Awaken To Life

Thankful for it All

2011-11-25T23:22:00.000-05:00

I've been avoiding this for a while now. I know its not because I haven't had experiences to share, miracles to tell, struggles to overcome...you get the point, but life has continued its busy, hectic, overwhelming pace and somedays its a chore just to catch up, keep up, live up to all the demands. The thing is, I've paused life. I know, I know - that's not actually possible. But sometimes it feels like might be. It's those moments in life where you're waiting for something big to happen. Where you're about to take a huge leap of faith. Where you're standing at the subway, waiting for the next train to come and whisk you away. When you're waiting for a good friend to call, and although you're sitting right next to the phone, staring at it in fact, you cannot provoke it enough to ring. If my life could be depicted in a movie, these last few months would best be seen that dramatic slow motion clip bursting with surprise and energy and emotion. That moment where time literally seems to slow to a crawl and then - stop.

These last few months things have been the usual hectic. Enough credit hours in this fall semester to keep the coffeehouses in business as they supply my demand for an extra boost to stimulate my overworked neurons. As well as the tenuous, arduous work of learning the lingo of Human Anatomy and Physiology, which, as a young striving ministry professional, I am constantly trying to figure out why exactly it is that I need to be able to understand such concepts. And, there is the awesome opportunity for me to work with Campus Ministries as a mentor to a group of students with hearts that are passionate for ministry and leadership, something that I could hardly consider a job because I simply enjoy it too much. The way I have been challenged, stretched, encouraged and mentored by the individuals whom I have had the honor and privilege of working with for several years continues to cause me to become a deeper person who's core is Christ and for that I do not have the words to express my gratitude and thanks. Then, in all my cracks and crevices of time there are fun spontaneous outings with friends, hushed late night roommate talks, Bible studies in a tiny, rickety house with a group who has become family, 10:00pm free pie nights at "vi," prayerful encounters with mentors, and every once in a while, a silent moment in the car all to myself or a couple of miles where its just me, my running shoes and headphones, and the pavement.

But all that's not to mention what I've had the first hand chance to see how God has been working. First of all, there's the man that seemingly wanted nothing to do with God only a few months ago, and now, has said that there's nothing else he can do but spend the rest of his life ministering and sharing with others how great his God is. Then there's the woman who went overseas as a student missionary two years ago and was inspired to get her hands dirty so much so that she's started a non-profit organization together with a team of people to drill a well in Africa for a group of people who have no clean water. It's going to take 1 million dollars to accomplish, but she's confident, as am I, that it's such a small sum in comparison to our God. (Click here to check it out: "Not Oh Well!") And, there's a couple who have been struggling with individual issues that have seemed so big that it would split them apart, but together they have prayerfully and faithfully kept moving forward and God has blessed their relationship greatly. There's several men and women with lives that are just as grungy and burdened as the rest of us, but their hearts yearn to make a difference, to make an impact, to share their story and thus God has been using them to make tiny miracles possible each and every day. There's another man, who hadn't thought a whole lot about God in a while, but when life finally hit very rock bottom he decided to give Him a chance and now, now God has changed everything. Even though not everything is completely mended, God has used the brokenness and emptiness that once crippled him to change him, change his perspective, and to give him a story that will change many other hearts. I could go on and on and on.

Sometimes it's a bit surreal to take a step back and just look at your life from a different angle. It helps slow me down at times when the pressure, the tasks, the hectic schedule flood my day. But most of all, it puts things back into perspective. It helps me remember how big and how awesome my God is.

Honestly, right now the number one thing that's constantly at the forefront of my mind is getting a job. In a little less more than five months I'll will graduate and close one chapter of my life in order to open another. That's what I'm waiting for, yearning for. That's why I've paused life for now. I just want to get there, to be there. I've been called to minister and I just want to start now! While I'm in school my classes dictate my schedule and my tasks, and therefore my time and energy, and even though I'm sometimes able to carve out the time to minister, I want my focus to be ministry. I want more balance in life - to be more than just top heavy with brain functioning and to put my hands to work serving other people, loving people.

As of late, I've heard comments that have almost discouraged me and broken my heart. Comments that have had something to do with the difficulty I face in finding a job as a woman in ministry, or to my felt calling to work more specifically with youth and young adults, or to my relationship status, or background of experience, or...whatever. I've heard an overwhelming amount of positive things too, from my mentors and friends who are a constant support, encouragement, and motivation. Sometimes though, I hear so much that it's almost deafening.

When it finally reaches that point when it just about seems like it's too much to handle, time literally seems so play out in slow motion so that I can see each frame, each motion, each encounter moment by moment. It gives me perspective, allows me time to catch my breath, and exchange the weight of all my uncertainty for the reminder that my God is a god of order, assurance, and intentionality. When I just want to scream, "Take a risk on me! I'm worth it, I'm worth the risk! You can take a risk on me," to churches, conferences, to our church leaders, I'm reminded that it's all in God's hands. I've learned from that faith is not something you possess, it is something you do. It is active, not stationary (James 2:14-26). Therefore, since God has called me, then I must live by faith. I will not push or fight, for I have not been called to fight nor do I desire to put my energy into that sort of thing. But I will choose to believe that it's possible that God has something big, something huge in store for me! Maybe it's something ordinary, but something that needs to be done. Maybe it's small and He just needs someone willing. Whatever it is, I'm anxious for it, my heart burns for it.

And so, I'm thankful for those moments when life slows down to a crawl and lets me watch in slow motion. I'm thankful for a change of perspective and constant, continual reminders that God is who He says He is, that He's much bigger than I can wrap my head around, and that He really does have specific intentions laid out and purposed just for me if I'll just hang on and live by faith that He'll reveal things to me according to His perfect timing. I'm thankful for a better family, closer friendships, and impacting mentors than I could ever ask for who never cease to stretch my understanding of God and cause me to become more rooted in Him, more passionate for Him. Amidst all that life has to throw at us and uses to try to trip us up, God is still very much alive and at work. I'm thankful for life - all of it.

His Way Even in Farwells

2011-05-26T03:36:00.000-04:00

Sitting in a massive arena filled with over 8,000 teenage girls and chaperones, I remember that moment in Columbus, OH back in March 2011 so well. Britt Nicole walked out onto stage and sweetly, softly sang a song that tugged at everything within me. I had no idea how even more meaningful it would be a few months from then when my bags were packed, my office cleared out, and many tearful farewells ahead of me as I set off to fulfill a calling that led me away from a new-found home, away from Toledo First.

This past weekend was my last at Toledo. I remember back to February and March over a year ago and all my fears as to whether or not I was accepting this call to Toeldo because of my own desires or as I trusted God and His plan and purpose for my life. I vividly recall my fears of inadequacy, of incapability, of ineffectiveness, and of unworthiness. Since then, have all those fears been shattered? In some ways, no. But I am oh so confident that God, King of the Universe, Master and Creator, Savior and Redeemer, Alpha and Omega trumps any part of adequate or capable or effective or worthy that I could ever attempt to be. This has led me to recognize that His ways really aren't our ways, His thoughts truly aren't our thoughts, but they are bigger and better and because of, and only because of who He is, He equips us to accomplish everything that He has set out for us. Isn't that incredible!

My first weekend in Toledo I told the congregation that it was my heart's desire to serve them, but it was through that service that God has taught me so much through them. Their love and passion for God, their heart for reaching out to others in practical and intentional ways, and their vivaciousness for living life to the utmost fullest and most abundant has taught me more than I could have ever dreamt. I walk away with more than just memories to be cherished and lessons learned, but with deeply rooted friendships, a deeper understanding of my own calling to ministry, a more intimate walk with my Savior, and a transformed heart - molded by the God I've come to know more with each day and by the people He's placed in my life to teach me more about His love and grace, power and joy. It hasn't always been rosy, when God disciplines those He loves and calls for a specific purpose, the process is sometimes painful and difficult. But as God has been chiseling me out, especially over the last nine months, I have been a witness to things that are broken becoming beautiful and it all continues to be a testament to who He is and what He has done and is doing for us.

There was nothing I could do to prepare for this last weekend. I tried. I was organized and checked everything off my list as I accomplished different things to prepare to pack up and leave and to welcome our incoming youth pastor. But none of that prepared me for having to say farewell and separate from this place and people that have become another home to me. I broke down and cried days before that against all my struggles to keep it all together and be strong for my kids like I had convinced myself. Above everything else I wanted all the praise and honor and glory to be credited to God and to share what He has done in me through this church family, and I wanted them to know just how much they meant to me. I realize now that its something I'll be spending my whole life shouting by the way I live and the person they've all helped me to become. And so, I was inundated with hugs and tears, with cards of appreciation, words of affirmation, and acknowledgement of what God has done through me. But the thing that really got to me was the kids. They stood up to sing and I new it was going to be bad, bad as in lots of shed tears, but in fact it led to a room full of wet eyes and tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. As they sang, "Thank You for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed," all I could do was praise God. How awesome is He! We took goofy pictures, posed pictures, candid pictures...all kinds of pictures. Not so that I wouldn't forget the shapes and curves of their faces, but so that I could hold on to that moment, to look into their eyes and replay it over and over again, and to remember how good God is.

Even though I don't want to go, to walk away from my other home at Toledo First, I am absolutely confident that God will go on guiding and directing my path and theirs. He will go on being good. Being our chisel. And continuing to call us each to do great things through His power and strength, love and grace. So, my prayer is that God has His way and that I (we) trust Him in whatever that is.

Born Again

2011-05-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

Alex Peppard, baptized April 30, 2011. A beautiful example and role model for his peers that God's love compels us and His grace is sufficient for us all. When I first met Alex and realized we could talk about hockey and cars, I knew we would be good friends. Now, after only a few months our conversations cover a range of topics but always include God. Not because it's intentional per say, but because Alex's life is permeated with a love for Christ and a realization of what He's done for us. On this very special day, it was my privilege and honor as Alex's Youth Pastor and friend to baptize him into the Kingdom and into the family of God for everyone to witness. He's decided to become a member of the Toledo First family and with their constant love and support, He will continue to grow in a deeply rooted faith. Praise the Lord!

The Imprints of Kids

2011-05-06T08:05:00.000-04:00

Life is a composition. We've heard it many times. Whether it's a song or a story with various chapters, how you look at it isn't as important as what you see when your heart is really opened to the experiences. It's made up of those simple, yet profound moments that paralyze time. Those moments are so impacting they are either to be sweetly cherished or begrudgingly unforgotten. Either way, they've made their lasting imprint, branded onto our person's with physical scars or imprinted on hearts, sewn in as part of the fabric of who we are...Sometimes it's the specific moments that stick with us, and other times a person is just so full of something unique and special that it makes them stand out every time you see them. That's the way it is with my kids.

Sh: Skypes me in the middle of the week just to say, "Hi Pastor Anna!" in the shrills of her happy voice.
Al: Blurted out how excited he was to be turning 10 soon because he'll finally be able to come to my Sabbath school class.
Sh: Asks for/gives me a hug every week without fail.
Da: Never ceases to surprise me/make me laugh every time he comes in to scavenge a pocketful of candy off my office desk.
E: Went so much deeper with me than I could have expected last week while we were at Applebees enjoying our spinach dip and chicken fingers.
Al, Br, Ty: So often talk about Jesus without reservation or regret and mention how excited they are for him to come again soon.
Ke, Al, Br: Full of so much energy and passion for life and having fun that they challenge me to keep up, loosen up, and enjoy everything.
Cl: Is quiet and reserved still, but when she smiles I could stop everything just to allow that smile to clear my head of every worry or concern, every attempt to do things out of my own power, and melt down my walls to the point where I'm completely vulnerable with my kids.
Sy: Challenges me to love unconditionally.
Jo & Ly: When they come in to my office (probably for candy) but end up hanging out with me, telling me about their day/week, watching short YouTube clips, looking at my pictures, telling stories and jokes, trying on my big "Youth Pastor Sunglasses" or tossing around a football - they have no idea how that completely makes my five minutes, my day, my week, my year.
Ca: Tells me every once in a while how frustrated she is with a classmate or friend, asks for my advice, and makes me so proud when she handles herself so maturely.
An: Waltzes into class each Sabbath morning, a fashionista with a smile that's worth a million bucks, tells me about the latest breakdance outbreak at school and totally captivates me by her beauty inside as well as out.
La: Has her walls and is careful to guard herself, but now she'll have a conversation with me, smile and laugh, and especially laugh at how much of a goofball I am as she comments on my heels for that week lol.
Al: His unmistakeable love for Christ led him to want to be baptized and sets such a great example for his peers.
Ry: Is constantly talking about how he last got in trouble for shooting someone with his air-soft gun, picking on his sisters, or some other kind of prank and although he's got a macho boy attitude, his honesty and openness push me to admit my mistakes and shortfalls too.
Za: My little mother hen. Wherever she goes it seems, there's always a little one clinging to her and I've never once heard her complain about it. Instead, her gentle, quiet spirit allows her to be a very good role model and friend.
Ma: Wraps her arms around my legs and will go anywhere I go.
Yu: Gives me the longest, strongest bear hug possible.
Ma: Is always asking me to hurry up and finish whatever I'm doing so we can play together.
Me & Jo: Aren't afraid to make faces at me whenever we're together, but especially in Pathfinders.
Ka: Doesn't ever have much expression or a whole lot of enthusiasm most of the time, but she's so smart it always blows my mind.
Jo & Ni: Are a little shy, but always bright smiles and aren't at all afraid to pray in public.
Ri: Is quiet and laid back, but when he speaks, it's profound, thoughtful, and moving.
Ca: Will run up to me, grab my hand, and then jump into the air wanting me to catch her and hold up on my hip just so we can chat.

More than anything else just about, these are the moments that have paralyzed time for me at one point or another within these nine months, and because of that, these kids are forever imprinted on my heart.

My "Little Lights" Photo Shoot

2011-04-02T15:02:00.000-04:00

"I AM the Light of the World"

My little lights.

My little mooses.

My little sillies ;)

Untied

2011-04-02T01:25:00.002-04:00

Life is never what you expect. When the unexpected shows up on your doorstep to turn things upside down, you can be left empty, begrudged, unkind, unforgiving, hurt, disappointed, and broken. And when this happens, we usually hold on to these emotions for as long as we can as some kind of excuse - an excuse to not face our own selves. Our fears, our pain, our mistakes, and our own hurting someone we care for. I myself have been holding on to something for a long time. Like everyone else who holds on to something, I thought I had my justifiable reasons. I’d talked myself into why I should be allowed to hold on to it until I’d been holding on to it for so long that I’d become numb. All that changes a person, makes them into something they’re not. God has a marvelous way though of interceding so that we don’t continue to live a life of heartache or regret. I believe that in His own way and in His own time, He brings everything together so that we can discover that this isn’t the way we want to live or what we want to be. That we don’t have to live tethered to our pain, disappointment, grudges, regrets, or brokenness.

The film An Unfinished Life with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman is the story of the several individuals who are all holding on to something that keeps them from really living. Throughout the course of the movie, the characters help each other to discover how to release themselves from an anchor in an unfulfilling, unhappy life. There is freedom and peace in their forgiveness. And towards the end of the film, one of the characters murmurs, “…I had a dream about flying. I got so high I could see where the blue turns black. From up there, you could see all there is. And it looked like there was a reason for everything.”

I don’t know why everything happens, nor do I have answers to it all. But one thing is certain and I feel like Paul must’ve had similar experiences in order to be assured in this that, “We are God’s masterpieces. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago,” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT). God’s masterpieces? Some days I hardly feel like I would even classify as the abstract art people walk by and say, “This is art?” No really, masterpieces. You are God’s masterpiece. I am God’s masterpiece. He creatively designed and crafted you to be just exactly uniquely you. And along with that, He has made it possible, by giving up His Son to die on the cross, to live lives that reek with purpose – each one again unique.

I now see just a glimpse of the huge extent He has planned for my life, everything that He’s bringing to a slow culmination. And because of that, with my whole being I am humbled. My feelings of unworthiness and incapability, however, are swept over by a holy boldness to do nothing short of what He’s specifically and purposely called me to do. As I finally untie my own tether, I’m ready to let go of my excuses and what it is that I’ve been holding on to, everything that’s kept me from really living the life God intended for me. And, I’m ready to keep on doing what God has called me to, and to excitedly watch as He continues to reveal more of it all the time. God is good. Praise the Lord, oh my soul.

What about you? What are you holding on to? What regrets or disappointments, mistakes or grievances, pain and heartaches haven’t you been able to forgive? In His own way, and in His own time, may you come to be able to release you white-knuckled grip and let go. Do you know you’re a masterpiece of the Creator? If so, do you live like it? To be a masterpiece doesn’t mean you have to have it all together or figured out – sometimes the most beautiful art is what seems so chaotic and disorderly. It is to give credit to the Artist’s signature, and to recognize that each brush stroke or craft piece or whatever, was placed with purpose to make the artwork whole. And, do you know that God has the ability to dwell where the “blue turns black” and has a plan for your life that will blow your mind if you allow Him to have control? Untie yourself from everything you hold on to, from everything that life has unexpectedly thrown at you, and trust in Him – He will be your guide.

SDA NAD Campus Ministries Convention

2011-03-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

The who: This year's North American Division Campus Ministries Convention (long for super enthusiastic, energetic, and growing group of college students with a mission to serve and minister along with their mentor chaplains) was held in Seattle, WA.

The more specific who: Representatives from each Adventist college/university campus ministries team.

The theme: "Grounded.Growing.Going."

The nickname: NADCMC which quickly evolved into the phrase, "This is totally NAD!"

One of the spawns of our time together: a Facebook group.

From left to right: goof, goof, goof lol...

But seriously - Tash, Anna C, Anna R, Pastor Rich ("PR"), Seth, Mikey!

Rosario Beach in Anacortes, WA approximately one hour north of Seattle

Cabins and Lodge

Tash, Anna, and I stayed in the middle cabin

More of the facilities on campus.

One of those beautiful homes better go on the market soon, cause I'll be coming back to stay ;)

We were so seriously focused off in the distance once we finally got the camera situated then Seth blurted out:

"Look majestic!"

Followed by...

Bahah ahhah tee hee hee lol rotfl...

"And just how are we supposed to look Majestic?!?! What does that even mean?!?!"

Just the escape I needed.

Rejuvenation.

Papa Speyer, Anna Banana, Jolee Giggly, and Homeboy Tommy!

The reunited Grecians.

A gorgeous Sabbath morning on our ferry to Orcas Island.

"Taking pictures to create memories!"

Us Annas ;)

45 minutes later we arrived on Orcas Island, hopped on our shuttles, and drove to the other side of the island.

Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!

The picture perfect Orcas Island SDA Chapel.

Mr. Seagull as he did a one over on me and mentally said, "Mine?!?"

The CMC all over and everyone headed home...except for us!

We had all day Sunday to wait for our red eye flight so we packed as much fun into our day as possible...well, except for the Seattle Aquarium (sorry Seth lol).

First stop...Mt. Rainier.

With 200+ feet of snow on top of the mountain this year, it was no surprise that the road up the mountain was just about a tunnel!

Not a chance! Don't believe it for a second!

Next stop: the infamous Pike Place Market!

Unfortunately, we arrived a little too late and they weren't throwing fish around anymore, but that just means we'll have to come back again, right!?!

Rachel the Pig - apparently there's something special about her, we just haven't figured out what yet.

Stop #3: The very first Starbucks!

I gave John a heads up that we were in his territory and he came out to join us for the evening.

And so, John suggested that we had to go visit the Gum Wall! We didn't just visit though, we went all out and even left our UC mark!

Last stop for the day - the Space Needle, and we didn't just look up at it ;)

From up top the view of the city and water is simply breathtaking at night!

Five days in WA: a beautiful, rejuvenating, encouraging, and motivating time to reunite with all kinds of friends, make new acquaintances and connections, digest the words of powerful speakers, worship in community and individually, encounter the magnificence of the surrounding nature, plan, share ideas, learn from elders and mentors, and ultimately become more "grounded," continue "growing," and never before felt more powerfully unleashed to "go!"

And "GO!" I will.

"Light Bulb!"

2011-03-23T11:44:00.001-04:00

I was recently visiting with an extraordinary pair in the rehab center as usual on Tuesdays. As routine as these days are, set aside for a specific purpose, there's nothing routine about what God teaches me on these days. So, after chit-chat and conversation about the gloomy Toledo weather, the usual aches and pains, the barely satisfactory meals, et cetera momentarily interrupted by the witty humor and charm of our little group, Dave picked up the worn, well marked Bible on the nightstand. He turned to a favorite chapter. As he began to read Matthew 5, I thought of how well I knew the passage myself. Picturing my own Bible, I knew many of the verses were marked and notes scrawled in tiny print took up the white space in the margins. But as he read this time, something new touched my heart.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men..."

Matthew 5:14-15

Here were two people we visit on a regular basis. Often times, the window in their room is darkened by closed blinds for whatever reason. However, every week the light of their character, attitudes, and faith linger with me and draw me back to soak it all up again. Sin in this world has tried to steal their light as the aging process usually means isolation, constant aches and pains, and a yearning for what was as the realization that time remaining dwindles. But as ugly as that is, as cruel as it is, I realized yesterday that it still hasn't stolen their light. God is bigger period. God does not wait until we're old enough to understand everything about Him, nor does He take off once we've lived the usual checklist coarse of life. He is the beginning and the end. He has victory over sin and over evil. His light shines not just in spite of the darkness but because of it. His light pierces the darkness. His light never has to be replaced, recycled, or made brighter. Because, His light is constant. As I looked into the faces of these two it was evidence enough for me...that His light, it never dies.

Progress Report

2011-03-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

This weekend will officially mark my seventh month here at the Toledo First SDA Church! I can't believe how quickly time has flown by. In such a short amount of time, I've been embraced with the love of many. My house hosts have taken me in as they're own daughter and my gratitude and thankfulness goes beyond what I am able to express. There are those who have given me friendship that allows us to know each other deeply, to have great fun together, and to challenge each other to be better, to live more fully, and continuously lift each other up in prayer. Though we have no physical relation to each other, I call them My Family.

Then there are those who are about 1-2.5 feet shorter than I with pigtails or ponytails, flowing dresses or little suits, big smiles and dazzling eyes, mouths moving at a thousand miles and hour and energy replenishing abilities we wish we could harness to cut our utility bills. Or, they're about 10 years younger than I and are vibrant with a yearning to discover life and have the absolute most fun they can. Though they have no physical relation to me, I call them My Kids.

Full-time ministry is no joke, and actually, my senior pastor and I laugh often when we list off all the things that are on our minds and conclude with: "These are the things that keep me awake at night." It's a deep passion for people, for Christ, for leading people to Christ, and in the process sharing in life together. That kind of passion easily drives a person like me to spend incredible time dreaming and casting visions for the ministries that are taking place in our church, coordinating weekly programs, connecting with church members, parents, and kids on a regular basis, etc. etc. etc. until the week is a faded memory and an actual, literal, "this is it, don't blow it, and don't schedule anything" day off comes so few and far between that sometimes you wonder how you've been able to keep on going.

In the past, especially last school year, I remember being so overloaded that I often so low on energy, mental ability, and emotional strength that I was actually running on fumes. But it's so laughable to me how God knew exactly what I needed and opened the doors for me to spend this time away from the world of academia to come to Toledo First just to focus on serving. Very vividly, I remember Pastor Mike introducing me to the church on my first weekend here and asking me to come up to say a few things. Walking up to the podium I felt nervous, anxious, and so small but I spoke from my heart and said, "I'm so excited to be here and to serve you." It is a service I do not to elevate myself whatsoever, but to bring all glory and honor to God as people see His power work in our lives in such mighty and marvelous and mysterious ways. And in the process, I've found that it's made my life so much more full and abundant. To have so much love for people, and especially for "my kids," and to have that so much so reciprocated...It's brought me overflowing joy.

This isn't to say that ministry and servanthood is without challenges, struggles, and pain - because it often is - and so much so that it can be draining. That's where a daily growing and stretching relationship with Christ shines the brightest. My interest in reading the Bible and internalizing scripture and discovering the characters of Biblical heroes even more fully has escalated to something I look forward to making the time for. So, I'm learning to balance my busy days by also taking care of myself:

Cooking
Exercising
Spending time with my Ohio family or skyping my Minnesota family and Union friends
Baking (especially cupcakes!)
Crafting
Exploring nearby parks & recreation or trip planning (camping, backpacking, biking, Ireland)
Actually sticking to a sleep schedule that allows me to feel rested and energetic the next day!
It's also a great stress reliever to read - read for fun, read religious and spiritual books, and/ or read books written by other youth pastors.
Another thing I'm in to is Sudoku and Mahjong...Why? You ask. Because so one of the most stressful things about ministry is that it's never finished...and it feels so great to actually finish something once in a while and challenge my brain with something that's not as intricate or complex as people. It feels so great to accomplish something every once in a while.

Am I always balanced...HA! Am I always on top of things...Yeah Right! Is my passion for people and life always a good thing...I wish! But, I'm only human and if I look at things from a different angle, all of this is just part of living the kind of life Christ talked about and someone found intriguing enough and inspired enough to copy down to be a reminder for us...to live abundantly. Allow Him to struggle with you through the challenges and unpleasantries and painful circumstances, allow Him to build you up and fuel you with an unquenchable passion and energy for life and for serving others, and allow Him to somehow enable you to look at all of that combined and learn to have fun with it instead of stressing over it if we keep our eyes on Him.

Just a heads up...March is so full of exciting things and I want you to be enthusiastic and prayerful about these things right along with me:

Ongoing: Search for someone to fill the Youth Pastor role in two months when my time here comes to an end.
Ongoing: Planning and prep as I return to North Star Camp as Assistant Director & Programming Director!
March 10: My little sis comes for a visit to Toledo!
March 12: Talent Show
Ongoing: Baptismal lessons with my kids!
March 16: My trip to Seattle for the NAD Campus Ministries Convention where I'll reunite with Union friends!
March 25-26: Teen girl's spiritual retreat weekend with the Revolve Tour in Columbus, OH!
March 31: Dare I say...my 22nd birthday!
Ongoing: Just pray for the et cetera.

I wish for an outpour of blessings on your this March and pray that even through the tough times you'll be able to notice them and feel the presence and nearness of One who loves you so infinitely.

Things I Love

2011-02-15T02:02:00.000-05:00

In light of this special holiday, I've chosen to jot down a few things that I love in no specific order and not to the full extent of my favorites:

ice in my oj
puddle jumping
pancakes
care packages
www.amazon.com
the feel and scent of clean sheets
dark chocolate
heels
cupcakes
www.savethewords.org
tropical candles
tropical lotions
tropical vacations :)
penguins
www.smories.com
football, especially the MN Vikings
camping
butter pecan ice cream
diy (do it yourself) blogs
www.forestmood.com
coffee
road trips
chapstick
scarves
http://devour.com/video/worlds-widest-slip-slide/
getting mail
cloud spotting
tiramisu
giving things
www.creativeyouthideas.com
whipped cream (what we like to call whooping cream!)
playing catch
going barefoot
washing dishes
www.ruffledblog.com
sailboats
christmas & thanksgiving
scrapbooking
reading
www.1x.com
mopeds
italy
surprises
quilts
www.esty.com
snyder's pretzels
poppies
eggs benedict
charlie brown, snoopy, and woodstock
www.8tracks.com
barnes and noble
the smell of each season
backpacking
harry connick jr
www.stumbleupon.com
the combination of milk duds and coke
chinese, mexican, indian food
glass bottles
perch and fries
www.eggwatchers.com
"You've Got Mail"
summer camp
picnics
smoothies
www.worshiphousemedia.com
gelato
apple orchards
things that remind me of the sea
bright colors
www.nationalgeographic.com
star gazing
spaghetti
peanut butter, bagels, and peanut butter on bagels
campfires
www.allaboutbirds.org
horseback riding
sunrises and sunsets
peanut butter in my cherios
clear umbrellas
www.thesource4ym.com
Robert Frost and William Butler Yeats
trail mix
snow
greece
www.dltk-kids.com
getting flowers
vintage bobby pins
cowboy boots & hats
seattle
www.hostels.com
flying, trekking, hiking...traveling!
cookouts, including worthington original grillers, deviled eggs, and baked beans
grammas and granpas
bernese mountain dogs and border collies
www.travelchannel.com
pecan pie
theater performances
sleepovers
paydays
people - especially kids, family, and true friends
the one thing that encompasses everything I love because He first loved me and always has - God.

The Revolve Tour

2011-02-14T00:07:00.000-05:00

It's pumpin through my blood today, the excitement that comes from knowing that the Revolve Tour is just around the corner for us now. I've got tickets, chaperones, a place for us to stay overnight, and the girls are getting excited! Friday March 25 and Saturday the 26th, I'm taking a group of teen girls down to Columbus, OH where we're going to join thousands of other girls to sing, put our arms up in the air, listen to some fantastic Christian speakers and musicians, and just let loose and have a great time together! Of course, as a youth pastor I've got ulterior motives and lots of intentionality and meaning behind this seemingly innocent girls weekend, but that's for me to know and for the girls to discover on their own, haha.

As I was driving home last night from church and our special Valentines concert to benefit Haiti as we partner with the New Hope SDA church, I heard a song on the radio from one of the artists who's going to be at the Revolve Tour. I admit, that I turned up the radio to sing with the song and let it all out, did a little jig even in my seat as the words of the song brought so much meaning and intensified my excitement for this upcoming girls weekend all the more. Over the last couple of weeks, I've been doing a lot of work for this big event which includes listening to a lot of songs by the musicians who are going to charge up our girls even more than what they're on fire right now. One thing I've realized that these songs aren't just catchy beats that start us tapping our toes and then dancing all around our rooms unseen, but the messages within the songs and the lives of the musicians are true testaments to the God who has given them such outstanding talents and allows them to share it all with us to be a blessing and an inspiration. I hope and pray that you'll get excited right along with me for this life-changing weekend God is working out for our girls, that you'll find encouragement, rejuvenating strength, and deep meaning from the songs and stories of these few musicians/artists, and that you'll share in my anticipation for what God has in store not only for this special weekend, but for all that God has in mind for you and me - for the thoughts and ways and paths that are so much higher than our own!

The Revolve Tour: Check it out, this is what we're going to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQWtyxFRyls&feature=player_embedded

Featured Artist #1: Jamie Grace

Find out more about her incredible story at http://www.jamie-grace.com/home.

Featured Artist #2: Group 1 Crew

This is a group I've just recently gotten into since a couple of my girls really love this style of music; they're out-of-the-box and may make some people feel uncomfortable, but the messages of their music are rock solid. Find out more about them at http://www.group1crew.com/#p=crew.

Featured Artist #3: Britt Nicole

I've always loved Britt Nicole - her style and music is so vibrant and lovely. Find out more about her at http://www.brittnicole.com/ (definitely check out her blog too!)

Who else is going to be there?...I couldn't give all the excitement away in one day now could I. Check back for more!

What Love Really Means

2011-02-11T01:29:00.001-05:00

Artist: JJ Heller, acoustic version.

I usually don't pay much attention to Valentines day, in fact, I'm usually in favor of skipping over it or paying little attention to it. But this year I have a posy of little rug-rats eagerly anticipating sweet things and pretty cards and sappy love verses. So, I find myself in a frenzy making red and pink cards for each one, baking my next batch of fun cupcakes, and designing special gifts for a classroom of kids that will be accompanying Dave and I to the nursing home on Tuesday. In this last week of focusing my efforts on a holiday I haven't needed to spend a lot of time on before, I've not only been inundated by shades of pink and red, frilly lacy things, heart-shaped things, and chocolately things, I've also been inundated with this song. In the last week, each time I've hopped into my car and tuned into K-Love at a decibel that drowns out the rest of my life, this song has come on and because of it's repetitiveness on the radio, it's seemed to have also been put on automatic replay in my head. I've gone around all week with this song accompanying me everywhere I go. And along the way I've thought of another variation:

She cries in her car where she hopes no one sees;
She’s the girl with the story no one would believe.
She prays every night “Dear God won’t you please...
Could you send someone here who will love me?”

Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become.
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love -
What love really means.

She replays what’s happened in several years past;
She’s a woman whose heart has had many scars.
She’s given away love with no want in return,
Except patiently waiting to be loved back.
And she says…

Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love -
What love really means.

She sits all alone just like everyday;
She’s a woman who acts like its all okay.
She finally understands that she’s got to forgive…
Forgive the one that wasn’t able to love her back.

Then she heard a voice somewhere deep inside.
And it said, “I know you’re lonely,
And I know your pain.”
“And I have watched you suffer and patiently wait,
And now that you’ll listen I’ll tell you that I...”

I will love you for you.
Not for what you have done or what you will become.
I will love you for you.
I will give you the love, the love that you’ve never known.

What's your story? What are your what if's; your should have's; your mess ups? What keeps you from being able to hear, to really hear that voice that so badly yearns for you to understand His unconditional love for you? There's nothing you can do to make Him love you more and there's nothing you can do to make Him love you less. No matter the emptiness, loneliness, mistakes, or regrets we hold on to or can't seem to shake, He is ever present, ever mindful of our condition, and longs to embrace us in a tenderness that seems to make everything else fade away. You see, for me, the traditional Valentines holiday things don't carry a whole lot of weight or meaning much of the time, but the day to day interactions, affection, and shared love that are really meaningful. Each of us has a different past, a specific story, is headed a different direction, and is unique in every way thus love is different for all of us except that we all need to receive it and give it away. So to you, as God has walked with you every step of the way and continues to do so, what does love really mean? And what would your version of the song say...?

Souper Bowl of Caring

2011-02-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

It's my favorite sport so of course I watch the big game each February! Super Bowl Sunday is a staple in my life no matter which teams end up going the distance. This still a someday hopeful Minnesota Vikings fan will keep watching until the day comes when the purple and gold take the field for that big game. But all this aside, I participated in this year's Super Bowl in an even more meaningful way...

Toledo First partnered with Souper Bowl of Caring this year to help tackle hunger right here in Toledo, Ohio. This cause is much more widespread and has canvassed the entire nation with donations reaching $10 million last year raised by teens, schools, and churches from all over who want to make an impact in their local communities. Donations of non-perishable foods and cash are given directly to local food banks and shelves where people who need it the most can have access to it. Thanks to our own kids, church members and even partnering with Christ the Word who rents our building for their worship services we were able to raise...

350 cans and $150!

Just another way to preach the gospel through our lives and shouting to everyone we meet that God loves them like crazy!

Tuesday Blessings

2011-02-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

I distinctly remember Sabbath being my absolute favorite day of the week last year since it was a day to preach, cook, catch up with friends, and just rejuvenate. This year however, picking a favorite day of the week is just too difficult. Wednesdays are either work from coffeehouse, bookstore, or home days where I do a lot of reading to emotionally and spiritually prep for the different ministries and programs I lead during the week. The finishing touch to these days are an evening Pathfinder/Adventure meeting where we're always teaching a new skill or honor. Thursday is an office day where Dee, Pastor Mike and I put all the finishing touches on the weekend's events. Friday I spend picking up supplies and setting up my rooms before worship practice in the evening. Sabbaths are a highlight and full of Sabbath School breakfasts with my kids, teaching a fun Bible story for KidConnect, singing with my praise team, stupendous meals, and rowdy evening game nights/movie nights/or whatever. Sunday is a day off (maybe) and a chance to catch up on rest, listen to Pastor Mike's sermon, watch football, and run errands. Monday is often our day to get together with a group of angelic ladies who volunteer their time to help me put together 200 sandwiches which I then take, together with a handful of kids from the church school, down to the Cherry Street Mission where we feed soup, a sandwich, salad, and a dessert to 150+ homeless people off the streets in downtown Toledo. It's just another way we do ordinary outreach and show others that God loves them like crazy! Then we come to Tuesday. Tuesday is another office day where church members can expect to find us huddled around space heaters in our offices doing our best to stay warm against the frigid winter cold that so easily seeps into the church. We begin with a staff meeting where we share our highs and lows from the previous week, spend special time in prayer for our church leaders, ministries, church family, and personal requests, read the sermon text and throw out ideas to the pastor on point, and sync calendars. Then, it's time for the real fun to begin. Dave and I hop in the car and get to work - it's visitation day! We have fifteen or more people that we visit on a very regular basis and whenever someone associated with the church is admitted to a hospital or care facility, we are glad to pay them a visit just to let them know that we care. There are good days full of laughter and smiles, and there are sad days clouded by sadness and the effects of age. But each Tuesday I learn so much about the character of God through His children that it is a blessing I cherish and anticipate each week.

Gloria is one of the sweetest women I know. Christ shining through her is the true cause of her absolute radiance. She is a constant reminder of His tender love and care and a blessing to visit each week.

Full of optimism and whit, Careen keeps us on our toes and doesn't believe in dull moments. She has a joy for life that one can't possibly side-step.

Admittedly, we like to save Chuck and Pearl for last because they are so special and unique. There's is a mother/son bond that is so evident and strong. They've been taking care of and watching out for each other for years and their love runs deep because of it.

Pearl's always on my side when it comes to giving Dave a hard time, maybe that's why I like her so much. Na, it's her quiet but whitty charm, vivaciousness, and endless love that makes life seem so vibrant and lush. It's the way she says, "Goodbye! Thanks for coming kids! (Referring to Dave and I). I love you!" That melts my heart and keeps me coming back for more hoping to learn more from her every second I spend with her.

Super Bowl - Go Pack!

2011-02-08T01:26:00.001-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah - you don't have to tell me. I already felt awkward enough wearing the green and yellow instead of my pride and joy purple and gold; however, as a true fan of the great NFC (and partially as a family obligation thanks to good ol' Daddy) I was very proud on this one occasion, to cheer for the Pack! Since Daddy's from Green Bay, I have deep roots with the Cheese Heads, but Daddy always said my head was big enough already that I didn't have to wear a cheese on my head haha! The Steelers however, are apparently a big deal here in Toledo (I still have yet to figure out WHY!) And so, upon my first Super Bowl party here at Toledo First, I decided we needed to go big or go home!

Surrounded by Steelers fans! What will I do?!?!

At halftime, they decided we could still be friends...after the game, I hoped, it would still be the case ;)

Tension was thick as the snowfall in Toledo this year!

Partners in crime - Shelly and I tromped all throughout the mall looking for t-shirts on separate occasions and came out with the same shirt! We whooped and hollered all night long! Go Pack!

My kids have forgiven me for cheering against their favorite team, but Daddy, I fear, won't ever let me live down the fact that the Pack has won how many more Super Bowls than the Vikes? Oh dear me!

But, my job isn't done yet. Tomorrow it's time to count all the hundreds of soup cans that were brought in my Super Bowl fans to help us tackle hunger here in Toledo as we partner with Souper Bowl of Caring 2011! Did we meet our goal? Will I have to go winter camping as I promised? Tune in tomorrow and find out...

Girls Sleepover!

2011-02-08T01:10:00.000-05:00

Plans had been in the works for several weeks and when the day finally came around for girls to have our sleepover, not even eight inches of new snow could keep us from accomplishing everything on our ultimate list. Right after the regular Sabbath morning routine, the three teenage girls from church who were able to come piled into Bonnie (along with ALL their luggage) and we made the trip out to the country to Dave and Sheila's farm! Since I was trying to keep a cold at bay, and the snow was still coming down heavily, we decided to cozy up next to the fireplace for the afternoon to hang out, look at pictures, and play a few games.

Thus far, it's been the snowiest winter Toledo's had in many years - there's something to be said about being a Minnesotan!

Pastor Anna's mischievous face - these girls don't have a clue as to what I've got planned for them tonight! It's all been a surprise!

Ladonna, Shay, and Em!

Ta da!

Alright! I'm starved! Pastor Anna's gonna make her signature Quesadillas! Let's get rollin!

Got to make sure the cheese tastes right!

Mmmmmm! Delish!

Em had a rather difficult time figuring out how to use the can opener - we however, got a real good laugh about it!

All afternoon all I heard was, "Pastor Anna, can we PLEASE open our gifts?!?!" When supper was all gobbled up, the time they had much anticipated finally came. Inside these little gifts they found all the necessities for a Spa Night!

To start off our Spa Night - I whipped up some homemade facial masks out of uncooked oatmeal and plain Greek yogurt - can't forget the cucumber slices!

We set the mood - turned on some great music, turned down the lights, and the girls got comfy while I applied their goopy facials.

It was the only silence we had all night ;)

Each of them actually fell asleep they were so comfy!

They had no idea what Pastor Anna was up to while they snoozed - mwah ah ah!

Then it was time for nails! No Spa Night is complete without everyone doing each other's nails, and let me tell you, Ladonna is the nail queen! Em got white tips and cherry decals, Shay painted patriotic colors, I went green and yellow for the Packers and the Super Bowl!

And, then we got really goofy!

Sheila even joined in on the fun!

We like to call this one - Hernia in the Mouth!

After this, it was time for ice cream and fudge to go along with our movie - the classic Pride and Prejudice! 2am rolled around and the eyelids were starting to droop as the movie finally finished - a couple of them had already drifted off into sleep. So it was upstairs we went, to the chilly farmhouse rooms, and peaceful sleep!

Morning rolled around, the snow had finally stopped, and our stomachs were already growling again - must have been all the laughter! So Sheila and I set about making pancakes and waffles, scrambled eggs, and homemade hash browns! Mm m m! Fuel for shopping!

We boogied on back into town to the Franklin Park/Westfield Mall and shopped, shopped, shopped! And what's an absolute must when shopping...?

Trying on sunglasses!

Em picked out these classy blue shades for me...loved them!

We LoVe hats!

Look at all those bags!

Shopping trip complete! We've finally dropped! But not before they bought some bling!

Our day wasn't quite finished though...just two hours before the Super Bowl party! Time to go get ready!

Warning: Girl's sleepover may cause host and planning participants face's to become disfigured due to a severe amount of laughter, good times, and enthusiastic energy! This type of strenuous activity is not suggested for the faint at heart. Talk to a Youth Pastor if you experience any reoccurring facial disfigurement, fatigue, or ridiculously splendid ideas of doing this again anytime soon - I know exactly how you feel ;)

Thumbs up for Stumble!

2011-02-04T21:25:00.002-05:00

I admit to having the following addiction: stumbling. Yes, yes if you know me well enough, you know that tripping and falling and hitting my big toe are some of my unique attributes. But this time, I'm talking about the application "Stumble!" This application allows you to choose from your favorite categories, subjects, and topics and then randomly searches the internet to find websites that you would probably find appealing. Not only is this a fantastic way to pass the time or blow a couple of minutes, but for some of us, namely me, this exciting adventure can easily turn into an addiction. I wouldn't go as far to say that this is an unhealthy addiction yet seeing as it does not consume me, however it is one of those things that helps me take a short break from my routine and usually hectic days to discover some unique things.

This weeks "Stumble!" finding favorites include (but are definitely not limited to)...

Think of this as the only early morning picture you'll ever get of Anna.

My mantra!

I immediately thought: "Shreen! (aka: Serena Stevens)" when I discovered this little picture of joy!

Not one of mine, but what I feel like after a day spent with my kiddos ;)

Not quite Toledo First, but beautiful none the less. So serene, peaceful, and still.

You read my mind! Only you missed the Pituitary Gland which should be marked: "Work from favorite coffee house!"

Some of the best advice I got this week was: "Finish Strong!" That's exactly what I intend to do! And while I work towards that, I'm going to make sure to enjoy every moment along the way.

Nine months and nine days - that's how long I will have been here at Toledo First when my time as a Task Force Youth Pastor comes to an end. As I told Sierra Hatcher during my interview for our Union College newspaper, God gave me more than I could have ever imagined. The saying pictured above is true in so many ways. As a Youth Pastor I'm seen doing many things than don't usually fit the profile of a "pastor." I do a lot of playing: a girl's sleepover and spa night, shopping, etc.; crazy out-of-the-box Super Bowl party advertisements where one of my 11 year old boys is slow motion running down the aisle of the church to make a "touchdown" on stage; baking something different each week for breakfast at our Junior/Earliteen's Sabbath School class - the list could go on and on. Yeah, I'm having a ton of fun, but I there's a lot of intentionality, purpose, and meaning that goes behind most of what I do. And a lot of it comes down to this one thing: merging into the lives of those I've been brought here to serve, to guide, and to befriend, and to build relationships with them that will last far beyond the time that I'm here for.

The moral of the story is: One can always find something good when one chooses to "Stumble!" God's always got crazy ways of reminding us, teaching us, guiding us, and showing His ultimate, unconditional love for us.

P.S. I got this link today from a friend - another testament to what God can do when you willing walk through the doors that He opens for you! Union College Newspaper - The Clocktower, January Edition

The Crave

2011-01-31T10:29:00.000-05:00

Whether I'm out on my morning fitness routine or driving in from the country, the early morning hours have so much to teach me. This morning in particular, I sat behind the wheel and slowly made my way into town. I wasn't in a rush. Didn't have much on my mind. Wasn't carrying a weight around on my shoulders. It was just me, the road, the quiet hush of the radio, and a gorgeous sunrise. Driving east, I had a front row, panoramic view of the burst of colors - deep red, brilliant orange, and a flash of pink, yellow, purple, and deep blue against the wall of grey clouds sunrise fought to push out of its way. On the radio a couple of my favorite songs played and, as is so easy for me to do, I was captured by the meaning and beauty of the harmony of words and music and began to sing as if no one were listening. Something triggered a thought, or inspiration if you would like to call it, and as soon as I got into the church office this morning, I went to work flipping through my books, searching and investigating what so deeply intrigued me.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well." The word seek, as I discovered this morning, means to "look for," "desire," or even "to crave." I pondered that for a while - To crave the kingdom of God. Oh yes Lord. I crave it. I crave it not only as something in the future as we yearn for heaven and the new earth. But just as importantly, I crave it now!

January has been a bustling month for us here at Toledo First:

Poverty classes
Winter Olympics game night
International Food Festival
Haven of Hope planning
Budget and Finance meetings
Pathfinder pottery honors
Finishing our Soup for You book: Hurt People Hurt People
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

And February is just as full:

Teen girls sleepover with Pastor Anna
Souper Bowl of Caring & Super Bowl party
Valentines for Haiti & Mary Grace Concert
TJA Family Film night
Tobaggoning at Pokagon at 30 mi/hour!
New Pathfinder honor - Braiding & Lanyards
New Soup for You book: It's All About Him
And anything else we can possibly fit into the month!

Every week as Thursdays in the office are usually spent gearing up for the 12-14 hour Sabbath that is to come, and Friday passes all too quickly as it's filled with TJA chapel, a list of errands, and worship practice, Sabbath comes and it's a mix of emotions. My body says "ugh!" but my heart and my mind jump for joy because finally, my craving for the kingdom of God will be quenched as our church family comes together to worship and lift the name of our God on high, my kids bring energy, life, love, and joy, I learn new things from children so young, carefree and innocent, and I am surrounded by a body of believers where there is mutual need for each other and earnest need for our Savior. We feast together, praise together, laugh together, reach out to others together, and together do our best to love like crazy as we have experienced God's crazy love for us.

It's not perfect, and there are difficulties, struggles, a butting of heads at times, and many unknowns about the future that we wrestle through. But what's so great about full-time ministry is that my time alone with God, learning and growing and maturing, doesn't stop there. My intense craving for Him is filled by even just the little things so much so that it overflows to be shared. We spend time building relationships and pouring God's overflow into others and then together, we get to experience the kingdom of God now. It may sound a little corny, but that's like a burst of brilliant sunrise colors in my soul just in itself.

In all the hustle and bustle, expedited running around, detailed thought and planning, and sometimes draining execution, God is so good. He gives us the strength to do it all, to do it well for His glory and name's sake, and must cherish every moment where we come together in His name whether to have fun and grow closer together or to take a moment out of our busy lives to remember just who He is and what He's done. "Seek first," or maybe even better yet: Crave first and all day long the kingdom of God here and now on this earth in the midst of all the horrible things and crave the wonder that is to come when He takes us home; crave now and every moment of your life, His righteousness which He freely extends to us to accept and allow to cover us completely so that we may live abundantly and freely in His crazy love for us.

Ode to E

2011-01-28T21:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight while the opportunity presented itself and we seized it with pleasure, we sat on the red pew in the enormous sanctuary reciting comical one-liners from our favorite movies and giggling over the fact that we were being purely stupid and didn't care one bit. Then our craziness morphed into a conversation about ourselves and what makes us each who we are. One thing, among many, we share in common is our love for music and singing as our love's response to just how amazing we find our God to be.

"Have you heard Francesca Battistelli's new album?" She inquired with wide-eyes.

"No," I had to admit. With the stress and mess of this past week and all that's been weighing on my heart, I haven't caught up on the latest and greatest music out there.

"You have to listen to This is the Stuff," she announced, "It's your song."

I chuckled, "What do you mean by my song?"

"It just reminds me of you for some reason." She replied.

"I'll listen to it as soon as I get home," I promised with eager anticipation.

E, I couldn't have a better time with you - always laughing, having fun, talkin' bout life, or praising our God together. And tonight, you couldn't have been a better blessing. Just take a look at the lyrics...

This is the Stuff lyrics:
I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'cuz I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Oh Oh Oh

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Oh yeah, I could easily list all the "stuff" that's driving me crazy and that's been getting further and further under my skin. And all the while, I've been reminded how blessed I am, how God's been working through me, and also in me. But I chuckled to myself tonight as I listened to this new song and marveled at just how great He is. How much I love Him for using all these things to challenge me, to encourage me to minister and serve with more purpose and with more love, and for using these things to remind me that He's still in control.

As irony would have it E, I was behind someone just today who was going 35 in a 45 and it drove me bonkers of course...I owe you my thanks for so much, but especially today, for letting God speak through you in a way that got through to me. I love you, E.

"Keep Your Eyes on the Ball"

2011-01-24T01:23:00.000-05:00

A year ago, I never pictured this. How could I have? His ways are higher than my ways; His thoughts higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55). But I had no clue really.

I stood in stark resistance to God's call for me to take a year off school and work in Toledo, OH at first. In many ways, I saw it as a complication, a nuisance, a hassle, and falling completely out of the lines of my plans. On top of that, there were rumors regarding the reasons behind why I would spend this particular year away from school. And in the midst of all of this, I myself began to question the reasons why I was slowly letting God nudge me in the direction to be a task force Youth Pastor. Having learned my lesson from past experience, I decided that although I couldn't completely see all the answers to my questions, I would step out in faith, go, and trust because, I was certain, He had called me.

For the first time in all my life, I wasn't returning to the familiar routine of school in August which caused a certain kind of "culture shock" for me. I was removed from familiar settings and surroundings, having formerly been submerged in a city of hundreds of college students reaching to achieve similar scholastic goals. I found myself mostly isolated from friends who offered constant support and encouragement and social escapes, and had to learn to make it a priority to pray for friends enduring similar challenges (both near and far), make appointments to Skype, email mentors for advice, and use my blog to my advantage to communicate to friends, family, and colleagues. Although I wasn't in a whole new country as a Student Missionary, I had to quickly adapt to being in an authoritative role (verses that of a student), learn the lingo of a pastor, and find my role as a task force worker, as an intern, as a friend and servant, as a young-adult myself, and as a full-time Youth Pastor. It was up to me to set my own schedule, priorities, goals, and vision for the nine months and nine days I would have here at Toledo First, and while in some ways this was daunting at first, it was also invigorating.

Now, if you've seen even some of my blogs, you know that as a Youth Pastor, I have plenty of fun. From attending school field trips, to taking my kids to Cedar Point, to helping lead Pathfinders/Adventurers, to outreach events such as our Kidz Crazy Car Show and Christmas VBS - I'm never in short supply of making fun memories. And, along with ministering in this way comes some of the things that don't often get mentioned. For instance: weekly visitations to nursing homes, care facilities, and personal homes to visit with individuals who have completely lost their mobility and ability to eat or speak, to visit individuals who have recently had a leg amputated, and to visit individuals who haven't had the easiest life and are now spending their last years of life alone, without family, and longing for the lives they once lived. And also, receiving emergency phone calls at any given point within the day from kids who are scared living in their own homes, or who don't know how to control the anger and hurt they feel over their parents' recent divorce, or kids who struggle over a parent's death. There are so many times when I feel untrained, incapable, and inadequate for handling some of these difficult situations - wrestling with what to say and what to do. But the most important thing I've realized, is just to be there; when the moment calls, and the atmosphere is ripe for the Spirit of God to move, I'm always in awe and never disappointed.

177 days - that's how much time I have left here at Toledo First. The reality that I've past the halfway point has hit hard in the last few weeks and has started to take it's toll I think. In just the short time that I've been here, this has become my home and the people, my family. I feel like there's so much yet to get to know about them, deeper relationships to craft, and so much more ministry to do. Please understand, it's not my attempt to sweep in and "finish" ministering to the people of the church. But I feel like I've only just begun ministering, only to have to move on again in another couple of months. I began with the knowledge that I would only have so much time, and so I began with the end in mind; I started here at Toledo First wanting to leave it in a way that its ministries and programs would be better than when I came and only because of the mighty work God is doing through me. I want to continue to get to know these people and continue to dream up ways to minister to our community with them - to "shout the gospel with our lives."

As I struggled the last couple of weeks with casting a vision and a structure for what we want youth ministry to look like at Toledo First long after I'm gone, formulating budget proposals, and empowering/supporting volunteers and parents, the stress settled in my shoulders and neck and formed itself into a painful headache lasting several days. The weight of my passion and ache over this church and its members, the children and youth, and my friends lay heavy on me as I lifted it all up in prayer. But it wasn't just this. Since realizing that I've past the halfway point, questions about plans for this summer and the next school year, life beyond graduation in a year, and just merely reacclimating myself to life as a student again started to bombard me. Then, as God always does, He set me straight. In my time alone with Him, He kept saying, "Keep your eyes on the ball." No, that didn't mean my job as a task force worker. It meant, I realized, to keep my fixation on Him. To have Him at the forefront of everything. And He reinforced what He said in little moments all weekend long - like when I had the opportunity to lead out in the Communion service for the first time, when I watched four of my kids lead Praise Team, when I washed the feet of one of my youth and prayed with her, when I heard the roars of laughter from kids and adults alike during our indoor Winter Olympics game night, and each time I was the recipient of a tight, long-lasting hug from one of my "little ones."

Here's the deal, and if you haven't realized it yet, I pray you do - God is so good - always. I never have all the answers (no matter what you may think) and I never know what's laid out before. But God does, and He "neither slumbers nor sleeps," (Psalm 121) and constantly goes before us, lighting the way, revealing what we are to do, equipping us to do it, and holding us in the palm of His hand as we watch as see that He IS in control of the universe.

So when I look at the months I've already had here at Toledo First, and the few I have left, I can only praise God. He led me here, has worked through me, in me, and on my behalf, and will continue to do so in the future even I as eventually move on from Ohio.

"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

“To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

*My all-time favorite - Isaiah 40

I've Learned

2011-01-18T18:11:00.000-05:00

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.
I've learned that no matter how much I care,
some people just don't care back.
And it's not the end of the world.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life,
but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself
to the best others can do,
but to the best you can do.
I've learned that it's not what happens to people,
It's what they do about it.
I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.
I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done
regardless of the consequences.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't five me the right to be cruel.
I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken,
the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean that they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual
ahead of their actions.
I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.
I've learned that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.
I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.
I've learned that writing,
as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.
I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice
and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
I've learned to love
...and be loved.

Christmas VBS: "The End"

2010-12-09T23:34:00.000-05:00

All I can say is, God is so good! Our first ever Christmas VBS, something I have never done before and frankly had no clue as to how to pull it off, was a complete success. We finished our three night ordinary outreach endeavor just this evening and while the kiddos left the church building with shrills of "Bye Pastor Anna!" my heart melted with so much joy it was almost overwhelming! My many tired volunteers stuck around to help us tear down the elaborate marketplace which had taken us two full days to set up and about a month to gather everyday household items from church members. Every night we had between 7-10 new kids arrive and our last night was definitely our most full. Seeing the bright, cheerful faces of our own church kids was fantastic and only made better by connecting with our non-Adventist Toledo Junior Academy kids. But tonight was the height of things when many mothers dropped off their kids for a second night and had a slue of their kids's friends along with them - kids we've never met and may not even attend church regularly. I remember a verse in the account of the birth of Jesus that says, "Mary treasured these things in her heart," well, I can identify. I savored each smile, each giggle, each light-hearted shriek as they petted the goats, each pound of the hammer, each pleasureful groan as they bit into a sweet Bethlehem candy or fresh piece of Sabbath bread, and each hug that I received. But I saved the best for last, a scroll made just for me by a special little girl who learned how to write like a scribe in the Bethlehem Scribe shop. She had sealed it with wax and a special stamp after rolling up her carefully written message...what I unrolled said this: "You are a geat pastor :)" Praise the Lord! All the planning, organizing, sleepless nights, chaos and running around, stress, etc etc etc. - it was all worth it just to know that God took all of it and was able to touch the heart of a little child, His little child, and make something happen. Although we may not know just what took place in the hearts of these little ones over the course of the last three nights of our Christmas VBS, I am certain that the Holy Spirit was at work and something new clicked inside each one of these little energetic, enthusiastic, fun, happy kiddos.

And so, I thank all my precious volunteers with innumerable "thank yous" which seem so little compared to what you deserve for giving your time, energy, willingness, household items, and so much more for three whole nights in this one week. And I thank our Toledo First SDA church for being supportive, encouraging, and faithfully in prayer for all those involved and all the kids we were reaching out to. And, we give God the glory and honor for all our success and pray that He continues to use us to be effective and influential ministers and continue to work in the hearts of the kids we were able to meet and connect with this week!

*Pictures to come.

Christmas VBS "A Night in Bethlehem"

2010-12-07T16:23:00.000-05:00

Join us tonight anywhere between 6:30-8:30pm at our Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church for a night in the marketplace of Bethlehem. Come taste scrumptious treats, make crafts with the Carpenter, clay jars at the Pottery Shop, learn how to write like a scribe and seal it with wax, and visit the newborn baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph while visiting the animals cozying up beside them. Smell, taste, hear, and experience Bethlehem the way it would have been when Jesus was born.

Free to everyone; Kids ages 6-12 welcome!

Pictures, videos, and stories to come...
Prayers encouraged.

Thank you,
Pastor Anna Romuald

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T02:03:00.000-05:00

After being in Toledo for the last couple months, it took some time to acclimate myself back to Minnesotan weather, but all it takes is a couple 8 degree days to do it. This Thanksgiving we've had a little bit of ice and several inches of beautiful white snow. Here's what home looks like now.

Snowman Cupcakes

2010-11-22T19:21:00.001-05:00

Okay, okay...so I may have become a little obsessive! You may remember that I made brains cupcakes earlier this fall, but now since experiencing this fine Minnesotan weather during my Thanksgiving vacation, I decided it was time to create the next masterpiece. I give the credit for this idea to Martha Stewart and her mighty cupcake book, which I highly recommend. If ever you're looking for a great way to have some fun with the kids on a snowy afternoon - this is definitely it!

Start with two marshmallows.
Cut one in half and if they're not stale, they'll stick together all on their own ;)

Use a wet toothpick to poke holes for your brown and orange sprinkle facial features.

Bake your cupcakes - any kind will do. Since our household is divided by chocolate lovers and the not-so, I went with a yellow cake recipe to appease all.

Once the aroma of freshly baking cupcakes permeates the entire house, let them cool after they come out of the oven, frost them with rich, creamy white frosting. Secure your marshmallow snowman by gently pushing him down into the frosting.

Top with junior mints for a spectacular snowman hat if you want. Add pretzels if your mother or another family member gives you grief about the poor snowman not having arms. And finally, EAT and ENJOY!...I did haha.

My First Christmas VBS

2010-11-19T00:12:00.006-05:00

TOLEDO FIRST SDA CHURCH!

Drop & Shop!

Parents - need a night out to get some holiday shopping done without having to drag the kids along? Drop and Shop! We’ll take your kids for a little while and give you a break!

Kids - Ages 6-12, come and experience a Night in Bethlehem like it was when Mary and Joseph came through town. See what it’s like to taste Bethlehem treats, make Christmas crafts, and be a part of the story of the birth of Jesus!

We’re flexible - come and leave whenever you need to, just know that there’s lots of things you won’t want to miss!

When & Where?

Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church

Just down the street from the Mall!

4909 W. Sylvania Ave.

Toledo OH, 43623

Tuesday Dec 7, Wednesday Dec 8, and Thursday Dec 9. Each night from 6:30-8:30pm.

For more information call us at 419-882-6200 or visit us on the web at www.toledofirstadventist.org

Christmas VBS

2010-11-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

Here at Toledo First, our kid-specific worship program called KidConnect originally began as an outreach ministry. After a successful summer VBS, this ministry was started as a way to be able to invite kids from the community to continue in the fun and join us each Sabbath morning. Now, KidConnect has become more of an inreach ministry although there are still various aspects of outreach still in play.

This holiday season though, we want to try something new. Don’t be scared...be thrilled, excited, on the edge of your chair! Ordinary outreach is a big passion of this church and this fits right in.

Let’s say: You’re a single mom with two kids and you never have time away from work or the kids to even go out Christmas shopping. Or, you’re a husband/wife team and the holiday season is just so packed with visiting family, putting in overtime at work to pay the bills, and running the kids back and forth to their various events that Christmas shopping, decorating, or just a moment for yourselves is so hard to come by. That’s who we’re reaching out to. This Christmas VBS: “A Night in Bethlehem” is designed so that parents from the community can swing their kids by the church for an hour or two while they prepare for the holidays. This is a great way for kids to encounter new kids, show off their creativity, and engage in the story of the birth of Jesus in a way they never have before. It’s also designed so that it’s easy for the parents, there is no specific time the kids have to be here, and parents can come by and pick their kids up even before the end time. If families want to stop by and participate all together - great! What a practical way to reach out to our community!

And now that I’ve explained some of how it all works you’re just waiting for it... “she’s going to ask for our help,” you say. Well yes! This is our church and our community, why don’t we reach out more often! “But I won’t get any reward,” you say. That’s probably true, there won’t be much of an earthly reward, but think of the way you can be the hands and feet, the words and the smiles of Jesus as we minister in the very way He came to this earth to. By our love and our actions they will know we are Christians and the crowns and gems will come a little later. “But it’s in the evening after I’ve already had a long day.” Trust me, even though you’ll walk away each night tired and worn out, you’ll be filled with so many blessings as you watch the faces of our kids and interact with them in so many fun ways. “But I’ve got my own kids.” Good, bring them along to meet those from the community and create relationships that will help draw them to something like KidConnect. “But Pastor Anna, I don’t know what I can do or what I’m good at.” Then come talk to me, there’s always a place in God’s Kingdom for more workers.

And if you're not in the Toledo area, keep us in your prayers as we try to create an ordinary outreach that will be practical to people's needs and make opportunities for us to be able to share the love of Christ!

What Will We Do?

2010-11-10T12:57:00.000-05:00

Great questions for all of us to think about, prayer earnestly for, and then act quickly, passionately, and intentionally!

Pumpkin Pancakes!

2010-11-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

So this morning I woke up to the sound of the leaf truck making all kinds of racket as it came down our street to suck up all the fallen leaves and the monstrous piles made my faithful, hardworking dads. This did not please me all that much, being awoken from a wonderful deep sleep and peaceful dream. But, it was too sunny, bright, and cheerful to stay in such a dull mood so with gusto I began my day early in spite of it all. House cleaning, laundry, etc. are on today's "to do list" in preparation for my momma who's coming to visit me tomorrow! And, you can't properly tackle this kind of work without a hearty breakfast. So I whipped out a new recipe and went to work...pumpkin pancakes...mmm mm mmm! Tis the season! The house now smells of ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin and these pancakes - which are to die for - have filled my tummy and given me a new pulse of energy!

Here's the recipe I used...I highly recommend you taste test for yourself!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg

Directions:

Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, nutmeg and cloves in a medium bowl.

Whisk together the milk, pumpkin, butter and egg in a separate bowl. Fold this mixture into the dry ingredients.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook approximately 3 minutes per side on medium low heat.

Serve with butter and maple syrup & dig in!
Makes 8-12 pancakes.

Scrumptious through and through! Don't you just love this time of year!

What God can do with a new place and a few Months

2010-11-07T23:32:00.001-05:00

The night was black as oil, but the dazzling stars up above shattered the darkness. The narrow country road led me past one empty field after another. I had cracked my window, allowing the heat of my car escape to the chilly night, but the fresh country air felt too good to my lungs, cheeks, and face. Eventually, I felt the tug, pulled my car over to a turn off and parked. I turned off the ignition and let the silence begin to completely overtake me. Standing--out in the middle of nothing, nowhere, a nobody. And I felt it. I haven't felt like this in too long to remember. Completely at peace, real peace, true peace. Evaluating it, anticipating that I would find something that would keep it from being as such, I opened one compartment of my heart after another, just waiting to let myself down, just waiting to realize that there was too much of a mess inside of me for peace to inhabit such a place. But surprise of all surprises, I couldn't find one reason not to finally be at peace. I took a deep breath and finally felt like myself.

I'm not really sure I know what that means though...finally feeling like myself. All I know is that between August and November the before and after shots still look very similar but have more subtle, deeper differences. I won't credit it to a year away from school in a task force position in Toledo, OH. But I will credit God. I remember back to February when the possibility of working here first started to become a reality. I remember being so confused, so shocked, a little excited, and not at all as fearful as what I thought I should be. I remember after I was offered the job and spent the next few months of the summer overseas, I remember wondering if I shouldn't be more apprehensive about everything falling into place than what I really was.

I didn't expect for so much to change. I did expect to miss my family, and my friends, and Union so much. But I didn't expect to really transport my whole life here. Where I anticipated loneliness I have found my Ohio mom and dad, a supportive, warm, and encouraging church family, deep, intimate friendships, passionate people, and enthusiastic, loving kids. Where I expected emptiness I have found purpose, meaning, devotion, acceptance, passion, and vision. Where I saw 9 long months, I've now found too short of time. Where I hoped for a chance to get away, I now see a place to stay. Where I once saw myself in disarray, I've now seen God free, heal, embolden, strengthen, and made to be at peace. And that's what it's like to feel like myself again--to know and live the way God so desires for us to live.

More than anything, I want to be relaxing on your comfy couch, or mudding on the low maintenance road, or taking a quick break from Monday morning classes to grab a Starbucks with you Jesse and just to actually see you instead of having to depend on a telephone. And Tabby, I yearn to bump into you sometime during the day and somehow manage to start chatting for close to an hour about the different doors God is opening up for us. And Tiff, I miss creeping with you. Girls, I miss Sunday morning pancake breakfasts in my room. Seth, Jo, Cara, Chels, John, and co. I miss Friday night cooking, grocery shopping, coffee, and games or Thursday nights 9pm or neighborhood walks, sniping, and even your creepy neighbors. Religion Division, faculty, and readers - I miss practically living on fourth floor, joking with you, keeping you in line, and you always keeping me in line. Ministry club I miss our Monday night prayer group in Inkys and all our fantastic retreats. Campus Ministries I miss the always constant hustle and bustle of the office and PR's loons which chimed every hour from his office. I miss the schedule, the routine, the ebb and flow, the centrality of the clocktower, and all the obese squirrels.

None of that is something you can put in a box and send to me as a care package. And I haven't found a replacement for any of it here. With it's similarities, Toledo (Torpedo) will never be Lincoln, NE. But you know what? God didn't send me here to find myself, to reinvent myself, or rediscover myself. He sent me here, I believe, so that I could completely lose myself. To leave everything behind and lose myself in order to find Him and find out what He has in store for me. I didn't ever expect that I would receive a 9:30pm phone call from one of my kids needing me to come talk to them about something so serious that is happening in their life right now. I didn't ever expect to be a part of a group of ladies from several denominations who get together in our homes each week and talk about our lives and pray for each other. I didn't ever expect that I could get 200+ high school kids who had never met me before, to quietly reflect on God and talk about their experiences afterwards. I didn't expect that I would learn what an upper manifold gasket is. I didn't expect to visit shut ins and leg amputees on a weekly basis. I didn't expect to have the energy to do so much and still find the desire, time, and energy to bake goodies for my Sabbath school class quite regularly. I didn't expect so much...but shame on me. I should've expected this, all this, and all that is still to come. Because I serve a God who is bigger than all this, and wanted nothing more than for me to listen to the gentle direction He first whispered in my ear, to come here to Toledo First for a year, and to lose myself completely, so that I might find Him and find Him within me, working through me, working on my behalf, and working in the lives of all those around me.

So when I say that last night as I was driving back from a get together out at Dave and Sheila's country farmhouse, God invited me to have a moment with Him out in the middle of nowhere to allow me to discover myself at peace - I am completely at peace. At the end of the day, when everyone goes home, and I'm all alone, I can say that I am truly happy, truly at peace. That's a big change from just a few months ago. And perhaps what it most exciting is that this adventure isn't nearly finished...

Finally, Seeing the Unseen: A Lesson on Faith

2010-10-27T01:19:00.002-04:00

I’ve said this many times, “I never planned on this, never thought I’d be here doing this.” It was always God’s plan for me, a Union College Theology major and Youth Ministries minor, to take a year out of her narrowly planned four-year college experience to become a task force worker. I sat as a numb, silent observer of my own life as I watched one miracle after another allow all of the complicated hurdles to this whole adventure become as a smooth path stretched out before me. All along, the skeptic in me wondered where the pile of complications would become too much and prove that sometimes even God’s best intentions don’t work. To be honest, I was skeptical because I was scared. I realized before I even began this adventure that this year would be very similar to that of a first-year graduate or Student Missionary with slight variations in the same challenges of culture shock, isolation, personal spiritual journey, etc. I was scared for many of the same reasons we become anxious, restless, frustrated, and fearsome about anything in life that we don’t have control over. But all this proved about myself was that I wasn’t spiritually comatose, I was just growing.

Since the middle of August I’ve been the acting Youth Pastor for the Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Toledo, Ohio. I plan, organize, and lead out in our weekly children’s worship service called KidConnect, lead weekly Junior/Earliteen Sabbath School, help with Pathfinders, give Friday chapel worship talks to our own Toledo Junior Academy and day care center, give Baptismal prep Bible studies, and do home visitations. I am so privileged to be in constant play mode - accompanying canoeing and library field trips, experiencing my first real roller coaster ride at Cedar Point amusement park due to two teens who practically pulled me into line, driving tractor for our fall festival hayride, and helping with our annual Kidz Crazy Car Show outreach. And, I deal with the stuff that is too big for me, and the feeling that I’m not doing anything right. But, there hasn’t been one step I’ve taken where God hasn’t taught me to dwell in Him; not to just treat Him as my psychologist, counselor, judge, professor, role-model, friend, parent, or problem-solver, but to recognize Him as GOD. This is His story, I am just a character in it who has realized that this year away from the regular gruel of school isn’t about “finding” myself, reinventing myself, or marketing myself to the professional world. As much as this church and this city are my mission field, I am His mission field. The more I learn from Him, the more love, faith, kindness, compassion, strength, hope, and joy I have to share with my kids and my church members - His beloved children. I just count myself honored to be a quiet servant and crazy, passionate observer of all that He’s doing.

This weekend is our annual Bell Choir Festival and on top of many other things, I'm also preaching for the first time here in Toledo. I had a sermon almost completely finished last week Thursday, but all of a sudden, as God sometimes does, the Holy Spirit swooped in and laid something else on my heart. Saving the other idea for another time, I started focusing on what He wanted me to say this Sabbath. Funny, but it's the very thing I think I've needed the most convincing of in the last year. Evidence that what I've been through, isn't just for any rhyme or reason, and what I keep putting myself through doesn't have to continue. You don't have to see your faith to know that it's there, to know that it's working. From a distance, you can't even see a mustard seed, yet that's how much faith God said we needed to have in order to move even the greatest of mountains. Even though it may not be visible, unseen faith has the fantastic ability to sprout and push itself up through the soil of our lives.

To watch the Friday night Bell Choir Concert and to catch my Sabbath morning sermon, visit http://www.toledofirstadventist.org/ and click on Sermons.

Kidz Crazy Car Show

2010-10-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday, October 10 was our Toledo First Annual Kidz Crazy Car Show! I'd had the flu the week before and have even felt too sick to go to church, but I mustered up all my strength and sniffles and went out to help wherever I could and get to meet some of the community people. The cars were spectacular, the kids and I had a great time dancing to the oldies music, Ron and the gals served up some really nice burgers and fresh homemade lemonade, and after a few contests and prices...the day was a huge success! Praise God for the gorgeous warm and sunny day and all the people who came out!

Lydia and I in front of our favorite!

"Driving" the 2011 Camaro SS!

Big Brother/Big Sister brought out the Camaro to help raise money and awareness for their awesome program! I've got a few tickets in that bucket with my name on them and Dec. 17 we'll see if I get a call about being this baby's new owner!

Ford Pickup!

Hotwheels Truck...so-o loud!

Trent and Leonard checking out this beauty...all the kids loved the doors!

They say you never forget you're first love!

Probably the best thing about the whole event was that we seized an opportunity to reach out to the community in a ordinary and not-so-ordinary kind of way. Pastor Mike and I and many others met a couple of really great people. I got the privilege to meet Jeff from Holland who owns his own tow truck company and mechanics shop. I spotted him real quick with his purple and gold MN Vikings Henderson jersey. Can't wait to get to spend more time with him and all the others we met! We even had the opporutnity to invite some of them looking for a church, to visit ours! Praise God for working in such cool ways!

Taking Steps: Business Cards?

2010-10-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

Wow, this seems so surreal. Who would've thought I'd be designing business cards that have my name front and center on them? Who would've thought that I'd be doing what I'm doing? Who would've thought that He could keep filling me with more?

It's true. This is my first, my very own, mine-oh-mine business card. I know, I know. I've been asking myself the same thing, "She's only in her early twenties. She's not finished with school yet. She's just, so, young. Why does she need a business card?" Why? Haha, cause God is using me. He chose me. And I want to shout it from the rooftop with pride and joy! I'm not worthy, nor capable, nor anything fancy in and of myself. But Christ is constantly and continuously transforming me and my heart to be person I am to be, and to be the servant of His that I am to be. To reflect His image, to do the things His hands would do, and to go where His feet would go, to speak from my heart as He has spoken to it. What I want people to know is this..."I can do nothing on my own!" And I want to share with people what He's continuously doing in my life. That's why I have a business card.

Perfect and Not So Endings - How Do We Write Them?

2010-10-13T15:45:00.002-04:00

I scampered downstairs this morning feeling a little groggy, but very much alive. As I moseyed into the kitchen, flipped on the dimmer on the dinning room chandelier, I reached up into the cabinet and pulled out a nice big mug. I poured myself a nice cup of fresh Guatemalan coffee, held it to my face and breathed in it's rice, bold aroma. Triggering every nerve, every sense, every muscle, I immediately felt...alive. I made myself a cinnamon-raisin bagel, grabbed a perfectly ripe and speckled banana from the counter, set it all at the table and rushed out in my robe and barefoot to get the paper in the drive. As I slipped it out of its protectant sleeve, I opened it up and the bold front page letters proclaimed the news. "First TWO miners rescued after 69 days!" PTL. We've been waiting for this since the incident first happened in August, Lord. Thank you! For a brief second I thought, this doesn't always happen, we don't always get to write the perfect ending to our stories. Sometimes life decides differently for us.

Later today, after running errands and making plans for chapel worships, pathfinders, Sabbath schools, KidConnect rotations, etc. something came over me and as I was driving down Central Ave, my usual fixation on the Ottawa Hills Memorial Park cemetery (pictured above), and I pulled in. I found a place out of the way and parked Bonnie, left her there on the curb surrounded by tall oaks and maples, painted in their best autumn colors. As I began to solemnly saunter among the headstones I was captivated. Beloved mothers, wives, and grandmothers. World War I and II soldiers. Calvary. Air Force. Purple Hearts. Nicknames. Forever together. Husbands and Wives side by side. Poems. Scripture. Flags. Fresh flowers. Fake flowers. Absent flowers. The cemetery was still with the exception of the fallen acorns crunching beneath my feet. It was vacant with the exception of me, the grounds keepers, and one small family off in the distance. I found a bench, sat down and watched. Feeling as though I were invading on a very private and intimate moment that would mark their lives forever, I couldn't pull my gaze from them. There were only two cars, only six or so people there, gathered around the sleek casket. Dressed in black suits and dresses, their classic look collided with the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows to complete the romantic saga. I wondered who they were, who they had lost, who they were saying goodbye to. I wondered how they would carry this un-perfect ending with them when they held on to this moment from the rear-view mirror.

Beginnings. Endings. Perfect ones, and the not so. What do they say about us? What do we say about them? I realized today, that God's been working on me from deep within where I don't even notice it. Today, I forgave myself. For what? I'm not sure. But it feels so good. And because of it, I feel alive. Alive and unharmed by the perfect and un-perfect endings. Instead, I'm beginning to cherish them, take note of them, and allow them to seep into me.

On one gravestone my eyes caught a mention of Psalm 116 as they skimmed over the permanent, aged, weather-proof stone. I read it later, and it's entitled "I love the Lord." David shares a beautiful poem of what God has done in His life and because of all of it combined, His reaction is to love the Lord. This struck a heartstring within me. I want that to be my reaction. Do you want it to be yours? Do you want to write your story and say, "I love the Lord?" Now is your chance.

Starry Night, Chris August
"From the Birds that Sing, In the Tallest Trees.
To the Human Life, of you and me.
From the Desert Sands, to the place we stand.
He is God of All, He is Everything.

I'm giving my life to the only one who makes the Moon reflect the sun.
Every Starry Night, that was His design.
I'm giving my life to the only son, who was and is and yet to come
Let the praises ring, 'cause he is everything
'Cause he is everything

From the Autumn Leaves, that will ride the breeze
To the Faith it takes, to pray and sing
From the Painted sky, to my plank filled eye.

Stupid Is...As Momma Does?!?!

2010-10-11T16:27:00.000-04:00

"We'd love for you to come out to the farmhouse whenever you just need a break or would like some quiet," Dave and Shelia warmly invited me last week when the first signs of my soon to be horribly-experience flu were just showing themselves as we hung around their lovely little plot of land 25 minutes outside of town waiting for the hayride to begin. With a roll of my eyes, let me tell you, it was no easy endeavor getting here today. Monday, yes I think it's become my second most favorite day of the week as I get to spend extra time reading and studying, basically refueling with my Best Friend, and going out for errands and exercise as long as I want! Well, to begin with - today is such a majestic fall day with warm temperatures and a nice breeze and the best view of all as I drove beyond the city limits and out into the openness. I'd just finished breakfast and Bible study with Julie, Marion, Marcene, and Mary Ann diving deep into Thessalonians and honestly, I was challenged. I ran up against some things I can honestly say I didn't have the answer to and so I'm checking up on that now. But after a wonderful morning together, I ran off to Kroger's grocery store, only the best place ever, a whole experience itself, I purchased my cooking materials and then scurried off to loose everything to that openness. The windows were down, the breeze crafting it's own idea of a hairstyle for me, and a cd humming some good ol' tunes in the background. Until...I came to the tall-steepled white church on the corner of Sylvania and Berkley. No Bueno. Engine temperature gauge shot up, acceleration slowed, smelled bad, looked bad, it was bad. So I pulled off to the side of road, tried to figure out the crazy engineer's idea of how hazard lights should work, and called my Mac and now Bonneville consultant Leonard. Really, the whole sitiation reminded me of Forrest, Forrest Gump. And since I was already talkin to my momma on the phone, I just came up with the brilliant line I've used to title this blog. (By the way, we got a good laugh out of it - yes, she already knows about it). We got it back home, realized that the radiator was CoMpLeTeLy dry and added a gallon and a half of water. After that, we ran her for a while but everything looked fine. Poor baby just needed some water. So...I did what any desperate for the farm girl would do...I got the keys, started up the engine, and it was Bonnie and I on the open road to the Case's farmhouse take two! A couple of Boysenberry dripping wheat pancakes later and I grabbed my book and it was out to the lawn we went. The sun soaked into every pore and this finally getting over the crud girl felt like a replacement sun panel - recharged and energetic. Careful, that combination can be dangerous. And it was, one page after another flew by and before you know it, I was halfway through my book. Now, before we are to enjoy the rest of the day, we've got to hit the recently harvested soybean field. After a good walk and perhaps a nice long run down the quiet county road, then we'll see what kind of ideas I come back with. Never know what kind of sermon idea God's got for me out here in this emptiness begging for someone to come and create something!

P.S. Oh, and that incredibly gross possum I passed last week, dead in the middle of the road with it's guts spewed all over...it's flat now ;) And no, it wasn't me lol.

My advice to you...get out there. Live to the fullest today by taking some time out for yourself to refuel, to let God create something out of the emptiness you find either in the openness and vastness of the countryside or inside your heart. He loves you and is just waiting on the edge of His seat for you to come meet Him. So, what are you waiting for? Don't let a thing like a broken down car get in your way. That's just the devil trying to keep you from making pancakes lol. God will make a way...you just have to accept the dinner invite.

Little Surprises and Unending Gifts

2010-10-11T01:43:00.001-04:00

C: When I look at her, the world fades into black and white, like she's the only color I should be able to see. Her smile melts all my worries, all my fears, all my deepest feelings of inadequacy, and everything from yesterday and all the days that came before. Her pigtails, her colorful sweater, her sparkling smile. Perhaps I see everything she is in this moment, every pain that has yet to cause her to stumble, every joy will cause that sparkling smile to dazzle with brilliance, and everything I know she will be, and I see...I see the stuff that makes a person want to be better, to do better, and to live fuller. And when she takes my hand and entrusts me with her safe-keeping and security, it's no cliche to say that I'm the happiest person in the world.

A: When I hear that he prayed for me in the school classroom the other day, my heart wants to burst. He thought of me. He cared for me. He, a handsome young man who has such a big heart, he did the most loving thing for me when I needed it the most, and he lifted me to the feet of the Savior and asked that He help me. What tenderness, what compassion. So when he comes to me and begins his question with a soft, "Pastor Anna?" I want nothing more than to stop everything I'm doing and give him my full attention. That's the least I can do, and he, with a caring heart such as his, he deserves even so much more.

K: When she bounded over to me this evening just after her balloon popped and asked if I would go with her to get a new balloon from the clown, her grabbing my own hand demanded that I give in to her easy request. Perhaps it was trust, or curiosity, or just the feeling of a "kindred spirit" as Ann of Green Gables would say, but there was something in her compulsion that caused me to chuckle softly. Maybe I was jealous of her. Maybe I related to her. Whatever it was, we went away to the clown, swinging our arms and laughing like the little girls we were. And for that moment I thought of nothing else than being me, her being her, and being so utterly happy.

I: "Here Pastor Anna, put your hand here," she said as she clasped my hand and moved it to her rounding belly. This slender and charismatic eighteen year old has an incredible vibrancy for life. And now, for the life of two. My fingers sensed the bee-bopping movement of the life inside her and we giggled hysterically at it all for a moment or two. This girl, she is brave. She is courageous. She is afraid. And yet, she is. And for that, I would shout to the top of my lungs how proud I am of her, how scared I am with her, and how dependent we are on God to work out all that we cannot. She is a constant reminder to me of Strength.

It's crazy what a car show can teach you. And yet, why would I expect anything less when God's Spirit really is present in our everyday hum and drum and rev haha. S: "I'm really glad you're here." There's no other place in the world I'd rather be, I thought. What kindness, and what compassion, what true love and friendship has permeated my short time here so much so that it seems like I've spent a lifetime here and yet I know so little about who these people really are that I am so excited everyday to get to spend more time with them. I feel as though my heart has grown three sizes bigger and already there is just one day I dread. How could God have so much He wants to teach me? Because I can't get enough of Him. I love when He surprises me. I love when He gives me gifts. I love when He has given me so much that I can't help but give it away. And give it away some more. And give it away some more. Until I'm empty...and He can create a new surprise and wrap it up and give it to me again :)

Toledo: 2 Months

2010-10-06T17:58:00.001-04:00

Due to completely accidental computer complications my recent activities have gone unrecorded for too long. So, now that I’ve borrowed some time, let me tell you what’s been happening ‘round these parts.

Three weeks ago it was time to experience my first field trip. We loaded up the cars and headed for the Gallup Canoe Livery in Ann Arbor, MI about an hour away where we divided up two kids and a chaperone for each aluminum canoe. Yep, that’s right. I had the most privileged opportunity to teach middle-schoolers who have lived in the city their entire lives and who’s most contact with the world of nature probably is the spider in the bathroom at school that makes them come running out whooping and hollering. Cliché probably, but Priceless is the word that comes to mind. Here we are, canoeing down a rapid-less river, two kids who hardly know how to put an ore in the water and row the water away from them, and an hour and a half to go. Thankfully there was no wind, only a cool fall breeze and a sunny, quiet day. We ate lunch in the canoe, I stuck my feet in the water, and although I didn’t have the best canoe staff on hand, within the approximated time, we rowed our canoe to the dock, and not the last boat either I’ll have you know. Apparently, pathfinder skills to come in hand, especially to youth pastors on field trips! What another great day getting to know a great, rambunctious, boisterous group of fun-loving kids!

That next Sunday I spent running around Costco like a chicken without a head looking like a fool as I tried to maneuver my huge, uncooperative shopping chart while following a navigationally challenged (God bless his soul) new employee. I my items in my cart: the 10 three pound loafs of whole wheat bread, 9 three packs of oven-roasted turkey slices, 2 industrial sized jars of mayo, and 2 massively oversized jars of pickles that probably should have had those oversized flags and flashers connected to them to ward off aggressive shoppers who tried to follow too close behind. And finally, I made my first purchase, ever, at Costco and made a beeline out of that overpopulated, Sunday errand and post-church potluck stop. What was the whole reason behind this hair-brained idea of mine? Cherry Street Mission I say! The next morning, Pastor Mike and I picked up 5 of the kids from TJA and we went doooowntoooown. Suited up with hairnets and latex gloves, we put together trays with 1 of the 200 turkey sandwiches made by our own wonderful ladies from the church from the supplies I had previously bought the day before, 1 peanut butter sandwich, pickles, mayo, a handful of snack mix, a cup of hot soup, two cookies, and a soda. As the homeless of Toledo came through line and grabbed a tray, some looked at us blankly, some smiled, some thanked us with obvious gratitude, and others looked like the only wanted to say something but didn’t know exactly what would suffice. That day, we fed 150. Not to mention that I too felt like my soul had been completely fed just by hanging out with our own kids and by reaching out and meeting the practical needs of our own community. Can’t wait for this next month when we get to do it all over again!

Two days later, and I met all the lower and upper graders from the school in the sanctuary where we had our “See You At the Pole” since it was gloomy, grey, and raining outside. We talked about the Bible verse theme chosen from the Lord’s Prayer paraphrased: “Our Father who is in Heaven, REVEAL yourself!” I asked how many times we’ve played hide and seek and had a hard time finding whoever is hiding. Then, I compared it to how hard it is sometimes to feel like we can find God, to see Him, to know that He is with us. And so we prayed. We broke up into three groups according to their classrooms, and later I heard from teary-eyed teachers that they’d never heard such tender, sweet, authentic prayers by even those as small as first graders. We prayed for God to show Himself to us this school year, to bless our teachers, to bless our school, and expressed gratitude for our families, for our food, for our provisions, and so much more. We concluded by joining hands in one massive circle at the front of the church and the tall windows, and prayed that God would really reveal Himself to us so that we could begin to live like crazy because of His abounding love. After our worship together, we piled into several vehicles and I went on my second field trip of the year. This time I went with Mrs. Dana Holland’s class of lower graders to the downtown Toledo public library. When we walked into the elegant, classic building the adorable little kids looked upwards with wide eyes and mouths ajar…I knew it was going to be a fun morning. A librarian started our tour by reading us three different books about monsters, then we had our own private viewing of a puppet show, and then browsed the kids section for books on butterflies, mummies, rocket ships, and such. Oh, the world of imagination, creativity, and simple things…makes me feel like I’m under 40 inches tall again!

Later on in the week, after an already full Sabbath, Dave and Shelia, Ron and Carla, Janica, Lewis, Greg, Gary, Victor, Heidi and myself put together the finishing touches for an event that would mark not the end of a five year ministry, but the beginning of a new focus of this ministry of Connections. The band was awesome, fine-tuned and rehearsed. The testimonies brought us to tears and reminded us all how God still works miracles all around us. Dave shared memories that provided us with glimpses into what God can do when we act on our faith, take a risk, and follow His leading willingly. We were moved. And as Gary accompanied me for the last song while I sang How He Loves Us, I couldn’t get past the fact that God really does love us so. How we can’t wait to see where God leads this ministry now. As we envision and dream of opening a storefront ministry to meet the needs of those in the community of downtown Toledo, we are beginning the steps of strategic planning and much fervent prayer and attentive ears. I ask that you would pray right along with us as we seek His guidance.

The excitement wasn’t over, not in the least. The next day we piled into our vehicles and drove an hour east of Toledo to Sandusky and the famed Cedar Point amusement park. Now let me just interject here – my mother, having grown up in Ohio, has always bragged about this attraction, but never in my life did I think I would have such an opportunity to die. No joke. Here I am 21 years old, just starting my life for goodness sake, and my kids think it’s their life mission to drag me on to any and every rollercoaster ride that had every intention of taking my life. No, this scaredy-cat (and proud to admit it) did not attempt the utterly ridiculous rides such as Millennium Force or Dragster or even the Raptor. First of all, those all sound like terribly painful ways to die, especially since most of the world was afraid of the turn of the millennium, that should at least give me license to stay off the thing. And secondly, I choose life! Yes, I actually value it, try to preserve it, even eat my fruits and vegetables in order to enhance it. So anyways, eventually I was drug unto the Iron Dragon. I’ll have you know, before you laugh, that because of my fairly intense fear of heights, I scoped out all the rides before attempting any of them and this one appeared to be fairly descent. From what I had seen, there were no big drops, no upside-down circling, no rollercoasters that plummeted to their death before the kids ushered me into line. However, as soon as the coaster pulled away from the dock and began it’s terrifying climb UPWARDS, I knew something was horribly wrong. Click, click, click, click. Higher, and higher, and higher. There is only one thing that can come of all that incline . . . . a plummeting drop! My heart sank as I knew this would be the last time I’d see the bright blue sky, admire the world, or even hear my own voice. And finally, I came to figure out why the crazy inventors of the rollercoasters always include a two second time frame where the world seems to be frozen in time and the coaster stops at the crest of the hill. If you haven’t said yes to Jesus yet, now’s your time! Then, I fell to my death. Only, the horrifying ride didn’t end with a light at the tunnel, it continued! We were flying through the air, over the tops of trees, and then I suddenly realized that we were over water! What moron (no offense) would design a rollercoaster so that it would be over the water! Within two minutes I added 30 more years to my life and lived to tell about it, although I still don’t know exactly how. We came away from the day with so many good times, stomachaches from all our laughter, and probably also and end result of all the French fries, frozen custard, pizza, and other goodies we munched down all day long. To top it off, we stopped inside the Snoopy Boutique and purchased souvenirs to remember our most memorable day. 8 hours, 20 kids, and 30 years of my life later, I crawled into bed exhausted and woke up the next day with a sore throat and a cold. Oh, the small price you pay for wonderful experiences that make life worth every moment!

This last weekend was a total blast! Saturday night was our annual hayride out at the Case's place. I went over a little early, hung out with Shelia and Dave and then eventually Ron and Carla along with their adorable new dog Ezzie, and we all helped set up the autumn decorations, seating, and hot apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate, and burger materials. All afternoon it rained and our spirits were struggling to stay hopeful as the worst hit between 5-7pm. But eventually people actually began to show up and the rain began to dissipate. Pastor Mike and I started jamming to some good ol' campfire worship songs, I gave a short worship thought, and then we dove into the party. The drinks were hot, the bonfire roaring, and eventually the John Deere tractor started up. We piled everyone into the two wagons full of comfy hay bales and Dave turned to me and said, "You ready to drive?!" Absolutely! So the two of us crawled up into the cab and for the next half hour we drove around in the empty fields having a blast. After another two rides and happy customers, Ron and Dave came and said that I had officially been voted the best Toledo First Youth Pastor tractor driver! What a compliment! The night, a total success, put me on cloud nine and it was hard to leave the open country by the end of the night, but what wonderful memories will stick with me forever.

The next challenge was to find a new computer. Praise God that the church insurance was able to cover my damaged Dell, but it took some time to really think and pray about what kind of machine I should get now to fit my needs. It all came down to this, I am crossing the great divide. Moving into an innovative way of thinking. Moving on from the wilderness and into the Promised Land. I bought a Mac. Yes, that’s right. Previously PC-loving and fairly knowledgeable Anna switched over to a Macbook Pro. As great of a machine I already know it to be, FedEx really did have an unusual shipping plan for it. From Shanghai it flew to Alaska, then on to Memphis TN, then on to Michigan, and is now making my life more wonderful!

Life Lessons: When to Try Out Faith

2010-09-19T20:20:00.000-04:00

Ever threatening, the ominous dark storm clouds crowd out the sun. Along with it many times, it steals optimism, strength, and even threatens to overpower faith. This is the moment. This is the moment when David had to make a choice. He’d already chosen to live for God and to let God work through him. But after he tried on Saul’s armor and rejected it, after he gathered those five smooth stones, and after he passed by each mocking man who stood on the sidelines, and made his way across the field, this was where the devil must have made his final furious attack. One split second must have seemed like eons as David was overcome with thoughts. Can I really do this? Can God really do this? Can I really afford to put everything in His hands? I believe that it was David’s faith even as small as a mustard seed that won out. And because of it, he (He) was victorious.

Now, when those same ominous dark storm clouds are crowding out the sun wherever I might be, stealing optimism, strength, and even threatening to overpower faith, now is when it really counts. See, I could chose to live by faith, meaning I claim it, talk about it, advise others in it. Or I could chose to

l i v e by f a i t h. Choosing in the most difficult of times to let the mustard seed win out over the ferocious looming storm. Choosing to anchor myself in doubts instead of being shaken by them. Doubts that prove I am not spiritually comatose, and doubts that nevertheless takes the insecurities, the risks, the fears and allows God to use them in His favor. I have this hankering that even though this may be the most difficult of moments to declare Yes, My GOD can do this! He surprises me still. Some time from now, I believe that minuscule mustard seed will grow into a full mature tree, deep rooted and strong. And when that awful storm blows, the tree will not be moved nor uprooted.

Best Part of the Job: Field Trips!

2010-09-17T20:56:00.000-04:00

Canoeing down the Huron River in Ann Arbor, MI.

More to come soon...

Say hello to the 5th-8th graders of Toledo Junior Academy!

Emily & Anna!

How & Why to Live Life

2010-09-16T17:12:00.000-04:00

Anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life.

But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it - forever, real, and eternal.

Because God loves everything he has made so much.

And because God loves you so much.

He gave his only son so that nothing would be destroyed.

By believing in Him, we are restored to a whole and lasting life.

Christ has died!

Christ is risen!

Jesus said, “I am giving life to the world.”

“I came to put the world right again.”

“To put everything and everyone put back together.”

"To put you back together."

“Upright and whole.”

“I Poured myself out for all people.”

“Poured out for you.”

“To put you back on your feet alive and whole."

Jesus said, “Look! I am making everything new.”

“Tell everyone this is dependable and true.”

*Adapted from media clip to go along with this song.

Live your life, he said. Live it so much more abundantly than what you have been. Let go of the thing that stands in the way, He says with a smirk. And because you have, let go, you've already noticed that life is so much more than what you could have ever pictured.

Life is the breath you breathe, the light streaming through the window, and the cool breeze nipping at your cheek early in the morning when you awaken.

Life is that moment when you pull up to a stop light and wonder who that person is in the car beside you? what they do? what their life is like?

Life is teaching a child to do something they've never done before and see their excitement when they've somewhat mastered the skill and hear their dramatic stories all car ride home.

Life is listening to an older Adventist woman tell her story of how she found God and His truth more clearly even after spending years as Catholic Nun, and hear the overwhelming wonder and thankfulness in her voice that is only a snapshot of her deep love for Christ.

Life is homemade tomato basil bread, homemade peach pie, and $7 Fri Chick.

Life is homeless, abused, penniless, broken, and suffering.

Life is hospital visits, changing seasons, conflict and resolution, birthdays, baby showers, technical difficulties, and flexibility and adaptability.

Life is listening, hearing, caring, and loving.

Life is depending on God to work for you.

and in you.

and through you.

and, in spite of you.

Life is ever-changing, ever-stretching its boundaries beyond what I used to think its perimeters lay.

Let me stretch the boundaries. Let me open your eyes to see what I see. Let me give you my heart so that you may love the way I love. Let me exceed your expectations. And let me always catch you by surprise. So that life...life will always put you in a place where you are in awe and wonder. So that as I put you back together, as I create in you a reckless love, you will unleash that reckless love unto others. And allow them to see...that I am your only sanity, your only clarity, the one still holding everything in His hands. Let me do that for you, He says.

Oh Boy...Cupcakes!

2010-09-13T01:05:00.000-04:00

I am obsessed with cupcakes. The word seems to drool out of my mouth. All I've been able to think about lately is cupcakes. Whenever I look at my calendar and see dates for different church events, potlucks, holidays, whatever, I think...cupcakes. When I think of my friends' wedding plans, picture children's birthdays, dream of date nights, all I think about is cupcakes. Help! Confession: Worst thing for cupcake addicts to do - find cupcake recipes and pictures of cupcakes and just imagine the taste of cupcakes, the feel of a spatula in her hand while making cupcakes, the aroma of baking cupcakes filling the house, the taste of scrumptious cupcake frosting in her mouth. Oh boy, I'm in trouble. So, above are the cupcakes I aspire to cook up. Which of you will have the utmost pleasure of taste-testing my cupcakes?!?!

PS - Yes, the bottom right is Pastor Mike's - Lemon Meringue.

One Greek's Apetite

2010-09-12T15:47:00.002-04:00

With a new found perspective on life, and more recently acquired tastebuds that have whispered in my ear, "I love Thai food," having been truly inducted as a Youth Pastor by Pastor Rachel who says this is a "traditional induction," I have the pleasure of announcing that I've also just recently found the most delicious, authentic Greek restaurant. About an hour north east of Toledo is the big college town of Ann Arbor, MI. Though I've been there before, I've never had the wonderful opportunity of stumbling into such a place as this. It was less of a stumble actually, then an already-favorite of Julie and Andrew who took me there. Nonetheless, it was one of those movie scenes where the cameras are focused in on the girl who opens the car door in slow motion, stretches one leg out, then the other, closes the door behind her as she elegantly and very gracefully sweeps her gaze up to the billboard sign on the front of the restaurant. Alright, so it wasn't that dramatic, but it's fun to imagine.

After recently spending six weeks in Greece, I think I might know a thing or two about good Greek food, and let me tell you, this is the place. The Parthenon Restaurant knows how to do it right. Everything from flamming kasseri cheese, to lettuce-free original Greek salads with kalamata olives and real feta, to baklava and Greek coffee, this place has got it.

Next time you're in these parts, I highly recommend making a pit stop here!

Learning From My Bookshelf

2010-09-10T22:26:00.000-04:00

"...turning over a new, colorful, fall leaf today and from here on out," is what my updated Facebook status currently states to the general public. Why? Because God is working in me, transforming me. As I've been facing the slightly daunting reality that yes, I'm actually a youth pastor now, I can't say that my spiritual life, my relationship with God comes naturally. Honestly, I didn't expect it to, but I thought that perhaps the spiritual high would do just as much for me. Error, error! I've definitely had to commit myself to listening for God's voice, seeking Him, and recognizing those times when I feel like I don't need Him, and therefore running to Him.

Although I'm not the typical "student missionary" who has given up a year of my life to travel overseas and experience all that God has to offer in the unfamiliar, uncomfortable, wild terrain, I've been reading through Passport to Mission anyways. I've found that this handy, dandy book given out at Union College to SM's who are about to embark on a outstanding new adventure, really does have a lot of practical advice for us task force workers as well. This is just one book of the five I'm currently reading through simultaneously. Wooo, slow it down! You might say. I can't, don't want to. God's got too much to say to me right now, and I've got to share it with different groups. Two are for my personal journey, one I'm sharing with our church leadership team and staff, another one I'm reading through with the Wednesday night book discussion, and one is for my youth volunteers. The one I'm going to focus on now is Refuel by Pastor Doug Fields (epic youth leader by the way, and click the link for awesome, helpful videos)! It's not that I've felt burned out--I just started! Nor do I feel like I have nothing to give to these youth and church members who expect, want, and need things from me. But in some areas of my life, I've felt empty. As a new friend and colleague of mine has written, "In emptiness, God creates" (Samir Selmanovic, It's Really All About God). This fits so cohesively with what Fields says:

Paul prayed that they would be 'filled ot the measure of all the fulless of God' (Ephesians 3:19). But in the orignal language, Paul used the present continous tense as he wrote this. So what was he saying, really? That he watned the Ephesians to be filled continuously, or to be filled and be filled and be filled and be filled some more. In other words, being illed with the fullness of life doesn't happen just once. To experience the fullness of life, we need to be filled and spiritually refueled regularly; that is, filled and filled--and filled some more (26).

What I've recently realized, and it sounds dumb even admitting it, but I'll show my humanity and authenticity by doing it anyways, is this - If I'm going to move forward spiritually, if I'm going to experience the depth of God's presence and closeness, then I need to pull off the highway and refuel. I praise God that He's brought people and friends and mentors to affirm the exact conclusions He's led me to in my personal life. And I praise Him that He's working on me, bit by bit, and giving me a heart that is full, though it once was empty.

What's Happening in My Homeland!

2010-09-09T11:05:00.003-04:00

Today my heart is with Union College in Lincoln, NE. Today is our 29th annual Project Impact--the "longest running collegiate service day with the highest percentage of campus participants in the nation." More than 800 (approx. 85%) students have already gathered, grabbed a few bites of an energizing breakfast, tried on their new PI shirts, and gathered for the epic group picture taken from the roof of the Administration Building. Although there no classes today, it's quite remarkable that so many students take their day off to volunteer and serve our community. First started in 1981 to paint houses for the elderly and disabled in the Lincoln area, we now focus on all sorts of practical service projects from mowing lawns, raking leaves, painting playgrounds, serving food, building homes, and all sorts of dirty, sweaty physical work. Another major part of Project Impact is giving back to many of the community organizations that serve Lincoln all year long but have some of their own face-lifts and maintenance projects that they've neglected. In fact, much of the city of Lincoln knows about this day and even anticipates it. It's a great way to open the doors for students towards service and even provides connections for students to continue to serve in the community all year long. "An estimated 16,700 volunteers have impacted Lincoln with more than 107,000 hours of voluntary labor in the last 28 years." I'm excited to receive my PI shirt in the mail soon and wear it proudly, knowing that I am a part of Union College in Lincoln, NE - where serving the community as the hands, feet, faces, and voices of God is a huge part of who we are!

enditnow...what we did!

2010-09-07T18:32:00.001-04:00

I was first introduced to enditnow at Union this past spring, but now that I've become more acquainted with the campaign and have worked to open opportunities to involve others, I have been more and more deeply touched by the stories I hear. For instance, in talking with a new friend this past weekend, she shared new things about enditnow in other parts of the world. I was both horrified and emboldened by what I found.

"In Kenya, where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a serious problem, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is implementing a project that is changing the attitudes and behavior towards the procedure in practicing communities within the country’s western and northeastern regions. FGM involves the removal of all or part of a girl’s, or woman’s external genitalia for any of a number of reasons, varying from a desire to control a perceived risk of marital infidelity, as a rite of passage into womanhood, or to meet certain religious or social expectations. According to the United Nations Population Fund, approximately 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM every year, which is primarily conducted on girls under the age of 15. Between 100 and 140 million girls and women are estimated to have undergone the procedure, which is practiced in more than 28 countries around the world, primarily in Africa and Western Asia."

Although I don't have the opportunity to work directly one-on-one in so many parts of the world that are affected by the terrible things enditnow is working to put an end to, I've started right here at home and hope that you'll join me.

Here's what we did at Toledo First: I have a passion for traveling, for seeing the world with my very eyes. And not just the seven wonders of the world, but the things that break our hearts too. So, because that's a big part of who I am, I want to share it with my youth at TFC too! After introducing the enditnow campaign to the kids during Sabbath School, we took some time to think some concepts that surround any form of abuse. I threw out words like violence, shame, pain, fear, hate, neglect, accused, etc. and in turn, although it took some thought, the kids responded with the polar opposites of all these. We took these combinations and the kids wrote them out on poster board, e.g. abuse - respect. Instead of telling a story about how I didn't listen to my parents that one time in particular...yadda yadda yadda, I took the time during children's story to tell how many other children, young girls, and women around the world need our help. With my entourage of young helpers, we played the recent hit song "Human" by Natalie Grant and each participated in a procession of what enditnow is all about. I was overwhelmingly proud that these kids took it a step further than merely signing a petition, but helped to spread the word even more.

That's just a little snapshot of what I'm having the opportunity of doing here in Toledo. And I know there'll be plenty more to come!

Read: Page 4, Paragraph 4

2010-09-04T00:04:00.002-04:00

Perhaps it is the emotion he so easily pours into his writing, in effect, creating beautiful sentence structure and dynamic, powerful speech - the kind we underline and later quote. Perhaps it is the truth of what he says that my heart understands. Perhaps it's simply the way I feel tonight - empty and open and longing to be filled. Perhaps it's the challenging, difficult, complex, intricate, hard to wrap my mind around ideas he so well describes that pull a reader in and entice them, invite them for more. To be honest, I was in tears by page five - that's when I knew God had something in store for me. And I took Samir up on his instructions on page "xx" and now share with you It's Really All About God: Reflections of a Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian because there are others who need to be infected by this infectious book. To my colleagues - read it, you must; you owe it to yourself and the betterment of your ministries. To my mentors - read it, use it as a discussion starter and tool in your classrooms to challenge your students with a broader way of thinking and living. To my friends - I know you don't have the time, and maybe right now isn't the time, but sometime (hopefully sooner rather than much later) you should read this book - it is my obligation to you as your friend to shower you with the blessings that come from reading it. To church members, youth, or anyone else who has started reading this blog - read it and discover another wonderful part of your journey with God as He continues to open your heart and reveal Himself to you.

To give you a little "heads-up" to what the book is about, or just to take the place of faithful Amazon for a brief moment, I'll share with you the inside flap of the dreaded paperback cover (a personal huge pet peeve of mine, but probably the only thing I don't like about the book). "Many of us say 'Religion? No thanks. I'd rather be spiritual than religious.' But our departure from religion is at the very same time a departure from its rich treasures of community, insight, art, practice, organized action, and hard lessons. Without religion, we find ourselves isolated, incoherent, and naive on our spiritual journeys." This book is "a personal and moving exploration of a very different way of seeing religion" and in my opinion, in seeing God. If you're thinking Peace and Social Justice, Self and Society, World Religions, History of the Christian Church, or anything along that line, please, I beg you, tear down that wall and replace it with an open window that allows God to work in your heart and hear Him in a new way.

Admittedly, I feel a little special since on the inside cover of my copy the words "To Anna, a fellow co-conspirator of Jesus" is inscribed messily by Samir Selmanovic himself. I don't place him on a pedestal by any means. But I do acknowledge the fact that this man has been given the grace and wisdom to come to understand something I have only barely noticed, have now been made aware of, and can now journey on my own to experience and discover for myself. And I hope and pray the same for you as well. I also admit, that I haven't quite finished the book. But before you throw your hands up in the air, call me names, call me on the phone to ream me out, or take a wooden bat to me, please understand that having heard Samir in person during four different speaking engagements last weekend in Toledo, what he writes in his book was so much parallel to the person he is and what he audibly speaks, that I give him the benefit of the doubt that the remainder of the book I have yet to finish will be just as good. What the pesky paperback cover can offer is the price tag, and let me tell you, if you're going to pick it up $24.95 is pennies compared to the richness of text and truth and new life within it's pages. It's also an inexpensive Christmas gift seeing as it's only 112 days away and early shopping always produces good results.

I won't try to persuade you or pressure you any further, but once you and I have both had the opportunity and privilege of finishing cover to cover this enriching book, I'd love to hear what you have to say. And I know from personal experience, Samir is always interested in having conversations, so let him know what you take away from his book as well.

End It Now

2010-08-31T00:33:00.000-04:00

This Sabbath the youth of Toledo First would like to introduce to the church what we're getting involved with to do our part and make a difference in the world. "enditnow is a global campaign to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence against women and girls around the world.It aims to mobilize Adventists around the world and invites other community groups to join in to resolve this worldwide issue. This campaign, which extends to more than 200 countries and territories, was launched in October 2009 in partnership between the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)-a prominent humanitarian organization-and the Department of Women's Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, two entities that are representative of the Adventist Church." We are becoming a part of this campaign by signing a petition that wants to reach 1 million signatures from all over the world to present to the United Nations "to raise additional awareness about the issue and advocate for the creation of effective new policies that protect women and girls." We hope that we can raise awareness in our own church family and create the opportunity for many more to join us in this campaign. We have signed a banner (same as the petition) and will have it available for more to sign this Sabbath!

Note: Notice Pastor Anna's wristband - she wears it as an ever-present reminder and promotion of enditnow, to create conversation and awareness about the campaign against women's violence.

What We Tell God...And What He Tells Us

2010-08-30T20:40:00.000-04:00

This is one of those videos I could watch over and over again. It's a narrative of our lives which goes unspoken and unwritten for fear that once the words hit the air, the reality of them will hit us. Deep within us, in our hearts and very souls, we wrestle over these words as we speak them in a whisper or in a rush of anger over the way we have hurt ourselves for far too long by not giving ourselves over to Christ. But then what happens, when we surrender the chisel over to God and allow Him to work, it's too magical, too mysterious, too overwhelmingly awesome to even describe because it's a feeling that we finally experience. Experiencing God's presence which seems to be the actual chisel - because while standing in His presence, before Him, we are changed. Changed into His likeness, made into the masterpiece He intends for us to be. Not all the time, but lately, I've been experiencing this. And not to boast, but so that my story may encourage you because the Author of mine is your's as well...it is so-o hard to let go sometimes, to give up control, to give up yourself until you are completely broken, empty, and disassembled. But...ask Him to help you let go, to lay yourself at His feet, and He will...He will be Strength and Power in order for you to do so.

Toledo: Thus Far - Learning Love

2010-08-30T00:08:00.002-04:00

Love awakens our awareness of reality. Love entices us, invigorates us, energizes us to learn, discover, understand, and know. Love encourages us and strengthens us. Love pulls us up from where we were and gives us wings of infatuation and passion that are the driving force behind the crazy things we do. Love opens the door to a world we haven't seen before and invites us to jump in with both feet. There's something new God's teaching me about love. Learning to love like Him - it isn't safe. Haha, but that's so-o okay with me now. I didn't know what it meant before, and I'm not sure I can describe it even, but I can feel it, deep in the depths of me. It's what makes me let go of control and fear. What makes me want to travel, see the world, meet all sorts of people, and experience the rawness of love. It's because of this, I think, that Jesus loved children so much. They're so real, so pure. I feel like I am home when I am with them. They make me feel accepted, I know I can trust them, they love to love, laugh, and rest. There is a reason God told us to become like children...and a reason why He brought me here.

I came to Toledo First empty handed. I was given more than just a place to stay, but a home. Given a car. Given blessing after blessing. Given people, friends, children, family. And all of a sudden I find that emptiness has been replaced by love. I've just started down this path of getting to know this new family and already, though we barely know each other, I am blow away by the fact that pure and simple, I feel like I am needed here. I don't feel as though I am a super hero here to save the day, or Mrs. Fix It simply because I don't have anything outstanding to offer. But for whatever reason, I feel like they need me - and I them - and it feels so good, to be able to give from the depth of my heart, and to receive the full of it with arms wide open.

Three weekends and two full weeks have past and I've learned so much and had so much fun. This past Monday I went into the office on my day off and organized. Yes, I went through the bookshelves, added another bookshelf, cleaned out the desk drawers, put everything in its spot and introduced myself to the tiny space that would become mine for the next few months. I moved the desk so that I could look out the tall, narrow window that is an opening to the outside sunshine and nature, and I love being able to sit back and watch the birds flit on past. With my door open, I can easily carry conversations with Dee who sits at her desk and chuckles with me over just about anything we find noteworthy. And someday I'll pound on the wall behind me and scare the bejeebers out of Pastor Mike who's office is just beyond the wall.

Tuesday my alarm clock went off much too early and I opened the doors to the Ohio famous Biggby's coffeehouse by 7am. Being that it's just down the street from my house, I stopped in for a Chai Tea before heading over to the church, hoping that the warmth and aroma would help wake me up on this chilly morning. Pastor Mike and I drove the 2 and a half hours down to Columbus to the Worthington SDA church for my first meeting with Ohio Conference President Raj Attiken and a host of pastors. Having done my homework to be able to join this book club meeting, I sat around with a group of pastors and discussed "If the Church were Christian" by Philip Gulley for most of the day. Though the book was an easy and quick read, it was mostly helpful for thought-provoking discussion we mostly agreed. During lunch I had the joyous opportunity to catch up with now-current Mid-America Union Youth Director Hubert Cisneros and discuss how things were going in Minnesota with our recent pathfinder camporee and now at Toledo First. And before beginning our long journey back, Pastor Mike treated me to what has been deemed the "world's best ice cream" - Graeter's of Ohio. Grandpa was right, everything good does come from Ohio.

Wednesday - Friday Pastor Rachel and I spent in and out of the office, running errands, organizing, planning etc. I found and ordered some exciting new curriculum to use for KidConnect and for the Youth sabbath school and it is currently making its way to my office! I also became a member at COSTCO! Now I can order food and purchase things for our children's/youth ministries at the church! Monday - Wednesday was also professional picture days for our new church directory - can't wait to get that into my hands so I can start working on quizzing myself with all these new names and faces! And we also went out and bought materials to put together a new bulletin board for the fellowship hall with pictures of all the kids and youth of Toledo First and post a calendar for this new year. Yes, that's right...we've got a calendar of fun things planned from now through May! And last but not least, we spent the last half of the week putting together the final details for this busy Sabbath...

It was early when I first got to the church and it would be late when I finally made it home, but the day was so-o very worth every moment. The kids told us about their weeks in Sabbath school class while munching on donuts and then we spent the rest of our time practicing for the praise service that we would lead out in. Marching our choir of silent, stage-fright children to the front of the church and lead out in song service was no easy task, but our audience liked seeing them up front even though they didn't produce a whole lot of sound. Then it was time to go to KidConnect where we learned more about the different parts that make up a worship service and how we use each of them to praise God. Thanks to Donna and her delightful crew, we feasted on an entirely all-too-good-for-you banquet of a potluck and I even tried out my Baked Apples on everyone - apparently it was a success! And although Pastor Rachel and I missed out on author and pastor Samir Selmanovic's sermon, we took great pleasure in dialogging with him throughout the afternoon before heading off to practice for the evening service. Our short 15 minutes of praise songs for the 5 o'clock Connections service was completely energizing as Rachel played her guitar and sang melody and I was pleased to sing harmony - together with Greg on the base guitar and Celine on the bongos, our hearts were full of deep, meaningful praise and adoration and I enjoyed the opportunity to sing for the first time in a long while. We concluded our evening with another hour and a half of Samir's encouraging and thought-provoking conversation. I highly recommend his amazing book "It's Really All About GOD." (And for a real kick - click here for a real endorsement of this book). Pick it up and start reading it - you'll find it hard to put down.

Upcoming this week - Tuesday I'm spending the day with one of the greatest kids in the world, getting to know him better and just having fun together! Wednesday is my first volunteer/parents meeting for the children's/youth ministries - I want to get to know you better, have a little fun, and hear some feedback as we plan for the next few months together! You are all welcome to come meet me at 8:00pm at the church! Thursday I'll be in the office, drop by and see me, my door is always open. Friday I'm having lunch with my new friend Kara to talk about an exciting upcoming event in Columbus, OH called the Revolve Tour. Already, I'm looking forward to the blessings God has in store, to falling more in love with Him, and to falling more in love with life!

Toledo: My First Week

2010-08-20T09:46:00.001-04:00

I had enjoyed everything about my first days off, but now it was time to get down to business. Tuesday morning rolled around and by 10am I was in the office for my first official day on the job. First thing first, paperwork, and lots of it! For nearly an hour it seemed I sat and filled out W-4s, I-9s, state tax forms, payroll forms, and direct deposit forms! Why did I get the feeling I was signing my life away? Once that was finally through and my angel of a church secretary Dee who will most likely be at the gates of heaven welcoming everyone and directing them to their mansions with a soft, "Careful Hun, the glass/gold streets can be a little slick sometimes," Rachel and I began sifting through things and getting an idea of where we wanted to start the planning/training/transition process. But soon we would be off to spend the day really getting to know and just hang out with one of my youth. When we picked Alex up we told him that this was his special day - we were treating him out! Pizza and ice cream was his first choice and within minutes the three of us were zooming down the road towards Casey's Frosty Boy on Sylvania Ave. I'd been passing it everyday on my way to the church and had wondered if it was any good. Well let me tell you, it was a blast! We started with a nice big steamy cheese pizza and then each had ourselves some ice cream. Afterwards we took off for the new mini golf course around back, and once Alex had taught us a few things or two about the art of golf (meaning he totally beat us - twice!) we tried our hand at some arcade games. Alex smeared Rachel's perfect air hockey record, barely beat me in basketball, and got me by 20 points in our shotgun video game. I must confess, I've never really played many arcade games, but it's addicting! By the time we were through we were hot and dehydrated and of course the only solution to that is - Walmart. Inside Alex and I picked out a new backpack for his first day of school. We found the perfect one after searching high and low...blue with LOTS of pockets! We even found a matching blue lunch box and awesome water bottle. Then, while we were waiting around for Rachel to finish her shopping, Alex found the new 2010 hockey collectors cards - 11 packs of 6 and for a great deal! So as Rachel stopped to get her visa picture, Alex and I opened them all up and marveled at all our favorite teams and hockey players. I don't know a whole lot about the hockey world yet, but I image he'll teach me a thing or two and hopefully we'll get a game in sometime this winter! I tell you - what an awesome first day on the job!

Wednesday morning began a little later than the previous day. I was invited to go to regular Wednesday lunch with Julie and Grandpa Jessop and Leonard even joined us for the special occasion. It was Grandpa Jessop's day to pick and pay and so we drove to a new diner to check things out. Skillet Delights Cafe just down on McCord Rd. After a nice breakfast/lunch of omelets, skillets, a cup of chili, or a burger, we were all pretty satisfied. By 2pm it was time to meet Rachel at the office so we could go through the KidConnect programming closet (I love programming closets by the way). Through the process of showing me her recent great accomplishment of organizing the closet so that I could know what inhabited the scary shadows, we ended up sitting on the floor chatting about her experience here and both the struggle and joy that it's been in her life. Before we had too much fun, we decided we needed to go to Costco. Costco! I've never been! It happens to be the Jessops very most favorite place in the world it seems and with the youth program I'm sure I'll eventually be so privileged to be entertained by its intriguing aisles. However, on this day, we ended up not having our grand adventures through its warehouse maze. Admittedly, we got sidetracked by a wonderful farmer's market that seemed to call to us as we sat in traffic! Wandering around in the hot sun, we tried homemade dips, honey, kettle corn, and admired all kinds of home grown fruits and veggies. After purchasing a few extraordinary market-fresh items, we headed back to the church to set up for Salad for You. This little group of about 20 people showed up to discuss this month's book that they had chosen to read. Together with Pastor Mike, we talked about spiritual disciplines and our struggle with them, but how much they add to our lives. PM and I both admitted that we are far from being very disciplined, but I did add that somewhere along the way I lost the feeling of guilt if I didn't do the same thing everyday when it came to my spiritual life. I explained that I feel that since each day is different, I can have the freedom to talk with, meet with, experience God in different ways every day. He has innumerable ways of reaching me, so why not take Him up on the offer. Trying something new a lot of days keeps my time with God interesting and intriguing so that I keep wanting to come back for more.

Thursday - alarm, pain as I rolled out of bed, shower, breakfast, Bonneville, Sylvania Ave, 30 geese in a single-file line crossing the street holding up traffic, office. Running for the first time in a while the night before definitely made my legs feel a little tight, but it had been so nice to go in the evening when it was cool, the sun was going down, and the lake just across from the house was quiet. Rachel and I sat in the office all morning long plugging away on a database of the kids that I wanted to make for future reference, announcement flyers, planning calendars, etc. We made arrangements to visit a lady next week who has an interest in Baptismal studies! And we even made the short trip to the other side of the church to visit the school kids on their way out of the classrooms and to meet the teachers for the first time. Oh the joy on their little beaming faces to be down with the second day of school! I was even given several hugs by some of the kids I had met over the weekend! I'm so glad to be getting to know them so quickly! Then, with pounding headaches due to such fierce concentration all morning long, we decided it was time for lunch even though it was 3:00 in the afternoon. She was going to induct me as a youth pastor by treating me to my first taste of Thai food, but then I noticed it..."Gyros - $1!" No way! Forget Thai today! So we pulled into the little Mediterranean cafe and delighted ourselves in 2 gyros each. Not quite as good as the real deal in Greece of course, but pretty close. I was completely satisfied. Then, to complete our day, Rachel took me downtown to visit Spyder. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but then getting past our differences and deciding to focus on him rather than his messed up foot, old and messy house, and his hippie outfit, I had a really great time just listening to his story, where he's traveled and such. Although not in the best part of town, I look forward to going back soon and visiting this non-church member, but friend, again soon. When I walked into the house this night, tired and still with a slight headache, Julie's fresh oatmeal and golden raisin cookies helped me to feel right at home. We made a Cuban supper with sweet corn and rice with a topping of simmered onions, garlic, green peppers, black beans, and tomatoes...mmm good! A perfect ending to a very good day.

First Weekend in Toledo

2010-08-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

After meeting so many new faces at church and then having the opportunity to spend all afternoon at the park with so many of them, all of us enjoying potluck, playing games, and handing out free dog biscuits and homemade lemonade to passersby, I drove back home and promptly fell asleep. A couple of hours later I noticed that I missed a call from Janica inviting me to go swimming with her and the gang. Feeling terrible, I called her back to apologize and in turn was again invited to go out and have a good time - this time with just the girls to go see a movie. So after closing the Sabbath and scarfing down some delicious Marcos pizza with the Jessops, I scurried off to see the expensive director's cut of Eat.Pray.Love. with Julia Roberts as star actress. Janica, Keturah, Michelle, and I had a wonderful time as we got to know each other better and laugh, cry, and munch on popcorn all through the movie. It was 1am by the time I got back into my car to drive home and I'm still a little confused by the flashing yellow lights in Toledo at night? Do they mean stop? Do they mean yield? They don't have this in Minnesota or Nebraska! Someone help!

Needless to say, I slept in Sunday morning, catching up from the late night and from our long drive from Minnesota and jet lag from Greece. My morning of sorting through emails and missed calls was pleasantly interrupted by Rachel who called to invite me to Exclaim, an event sponsored by all the area Catholic churches - a day filled with great big name musicians in an outdoor concert and children's games on giant inflatables. We arrived at 5pm for one of my favorite artists Matt Maher who also introduced us to a new favorite Audrey Assad (if you haven't heard of her before, look her up on itunes or youtube). The worshipful music was just what I needed to excite me even more and to remind me of God's working in so many areas of my life. Half way through, a huge storm system moved in and the dark grey clouds opened up on us, drenching us and postponing things until the rain and hail stopped. Janica, Rachel, and the kids, Alex, Josh, and Lydia, and I ran through the rain, loving the way the wet raindrops cooled us off from the the intense August heat. Later on, Ellen joined us and once the concert was all finished, we stayed behind to experience the special mass the Catholics were having to celebrate the Assumption of Mary - it was quite neat. On my way back home this time, I decided to turn and go around the block to park on the street in the right direction - wise decision. I'm slowly making progress in the whole process of settling in.

Monday was full of homework. Does she ever work you might be asking yourself? Well, us pastors here at Toledo First usually take Sunday and Monday off (except for special occasions) since our Sabbath's are usually brimming with activities and all sorts of things that keep us on our toes - which I'll soon be experiencing, but already have experienced that this is truly the case. I again seized the opportunity to sleep in, enjoy Julie's warm, fresh out-of-the-oven blueberry muffins for breakfast, and then hit my homework. Yes, I'm still working on homework and papers from my class abroad to Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia. Sometime in the afternoon I needed to take a break so I ran road down the to Rite Aid (Toledo's more popular Walgreens) and grabbed a few things I needed that I jotted down during the weekend. I didn't know Rite Aid had a whole aisle of cereals, teas, and macaronis! Also displaying a vast assortment of greeting cards, toiletries, and other odds and ends, I've definitely come to know why my Grandma walks up to Walgreens every day - from now on, I think I'll be doing the same! Oh I am so easy to please! By 5:30pm it was time to grab the extra watermelon I had left over from potluck on Sabbath and take it over to Pastor Mike's "End of the Summer Grill Out!" As the hours passed by, there were new faces to meet, names to remember, food to eat, rounds of Apples to Apples to play, and laughs to be had. I ended the night by making three new best friends! Alex, Josh, and Lydia were with me yesterday to experience just how hot it was at the concert and I felt bad that I didn't have anything to ease any of our pain. So, while I was playing the part of Lewis and Clark today at Rite Aid I discovered Skittles new Fizzleds! It made me think of the kids and so tonight (after talking to their awesome moms) I gave them to the kids telling them that I was reminded of them in the store and thought I'd get them a little something fun as a thank you for such a good time we had the day before. I was surprised, but delighted when they each opened their arms and gave me a big hug for the simple gift...I love making new friends! I couldn't have asked for a better first weekend! PTL

Toledo!

2010-08-15T14:13:00.002-04:00

Thursday August 12 and we're back on the road, finishing the long trek to Toledo (aka Torpedo as some of you have been calling it). After leaving Grandma and Grandpa Farm's we hit Chicago at lunch hour which lengthened our time around the city which is known for awful traffic to a long two hours. Minnesota to Wisconsin to Illinois, across the state of Indiana and x marks the spot in Ohio. I will finally become my Grandpa's buckeye girl!

We moved my things intoJulie and Leonard Jessop's large brick home and I felt at home right away. This friendly couple from the church opened their home to me and is letting me stay in one of their boy's rooms who has already moved out of the house. Julie is teaching college Anatomy and Physiology in a night class and enjoys any down time at home with her two cats Karona (which reminds me of the song) and her new adopted kitten Lacey. Leonard is a retired airlines pilot who's biggest hobby is cycling - Tyson, looks like I'll be learning even more of your bike lingo ;) Anyways, I feel so blessed to be staying with such a supportive, generous, and loving family and praise God for opening the right doors and taking care of my housing situation just like He said He would.

Can you tell that Liz just woke up and Mom is definitely trying her hardest to stay awake! Yikes!

Travel Agent...Navigator...Daddy get's us to where we need to be!

Finally, we're getting close!

In my room...we pulled out the futon and Liz slept on it while I was lucky to have about one square foot! Mom and Dad took the beds for their weekend stay.

Looks like Mom made a new friend...yes we call her the cat whisperer.

My room! All moved in!

I even have a futon...makes for a good bed for visitors - hint hint!

My world traveler's desk - my library of books are at my office over at the church, which is only 2 miles down the road.

I can't tell whether Lacey is more taken with my attention, my bed, or Mr. Waddles?!?!

We drove past the church on Friday on our way to lunch, and Mom and Liz shrieked, "Anna! You're name is on the church sign!" "Na ha!" I rolled my eyes. Sure enough, when we came back later on, I almost fell out of the truck - My name was on the sign! What a wonderful church! I'm so excited to serve here and get to know so many great people!

My first Sabbath at Toledo First and Pastor Mike called me up to the front to introduce me and to have me tell the short version of how I came to be here. God has worked so many miracles on my behalf - I can only count myself blessed!

When we walked through the doors of the church that morning, I was handed a bulletin by my new favorite greeter Mary who gave me a gigantic hug. I noticed right away that my name was listed next to Children's Story and immediately I shouted inside - You forgot Children's Story! How could you! You read Pastor Mike's email on this just a day ago! Better come up with something quick! Good thing working with kids prepares you for flexibility and moments exactly like this. So I told the story of when a cow escaped from the pasture, wandered into our yard, and we had to chase it back to where it belonged. My spiritual connection - Isn't it great that just like we had to put the cow back where he belonged, God always works us, moves us to exactly where we belong!

Besides the enthusiastic, loving, gracious people, this is my favorite thing about this church - it's huge windows looking out to a beautiful world of possibilities of people who need to be reached for the kingdom of God. I love this church's heart for mission!

Grandma and Grandpa Farm's

2010-08-14T19:07:00.003-04:00

Bright and early Wednesday morning August 11, 2010 we piled into our red Ford pickup, fully loaded with my moving boxes and tubs, and started on our 700+ mile trip to Toledo, Ohio where I would begin my year working as a Task Force Youth Pastor. We made our overnight pit stop at Grandma and Grandpa Farm's in Green Bay, WI and enjoyed visiting them even if it was a short stop. I loved this place when I was a kid, and still love it today.

Coming into the drive.

The old farmhouse. Liz and I always fight over who get's Uncle Mike's old room because it's the only room with a ceiling fan and is cool in the stiffling upstairs. But the "blue room" or Uncle Dan's old room isn't too shabby either.

The old milk house. I remember many an early morning going to watch at milking time.

This was the first barn before the milk house was added years later - back in the 70s Grandpa was "advanced" milking 12 cows at a time.

Fun at Home!

2010-08-01T20:25:00.003-04:00

When I think of home I think of three things: family, food, and laughing until my sides hurt. I've been looking forward to this weekend reunion ever since I left for my world travels. Yesterday was a wonderful Sabbath, bursting with radiant sunshine and bright blue skies, good ol' hymns, passionate preaching, and then an afternoon of road-tripping around the back country gravel roads with my sister. As always, wherever my travels take me, photos come as well and we were even lucky enough to snap a few that turned out to be excellent additions to her senior pictures montage. And after an evening of looking through some of my pictures of Greece, we all retired to bed early which was especially wonderful for me - there's just not a whole lot better than slowly sinking into your own soft comfy bed with crisp new sheets when you're tired and travel worn.

Sunday morning began a little later than usual at this family household, but with the anticipation of grandma and grandpa arriving we eventually got up, drug out the chaise lounges, and cut up all the fixings for a huge cookout - my favorite! With flame-broiled grillers flavored with a little bit of barbecue sauce and a slice of cheese atop home-grown garden tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and pickles, grandma's famous coleslaw, mom's divine baked beans, and ice-cold drinks, we dined in the front yard enjoying the cool breeze and open skies. After shooting the breeze, cracking jokes, and just having a blast, the grandparents left, the clouds rolled in, and I've enjoyed passing on the timeless video favorites of youtube on to the rest of my family which have only inspired greater laughs!

Most authentic picture of our unique family!

Just about ready to begin my next journey.

Ready to do some preachin' and playin' the kids!

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

A perfect day to Shabot (Hebrew for stop!)

Eeeee!

Hmmm...which way is Toledo from here?!?

That way looks good!

Good ol' Glencoe!

Trying out some more senior pic poses.

I'm no professional, but I can take a pretty decent picture!

Mmmm...edgy!

Train!

We were a little naughty here...shhhh - don't tell!

That's how I roll!

For whatever reason, I really love this shot ;)

Greece: A Lesson of Faith

2010-07-27T07:32:00.002-04:00

Praise God for this song!

The first verse describes where I've found myself lately.

The chorus is the cry, the plead, the song of my heart.

The second verse is where I want to be.

And every time the chorus is repeated, my song is intensified.

The bridge is the realization God's grace has brought me to - to realize why I've spent these summer months traveling and experiencing so much - the awesome, the spectacular, the difficult, and the trying.

But more than all of this, this song is about my God - what He's done, what He continues to do, and greater still...who He is.

Here's my testimony for the summer:

Even when I was first interested in doing the ACA Hebrew program abroad I really didn't know why. After lots of prayer, I still didn't feel as though God had given me a plain answer, but by faith I walked through the open door ahead of me and asked Him to continue to make a way if this is where He wanted me. Once I was accepted, I realized that I was going to be gone all summer long - first on a trip to Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia, then to Greece for six weeks of an intensive Biblical language program, and then had to come back to help pull off a conference-wide Pathfinder Camporee, only to have just a few days at home before leaving for a year in Toledo, Ohio serving as a task-force Youth Pastor. I was going to need to get new tennis shoes because God had me running all over the world. But “why?” continued to be my question.

Each week during my time in Greece we’d have sunset worship on Friday evening to open the Sabbath and each school represented amongst our group of 17 students would take their turns sharing the worship thought or a personal testimony. And each week, I’d sit stretched out on the beach overlooking Athens and the Aegean sea, watching as the bright red sun would slowly sink into the horizon, and spotting the evening star first thing as the sky began to darken; and I’d still be puzzled over why here, why now, why this place, why these people? I could’ve done Hebrew at Union, probably would’ve been a lot easier, and yes, I wouldn’t have seen and experienced all that I have, but why did God want me here?

After struggling through a bit of frustration of feeling like I was talking to a brick wall, I had an epiphany one day after Stefanovic’s class. He talked about Daniel’s patience seen in his prayer in Daniel 9:20-23. He waited for weeks, all the while in constant and earnest prayer and then, finally, the angel Gabriel came to him and said, “As soon as you began to pray, I had an answer for you.” But he was held up because he was fighting evil on Daniel’s behalf. The Hebrew word for patience is qavah which means to wait for (with an implication of tenseness and eagerness) and expectation. To know that God will be faithful in answering our prayer.

In our excursion to Patmos this past weekend, Tyson and I were given the blessing of enjoying the sunset from the ferry and, although we we're able to have one last vespers with our group, we opened the Sabbath together with encouragement and inspiration from E.G. White's Steps to Christ and here's what touched my soul: "When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers...When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most" (96). "If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can wand will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts." "Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray as if we would grow in faith and experience" (97). "Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God" (98).

We’ve come down to the line now, and after five and a half weeks, He’s finally whispered it in my ear. I’ve felt the ragging battle around me and know that the messenger has finally been able to break through and speak to me. And through this song it's rang loud and clear. This summer has been a slow process of coming to fall hard and fast in love with my God daily. It's taken me this long to realize that He's wanted me to learn how to fall in love with Him over and over again, to never tire of it, and to thirst for it daily so that the other things in my life that I love don't crowd Him out. I love the line in this song that says, "What if I choose to let go, and let him take control...to choose to let His love guide the way?" I'd like my life to be less governed by the what if's, the apprehensions, the anxieties, and like what I do might effect the outcomes I hope for. Instead, I'd like to start living like my relationship with God is the center of everything. To start living like He can pour out His blessings and reveal His will in whatever way and whenever He deems best, and I'll be okay with it because I'll be confident in Him.

He's faithful! He's faithful! Praise the Lord!

Greece: Ydra

2010-07-21T07:12:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, ACA Greek and Hebrew took a refreshing getaway to the little island of Ydra where we enjoyed the life of a busy Greek harbor for a few days. The white-washed homes decorated with brilliant colors and the landscape made us enjoy this paradise to the utmost!

No modern transportation on the whole island with the exception of two or three trucks. The only taxis available - donkeys!

All kinds of fishing boats and water taxis filled the harbor with even more assortments of wonderful colors.

Friday afternoon, on our way back from enjoying the sun and swimming, Tyson and I watched as this huge yacht pulled into the little harbor...

And then caused tragedy as it accidentally backed into one of the water taxis of a big family business. Eventually they were able to keep the boat from completely sinking. But let's just say there were some very angry Greeks!

Supper consisted of stuffed tomatoes and peppers, Greek salad, artichokes, Ratatouille, fish, and watermelon...Austin got a little carried away ;)

Sabbath morning we left the hotel early and climbed up the mountain to a monastery, witnessing a spectacular view of the island all the way up.

One of the many churches on the island. This was about a third of the way up the mountain.

Dr. Stefanovic pointing the way!

We made it to the top!

Epic!

Inside the monastery the monks invited us into a small room to enjoy refreshing cool water and Turkish delights while we rested from our hour long climb.

Construction on the front of the monastery to beautify everything before the big festival of Elias (Elijah) the prophet taking place two days from then. Most of the town will make it's way up the mountain for the festivities.

Sharing the road with some of the first-comers to help prepare for the holiday.

White-washed walls made the town look impeccably clean and pretty.

And against the bright blue of the sea, the colors popped!

Sabbath afternoon after climbing the mountain and taking naps, we went out to soak up the sun and test out the water.

Gorgeous sunsets!

I found my restaurant! (Reminded me of Elder Case!)

And apparently I have a boat too...I think it's prophetic - I have to move to Ydra!

And if not, there'll at least have to be another trip someday.

Our trip was too short, but the memories of the place, the things we experienced, and people we met will be with us forever.

Show Me - Light Up the Sky!

2010-07-18T16:31:00.003-04:00

How good is God that He would be there when we need Him most and even in times when we think we've got it under control ourselves. How good is He that He is so constant, always revealing Himself to us when it seems like the things swimming around in our heads crowd out the knowledge that even though we're not able to see Him, He's always near. Maybe it's like how He was with the Israelites as a pillar of fire as they wandered in the wilderness in darkness. Or times in our own lives when we're along and wonder where God is. Picture being lost in the dark, lost from the trail, and you have no idea where to go, but for just a minute the entire sky lights up and we can find our way back. No matter what we're facing, if we focus on Him and His word - He'll lead us back to the path and in His will. Every morning, when the dark gives way to the morning sun in a beautiful sunrise, it is a reminder that God is with us.

Greece: Ellinikos

2010-07-12T08:35:00.002-04:00

Needing to take a break from exercising our mental faculties, we took Friday afternoon off and decided to go exploring more of the area near our hotel. Going north, we walked the border of the old international airport not really having any destination in mind but enjoying the homes, flowers, and people we passed by. Stopping to snap a picture of a delicate flower, an older lady approached us, asked where we were from, and started chatting with us. She invited us in for coffee, but we politely declined telling her that we were going to continue on our adventure. After walking quite a distance we came across a Starbucks and sat down under the shade of the outdoor awning sipping on iced coffees to cool us down. Once we felt recuperated, we started off again knowing that the afternoon was slipping away from us. We came across a Lidl grocery store and stopped inside to grab a few items. Just next door was a Greek version of our Target and with the window displays showing off all kinds of pretty and fashionable Greek attire, we were quickly enticed inside. I tried on a few things and fell in love with a simple but elegant all white dress and a light blue Greek scarf – my useable indulgences and souvenirs that will bring a little bit of Greece with me wherever I go. Back on track again, we continued down the narrow main streets passing all kinds of shops – each having their own unique personality, scents, characters, and merchandise. We stopped in a little meat shop and the smell of the Greek sausage immediately reminded me of grandpa, just down from that shop we walked past a store-front window decorated with brightly colored petite summer outfits and I thought of grandma. I chuckled as each older Greek man in overalls we passed by brought grandpa farm to mind and each older Greek woman with her arms up to her elbows in pastry dough made me picture grandma farm. There’s no doubt in my mind Liz would love all the friendly alley cats and want to take them all home. I laughed inside thinking how much I must look like Dad, putzing (not strolling) down the street and gawking at every little thing. And each Greek lady sitting on her balcony with her feet up on a chair and a cup of hot coffee in her hand even in the middle of the afternoon reminded me of so many mornings with Mom. There is so much life and excitement in just the simple things here in Greece that I am charmed and have already scoped out a future house haha. To finish my story, we zigzagged through the streets of Ellinikos discovering all kinds of things and soaking up as much of Greece as we could. At one point, we were stopped in tracks as we heard loud continuous honking and watched as a line of cars in a wedding procession were enthusiastically headed for a nearby church. As one of the cars passed we saw a beaming bride completely adorned in jewelry and white, her father sitting beside her with a proud smile on his face. We finally completed our nearly 7 mile hike and made it back to the hotel, showered, and prepared for a restful and relaxing Sabbath.

Holy Temple of St. Panteleimon, Glyfada

The typical Greek grocery store.

πεντανόστιμο (pentanostimo) - delicious or five times tasteful!

Dancing Zorbas?!?

Greek Blackberry Sorbet *Sigh*

Makes you feel like a little kid again!

Still searching for the name of this beautiful church.

Sunset vespers

Greece: Delphi

2010-07-11T16:41:00.006-04:00

With a nationwide general strike that Thursday morning, our tour guide Lula picked us up on our private bus earlier than usual so that we could navigate through the crowded streets of Athens and suburbs. After traveling for nearly three hours on the winding mountainous roads of central Greece, gawking at quaint picturesque towns, and of course taking a short nap through the more dull scenery, we finally arrived at the destination we'd all been so anctiously anticipating - Delphi. We started with a tour of the museum to become more aware of the history of this ancient sight and then dashed up the side of the mountain to see the temples, columns, theater, and stadium for ourselves. This sight is most famous because of the oracle of Delphi where many people came from far reaching areas to hear prophecies about their future given to them by a priestess for a certain price. This was also a major place of worship of the god Apollo at the temple, and also of the Pythian games in the stadium higher up on Mount Paranassus.

"The theater, the theater...what happened to the Theater!"

-Danny Kaye, White Christmas

Temple of Apollo

Lunch at the Restaurant Omfalos

Stuffed tomatoes, olives, vegetables, and watermelon!

Arahova!

A charming little town we couldn't help but stop and walk around for a while.

Greece: Night Life

2010-07-07T18:37:00.000-04:00

We've been wanting to go downtown Athens after sundown to view the ruins under a blanket of night sky, but with a nationwide strike planned for tomorrow, we figured it would be best to stay away from Syntagma Square where most of the protesting takes place and where things can get rowdy quick. We hadn't scoped out where the other tram line goes, so we hopped on board and road to S.E.F. which is where the Peace and Friendship Stadium and the Karaiskai Stadium are located in Piereus. From there we went to find the "Big Apple" near the Faliro Pavillion just outside of Athens. We found FlowCafe were we could watch the World Cup game - Germany vs. Spain and were sorely disappointed when Germany didn't step up their game. As the night grew later the more people flocked to cafes and clubs and the whole city seemed to be a flurry of activity and night life. We stopped at a marina where families with small children were still sharing dinner at busy TGI Fridays, couples sat quietly along the edge of the water, and a steady stream of people walked along the piers enjoying the perfect weather. We stopped to fiddle with the exposure on the camera and snap pictures hopping to somehow capture the essence of it all - walkways lined with tall lamp stands, boats docked with crews milling about inside, and the lights of Piereus off in the distance. We were so much a part of Greece tonight that it almost felt as though we were Greek. Oh, what a night. Now it's late and we've got to get at least some sleep before hitting the road for Delphi.

Greece: Sea and Mountain

2010-07-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon once class was finished, Tyson and I headed to the center of Glyfada to find a travel agency and purchase our tickets for an excursion to the island of Patmos. Many of our classmates are going to make the trip once class is finished, but because the both of us have to return to the States right away, we decided to make the trip on our own anyway. Although the afternoon was steamy as usual, we took our time walking to the center, snapping pictures of beautiful flowers and gorgeous homes along the way. Once we bought our tickets (July 23rd here we come!), we headed back to our hotel...in a round about way. Walking along the busy beaches, we found ourselves a little sidetracked and ended up wandering around the points of one of the peninsulas jutting out into the Aegean. Here we stumbled across a paradise where an upscale restaurant was located on the edge of the water, the breeze off the sea blowing through the beautiful palm branches and the sun reflecting off the crisp white umbrellas overhead small glass tables. Then, coming to a inlet where the waters were a brilliant aqua, we were captivated by the sight of a worn sailboat resting in the water. This led us to explore more of the marinas nearby and so we strolled down the walkway past all sorts of boats - new ones, glistening ones, double-deckers, and double props, and older, more worn, wooden boats - almost all proudly displaying their beautiful Greek flag unless they were from out of town of course (London and Australia mostly). We even passed a boat where the crew was huddled around laughing and joking and having themselves a good time and when we walked by they stopped us and asked if we'd take their picture lol. Of course! We were all giddy! We opened the Sabbath that night by going down to our spot on the beach just a ways down from our hotel. There, the students from Southern led us in worship and we sat peacefully admiring the lights from all the boats twinkle on the sea opposite of the bright stars in the sky as the sun disappeared over the horizon.

Saturday morning as our group got ready for church, Tyson and I laced up our tennis shoes, got our trail mix, filled up our camelbacks, and took off to spend Sabbath in the greater outdoors. By 8:45am we hopped on the tram and road a few stops south of Glyfada, jumped off and started walking towards the mountains. It didn't take us long to reach the foot of the mountains where we quickly spotted a trail and started up. Zig-zagging back and forth up the mountain, we spotted several different birds and hawks, and took pictures documenting our progress up the slopes. Just around 10:30 we made it to the fireman's tower overlooking the mountainside and city below - wow what a view! Wanting to go higher up, I was talked into going on a real adventure...all I needed to say was "sure" to make it an adven"ture"...clever right?! So, taking the path less traveled (actually there wasn't a trail at all), we left the road and shortened the distance to the summit by taking a more direct incline. I must admit that I was a little afraid, but didn't admit to Tyson that I even had a fear of heights until both feet were safely planted on firm horizontal ground. "What are we doing climbing a mountain!?!" he said as he looked at me with wide eyes. I told him it was too much fun to let the opportunity pass me by because of some crazy fear of heights. Settling down now for a rest, we had our own church at the top of the mountain. It seemed like just as Tyson pulled his compact Bible out of his backpack, God sent big grey clouds to give us shelter and shade from the intense sun. We read about Paul's travels throughout Athens and Corinth and the different experiences he had. Having been to several of these places now, we could picture the whole scene so much more clearly and overlooking Glyfada and Athens from the mountain top, we were so in awe at the fact that we were actually in Greece walking in the footsteps of the apostle. By 12:30 we figured we should start heading down. We jogged for a little ways, then walked, then took some more short cuts, then I took a spill and scrapped up my leg (naturally) we were careful and Tyson helped me down slippery spots. I figure if I fall enough in foreign places, I'll have scars from everywhere I've been. Anywho, we ended up on a road different from what we expected and took a major detour, going the long way down the mountain. We were out of water and tired, in the sun now, but we came upon a Greek cemetery glistening white on the side slope of the mountain about halfway down. It was quiet and peaceful, beautifully white with everything made out of white marble. On our way away from there, we tried hitching a ride but learned that Greeks aren't big on picking up hitchikers. So, we continued our way down. It was about this time that we got to be really tired, just trying to imagine how far we'd walked by this time. We finally came to the town of Voulas and Panorama...much further from Glyfada then we expected. We walked some more, picked up some water, hopped on a bus and rode about a mile before jumping off, and then walked 11 blocks back to the center of Glyfada to pick up the tram. 3:30pm we drug ourselves into our hotel and asked if lunch was still available. Our kind waiter put a Greek salad in front of us and we gobbled it all up in no time. We went to shower and curl up in bed, napping the afternoon away. Oh, we were thrilled to have climbed the mountain! And when we went to the roof of the hotel that evening with our group to close the Sabbath, we sighed with glee at our accomplishment! Mt. Hymettus in Athens, Greece...we've been to the top!