AM I HERE?

Sorry bloggers. I do exist! I do! I'm really sorry.
I've been away due to my name change.
man, that sounds like too simple.
But it wasn't.
Wait.
Let me explain.
I got married to the man my Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, my Savior led me to. He is truly one of a kind! He is the man for me. I just know it. I could never be happier than to be in God's grace and my husband's loving arms.
Jon tells me how much he loves being married. Now it's no fairytale, but I love waking up beside this man!

How many men can say that he loves being married?
I mean that in the nicest way possible. How many men look at their life and say, "You know? I've got it okay. Life isn't a fairytale. It isn't always easy, but I'm doing okay. I love God, I love my wife, where I work, etc."

This is a great new chapter in my life. I love the way God answers prayer. =)
Let me end this post with a list of prayer requests.

*Pray for those involved in the Urbandale apartment fire. On google type in "Urbandale apartment fire" and you'll get led to plenty of things to help you know what all happened. I heard some sad stories of people who lived there. My parents and brother actually know of someone who used to live there.

*Pray and encourage those who are serving our country, and their loved ones.

*Prayers for those who are soon to add more children to their family. All my sisters are expecting! Elizabeth is due August 5th, Melissa due Aug 27th, and sister in law Elizabeth due on Thanksgiving.

*Prayer for Rosebud team. They left Sunday morning. I went there 6 years in a row, and this is the first year I had to miss. It's been tough, but I know it is God who can be there everyday and not me. I have a lot of relationships there, and I miss them deeply. Thank you Kate for sending a note to give them. I am forever thankful.

*For my grandma Evelyn and my mom.

*I hate asking for prayer for myself, but please if you think about it pray for Jon and I. We have a lot to think about. I need a job in Ames and I just pray that God lets us know if I should find something super quick and deal with the job. Or do what Jon is hoping for...a job that I really like and a place where I feel motivated and where my energy isn't sucked out of me. And also for Jon as he makes his decisions as he finishes up school and decides where to work full-time. I know God's timing is perfect.

Thank you everyone. I hope I can be in touch soon!

Moving May II

Never knew "Moving May" was the perfect title for May updates!!!

Jon and I signed and paid! We got an apartment in Ames! It is super wonderful. It's everything we ever could hope for in a first place. It's not a large apartment filled with many people. There's only four "families" that are able to live there. It's a nice size. They're putting in a new, larger dishwasher. As soon as they're done we can move in. We don't have to pay utilities for May, since it wasn't ready as soon as they had originally said...but we are able to move in as soon as we would like to.

I'm excited to make it look like home and decorate it all nice. =)

I'm working on getting used to the idea of moving to Ames.

I'm needing to work on some stuff for the wedding, but I got a sinus infection.

I was able to get an appointment set up for the girls and I to get our hair updo's for the wedding. Jon and I are planning on going to get our marriage license later this week. We also need to pickup our wedding rings.

And another thing...

I still need to get fitted for my dress.
I haven't heard anything yet. =/
Yes, I'm anxious.

but no matter what June 12th I'll be walking down the aisle to the man the Lord brought me too!
I've never been so excited!! =D

A sneeze, a cough, and a blow of the nose...
Blessings everyone! Hope you're all enjoying May. Memorial weekend is coming up. What are your plans?

Moving May

May is moving faster than ever! Here's the lastest....

1. Turned 22 years old on May 5th. My last birthday as being a single woman, and I am totally okay with that! =)

2. Jon finished up the end of his semester wonderfully! Now he's spending time: with my family and me, helping out around the house and prewedding randomness, and working on finding a place for us to live in Ames. And of course still working part time in Ames.

3. It's starting to feel more "real" as June approaches. Working less to accomodate my schedule, bridal showers, and job searching for something Ames. May 13th was my first shower, and it was totally wonderful and beautiful! =) I feel so blessed.

4. Jon and I have one more counseling session next week on Wednesday. We have homework for it due on Sunday. I also am working with the kids on Sunday. After lunch meeting at JEFC to work with the ladies who are playing the music at my wedding. I hope I can get everything prepared that I need to for Sunday. Luckily, I don't work on Saturday (tomorrow). Attending a graduation party (Emily Hall to be exact), and then working on everything to prepare for Sunday!

5. As I am typing this post, our family dog Abby is sleeping on the couch. Jon is starting to fall asleep. Wish I had a picture of this. Jon's head is on the blanket on the floor (and using it to cover light from eyes), and his legs/feet are on the couch. Sleep much?

6. I have a few more "must do's" in time for the wedding. But what I'm really wanting to have ready soon are: salon appointment for hair, marriage license, fitting for my dress (planned to come within the next couple weeks!!). I feel as soon as I put that dress back on---I'll be ready!! =D Oh, I also need to get a new swim suit. Any suggestions?

7. And the thing I had to wait til the end....otherwise I wouldn't get through the rest of the post. We are having to sell my grandma's house. She has lived there since my mom was in elementary school. So, this house is filled with memories, and I just dont think anyone else should live there. Unfortunately, we have to sell it. She can't live there anymore. My mom, sisters and I went up there this past week and went through her stuff. We laughed, cried, and just remembered the wonderful memories. We all are holding on to many of my grandma's wonderful belongings. It was also nice to have Jon be able to come up for awhile and see it for the first time. Unfortunately, it wasn't while she was still living there. He was a big help with fixing it up a bit to make it better for selling purposes.
I hope and pray whoever ends up with my grandma's dear house takes care of it. I also hope they put in special memories as well. A house is not a house until you make it a home.

And my grandma's house is more than just a home.
It was filled with pictures hung up on the wall by scotch tape, because they were made by her grandchildren. She held on to our pictures, small keepsakes, and anything we ever gave her....she kept. That house had our favorite cereal waiting for us everytime we visited. It had that perfect smell of grandma's home. The golf ball swinging in the garage to help her know when to park. Filled with love and games. Playing with flour and water. Running across the street to get to the park.
Grandma allows you to be the person you want to be. She loves encouraging you. She kept help but serve you until there's nothing left she can do. She would never let you lift a finger if she could do it for you. She was just like Mary in the Bible, kneeling at Jesus' feet. In love she always looks to you in the eyes---What can I do for you? How can I tell you how much I love you?

She's a wonderful gift from God. A wonderful Grandma to more than just her grandchildren.
We love you Grandma....more than we could ever express!

April Days

1. Easter was wonderful! =) I loved spending time with family! The church service was filled with some of my favorite worship songs!! =)

2. Jon and I have attended more sessions. We're learning a lot more about each other and our relationship as a whole. Don has encouraged us and helped us understand why we are the way we are. He also encourages us to talk about our needs and be more open with each other.

3. I'm getting married in less than 60 days!!!! Not many days left to finish my to do list, but can I please mention I won't be SINGLE anymore!!! What will that be like--I have no idea!

4. I had jury duty this week. Want to hear the story? Here it is in a shorten version: on Monday get there early, wait for hours, watch an orientation video (couldn't see it), sit for more hours waiting to hear what case you had, get in line, hear your name mispronounced, sit on a wooden bench for hours listening to the judge and lawyers. Then you have to go there again the next day and wait for hours and then......the case ended because of new info came up. Next, they tell you call them that night to see if you have to go in again the next morning for a whole new case.....
Praise the Lord.......there wasn't a new case!
My jury duty is complete.

5. I will soon be living in Ames. It's exciting to think about all the changes that are going to happen in my life in the next few months. Which reminds me...I need to register! Actually, lately, anything and everything reminds me of what I need to be doing...

6. Lately I've been really thinking about the kids in South Dakota. This time of year I'm usually getting ready to go on a mission's trip to Ideal, South Dakota. I went every year for the past 6 years, but this year......Jon do you think we can go?

7. God answers prayer! He led me to the man I was praying about every night before I fell asleep. And He has humor too! His name is Jon. =) They say you end up with someone like your Daddy, never thought the name would be similar too! =)

March

1. Jon and I have had two marriage counseling sessions now. Both went really well. We are learning a LOT! =) Our counselor, Pastor Don, has given us things to work on during the time in between our sessions. Last week we had our parents fill out a questionaire about us. It was fun to read their answers.

2. Today at work I spent four hours dusting, straightening, and restocking Playmobil at the Learning Post. When I close my eyes I think I'll see blue boxes! I was thankful I had something to do though, today I went with a sad mood. It kept my mind busy. Thank you Lord!

3. I'm seeing God working in my life and that is really encouraging! He is allowing me not to stress over the small details of life in general, including the wedding. It has really helped me get focused on what is truly important!

4. Never go grocery shopping when you're hungry.

5. I wish I didn't have to work for a few weeks/months so I could just get more wedding stuff done....like order and send out invitations!

6. Next weekend (March 12-13th) I'm going to Women of Faith! Super excited!!! =) I'm a note taker, so my notes will probably be one of my next posts.

7. Searching jobs in Ames is slowing down some wedding to do's. Jon has a couple or so years left at ISU. Instead of driving back and forth we're thinking it might just be best to live in Ames. Can't wait to pick out an apartment!!!

Have a wonderful week everyone!
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever!"

Updates!

1. The best wedding planning has been looking at my future husband, and learning more about his character. I am reading a book called The Marriage Builder. It has some great insight! I look forward to the next step in life, and focusing more on how to be a loving wife and to serve him.

2. This next week Jon and I will attend our first premarriage counseling. We're looking forward to seeing what more we have to learn about each other and prepare ourselves for the future.

3. Work has been interesting. The busy season has gone and now we are restocking and preparing for birthday gifts and then supplies for school.
(Jon and I are planning on living in Ankeny or Ames. If I find a job in Ames it would be nice to not have to commute, but at the same time would be hard to leave Timberline Church. We will probably end up in Ankeny.)

4. Every moment of my days reminds me of something I need to do for the wedding, apartment searching, filling out registries, etc. Never have I ever had so many things in my head before. I think this is preparing me for motherhood.

5. The weather has had a lot of people in a down sort-of mood. I understand. Ths is a LOT of snow to deal with. It's okay to worry about the possibility of flooding this spring. I just pray it wont be the focus. I pray it wont lead us to have an excuse for our attitudes. I pray we can all rely on God and know His plans are better than what we could ever imagine. How can we think positive about this weather? How can we serve others and love on others during this dark and cold winter?

6. It has been wonderful to see the changes at Timberline Church. We are at our new location now--in the timberline area!! =) The place is incredible! God has definitely blessed us! I look forward to the ministry that I see God doing through us.

7. It's weird to think about but June 12th my name will change. I will then have to remind myself to sign my name differently. I should start practicing! Not just how will it look? But to also try to retrain my brain to put a different last name! After I sign Mary, it's just habit to put A. Tometich, but soon I need to trigger it to say "Mary Kaisand." I've decided to take away the middle initial.
If you ladies have any tips for me let me know! =) And it doesn't have to just be lil tips of what it's like to have a name change, but things about premarriage and everything else that goes along with this new step in life!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!
Love and blessings!

THE PROPOSAL

Just want to make one thing clear, this is not the story of "the proposal" from the latest movie. This is Mary Tometich's story. Her one and only proposal story. =) It wasn't perfect, but why start our lives out with a perfect story? Doesn't reality have a few bumps along the way? This is the story......

I knew it was coming. I knew he had gotten the ring. He had it with him for awhile. Less than a couple weeks to be exact. I knew he was going to ask me before Christmas. The weekend before Christmas was his last shot. He was going to ask me Saturday night, December 19th. He told me we should go out to eat in Ankeny. He let me pick the spot. For girls I'll add a little part to the story..... Of course I had to wear the same thing I was wearing when he first saw me!! =)

I picked Chips. Little did I know how perfect of a choice that was. While waiting for Jon to park the car I knew it was going to take him awhile to get back. He had to make a call, but what for?

He walked in with a look on his face where I already knew the answer. The surprise he had for me that would happen after dinner, wasn't going to work out. I wasn't going to get engaged that night.

We got led to our booth.

We started eating chips and talking. Obviously I wasn't too excited about the bad news. Jon kept thinking. I encouraged him to do whatever he wanted to do, it was his thing. Why start a life together with the woman trying to lead?

While eating our meal, we talked about the situation. At that moment another idea came to his mind. He quickly dashed away from the table to make a call. He came back with more bad news. That plan might not work either.

Once in the car we were both pretty bummed. Jon was doing all he could to make a plan work, and he was doing a good job of keeping his cool. The whole time I think I was getting an idea of what he was trying to make work, but I didn't want to inform him that I was catching on.

He was trying to get ahold of someone to get into the church--Johnston E. Free! So he could propose to me in the room where he first spotted me. =)

He told me he wasn't going to propose, because his plan wasn't working out. He was really sorry, but he wanted to give me a special story to share. A story I could be proud of. A story with a perfect moment. A special moment. A typical story that all my girl friends would enjoy. I told Jon that I didn't want a perfect story. I looked at him and knew that the stupid idea of having a perfect story is only for fairy tales. My story that God wrote, what could be better then that?

While looking out the passanger window trying not to get too upset about the evening that was unfolding before us.....Jon was driving. He passed the street to get to our house quicker and said, "Let's not go back to your house quite yet." I was thankful. I didn't want to return with my family there, and show an empty finger. (I had already taken off my purity ring on the way to dinner to prepare for it!) But by that time I had already put the purity ring back on....all that driving I needed something to do. He pulled into the JEFC parking lot, pulling up by the door and parked his car. Sitting there, he began talking to me. All I can remember is still looking out the passenger window and telling myself to look at him and remember this moment for the rest of my life.

Looking at my future groom I was so proud of him. He decided to share what it meant to be commited to someone. The symbol of the ring meaning eternal and a true commitment. He talked about when we first met and since then. He told me how much he loved me and how much he wanted to share our lives together. He never wanted to have to leave my sight again. He wanted to marry me. He wanted to let me know that the early newlywed stuff would end at some point, but he reminded me of where our foundation lies. With God all things are possible. He told me so many things that I wish I could remember, but what I can remember is that he truly loves me. He wants to focus on God, and wants to be the man in my life and to be my spiritual leader. He told me he wont be perfect. I never planned on him to be, because how not perfect of a woman he wants to marry!!

He got the ring out and asked me. Before saying yes I shared some thoughts. Before I could say yes I wanted to talk to him about things we could always work on. I asked him a list of things that I wanted in a husband. If he didn't want to commit to them or didn't think they were reasonable, then I knew I wasn't about to say yes to the right man God had in store for me. He didn't have to say "YES!" to everything. Some of those things are tricky because we are all human. But just the fact of hearing his response was enough for me. He told me he would work on it, pray about it, and ask God for help to be able to provide those needs for me. He was honest that he couldn't fulfill my every desire. He couldn't live up to everything I could ever hope for, and I understood. Because I look in the mirror and think the same thing for his case. He just asked a woman who is not perfect in any way, and I wasn't about to hold that against him. Unconditional love is something we can all work on. What better example than Christ Jesus?

OF COURSE I SAID YES!!! I said, "Yes, Jonathan Kaisand, I will marry you!!!"

With a ring on my finger, I was not ready to go home! Not after that eventful night of tosses and turns of feelings! I asked him if we could go somewhere for dessert, and he said yes. We went to Village Inn. I couldn't stop looking at my ring sooo shiny! We talked about every little thing there was to talk about.

Once home my groom-to-be wanted to go on a walk. So on a cold, winter night we walked to the place where we went on our first date. With a hat, gloves, boots, and a blanket we sat on the bench. Well, I didn't wear gloves, I wanted to keep looking at my ring! We were on the bench for quite some time. After awhile we walked back home and happy as ever. But I did forget to mention one thing. While on the way to the park bench, we spotted my dad's car pulling up. We got them to stop and they said, "We wondered who the crazy people out walking were...."

That's when I said, "Hey mom and dad...I want you to meet my fiance Jon...."

They were SOO EXCITED FOR US!!!" =D

Sunday morning we went to church and people were excited to hear about the engagement. I was still not allowed to hear what was going on later that day. After church we stopped by the hospital to see my grandma. She wasn't doing very well, but we wanted to give her some good news! After that we ran some errands.

At 7:00 we had an appointment in Ankeny for something I didn't get to know about, but I had a feeling what it was. Jon was taking me to the Ankeny airport to get my first helicopter ride! It was a blast! We got to see a lot of the city/Des Moines area. Everything with Christmas lights was really beautiful!

Later that night he told me what his original plans were. He wanted to take me to dinner, helicopter ride, and then on the walk that we took on our first date. That is where he was going to propose to me...on that special park bench. It was a wonderful, sweet story. But the way things got changed meant even more. He told me how badly he didnt want other things or people to get in the way of what he truly wanted to do for us. He didn't want anything to get in the way of him wanting to do it that night, Saturday the 19th. I'm so glad he did that! What a great leader! =)

From then on I can't help but look at him and think, "June 13th will be the first day I won't just call you a man in my life, my fiance, my boyfriend, or just a friend. God brought you to me. I get to call you my husband. I get to lift you up in my prayers. I get to one day tell our kids what a great dad they have. I get to look into their eyes and tell them how much their dad loves our Heavenly Father."



"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Ephesians 5:31

No Typical Day

Most Wednesdays I don't work and I treat it like a Saturday. I get my errands done, laundry done, and hope to get any thing on my "to do list" done.
But today....
Today.
Today was different.
Why?
Because.
Because my wonderful boyfriend of four months had lunch with my dad.
This lunch wasn't any typical lunch.
Today was never meant for anything typical or "normal."
No, this lunch was for Jon to ask my dad if he could marry his youngest daughter. Talking to my dad about how much he wants to spend the rest of his life---with ME!

While they were having lunch, I was working on laundry.

When Jon got back he told me he was still alive (hehe), and then I got ready to leave with Jon.
We went shopping.
And like everything else from this nontypical day....
It wasn't like any other shopping I've ever done!
The first and last time that I will be shopping for an engagement ring. =)
(Well, I take that back, we're going back Friday evening, but you get the idea.)

Wanna know more details?
I'll explain more in my next post. =)

And by the way, ring shopping is fun. =)

Motives, Fulfillment, and Being Great?

My sister Liz and her husband Scott attend this church in Kansas City called Redeemer Fellowship. The pastor reminds them of Pastor Steve Hudson, which I would have to agree! Here are my notes from the message I heard from him on Sunday (September 20th).

From Mark 9:30-37

The book of Mark talks about our need for Jesus.

"We believe" --> Our attitude and thoughts do not always show that we believe.
We are in danger because we think "we got it-let's move on." Our hearts are not changed.

Three parts in this section of Scripture:
1. What Jesus' Mission is
2. Why we need this mission (our rescue)
3. How His mission changes our mission

• You can't understand Jesus without understanding the cross. The cross was the purpose of Jesus.
• (verse 32) They didn't understand, but they were too afraid to ask. Have you ever noticed your sin without others having to notice? Jesus didn't have to tell the disciples "I'm going to the cross because you are sinful."
• While Jesus was teaching sacrifice, the disciples were trying to figure out who's greater.
• In today's culture we get hung up with: promotions, used to do this awesome job and now I'm just a stay-at-home mom, unemployed, competitions, etc. Everything around you is about being GREAT!

What is right verses what sin tells you?

• Jesus never said, Don't try not to be great. Live a life that matters to the glory of God. Our sin wants us to be noticed as great. Have a great life because of God.
• Competition and level of greatness (ranking sin) Don't persue your greatness for being greater than others.
• How capable are you of using Jesus to getting something else? The sin issue is this: The goal isn't Him, but what He's going to do for me. You follow and desure Jesus, but while "using Him."

Extra Application:

Is marriage for no loneliness or sexual desires? Are you using relationships for fulfillment? Are you using the sake of having children for fulfillment?

In what areas of your life are you thinking, How am I going to be great? What is the motive?

When Dreams Come True

I'm reading this book for the second or third time. I really like it! It's about a love story. Two people who lived their lives according to themselves, then found God. Through grace they were given a new life, through Christ, and refocused their lives. The book is all about their lives before they met, their friendship, and then how it grew to love. It would be a wonderful thing to meet them someday. I should look them up online and see if they have a family of their own. =)

Sorry, I'm not keeping up on my blog lately. I really want to get back to writing again. I need to add more to my life experiences at Rosebud! I also should share the enjoyment of seeing my now one-year old niece "open" her presents. Her sweet little giggle as I played with her at her home. The joy she brings to our lives is absolutely wonderful! I also should find the time to write all the notes I took while listening to a great sermon at Liz and Scott's new church in Kansas City. I should asap! But until then.......thanks for your patience.

Why I Work

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."
Colossians 3:23

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:10

Answered Prayer & Updates!

Sorry, it's been awhile since I've updated. It's already August!

1. I haven't had a job for a long time! Prayers were answered!! I have a job interview tomorrow at 1:00pm for the Learning Post! The one place I was really hoping to work! I'm really excited!! Answered prayer beyond what I could ever imagine! The guy's name is Monte and he said I could work for a month with about 30 hours and see how things go. If I liked working there and wanted more hours I could adjust and get more hours! If I didn't like working there I could leave and not feel guilty about it. He really wants me to feel comfortable. He also said if I work Saturdays I'll get paid more, and it really helps him out with scheduling!
"By prayer and petition, give your requests to God!"

2. Friday and Saturday my church small group had a garage sale to raise money for older orphans (check last blog post). Once these kids hit a certain age they don't have a home and they have no education, resulting in making some poor decisions to make a living. Our goal is to help this organization called Kid Save. Next year we are bringing the older orphans to the U.S. to host families, hoping they will get adopted. It's a great organization! One of the families from our church adopted a girl using this organization (that's how we heard about it). From the garage sale we raised $2,300!!!! =) Praise God!!

3. I don't have kids so I don't have fun little updates of what my kids are doing now. But I do have nephews and a niece. It's fun to see what they are up to. While typing this post, I'm watching my mom read books to the boys. Sam just watched Cinderella, because they are going to Disney World in September. The boys haven't watched a lot of television so their parents were just thinking maybe it would be a good idea for them to see some Disney stuff before they go and see it in person! ;) It's fun seeing how much Max has grown up even within the past couple weeks. He's definitely getting out of the baby stage and moving to the toddler time! He wants what ever his brothers have and is getting more vocal. It's really fun! Evelyn was here this past weekend. She is adorable as always. I didn't see her that much so I dont have much to share, but they did go swimming and I was able to see those sweet pictures!

4. Since the last time I updated my blog, I was single. My boy friend is Jon, yeah I know....another Jon in the "Tometich" family. God does have humor right!?! Jon's a great guy (of course). It's cool to see how God has made both of us a certain way that fits so well together. =) Sometimes I get speechless cus I dont know how else to explain it. We've been dating for 15 days now. Last week he was in Colorado with some of his relatives. He had a great time: saw a black bear on the street, climbed a mountain, went on a trail on bikes, and went swimming (brrr).

5. My best friend Kate is going to Chicago for the first semester this year. I wont see her until December, unless we go there to visit! My friends from church are planning on going there with me sometime. That will be nice! =) She's going with the possibility of great opportunity of a job. It will be a great experience for her.

6. The days I didn't have a job.....some went quickly (thank you God for the rest). Some of the days were filled with the ability to help other people, giving them the ability to do the things they needed to do without kids at their heels. =) It also gave me some time to learn some household things (with out the stress of a busy/stressful job) that I can use in the future in my own home.

7. In life we always have our rollar coaster experiences in everyday life for different reasons. Some things are a bigger deal to some people while it might be small to someone else. But overall it's still a rollar coaster ride. Lately my quiet times have been like that. There's nothing I can really point out about it. I've been reading different books of the Bible and seeing how they relate to one another. Joshua, Job, Daniel (I finished 1 & 2 Timothy and Galations.)

*Well those are my updates. If you want more specifics let me know, I would be more than happy to share with you. Just send me a message or e-mail.

Hope your fasssst summer is going well!
God's blessings and keep on praying (earnestly)!!

GARAGE SALE (Money going to orphans!)

GARAGE SALE
in Grimes (off of highway 141)

My church small group is having a garage sale! All of the money will be going for children in Columbia who need adopted. We are working on raising money to be able to bring some to the U.S. (with host families of course) and hopefully find them a place they can call home. We are praying that these children will have a chance of a Christ-centered life with a family who loves them.

Feel free to bring your donations to my house or to our church on Sunday mornings.
Check out our website at timberlineonline.org
The church address (but not mailing address) is:
6600 Westown Pkwy (Regency Building)
West Des Moines, Iowa

You may be asking, "Mary! What time is the garage sale!?!"
The garage sale is:
Friday, August 7th at 8am-6pm and Saturday, August 8th at 8am-4pm.
It's at 704 Dovetail Road (the next door neighbors garage will be full also).
We have a whole garage filled with clothing (and coats and shoes) for all ages, toys for kids, puzzles and games.
A garage full of house-hold items! We also have some great bikes (even brand-new)!!
So please stop by and check it out!

The ROSEBUD EXPERIENCE

There are going to be many posts about my experience at Rosebud 2009 and possibly even information from the past years as well. This year was my sixth year going, but let me start from the beginning.
Each year the youth group takes a mission trip to South Dakota, Indian Reservation. This year was the biggest group yet of 75 youth and leaders. An experience I will never forget. I should put some pictures up, but I don't have any at the moment. You'll just have to check them out on facebook. I have so many stories to share but let me have this first post be just about the mission idea.

We continue to go back because the lives that have been changed by Jesus Christ. They are starting to become a warmer group of people and the children are seeing us love on them. Love that has never been shown to them. And this area of love is when we share the love of Jesus to them. Unconditional love is what they desire, something they dont see everyday (compared to us). They need to learn the basics of living, because they have no other way of knowing. They have parents that could really careless what they were doing. (So instead of complaining about the 'early' curfew, I encourage you to thank your parents for blessing you with the ability to know how much they love and care for you!) Many of the parents there don't care when we take their kids from their house for the day. Their parents never ask questions in concern of their children. BUT the questions we do have from the families there relate to the reason we are there. They might not care what their kids are doing but they wonder why we are even there. So we open up and tell them. It's wonderful to see how some families are slowly being changed by seeing how natural it is to love and Where it comes from.
While most parents are busy in things that are not common where we live, we are giving the children food, fun, and love! We call it Kid's Club but it actually looks like a layed back VBS. By the end of the day you have face paint all over your body, wet clothes from water balloons, sweat everywhere, bracelets on your wrist, and a tight squeeze from a dear child who loves you. You can't help but smile and get excited for the next day to come back and start all over loving on those kids! The last day is obviously the hardest. In a later post I'll talk about my last day experience from this year. But now, just know that I tear up just thinking about the Last Day.

I am blessed to go to the town called Ideal. The towns the leaders choose from for missions are: White River, Ideal, or Winner. I have definitely built many relationships with the kids there, it would be hard to think of going to any other town. We continue on going each year because the children remember us by name! The "church van" (as they call it) pulls up and they all come running down the street to greet us. I'll get into more details later about this, but one special girl (Alicia-a picture of her is on my page) told me that she knows we come in June....so she waits everyday and watches (the street among the fields) for the church van to come! What a blessing this young girl is to my heart! She encourages me to keep on going and to be strong! Patience is so important. And to have a seven year old give you a small glimpse of what that is like, it's the most incredible feelings of emotion you will ever experience.

And that's just some of the reasons why I am taking the time to post my experiences from the mission trip!

Internet Judgements (What can we do as believers?)

I have so many updates that are needed to get out in the open right now. But today I'm going to open up an issue that has crossed my path. Feel free to give your input.

When people state their opinion for others to see, what is the purpose? To give others the benefit of learning more about it or to bash those who are doing the things that the person is speaking against? Sometimes I wonder if we are judging people without even noticing. I pray as Christians that we don't state our opinions on things for any reason but to glorify God. It hurts me to read things from believers that do more than just give a wake up call, but I've been hearing things that have offended others. It's my passion to change that. I don't want my blog or my facebook to show anything that could hurt anyone over issues that are not necessarily wrong or unrighteous in God's eyes. Sometimes that can mean just by how it is shown or published. I want my blog and facebook to show things of what I believe and why I believe it.

So this is where you all come in. Please feel free to tell me what you think of what I let others read. Do you feel judged when you read it? Do you think I am telling you not to do something that is not an issue that is unBiblical?

EPHESIANS 4 (part 2)

Some notes I made while at Bible Study on Tuesday night at Galyn's house.

*Personalize Ephesians 1-3 to be at peace and be able to find unity among other believers.
*Ephesians 4: 1-6 mentions four characteristics of the new life (humility, gentleness, patience, and love) which lead into unity which is described with seven-fold unity (ONE body, ONE Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God/Father).
*Ephesians 4:7-16 introduces the necessity of diversity within the unity which will cause the body to reach maturity and unity.
*Ephesians 4:1 "Urge" and "live a life worthy of the calling you have received"
-This should now change every area of your life! (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 [If this doesn't make sense to you, then you're not going to do it; Romans 12:1; 1 Cor. 10:31; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 3:17)
-You are dealing with humans. Come with an open mind with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
*Ephesians 4:2-3 How do we apply this?
*If you can't have a "church meeting" without unity how can you go to the world with Godly love and unity?
*When you are showing love in unity: "showing tolerance" and "allowance for one anothers faults"
*How easy it is for Satan to mess with the unity in the church.

EPHESIANS 4 (part 1)

Unity in the Body of Christ
(Paul writing about unity among believers.)

Ephesians 4:1-3
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

These verses inspired me to write that song in my last post. Galyn focused mostly on what humility was...leading us to many wonderful verses. (Matt. 11:29) And then how Chirst is our example. (Philippians 2:8)
Next week he said we would focus on being gentle. He had never planned for us to focus so much on each individual word, but it's a huge deal in the Christian faith. How do you love a believer? What does it mean to be humble? Does everyone have the same definition?

Eternally Speaking

This song is inspired from Ephesians Four. We studied a few verses from that chapter tonight at small group.

Eternally Speaking

(Verse 1)
The feet move swiftly
tender heart glorifies
Laying burdens humbly
to my Father I wont deny.

(Chorus)
Give me struggles, Jesus.
To help understand Your greatness.
You are the One who frees
If we call out in need,
leaving it at Your feet.

(Verse 2)
Give up on trying to win
and doing endless deeds with a grin.
We keep trying to fight,
with many sleepless nights-
Forgetting to look to the Light.

(Bridge)
Crying out to Him
Needing His help
Can't do it all alone
I've forgotten my true Home!

Seven Things to what life Brings.....

1. Jana and Audra (my friends from where I used to work) spent the night last night. We had a great night of laughter, fun, and girl stuff. (Including getting freaked out by the shadows on the windows.)
2. I had some good chats with some people from JEFC at a graduation party yesterday....some great insight to continue my job searching. They were uplifting and encouraging! Thanks guys!
3. I'm working on my next song....I don't know when it will be done though.
4. I'm thinking about trying out something and looking forward to what God has instore for me!
5. Enjoying this warmer weather and beautiful sunshine!! Hallelujah!
6. Turning 21 was definitely a "new chapter in life."
7. I love watching my nephews and niece grow. I am a proud aunt of four (so far). They are so cute and adorable. They help fill me with fun, interesting stories to share. Each of them have their own special unique traits. I could tell you about each one of them all day long! They grow up sooooo so fast!! (Looking forward to Memorial Weekend!)

Daily Devotions

The Lord led me to a few passages today.
Thought I would share what they were.

2 Thessalonians 5
Proverbs 12

Definitely things I needed to hear. God always knows! If you have questions about these passages, I would be more than happy to discuss them with you.

God's blessings!