredients from my own garden but I still love to have a visual experience as I cook so I know it's coming out right. I also love all the ranch pictures and stories throughout. Overall, I would recommend this cookbook. Makes a great gift too. I received it as a birthday gift from my sister in-law and I just gave one away to my sister for her birthday!

So as we head into my favorite time of year I am looking forward to planting season. Jared and I will again have 2 gardens in addition to our chickens and hoping for another great growing season! I'm also working on Jared to get me a dog....;) I KNOW they are work but since I will be working so close to home now this would be a very welcome addition to our household. At least I think so....He'll come around sooner or later!

That's all for now.

Blessings, Sleep well!

-CW

"To Narnia and the North!" -Bree

2011-01-17T14:20:00.003-05:00

So I don't know if anyone really reads my blog or not...I haven't blogged in a long time. I guess I just haven't felt up to it or I've just been thinking of other things. But I'm feeling the urge to blog again. Whether anyone reads it or not it's good just to do it. I've always been of the literary mindset so I set out at Christmas time to read the Chronicles of Narnia all the way through. Since there has been so much buzz about the Voyage of the Dawn Treader movie I thought..."what's the big deal?" Sure I've read some of C.S. Lewis' non-fiction books and I had even read Magician's Nephew and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (in High School...so does that really count?). Either way, I knew that I liked C.S. Lewis and his mysterious way of writing and yet he's so practical so I set out on my journey to get through Narnia. Since Christmas I've already finished Magician's Nephew, Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, and The Horse and His Boy....Today I will start Prince Caspian. So far I'm loving them! I can't get over how vivid Lewis' descriptions are and how you feel like you are right there with the characters. Magician's Nephew is still my favorite but we'll see if another one can top that as I get through the last three. They read really fast and are a lot easier to get through than some of his non-fiction works were for me. But I think too much so sometimes it would take me a while to understand what he was trying to say. :D I would encourage everyone to read the series!

On another note....Winter is here. Well, it's been here but January and February are usually more snowy so here it comes. I'm not a fan unless it involves sitting in a cabin in the U.P. just reading a good book and sipping a cup of hot coffee. I'm sort of a hermit in the winter. So bring on Spring and Summer!!! We just booked our annual camping trip to Mesick in July and I can't wait! 10 whole days of beautiful summer bliss, my books, the river, bike rides to Nate's for ice cream, naps along the river's edge in the summer sun, ahhh....its a beautiful thing!

So until then...happy reading everyone!
-CW

The BIG update (In Pictures)

2010-10-08T19:10:00.013-04:00

Here in Sparta we've had a full and beautiful summer and early fall! Here's the update that I've been meaning to write for some time but due to a lack of...well, time....I haven't been able to do so until now.Here goes...Jared turned 26 this year and my dad turned the big 50! We celebrated my dad's birthday in style by taking him to a Detroit Tigers game. He's a big baseball guy so we surprised him with the tickets on his birthday and went to the game the following weekend. It was a lot of fun and the game even ended with fireworks. :D Then there was the harvest and our Chickens to get back to! This year we had two gardens. One at our house and the second at Jared's parent's house. The chickens are at their house too. So we had a big harvest with an abundance of tomatoes and peppers. Early in the season we froze our sweet corn and green beans and then we got to work canning and I think we canned all of August! :D So in the canned aisle we have stewed tomatoes, pickled banana peppers, apple sauce, and Nana Dolph's peaches! As far as the Chickens go we've been getting 10 a day which means they are all laying eggs finally!

Needless to say, I think we'll make it through the long winter... Now praying for Jared to get a deer so we can have some venison too! :D Here are some pictures of the boys target shooting with their bows. Getting geared up for the hunt! Trevor wanted in on the action but he's not quite ready yet...

Well, that's all for now....Happy fall!

God Bless, Sleep Well!

-CW

Short post

2010-09-10T16:52:00.003-04:00

This is a shortie but a goodie....

We are doing well over here. The harvest has been GOOD this year and I'm learning all sorts of new things about canning and perserving. The season isn't done yet though so I'm going to give you a full report in a few days!

On another note...I got an ESL job yesterday! This will be my first official teaching job outside of my internship and volunteer work. So I need lots of prayer that it will go well. It is a temporary substitue position for the Sparta Migrant Program. It will only be 4 weeks long so I have a lot to learn and a lot to teach in 4 weeks! Pray that Jared and I would keep good schedules during this time since i will be working in the day and teaching at night.

More updates to come!
God bless, Sleep well!
--CW

2010-07-22T16:08:00.002-04:00

Its officially been over a week since we came back from camping in Mesick, MI....BIG sigh.... Let's have a moment of silence please.... OK I'm better now.

Moving on; These are just a few snapshots of camping 2010. From top, L-R: 1st picture-Me soaking in the sun reading one of my favorite authors, Erynn Mangum's, second series "The Maya Davis Series". It's a standard on our Mesick trip for the girls to go out on the "Green belt" and sun bathe for at least an hour each day as long as the weather permits! I enjoy sun bathing but I enjoy reading more so I like to combine the two. Usually I'm a SLOW reader but this week I was able to finish my book in one week rather than in one month. Hats off to having a week to do nothing but read!

2nd picture is of our group at dinner. We always eat as a group for dinner. This was burger night with corn on the cob and a lot of other really yummy stuff. The ladies up here know how to put on a feast so feast we do EVERY night! It's not necessarily a trip you loose weight on. :D

3rd picture is Kasey and Trevor. Trev was a blast all week long and he loves to camp because he got to see a lot of "Trucks" and "boots" AKA: boats. What a joy! Trevor will be 2 in August.

4th picture is just Trevor soaking in the sun while watching the "boots" go by on "the pond" Aka: the Manistee river where it gets wide near the Hodenpyl Dam. (Not sure I'm spelling that right...)

5th picture is Uncle Jared teaching Trevor how to flash people! He's not a very good influence that Jared guy.... Its their little game they like to play together. :D

SO now that Mesick is over and my relaxing vacation for the summer is gone Jared and I are gearing up...literally....to head into the wilds of the Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada! We're going with the Sr. high youth group at our church for a week. We'll be canoing and portaging (carrying our canoes and packs) from campsite to campsite all week through the wilderness. This is no small park though this is a wild, bears and all, wilderness trip! Yikes! We're really excited but I will admit that I'm a little scared. I'm not a "tough" person so the carrying your canoe and pack thing will be interesting to say the least. We've gotten all our gear and we're ready to go. I'm bringing my camera so I'll be sure to give you all an update when we get back!

Until then...Sleep well and God Bless!

Mocha Mocha....Mmmm

2010-06-08T15:46:00.002-04:00

Here are two new recipes that I've used and/or will be using in the near future. :D The first one is my mom's recipe...yum...! Enjoy!

Layered Mocha Brownie Dessert:

Ingredients:

1 box of fudge brownie mix; cooked and cubed

16 oz cool whip-divided

1 3/4 cup milk

4 teaspoons instant coffee

1/4 cup warm water

2 small boxes white chocolate instant pudding

3-4 heath bars crushed

Directions:

*Mix milk and pudding together

*In a separate bowl mix warm water and instant coffee together

*Slowly mix coffee mixture in with the pudding mixture

*Add 8 oz cool whip to pudding mixture

*In a clear serving bowl create your layers with a layer of brownies on the bottom then a layer of pudding mix then heath bars. Continue this layering effect until your bowl is full ending with a layer of pudding and heath bars. Top everything with 8 oz cool whip and more crushed heath bars then drizzle with caramel topping. Refrigerate for at least an hour and enjoy! This can be made up to one night before your event.

Chocolate Raspberry Mocha Layer Cake (Diary Free)

Serves 10-12

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup cocoa

2 cups soy milk

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1/4-1/2 cup raspberry jam

Easy Chocolate Icing:

1/2 cup soy margarine

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

3 cups icing sugar

3/4 cup cocoa

soy milk

Cake Directions:

*Blend granulated sugar with vegetable oil. Add water and vanilla and stir well.

*In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.

* Measure out soy milk and stir in instant coffee.

*Add flour mixture gradually to oil and sugar mixture, alternating with soy milk (don't over mix).

*Pour into 2 oiled 9 inch cake pans and bake 40 min. at 350 degrees F.

*When cake is done remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.

*When cake is cool to the touch, spread raspberry jam over one of the layers. top with the second cake and ice with Easy Chocolate Icing. (See Below for directions on how to make the icing.)

Icing Directions:

*Blend margarine and shortening together.

*Gradually add icing sugar and cocoa.

*Thin with soy milk (if needed).

Fritters, Flowers, and Fiction

2010-05-28T19:42:00.006-04:00

So this will be my spring update post since I've decided that, even though spring doesn't officially end until June 21, summer is definitely here! This has been a most beautiful spring and I have enjoyed many new things that I have not done before. For starters, I had never encountered real live chickens before this spring let alone raise them! Some other firsts for me this spring include reading the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke, helping to put together a craft show for the youth group, spending so much time in my gardens and my backyard and enjoying every minute of watching my plants grow, and most recently today I made apple fritters for the first time! This was a very exciting experience for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Of course, because I had never done this before I was fully expecting to fail at it but to my surprise and my tastebuds' delight they were delicious! I have never made any kind of doughnut before but I've always wanted to try and today was my day... I had a whole bunch of left over apples from the craft show because I was planning on making some apple pies but I ran out of time so today I looked up the recipe for apple fritters since they are my favorite kind of doughnut! I already had everything I needed to make them so this was a no-brainer that I should try it! I hope that you will try them out too. I think you will be pleased.

On another note, hasn't it been delightful outside this week? Sure, it's been HOT and even a little uncomfortable at times, but this has been a wonderful week for getting outside and enjoying the world around us! I have been so pleased with how my flowers are doing in the heat and they have been blooming for a week now and I'm loving it! I wish they could stay in bloom forever but I know that they need their "resting" time in the winter too.... ugh.

What I've been reading in May is the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke. This is a series about the Davis family's journey through life in the Midwest and Western territories of the United States in the late 1800's. This is a series that will pull at your heart strings, challenge your faith to grow, keep you reading every day, and keep you wondering "how did they ever live like that?". It's a beautiful series of books that include love stories, family stories, stories of courage and death, mourning and rejoicing, challenges and victories and the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow who holds this family together through it all. If you've seen the movies and you enjoyed them, you HAVE TO read the books! They are so different from the movies and so much better!

Sleep well, God Bless,

Apple Fritters:

Ingredients:

1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cinnamon

dash nutmeg

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs-beaten

2 tablespoons apple sauce

3-5 cups apples-peeled, cored, and chopped

1 cup cinnamon and sugar mixture

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or electric skillet to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a separate bowl wisk together milk, eggs, and apple sauce.

4. Slowly add milk mixture to the flour mixture until well blended. Add apples until they are well coated and evenly distributed.

5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry, turning once, until brown on both sides (about 5 min. depending on how large your spoonfuls are. I used a serving spoon.) Fry in small batches so they are not crowded. Using a slotted spoon, remove and let cool on paper towel briefly. Toss with cinnamon and sugar while they are still warm.

Sweet Joys

2010-05-20T20:58:00.002-04:00

Today I was struck with the realization that life is not always what you are given but it's mostly how you respond.

I have known this and I have even talked about it with others before. But today it became clearer. I have been struggling big time with allergies this spring...making my spring not so springy... So today was a relatively normal day. I went to work, came home and baked all night. Sounds normal right? Well, the entire time I've had a massive sinus headache that won't go away no matter how much medicine I take or how much Vicks I put on. (Yes Jared you can remind me later that I said that.) But through it all I have had a great day.

God has been walking me through this day one step at a time, one loaf of bread at a time, one customer at a time... He's been there through it all.

Every time I felt like giving up He was right there to pick up my head and say "it's OK, keep going, keep your eyes on me and I'll help you." He was right. As I look back, I can see clearly that the times that I "looked away" from Him I fell on my face with discouragement, pain, and feeling sorry for myself; but when I was looking at Him I almost forgot about the pain and I could focus on what needed to be done and what I could do to make this day better. Yes, I got through work and I got through my baking (for now...15 mini loafs of pistachio down, 5 more to go.)After my last batch of bread came out of the oven I read through my friend Chaille's blog www.bigfishinalittlecity.blogspot.com She is currently in Romania doing her fieldwork at an organization called "Veritas." Chaille spoke tonight about the greatness of God's plan and how every little detail was put in place before he could bring her to Romania so that once she got there the "soil" would be ready to plow and plant. In a way, that's how I feel about my day today. I feel like God is still preparing the "soil" in my heart for other things....tasks, time, talents, treasures, etc. and who am I to stand in the way of the Almighty's plan to not only better my life, but to use my life to better others' lives as well. By using my time today to complain and groan and wine about my headache or all of the "things" I had to do today I was only pushing God away and saying... "your plan isn't good enough." Many times we want the big exciting things to happen every minute of every day; but you know, those things that are big and exciting wouldn't be big and exciting if they happened all the time. So I'm learning, along with you, to take life one step at a time and rejoice in my sufferings as well as in my blessings so that God can use them both for His glory.

God bless, Sleep well,

Flour Power

2010-05-19T09:08:00.002-04:00

Today is a day full of baking... On the list is Pistachio Bread, Apple Pies, Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies and regular Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies! :D I don't usually bake this much but today is an exception. We have the Kent City Baptist Church Vendor and Craft Sale this Saturday (May 22) from 10am-4pm at our south campus (400 West Muskegon St. [17 mile rd.] Kent City MI 49330). All of the proceeds of our bake sale are going to benefit the Rhiza Student Ministries youth missions trips this summer. This is a great way to get involved if you are not already involved! We need people who are willing to donate baked goods for individual sale so if you are making cookies maybe bunch 2-4 together and wrap them in clear plastic wrap so they can be sold to our shoppers. Everything will be sold individually so try to make something that can be easily separated and sold. If you are willing to bake something we would appreciate it if you would wrap your goods individually and label them for us. We will put prices on everything. You can drop your donation off at the south campus either Friday night between 5:30 and 8:00pm or Saturday morning between 8:00am and 10am. Thanks for being willing to help us out with this huge task every little bit helps so even if you can only make 1 doz. cookies that will be helpful too!

Come out for the sale too! We have about 35 vendors of all different crafts, home show products, and abilities! :D

Sleep Well, God Bless,

Chicken Ranchers

2010-04-22T17:45:00.005-04:00

One of the beautiful parts of life is that you get to try new things and experiment with your hobbies, sometimes this experimenting turns into something you never expected it would and sometimes it just flat out fails... We're hoping that our new hobby, raising chickens, doesn't fail because so far we're having a blast being chicken ranchers! And yes, Jared wants to be called a Chicken Rancher, not a farmer... :D it sounds more professional and like we're from some small town in Montana rather than rancher wanna-be's from the city of Sparta, MI!

So as we journey through this super fun new hobby I'll keep you updated on new developments!

Where we've been so far:

We got 8 Buff Orpington chicks about 2 months ago
They lived in a box in my living room under a heating lamp for about a month! :D
My sister in-law, Abby, added 3 chicks to the bunch so Jared and I are foster parents to "Ruby, Clementine, and Dandilion" until they go to the coop. So make that 11 chicks in our house.
The chicks moved out into the garage as soon as the frost was done into a larger "home," an old rusted feed trough, still using the heating lamp in one corner but they're getting to the point where they don't really need it too much anymore.
We started building their coop at Jared's parents house where they will live as soon as they're big enough. We're about a week away from moving them. There is still some work left to do on the coop before that can happen.
The chicks grow inches by day it seems and they have been treated to daily "trips" outside in the back yard to get aquainted with running around in the grass and being out from under the heating lamp, it's also good for their social skills with us as they tend to take better to those who bring them out and play with them!

So we await the day that they will be able to make the move to their coop and get settled there where we will visit with them daily and will hopefully produce yummy eggs for us, Abby and Dan, and our parents!

God Bless, Sleep Well!

Spring Spring... Spring Spring... Hello?

2010-03-12T17:01:00.002-05:00

Well, it's almost here! I can hardly contain my excitement. Spring is my favorite time of year because everything is new and fresh. It's like God is tapping every tree and flower and blade of grass and saying..."wake up! wake up! It's time to greet the day!"

I'm reminded of something Anne of Green Gables taught me.... "Tomorrow is always fresh.... with no mistakes in it!" Spring is kind of like that for me. It reminds me that I'll never be angelically good but in Christ I know that i'm free from the burden of sin in my life and it can never have a hold on me as it did before I allowed Christ's redemption to cover me. Thank God for his unfailing gift of redemption!

Well, I finished Mansfield park a few weeks ago and I was very happy with it. Fanny Price is a delightful character who I enjoyed reading about very much. The downfall of the book is that there are a lot of unneccessary converstaions that sort of just take up space. It's almost like Jane thought the book needed to be longer so she just added a lot of extra "stuff" to bulk it up. Of course I'm a fan of the language of the Austen novels so even though there were extra conversations I still somehow enjoyed everything.

I'm not sure which Austen novel I'll tackle next because i'm in the midst of finishing Anne of Green Gables and then i've got "Cool Beans: a Maya Davis Novel" by Erynn Mangum on order. Coming in April. My B-day is coming and I'm hoping for Persuasion. We'll see.

Hope you all are enjoying your spring!

Sleep Well & God Bless,
CW

Gobble Gobble and All That Jazz

2009-11-24T16:47:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Its been a while since I've given you all an update on where I am and what I'm doing so here it is!

Life has been carrying on at a steady rate since I last wrote. Things have been going quite well and just as busy as ever... but we like it that way. Jr. High has been so much fun this year. We have a very young group of students and they are all full of energy and life every Wednesday to keep me on my toes! (That comment makes me sound like I'm 80 or something....) :D In October Chaille, Kayli and I went to the Set Apart Girls conference in Kalamazoo to hear Leslie and Eric Ludy speak and it was incredible. Very great reminder of why we do what we do and what our calling in Christ is! Chaille and I are hoping to do an event at our own church soon to share what we heard with the rest of the Rhiza Student Ministries Jr. and Sr. high girls. Recently, Chaille has been working on the possibility of getting Leslie and Eric to come to our church themselves and do a similar conference to the one we attended. We haven't heard much on that yet though but if you want to pray for that it would be such a blessing to have them bring their vision to our students personally!

November is practically gone already and I feel like it's been a crazy but good month. At the beginning of the month we had our Jr. high Fall Retreat at Derek Max's parent's house in Three Rivers. We had a ton of kids come out for that and we had a blast. The weather was absolutely perfect all weekend and we had an overall good time. This past week I spent most of my time studying for my final exam to cap off my correspondence course from LSU that will complete my degree. I am so grateful to tell you that God definitely opened up time for me to study and gave me the strength to do it when it was the last thing I felt like doing. I took my exam on Monday and I feel so relieved. Thank you to all of you who were praying for that! :D

After thanksgiving week I am going to start in on a new project. Teaching! ESL is what my degree is in and since my internship I haven't had any real teaching opportunities until now. I met a wonderful lady at work a few weeks back who is helping some refugees from Africa get settled in the area and she has asked me to teach three girls English. I met them two weeks ago and I had so much fun meeting them I can't wait to get started. They are from Burundi Africa but spent some time in refugee camps in Rwanda before coming to the states. They are eager to learn and so excited to be able to have a teacher; you can pray that I will live up to their expectations and that they will learn a lot! :D

I hope everyone will have a very happy Thanksgiving and a safe and fun Black Friday! :D I have to work for the first time ever on Black Friday so I won't get to shop until after work.... Bummer!

God Bless, Sleep well!

Gettin' Domestic

2009-10-08T18:32:00.004-04:00

Flavors of Fall
One joy of being "done" with school is that I am home a lot more and I have the time to do some fun domestic things that I didn't have time to do before. For starters, I decorated my house with everything Fall that I had in the basement this week. I had so much fun playing with different colors and textures to make my house feel so warm and cozy... all the great feelings of fall. I even had an afternoon to stroll downtown rockford to get a new candle to add to the fall scents; I went with Yankee Candle's "Autumn Leaves" Scent. This week has been great in the area of having time for things that I didn't have time for before so I'm feeling extra thankful that I can do some of these fun domestic things. Another joy of being at home for me is cooking. My great friend Stacie had Jared and I over for Chicken dinner on Tuesday and it inspired me to be better at cooking fantastic meals like that for Jared at home; not just the usual hot dogs and sandwiches. So here are some of the recipes that we've enjoyed this week.
Venison Meat Loaf Recipe

"My mother, who claims she can detect venison in any recipe, didn't have a clue it was in this tender meat loaf until we told her after dinner. She raved about this flavorful main dish the entire time she was eating it!"-Liz Gilchrist, Bolton, Ontario

This recipe is: Healthy

6-8 Servings
Prep: 10 min. Bake: 70 min.
Ingredients
2 eggs
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds ground venison
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons white vinegar

Directions:
In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs; add tomato sauce, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Add venison and mix well. Press into an ungreased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Combine brown sugar, mustard and vinegar; pour over meat loaf. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 70 minutes. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 204 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 125 mg cholesterol, 799 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 23 g protein.

Easy Spaghetti Bake

Ready in: 30-60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 package (7 oz. size) spaghetti

1/2 cup onion, chopped1 can (4 oz. size)

mushrooms stems & pieces, drained

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pound ground beef

1 jar (32 oz. size) spaghetti sauce

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain. In large skillet, brown beef and pour off excess fat. Add onion, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, sugar, basil and salt. Simmer covered 10 minutes. Stir in cooked spaghetti to combined ingredients. Turn mixture into a shallow 2 1/2 quart baking dish. Cover and bake 20 minutes at 350F. Uncover, top with cheese and return to oven. Bake 5 minutes more.

This recipe from CDKitchen for Easy Spaghetti Bake serves/makes 6

A fun project: I found some pretty Autumn napkin rings that were given to me when we got married that I had never used so I decided to try to make a pretty centerpiece with these napkin rings, my fancy napkins and a fall platter that matches the rings. Here's the website I found helpful to teach me how to do this!

http://www.recipezaar.com/Serviette-Napkin-Folding-Basic-With-Napkin-Ring-241006

Happy Fall!

Sleep well and God Bless,

Outhouses, Cookies, and Jane Austen

2009-09-12T21:34:00.002-04:00

VACATION: < class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">vacātiō freedom from something; r. ME vacacioun <>

If vacation is freedom from something... I was in vacation overload this week by being freed from many things this week. Free from the use of modern conveniences; (ie. Toilets, sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers, electricity, running water, ipods, TV, Internet, phones... and the list goes on and on.)
As I now sit in my living room singing along to my Cd player with the washing machine cleaning my clothes for me, my husband in the shower enjoying running hot water, lights on my left and my right to light my work, and my computer at my fingertips I sit amazed at how blessed we are... and spoiled.
I spent this past week in Michigan's vastly beautiful Upper Peninsula with Jared's family at a place appropriately titled "Pretty Lake." It was a challenge for me to be completely striped of all things "comfortable" and yet freeing because I found so much comfort in having nothing to distract me from God's creation. I bathed in the lake with the sunset all around me, the birds singing their melodies, the trees swaying in unison and the water as still as glass. I slept soundly under the stars with the sound of the lunes to wake me every morning. I walked along the shores of lake Michigan, lake Superior, and numerous small lakes in between all in the same week. It's often bitter sweet to leave a place of beauty and rest like that knowing that you're heading back to a busy life full of distractions and noise but something I've learned this week is to take notice of the gifts that God has given us at home and on vacation and to take more time to notice God in the business of life and not just in the "stillness." It is certainly more difficult for me to recognize God in the business but it can be done and He's teaching me daily where to look for him and where he can be heard. It's simple really, He is everything and in everything.... When God called Himself "I AM" He was revealing a very profound part of who He is and how He works.... He just is and I can join Him there. What a gift.

It's amazing to me that sometimes God uses things like outhouses (a thing I, as a devout germaphobe, fear greatly) to get us out of our comfort zone so He can reveal Himself in a new way. This above all things was my greatest struggle during our vacation. I kept telling Jer that I could live like that forever if I could just have a regular flush toilet... that would be my one thing I would take with me if I were forced to live outside for the rest of my life.

I ate way too many chocolate chip cookies this week as well... I've had so much chocolate in the past week that I really should just be one big chocolate bar! I'm not sure why we had so many cookies. I made them before we left and they were just so darn good that we ate at least one a day. So that was my guilty pleasure this week... Ahhh but we were on vacation so I was free from feeling guilty about that!

Sweet Jane Austen was my friend this week as well. I finally finished Sense and Sensibility! I've been working on this book since I finished Pride and Prejudice in May. I was quite satisfied with it as a whole but I can say that I still think that P&P is my favorite of the two. I'm going to read all of her books so I guess I'll let you know later if any of the others top P&P but we'll see as we go because I am a very slow reader it might take me a while. I think I'm going to read Persuasion next.

I did pick up a quick read in between my Austen titles though... "Around the World in 80 Dates" by: Christa Ann Banister
If you remember from last year I got hooked on Erynn Mangum's Lauren Holbrook Series. Well Erynn and Christa both write for Navpress and both are 20 something chick lit writers who know how to write a fun novel and include great lessons in them. So far this is a fun read. It's quick so I'll have a full post on that book soon.

I hope you all are well and that you also are finding joy in God's creation and in who He is.

Pictures to come later!

God Bless, Sleep Well,
CW

Mmm Mmmm Peach Cobbler

2009-08-29T10:32:00.003-04:00

Here's a new recipe for you all!! Enjoy!

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:
4 cups peeled, sliced peaches
2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup water
8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (Absolutely must be self-rising; I found out the hard way.)
1 1/2 cups milk
Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in an 8x8 baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Curling up with a good book

2009-08-27T11:45:00.003-04:00

'T'is the season for curling up on your big fluffy couch with a tall steaming cup of Joe to your left or to your right, a good book in your hands and a cuddly quilt wrapping you in warmth.

You've just entered my living room and it's a very nice place to be on this grumpy day. The sky is dark and the trees are still, but inside I'm quite happy to be snuggling up with Sense and Sensibility. This week has been one for reflection in a lot of ways and although sometimes reflection can cause you to be 'out of spirits' in a sense it has almost given me more spirit than ever. My little brain is running fast with new ideas and things that I hope to accomplish in the next few weeks and months. For example, my class. I have been trudging along this whole summer to finish one class that will complete my degree. Why it's taken me so long is another story in and of itself but here I am in the last week of August and I have 2 more lessons to complete. I had hoped to be done with this class months ago but since it's not done yet it's useless to look back. SO I'm looking forward to what can happen this week. I'm making myself no promises and I'm trying to take it one day at a time and just get it done as soon as I can because.... gosh I've got other things to get to! Right? I am one of those stereotypical people who can't wait for one thing to be done because they're always looking to what's coming next. The problem with that is that I focus so much on what's to come and I forget to do the work that it takes to get there. Or I'll do the work but I do it mindlessly. God has been teaching me these things this week and although it's always hard to take a good look in the mirror like that, it's very true in my own life and I will gladly accept God's prodding in my life to change things.

So here are some of the things that I have been thinking about this week for what I would like to do when I'm done with my degree. I'm writing them down for you here as part of my goal to let go of these things for the time being and allow God to work with me right now on my class and then perhaps I can come back to these things later.

-I would love to try my hand at writing a book; a novel.
-I want to pursue something with my degree, whether it be volunteer or paid I want to at least try.
-I want to take the time to be a more diligent exerciser in the form of biking, running, or Zumba (Dance exercise). This year I have been blessed with time almost every week to go swimming with Chaille but in addition to that I want to be better at doing something daily or every other day.
- I want to read A.W. Tozer's books.

So that's all for today. Another day in the confusing mind of me. But the day is still young and I have plenty to do to keep me busy right!

No new books to tell you about or recipes to share today; more of that to come in a later post.

Sleep well, God bless!

CW

Summer Update Pictures!!!

2009-08-01T20:51:00.029-04:00

Hey Y'all!

I'm back from the Jr. High mission trip to Benton Harbor and I have to say WOW what an amazing week we had! Our kids had awesome attitudes all week and there wasn't any complaining or groaning whatsoever! Parents... You should be absolutely proud of your kids because they received numerous compliments from the TEAMeffort leaders as well as the people that we served this week because of their maturity and great attitudes! These kids have and will do many great things in the years to come! Thank you for trusting us to take this step with your kids! I can't count the number of times I was blessed by them this week!

Here are some pictures from our journeys together~ Starting from our last day and going backwards... Enjoy!

The boys on the beach on our final "fun" day! JJ and I

Jared, Luke, and Derek cooling off after a competitive game of beach volleyball with some people on the beach.

Chaille, Kaylee, and Megan about to take on their volleyball challengers.

"Andrew Squared" kept us all entertained through the week. Here they let the girls play with their hair!

Solo time on the beach. JJ on right and Brittney, Christy from TEAMeffort, Erica, Christiana, and Kaylee on the left.

We all got VERY colorful this week! In a good way!

Brittney after a long day of working to paint the fence behind. Great job!

Jared... Tired, Colored, and having a blast!

Dean and Derek on their way to the job site.

Me with Abby and Aleah from the Emergency Shelter. Their mom works at the front desk and these girls were super sweet!

Kaylee, Kaitlin, and JJ working hard to paint the children's room in the Emergency Shelter.

Chapel time! Andrew B. and Tim doing some kind of jig...

Kaylee and Luke in the basement at the Shelter. Hmmm... Where is the puddle of water coming from and what's in it? This is the question...

The Emergency Shelter

The house right next to the shelter. This abandoned home was not the only one in the area. Unfortunately, this was what many of the houses looked like.

Tim, doing his part by filling in a pot hole in the driveway of the Shelter.

Andrew D. 4 Oreos in one big mouth! Way to go!

Luke, Tyler, Garrett, and Andrew D. at lunch time on the job site of the Overflow church in the mall.

Breakfast time! Many thanks to IHOP for providing our breakfast everyday!

Dez... Looking cool and having a great time!

Oh NO! Who gave Derek W. Red Bull??!!! We've only just begun! Thanks Derek for many laughs and a great attitude this week!

Britt, Meg, Angie, and Kaitlin on the ride to Benton Harbor!

Our bus!

Youth

2009-07-22T21:34:00.002-04:00

Only a few days to go and we're off to Benton Harbor, MI. Benton Harbor is known to be a rough city in MI and is rated very low in comparison to other cities in Michigan and statewide when it comes to having people with well paying jobs, crime, and violence. Needless to say, like many other cities around us, Benton Harbor is a great place for ministry opportunities. Next week we (Kent City Baptist Rhiza Student Ministries Team) will be taking 25 Jr. Highers on their first ever mission trip! This is a very exciting new step for our ministry. We are really excited to take this big step with the kids and to help them get excited about ministry and their own personal growth as well. Doing inner city missions is not an easy thing at times and I know that more than one of our kids are scared to do this trip but I also know that our God will never leave us or forsake us and that we can trust him for all our needs. If you are willing we would greatly appriciate your prayers as we prepare and go on this trip. I'll update you all how everything goes when we get back. Hopefully I'll have pictures to go with it!

Sleep Well, God Bless!

CW

SuMmEr StUfF

2009-07-13T12:07:00.004-04:00

Life goes on at an alarming rate some days but this week I got a chance to slow down and smell the flowers...

My family went on our yearly trip to Mesick, MI about 20 min south of Traverse City. My family has been going to this place since before I was born and it has been a tradition that I look forward to every year. This year was no exception to the beauty that keeps us coming back for more every year. The weather was amazing all week long with beautiful sunsets over the Manistee river, bon fires every night with S'mores and popcorn, fireworks on the 4th and good friends and family in between. I am so grateful to have had the whole time up there without any interuptions. 10 days of relaxing with a good book, great friends, and God's beautiful creation. On our last night there Jared and I went fishing and I caught a huge Catfish! It was a lot of fun reeling that thing in. I don't really know if I like Catfish but we'll try it. I can't lie, I was hoping it was a walleye but beggers can't be choosers right!? One particular day up there I spent in the sun reading and enjoying God's creation. It reminded me that life isn't really so crazy it's how we make it that matters the most. If everyday I took the time to enjoy God and what he's doing right in front of me then perhaps I wouldn't have days where I feel like life is running away from me. Hmm... there's a novel idea! :D

I have started swimming again with Chaille. I can't tell you how good I feel when I've spent time in the water. I must be half fish! I'm by no means a talented swimmer but I do enjoy the exercise and the fellowship it gives me with Chaille and I hope to continue making time for both of those things!

Here's what I'm reading right now:

Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

I am only on chapter 4 so I can't say much about this one yet but if its anything like Austen's other works I am sure I will love it just as much. I am a sucker for classics so most of what I read is a classic.

Here's another classic I'm reading right now: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Farmer Boy:

it's the story of her husband Almonzo Wilder's growing up years. Very fun and interesting. I like how Laura keeps the authenticity of pioneer life alive in her accounts. I know this is a children's book but I don't think you're ever too old to read kids books; besides, these books have so much history to them and I can't say enough good things.

Glory and Gravel Again....

2009-04-17T17:48:00.004-04:00

I got my cap and gown today for graduation! I know its still a few weeks away but I can tell you that right now I feel so relieved to have those two things in my possession. Now, being an Eagle alumni (KCHS) I feel a little funny wearing a blue gown but I guess it's OK since CU's mascot is an eagle as well! :D I like to keep things simple. So anyway, as I was walking to my car after picking up my gown I was thinking about that sermon PC gave a few months ago about the glory and the gravel of life, and I was thinking that right now I am feeling that "glory" feeling and through this God is preparing me to go back down to the "gravel" of life. I can't tell you how many times I've felt this same process of going from glory to gravel and then back to glory but I'm sure you have all had those same feelings throughout your lifetime. All I can say is, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that God desires to be in the details of our lives and that, if we let Him, He will lead us through those ups and downs until we finally reach the real Glory of what we were created for; perfect unity with Him in Heaven. I'm also grateful that as His child I can take no credit for getting to where I am today. I can ONLY thank God for getting me through four long, crazy years of college and in that realization I know that He is trustworthy with the rest of my years as well! What an intimate God we serve! It all goes back to Christ's sacrifice because he said "I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full" and He is showing me everyday that His sacrifice was to give us this life that we could experience walking with God in the Glory and in the Gravel.

Outside of God, life is all just gravel and we have no hope of Glory.

Long Time Gone

2009-03-20T16:19:00.003-04:00

It's been far too long since I've updated this and for that I am sorry. I don't know if anyone even reads this anymore but for those faithful few... here's an update on where I've been and where I'm going.

Since November I have...

Started my last semester of school at Cornerstone
Become a Deacon's wife at Kent City Baptist Church
Spent alot of time loving on my favorite (and only) nephew Trevor Mark
Learned alot about God's guiding hand and allowing the Holy Spirit to really lead me
Procrastinated in doing my school work and, therefore; I am now working my brains out to get done. :(
Learned that Graduating is not the final chapter but that it is part of the journey
Been in the process of reading the classic edition of Pride and Prejudice (Middle English language and all... It's very fun.)
Reading and being challenged by the book "Satisfy My Thirsty Soul" by: Linda Dillow
Learning how to incorporate silence into my time with God and being challenged to seek to worship God by "thinking outside the box."
Been challenged by what it means to really be a generous person in many ways and trying to live life that way.

So.... I have been a busy person and God has been even busier teaching me many things through all of these experiences. Jared and I are doing well. We are growing and being challenged in many ways and we are so grateful for the wise guidance that many of you have given us as we have been given the opportunity to serve in a new way at chruch.

Here are some fun things I have found in the past few months:

Make Your own Cappuchinos at home:

Just follow these three easy steps to make cappuccinos at home.

1. Fill a mug halfway with skim milk (for a sweeter treat add a little flavored creamer and some sugar to the milk mixture) and heat on high in the microwave until hot, about 60 seconds.

2. Place a whisk inside the mug and, with the handle between your palms, spin the whisk back and forth to froth the milk.

3. Add home-brewed strong coffee to the frothed milk.

To make it a latte, fill the mug 3/4 of the way with milk and only froth it a little. Then proceed with step 3 above.Enjoy!!

Yummy new twist on regular Spaghetti:

Martha's Chicken Spaghetti

A great dinner dish! Very easy. Use different colored bell peppers for a colorful dish!

Serving: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook

Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

4 boneless skinless whole chicken breasts, cut in strips

2 green bell peppers, cut in strips

10 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 8-oz bottle low-fat Italian salad dressing

cooked spaghetti

1. Stir fry chicken and peppers until chicken is done and peppers are still slightly crunchy.

2. Add salad dressing and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add tomatoes during the last 5 minutes, just to heat them. Serve over hot spaghetti.

TIP: This is great using any type of bell pepper.

Based on individual serving.-->
Calories: 450Total Fat: 21 gCarbohydrates: 50 gProtein: 19 g-->

Source: Martha
© 2001 iVillage Inc.; all rights reserved

Books I'm reading now:

Satisfy My Thirsty Soul by: Linda Dillow

Pride And Prejudice Classic Edition by: Jane Austen

Sorry the link isn't working otherwise I would post pictures of the books.

To Be Continued... God Bless and Sleep Well

Taking Prayer Requests?

2008-11-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

For those who are interested in adding to their list of people and things to pray for..... you can pray for me.

I am seeking to graduate in May of 2009 as I eluded to in my last post. So far so good but there are many many details that need to come in order before that can happen. I need to finish this semester strong and right now I have no motivation... AH I'll make it though. For my internship to come together and that everything there would go well. That I would be able to sign up for Senior Assessment in the spring if I need it (I'm waiting to hear back from registrar to know whether I need it or not.) And for my Independent study courses (2 of them) that I would be diligent in getting those completed and do well in them!

Honestly, it feels like there is a lot that needs to happen in order for me to finally be done and I do not do well with jumping through hoops.... Who does? However, I am very determined to do well and to finish strong and not give up until I have that piece of paper in my hand that says I can move past school to other things... If you could pray for strength and just that I would meet all of the requirements (sometimes I feel out of the loop when it comes to knowing what hoops need to be jumped through and how to do that) Thanks very much! I will keep you posted on the process and in May I look forward to celebrating with a graduation post! :D

Thank you thank you!

End In Sight

2008-11-04T14:56:00.003-05:00

How appropriate that Pastor Chris would talk about experiencing the glory of God only to press on to walk the gravel of life on Sunday! This week through much prayer and speaking to various people on campus at Cornerstone God showed me a bit of His glory by allowing me to speak to the right people and Lord willing I will be graduating this May! My semester will be jam packed with classes and an internship as well as working part-time at the bookstore but when all is said and done I know that I will be glad that I did it all at once instead of going back later to finish up! I am so excited to finish on time with the rest of my classmates and even more excited to begin a new chapter in my life. BUT like Chris reminded me on Sunday this small bit of glory I am experiencing now is not meant to be "camped" in I am to press on and move to the gravel and work hard to get to the finish line. I would appreciate any prayers you have for me to be diligent in my studying as well as in my personal life so that I don't get distracted or prideful thinking that I'm doing this all on my own because by no means do I intend on getting to graduation in May without God's help. I need Him in every aspect of my journey in the gravel!

Hope you all prayed and voted today!
Sleep tight for we are in God's mighty hand regardless of the outcome of this momentous election!

Let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds...

CW

Fall Flavors

2008-09-30T13:39:00.003-04:00

Completely His By: Shannon Ethridge. So far this is a great read for women who want to love Jesus without limits. I'll update you on how it is when I finish it. So Far so good.

Love as a Way of Life Devotional By: Gary Chapman. This is a 90 day devotional book based off of Chapman's latest book. Love as a Way of Life. I'm reading this one at night and it's been really challenging for my faith. Gary includes Scripture passages at the beginning of each devo and then concludes with a thought provoking question. Very good.

Through the Storm By: Lynne Spears mother of Britany, Jamie Lynn, and Bryan Spears. This is a biography of Lynne's life as a daughter, sister, mother and now in the face of fame and a tabloid world. Lynne shares her faith in God and her desire to see her children walk with him. This is an interesting read. It's not what you would expect it to be. Lynne is trying to be a good mother and walk in faith with God while trying to deal with temptations of the world and the storm of stardom that has taken over her family's life. Very interesting read, tell me what you think if you read it.

It's officially fall now and I am absolutely loving every minute of it! I am a jeans and sweater girl all the way and I wish that this weather would last as long as winter does here in MI. School is going good so far. It hasn't demanded too much of me yet but things are starting to pick up now that we are preparing for mid-terms. My life seems very busy right now and my mind wants to be anywhere but school but I know that school is only temporary and If I work really hard to get through this year I will soon be done. What's new?? Hunting season starts tomorrow for Jer and He is super excited about that. In fact he called me today from San Diego CA and started sniffing through the phone saying "it's time"! Ahh the joys of being a hunter's wife, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Trevor Mark is growing leaps and bounds and is already almost 10lbs. He's adorable and a very good baby. No complaints from mommy and daddy. Youth group is huge at church right now and we have been getting anywhere from 80-100 kids every week which is huge for us!! God is doing great things there and it's exciting to be a part of. My sister in-law's wedding is in 3 months and everyone is buzzing for that. Showers have started and we are all looking forward to that happy day. Also my Best Friend from Pine Ridge Camp Anna Ivie is getting married in May and has asked me to be her Matron of Honor so I've been busy busy planning with her and having a blast because it's not my own wedding! :D So needless to say things are busy but God has been teaching me so much through all of this crazyness.

Sleep Well, God Bless,
CW

Kitchen Pictures

2008-09-19T10:54:00.008-04:00

Before and After Shots from the kitchen!

This project took just over 3 months! WOW what a difference. Jared and I did a lot of the work but we had a lot of help from my parents, his parents, Rob Vandenberg, and My uncle Doug Weston.

Thanks to all who helped!

PICTURES!!

2008-09-09T15:10:00.006-04:00

Trevor Mark Rawson 8.31.2008
7lbs 14.5oz 21 inches long

Uncle Jared and Aunt Christina loving on him.

Sienna Larson and Trevor getting to know eachother!

Mommy and Daddy in the hospital day after he was born. They look great don't they!

Proud uncle Jake was so happy it was a boy; someone he can teach how to do everything he knows. :D
Mommy and baby finally got to go home!
Nana and Trevor loving on one another.

A Very Very Proud Auntie I Am!!

Blah....

2008-09-04T14:43:00.002-04:00

What do you do when you're feeling just.... "blah..." Ahh today is one of those days when there is nothing very exciting going on and you're stuck at school (or work whatever makes you say Blah) and you just feel like sleeping the day away. Sleep is good in small regular amounts so it really serves no purpose to want to sleep the day away but thats how I feel today. I think a combination of spending all of last week working on the old church building, transforming it into an amazing youth center, Kasey having the baby on sunday and then this weeks busy work and school schedule has totally wiped me out! I got up this morning only by a miracle at 5:45am and promptly got myself ready and out the door by 6:30ish to meet my good friend Anna Ivie at Biggby Coffee in Grand Rapids before the day's events kicked off. We had a great time chatting and reading God's word together. never the less our time came to a close when she had to get off to her student teaching position and I headed to Cornerstone in hopes of finding chapel today. There was no chapel service today but I did end up going to a great "Java with Joe" session in the student center at CU. This is a very informal coffee time with Joe Stowell our president at Cornerstone. Faculty and students are allowed to attend and ask Joe questions about Cornerstone and what's happening on campus and how he's doing as our leader. I had a great time and plan to go to the rest of the sessions throughout the year. I think it's so great that he wants to take the time to answer our questions and get to know what our thoughts are on the student life and atmosphere at Cornerstone. I think his leadership will be a great turning point for Cornerstone's future. So my morning was awesome but then the day went to Blah when I went to class and now as I'm waiting for my next class to start. If you have any good ideas about what to do during those Blah moments let me know. But for now I think I'll try to read some and perhaps the afternoon will get better. I'm sure it will. :D thanks for letting me ramble on and on.

I'll write again soon hopefully with more pep next time eh?!

God Bless, Sleep Well,
CW

Trevor Mark Rawson

2008-09-02T14:10:00.002-04:00

Welcome!

Trevor Mark Rawson!

My sister had her baby boy, Trevor Mark, on 8.31.2008 @ 8:15pm he was 7lbs 15oz and 21 inches long. Kasey, Mark and the baby are all doing well and are going home today. I can't explain how excited I am to be an aunt and to have this new little edition to our family. All of our holidays and family get-togethers will all be completely transformed now and we are all very excited about that. My parents have decided that they want to be called lovingly "papa and nana" but of course Trevor will have a say in that once he starts talking. But lets not rush this time away I plan to simply enjoy my nephew's life stages and enjoy all that is to come. No pictures yet Joanne Sorry. :D

Getting To The Finish Line

2008-08-02T16:12:00.003-04:00

Well, after about two months of hard work, sweat, lack of sleep, dust, and details our kitchen project is finally feeling like it's wrapping up. Jared put down the Laminate wood flooring today in both the kitchen and dinning room and it looks great! The cupboards all have one coat of deep chocolate brown (Benjamin Moore's "Barrista" from the Aura Line) and the walls all have at least the first coat of their new, much brighter, colors from BMoore. We bought a dishwasher and plan to make another counter for that to sit in and the stove will then also have a new counter surrounding it whereas before it was just sitting against the wall. Much better!! I'm really excited to see how everything is turning out and it's really kind of fun to work together on our house. Don't worry though I don't think we'll be making a habit out of re-doing things in the house. This has been a long project. If we do though of course I'll let you know. :D The project should be totally wrapped up just in time to invite my new niece or nephew into the world! Perfect new kitchen for the baby to play safely in and around. Additions to the family are so much fun! I'll keep you posted about that too... Hope you all are well.

Sleep Well, God Bless,
CW

1st year Anniversery at Shipshewana

2008-07-19T13:39:00.016-04:00

Songbird Ridge: The bed and breakfast we stayed at.

We had a great time just crusing around the countryside and taking pictures of all the Amish country beauty. All the farms are so cute and set up just so. All of their gardens are beautiful and very well taken care of. The horses were groomed and beautiful. I want one now... :D Jared loved seeing the buggie with the boat trailer on it. You don't see that everywhere. The Bed and Breakfast was absolutely adorable and very cozy. Can't wait to go back!

Where We've Been in Pictures Cont.

2008-07-17T16:51:00.011-04:00

Easter 2008

Jacob's graduation in May, Kasey is getting a little baby belly by now... how cute!

Just the kids.
Back tracking a little, this is New years eve 2008 in the U.P. with the winell side. In this picture is Jared's sister Abby and her boyfriend Dan Vanderson.

Kitchen Project. Sorry no before pictures but you can see a little bit of the gray that was there before and the plain white countertop... all gone now. :D The picture of the capboard doors has the brown that will be on all the cupboards... "Barrista" brown by Benjamin Moore. LOVE IT!

Since The Wedding (Where we've been in pictures)

2008-07-16T18:26:00.006-04:00

The honeymoon resort in Tulum Mexico

Giant Chess and Checkers you play with your whole body... Very cool.
Getting Fancy for dinner.
Salmon Fishing on Lake Michigan August 2007

Me reeling in the big one (on the Lead Core line of course. 300Ft. out. YIKES) "Come in Fish... GIVE UP!"

I got the biggest fish of the day!!! I guess all that work was worth it! :D

More Pictures to come... Stay tuned!

It Is Well...

2008-07-01T21:27:00.002-04:00

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Horatio Spafford wrote those words in 1873, after losing his son, his four daughters and all of his land and financial investments over a period of four years. If anyone had room to complain it would be this guy but complain was not what he choose to do. He chose to praise God in the midst of difficulties. I have not yet experienced great difficulty like that but there are days when my head and my heart want to complain and give up and say "It's just too much." Today could have been one of those days. As you know Jared and I are updating our kitchen which I'm sure you are aware is not a cheap thing to do. but sometimes things don't go as planned. Like when your counter top doesn't come off the way you planned and now you have to repare the wall or when you have to tear up all the trip because an old vent that doesn't go to anything throws a loop in your plan or when your washing machine breaks just three days before you are going on vacation.... So God has a great sense of humor and He likes to teach us a lesson in learning to laugh again. :D This is where I learned today to say... "It is well with my soul."

I went to the laundry mat at quarter to eight tonight and they close at eight. I didn't know that when I was driving there because I have never been to the laundry mat before. BUT that's when God allowed for a blessing to reach my heart and teach me. The Asian woman running the place came running out to my car, after I had apologized for not coming earlier, she sweetly asked me how many loads I had and said that she had some closing work to do before she could leave and that it would be fine if I stayed while she worked. I was floored. It's just laundry but half of it was wet from my broken washer and the rest really needed to get washed before we go on vacation. I accepted her offer and did my laundry while she worked. As I sat in the chair trying to read but not getting very far because my mind was overwhelmed with all that Jared and I had taken on and feeling like I had pushed this project on him at the wrong time. I scanned the laundry mat with anxious thoughts when I noticed a plaque hanging above the dryers with

1st Thessalonians 5: 16-18 on it... It reads,

" 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I almost started crying because I knew exactly why God had allowed my washer to break and why he allowed me to go to that laundry mat at that time. I needed a fresh reminder that life is not over because we have a full to-do list. Life will always be full but it's what we do with it that matters and that determines how our outcome will look. If we do what Christ desires and truly bathe everything in prayer and give thanks in all circumstances then we will always be able to say "It is well with my soul" but if we choose to analyze things 'till the cows come home and worry and let anxiousness get the best of us then we will not have lived our lives according the will of God. This is a hard lesson for me to learn and apparently when I stop paying attention God has to give me a good push in the right direction until I understand it. So I am grateful tonight for all of our work and for our messy house and our broken washing machine and for our kitchen project. God never ceases to amaze me in how he desires to break us as our maker and hold us as our Father. His will is good.

God Bless, Sleep tight

Dust

2008-06-22T19:12:00.002-04:00

Today Jared and I got really messy!! The Kitchen project is under full operation and it's a messy one. We started stripping and sanding the cupboards today inside and out and unfortunately it wasn't as easy as the doors were. There was one coat of paint and then one coat of primer... we think... but the primer was so goopy when we put the stripper on it was like trying to take wet paint off the cupboards. YUCK! Hopefully tomorrow will go better. I know this is the hard part and once we get fresh paint on We'll both feel better. I can't wait. Hard work will pay off I'm sure. :D

God Bless, Sleep Tight.
CW

Kitchen Project!

2008-06-21T22:18:00.002-04:00

It's been almost a year of marriage for Jared and I and it's been a wonderful learning experience, full of love and grace and laughter and peace. It hasn't been all roses though.... like my kitchen for example. :D We live in a house that was built in the 1950's and our kitchen is in desparate need of some updating. The gray cupbords and white walls just aren't doing it for me anymore. I know we are supposed to be satisfied with what we are given and I am but I do think a little improvements could be made so we're giving the ol' girl a face lift. New flooring, new countertop, and fresh coats of paint all around are in order. Our living room is full of kitchen stuff, our garage is full of cupboards being stripped and sanded and our kitchen is bare aside from the appliances and some dust. I'm excited to do this project with Jared and no he's not doing it all on his own, I don't want to miss out on all the fun! If you didn't know I have a love for construction and hardware stores. I think it runs in the family.... maybe on my dad's side or something...? :D But really I love doing projects with Jared and we're very excited to see how it will turn out!

I know I haven't posted any pictures since the wedding and that's simply because they are all still on the camera But We'll take pictures of the project and I'll post as soon as I can with pictures from the last year and our kitchen. :D Thanks for being patient Joanne!

God Bless, Sleep Tight

Finding My Way To Rest

2008-06-17T16:59:00.003-04:00

When I say rest I'm not talking about sleeping. I'm talking about that kind of rest that fills your soul with good things while rejuvinating your mind body and spirit. Sounds a little like Yoga huh?? Well, not quite. The kind of rest I've been in search of is puposeful solitude that is absolutely God infused. I believe that when God created and demostrated the Sabbath for us he was not commanding something "just because" or to try and limit us He was giving us a gift. Yes the Sabbath means no work but it is so much more than that. It means re-fueling our lives with God moments and allowing us to focus without interuptions or distractions; even in our thoughts and prayers we have distractions. Sabbath rest was not just for the Jews it is for all of us. We are all human and we all are limited. Without taking a sabbath rest or finding solitude with God we are limiting our capabilities to do great things for God and we are deliberately saying, "no God, I think I'll be just fine if I run on Empty for a while..." We have all felt stressed and tired out sometimes but we think if we just press on we'll get to the other side of it and then everything will be good. Eventually pressing on catches up with us and we sit confused at our desiers and wonder how we got to a place so empty and lonely even in the midst of busyness, things, people, appointments, lunch dates, and coffee shops. Solitude invites us to "Be Still..." it invites us to be quiet and turn off our thinkers, it pushes out all interuptions and allows God to speak to our hearts and at the core of our souls we find who He really desires us to be. Solitude can free us to let God answer the questions we've been asking and it can free us to act in ways that God desires to see us act. BUT that's not all, it gives us the strength to do what we were made to do and do it for God's glory. These are just some of the things I've been learning on my search for rest.

Well, I'm no expert on this subject, in fact, I'm really just starting to learn about how to find solitude and real rest with God. I have a hard time shutting my thoughts off and allowing God to guide my time with him and I also have a real problem with scheduling my day so that at least once a week I can get away with God. I would love to say that I practice solitude every day; maybe that's why I've been learning about it but I can't say that I do practice it even once a week. Maybe you'll take this journey with me and practice solitude with me. Maybe we'll both find the rest we were made to have.

What I've been reading about rest: "Sacred Rhythms" by: Ruth Hailey Barton

Thanks for letting me ramble

Summertime itch

2008-04-10T14:58:00.003-04:00

The snow is gone and it's been a long winter at best. I can't tell you how excited I am to see Spring finally coming around. Even when it's been raining for the past week I've really been encouraged by the blooms on some of the trees and the sunshining through the clouds every morning. Wow, what a difference it makes when you get a little sunshine in your bones. This winter was good, Jared and I had a great holiday season and we enjoyed time with our families. The later part of winter was spent in the classroom for me, and at work for Jared. We've been in a pretty regular schedule for the past couple of months. But now it's starting to get mixed up a little more with the semester coming to an end and summer beginning to take off. I can hardly believe that next weekend we will be in the new church building. Time has flown by and we are already going to be having services in there which hardly seems possible. I've got some new recommended reading for you all.... I'm sure you've at least heard about this one:

This is the story of two Taylor University Students that were in a car accident in April of 2006. One of the girls died in the crash and the other one lived. However, for five weeks the families were mis-informed and the girl in the hospital was not who they thought she was. This is an incredible story of two families of faith. The families are not afriad to share their faith and God's grace and infinite power really screams through every page in this book. Both families were on Dateline and Oprah last week and the Van Ryn Family will be in Grand Rapids this Saturday from 1:00-3:00pm at Kregel Parable Christian Stores on the East Beltline. This is a free event and I will be working that day so I would love to see you all out for it. The Van Ryn's, the family who's daughter was killed, are a strong family and Their story is not one of hopelessness and loss but of hope and a future with Christ. If you haven't read the book I would highly recommend it.

I hope you all are well. have a great day!!! I'll try to update again soon.

California Here We Come!!

2008-02-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today marks one month until my mom, my sister and I all head out to beautiful, WARM, sunny California. This will be the first time just the ladies have gone anywhere together and it's a very rare thing for all three of us to be going. We will be spending 3 days in the San Francisco area acting like your average tourist. Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Bridge, Sushi, the works... :D On day three we will be grabing a rental car and hitting the road. Destination: Turlock, CA. What's in Turlock???!!! You must be wondering. Well, my Grandfather's sister, Caroline, lives in Turlock. She and her husband moved out to California many many years ago as missionaries. Her husband has been gone for some time now and she is 87 herself. It's very difficult for her to get back to Michigan to see everyone now so we are making a special trip out to see her! This will be the very first time anyone in our imediate family has gone out there to see her. She is very excited to have us there and we are thrilled to be spending some quality time there with her. She lives in a nice little retirement community. It's not a nursing home set up; she has her own apartment and such... she's still very independent and likes it that way! :D So it seems we will get to tour the california countryside while we are there. It will be so nice not to just stay in one place the whole time.
I am personally very excited to spend time with my great-aunt. She's a delightful little, and I do mean little, lady. She has faith as big as the Golden Gate Bridge and her smile is warm and so inviting. I cannot remember a time when she was here that she didn't share her faith in God with me at some point. In her younger years she went to Moody Bible Institute and loved it very much. Once she and her husband got onto the missionary field she has thought nothing else would be better. They had a great responsibility out there and she just couldn't leave once her husband died. I am grateful for her.
I hope you all are well. Maybe this post will warm your heart a little; even if it's freezing cold outside!

God Bless, Sleep Well,
Christina

2008-01-16T11:12:00.001-05:00

I'm Going To Be An Aunt!!!

2008-01-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

Friday night my sister Kasey and her husband Mark announced that they will be having a baby in August!!! I am so excited for them and for this baby. I cried really hard when Kasey told me and even now, when I start to think about it, I get a little teary-eyed. Kasey and Mark have been married for 2 1/2 years and I've wanted a baby for them for a while! :D I love babies and I really can hardly contain my excitement about being an auntie! WOOHoooooo! If you think about it, please pray for Kasey and for the baby that they would be healthy and happy! Thanks.

God Bless,

Christina

KCBC Women's Bible Study

2008-01-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow Women's Bible study starts again and this time around we will be studying Joanna Weaver's second book called Having a Mary Spirit. This is the followup book to Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. The two books are very different and yet Joanna's skill for writing to the hearts of women is the same. I am thrilled to be starting a new study with the ladies at KCBC and i am so happy to once again have that fellowship with the ladies every Thursday. I am the youngest in the group but the ladies have all made me feel extremely welcomed and wanted and they have taught me so much already. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such a great group of women who love The Lord. School starts on the 21st and although i've been enjoying my break I do feel like it's time for me to go back. I'll be diving into a spanish class this semester which is something i have not done in a very long time so i'm interested to see how quickly i'll pick it up again. Hopefully the teacher will not teach in spanish though, that would be bad! :D

I hope you all are doing well and finding joy in today!

God Bless, Sleep well

Christina

New Fiction

2008-01-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

OK, OK, OK,

I know that I haven't written to you all in a VERY long time and i'm sorry about that But i'm back and i'm raving about this new fiction series that i've been reading. Of course working at Kregels has been great for me and the bonus is that i get to read all these really great books... hmm.. funny how that works. SO the new fav is Erynn Mangum's Lauren Holbrook series. The first book in the series, pictured above, is MISSMATCH. This little book is an incredibly funny, challenging, Scripture filled, laugh and cry your heart out book. Erynn Mangum is a 22 year old college grad who is writing her own books!!! That impressed me so much i picked up her book and now i'm hooked! The second book is called REMATCH and is just as good as the first. Unfortunately i have to wait until June for the third and final book to come out, :( BOOOOO,

But i think i'll survive until then. Kregel's is keeping me busy and school doesn't start until the 21st so i'm on a sweet little break until then. God is good. I hope you all are doing well and I'm really going to work hard to keep this thing updated! Sorry there haven't been any good pictures added lately, Jared and I have been a little slow getting our pictures off of the digital camera; sometimes i hate technology....

Tata for now my friends. Sleep well and pray hard!

Christina

Finals and Freedom

2007-11-27T12:15:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was a wonderful break for me this year as my schooling has kicked up a notch as we approach finals. The week before thanksgiving i had an 8-15 page paper on philosophy due and thank God i finished it in time and mine was actually 19 pages, hopefully my prof. won't mark me down for being a little over... Although i'm sure they are not much fun to read. :D Anyhow, i was exhausted by the end of that week and thuroghly enjoyed my thanksgiving break and all the food and family! So this week i went back to classes with a bang and started the week out with a presentation on Tuesday at 7:40AM... glad that's over now too. Now i guess the only thing left is to reach finals week and finish well.
Things are going well at home and at work. Kregels is getting busier by the day and I love selling all the Christmas gifts and seeing everyone's excitement for the season. a little snow came down today and i thought this might be our first big snow, but with it being michigan you know it stopped snowing within minuets and the sun came out to greet us! i do love the seasons!

Well, if you want more on what i've been up to check out our other blog... winellweekly.blogspot.com

Hope you all are great!! Love and Prayers!
Christina

This Just In...

2007-11-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, i confess, i've forgotten about my blog for a few weeks and i've neglected to update all of my faithful readers on the new and ever exciting life of Chirstina Winell.... Ha ha well maybe not so exciting.

Mid-terms have come and gone and it seems impossible that the first semester of the new school year is coming to an end very soon. I am anticipating a good finish to the semester and i look forward to the winter events. TODAY marks the first day of Abbica, which for all of you who do not know, that is the beginning of the week of Abby Winell's birthday. Her birthday is 11/11 and we always celebrate throughout the week. This year's theme is Alice in Wonder land and it is always a party with Abby. We will officially celebrate Abbica on Sunday with cake, streamers, a tea Party and the works. Should be a blast.

On another note.... Jared got his first buck last week in the bow season. Actually he got TWO bucks so needless to say he was pretty excited and we have enough venison to feed a family of five for a year. I think we'll survive the winter months over here in sparta.

I am still working at Kregel Parable Christian Stores on the East Beltline and Christmas has come to Kregels this week we had our Christmas Open House on Saturday complete with Christmas music, Spiced Apple Cider, Cookies, and Christmas decorations. It was really fun and it gets me in the mood to have Christmas. Although Work gets a little nuts around Christmas time it is a whole lot of fun and i look forward to all of the festivities.

An update on Jared's Grandma, Arline Winell, she's still at St. Mary's rehabilitation center on 4 mile off of Alpine and she's doing very well. Her mobility is up and the pain is down. She has a mild case of Pneumonia and has been using a nebulizer and is not feeling poorly. She is looking forward to coming home and bugs her nurses to talk to those docotors and get her out of there all the time. She's a riot and i don't believe anything can ruin her spirit of joy and contentment. We all can learn something from her.

Blessings to you all as we kick off another week!

Christina Winell

Taking it all in STRIDE

2007-09-09T12:08:00.001-04:00

Labor day week... ahhh finally a nice relaxed four day week with a set routine. Not really. I've come to the conclusion that God really does not want us to be comfortable where we are. I'm glad. Just about the time you think things are slowing down, new things come up and there is more on your plate than you can stomach. This week Ladies, Bible study kicked off on Thursday, my first full week back to school started off with a bang, and i learned that patience really IS a virture.

Working at Kregel's 3 nights this week was a switch from my usual day shifts. Wednesday night i got to work just shortly after 3:30 and i was training one of our new staff members when all of a sudden our work place became a war zone. :D ok maybe i'm exaggerating. We had a customer in who was disabled and when i say disabled i mean she was mentally sick not like downs sindrom or Alzhimers, she had demonic thoughts and used two names, she yelled very loudly throughout the store demanding our every move and attention. She used words that i prefer not to repeat and she put me down like I was a piece of poo on the sidewalk. Initially i was very scared and didn't know how to approach the situation and then God decided to tell me how to handel her one step at a time. i started to pray and God gave me strength and patience and love for her that i didn't i could have. She was in our store for a total of 3 hours Wednesday night spending a total of 400.00 on bargin books and the like. I was pooped and i was ready to quit my job... but i didn't of course that would be just plain stupid. Thursday rolls around and again i go into work optimistic that the shift would go better than the night before. I hadn't learned my lesson good enough though so God decided to bring her back to Kregels for another 3 hours and another 700.00 worth of purchases. Wow, this time, went much better... i was tired and i was upset with her continual put-downs. it litterally wore me out to speak to her and again, God gave me the strength to serve her with a smile and to help her with her order. Now, i understand that these things are totally out of her control as well as mine and that night God really broke my heart. i was broken for this lady and so many others like her. i had such a great appreciation for the life that God has given to me and was humbled to know that i am no better than her. God loves me. I am broken, bruised, sinful, dirty, and full of unrighteousness and yet God loves me and gives me new life in Jesus Christ. God sees that lady the same way he sees me. I was humbled and challenged to see her that same way. I was challenged to see her not for what she was yelling to me, not for what her outer appearance was like, not for what her carelessness for others was, but for what she is as a creation of God. No, i can't change her life and her condition but God can and he certainly used her condition to teach me what it really means to give of yourself and just love as Christ loves. Christ came to earth and shared the gospel with men and women just like my customer. And just think, they didn't have medication for things like that back then! What patience and obedience to his father. i want to have that kind of love for people. I won't work with people like her everyday but i can work to see everyone in light of who they are as a creation of God. We are all broken, and we all get to heaven under someone else's name.

Thanks God for the lessons and the patience. give me strength daily to love like you love and live like you lived in total obedience and gratefulness.

Falling for Fall

2007-08-30T14:01:00.000-04:00

August 30, 2007

It's been one of those relaxing, get things done around the house, eat a good breakfast, eat a good lunch type of day. The weather is calming down to a beautiful 70's range and the day feels longer and more productive than in the heat of the summer. Jared and I took a nice walk in the woods at his grandma's house last night. it was good just to get out into the open air and breath in the sights, sounds and smells of the country. I'm really gearing up for fall now with new fall scented candels throughout the house and warm coffee early in the morning. I think i must be a sucker for the change of seasons because every time i go outside i'm scoping out the trees hoping to find some change in color. I have actually seen a few trees starting to turn to bright reds. It's beautiful. I started school on monday and so far so good. My MWF class was switched, out of nowhere, to an on-line course. Something new for Cornerstone. So i'm taking one online and two regular classes. My teachers all seem really nice; good fits for their subject area if you know what i mean. My Education teacher is a hoot; really up beat, a morning person type. My Philosopy teacher is a thinker, the kind who can spend half the class rambling on and on about who knows what and still keep the idea of the class going. Then there's my online teacher, i don't really know much about her, but she seems nice. At any rate, i'm anticipating a good semester. My next class should start in about 15 min. then i have to work tonight... it's been a while since i've worked at night. I hope i still know what to do! :D I suppose i'll leave you with a thought for the day....

"11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."'

From Matthew 9:11-13

All New

2007-08-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

It's been over a month since Jared and I got married and all is going well. We're starting to get a normal rutine down for the week. Groceries on monday (or Tuesday in this weeks case) laundry on wednesday and sunday. Jr. High youth group on Wednesday nights, and so forth and so on.... But soon we'll have to get into another rutine because i go back to school on Monday! Normally i wouldn't be so excited to go back. But i've set some realistic goals for myself this semester and i'm looking forward to working hard and doing well. I'm not a bad student or anything it's just that school gets slow sometimes and you wonder if you'll ever finish. The end is in sight and I want to go out finishing well. Chaille comes home from camp this week!!! I'm super excited to see her and spend some time with her! I spent the afternoon with my mom yesterday and we had a lot of fun. i miss her very much these days and though i see her on and off throughout the week it's just different not living with her. It's a good different but i still miss her. My "little" brother Jacob is going to be a senior this year at Kent City and i'm so excited for him. It's so strange to think that i've already been out of school long enough for him to be graduating but i'm looking forward to all of the things he'll get to do and experience this year being a senior; starting with the first Varsity football game on Friday at Ravenna!! I love to watch High School football games and it's even better when your brother is on the team! I've been anticipating fall this week and all of the smells and sights and sounds that those days entail and it really gets me excited. i love to see the colors change from green to bright red or orange and to feel the cool breeze of the season that gives you a hint of refreshment as you wrap up in your big fluffy sweater and jeans and sit on your front poarch sipping hot apple cider and carving out a big pumpkin.... Ahh shall i say more?

Nonetheless, i am anticipating a new school year, a new season and new lessons to be learned.

Marriage and the whole crazy thing

2007-07-27T08:17:00.000-04:00

The planning is done, the candles have been burned out, the flowers have withered, the honeymoon has come and gone.... Sometimes you wonder why you go to all the trouble to bring something together and then everything is done and you realize why you went to all that trouble... it's beautiful. I can't wear a big princess dress every day and have my dad walk me down the aisle to hand me off to my husband to be, i can't go on week long trips to mexico every week, and i cannot have big beautiful parties on golf courses with all of my friends and family every evening, though all of these things cannot happen everyday they are beautiful memories that will never fade with time. I had such a carefree day on July 14th, there was nothing to stress about and nothing to fear because our God is greater than details and desasters, He is also greater than us. Though Jared and I are but one man and one woman, we are one in Jesus Christ and with His never ending help we will endure the challenges of life and press on toward the Goal. We have been encouraged through the Psalms this week.Specifically, Psalm 91:14-15 it states:

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

Because our beautiful day of marriage is over and life has set in there will be days when not so beautiful things will arise but through the great grace of our God we have a hope that will sustain us through the deepest of waters. when we know him, love him, and call on him daily we can rest assure that He will see us through. Even in the Jungle of Tulum i was reminded of this grace. Why fear a zip line that stands 40 feet above the jungle floor and cenotes that hold fresh water that gets up to 60 feet deep, or snorkling through a cave that is barely big enough to breath in... Our God is with us through all of the jungles of life and i found that when we let him take us through those, the journey is the most amazing thing. Jared and I had an amazing wedding day. We also had an amazing week in Mexico. But we've found more clearly than ever that we have an amazing God who has allowed us to have this great love; may we never see it differently.

Thanks to all who were a part of our wedding in large or small ways; you have been a blessing to us. Thank you also to those of you who pray for Jared and I; we need you.

Sneekin' up like wild flowers

2007-07-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the most beautiful things in life just seem to sneek right up on you. For example, in the spring, just about the time you think winter might just be over for the season, you find yourself staring summer in the face with the beauty of a small wild flower. Many days have passed since that night in december when Jared and i made it official that we would one day become Husband and Wife. That day, is 2 days away! It is such a good feeling to know that soon the details will be over, Thank You's will be sealed and sent, Tears will be cried and dried, and the photos will soon seem old. I do not want to rush the day away. I do want to be a wife and i do want to love my husband with the love that only God our Father and supply us with. I long to have life and have it to the fullest. I know that there will be hard days, and very hard days, but i look forward to going through those with my best friend and our God. Throughout the years that i prayed for my unknown husband God laid a piece of scripture on our hearts it is found in Ecclesiastes 4:12; it reads, "... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." i have recently been so encouraged again by this verse and it's promise that though we are only two people together as we seek God we have the power of that threefold cord to withstand the storms that life will eventually bring. Jared and I appriciate any prayers you may offer for us as we begin our marriage and we look forward to serving together for the Kingdom. The days will be over soon but the love will last forever. Though the wild flower seems to end with the season, it always comes through in the spring. likewise, as love seems to have it's seasons it's life is always there....

Sleep well,
God Bless.
-Christina Lindsey

Hot Breeze and Cool Feet

2007-06-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

It's been a slow day and the weather is perfect for it. I went to work at the wrong time this morning thinking i was supposed to be there by 9:30 when actually i don't work until 3:30.. hmmm not sure how i messed that up. Needless to say, i was a little bummed out when i left work this morning; but the day has gone well despite it. I got some things done for the wedding and i've even relaxed a little bit. Thanks God.

This weekend i leave to go camping for a few days with my family in Mesick, MI. Mesick is a little town along the Hodenpyl Dam. Perfect for camping. I'm looking forward to the much needed relief of relaxation and the comforts of camping. Only 19 days until the big day and the details are wrapping up nice. Jared and I have started putting our gifts away in his house and it's funny how little he lived with before all of our wedding showers. My mom asked me yesterday if the house was starting to feel more like mine and in a way it is because i've been putting things together and adding some touches here and there but i don't think it will really feel like mine until i've lived in it for a while. Jared assures me though that it does feel more like a home now that there are things in it. :D

I hope that this blog finds you all well. Enjoy the day!

God Bless and Sleep well,

Christina Lindsey

In The Waiting

2007-06-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

" It's in the waiting that we realize that you {God} are in the waiting too." -Shannon Wexelberg

Sometimes we have to wait for things, good things, bad things, all sorts of things. God says He wants us to have life and have it to the fullest. If this is true then why do we have to wait for most things in life? Wouldn't God want to just give it all to us at once; NOW?

Well maybe this is a little Cliché since i'm in the waiting for a large event, my wedding, but i have to say that for the most part my life has been "in the waiting" Wether that be waiting for a test, a medicine to work, a school to accept or decline me, or a wedding day to come God has never stoped teaching me to wait. And i am grateful. Sometimes i want to jump too quickly or say yes too soon. Maybe i'm just plain tired of sitting around for something. Whatever the situation my be at had i have had to learn that waiting is more than just a time for me to learn, it is a chance for me to see the goodness of God so fully and beautifuly. i cannot tell you how many times i've had to cry out to God because i was so tired of waiting and in turn He has shown His faithfulness to me so much greater than i anticipated. My hope during this time of waiting is that those around me can see God's hand leading the waiting and that they could see that it's not by my own strength that i've reached this point but only by God's.

I sat on my porch today just soaking up the hot breeze. I watched as the world around me kept going as i just sat there. But i was accomplishing something too, i was being renewed by God's beauty as i sat. I need that. I need quiet and i need renewal however that comes. God has a way of wispering to us in the midst of chaos that He is there and He will sustain us. May He be glorified.

Never Stop Believing...

Beaches, weddings and more...

2007-05-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

Here are a few Pictures from my travels in the last few weeks. I went to Hoffmaster State Park with Anna and some of her friends from Grand Valley. It was a great weekend to go camping we had beautiful weather and a great time. The highlight of our camping trip was a boat race that we had with pieces of wood found on the beach and a stream that flowed along side of lake Michigan. It was so much fun. As you can see from the first picture, my boat, casually named WHEAT because it reminded me of Shredded Wheat cereal, did not win the race because it was slightly large compaired to it's competition. Anna's lovely boat, Torpedo or Pedo, won with it's stelth lengthyness and it's ability not to cheat!? :D Right Anna* So to say the least we had a wonderful time out at the lake.

On a different note, Jared and i are gearing up for the wedding with the countdown at 51 days. However, we must say that there is slight jelousy because Pete and Gina are getting married in Two Weeks! Lucky Bums. :D but we anticipate a wonderful wedding and a full life together filled with laughter, fun, tears, joy, sorrow, Faith, and Perseverance. We know that it is only by the grace of our God that we are where we are today and it will only continue to be through His grace that our marriage grows and develops into what it was created to be. As we look forward to that day we would greatly appriciate any prayers offered on our behalf that we would stay focused on Christ's goal and work in our relationship as well as the faith to press on through the hard stuff. I will try to keep this blog updated as much as possible. i know i haven't done a great job of that in the last few months but i will try to do better.

Love and prayers,

" Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Isaiah 26:12

Have a blessed day!

Slow

2007-04-25T12:28:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a while since i've had a chance to update this thing. So for all of you who were wondering where i've been.... I've been runing around like a chicken with my head cut off! Ahh well mabey not that crazy but it's definately been a whirlwind of emotions and tasks and hoops to jump through. School is almost finished for the summer; only one more week to press through and then i'm home free for a few months! :^) That's thrilling! Jared and i only have 79 days until the wedding!!!!! Everything is going by so fast and i cannot wait until then. But God is good and continues to teach me new things and currently is teaching me a lot about patience and submission. No, not SUBMISSION.... in the bad sense of the word but Submission, The joy of letting someone else lead. There are so many things i still have to learn and of course i will never understand it all this side of heaven but my goals lately have been surrounded by a lot of prayer and the hope for something greater than myself and something bigger than my ideas. It is not easy to submit to others, or even to God, But when we do.... WOW, God blesses us for that and shows us that He indeed has much better plans for us. We have nothing to fear in Chirst! I am thrilled about summer weather, camping, the wedding and the honeymoon, moving and starting a life with Jared. Keep looking up and smile BIG today!
Love,
Christina

Hey! Listen Up!

2007-02-14T16:49:00.000-05:00

Here's my dilema lately. I've seen this reflected in my own life and in the lives of some of those around me. This dilema is that i seem to be "Missing" God's work around me. Daily i feel him probing me to do this or say that and even when i think i've done what he wanted me to do, something happens and i feel like i've missed the point. I find myself asking this question, "did i not hear correctly or did i not listen at all?" In my life God has always been very present; very real and tangible to me throughout my days; He still is this to me and i know that he will continue to lead me but what i want is to be a better listener. If, daily, we were seeking him in all that surrounds us weather that be conversations, jobs, opportunities, tasks that weigh heavy on our hearts or a simple "hello" in the parking lot, then we should be seeing His work surround us and be in awe of the intricate detail of His beautiful Will. God desires to use us daily, He is working out His plan all around us and somehow, we forget this. We are too busy and too distracted to see how He is trying to get our attention and say, "help me out with this, i want to use you here."God does NOT need to use us, He is not limited to using us in His perfect plan, no, not at all; He DESIRES to use us and longs for us to be involved in unfolding his beautiful work. We are worth something to Him and we are working along side of Him but we have to be willing to listen for our cue. Let's be listeners and watchers of God's work in action. Life is to busy not to see the beauty around us and the plan that God is leading. Let's Listen Up and Keep our eyes on the task. He's doing big things and we can be a part of it!

Acts 20:24- "Therefore, I consider my life worth nothing to me if only i may finish the race and complete the task that the Lord Jesus Christ has given to us, the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace."

CELEBRATE!

2007-01-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

By now almost everyone knows that Jared and I are engaged to be married in July. But i think it's only fair to tell everyone else that i didn't get a propper chance to tell. And so i can put pretty pictures up and smile really big while i write. :D

It was a beautiful night with snow falling gently as we walked through the woods to our "log" where we like to sit and pray. I don't have a good picture of that spott but if i did i would definately post it. It's beautiful. There was a prayer and then a proposal. He got on his knee in the snow and all. I, of course, said yes and cried and laughed and wanted to tell the entire world of my joy. Then we prayed again, thanking God for all the wonderful things that He's done for us, both in our lives before we were together and then for how he worked to bring us to this point. It's not of us but of Him and that's the goal of our relationship, engagement and eventually our marriage. We want to glorify and serve God, Period. Thats why God brought us together and why he's brought us to this point and we are so greatful and looking forward to where He will continue to work in us as individuals and as a couple. God is good and He is faithful to hear our prayers.

Here are a few pics for you to look at... I just put them up because it reminds me of where i've been and where God has brought us.

Where the heck have ya been???

2006-12-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that you all had a wonderful day, wonderful families, wonderful gifts, etc.... I hope everything went well. My christmas was good, it was sad, happy, joyful, somber, and well different. Kasey had to work and Jake and I slept in until 8:30 which is a leap from our usual 6:00Am Christmas morning. The morning went well we had a big breakfast and jake and I opened two gifts. Then we had a twist in the day. Our grandpa has been sick for a while, cancer, he is 84 years old and going faster every day. it's been a long hard process of watching his cancer take over. Sad, painful, difficult, and tiresome. Yesterday, he finally passed away. Some might think that it would be the most terrible thing to experience a death on christmas but for our family it was a blessing to see him finally go. He was in pain and suffering daily. Our hearts are full of pain to not have him now but at the same time we know that he is with Jesus. And i don't say that flippantly, He is. He laid down his pride and picked up the free gift of eternal life with Christ Jesus and God the Father just a few months ago. Somepeople might think that because he lived most of his life in sin and put his pride above God almost every day that he lived that God couldn't possibly have room in his heart for him. More than that, God has SO MUCH room in his heart for him When we come back to our creator and allow the grace of God to flood our hearts and let him wrap his daddy arms around our brokenness He WILL. God is more than our judge, He is our just father and longs for our hearts daily. Merry CHRISTmas, From God!

God bless, Sleep Well.
-Christina

Here we SNOW again!

2006-12-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful.....

.... And the fire?? well i guess it would be delightful.

First day of December and it's snowing like crazy. This weather has put the whole state into an upset and it seems that people forget every year how to drive in this white mess.... Myself included. I do anticipate the snow sometimes, it's beautiful. Ahh... sleding, ice skating and warm cups of coffee on a chilly day. Hope your day is wonderful and full of winter fun. Even if we have to scrape off our cars more than once a day. :D

God Bless, Sleep well.

-Christina Lindsey

2006-11-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

i hope, i hope i hope......

2006-11-07T18:26:00.000-05:00

some days are better than others, sometimes we feel like everything is "undercontrol." Who's control do we have it under though, this is something that i struggle with everyday. Giving God the control of my plans. Things have changed a bit for me in the last few months. I had hoped to be a Bible Translator, work with Wycliffe Bible Translators, go to a far away place and meet and live with people not of my same language, learn their language and Lord willing, translate the Bible into their native language. I had hopes of going to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. I wanted to study linguistics and LOVE every minuet of it all. Something i found in all of this are these two words... I WANT.. I WANT. Wow, how incredibly blind i was to this. the entire time i was planning this great and wonderful future God already had one in mind for me and, rightly so, he was probably laughing at my means of planning my future. Sure, i had good intentions, i wanted to give the Word of God to those who don't have it. I wanted to be a servent to Christ's work and continue to reach people with the bible in their own language. These are all great things however, i wasn't allowing God's plans to mingle with mine. I can hope and plan and wish all i want but if i'm not allowing God to take my desires and hopes and make them what He wants them to be then i'm doing nothing but amlessly planning. God has given me longings and desires for my life but it's not my job to piece them together to come up with a good future for myself, God's got it all underHIScontrol.
May i remember this as i continue on my path of education and doing the work that He gives me each day, not just reving up for the work that is to come.

I leave you with this....

Jeremiah 29:11 (New Life Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.

2006-10-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

I wish that i had a really great picture of my Tabit from camp. Wow, i cannot believe that it's been almost three months since i've slept in that worn-out old hut I called home for the summer. Lately i've been really missing camp and the busyness of children running in every direction. The smiles of fellow cabin leaders and the songs that were sung so loudly by the kitchen staff on a HOT summer day. I love winter and the seasons, i love my new job and the things that i'm learning, i love seeing my family and friends and being able to get more involved with the ministries of my church. I love all of that and still, my heart aches for camp. Somethings will never be the same after a summer spent at camp and i'm greatful for that. Part of me wishes that life was a camp and the other part of me is greatful that camp is only for a season. God Knows best though, and He surely knows that everything is best when it comes in seasons. Where next summer will take me i have yet to find out. If you feel like talking to God, ask him to help me take things one day at a time. I don't want to rush life. I want to savior it.

Sleep well, God Bless!

-Christina Lindsey

Starting A New

2006-10-04T18:34:00.000-04:00

" At the sunrise every morning

As the darkness slips away

I search the clouds with longing

Will my Lord return today?

In the noonday i am listening

For his knock upon the door

At each sound my heart is pounding

Could it be this is my Lord?

In the fading of the sunset

In the cooling of every eve

I wait beside my window

Lest my Lord should beckon me.

In the midnight i am wakeful

For the radiance of the moon

Maks me think that He is coming

And his glory floods the room.

Ah! Rejoice my soul- He cometh!

Our beloved is on his way

Be every watchful, praying

He may return today."

- Rebekah Pearl; Missionary to the PNG people.

I've been reading the diary of Rebekah Pearl who was a missionary to the people of Kumboi in PNG. I feel like she and i have similar longings and hopes for life. Her heart for the people she worked with is incredible to read about. It was tough especially for a woman missionary going alone to these people who place so much importance on the man's role. They had such a hard time respecting her and understanding why she went alone. But when you read of the work that she did there, i know that it was not in vain. There are so many days in which my heart cries out and longs to see my savior's face and this poem of hers reflects my heart's longing everyday. I wonder though, if i lived my life in light of Christ's coming everyday how different would it be and how much more would i have an attitude of urgency when discussing the saving Grace of God with those who do not know it? May i live my life in the light of His coming and may my heart reflect the urgency and love that Christ's life held.

-Sleep well, God Bless.

Christina Lindsey

Breathing Deeper

2006-09-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

"Therefore, since we are reeciving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12: 28-29

I can't express how long and restless this week was. I feel like, at times, i was wirling around in twenty different directions. Life is busy, but that doesn't make me want to quit. I've learned alot in these last few weeks. With starting a new job, starting school again and trying to live all at the same time; i've learned one word well, Breathe.

Throughout the week I see people of many different backgrounds, children who's homes were broken, lives that need patience and a new perspective and I struggle with seeing those things because i want to fix them. I want to be the mother to the motherless child, i want to teach the woman who's life is overwhelming to put her hope and trust in Christ, I want to put smiles on the faces of the college kids who look like their hearts have been pulled in too many different directions. Though i cannot be all of these things to everyone i know the one who can be and my heart says let Him be those things to them. I cannot be all things to all people and God doesn't expect that of me. What He does expect is for me to allow him to use me where He wants and be a tool for doing His will. So often i have to remind myself that it's not "My Will...," it's God's Will and His is good. What a privilege it is to be used by God Almighty to complete the tasks that He desires.

So i end and remind myself, and you, to breathe deep and know that "The Lord is my helper; i will not be afraid. What can man do to me? "-Psalm 118:6,7

2006-09-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

Went to school the other day for a small orientation for my telecourse. Don't know how that will go but it seems pretty simple. My teacher was nice so i think that if i have any questions i won't really have a problem being able to find some help. I'm looking forward to school starting. Now that i'm pretty settled into my job at the bookstore i'm ready for a more steady schedual. Looks like i'll work 4 days a week and go to school MWF and Thursday night.

There is a new ministry starting at church called the "A-Team" which basically means that we help new people at our church feel welcomed and help them get connected with other people their age, a Home fellowship group and anything else they may want to be involved in. I think it's a really great ministry. We are always getting new people at church and it would be great to place a name with a face and help them get connected with our church community and all that goes on there!

This week i'm really missing camp and the atmosphere there. Campers bustling around and songs being sung everywhere. Charlie in the kitchen cookin' up some of his famous stir-fry, Brenda zooming around on the golf-cart with Sam in her lap and josh not far from it, Nurse Amy straightening up her clinic and getting all the homesick campers settled and comfortable. I miss it all...

Sleep well my friends, God Bless!
-Christina Lindsey

My Tornado is Resting

2006-08-25T11:49:00.000-04:00

I want to reach for the stars and find that i can't reach them. I want to fly and know that without the propeller i wouldn't go anywhere. I want to stand next to a child and feel so small in this beautiful and vast land.

I don't want to settle. Am i settling? I certainly do not think so, I hope i never do. Only the opposite, i want to reach for the unreachables and know that i know the one who can reach and who's power and love surpasses all knowledge and understanding. He came so that we might have life and have it to the fullest, not so we could settle and say "what's done is done." Live.

Hit the Books!

2006-08-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

From full-time camper to Part-time student/worker.

The transition from summer into fall is always an exciting one and it brings new things to the table. Camp, Wow, what can't I say about it. It was an incredible summer full of ups and downs, hard days and joyful days, homesickness and longing for more of camp. This week was my last week at camp, it was hard and joyful at the same time. Hard in the sense that camp has become my home and my fellow cabin leaders and support staff have become my family, joyful in the sense that i'm going home and starting school in a few weeks and getting back into a steady schedual of balancing work, learning, and fun. Yes, i'm very much looking forward to all of that and yes, i will miss the ministry at Pine Ridge Bible Camp!

Already i see God opening doors to new ministry opportunities within my church community and school opportunities for me to continue learning; also work opportunities. I was hired at Kregel bookstores on the Beltline today and I start tommorrow. WOO HOO for being able to pay off my car sooner. :^) God absolutely knows my needs and completely heard my cries for help when the door closed in one area and i needed another door to open quickly! He is faithful!

As I head into my second year of college things will definatly be different. Some things will come easy other things will come hard but i know that God will see me through all things and i know that i will walk away from another year with more understanding and a better idea of what i need to do in this world.

Please pray that I would allow God to teach me in all situations and that i would first and foremost trust Him with every step. Thank you!

Casual Christian

2006-08-06T12:14:00.000-04:00

I don't wanna be, I don't wanna be a casual Christian

I don't wanna live, I don't wanna live a lukewarm life

God, I wanna light up the night

with an everlasting light

I don't wanna live my life in chains of sin.

This week at camp a lot of lives were changed, a lot of hearts were open to the truth of Jesus Christ and his poured out love on the Cross. We sang this song at chapel on share night and so often we sing the words to songs like this one and we fail to recognize what those words are implying. We need to be active for Christ with that same passion that He went to the cross with. He loves us with an incredible love that we cannot fathom, may we be bold enough to love the world like that....

"The world can't handel the amount of grace that God has for us." -Chris weeks

Let's live our lives knowing that the grace of God is a deep well and He longs to pour it out on us.

"8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8

2006-07-26T23:24:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we do the things we think we'll hate the most and find that it's the one thing we'll love forever.

-Me

2006-07-26T16:36:00.000-04:00

Ahh.. The mud Pit! This week was incredible. My campers were such amazing women and i know that God is working in and through them daily. I cannot tell you how beautiful it is to watch a camper come with such a broken spirit and a willingness to learn and to grow and to watch God work so personally in their lives. We had a blast this week just being girls and goofing off in the mud-pit, beating Rockford Baptist at capture the flag... twice, hanging out in the game room, and even learning to sing a little bit. :^) (thanks girls for giving my teaching skills a shot.) One more week has come and passed and now all there is too look forward too is one last week of camp and the joy of keeping in touch with my campers. I really love to hear from you all and i want you to know that you can call me or shoot me an email any time for any reason.

I have learned so much this summer and i look forward to all the things that God still has in store for me and i would love to hear about all of the things God is doing in your life too!! I love you all and hope that you are having a great week!

Sleep well, God Bless!!

Christina Lindsey

Ahh...

2006-07-17T13:21:00.000-04:00

It's been an incredible week of ups and downs. From being sick all the time to laughing your head off because your campers rock at "Big ball volleyball" it's been an interesting week to say the least. I have enjoyed every minuet of camp so far and though there are definately days when you just want to give up and go home, God continually gives us what we need to make it through and have a blast doing it. I was so stinkin' sick last week and i felt terrible because i felt like my campers had a crappy cabin leader because of it. However, God has completely restored my health and i even took a few naps this weekend... ;^) (Thanks Jared) Keep praying that God would open the floodgates of these kids hearts and break down walls that they've put up so that He can get in there and restore and renew their outlooks and their lives. He is faithful! Keep smiling and don't ever forget to remember the little things that make you smile.

"But the Lord of hosts will be exalted in judgement and the Holy God will show himself Holy in righteousness." -Isaiah 5:16

God Bless, Sleep Well!
-Christina Lindsey

Camp??... Not quite.

2006-07-09T17:21:00.000-04:00

No, no, camp isn't exactly a weekly circus where we just paint our smiles on and hope for the best. No, it's much more than that. It's about real smiles, real conversations, real fun... outside of the Television set. It's about nature, God, kids, and a heart of worship and passion to see kids know Christ. Thats what it's all about. That's why i do it and thats why i love it. If you've never been a camper or maybe you have and you didn't really have a good experience, i'm sorry that you missed all of that. If you have been a camper, or maybe you work at a camp then you know what i mean when i say it's REAL fun.... real life and a real God. He is good and He's faithful.

Last week was our Jr. High rafting trip on Thursday. The week was incredible. There was a little bit of rain that held off our trip until Thursday but it was a great trip and the rest of the time was well spent having a blast and learning new and exciting things. Myself included. I can't tell you how much i'm learning in this whole process. I love doing this and the kids are so refreshing. They have such interesting outlooks on life and i know that most of that will change with time and maturity but it's fun to watch now.... Sometimes i need to be reminded of the simple things in life and they help me do that. Thanks girls.

Love you all, God Bless!

-Christina Lindsey

Crazy Camp Photos...

2006-06-27T10:52:00.000-04:00

Here we Row again...

2006-06-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Well, another week of camp has come and gone. I'm enjoying it very much and i can't wait for next week already. last week we had Jr. high campers. A group of about 30 or so were there and they were incredibly challenging and so great all at the same time. Since this is my first time doing the camp thing, i'm still on a little bit of a learning curve and I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to start off this experience with. They were smart, beautiful, driven, and courageous young women and though there were time, as always, that i wanted to cry and go sit in a corner, the week was incredible and God is so good. Praise God we had a camper accept Christ this week and many campers decided to make some very important life changes this week. We had more than eight campers from foster homes this week and though that brought a whole new set of problems all on it's own it allowed God to work so much in each of their lives allowing them to hear the gospel in a safe and beautiful setting and showing them the joy and beauty in knowing Christ as their savior. It was so challenging and so encouraging at the same time! Thank you thank you if you have been praying for me. I need you guys and I love you all!!

Keep seeking God, He's seeking you!
Love and God Bless!!
-Christina Lindsey

MI Week

2006-06-18T16:25:00.000-04:00

Well, camp started off with a bang this week. Staff training was completed and we had neighborhood camp. All the little kidos from around the lake came for two days to hang out with us and be our "test campers;" they were great.

Wed.- Saturday was our annual "Freddies Friends" week of mentally impaired campers (MI). It was probably three of the hardest days, physically and emotionally, for me. However, it was so stinkin' rewarding and encouraging. Not only was it these things but it really forces you to see how dang good we have it. Things like simply taking a shower seem so minute to us but for these people it's litterally hard work and some of them need help. I am greatful for these campers because of the perspective they bring and their joy for the little things in life. We all have our "freddies friends" moments but i'm greatful that these campers got the opportunity to come hang out with us because for most Mentally Impaired people they never get an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and hear the gospel taught in a way that is specifically for them. It was an amazing week.

Thank you all again for all of your prayers! I need you guys.

Love and God Bless!

-Christina

And they're off!

2006-06-12T21:12:00.000-04:00

Well, Camp season has begun and things are moving so quickly. It seems like just yesterday i was sitting in this office praying that God would open the doors for me to come to Pine Ridge and work with all of the children here. Now, I'm sitting in the office writting to all of you totally pooped because we've all been working our tails off and learning so much getting ready for the kids to come. This week we have neighborhood camp Monday and Tuesday for all of the kids around the lake and then Wed. through Friday we have Freddies Friends, which are mentaly challenged people ranging from the ages of twenty to eighty with the mind frame of seven to fifteen year olds. I know that it will be so intense and draining but i cannot wait. I am so excited about it! Pray for me that my heart would be sensitive to what God is asking me to do and that my heart would be so sensitive to the needs of the men and women in freddies friends group and also the Children that will be coming soon. I love you all and I need your prayers.

I hope you are all well.
God Bless, Sleep Well!!
-Christina Lindsey

What have i been up to??

2006-05-24T10:37:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!
Here are some recent pictures to update you all on what i've been doing. Enjoy.

:This is Arnie and Sharline's cabin in the U.P. It's on a beautiful lake.

: This is Arnie (Right), Jared (Center) and Arnie's brother in-law fred (left) putting in the dock. It was a beautiful day for it.

: Lake Superior way up at the top of the U.P. it's really beautiful and Sharline informed me that really it's considered a sea because it creates it's own storms... Fun fact for the day!

:Jared and I at lake Superior.

:This is Lexie, my cousin, she's so cuite! This was taken at a family birthday party for my grandpa.

:this is my cousin Riley and my aunt Penny, it was Riley's second birthday too so she got a new bike. Of course it was Pink with little frills off the handel bars! Lucky duck, i've always wanted one of those! :^)

That's all folks... Have a splendid day!

God bless!

Think About it...

2006-05-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

2006-05-15T11:32:00.000-04:00

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

-Matthew 11:28

KickOff!

2006-05-05T18:29:00.000-04:00

Summer is here and it's so beautiful to see the trees bursting with life. God's goodness through His creation leaves me speachless daily.

Questions that need answers:

Do we really seek God's will or our own in hopes that God will see our reasoning and give in?
Do we love or are we seeking love?
Are we selfless or selfish?
Can we be overcomers and if so, do we understand what it takes?
Are you tired or are you lazy?

... I could go on for days but these are some personal questions i've been thinking about and i was curious what you guys think. Your imput is esential, I really want to know what you guys think, let me get into your brains a little bit with your responses. ;^)

Have a great day!

God Bless,

-Christina Lindsey Parcels

2006-04-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

Still Awaiting...

2006-04-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 12:25-29
25See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven, 26whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens." 27And this word , "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, 29for also, "Our God is a consuming fire."

-To be waiting is a rocky road but to have hope in what is to come is bliss. As I walk through this world, not alone, but with others and with Christ; i see all the more those things that cause me to stumble and those things in which Christ longs for me to lay down fully at His feet and allow Him to pick them up. I need humbleness as well as motivation to keep going up this hill all the way. His grace is enough though.... more than enough.

Do you long for Rest?

2006-04-03T17:15:00.000-04:00

Longing for Rest...

Rest in God- rest in his arms

-Rest in his will, his love, his arms-

Rest-

The Windows

2006-03-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

Lord, How can man preach thy eternal word?

He is a brittle, crazy glass;

Yet in thy temple thou dost him afford

this glorious and transcendent place,

To be a window through thy grace.

But when thou dost anneal (to heat glass) in glass thy story (stained glass windows often create stories.)

Making thy life to shine within

The holy preachers, then the light and glory

More rev'rend grows, and more doth win;

which else shows wat'rish (watered down), bleak, and thin.

Doctine and life, colors and light, in one

when they combine and mingle, bring

A strong regard and awe; but speech alone

Doth vanish like a flaring thing,

And in the ear, not conscience, ring.

- George Herbert

2006-03-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from my travels the last Three weeks. Well almost, i don't have any pictures from Detroit, But here are some from my family vacation to Boyne Mt. and my trip to Chi-town with Chaille. :^D Enjoy!

Psalm 19

2006-03-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

-Psalm 19:14

I long for this... God longs for this from me even more.

-Thank you father for your grace in allowing my words, my songs, and my thoughts to be pleasing to you. Thank you for leading me in the way that is glorifying to your name; don't ever let go.

On the Road again...

2006-03-04T23:56:00.000-05:00

It's been three weeks since i've been home for church now and i miss everyone so so very much. This weekend i'm in Chicago with Chaille visiting Sara and Jennie. It's good to see them and to meet all of their wonderful friends. I do miss everyone back home though and i miss worship at the KCBC! This coming weekend is the Ministry Conference at Calvery Baptist and i'm very excited to see what God has to offer there. There is supposed to be a lot of really good booths for all different types of ministries, Very good. Anyway, I hope that you all are well and doing good things for Christ! I miss you all and i seriously miss worship so much.

God Bless, Sleep well!

-Stina

2006-02-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

The Mask of a Beautiful Blessing

Sometimes i think we fail to see the blessings all around us. Not simply because we just don't see them, but rather that we fail to take the time to stop and see them. Friendship is one of the many blessings that i think we overlook many times. I do and i'm sorry. I have been blessed with friends of all shapes and sizes both men and women dedicated to prayer, love, and mercy.

One thing that i know is that you all are a blessing to me and it is of God's great grace that i have you. I do not deserve friendship, let alone many great friends that take the time to pray for me, laugh with me and cry with me. Thank you for your dedication and your prayers. I love you all and I want you to know that when i forget to call for a few days or if i neglect to say thank you. I'm thanking you now and always know that i am greatful for every moment.

2006-02-11T15:23:00.000-05:00

Taking it to the EXTREME...

This week has been a challenging one but good as well. I have been learning a lot about silence. Silence with Christ. I need this daily and i've come to see that when my "quiet times" get moved over or interrupted i long for this silence even more. I long to be still before God and hear what He has to say about things rather than me saying everything that i need to hear. This is hard, especially when you can't audibly "hear" Christ. But we can see him and feel him and know his word. He's more real to me than some of my firends on this earth and they are so close. Christ is closer though, written on my heart. I long for this silence so that i can be taught how to "be" just being is important and i think that we all nee this quiet time with Christ, He's beautiful in the way he reveals himself and his will. Thanks God.

2006-02-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

Fire:

Do you ever think about what it would be like to really get excited about something? I mean not just your average, cool!, but rather YEAH<> WOO HOO!! If we let our excitement for Jesus Christ Shout out like this, just think of how much more infectious the love of Christ would be to those who don't have him! It would spread like wildfire... Let's get excited and loud about Christ, he's worth it; more than we know!

2006-01-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

J-Term and a whole lot more

This week is J-term at Cornerstone and i'm studying Geography of the Northwest. Canada and the US that is. It's interesting and i have a great teacher so all is well. J-term is an extra ten day course that i can take between my fall and spring semesters. Lucky me eh?!
I wanted to update you guys on some pictures of mine: This my friends is Jamie, Jamie was in my group at camp this year and was a pistol, she was so much fun to get to know because she didn't want to get to know anyone... however, when we gave her space and just simply loved her, she opened up and she is a beautiful woman of God.

This is me, Kyle J., Gabrielle S., and Adan... Adan is a very special little boy that i met this summer while i was on a mission trip in Chicago. He was a beautiful example of faith to me and God reminded me that i need to remember that "child like" faith i had forgotten through the years. Faith is huge but that doesn't mean it's complex, it's beautiful trust in Jesus Christ and God's amazing will.

2005-11-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is our group from the Chicago Mission Trip; that trip was incredible!

I'm alive, I'm alive, i'm alive!

Whoo~ man o' man, what a day! It's only 10:46Am and i'm already exausted. :~D well another round of guess and check for my medication. My neurologist says that she wants to try another med. Well ok... i guess. :D God, man He is working though and I can see his handprint everywhere; even in the midst of confusion and waiting. It's good to wait though. I'm just holdin' tight, clinging rather, to His magnificent promises and knowing that His strength is enough to pull me through and provide for me. I can't wait to see what He's going to do next because though it may be tough now, i know that He's a good and soverign God and that His glory will be proven. Not just in the case with my medication but with everything. But i've got to trust in those promises. He IS good! Hang tight everyone, He's hanging tight to you.

God Bless!

Christina Lindsey

3Oh, send out your light and your truth.Let them lead me.Let them bring me to your holy hill,To your tents.
4Then I will go to the altar of God,To God, my exceeding joy.
I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.
5Why are you in despair, my soul?Why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God! For I shall still praise him:My Savior, my helper, and my God.

Psalm 43:3-5

2005-10-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

Fellowship, Friends, and Family...

Oh what great joy it gives me to know that i can sit around that bon fire and tell all without fear; I have no fear because of Christ. Weather it's my Epilepsy, or my struggles in Algrebra, or just my joys, You're there for me... My brothers and sisters in Christ. and i thank you. I thank Christ for Dying on that Horrible Cross so that I could be free, so that we could be free. but more than that so that we could some day go to live eternally with Him in Paradise! OH He is so good. Fellowship is such a gift, and i am so greatful for it, I'm greatful for you! Chaille, Sara, Pete, Mac, Dana, Heather, the list just goes on and on and On... He is so good to us. And this little Body, affects so much, because we are part of the Body of Christ.. He is so cool! I love ya!

God Bless.

Christina Lindsey

12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14For the body is not made up of one member but of many. 22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and those parts of the body which we think less honorable we treat with the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24while our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

(1st Corinthians 12:12-14,22-26)

2005-09-23T20:49:00.000-04:00

It's all about trust baby! :^D

ok, ok, so today was a good day. well they are all good days. Just some are harder than others. but today, man God was really teaching me trust. it was like when you go to camp and you play all of those trust games with your group. Only i was playing with God. well... you get what i mean. :D God taught me today to trust Him even with the smallest of issues, and dang does he come through! He is so good. And the thing is it wasn't that i deserved for Him to come through for me but that He deserved the glory in it. He teaches me something new everyday and I praise Him for that.

I hope that you are all doing so great!!

PS> if you need prayer for anything, please don't hesitate to let me know!!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

2005-09-22T14:14:00.000-04:00

God is so good!

Moody, Translation, class, and transportation.

ok so today i got up at around 4:oo Am and i was having a really hard time sleeping, my mind was racing trying to figure out how i was going to get my transcrips from Cornerstone to Moody. I knew that God was the only way that anything was going to get accomplished today, especially because i was really tired. I was feeling somewhat discouraged at the fact taht i didn't get everything for my application in on the time that i had hoped, But God reminded me that His will was perfect. I rode into school today with my dad, and we stopped for coffee and pop-tarts! :^) that made my day so much better, not just the fact that we had coffee. :D but that i got to ride in with my dad, he's so great! and then my classes went really well.

Ok and here's where it get's really good... God totally stepped in and slamed me with encouragement and guidance, i went to the regester's office and got my transcrip sent to Moody, and when i went to the Corum to sit and study, there was a WyCliffe Bible Translator's booth set up in the walk way for people to check out, it was simply incredible. God totally did it! (I'm going into Translation :^)) The people at the booth remembered me from a conference i went to last year. and they encouraged me so much! they prayed for me and they just showered me with love. God is so good!!

Thank you for your prayers.

God Bless!!

Christina Lindsey

2005-09-15T23:46:00.000-04:00

Parting is such sweet Sarrow...
My Great Aunt Caroline is heading back to her home in California tomarrow. She's been with us for almost three months now and she's been such an encouragement to me and to my family, it is so hard to see her go home. i really don't want her to go but i know that it is God's will for her to go. she is in her late 80's now and is still very vibrant but is growing very weak. I have had the amazing opportunity to watch her reflect Christ in everything that she is, in her letters to me, in her prayers, and now in her presence. I will miss her greatly but i pray that God would allow us to continue to keep in contact that i might continue to learn from the wisdom that God has given her through her years. I thank God for her, and for the love that she's shown me.