It's hard to believe that this is Friday of week 10 at Wright State. Two weeks till Thanksgiving! So much happening all the time :)
Today was a quiet, enjoyable day on campus. I had such a beautiful time, that I wanted to share.
We started the day off with morning prayer at 7:14am like we do every morning. Together with the a handful of students we prayed for the upcoming winter break. WSU has a 6 week break - which is more than half a quarter long. It can definitely be a time of make or break in regards to faith and good choices in student's lives. So we interceded and enjoyed being together.
I spent the rest of the afternoon updating some files in the office. I keep track of the "follow up" database we have and email all of the students that ever come through our ministry. So far this quarter 250 new students have either come to one of our events or signed up for more information at a festival. That's a lot of students! Out of those 250, twenty five have purposefully connected in more. Not the biggest number in the world - but that's not what we're going for :) What it means is that 25 individual people are getting one-on-one love, mentoring, encouragement, and authentic community. All 25 of them are worth every outreach, service, and event we've done this quarter.
And that's the heartbeat of what we do - we invest into individual people's lives. Helping and encouraging them to know God more, cultivate a meaningful relationship with Jesus...etc. Like this afternoon...
A young man came by the office while Pastor Steve and I were clicking away. He asked if he could talk for a moment about some things. Almost as soon as we closed the door you could see the anxiety and worry that was all through his heart. He expressed that he wasn't going to be able to serve on the sound crew team next quarter - a position he had held faithfully through the fall. When we started to ask why, he broke down and cried. He talked about the pressure and worry he had been feeling in regards to his family. His mom might lose her job and he felt a sense of responsibility to her. As a result of the stress, his relationship with the Lord had been weakening and his grades were dropping. And on top of everything else, he is required to take a class next quarter that completely conflicts with coming to Ignite, our main ministry meeting.
These are the moments that our ministry thrives on. We just stopped and prayed. The issue isn't whether or not this student is going to be able to help set up the sound system and balance the levels for the worship team. We can find someone else to do that. The real issue is, can this student find peace? Can he reach a level of intimacy with God where he really is living Pslam 55:22 "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall."
Our goal is to set people up for success - successfully know God; successfully pursue Jesus; successfully live, serve, give, and grow; successfully change the world around them for the sake of the Gospel. Knowing how to handle worry is something that may seem very small to many people. But how much more freedom would each of us have if we didn't worry, stress, or loose control when our lives were unpredictable?
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
The student that we prayed with today will be fine. As a matter of fact, he will be better than fine. He will go on to live a very successful life for Jesus. I say that with such confidence because of what we do. Through this fellowship, God heals past wounds and wrong thought patterns. He has surround each of our students with a great bunch of friends that will stick with them and push them into success.
It was a simple but great day today :) God bless.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Lot's of New Things!
Well, it's mid August. Our summer this year has been jam packed. Andy is enjoying his job at the base and has actually made some really great friends. I (Heather), just recently resigned from my marketing position with the restaurant. I am in the process of becoming a full time Missionary Associate with Chi Alpha, the international Christian college ministry that Andy and I have been with for the past 6 years.
It's definitely a change, but a welcome one. Serving the Lord on the college campus has become our life's passion. We love every aspect of it, from the rush of new freshmen to the hard decisions young adults face. It's all for the glory of God :)
I want to share some highlights from our busy summer! I hope you enjoy all of it!
These are pictures from my recent mission trip to Peru. I traveled with our Chi Alpha chapter to Lima, Peru for 9 days. We spent the time doing outreaches to young children in schools and local villages. We partnered with the Latin American Childcare program. It really touched my heart and opened my eyes to new aspects of God's love. These pictures are only a taste!
In July, Andy's cousins - David and Lina - celebrated the birth of their new baby girl, Emma. She was baptized in Michigan and Andy and I have the privilege of being sponsors for her. She's such a joy and we love her very much!
Our friends Kyle and Brittany McAllister got married August 1st. It was a perfect day! I got to try my hand at jewelry making for this. I made the jewelry for the bridesmaids. Here are some pictures of how it turned out!
And last, but not least, here's a peak at how our first shot at gardening went. It is really rewarding - and for newbies - I think we did a great job :)
It's definitely a change, but a welcome one. Serving the Lord on the college campus has become our life's passion. We love every aspect of it, from the rush of new freshmen to the hard decisions young adults face. It's all for the glory of God :)
I want to share some highlights from our busy summer! I hope you enjoy all of it!
These are pictures from my recent mission trip to Peru. I traveled with our Chi Alpha chapter to Lima, Peru for 9 days. We spent the time doing outreaches to young children in schools and local villages. We partnered with the Latin American Childcare program. It really touched my heart and opened my eyes to new aspects of God's love. These pictures are only a taste!
In July, Andy's cousins - David and Lina - celebrated the birth of their new baby girl, Emma. She was baptized in Michigan and Andy and I have the privilege of being sponsors for her. She's such a joy and we love her very much!
Our friends Kyle and Brittany McAllister got married August 1st. It was a perfect day! I got to try my hand at jewelry making for this. I made the jewelry for the bridesmaids. Here are some pictures of how it turned out!
And last, but not least, here's a peak at how our first shot at gardening went. It is really rewarding - and for newbies - I think we did a great job :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Summer has arrived!
Good news! Andy received a call for another interview regarding his security clearance for the new job on the airforce base! We keep reminding ourselves that we are doing this one step at a time. Although it's already been several months since the original paperwork was turned in, we're closer to the end result! We suspect that Andy will be working on base by the end of the summer.
More good news, Andy and I are now officially graduates of Wright State University! We walked yesterday in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Although I graduated last year, I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of a good friend. So it worked out that Andy and I could walk together. I think I liked that better any way.
My job is getting more and more defined as the months go on. My main focus is event and promotion planning right now. The promotions I am working on are very time consuming - but that's never a bad thing. It is just stretching my organization skills! I am also learning how to deal with ad agencies. It sounds silly, but taking calls about ads is now a weekly (sometimes daily) task. The advice that was given to me was "Always be polite. Call people back. And remember, treat everyone like a customer." It's good advice and keeps the whole thing in perspective.
Andy and I have been trying out new ways of enjoying the great Ohio weather while exercising. We tried running. I didn't care for that much. Then we tried biking. We biked all the way from our apartment to the Walmart in Beavercreek and back. It's a 5 mile loop and I must say - I was a much happier camper at the end! Running must just not be my thing :) Andy recently bought me a pink water bottle as encouragement during the active lifestyle experiment. I love it!
Tonight Andy volunteered to make dinner. He's so great! On the menu tonight is peppery chicken with pears and rice pilaf made with almonds and sunflower seeds. Being married is so much fun! We're enjoying this new life stage very much - and to celebrate, we recently bought a Wii! This is the ideal life for two recent college grad/newly weds :)
More good news, Andy and I are now officially graduates of Wright State University! We walked yesterday in the Spring Commencement ceremony. Although I graduated last year, I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of a good friend. So it worked out that Andy and I could walk together. I think I liked that better any way.
My job is getting more and more defined as the months go on. My main focus is event and promotion planning right now. The promotions I am working on are very time consuming - but that's never a bad thing. It is just stretching my organization skills! I am also learning how to deal with ad agencies. It sounds silly, but taking calls about ads is now a weekly (sometimes daily) task. The advice that was given to me was "Always be polite. Call people back. And remember, treat everyone like a customer." It's good advice and keeps the whole thing in perspective.
Andy and I have been trying out new ways of enjoying the great Ohio weather while exercising. We tried running. I didn't care for that much. Then we tried biking. We biked all the way from our apartment to the Walmart in Beavercreek and back. It's a 5 mile loop and I must say - I was a much happier camper at the end! Running must just not be my thing :) Andy recently bought me a pink water bottle as encouragement during the active lifestyle experiment. I love it!
Tonight Andy volunteered to make dinner. He's so great! On the menu tonight is peppery chicken with pears and rice pilaf made with almonds and sunflower seeds. Being married is so much fun! We're enjoying this new life stage very much - and to celebrate, we recently bought a Wii! This is the ideal life for two recent college grad/newly weds :)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Easter Pictures from Texas
As promised...
Here are some awesome shots of family Wii time!
Andy LOVES Swedish meatballs...and Ikea!
Here he is working on a University of Michigan egg!
Andy's mom bought us a Star Wars egg dying kit. We made a whole cast of Star Wars characters for Easter dinner!
The finished product!
Spring Update
As of noon on Tuesday Andy was officially done with all military paperwork and is now waiting for his new job to process and approve him!! What a relief. This has been a tedious time, but the end is in sight. We are definitely looking forward to the perks of the new position - big work out facility, new health care :) It's such a blessing.
Andy spent his Wednesday afternoon building miniature house frames. Our good friend Eric is preaching at church on May 4th and needed the houses for visual aids. Andy is always looking for an opportunity to use his new tools, so he rallied the guys and went to work! They look great and will make great center pieces for the stage. Sidenote, I will also be leading worship on that Sunday. Isn't that crazy?! Our pastor and his wife will be out of town, so they asked if I could help out. This is definitely a one time things - but a fun opportunity. We're sure the Lord will use it for his glory!
I had the pleasure of helping with our Chi Alpha's first full out girls retreat. It went amazing. Liz, Sarah and I spent time praying and brainstorming. The vision we received from the Lord was totally amazing and it ministered to the women perfectly. We had awesome times of worship and prayer. I was even able to lead one of the talks. It turned out to be my favorite talk I've every given. Praise the Lord for the way he's growing and stretching all of the girls. It's such a beautiful time.
Time is a scarcity around our apartment right now. Andy and I are learning how to prioritize and make room for us among all of the other things we could do. This is the first time Andy has been working 40 hrs a week since graduation too. So that took some adjusting as well. All in all though, we are enjoying everything we're involved with - including the softball league - and are excited for the summer!!
We have wonderful pictures from our Easter in Texas with the family. I'll post them soon. We were able to spend several days with Andy's brother Kevin before he was deployed to Kuwait. He is over there now and doing well. We are keeping in close contact with him via email, and that has made the transition easier.
We love all of you!
Andy spent his Wednesday afternoon building miniature house frames. Our good friend Eric is preaching at church on May 4th and needed the houses for visual aids. Andy is always looking for an opportunity to use his new tools, so he rallied the guys and went to work! They look great and will make great center pieces for the stage. Sidenote, I will also be leading worship on that Sunday. Isn't that crazy?! Our pastor and his wife will be out of town, so they asked if I could help out. This is definitely a one time things - but a fun opportunity. We're sure the Lord will use it for his glory!
I had the pleasure of helping with our Chi Alpha's first full out girls retreat. It went amazing. Liz, Sarah and I spent time praying and brainstorming. The vision we received from the Lord was totally amazing and it ministered to the women perfectly. We had awesome times of worship and prayer. I was even able to lead one of the talks. It turned out to be my favorite talk I've every given. Praise the Lord for the way he's growing and stretching all of the girls. It's such a beautiful time.
Time is a scarcity around our apartment right now. Andy and I are learning how to prioritize and make room for us among all of the other things we could do. This is the first time Andy has been working 40 hrs a week since graduation too. So that took some adjusting as well. All in all though, we are enjoying everything we're involved with - including the softball league - and are excited for the summer!!
We have wonderful pictures from our Easter in Texas with the family. I'll post them soon. We were able to spend several days with Andy's brother Kevin before he was deployed to Kuwait. He is over there now and doing well. We are keeping in close contact with him via email, and that has made the transition easier.
We love all of you!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Fast Forward
Wow! Where has all the time gone? I couldn't believe how long it took us to update - but things are wonderful!
After much suspense, we ended up getting that cute little apartment :) It's a clean, two bedroom, two bath in a quiet community, with a new stove, and new carpet! My dad and several of our guy friends pitched in and helped move our 600 pound piano. And I will be forever grateful! Having them do it saved us SO much money.
Andy and I are in the midst of change again. Andy's last quarter is almost over and he is getting ready to start his first engineering job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. It's a cool story really. He got the interview from a resume that someone else submitted for him and then got the call back less than an hour after the interview. We are still praising the Lord for working things out so smoothly for us!
Ministry is really developing right now as well. Andy is connecting with his guys in new very rewarding ways. This stage in our lives has changed our relationship with the students - but definitely for the better. We are able to see more and encourage more. We are so blessed on a weekly basis by the way the Lord is moving in Chi Alpha and continually changing lives. My dGroup is wonderful! We've spent the quarter letting the girls lead and then hashing through how the meeting went afterwards. It's been an awesome challenge to each of the girl's leadership style and I believe has changed our understanding our leading. It's not about being up front - it's about running along beside and sometimes even encouraging from the back. I'm so blessed by my dGroup and am definitely excited for where the Lord will take it next quarter.
My job is going well. It is shaping and developing in ways I never expected. But I feel like I am really starting to grow into it. I'm really getting involved in event planning and in training. I feel as though I am really using my college education and that is incredibly rewarding. You'll have to watch Fox 45 in April, because your's truly might be on the Morning News! ;)
We have soo many pictures we want to share, I'll really have to pick and choose on the next post. We spent New Years in Iceland this year with Andy's family. His cousin David was married to a wonderful woman he met there named Lina. We officially survived an Icelandic winter! Plus we got to experience some of the perks - including a geothermal spa! The wedding was beautiful and everyone is so happy to have Lina in the family. You really need to see the pictures!
I think that does it. If you can, my family is going through a lot of changes right now with different things and could definitely use your prayers. We love you all very much!
After much suspense, we ended up getting that cute little apartment :) It's a clean, two bedroom, two bath in a quiet community, with a new stove, and new carpet! My dad and several of our guy friends pitched in and helped move our 600 pound piano. And I will be forever grateful! Having them do it saved us SO much money.
Andy and I are in the midst of change again. Andy's last quarter is almost over and he is getting ready to start his first engineering job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. It's a cool story really. He got the interview from a resume that someone else submitted for him and then got the call back less than an hour after the interview. We are still praising the Lord for working things out so smoothly for us!
Ministry is really developing right now as well. Andy is connecting with his guys in new very rewarding ways. This stage in our lives has changed our relationship with the students - but definitely for the better. We are able to see more and encourage more. We are so blessed on a weekly basis by the way the Lord is moving in Chi Alpha and continually changing lives. My dGroup is wonderful! We've spent the quarter letting the girls lead and then hashing through how the meeting went afterwards. It's been an awesome challenge to each of the girl's leadership style and I believe has changed our understanding our leading. It's not about being up front - it's about running along beside and sometimes even encouraging from the back. I'm so blessed by my dGroup and am definitely excited for where the Lord will take it next quarter.
My job is going well. It is shaping and developing in ways I never expected. But I feel like I am really starting to grow into it. I'm really getting involved in event planning and in training. I feel as though I am really using my college education and that is incredibly rewarding. You'll have to watch Fox 45 in April, because your's truly might be on the Morning News! ;)
We have soo many pictures we want to share, I'll really have to pick and choose on the next post. We spent New Years in Iceland this year with Andy's family. His cousin David was married to a wonderful woman he met there named Lina. We officially survived an Icelandic winter! Plus we got to experience some of the perks - including a geothermal spa! The wedding was beautiful and everyone is so happy to have Lina in the family. You really need to see the pictures!
I think that does it. If you can, my family is going through a lot of changes right now with different things and could definitely use your prayers. We love you all very much!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Update on the apartment hunt
Several weeks ago I went around and picked up pamphlets and information on about half a dozen apartments. We sat at Qdoba after one of my shifts and filtered through all the information. We picked through which places were in our price range, had the specifics that we needed (first floor, appliances), and just plain looked nice. That left us with only two real options and I hadn't had the chance to walk through either.
So, last Monday, Andy and I made plans to walk through the first option. It is a little place in Fairborn. Come to find out, it is also real close to the Campus.
When I had been there a few weeks earlier they were offering 2 bedroom 2 baths for $599. We went and walked through the model and they told us that until the end of the month they were running a special - 2 bedroom 2 bath for $499 a month. That's $1200 over a year!
We went home...made some phone calls...sent some emails...and prayed. Two days later Andy text messaged me from work saying he wanted to go fill out the application that afternoon. For $499 a month, on the ground level, with appliances and two full baths - it was hard to pass up.
So now, we are waiting for the paper work to go through. In reality, if this is going to happen, we could be moving boxes again within a week. The idea of having our own place is so thrilling. We had both of our parents in for Thanksgiving this week (pictures on that are coming!), but it wasn't technically "our house". We have been laughing and talking a lot lately about what having our own home would be like. We even bought a Christmas tree and picked up decorations from my mom in anticipation of the holidays.
Stayed tuned for the latest developments! We could know as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday!!
So, last Monday, Andy and I made plans to walk through the first option. It is a little place in Fairborn. Come to find out, it is also real close to the Campus.
When I had been there a few weeks earlier they were offering 2 bedroom 2 baths for $599. We went and walked through the model and they told us that until the end of the month they were running a special - 2 bedroom 2 bath for $499 a month. That's $1200 over a year!
We went home...made some phone calls...sent some emails...and prayed. Two days later Andy text messaged me from work saying he wanted to go fill out the application that afternoon. For $499 a month, on the ground level, with appliances and two full baths - it was hard to pass up.
So now, we are waiting for the paper work to go through. In reality, if this is going to happen, we could be moving boxes again within a week. The idea of having our own place is so thrilling. We had both of our parents in for Thanksgiving this week (pictures on that are coming!), but it wasn't technically "our house". We have been laughing and talking a lot lately about what having our own home would be like. We even bought a Christmas tree and picked up decorations from my mom in anticipation of the holidays.
Stayed tuned for the latest developments! We could know as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday!!
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