Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love.
Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you are loved.
Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.

Very true statements, too bad I didn’t think them up myself. They all have to do with something that has been on my mind lately though. It has been involving Gods best. What is it and how do you define it? It makes me laugh when we try to imagine God and His greatness, us with our finite understanding. Who do we think we are to say that Gods best is defined as fill in the blank. We do not and will not ever understand Gods thinking and His ways.
It frustrates me when I think I know that God is going to do something in my life, well because I have it all figured out how He is going to do it. I hate doing it, putting Him in this stereotype. If it doesn’t happen the way I thought it was going to happen then I end up disappointed even though I know I should not be. What I have to learn to do is close my eyes and be lead. I must give up those thoughts of what and how I think my life is going to be. It is not going to happen how I think it is. I desire Gods best but since I don’t know what it is I guess my desire is God alone. I want to do the right thing, obey Him, and love Him. I want to not be distracted by thinking about what could or should happen in my life. It is NOT for me to decide. I must obey Him have trust in Him. In order for me to grow I must also follow Him from what I think to what I don’t know. It is not going to be that I step out into the unknown and it all becomes suddenly clear, it is probably going to be going from unfamiliar to uncomfortable. But there I go putting it into something that my mind thinks.
There are lots of things that I wish could happen in my life, but do you know what is so awesome?! If they don’t happen, I am okay with that. In fact I am more than okay with it, I am excited. Why? Because that means God is working in my life. That means that He is in control. Because I love Him I trust Him. I want Him to use me and to make me grow. In order to grow I must be changed. I know the risk, at least what I can see as risks, and I am willing to take them. I am willing to surrender everything to Him so that there is nothing holding me back. God knows what I desire and it is HIM.

The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;


Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,


And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.


I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Well, I had written a long post, but apparently it has been lost. So I leave you with this.

When is God good? In the best of times? But of course! When is God good? In the hardest of times? You better believe it! There is a song that kind of describes how life is going for me right now(well there are lots to choose from) It has been playing in my head all this morning... How can I keep from singing?!

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyesIn the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne!!!!

Has God ever taken you by surprise-done something that totally blindsides you? You step back and say "Where in the world did that come from?!" Well God is kinda funny in those ways. That is one of the many reasons I LOVE Him SO much! TO have some one know everything about you and to know every fear, desire, motive, it astounds me that He chooses to give us anything! The fact is that WE don't deserve ANYTHING!!! Trust me-I deserve nothing, save to be condemned and be turned away from Him. But it is not so with Jesus. He loves me-you-us all SO stinkin much! I cant' begin to tell you how much He loves you, I can not even begin to comprehend it myself!
When God talks to you and listens to you it is awesome! Today on the way to work God and I had a wonderful time talking. I am very expressive when I am talking to Him so others may have thought I had gone off the deep end as I was exclaiming out loud words that could not stay inside. But do you know what? What ever comes, no matter WHAT my future brings-it is in Gods hands. I have let my hands become unclasped and now they are gently open to what He so chooses to fill them with. I wish you could know the joy I have been given. O taste and see that the LORD is GOOD!

Ever felt as though your mind was going to explode with all the things going on it ? All the 'things to do' and 'don't forgets' and 'do this laters'. Today seems like everything was dumped and the hours have ticked away to nothing. Even at the end of this day there still sits a pile of paper work, and look! there is still about 10 more boxes needing to be sent internationally, don't forget that the skids need to get out too.
But guess what? He is in control, I need not worry. I have only to fall into Him.
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you.
The rivers seem to have risen a little more than I can breath, well at least work wise.
I must say that in other areas He is showing Himself to be totally in control. There is a peace that is about me that I know is coming from Him.
It is snowing currently, and freezing to boot. Things are looking straight out of Narnia in the winter:) This Friday we are going to Indianapolis for our Christmas conference. I am pretty excited to go! We go to an indoor ice skating rink, have various speakers and also get spiffy for a banquet.
There is joy in His presence, fullness of LIFE and complete contentment-well that is what I am learning on my own. There are so many desires and wishes and things I would love to happen. They all seem like the PERFECT thing for my future, but if I keep close minded like that I am going to miss out on the very BEST thing that God is waiting to give me. Surrendering expectations and even plans is hard, let me tell you. However, I KNOW that I know that I know that GOD knows BETTER. How can you deny that?! (I know that I am all over the place in writing but my mind is working faster than my little fingers can type:)
There are SO many opportunities that are placed before me here where I am. I know it sounds to good to be true and in fact, it is. I don't deserve to have all these blessings poured out into me, but He still does! I don't ever want to the point where I take it all for granted, that it becomes 'old hat' to me. NO! NAY!
Any ways I better
please pray for me
:)

Prayer. Something that we do, we actively live. If you look up the word prayer it is summed up as one asking, inquiring, ect. The word prayer has stemmed from various words that aren't used anymore, but there is one that stood out to me, praedicare - Latin, which means "to cry in public". I think that it describes it very well. It is more than "just" saying words, it is so much more powerful than that. If you think about it, really think about it-you are coming before a Holy and Almighty God and conversing with Him. Does that not blow your mind?! And the word in Latin saying that you are crying out in public...you are sharing your heart with God, it shouldn't be something you are afraid to do in front of others. Here in the Mail room people are not afraid to approach His throne boldly and openly and worshipfully. From hearing each person I know that all that we do is driven by God. It is an important part of the day for us, something that is not 'just' done and over with. It is inviting God to come and stay with us, to take over us and reign. I really wish I could describe to you how our mornings are down here, but there in no describing the Indescribable.
Psalm 61
Hear our CRY, O God; listen to our prayer. From the ends of the earth we call unto You. We call as our hearts grow faint; lead us to the rock that is higher then we are.
Psalm 121
We lift our eyes to the mountains-where does our help come from? Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth.
Psalm 24
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up you ancient doors., that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-he is the King of glory.
Be encouraged. Go pray.

There is nothing like looking out the window and seeing snow pouring down from the foggy clouds. There is also nothing like eating a Thanksgiving meal with your family. That is what I did over the weekend; I ate, laughed, and spent time with amazing people
(my familyJ) I was able to go home for a long weekend. We had such an awesome time together. The big day came and the aroma that filled the house was absolutely heavenly! It’s funny how you are in such anticipation to eat the food and finally when the time comes it is all over. It has been the tradition to set up Grandma’s Christmas tree for her. The tree was pulled out of hibernation and came to life as the little kids just poured on the lights, garlands, and ornaments (with a little help from the older onesJ) After clean up there was an intense game of catch phrase that was played amongst the family. After all was said and done I think it would be sufficient to say that it was most amazing.
I was riding home in the truck with my mom and dad and we were talking (well that is I was talking A LOT) It’s great to have parents that will listen, hear you out, and then they speak to you and straighten you outJ But there was something that was troubling me of this holiday. And maybe it was just me, but here it is. It was great, the time together, but honestly, it was shallow. It was like there was so many things left unsaid, that it was just “surface” conversation, nothing too personal or intimate. We love each other but we are not an intimate family. I guess I am just now noticing it, and I have to do something about it. Yes, there are things that go on in our lives that are pretty personal, but who do we go and tell them to but our friends, not our family. Well, that may be too harsh of a judgment. I am talking about our family as a whole: extended and immediate. Again, this is just my perspective. The main thing I want to see happen is for us to be investing in each other’s lives, praying for one another. I love them like no other, and I want the best for them. Okay, I need to start putting forth an effort-it’s true. I am going to try and start. I want to know what is going on in their lives, I want us to be close and not just talk about the weather or simple things like that. I want to be able to have the ability to be transparent with them and have them know that I truly care about their futures. So much has happened in our family-even before I was born. We have stayed together but now lets come together. Only God can do this, only He can do it. This is my prayer for my family. So, Zellons and Daltons watch out cause I am going to be praying for you, and I expect God to move in a great and powerful way. ILOVEYOU!

Be still know you are God. It keeps running through my head today. Be still- remain calm. Let go and let Him deal with it. Deal with situations, issues, problems-whatever suits you to call the things in your life that you can't handle. Be assured that GOD is in control, He knows better.
There are so many things that happen to us and it is so easy to push it out of your mind-but it doesn't leave, it is still there. Those things that happened to you those choices you made are still there. They come back to mind, they taunt you.
Good news- you can give them to some one- you can give them to Jesus. Go to Him-cry on Him. He will come and take it away. I write not for just my sake but for yours as well. You know where you are at-you alone know what has happened in your life. No matter what it is you are accepted in Jesus-He has open arms for you. You may not understand fully how He could do that for you but He can, just let Him. No matter how young or even how old you are-you are never, no never, to 'far gone' for Him to reach out to you and pull you to Him. There is nothing in your life that He can't restore, forgive, release, comfort, love, or accept.

Last night I went to the Police academy and it was drug night. A woman from the DUMEG Police was talking and telling us how they operate. Afterwards our officer spoke about Alive at 25. A program about driving safety. It was powerful and something that you won't soon forget. On a whole, the night was very good. Our graduation is coming up in about three weeks.

Ukryj mnie terazOkładka mniePod skrzydłaTwoje ręce potężny w ciąguKiedy powstanie i oceany grzmi szumiBędę podskoczyć z wami, nad burząI będzie nadal i know Jesteś BogiemZnajdź reszta mojej duszy, w Chrystusie samJego moc wiedzieć, w ciszy i zaufaniaOjcze, Ty jesteś królem nad powodziowym

Ever had that feeling in your stomach-the one that feels like some one socked you and it takes breath away? Where your mind is not able to think straight on one thought much less concentrate on what you are supposed to be doing? Around is this whir of chaotic noise, you cry out and it echoes in an empty room, you are left cold, alone, and have nothing to turn to. Then all it goes still, something envelopes you-it takes the pain, the noise, the confusion. You break as you know that you already are broken. You fall down yet it does not mean you are forever going to be there, you are picked up, set up to stand tall again. You brace yourself, thinking that you are going to be hit yet again but this time some thing blocks the blow coming your way. He is there in the middle of it all. He didn't just show up-He has been there the entire time. Why did it all happen, why did you have to be in the confusion and pain? Why did He let it all happen? Why didn't He stop it before He started? I don't have all the answers, I don't know why. But He is showing Himself strong, He is showing that He is God and I am not. What else matters? I am to the point where there is none but HIM. There is no one to turn to, no one to run to, no one that I could say I love more than Him. This is where He wants me, you may not see the reason-neither do I, but listen to Joshua1: 9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest"
Moving on. Today we went to Egg Harbor Café. I enjoyed a wonderful bacon and ham skillet along with fresh fruit and banana bread all washed down with delectable coffee. It was the mail room crew along with a few others. Fun times as always!
We went to the Messiah at Moody Bible Institute on Sunday and it was amazing!!!! Afterwards we went to the Cheesecake Factory and had an awesome time just hanging out and enjoying decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake along with raspberry lemonade. (Don't ask me why I am all about writing the details of my food, but I must say it is fun to write about)

אני אשיר מהרחמים שלך שיובילו אותי דרך עמקים של צער לנחלים של שימחה

The wind is a little blustery today, the air just a bit nippier, and it seems like I have felt these things before. The time has come for warm sweater, hot chocolate(possibly from Starbucks), and Christmas music! Here in the mail room we have begun to fill the basement with carols and songs about White Christmases. Hopefully soon we will begin to deck the halls and make it festive around here. I know that it is not yet Thanksgiving but soon it will be! There is exactly 6 weeks left till Christmas! How exciting:)
"Buna dimineata" is how we are greeted in the morning when we arrive at staff meeting. There is a group of Romanian pastors here at Head Quarters. They are here to meet with Mr. Gothard and for some of them it is their first time being in America!
Last night we had a banquet in their honor. Andrew Ouatu, Brandon Keilen, Janny Moore, and myself. The dinner was wonderful and the dessert even better :) A group sang for them and they in return sang for us. The voices of these men are indescribable. They have such power in them and they demand your attention when they lift their voices together. I would have to say that my favorite part about them being here is singing with them. We sing in English and they join in Romanian. There is nothing like it, it makes me think of the verse that says every tribe, tongue, nation will profess Jesus as Lord. To hear that sound would be amazing-I can't wait:)
Every morning the staff comes together to listen to Mr. Gothard. He encourages us to take notes, afterwards we turn them in, he reads them, and they are returned to us. Here are some notes that were taken a couple of days ago....
Praise God and rejoice in your suffering
Connect back with God
Obey then understand john 15:16
Make the most of the relationships God has placed in your life even if they are for a short season
Isaiah 6:8 Trust God whether He sends you or not
Choose to forgive
Take every thought captive and bring it under Jesus authority
Put your fear on God's throne and experience His peace
God after God-do whatever it takes

I know that they are not very focused on one particular subject but they are powerful statements that he made. So I leave you with this-

Isaia30:18,,Totuş Domnul aşteaptă să Se milostivească de voi, şi Se va scula să vă dea îndurare, căci Domnul este un Dumnezeu drept: ferice de toţi ceice nădăjduiesc în El!

John 16:20-24
Verily, Verily I say into you. That ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoice and ye shall be sorrowful but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come but as soon as she is delivered of the child she remembereth no more the anguish for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name He will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full.

Captivating
We must constantly direct our gazes toward the face of God, even in the presence of longing and sorrow. It is in the waiting that our hearts are enlarged. The waiting does not diminish us. As a pregnant woman is enlarged in her waiting, so are our hearts. God does not always rescue us out of a painful season. You know that He does not always give to us what we so desperately want when we want it. He is after something much more valuable than our happiness. He is restoring and growing in us an eternal weight of glory and some times…..it hurts.

James 1:4
But let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Verses from Psalm 37

Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way into the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord. Wait patiently for Him. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in His way. Though he may fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.

Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. 17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Deep breath....finally a break in the midst of insanity. Or so I think...

It is the last of our old computer system, the final push to end on a good note. It is hard and feels like you can bearly breath, but everyone down here is doing amazing! There is talk of having to push back the dead line because we may not be able to make it, I think we can:) Watch out world-here we come!

I am reading a book called Captivating by John and Sheri Elderidge. Most excellent and I recommend it. Another book that I am reading is called Believing God for His Best. So often our best (or so we think) gets in the way of God's best. By submitting our desires, thoughts, dreams, and hopes to Him we are able to be used by Him and be led in His way which will lead to His best for us. Untill we lay down ourselves we can not begin to follow Him. It means, I guess to me that I have to become humble and let down my pride in thinking that I know what God's best is. It also is connected with being content. I am sure taht there are many more things that I have not yet come to realize yet, but I am still learning and open to what God is wanting to show me.

Have you ever told God that you are willing to do something and then when it actually happens you are wondering why you are having to go through this? Well, that happened to me recently and now that my break is over I will have to write about it later:)

Phil4:11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength

Falling…
It's night, a perfect crescent moon contrasts the dark sky, millions of glimmering stars fill the surrounding back drop as I walk through an opening in the midst of wooded lands. The sound of crunching leaves and infrequent howl of distant coyote are the only that pierce the perfect stillness. The leaves adding to the freedom of the moment, lie in thick carpet, as if welcoming in any direction; their unique and beautifully nostalgic scent hanging in the fresh cool air… becoming richer every moment as dew moistens their range of shape and color.
These leaves, only a few short days ago stood as the high-lifted glory of many a mighty oak, poplar, and vine, the life of each now distinctively fading, are the objects of many a playing child's glee. The same will continue to break down, and become nothing more than a part of the very soil in which their former bearer stands rooted.
Tree and vine stand stripped and apparently lifeless, as if deserted in the darkness, each casting long shadow across the open ground and over the now dead and dying leaves that once filled their branches. My mind races forward… temperatures drop as fall gives way to winter; the season's first snowflakes fly, bringing with them the shock of startling cold. However, what now jolts the entire being of every plant, tree and flower with stinging chill, will soon become a covering of both of warmth and protection. These which the initial cold flakes jolt, will become their protectees. As each faces a lonely fight for survival against the deadly freeze, they will find rest beneath blanket upon blanket of the very flakes they now despise.
A gentle breeze wisps through the stillness, and then Father's voice, calm almost musical taking precedence in my consciousness. "I Am…I am the Vine, you are a branch, I emptied myself that my joy might be in you and your joy might be full, if you will but lose your life you will find Life. I discipline every son I receive, because I love you, it is for your protection. Will you lose your life? Stand exposed in humility and honesty in order to discover the blossoming power of my Life through deeper levels of intimacy?"
The air is cooler now, the dew soaked leaves have a cold yet delicate white trim as frost begins to thicken across the ground. I notice as my footsteps become visible that next to my own lay those of feet much larger, yet they have never taken longer stride. He could have walked much faster than I, yet I get the impression it is not the walk He is interested in but rather being by my side.
"My son, do not walk as a child, but rather accept the fact you are one. Accept you childhood, my Fatherhood, and walk in the delight of our relationship."
Hearty and joyous laughter fills the night as He playfully throws me up into the cool air; His arms outstretched to catch me… I am falling…

~Written by C. Matlock

The hardest part of holding on is letting go...

I am finding this out as I am here at Head Quarters. God has brought life changing people into my life and and has also taken them away. I don't understand sometimes why He does it, but I know that if those people had not been brought into my life that I would not be who I am today. They each have invested something in my life that I never would have if they wouldn't have passed through my life. I thank God for each person that He has allowed me to have be my friend. The Lord gives and takes away, I will say blessed be the name of the Lord. It is hard and I may not feel like saying it all the time, but I still say it. Why? Because He knows better than I do, He knows the plans He has for me and they are for me to prosper-not to harm me. I need encouragement-lots of it. Please pray for me..pray for those who are leaving and that God will work through their lives wherever they are lead to go.

let it be said of us while we walked among the living

let it be said of us by the ones we leave behind

let it be said of us that we lived to be a blessing for life

let it be said of us that we gave to reach the dying

let it be said of us by the fruit we leave behind

let it be said of us that our legacy is blessing for life this day

You set life, You set death right before us,this day

every blessing and curse is a choice now and we will choose to be a blessing for life

let it be said of us that our hearts belonged to Jesus

let it be said of us that we spoke the words of life

let it be said of us that our heritage is blessing for life

for Your kingdom, for our children for the sake of every nation…

What will be said of us when we are no longer here? Not just in the sense of us dying and leaving this world, but what about moving, leaving places and people behind? What will be said of us at the moment we are no longer there? Will Jesus be remembered? Will the impact we leave behind reveal the glory of God? Will they love Jesus more after all is said and done? It is something to think about, I know it is something I need to think about and something that I need to live out.

Today was a lazy autumn day-perfect to spend at Starbucks! When we returned to the mail room after being in New York we found a gift card that was given annonymously to us. We are deeply indebted to them. I msut say that their new Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is absolutely divine!!!

Pray that I will be an example to those around me and that Jesus will be the One that is remembered

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.' Phil: 4:13

Here I am in New York!!! I came up on last Thursday for Luke and Karen's wedding.
Thursday morning I woke up and headed off to the Big Apple. We left around ten in the morning and a few rest stops later we arrived at our destination around eleven at night. The house is the best-a old farm house with a big red barn. We are packed out with the people staying in the house, but that is what memories are made of:)
Friday was a great day to sleep in and then go prepare for the rehearsal. A group of us went to the church to decorate for the reception. I could tell this was going to be a great wedding, all the people helping out were having fun and just enjoying each other. That evening was the rehearsal dinner. The house was inspiring, can you believe that there was a room attached to the kitchen that was the kids ballroom?! The kids of the family competed in ballroom dancing. Later in the night we watched their competition videos-they were amazing!!! Anyways, it was Nicole,Shannon, Sarah, and I that served at the rehearsal dinner. It was a spread of delicious Asian food that made your mouth water just looking at it:) Between Sarah Brown, Shannon, myself, and Sarah Ramey we played piano throughout the night. The Kallberg family also sang for the crowd. The atmosphere was electrifying with laughter, music, the aromas of the food and if you closed your eyes it took you away...
Saturday-the BIG day that everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The ceremony was at two, groups of us caravanned over to the church around one thirty. To sum up the weeding would be impossible, but let me tell of its uniqueness. As the family was seated a classical guitar was playing Fairest Lord Jesus. A trio accompanied by a Chinese instrument and piano sang while the bride made her way down the aisle. Throughout the ceremony instead of a soloist singing we were lead in worship songs. No kiss was announced but of course there was one:) It all ended with us singing Holy is the Lord. The reception consisted of announcing the couple, a first dance, cutting of the cake and then mingling. A slide show was played with a mix of great songs that summed up the day. The food was awesome. Lots of little desserts and appetizers which surprisingly filled you up completely. After the party died down we took of to Lake Ontario to see the sunset. Breathtaking can only scratch the surface of describing it. From the beach it was off to TGI Fridays for some down time and good food:) No sooner were we finished with our appetizing meal we were asked to go bowling. Again we were off to first of all Starbucks for a little pick me up and then we hit the lanes. It was so much fun, kind of funny however because some of us were not smart enough to bring a change of clothes. I was one of them, bowling in my lovely black dress with hideous bowling shoes sticking out like a sore thumb. Oh well, those things you won't forget. The night ended after 4 this morning after watching a movie. It was a full day and looking back on all that we packed into it makes me think that we were utterly insane!!!
Today was the after party, which started at two this afternoon and will probably last long into the night. We head back tomorrow, maybe then I will be able to catch up on some sleep:) Don't worry mom and dad, I am still healthy and alive(I have not passed out yet:)

The carriers have been closed, the packages have been sent out, and the madness has come to an end. It has been a long week, a good week but long. I love looking around the office and seeing Sam and Jordan talking geometry, then looking over at Nicole enjoying her root beer...it all is peaceful and a time of enjoyment.

Have I mentioned that I have been attending police classes every Wednesday night? It is a thing that our Hinsdale Police department puts on every year for the community to become involved in the police station. I have been able to learn the requirements that you need to meet in order to be a policeman, then last week we learned how to negotiate(it was very intense by the way) AND tomorrow I am going to be going for a ride along for about 4 hours in a squad car. I am excited...it is going to be a long night(from about 9pm to 1am)but hopefully it will be eventful. Don't worry mom and dad-if it gets too intense the officer will drop me off in a safe location:)

I can't believe that I have almost been here at IBLP head quarters for almost a year! It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but that is a good thing. Some old people came through and it was good to see them, reminisce, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

By the way the picture up to the right is from when we went to the wedding...it is Nicole,me, and Minch Minchin.

Pray for me that I will be able to trust God in every single detail-not trying to take things into my own hands. He knows better.

Seems like training has been the key word this week. Training for new computer programs, life, and everything under the sun. I have spent the last three days in sessions training for our new Donor Direct system. In short it is the end of all we know-wipe the slate clean, start from scratch. My brain has officially surpassed the 'knowledge limit' amount. I told one of my fellow classmates that my head has already exploded, been pieced back together and now the information is leaking out. It has been intense, long, amazing, hard, but above all stretching. If there was ever a time to 'step up' NOW is the time. God has been working in my life by carrying me through this all. It has been a process of me trying to do it on my own, failing, crying out to God and Him reaching down and taking care of it. It is a matter of letting go of the pride that I can do it all and realizing I can do NOTHING without Him. Thank you for your prayers.

Imagine this- beautiful dresses, glamorous make up, stylish hair, a 12 passenger van. Does it sound like it all goes together? Surprisingly it does. Last night my house that I live in went to house dinner dressed to the nines. After work we transformed ourselves to go out to Maggianos(an Italian restaurant) Each girl in my house looked absolutely stunning. We went to an estate to do a photo shoot and then it was off to dinner and then Wal-Mart! It was great fun and we definitely made memories:)