Still Seeking

Adoption update

2012-02-04T09:34:00.003-05:00

I haven't updated on the process in quite a while, mainly because I didn't feel like I had any updates! We've been doing a lot of waiting and then some more waiting, which is, well, annoying! But we're totally trusting that God is doing His own timing thing, and that He knows what's going to work best. :)

After our attorney got both birth parents' paperwork saying they were terminating their parental rights, we had to wait 30 days in case either of them wanted to change their minds. That was a really nerve-wracking time for me. After the 30 days was up, which was December 24th (quite the awesome Christmas gift!), then we had to go back down to our attorney to file our own notarized paperwork stating our intent to adopt Mr. M. :)

From there we got to wait some more and just this week learned when our first hearing will be...... March 26th!!!!! What?????!!!!!!!!! *sigh*, but again, God has fought for us through this entire process and has led the way, so why would He stop now? I was a little sad at first because M will have his first birthday (March 20th) and not be "ours" yet. But, that's just on paper. He's been ours since we brought him into our home September 10th, 2011. :) We love him to pieces!

So the first hearing takes all of 15 minutes, and is the termination of parental rights hearing. Basically the birth parents don't show up (unless they've decided they want to contest) and their rights are automatically terminated. After that we get to wait yet again (noticing a theme here?), and then we'll have the 2nd hearing which is the hearing when we actually adopt M.

I know we're making progress, but I just feel like the process is creeping along slower than winter! And that's reeeeeaaaaallllly slow. But, as I've mentioned before, we're still clinging to our life verse:

"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Exodus 14:14 ESV

Blessings

2012-01-20T10:24:00.003-05:00

The Lord has blessed us so much in the past five months, we are still amazed by it all. One of our most recent blessings is someone from our church paid off our Ford! When we got it, Brad had just recently started his job at New Life Christian Ministries, I had just started nannying, and my cavalier just died. Oh, and Brad was in that 6 month loan deferment period after you first graduate from college. We needed something big enough to fit baby Grace in her car seat, and also something big enough to haul all Brad's music and other tech equipment to and from church each week since we did not have a church building (but we'll be building-less not too much longer!) All of this to say we got a TERRIBLE interest rate and our payments were ridiculously high, but we've been paying it for 4.5 years now.

We've been wanting to become debt-free now for years, but with me quitting my nannying job, with my sole income now coming from being a private piano instructor, to all sorts of various things that occurred in our lives, we could never get a head start on paying off our debt. We believe God wants us to be good stewards of all He gives us, including money, and felt that with so much debt and interest, we were failing miserably at the task! So with this blessing, our largest monthly payment was now freed up to put towards other bills! In one month, I was able to pay off my credit card (which I haven't used in years), in a few more months we'll be able to pay off Brad's credit card, we'll beef up our security fund a little more, and then all we'll have left are our school loans!!! And perhaps a mortgage by that point.

We feel like God has given us a little boost to start us on our debt-free journey, and I am so energized by it! What a great way to start 2012.

In the process

2011-11-09T10:39:00.002-05:00

Well, we are moved in! Almost everything is put away and we are settling into our new home quite nicely. The Little Guy is LOVING having his own room! Brad put up vinyl wall decals of zoo animals, and every time M wakes up, he loves looking at each one and waiting to hear what sound it makes, which makes him grin the cutest dimply grin!

As for the adoption process, it's moving along (it feels like it's creeping to me). This week our references got their paperwork. Please pray for us. This adoption stuff is stressful. It's also extra-delicate when it's amongst family. So pray that all the references AND birth parents return their paperwork promptly and filled out correctly. We covet your prayers in a huge way during this process. Lately, Satan has really been messing with my mind, and I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety about the actual process. The nerves have nothing to do with being a parent or anything of that nature, but just that something will go wrong during the process. I would appreciate you lifting the three of us up in prayer during this time, and also pray for K, the birth mother (Brad's sister). Pray that God gives her wisdom and strength during this tough decision for her.

Hopefully in the near future I'll be able to post some adorable pictures from our little adoption photography session we had a few weeks ago with the fabulous Betsey!!

Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers!!

We're moving!

2011-10-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday!! So, I keep telling my friend Rachel, over at Even One Sparrow, that our lives are paralleling (can that be a verb?) a LOT lately! For instance, last Tuesday we looked at a house someone from our church owns (actually, it's a trailer, but it's really nice!) and we're moving in tomorrow! And we were gone all weekend! So right now is a little bit hectic around here...

Kibwe can't even find a spot to lay down!

But so so soon we'll have a place of our own for our family of three. Four if you count Kibwe! And we are just so blessed. Just in time for us to prepare for the homestudy for our adoption. God is so good.

From Heartache to Hope

2011-10-08T11:31:00.002-04:00

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."

~Proverbs 13:12

For the past several years I have had a sick heart. And I have prayed and prayed for God to make it well. Sunday, August 28th, Chris preached a message on God the Healer, and we had a healing prayer at the end of the service. We could also go up to one of the elders afterwards and have him/her pray for our healing, but I couldn't make myself do it. Instead, I cried through the last 10 minutes or so of the message. On my way out of worship, one of our wise old pillars of our church, Rich (amazing man with an amazing story!), said, "Sam! I love you Sam. I woke up today and God told me think of Sam, and pray for her. So I have been." That, of course, made me cry more. :) (I get it from my mom).

Fast forward a few hours... Brad and I went to his parents' house to visit for the afternoon and had a really good talk with his oldest of two sisters,K. We came home, were getting into bed, and my phone rang. It was K. Long story short, and for K's privacy, she asked us to adopt her 5 month old son, M. This had been a long time coming, with a lot of thought and consideration behind it on K's part. A lot. She and I had another long conversation and, skipping a few details, we now have M most of the time.

We were given the name of an attorney who has done inner-family adoption before, and saw him for the first time a week and a half ago. He said if everything goes as planned, the adoption should be finalized by January!! :D

We are now very proud parents of a very handsome little man. I hope to be able to post in the future about how God's hand is all around this could-be-delicate situation, but for now I'll close in saying this verse has pulled Brad and I through the past month and a half:

"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

~Exodus 14:14

Summer Foods!

2011-08-04T22:08:00.003-04:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while, which is a whole "nother" post, but for now, I just wanted to post some of the summery foods we've been eating and grilling. We've been getting a lot of fresh vegetables from our CSA, which we LOVE, and have had to find some new recipes.

Breakfast:

Eggs scrambled with peppers and onions, feta and swiss chard. Either eaten plain or in a tortilla.

Lunch/Dinner:

One of my absolute favorite summer dinners: Basil Cream pasta!! I discovered it last year and it's AWESOME! MMmmm....
Grilled Chicken Tenders with Cilantro Pesto (tonight's dinner) with Packet-Roasted Balsamic Green Beans and Peppers
Southern Kale
Grilled Panzanella
Zucchini grilled with olive oil and salt

Desserts:

Homemade ice cream, of course!!
Grilled Peaches.....We first made them this year on our annual anniversary camping trip and fell in love!
No-bake strawberry pie
Two ingredient ice cream!

These are just a few of our summer recipes we've been really enjoying! Anybody else been eating really delicious summer meals?

Plan B

2011-07-22T11:50:00.001-04:00

I began this post a few months ago. As in, I wrote the title, and that is where I stopped. I read this book that Brad suggested to me called "Plan B" by Pete Wilson. He hadn't read it yet other than the first chapter and decided I really needed to read it.

This past year has been really tough for me. I had a hard time finding a job, even a hard time getting new piano students. We lived in our pastor's basement (in fact, we still do), and we still didn't have a baby. I felt like our life was still on hold, and I couldn't figure out why. I still don't know why, but Ecclesiastes 11:5 says,

"Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind

or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb,

so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things."

Through this difficult season, I have learned to trust God so much more than I have before. And, I am reminded that our purpose is not to be made happy, but to trust and worship God with our whole being. That part can be so hard. As stubborn humans, if we don't get our way, we sometimes act like spoiled toddlers and pout. Sometimes my thoughts read like this: "Why do I even trust in God if he doesn't care where I live?!"

The other side of this is that the Bible says if we are faithful and trust in him, He will reward us. If we ask with great faith, He will give us the desires of our faith. Well, we have desired to move out of our pastor's basement. It's definitely not convenient to have no kitchen, to do all our cooking by crockpot, grill, or electric skillet. It's definitely not convenient to drive all our laundry to my mother-in-laws, wash and dry it, and bring it back home.

There are other things I could list that are not convenient, but the point is this: through all this, God is teaching us and growing us into different, more mature Christians. Brad and my mom just told me last week that they noticed a positive change in my faith in just the past few months.

These past few months, Brad and I have had a lot of things up in the air. Things that are possibly God's will for our lives... changes... and some of them have happened, and some we are still waiting on. I've always told God I wanted an exciting life. :) Well, we are certainly in an interesting period, where we can't take the next step until we see how that aligns with God's plan for our little family. Just as my friend Rachel recently mentioned at Even One Sparrow, this life we're leading certainly wouldn't have been my first choice, but Plan B isn't turning out too bad. More on that soon..... :)

LOVE this!!!

2011-05-03T11:00:00.007-04:00

I'm forever reading piano teaching blogs to get good ideas for my own teaching studio, because making music should be fun! So I was searching today, and came across this...

I love this virtuosic arrangement!

More cool Relevant Student Ministries stuff :)

2011-05-02T17:13:00.002-04:00

I have been going to write another post for a few weeks about a book I'm reading, but then I read a little more and think, well, maybe I should wait to post until I read a little more.... so, I'm still in the reading a little more phase, but I hope to have that post up soon!

However.... I have more cool news about our Relevant kids! Our youth group just recently became sponsors for a really cute 5 year old girl from Uganda named Sandra. Our senior high has been busy with lots of various things the past few Sunday nights we've met, so Mark hadn't really had a chance to really talk about the whole World Vision process, life in Uganda, the AIDS epidemic, and the LRA (Lord's Rebellion Army). But, he did have time to talk about all these things with the junior high kids, which meet on a different night.

The goal to sponsoring Sandra, is we want our kids to be raising the support. We want our kids to find ways to either make money and bring it in to give this sweet little girl a better life, or we want them to give up their own allowances to give to someone who needs the money more than our kids do (read: we don't want them begging their parents for money, or stealing from their siblings' piggy banks! ;). We want them to want to sacrifice for a girl that will have to walk miles and miles just to get fresh water for her family, only to have to go out and do it all over again the next day.

Mark figured we might have a little bit of interest from the junior high kids, and then a majority of the support would probably come from some of our more mature senior high kids. Well, Mark called me after junior high youth met last week, and I could tell he was pretty pumped about something. Here, one of our 8th grade girls, who, like another girl I recently posted about, really doesn't have a lot of material things by American standards, went door to door in her community explaining that our youth group is sponsoring a girl in Uganda so she and her family can have plenty of food and fresh water, and so that she can receive a good education, and asked them if they would like to donate to this cause! She brought in $40!

And then her best friend, also a part of a family that struggles financially, pulls out a bunch of ones from her pockets. And yet one more 8th grade girl brought in a pile of money! Between the three of these awesome girls, we got close to $100 for Sandra!!

Mark also told me that the jr. high kids, including the boys, want to spend this week writing Happy Birthday letters to Sandra instead of taking that time to play games like they normally do. :) I told Mark that my <3 grew three times that day hearing the way our kids' hearts were moved to do something bigger than themselves. To help a girl halfway around the world from us. And then I start thinking about Sandra getting letter after letter after letter after letter after letter after letter from all these awesome junior high kids that are 7-9 years older than her, and I just get moved to tears every time. God is so good.

The Rest of Last Weekend :)

2011-04-17T10:55:00.003-04:00

Soooo..... a week later..... here's the wrap-up of last weekend. Sunday a.m. we had Mark speak at church. He's such a dynamic and funny speaker, bursting with passion for God. So when he's in town, we let him speak!!

Following our second service, we headed down to 127 Knoch Rd, which is where New Life owns 20.3 acres. And there we had our groundbreaking service! It feels so great to be able to say that! We had a "row of honor" which seated our four oldest covenanting disciples (members) who are 89, 90, 94 and 95!! And they all took a shovel full of earth and turned it over by their own willpower. :) They are so great and inspiring to have as a part of our church family.

Pastor Chris provided an interesting visual for us during the beginning of the service. He had us line up in an arc with one end being the families and people who have been at New Life since Day 1 10 years ago, to those on the other end of the arc that have only been with us one or two weeks! It was a powerful image to see all the people God has brought together to be a part of this thriving church community, including those four in our row of honor. :)

The entire service was emotional for many of us, as we have been (and still are) anticipating the day when we no longer have to set up for Sunday services on a Saturday morning, and no longer are at the church until 12:30 after the two services tearing down equipment. A particularly poignant moment was at the beginning of the service as Chris gave our four literal elders their shovels for the service, and then explained the history behind the shovel he was using. His shovel belonged to a man, Clyde, that was another key member in our church for many years. If anyone was looking forward to this building going up, it was Clyde. He was an integral and caring member of our church, who, sadly, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer a few years ago. His widow, daughters and families all still come to New Life, and in a small community and close-knit church, the loss was felt by all who knew Clyde. We knew he was with us in spirit.

Mark, Chris and Brad all shared words and led us in prayer for blessings to be poured out on this process and on the people this will affect for many many years to come through VBS programs, weekend church services, domestic and international missions, and who knows what else!

Personally, I know that Brad and I, along with the Marshalls and Mark are SO excited to watch and see how God moves through us, through our faithful giving, and through our expectant waiting. We are trusting in Him alone. Not the banks who say we still don't have enough money to get a loan, but in the One who has authority over all mankind. It's gonna be sweet. :)

Shoes

2011-04-12T21:46:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow I'll tell you about the rest of our weekend, but for now, I want to tell you about a cool thing that happened within our youth group. The other week when we broke our senior high students into small groups, I was with all the girls. After we were done with our discussion, we sat around just chatting. Two of our girls, who are best friends, and I started talking about shoes.

The one girl, we'll call her Liz, said "I hate my shoes."

Her bf, "Heather", said "yeah, her shoes are really ugly."

Liz: Seriously, they are. And they're so old that all the padding is worn out of them, and all that's left is this hard sole. But, this is the only pair of shoes I have, so I wear them.

Me: ...... (insert some lame comment trying to be funny b/c I didn't know what else to say)...

Later, I told our youth pastor about the conversation, so we decided he'd call Heather and ask for a better scoop on Liz's situation. He reported back to me after talking with Heather who said, Liz's family actually has the money to buy shoes for Liz, but just doesn't do it. It's a rough family situation (which is a fairly common theme in some of our youth group kids' lives right now, unfortunately). Since money was available in Liz's family, Mark and I didn't feel it was a dire situation in which we needed to intervene.....however crappy it may be.

Well, Mark called me tonight to tell me he had a text from Heather, who's family life also is kind of rough, and they have little money. She told Mark that she had a pair of Nikes that she hardly ever wore because she didn't like them, and that pair of shoes happened to fit Liz perfectly. So, she gave them to Liz. :) I am so blessed by this seemingly small action on Heather's part. While it may seem like no big deal, it shows that she's starting to get it. If we see a friend or neighbor in need, we need to help them.

Luke 3:11

"John answered, 'Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.'"

(And, I have a friend from college that is an awesome writer, and recently wrote about this same scripture. So please check out Rachel's blog!!)

My heart seriously jumped around a little bit when Mark told me this. Heather definitely isn't one of our squeaky clean Christian youth group kids. She struggles with her own battles, but God opened her eyes and heart to serving others. And I really pray that this is just the beginning of a long road of following God's prompting in her spirit. :) And I pray that this starts a generosity movement in our youth group and in our community!! It will be such a beautiful journey.

Ask and I'll Give the Nations To You

2011-04-11T11:43:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was one Brad and I had been looking forward to for a while; it was full of a lot of awesome people and events. We kicked off the weekend with a concert of prayer Friday night, facilitated by Mark Geppert.

Mark and Pastor Chris have known each other for many decades, and have a great friendship and mentor relationship. Mark is originally from Oakmont, a Pittsburgh suburb not too far from Saxonburg, which also happens to have an amazing bakery! Anyway, shortly after Mark and Ellie got married (also many decades ago ;), they became missionaries and moved to Singapore. I lose track of their timeline a little bit because 1. It's crazy. 2. We only see them once a year, except last year when Brad and I ran into them at a rest stop along the PA turnpike on our way to Lancaster.

ANYway, after the Gepperts spent 15ish years being missionaries, God prompted Mark to start his own mission organization (again, fuzzy with the details). So, he did. And SEAPC grows more every year. If you look at SEAPC's website, you'll get a much clearer understanding of what all it entails, countries to which it ministers, etc. They go to countries such as Cambodia, Tibet, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and more. They have built Christian schools in buddhist countries, where kids learn Bible memory verses in school each day and learn about the love of Jesus. When you see all the places SEAPC ministers, and all the things they do, you'll truly be amazed.

Mark is just one of those people undoubtedly anointed by God. When Mark prays, things happen. Doors open. Mountains move. He has such amazing faith! And he knows that if God opens a door, it's a really good idea to step through it, whether you know what you're doing or not.

So Friday night, Mark came to share the latest things God has been doing through SEAPC. We spent a LOT of concentrated prayer time on each of the countries where SEAPC works, we prayed for the leaders in those countries, we prayed for the workers at the orphanages, the teachers at the schools, etc. We prayed for the United States, we prayed for Pennsylvania, we prayed for our church, and the people in the community that we need to reach.

Mark shared with us that the vice president of one of the countries to which SEAPC ministers is *this close* to renouncing buddhism and becoming a Christian nation! How amazing is that???? The evening was peppered with Mark talking a bit about a country, then we would worship God with songs, and then pray for what Mark just shared with us, and not always in that particular order. When we got to praying specifically for the countries where SEAPC was working, the song we were singing was "You said". How powerful it was to be singing those lyrics while praying that God would turn this specific country around and claim Christianity as its religion! To place our hands on the map on the wall and pray fervently for a country that has been scarred by explosions of land mines while singing these lyrics:

You said "Ask and you will receive"
Whatever you need
You Said "Pray and I'll hear from heaven and I'll heal your land"

You said, Your glory will fill the earth like water to seas
You said "Lift up your eyes the harvest is here the kingdom is near"

You said ask and I'll give the nations to you
Oh Lord, that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see your light
as it rises on us

You said "Ask and you will receive"
Whatever you need
You Said "Pray and I'll hear from heaven and I'll heal your land"

You said, Your glory will fill the earth
like water to seas
You said "Lift up your eyes the harvest is here the kingdom is near"

You said ask and I'll give the nations to you
Oh Lord, that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see your light
as it rises on us

Ask and I'll give the nations to you
Oh Lord, that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see your light
as it rises on earth

I just get so excited when I think of the power of unified prayer, and the limitless power of God!

Just a cool little tidbit.

2011-04-05T12:21:00.003-04:00

For a while now, Pastor Chris and Brad have been praying for 300 people in church on a regular, non-holiday Sunday. Our church is in a rural area in Southwestern PA, and we don't have our own building yet. We meet in a primary school. Being a church without a building is a pretty unusual thing in western PA. Well, two weeks ago, our attendance was 296! Last week our attendance was... 298! Haha!! We are so SO close to breaking 300. Please understand, our church, New Life Christian Ministries, is by no means number driven. But our senior pastor always reminds us that healthy things grow. And we have definitely been doing that the past few years! It's an exciting time for our church! I'll keep you posted! Hopefully this week will be the week we break 300. :)

Helpful Tip!

2011-04-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

I learned a new tip yesterday! Brad had just emptied a jelly jar and put it in the sink to soak all day b/c dried jelly is worse to clean then not-dried jelly. So last night, when I was doing dishes, the jar was sitting right under the faucet, so it filled up with fresh hot water. I thought, hmm, maybe I'll try to get this darn label off the jar while I have it in here, because they NEVER come off when the jar is dry! It peeled right off! No sticky residue or anything!!! Maybe you already knew that tip, but I didn't!! Hot water inside the jar, and voila. Off comes the label. :) Happy Friday.

Antsy

2011-03-31T16:05:00.002-04:00

I'm so antsy today! I'm antsy for us to get back into a place of our own. I'm antsy for spring! I'm so tired of snow and cold weather! I'm antsy to just go somewhere! Camping, New York, West Virginia...see? I'm not even picky (I will, however, draw the line at Ohio...) This happens every spring! I need some excitement, or change, or surprise, or whatever, and need it pronto! And usually nothing along those lines happen and I have to suffer it out. :) Because, you know, my life is so tough. I'm not complaining; I'm just saying I'm antsy!! I'm antsy for flowers! Daffodils, tulips, flowering crab apple trees, Dogwood!!!! Lush green grass that feels cool on the soles of my feet! The smell of freshly cut grass.... mmmmmmm........... the feel of sunshine on my skin. Aaahhhhhh.

World Vision

2011-03-30T10:16:00.002-04:00

I have finally been able to add a World Vision banner to my blog! Hooray!! I've tried various times through the years, and they just weren't readily available yet. And then I'd forget and not check for a long time. Well this morning I finally remembered to check again, and voila! If you kindly scan your eyeballs to the left, you'll notice my sweet World Vision banner. Is it technically a banner if it's square?

Anyway, for those of you who don't know what World Vision is, let me explain. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian aid program that was started in 1950. The current CEO is Rich Stearns, who used to be the president and CEO of a Lenox Inc., making a very healthy salary. Mr. Stearns tried his hardest to outrun God's calling to leave the game company and head to World Vision, but most of us know how that works. Jonah, anyone??

Mr. Stearns has been the CEO of World Vision since 1998. He wrote a book a few years ago called, "The Hole in Our Gospel", and in this book, Rich explains the devastation that is a daily occurance when living in total poverty. The statistics in this book are overwhelming, eye-opening and convicting. Brad got this book for me a few years ago when I returned from a mission trip to Guatemala.

World Vision not only offers emergency aid (and is among the first to respond) to countries such as Haiti after the earthquake or Japan after the recent earthquake and tsunami, but they also have a child sponsorship program. By sponsoring a child through World Vision, you enable them to attend school, have clothes, food, and make things a little easier on their family and community. The best part? Getting letters from your kiddos!!

I have sponsored Francine from Rwanda since 2005. I chose Francine because she was an older girl (7 when I first became her sponsor), and I felt that, as sometimes is the case in the adoption world, sometimes people tend to select the adorable little kids with the irresistible smiles under the age of five. Also, in Africa, women and girls can be in great danger to risks such as rape, genital mutilation, AIDS, and more, and so I wanted to protect Francine. I think in every letter she has ever written me, she has drawn me a picture of a goat. And I love it. :)

In 2007, Brad and I also began sponsoring Amiri. This was totally by "accident". I knew that financially, we were not in a position to be paying out more money per month than was absolutely necessary. However, one day my (then soon-to-be) mother-in-law were looking at wedding venues online, and I wanted to show her this little guy I had recently noticed on the World Vision website. I wanted to show her because his little smile reminded me so much of Brad's late 6 year old brother. To me, sponsoring Amiri would be in Jaden's memory.

All of this to say, if you're feeling a little tug on your heart, that tug is called God, so please check out World Vision. If you don't consider yourself a Christian, but have been looking for a notable charity to support, please check out World Vision's website. They do amazing things in areas that truly are in dire need of support. Thank you!!

God is faithful

2011-03-29T17:06:00.003-04:00

God is faithful. Even when things don't go as we'd like them to. And God is so very patient. Even when we forget how faithful he is. This winter, I have easily forgotten many times that God is faithful, and he is patient, and things do happen in His time. I have been without a full time job for 9.5 months now. We've been trying to have kids for years now. I have peed on more sticks than I can even count! And I get so downhearted when the stick says, yet again, this pregnancy thing ain't happenin' yet. And just this past week, in God's soft, gentle way, He reminded me that He is faithful, and just, and patient, and we must be patient too. And I am willing, once again, to trust him. And to love Him no matter what. And it's refreshing. :)

Recyclebank

2011-03-24T10:32:00.002-04:00

Just recently, I started using a program called Recyclebank. They offer you various ways to earn points, which in turn you may cash in for coupons on groceries, dinners, etc. So here's the link so you can check it out. Every little effort to save money helps, right? :)

A Model Day at Disney Parks – Exclusive Tilt-Shift Video Featuring Magic Kingdom

2011-03-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

A Model Day at Disney Parks – Exclusive Tilt-Shift Video Featuring Magic Kingdom

I love this video. Of course I love it because it's of one of my favorite places on earth, but I love this method of capturing video. It's pretty sweet!

Here's another one:

A Model Day at Epcot — Exclusive Disney Parks Tilt-Shift Video

And lastly, arguably one of the most beautiful Disney Parks:

Take a Tilt-Shift Trip to Disneyland Paris

What is unbelievable is that the Disney Blog said it took seven months and 4,000 photographs to produce this short clip. My husband is involved in filming, editing and producing videos, so I know it takes a while, but, WOW!

ONE in Ten Million

2011-02-26T14:08:00.003-05:00

Last fall, Chris, our senior pastor, told my husband, Brad, he believed God gave him an idea for raising funds for our church building we are starting construction on this spring, and also for the missions that our church sponsors. That idea is called, "ONE in Ten Million", and has become a drive we kicked off at Christmas.

The idea is that not many people can give hundreds or thousands of dollars to help with these ministries, but many people, almost anyone in fact, can give one dollar. $1. That's the cost of a few ounces of your caramel macchiato. If you're reading this, I ask you to please consider donating $1 to help with the construction of our building so that people may come to know the love of Jesus Christ. Or donate $1 to go towards a little child in Tibet having heart surgery. Here's the website for One in Ten Million, so you can see for yourself how the funds are allocated: http://onein10million.com/

As it says on the One in 10 Million website, this idea is under the umbrella of our church, New Life Christian Ministries, and feel free to check out our church's website, as well! And if you decide to donate $1 (or more), thank you!!!

An update

2011-02-23T11:46:00.003-05:00

Hello! I've been terribly sporadic at updating this lovely blog lately. Soooo sorry. :) So, a brief update:

I did not get the AAA job, so no world gallavanting for me (right now, anyway;). However, last week we asked the prayer team at our church for me to get a job, and since they started praying one week ago, I got four new students! In one week! Thank you God for that!! My grand total right now is 9, with an occasional 10th- our youth pastor. :) Next on the prayer list, a place we can afford to live that has room to house my piano studio for my Saxonburg students.

Also in the mix, I've been the rehearsal/pit pianist for a local community theater. They produce their shows at the Butler County Community theater, and the show opens in 2.5 weeks (YIKES!!). I'm currently waiting for that last minute "magic" that happens in every show, b/c this show needs a lot of pulling together to happen!! Anyway, the show being put on is "The King and I". This score is SO much easier to play than the last show I played for which was a Sondheim show, "Merrily We Roll Along." Whew.

That's the latest from Mrs. French. Hope y'all are doing well. :)

Quick Post

2011-02-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

here's just a quick post since I've been gone for so long.

I had an interview today at the AAA office in Cranberry Twp. I interviewed for a Travel Agent position, which would be pretty sweet. Overall, I think the interview went well, now I just have to wait. They have a few more ppl to interview, who actually have travel agent experience, but if God wants me to work there, then I'll be the new Travel Agent there. :) So, if you're the praying type, please pray that I get the job!! I'll find out next week.

Absent

2010-12-18T09:16:00.002-05:00

I have been absent! So sorry! Things were going so well until the week of Thanksgiving, and then things got a little crazy. I must've been back and forth btw my mom's house and mine 10 times, decorating her house for Christmas because her favorite cousin came to visit from California. :) We had a fun visit with them as usual.

Then tragedy struck. A sweet 17 year old boy from my home church committed suicide. I was pretty close with the family when I lived there after college. During that time I taught piano lessons to his two younger sisters, and I just came to adore that family. In such a close-knit community, the loss was felt by everyone. At least 2000 attended his viewing, which they held at our church, and a ton of people also were at his funeral. Even though this happened almost three weeks ago, I still can't get it out of my head. My heart just aches for his family, and I can't imagine the horror of finding your son that way.

All this to say, please make sure you just love on people. Let them know they're important to you, and that they make a difference in your life. The hard thing is, Logan was really loved by everyone that met him. He was such a kind, funny soul.

Praying for healing this Christmas...

November 22- Thankful

2010-11-22T08:48:00.002-05:00

Along the lines of my last post, being thankful for the hope God gives us, I'm also so thankful God created community. God knew it's not good for man to be alone, so he gave Adam a wife. God wants us to live in community, not just with our spouse, or our immediate family, but with others so that you can share life together. That doesn't necessarily mean literally living together, although some believers do live in intentional communities, which is pretty cool if you ask me, but God wants us to be there for our community through the joys and the sorrows of life.

What's that Chinese proverb say? Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half sorrow. It's so true. You know how you feel when something awesome happens in your life; you just can't wait to tell your closest friends! On the other hand, when something is burdening you or breaking your heart, if you share that burden with your friends, the pain will become a little more bearable because your friends are there to mourn/suffer with you.

When I think of my darkest year, I know that without my community of friends, I would've had a really hard time making it through that year. In my mind, community is God's way of providing us with His love in a tangible form, and I don't want to live without it.

November 21- Thankful

2010-11-22T08:42:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for the hope God gives us. Sometimes our lives can get us so down (actually Satan gets us down), and we feel like there's no where to turn and there's nothing going right, but God gives us hope. God loves us even if no one else does. If you look in your Bible's concordance or online at BibleGateway.com you'll see tons of verses with the word hope in them. Anytime you're feeling blue, look up these verses and just cry out your worries to God. I'm so thankful he's bigger than any problem we'll ever have.

November 20- Thankful

2010-11-20T14:13:00.003-05:00

I am unbelievably thankful for the gift of music. Since starting piano lessons at the age of 5, I cannot imagine my life without music. Growing up I desperately wanted to be a famous country singer. I'd stand on my "stage" (bed) holding a "microphone" (flashlight/hairbrush/candle) and just rock out to Reba McIntire. :) Piano recitals, chorus concerts, band concerts, worship teams, Turning Point (travelling choir college), and so many more musical experiences have shaped my life. Without music, I am nothing.

I am so thankful God gifted me with this talent. It is often said that music speaks when words cannot, and that music bridges all languages, and that essentially, music is emotion. And I couldn't agree more with any of those statements. I love being able to play piano or sing or drum or whatever, and along those lines, once I start playing/singing (as long as I'm not too self-conscious), I can't help but dance! :) Seriously. Life without music would be awful.

November 19- Thankful

2010-11-20T14:09:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for quiet evenings in with my husband. I'm glad we enjoy taking that time together to watch a movie, make dinner together, talk, laugh, whatever. I just am thankful to be with Brad. :)

November 18- Thankful for God's Healing

2010-11-18T12:20:00.002-05:00

I am SO thankful God still dabbles in the medical field. One of my mom's best friends is actually her cousin. I think their friendship is so beautiful since they didn't spend much time together while growing up since Mom lived all over everywhere and only a short time in southern California where Janet lived. During their teen/early adult years they didn't have a lot of contact (possibly due to the fact that Janet had like 7 kids), but through the years their friendship grew and strengthened.

I have known Janet since I was 2ish because Mom, me, and sometimes Dad, would travel out to southern California to visit with Janet, Janet's mom (my mom's Aunt Pauline), various other relatives and my Mom's Dad, Wilbur (Grandpa Freeman to me) and his lovely wife Mildred. :) Actually, Janet and Mom are the ones that started me on this lifelong Disney obsession.... Janet has worked at Disneyland since right around when I was born, so when we'd visit, we'd get into Disneyland for FREE!!! :)

Anyway, Janet is one of the kindest, most generous souls I have ever met. Unfortunately, when I was a teenager, Janet got breast cancer. She was cancer free for many years, but in 2008, the doctors found cancer in her body again. In this round of cancer, the tumors and masses have seemed to all stay the same, so the chemo was basically helping her maintain her current state. Well, Janet just got her most recent tests back which show that the tumors are SHRINKING!!!! Thank you GOD for beginning to work in a marvelous way in Janet's body!!! Now we just all need to keep praying fervently that God totally rids her entire body of cancer!!! What a story that will be to bring God praise!!! :)

November 17- Thankful for Kibwe

2010-11-17T09:01:00.002-05:00

God created some awesome and ferocious animals. He also created some really cute and cuddly ones, one of those being my adorable dog Kibwe. He has beautiful markings of black, tan and white, and Brad got him for me for our first anniversary in 2008. We got him from the local humane society and "Hal" (he does NOT look like a Hal) was abused. Even though he was treated poorly, he is the most loving, trusting little furry friend I've ever met, and he is just so sweet. When I'm having a bad day, he seems to know it and comes and curls up right beside me. I'm so thankful for this little lovable furry guy. :)

November 16- Thankful for God's Provisions

2010-11-16T09:37:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for God's provisions. God has promised us in his Word, that if we trust in him, he will provide for us. At times right now, Brad and I don't have much; in fact, some might say we have very little.... which in the eyes of the world is quite true. But, we are blessed with so much more than we deserve. We never go hungry. Even though our options sometimes are rather unexciting, we always have something to eat. We always have each other's love, and we always have God's love. We have trust in him, which sustains us. We are blessed with more than we deserve.

November 15- Thankful

2010-11-16T09:23:00.003-05:00

I'm still a day behind on my thankful blogs because of being gone at the retreat this past weekend, so today I'll hopefully post twice again and then I'll be all caught up. :) I just realized with this post, I'll be halfway through the thankful challenge. Wow.

So... I'm thankful for authors that write challenging books on aspects of God, Jesus, justice, Christianity, prayer, etc. I feel like I'll never be able to get through all the books I want to read, but I'm amazed at how many I've already read. The only problem is I don't have a super high retaining information when I read level. So, I'll read through a book, absolutely love it, but not be able to remember some of the most important parts of it. Rather frustrating, but I digress. :)

I just love reading works of C.S. Lewis, Brian McLaren, any of Rob Bell's stuff, Shane Claiborne of course, Oswald Chambers, Francis Chan, and most recently (as of 10 minutes ago) I finished a book I was reading called "A Praying Life" by Paul E. Miller.... which reminds me of Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz, etc.) I am so thankful for these authors and so many more that I haven't even listed that write books that are great encouragement or provide that little boost to keep your faith going. And sometimes the concepts in some of the books are downright challenging, or open my mind to a different way of thinking (The Shack), which as long as its biblically based, is not a problem, just perhaps something I'd not thought of before.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-11-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

Can you believe I'm actually prompt in posting this week's menu? I know.... I can't either. But, here it is!!

Monday- Pumpkin Soup

Tuesday- Chickpea, spinach and squash gnocchi

Wednesday- Sweet Potato fritters and green beans

Thursday- Lasagna and salad

Friday- in Ohio

Saturday- Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders

Sunday- Hamburgers

November 14- Thankful

2010-11-15T13:31:00.002-05:00

As I said in my last post, I was at our youth retreat this past weekend, and the thing I'm profoundly thankful for is our ability to worship. God created us to worship Him all the time, and often we fall short of worshiping Him as we ought to. Sometimes (ashamedly), I can go a day or more without even thinking about thanking God for his provisions or his goodness.

However, anyone who has ever been on a church retreat or attended a week of church camp knows plenty of time is set aside for worshiping God. That's kinda, you know, the main reason you're there.

I cannot begin to describe in words the power and the spirit that I felt during Saturday night's worship service. Here I am in a room of between 50-75 kids and the leaders worshiping, singing praises to God, and it seemed that we couldn't worship hard enough. We were singing so loud that we were almost to a point of yelling, but in a worshipful, can't sing loud enough way. It was as though, the louder we sang, the more love God could feel from us. And God sent his Holy Spirit to invade us, and it did... God was breaking hearts left and right. It was such a beautiful poignant time.

At the close of Ron's (our speaker) message and testimony Saturday night, Ron wanted us to sit quietly for five minutes and just absorb the message God spoke through him and pray and meditate. After five minutes, the worship leader for the weekend came up and began playing guitar, and still we sat. Have you ever heard over 50 6th-12th graders sit totally silent for close to ten minutes? I highly doubt it, but if you would've been with us Saturday night, that's exactly what you would've experienced. It was awesome.

I am so thankful for being able to experience the Holy Spirit with all our teenagers this weekend. I'm thankful that our teenagers were so on fire to worship God in front of their peers. I'm thankful for God's love and mercies which are new every. single. day.

November 13- Thankful

2010-11-15T10:10:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I was with our awesome youth group kids at Relevant Student Ministries (of our church, New Life Christian Ministries) at a retreat at Seneca Hills Bible Camp. We joined with four other churches from south western PA and had a really sweet weekend. I am thankful to have given up my weekend to spend time with these kids and see God stir in their hearts.

I'm thankful in advance for the outcome of this weekend. I hope to see more kindness, more love, more commitment to God and serving others from our kids.

I'm thankful God moved in mighty ways in my heart too.

And I'm thankful for finally learning how to play Humans verses Zombies. :)

I'm back

2010-11-14T19:39:00.002-05:00

As of a few hours ago, I returned from our youth group's retreat, re:bloom 2010 and we had an awesome time with God and each other and zombies. Tomorrow I'll do all the catching up on my thankful blogs. :)

November 12- Thankful

2010-11-12T08:52:00.003-05:00

Today I am choosing to be thankful... I am choosing to be thankful for not having a job. I do love being home and having time to make some awesome food and to keep up the house regularly (I don't love that part) and be able to feel like I have more to give in the areas of ministry in which I participate for our church. Time to scrapbook, time to meet Mom in the middle of the day at Butler, etc. The tough part is the reason we moved into the Marshalls' is to get out of debt, and since I have yet to find a job that will work around piano lessons in the evenings, I feel like this getting out of debt plan is not working right now. I can get so frustrated when I think things aren't going the way they should, so today I am choosing to be thankful that God has me at "home" in this small apartment not getting out of debt... thank you God for more time to read your word and to grow closer to you...

November 11- Thankful

2010-11-11T08:39:00.003-05:00

I am so thankful, grateful, and appreciative for all our veterans that have ever served in the U.S. military. Often, those in the military following their calling means they must sacrifice a lot of family time, which we who don't have a long-distance relationship can't understand the hardships of going months on end without seeing a spouse. I'm so thankful for those that fought in the physically very challenging wars of long long ago with bayonets and muskets and no warm clothes in the dead of winter to give us the freedom we often take for granted. I am thankful for those that have fought in recent wars and stood up for their beliefs and their military jobs even when much of the media makes it seem as though we are not standing up supporting our military. I know we Frenches appreciate your sacrifices so much. Thank you.

November 10- Thankful

2010-11-10T22:41:00.002-05:00

Tonight I am thankful for new friends. Of course nothing beats getting together with old friends that have known you forever and are as comfortable in your relationship as you are in that old holey sweatshirt in your closet, but you wouldn't get to that level of comfort if you weren't new friends at one point first. Brad and I had a chance to get together with some new friends tonight and had a great time.

First of all, they have the 3 cutest little boys ever, and before the end of the night, I had a request to be friends with the four year old (who also sent me home with a purple balloon and a construction paper heart with his name on it ;). We had an awesome dinner and just felt so comfortable talking with them and getting to know them better. So here's to new friends!! :)

November 9- Thankful

2010-11-09T18:34:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my LIFE group! LIFE groups are New Life's small groups that meet for several weeks in the fall and again in the spring, and we have a study that we all use that corresponds with the message series on which Chris and Brad are speaking. So. Our LIFE (living in faith everyday) group consists of us (the oldest and only married couple in the group), another couple, Mike and Corrine, two brothers, Kyle and Mark (who's our youth pastor and LIFE group leader), and a brother and sister, Justin and Moriah. We have such a great time fellowshipping and usually laugh a. LOT. which is great. This week's topic for LIFE group was about children, and since none of us have any kids, we decided to go out to North Park Clubhouse for some cheese fries and what not, and then head back to our youth house, which is where we meet for LIFE group, and watch a movie. I just can't tell you how much fun we have. Brad stunned Justin and Mark in our 2-on-2 game, by swishing a number of hook shots (but I think we still lost). I'm just so thankful for a group of people we can laugh with and study God's word with, and ask the tough questions and still at the end of the night be friends. :)

November 8- Thankful

2010-11-09T08:03:00.003-05:00

Today (yesterday) I am thankful for being able to serve. The first Sunday of every month we celebrate communion at New Life Christian Ministries, and Brad and I are always one of the couples that serve communion. The people of our congregation then come up to one of the couples serving communion. It's such a small way to serve someone, but it just does my heart good each month. To have all our church come before us, one by one, and see some with joy on their faces, some with concern, some, despair. To not really know what each person is dealing with in their lives at this time, but to know that for all of us, we have comfort and affirmation in God's promises spoken on the night of the Lord's last supper, and that we're all in this life together as a body of believers.... well, words can't really do justice to the experience.

November 7- Thankful

2010-11-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for my life, New Life Christian Ministries. I love being a part of a church family that is so friendly and caring and giving. I can't even begin to tell you the ways Brad and I have been blessed by our New Life family. I love that our church is creative, indigenous, modern and ancient, all at once. I'm thankful for our growing attendance, I'm thankful for the growth of the worship team, I'm thankful for the permits finally received for our building. I love the 70+ yr olds that are there worshiping right along to David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, etc. :) I'm very thankful for a staff that keeps their eyes focused on things that are truly important to our church and that they don't get distracted by petty things. I'm so blessed to be a part of New Life. Check out the site! Listen to a few messages! Are you a part of a church for which you're thankful?

November 6- Thankful

2010-11-06T10:30:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for our country's freedom of religion. I am so thankful we can worship as we please, and that we are allowed to worship the one true God. To be able to attend a worship service on the weekend, or a LIFE group during the week is something I know many in some other countries would love to be able to do, and I need to remember not to take that for granted!

November 5- Thankful

2010-11-05T09:38:00.002-04:00

Today I am so thankful for our temporary current living arrangements at the Marshalls'. The apartment we have in their basement is just the right size for us and our dog, and living here is how we're going to start paying off our debt (which consists of 2 car payments and a bazillion school loans). I've heard Chris say many times since we've moved in that it's not their house, it's God's house, and they want to use it as God would have them. I want to think that when I have a house that i built years from now when half of my kids have already moved out, that I will be open to letting a family in need come live in our house. Thank you God for the Marshalls and please bless their socks off for being so kind to us!

November 4- Thankful

2010-11-04T12:30:00.002-04:00

Today I am so so thankful for my amazing husband. He really is amazing. God has gifted him with some pretty sweet talents. He's a great worship leader, an awesome graphic and web designer, and a relevant pastor. But he's so much more than that to me. He's HILARIOUS, he's very sweet, he helps with the dishes, he encourages me daily, and he lets me cry in his arms. :) He's the rock in our little fambly, and I couldn't love him more. I'm so thankful God totally rearranged my life over 5 yrs ago and brought Brad and I together. Life without him would suck. :)

November 3rd- Thankful

2010-11-03T10:06:00.002-04:00

This might seem like a silly thing for which to be thankful, but I am sincere when I say, I'm very thankful for the coffee I have in my house. This morning it just tastes so delicious, but I know many steps have to happen from when the coffee is first grown, then harvested and roasted before I am able to open up a plastic container and scoop it into my coffee maker. I am thankful for those growing the coffee, and I hope soon all coffee is fair-trade coffee. I am thankful for those that roast and harvest my coffee, and I am thankful to drink it!!! mmmm....I just might have to have a second cup on this chilly morning.

November 2nd

2010-11-02T08:44:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for being fortunate enough to have a winter coat and fuzzy crocs to keep me warm while taking out my dog this morning. The last few nights we've had a frost so when Kibwe and I walk outside in the morning, the grass crunches under our feet a little. When temperatures start getting cold I think of all the homeless people and of the poor little kiddos featured in World Vision in the middle of Northern Asia that have little to no warm clothes in freezing temperatures. :(

November

2010-11-01T22:47:00.002-04:00

So, my friend Liz, on her blog over at Smithical, is going to say one thing every day for the month of November for which she is thankful. Kinda stretch out Thanksgiving for the whole month, and I really like that idea!

So, what I'm thankful for on November 1st, is my Mom. Today's her birthday, so I've been thinking of her a lot. I'm thankful for her love and her friendship. I'm thankful for the way she makes me laugh and for her silliness. I'm thankful for her hot fudge sauce and her peanut butter cookies and her chocolate cake from scratch with the fluffy white icing. Love you Mom. :)

Top 5 Jobs at Walt Disney World

2010-10-16T15:03:00.004-04:00

I'm particularly craving Disney World this morning (not that that's too shocking) and would love to be able to go for a Christmas visit this year since it's been two years since our last Christmas visit. But since that's nowhere near a reality for us, I was thinking about what would be my top 5 jobs to work at Disney World (that way I'd be there all the time!) Here's what I came up with:

5. Florist/Horticulturist- I love making floral arrangements, but also love to garden. Anyone that's ever been to WDW knows gardens and flowers and beautiful plants are everywhere!

4. Baker- Disney makes some delicious treats and I think it'd be so great to be one of the treat makers!!! (and taste testers... ;)

3. Wedding Planner- I would love to be a wedding planner as it is, but could you just imagine being a wedding planner in the happiest place on earth?? Oh my gosh, it just makes my toes tingle!!

2. Dancer/Mover in a Disney show! I have always loved dancing and performing in shows- what better place to do it!!! I think I would especially love to be in the Festival of the Lion King! African music+ Disney World+ Dancing.... :D If that didn't work out, I'd be totally cool with having a part in Finding Nemo: The Musical. :)

1. These aren't necessarily in any order, but knowing there's only one spot left is tough.... I think maybe the only thing better than being a dancer/mover in a show would be to have a part as one of the vocalists. :)

Of course, I don't think I'd really complain about very many jobs at Disney World. :)

Closed Doors

2010-10-14T14:31:00.001-04:00

Often when Brad and I are praying about some sort of decision, we'll pray that God closes the doors that should be closed, and open the ones that should be open. We have been praying this ever since I resigned from my nanny position in the middle of June. Here we are the middle of October, and I'm still jobless more or less (I teach 5 students private piano lessons and just got a job *I think* at a nearby music studio teaching a few nights a week, but I have no idea how many students or what nights....)

I have applied at Urban Impact in Pittsburgh (which I turned down for a few reasons), Starbucks, Family Christian Bookstore, I inquired about the music program at a local Christian school, applied and interviewed for a floral designer position, applied to the Oakmont Bakery, and for an artistic administrator position with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Well, as I just said, I'm still jobless.... that's a lot of doors for God to close! So, while I'm thankful for God closing the doors that need closed, I'm just not quite sure what direction I need to go... I'm not mad or frustrated, I'm just confused and sort of direction-less, other than these 3 ideas I have in my head....

But I know God has a plan for my life, and in that I take comfort. :)

Meals

2010-10-14T14:23:00.004-04:00

I never seem to post my meal plans for the week (although I always have the best intention of doing so) and if I do ever think of it, it's halfway through the week (sorta like right now). Well... better late than never. So here's this week's plan:

Monday- I actually forget! haha!!

Tuesday- Out for sesame chicken (Brad) and an Alaskan roll and a Spicy Tuna roll (Sam)

Wednesday- salad, garlic bread and spaghetti

Thursday- Baked Potato Soup

Friday- Beef Stir Fry

Saturday- Baked Chicken Breasts in a white sauce in the crockpot-a new recipe for me. If I like it, I'll post it later. :)

Cooking has been interesting lately because the Marshalls' oven quite working last week. So everything we've eaten has been food that can be cooked NOT in the oven.

Last Friday Mom and Dad came down to check out our new place and I made a delicious roast from Becky's recipe, and a baked pumpkin dessert, both in crockpots.

God's Blessings

2010-10-06T13:25:00.003-04:00

I've been waiting to write this post for a while, because I wanted it to have a some what happy ending. Well, now it does, so I'm finally writing it. :)

Brad and I have been struggling financially lately. I mean really struggling. I still haven't been able to find a job, and don't have as many piano students as I'd hoped to by this point. So money has been quite elusive for us as of late.

Two Sundays ago, a lady came up to Brad at church with tears in her eyes and said, "I didn't realize you and Sam were struggling so much lately. As I was laying in bed this morning, God brought you two to my mind with this verse (Brad couldn't remember which verse by the time he relayed the story ;) and he just impressed upon me to tell you to persevere." Receiving that message from her meant so much to us because persevering with no perceived change in how things are going can become draining.

Two days later at home, Chris said, "Sam, can you come out here for a minute? I want to tell you and Brad something." I walked out and Chris said, "Tomorrow you're going to get a check for $800 and a few days after that you're going to get $200 in cash. I don't have that kind of money, but I know people who do." WHOA. We were speechless... and crying.... we persevered knowing that God is in control and he will take care of us, even when the situation seemed so so helpless.... and God provided for us. :)

We're not totally out of the woods yet, but some more exciting things have happened since I began this post (which was a few days ago, not a few minutes ago). I had an interview in Wexford, which, even if I get offered the job, I'll probably turn it down, b/c it takes like 50 minutes to get to Wexford now from where we live. But on the way home from that interview I stopped at a music studio I knew needed a new piano teacher and was told I could have the job. I don't have a guaranteed number of students yet, but I have a better chance of getting more students there then by accumulating them on my own. So I'm quite thankful.

Last Weekend

2010-09-28T21:09:00.002-04:00

Last weekend was a whirlwind, as my life tends to be on frequent occasion, but it was so full of good things!

I drove home Friday afternoon but went straight to a wedding rehearsal I was playing for at the bed and breakfast where Brad and I got married. I arrived before the wedding rehearsal and therefore was able to chat with Carole, the proprietor, for a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with her!! :) She has such a great memory!!

After the rehearsal, I was able to visit with some old friends that I rarely see: Autumn and Garrett, and Charlie and Aimee, which was also a lot of fun!

Saturday I played for the wedding and then.... the best part of the weekend... I had dinner with Pete and Bonnie (my bosses from high school at Shreffler's Snack Shack :), Lee Ann and Bill, (Lee Ann also worked at SSS) and PJ (Janelle's boyfriend). After dinner, we went to the Barrow Civic Theater in Franklin to watch Janelle be Peter Pan. She was AWESOME! :) Seriously, I'm so proud of her!! Afterwards we went out with some more friends. Weekends like that fill me with so much happiness, I can't help but be reminded of the importance God stresses on healthy relationships.

Thank you God for friendships. :)

Memories Part 2

2010-09-24T09:42:00.003-04:00

Dear French Family,

Through the years you've grown together so much. It is amazing to see how God brought you through so many situations and yet you have managed to stick together. Because of your great love for each other and because you have been good little boys and girls this year, we are proud to announce that you are going to the most magical place on earth...and you are leaving right now.

With Love,

Mickey Mouse and His Local Disney Staff!

Memories

2010-09-24T08:07:00.010-04:00

I have always been the type of person which, after big events or memorable occasions, always reflects and thinks, "Yesterday at this time, I was putting my wedding dress on. " "Last week at this time, we were just getting to our resort." "A month ago today our vacation started." Today my reflection is, "Last year on this date, we were headed to Disney World for our French Family Frenzy vacation!" The memory is a little extra bittersweet b/c one of the families from our church is there right now- they arrived yesterday- and they're staying at the Contemporary, so I'm a little pouty. :-p

Anyway, I thought I'd reflect on some of my favorite memories from last year's trip. So here they are in no particular order (actually, as I say that, I have a feeling that they'll be in chronological ordfor the most part because that's just how my brain works.)

1. I was totally blown away when Tim andBecky told me they wanted to pay for the limo bus that was taking us all to the airport!!

2. The letter Brad wrote, which was to the kids from the Walt Disney company, was perfect. :) If I find it after I finish this post, I'll add it.

3. The end of September in Orlando still equals blazing hot.

4. Garrett kept walking waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy far ahead of us acting like he knew where we were going. So we'd stop, he'd keep walking, and eventually he'd stop and see us a quarter of a mile behind him!! This very fact is why Jayne purposely only packed vibrantly colored t-shirts for her meandering son. :D Also this is why Garrett got a little lecture from Big Brother. :)

5. The Prime Time 50's Cafe was SO much fun! Our server, Mary Ann, was great! Skippy (Brad) and Spike (Dick) were often encouraged to eat their vegetables, and when Spike completed the task, he got a clean plate sticker! Skippy, however, did not. The dessert menu was in a viewfinder!!!

6. Brad and I had an evening in Epcot alone, with a delicious dinner at the Rose and Crown. While waiting for Illuminations to start, it started POURING. It was raining so hard and so quickly, that even though I was holding my backpack off the ground in front of me to keep it as dry as possible, I had a puddle of water in the bottom of the bag! We stood out in that rain in shorts and tank tops, huddled together with teeth chattering (which felt pretty good considering how hot it had been) and watched Illuminations anyway! :D We couldn't believe they still had the show!

7. Jayne rode Thunder Mountain!!! She was laughing so hard/was terrified the whole time! I was so proud of her. :)

8. Everyone but Dick rode Splash Mountain at one time! We filled a whole log!!

9. Jayne almost had heat stroke at Animal Kingdom. It was another hot day, we ate lunch in the direct blazing sunlight, and Jayne had coffee to drink. Then she couldn't figure out why she didn't feel so hot!!

10. At our character breakfast at Chef Mickey's, even Dick got in on the towel-waving shenanigans!

Aaaand, Jayne called Goofy Pluto. Her actual words were, "There's Pluto!!" Well, Goofy was not fond of that, and here he is giving her a wordless lecture. :)

11. One night I bought cinnamon rolls from the Main Street Bakery for breakfast the next morning.... yummmm..... :)

12. The last night we were there, after our fun and crazy dinner at Hoop Dee Doo Revue (at which Reese got to ring the dinner bell).....

..... Jayne, Reese, Brad and I watched Spectromagic and Wishes again but this time from the train station on main street. The four of us had such a relaxing, magical evening. :)

Changes

2010-09-20T10:14:00.003-04:00

I've finally decided to get really serious about the food Brad and I eat. Most of the time, I do a good job of not buying any "junk" food while at the store like pop, chips, cookies or prepackaged dinners. But I still drink pop almost every time we eat out, or if we're at a party and unhealthy foods and drinks are around I have no problem consuming them. I also am a huge advocate for buying local produce and meat etc. Where we live, we have plenty of farmers markets, meat shops and a McGinnis Sisters store, so thankfully finding that type of food isn't a problem. So. Today and the rest of the week I'm going to go through my fridge and cupboards and find things with High Fructose Corn Syrup and I'll either eliminate them from my diet or find an organic substitute. The biggest part of this challenge will be eating healthy while on a tight budget. Luckily, my favorite (and only) magazine subscription, Eating Well, always has lots of great recipes.

So far, here's what I've found that'll need to go:

Smuckers jelly (which is only a slight bummer, b/c usually I buy locally made jelly)
HEINZ KETCHUP!!!! I don't know if I'll be able to handle this change... :(
maple-tasting syrup-also no big deal... if I have the extra $ to spend, I buy the "real deal"
Worcestershire sauce... really??
BBQ sauce- at least I can make my own
pop (obviously)
Campbell's Tomato Soup
Giant Eagle and Valu Time bread products
Special K red berries cereal

The change really takes effect next week, so this week I'll probably spend using up any of this stuff so it doesn't go to waste! :p

The Word is Alive!

2010-09-14T09:22:00.002-04:00

Looking out from His throne,
The Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known
And show us the way back to Him

Speaking wisdom and truth
Into the hearts of peasants and kings
He began to unveil
The Word that would change the course of all things

With eyes wide open,
all would see

The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive

Simple strokes on a page
Eternity's secrets revealed,
Carried on from age to age
It speaks truth to us even still

And as the rain falls from Heaven, Feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve

With eyes wide open, let us see
The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive

~Casting Crowns

Today when I was reading my Bible, the words felt so alive- they were practically jumping off the page at me, which was so refreshing because my devotion time has felt stale for quite a while. I fell in love with Psalm 18 today. Verse 1: "I love you Lord; you are my strength." I just meditated on that for a bit. When circumstances in life seem so full of despair or insurmountable, God is my strength. He overcame the world, so of course he can carry me up and over these mountains. The description of his power assures me that everything surrenders to him. There's nothing that he can't control. And when I'm in doubt, verse 30 reminds me, "God's way is perfect." Aaahhh... such a feeling of peace when I read that. I probably won't understand why everything is the way that it is in my life, but I don't need to. God's way is perfect. I can't really convey the way that the Holy Spirit moved in my heart today, but it just felt so good. Life is good.

Week 1

2010-09-09T18:49:00.002-04:00

I thought maybe you all (you know, the 2 of you that read this ;) would like an update. We've officially been moved into our new "apartment" for a week now. Crazy, because I have no idea where that week went!

And today we finally finished up getting the remnants from the old house. I hate that part so much. But we've had dinner with our hosts a few evenings, and were even invited to participate in the first day of school ritual, where Pastor Chris makes Emmy a pancake breakfast. :) Coffee (which, at 6:40 a.m., was required for my participation), pancakes, blueberry sauce, whipped cream, maple syrup, and diced peaches..... DELICIOUS!

As far as the actual apartment, we're making progress. I'm not sure how Brad has accomplished everything he's needed to last week and this week between packing up the old place, leading worship and preaching Sunday, starting seminary last week, constructing things at the new apartment....geez! I should make him some special cookies or something for all this hard work!

For the "kitchen" we now have a butcher block counter top that I LOVE (I definitely have affectionate feelings towards butcher block counter tops) which will eventually have shelves under it, two shelves above the counter top and a bookcase turned pantry cupboard. Everything else is everywhere right now. The bedroom is pretty well organized, but... man, it'll feel great to get everything into it's proper place!

There are already a few things I LOVE about this house. There's almost always some sort of breeze outside because the location of the house is not wooded, so it's a pretty open space. Since it's wide open and relatively flat (compared to where we just moved from), we could watch all the lightning striking in the distance the other night which was awesome. :)

Mooooving

2010-09-01T10:25:00.003-04:00

Last night was our last night sleeping in what we fondly refer to as "The cottage". There are a few things I'll miss about it:

There's a beautiful stone wall at the bottom of the hill directly behind the house, which in the beginning of June is covered with wild honeysuckle that smells SO good!

The cottage is located on this back road down into this valley which is soo peaceful- especially at night. We love to sit on our deck and listen to the country sounds and the creek across the road.

Kibwe and I will miss the actual road we live on. We walk for miles and miles up the road, and it's so pretty, and when it's really hot, we stop to wade in the creek on the way back.

And we'll miss the great location. Only 10 minutes to the building we have our worship services in, only 10 minutes to Natrona Heights or New Ken/Tarentum, 15ish minutes to Pittsburgh Mills, 25ish minutes to downtown (depending on the traffic on 28! ha!)

BUT- there are some things we WON'T miss... one of the least missed things.... probably the oil heating bill for a poorly insulated house! We definitely won't miss that this winter!

First Day of School!!

2010-08-31T10:12:00.006-04:00

Brad is SOOOO excited! Today is the first day of school for him in 3 years! Originally he wanted to go straight to grad school to get his Masters of Divinity following his undergrad degree, but after his youngest brother Jaden died, he didn't want to be that far from his family (he had his sights set on Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena....*sigh*- I joke around w/ friends that seminary is the reason I married him- because we'd be living in California!!!)

Anyway, as you (probably) know, Brad has been on staff as first the youth and worship pastor and assistant speaking pastor, and currently as the worship and media arts pastor at a wonderful church in Southwest PA for 3 years now...New Life Christian Ministries. He has a great mentor in our senior pastor, Dr. Chris Marshall. Brad and Chris have been meeting weekly since Brad first started working at our church, and have worked on various things, including Greek sort of in preparation for seminary. In April, Brad became a licensed pastor, meaning he can marry and bury. ;) (yes, I coined that phrase myself; I think I'm pretty clever...)

So, as Chris and Brad would meet together weekly, Brad would discuss how he wanted a master's degree, but just couldn't afford the traditional seminary costs. So they started looking for an all online degree, which is still a pretty new circumstance in the education world. Many of the seminaries offer part of their degree courses online, but also require you spend at least 8 weeks on campus per yr.

Finally Brad and Chris found a seminary that's completely online, and has a requirement that you are on staff at a church while completing your degree to ensure that you're putting your knowledge to use as soon as you learn it. What a concept. 8-) The name of the school is called Rockbridge Seminary and it's endorsed by Rick Warren, which helps give clout to the skeptics out there. :)

It's going to be intense, but Brad is SO excited to get started!!!

God provides!!!

2010-08-28T10:38:00.004-04:00

As most of you know, I quit my nannying job about two and a half months ago. And I absolutely feel it was the right decision for me and my little family. Brad, bless his heart, had been cooking way too many dinners for us the last almost 3 years, our house was rarely clean, and I felt so worn down. Of course that means we are currently down to one income as I wait for more piano students to start trickling in. (on a side note, I'm actually going to apply at a Christian bookstore on Tuesday.... I never thought I'd see the day...:)

Let me break here and say this is not a post to attain anyone's sympathy or $$.... ok? Good.

So, we're out of money, right?? Well two weekends ago 2 of Brad's brothers were being baptized by their mom (b/c she happens to be their pastor ;), and so we made the 45 minute trip over to see the crazy family and some of Jayne's church members at the baptism service, which was lovely. :)

Afterwards, we headed on up to the in-laws' house to visit for a while. We walked into the kitchen and my first thought was: what happened in here?!?! Boxes and bags of stuff were all over the countertop, all over the floor.... it was chaos!! Jayne entered the room just behind us and said, "Isn't this crazy??" And then explains this story to us:

A woman in her church helps out w/ a local AngelFood Ministries team and the previous night (a Saturday night, if that makes any difference) was one of their bi-monthly delivery nights for the food. Margie (I can't remember the name of the lady who was involved in this story, so we'll call her Margie) dropped off her boxes and went home for the evening. A few hours later (11:00 p.m.), she got a phone call from one of the receivers of the goods. He said in a sort-of gruff old man voice, "Margie! Come pick up this stuff! It's great, but I don't have room for it! I just got a huge amount of food and stuff two weeks ago, and it's just me here, and I can't eat all this food- I don't even have room for it! So come over right now and get it. It's in my trunk. Then take it to church tomorrow and give it to someone who needs it. " So she did. Sunday comes (rather quickly after 11:00 p.m. on a Saturday, actually) and she takes all those bags and bags and boxes and boxes of food to my in-laws' thinking, well, they're still paying on a mortgage on their house in Oil City, and paying rent on the house they're living in in Franklin Park, and they currently have 5 children living at home, so I'll give this stuff to them. Well, I'm not kidding, there was TOO MUCH food for them! Jayne's cupboards couldn't fit it all, and her fridge couldn't fit all the milk!

So. She gave some to us. We came home with two boxes and three grocery bags of canned and boxed foods and one gallon of milk. And God provided for us. We have absolutely no money to buy groceries this month, but God provided. :) We have spaghetti and macaroni and cheese and soups and tuna and mandarin oranges, and on and on and on. He is SO good. :) Jayne says, how "ironic" that the night before you two are coming over, this all takes place. "Not ironic at all- praise God" she says!!

He gave us plenty to hold us over until we move this coming week to another blessing: our senior pastor and his wife have blessed us with the opportunity to live in their basement, which will be set up as an apartment with our own entrance and everything. We will be living their rent free and no utilities, and instead, we will buy their groceries once a month or something. We've been praying that God will help us get out of debt (both paying for our undergrad degrees, and both of our cars died w/in the first 2 yrs we were married...ugh), and this seems like the best way to do that; and we're enabling the Marshalls to bless us. I'm often reminded by both my parents and my in-laws not to rob someone of their blessing. And then by ridding ourselves of this ridiculous debt, we'll finally be freed up to bless others with our income, you know, by adopting like 2 or 3 Ugandan babies!! :D

ALL of this to say God is a great provider and he cares for us SO much. Even in the little ways. Two days ago, I was really craving some pumpkin anything. Bread, pie, anything, and while I did have the ingredients, I was just beat from all the packing and whatever, so I decided I'd make something a different day. I woke up yesterday to Brad coming home from a guy's house from our church with?? Two pumpkin/chocolate chip muffins. :) Of course one could choose to say that's just coincidence, but I choose to say that God always cares and always loves.... even in the small stuff.

It doesn't have to be like that

2010-07-20T09:47:00.003-04:00

The last few weeks Satan has been trying to get in my head in a way that's new to me... I've been performing/playing piano/singing in front of large groups for years, but just the last 2 or 3 weeks at church, when I'm singing, it's almost like I can barely get the words out. I have almost an anxiety about being in front of 250 people, and I start to panic. I couldn't understand what that was all about, but one day during some quiet time with God I realized it's just Satan trying to make me think I'm no good at one of the gifts God's given me. Music is such a part of who I am, and if Satan can get me to not bless others and worship God with that gift, he'll be just so delighted. I feel better realizing what that was all about, and now I know I really need to rely on God through prayer on my own (we always have group prayer before the service starts) before these things instead of just getting up there and doing it on my own power like I usually do. I need to remember that Satan doesn't have to control me. It doesn't have to be like that...I'm a child of God.

"But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life." ~Psalm 42:8

Freshen Up

2010-07-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

I'm finally going to try to start blogging again. The last 9 months or so, I just ran out of steam. So here I am with a new design, and hopefully new things to say.... (let's be honest here, I almsot always have something to say!)

So an update... I'm currently unemployed, by choice, and I'm taking some time to get my life (read: house) in order, and try to figure out God's plans for my life. That does mean we've reduced our family income by about 50%, but we are learning to totally surrender any financial worries we have, and really trust God about it all.

Smile

2010-03-22T14:00:00.002-04:00

Things that made me smile last week:

G telling me the wind was making her haircut blow

Driving home after school w/ the sunroof open and Jason Aldean on the radio, I turn around to see G's little hand tapping (slightly offbeat ;) to the music while gazing out her window

While on the floor playing w/ the girls, S comes over and drapes herself over my back to give me a hug

There were more, but of course, I forget what they are right now! If I remember them, I'll come back and add them. :)

Casting Crowns

2010-03-01T14:35:00.003-05:00

Saturday night I FINALLY had the chance to see one of my favorite bands ever: Casting Crowns. We had amazing seats in just the 3rd row back looking onto the stage from the side. Kutless opened for them. At intermission, Mark Hall made an announcement for all youth workers to come meet in the Igloo Club Room (or something... i forget what it was called) for a quick talk. They gave us some resources we can use for our group, and really just wanted to speak inspiration into our hearts and remind us that we're not alone. Other youth workers struggle w/ the same battles we face all over the country. Then they prayed for us. It was just a blessing to be in a room w/ all these people that know exactly what you're doing and what you're going through in regards to youth ministry. :) It was also fun just to look around and see all the different looks of youth workers there were. God just reminded me that indeed He can use anyone for his glory.

Anyway, it was so refreshing to be at this concert, and I was so glad to be a part of that worship experience. My heart was touched when I'd look out at everyone else worshipping God with a smile or tears or a thoughtful look on each one's faces. I found myself wondering: What are their stories??

a bit of an update

2010-01-22T11:16:00.002-05:00

Hi! Happy New Year! Better late than never, right?? Well a few things have changed in our extended family, so here's a little bit of an update!!

Last Monday, the 11th, my father-in-law had an interview at Sanford Brown Institute in Pittsburgh. They asked him if he could come teach for half an hour (the job was for teaching nursing-which he currently does in Oil City and loves it...) on Friday, the 15th, and if they hired him, could he start February 8th? So, he taught for the 1/2 hr on Friday and was officially hired!!

Friday-Sunday of last weekend my mother-in-law was candidating at New Heights Church of God in Sewickley (read: Franklin Park), and was hired Sunday, the 17th!! So some really awesome things are happening and God just keeps paving the way for my family. :)

Prayers would definitely be appreciated that God will fling open doors in the housing department, since Dick starts his M-F job in just a few quick weeks. Jayne starts this Sunday, so for now they're taking the camper to the church parking lot and camping out. 4 kids btw (almost) 11 and 16 plus two adults (and I wonder where the dogs will be?) could probably get old pretty quickly.

So praise God for his blessings and his direction and his plans for our lives! :)

Big Daddy Weave

2009-12-09T10:23:00.002-05:00

Last week Brad and I went to see Big Daddy Weave in concert, a band that has been one of Brad's very favorites for a long time. They were just amazing and spoke to my heart in an incredible way. Sometimes, leading worship can be a tricky thing. It can be difficult to have a pure and not prideful heart. I could go on and on about this topic, but someone already has, and it's a fantastic book called "The Heart of the Artist" by Rory Noland, who, himself is a worship pastor at Willow Creek.

Anyway, we've seen lots of concerts, and all have been great in their own right, but Mike Weaver and the rest of the Big Daddy Weave just struck me as amazingly pure in their intentions. They were there to worship God our Father. Authentically. No pretenses, no shtick. It just spoke volumes to me. They didn't need to act like "rockstars"... they just sang praises to God. And I loved it. :)

Fall Harvest Party

2009-10-25T22:40:00.002-04:00

Sadly, the Fall Harvest Party has come and gone... but we had an AWESOME time! :)

Here's the rundown of the night. First, a few warm-up games of knock out... unfortunately, I've been on this terrible sucking streak lately in basketball and have NOT won a game! I need to focus. Next, we had a lovely game of pumpking bowling. :) Roll a pumpkin down the driveway to knock over some pop bottles. The team with the most points wins.

Next: PIG ROAST. Always a delicious time. Following that was a rousing game of Steal the Bacon, but for whatever reason, Brad couldnt remember the name of that, so he kept referring to it as Grease the Monkey or Steal the Car or something...?? But our "bacon" for this game was a huge crisco-ed pumpkin! Awesome. :) One of our girls has hair that's super long, and it was definitely very crisco-y by the time we finished the game. The return of a favorite game: leaf sumo wrestling, and a hay ride ended the night. Lots of fun. Lots of candy. And some pretty awesome kids. What a great night. :)

Napping Troubles...

2009-10-21T14:21:00.004-04:00

The point of this post isn't all about napping troubles, but it's foremost in my mind, because at this very moment, my friend Grace is having napping troubles. Oh, coincidently, Sophie just started crying as well. Yes! Anyway, Grace has been in her crib for about an hour, and still no sleep.

But, anyway, everything's going well, I just haven't felt like there's been much to blog about. Ever since we've gone to two services at church, we've been pretty consistently over 220, so praise God for that. :) And youth group has been picking up too, which is awesome. God has really been awesome about youth too... some of the girls have been coming to me with some stuff they're facing, which is really cool. I'm totally not worthy of it at all, but I'm thankful God's giving me this opportunity, and remembering that He is the fixer of things/emotions/situations, not me. But it's cool to be there for these girls. :)

The French Family Frenzy

2009-10-03T10:09:00.002-04:00

Our trip was a success! The kids were DEFINITELY surprised... but since they had to wake up @ 4:30 a.m., they weren't very rowdy when they found out they were headed to Walt Disney World instead of the Pittsburgh zoo.

We got big Mickey and Minnie mylar balloons and tied them to the 3 suitcases we already had. We then placed a big box down over the suitcases and balloons which was wrapped in Mickey Christmas paper, since this was their Christmas gift. Also, we had the limo (gift from my bosses) waiting. When they pulled up and came over to us, they saw the box, and attached was a letter from Mickey explaining where they were going!!

I guess all the kids were in shock b/c I've never heard the whole lot of them that quiet at one time as they were on the way to the airport!!! But being able to go on this trip really was a blessing from God to spend that much time w/ Brad's huge family. And being able to spend some time one on one with some of the kids I don't normally get to was awesome too.

We went to all the parks, ate at a ton of wonderful restaurants, and had a lot of fun. One of the most memorable (and romantic) things that happened to Brad and I this time: on Saturday, we were at Epcot, and by the afternoon, the kids were ready to head back to the hotel, leaving just Brad and I at our favorite park. We, of course, were waiting to see Illuminations that night.

About five minutes before show time, it started raining a little bit. We decided we didn't mind since I love the rain, and that we'd stay anyway. Plus, the crowds would be much smaller by the time we went to leave that night.

Right when the show was supposed to start (and it did start), the skies just ripped apart and it DOWNPOURED! crazy crazy rain! But they still did Illuminations anyway!! So we stayed and watched it, being totally drenched to the bone, and with water pooling up in the bottom of my backpack (which unfortunately killed our video camera I think). But the evening was definitely memorable and romantic to me. :)

Almost two months...

2009-09-18T10:11:00.002-04:00

I see that it's been almost two months since I've last blogged. Actually, I've tried to start different blogs numerous times, and nothing just seems to come to mind. But let me update you on a few little things...

I've decided not to teach piano lessons anymore. After working a 10 or 11 hr day, going to teach piano lessons at someone's house was just too much of a burden. I felt exhausted and stressed from being gone so much on those days and wasn't able to do things around home, which placed the burden fully on Brad. I felt sort of failure-ish as a wife on those days. Brad does an amazing job helping around the house doing dishes, or vaccuuming, etc., but I wanted to do more in my own home.

PLUS... even though not teaching has emptied two nights a week, we are filling up 3 nights a week with other stuff. Such as... next month Brad and I want to start a small group for young marrieds in our church, which will be Tuesday nights. We've been wanting to do this for two years, but haven't felt it was possible w/ my work schedule. But, it's just so strongly on our hearts, we're going to make it work one way or another...

Wednesday nights we now have band rehearsal for church. Until last week, we practiced from 8:30-9:30ish Sunday mornings before church started at 10. Since we're starting two services this weekend, we no longer have time to practice Sunday a.m., hence the weds practice. Wow, that felt really redundant.

Thursdays we're starting a more in-depth study group for our Relevant Student Ministries kiddos. Sunday nights are designed more as an outreach night, so even though there's a little message Sunday night, it's pretty seeker friendly. Thursday nights are the meat and potato nights for our regulars. We seem to always struggle a little with starting new things with our kids, but I'm excited about it, so I'm going to bug them all until they come!! But seriously, we've been hesitant to start a mid-week study w/ the kids b/c they have so many other things vying for their time. Mounds of homework, sports practices like 5 hrs/day, work, etc. So if the mid-week thing doesn't work out, we'll have to switch it back to Sunday nights.

Also, on Sunday nights we're starting a youth worship time. We did this at our old church, but because we don't have a building, we haven't been able to do it yet at this church. We decided what the heck... the kids say they really want their own worship service at youth group, so let's do it. We're keeping it small right now to see what the interest level really is, and if it'll be worth setting up/tearing down Sunday night after we've already had 2 church services in the a.m. So for the time being, our lovely own Emmy will be leading from keys, B-Rad will be on guitar, and I'll be on djembe and other auxiliary perc. Should be fun! At least, that finally gives us a REALLY good reason to get a djembe!!!! :)

Brad's continuing with all his church duties and he's also starting some video work for a charter school thing... more on that later...

uncomfortable

2009-08-05T09:52:00.003-04:00

I'm thankful everyday that I was able to go to Guatemala. One of the least expected reasons perhaps is that I'm thankful for the opportunity to feel uncomfortable. When we drove out of the airport, just within the first five minutes I felt (this is so hard to explain) satisfaction of being away from perfect Cranberry where everyone's lawns are perfectly manicured and perfect cars sit in perfect driveways. I felt real and alive and totally unable to communicate with anyone. (I took French in high school. Not very helpful in Guatemala.)

In a way, I'm glad to be home to things that are familiar (especially my husband ;) just because, well, who doesn't want to feel comfortable? But I miss being out of my comfort zone. It's like that exercise phrase: no pain, no gain. :) I really think that applies to life with God as your Lord. If you're not uncomfortable, then are you being effective? When we get comfortable, we get lazy.

I also know that you don't have to go to a different country for God to use you. My mother-in-law and I were just talking yesterday about us asking God where he wants us, and feeling like he wants us to stay put for the time being. But he is using her in awesome ways right now.

Behind my in-laws house is a lower-income apartment complex, and since my in-laws have a trampoline, a pool, and a go-kart, they see a lot of traffic from kids that live nearby. There's this one boy that comes along who is just the sweetest soul ever, and he's Reese's age, so they're good friends. But Jayne found out the other day his family has absolutely no food. Parents are divorced, and his mom just lost her job. So she fed him a special meal just for him, and then she, RJ, and this little boy went "grocery shopping" in Jayne's kitchen.

After all this, it was close to 10:00 p.m., so Jayne said she'd drive him home since it was dark. When they pulled up to his apartment, it was pitch black. No one was home. This little boy is 9 yrs old and would've walked home in the dark to a dark house with no food if Jayne hadn't found out about his situation. She walked in with him to help him put the food away, and when she opened the fridge she honestly saw one jar of bad mayonnaise, and absolutely nothing in the freezer. But something she did see was a large can of beer on the counter...

Then Jayne said something I really liked. What if it's not about being comfortable, but it's about trusting God from one paycheck to the next-because feeding all these neighborhood children leaves her with not much money leftover. Living in a less than desirable house because you're putting your money towards "greater things" (that's for you Babe ;). Sharing all you have because some have nothing to share. Which, I agree with. Ever read Acts??

Food distribution at the dump

2009-08-03T10:16:00.003-04:00

So the Wednesday we were in Guatemala, we worked on the house in the morning, and went to the dump after lunch. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Hope of Life (Esperanza de Vida) sends a team of people (missionaries/staff) out for a food distribution. What is the dump? Well, it's just that: a dump for trash. Now the people don't live in the dump, but there are tiny poverty-stricken villages all around the dump.

So three days a week, families walk up to a couple miles to come get food, which could very well be their only meal for a day or two. The day we were there, the meal consisted of some sort of drink, maybe rice milk or something..., pasta with vegetables and chicken (sorta like chicken lo mein) and two corn tortillas.

The people know if they want to be fed, they have to bring their own containers: one for the drink, and one for the food. As I was handing out the tortillas, I couldn't believe some of the containers I saw, which were the only containers these people could find. Lots of people were getting their noodles in discarded food containers like an empty Campbell's soup to go bowl. One lady, who came through to get food for her whole family, got her noodles in an iced tea pitcher. A young boy got his drink in an old Hershey's syrup bottle, and another girl got her drink in a large discarded paper Burger King cup. Bob said he saw someone go through his line with her drink in an old bleach bottle. Some of the kids were so hungry that as soon as they got their tortillas at the end of the line, they sat down right there so they could start eating (with their fingers b/c there's no silverware of course) right away.

One thing our leader warned us of though was that even though this poverty we were seeing maybe would overwhelm us, we must not cry in front of them because that would be insulting to them because they are very proud of what little they do have.

I didn't take my camera out because I wanted to be handing out food, but since Brenna's been there several times, she took lots of pictures for me on her camera (which is duct-taped together, btw ;). So when she gets back from Guatemala in another week, I'll be able to let you guys see those pics.

Time for a Guatemala post

2009-07-31T14:10:00.002-04:00

First of all, I made it home, even though I was one of 40 random people luckily selected throughout the day for a search. I was the proud 4:15 random search. :) I was a little nervous about it, but it was no problem.

Next, the crappy part was saying goodbye to Brenna. We realized we really only see each other once a year since the year she graduated. In '05, (my grad yr), we saw each other at Emily and Seth's wedding. In '06, we saw each other at Emily and Seth's housewarming party. '07 was Brad's and my wedding, and '08 was Bren and Ken's wedding. That's so not cool. But anyway, she and I had a BLAST together all week!

Also, our whole team was comprised of very funny people (yours truly included;). I haven't laughed so much in a 10 day period EVER. So so so much fun.

We got a good deal of our project house finished. But we didn't want to work too quickly, or we'd work the construction guys right out of a job. They only work when there's a house to build. Makes sense, right? And they're paid hourly. So, no rush.

There's so much I could say, but I don't want to bore everyone to death. The weather was super hot and humid; I only saw 2 scorpions; I saw NO SNAKES!! (whew); I missed Brad; I loved meeting Brenna's "kids". :) My heart broke at some of the poverty I saw. It's just unbelievable.

I'll probably post some more later, but for now I have to shower and make myself presentable for the wedding rehearsal I have to play for tonight... which I had one day to practice for. Sweet. :)

Brenna's feet are tired! Whew!! :)

2009-07-21T18:10:00.002-04:00

we'rehaving a GREAT WEEK HERE. UGH. SOMETIMES THE CAP LOCK DOESN'T GO OFF. OH WELL. THIS MISSION IS ON A MOUNTAIN!!! like way way up a mountain. it's crazy and super hot, but i'm getting used to the heat b/c we have no air conditioning anywhere. the land is absolutely gorgeous... beautiful mountains like california mountains only some higher, but green!! just gorgeous.

even though the orphanage provides so much for the children (you'll have to see some before/after or antes/despues pics-shocking), they still have so so so little. sunday afternoon Bren and I went up to the orphanage during our free time and when they hear a truck coming up the mountain (it's hard not to hear Guatemalean automobiles ;) they all come running out from everywhere to see the loco gringos and see what kind of candy they have. :) Yesterday after work, Brenna and I went up again and this time I went over to the building that houses the toddlers, and gave each of them a sticker, for which they were climbing all over me!! and pulled out a jar of bubbles, and we must've played with the bubbles alone for half an hour!! they all wanted to take turns blowing them, and blowing them into their friends' faces. :)

The food is amazing. Last night after supper Carlos organized a fiesta poquito and had the Cubans whose church we went to Sunday morning come and play some music and we swam in the gorgeous pool... it was lots of fun. :) Please pray that we keep having a servant's heart... it's hard b/c like today there wasn't a ton we could do other than carry around approx. 2 million bloques concreta (concrete blocks). Babe- Jillian Michaels would be proud!! ;) AND... PERHAPS PERHAPS THE MOST SHOCKING OF ALL IS I only have to pee like once a day because I just sweat it all out!!!!

Summer

2009-06-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

I just LOVE summer. I am more a "glass half full" person in summer, where as November-March, I'm a "the glass isn't only half empty, it's pretty much bone dry! The liquid in there looked disgusting anyway, but now I'm dying of thirst" person. That being said, I LOVE playing outside all day with Grace once warm weather and sunshine finally reaches western PA.

Yesterday, the sky was blue with a few fluffy cotton-looking clouds, the sun was warm on our skin, and a gentle breeze was blowing through the air. And I must've pushed Grace on her swing for 45 minutes, just watching her strawberry blonde curls blowing in the breeze. It was a gorgeous summer day. All that was missing was an ice cold glass of lemonade... or maybe a Mango Misto. :)

an update

2009-06-22T18:25:00.002-04:00

so here comes a really random blog.

The kittens only stayed for 2ish days and then they moved on. The day we came home from playing some intense frisbee golf and going to the golfing range, the kittens were gone. So sad.

Last Sunday night, the 14th, I was playing basketball at youth group, got a little too hardcore and landed on Bill's foot. I twisted my ankle and knee, and Monday morning I couldn't put any weight on it. I also had two doctor appts scheduled for 7:55 a.m. that day, with the doc's office being 45 ish mins away... so Brad had to drive me, and we were running about 45 mins late... Everything takes SO much longer when you are down a leg!! After my first two appts, we grabbed some lunch. Since I had to fast for my other doc appts, I was STARVING. Mom couldn't believe we were going for lunch before getting my ankle looked at. But then I told her I'd been fasting, and she totally understood. After lunch, I got my ankle and knee looked at, and learned it was just a bad sprain. New crutches and an air cast, and I was good as new.

Becky, being so gracious, gave me Monday, Tuesday and Thursday off!! So I did absolutely nothing last week except "rest up". Sweet!!! But, by Saturday, I was going out of my mind... I was SO BORED!

Friday night we went to Oil City because Kayla was having a 17th birthday party. Of course that meant we laughed a lot... those French kids are crazy. :) I love them!!

Whew. There's your update. Now it's time for my evening stroll with Kibwe. :)

Kitties!!!!!!!!

2009-06-08T21:46:00.002-04:00

The other week I came home from work, and when I stopped to get the mail, I discovered something pretty exciting... there was a Mama cat (who we'd actually seen around our yard a lot), and some kittens! I couldn't be sure how many, because as soon as I got out of my car, they started tumbling around and over each other to get out of sight as quickly as possible.

A few days ago, Brad and I saw them out again, and so we sat there for a while, to see if they'd come out of hiding and over to investigate. The mom sat there the whole time and growled at us most of the time. She's so friendly. But, 2 kittens came out a little bit, and then would dart back into hiding, only to venture out a few minutes later.

Today when I got home from work, the mom and the FIVE kittens were beside our front steps! As soon as I got out of my car though, they jumped up and hopped through the lattice so that they were then under our front steps... all except the last kitten. He tried to hop through the lattice, and his little bottom and back legs didn't quite make it.... so he just hung around for a minute, then squeezed through...

A little later, Brad and I went somewhere and when we came back, two of the kittens had their heads peeping through the diamond shape in the lattice. It was so cute!

Well, I'd been saying this whole time how I really wanted one of those little kitty cats. Brad rolled his eyes and disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he came back carrying a bowl of milk. :) We took it outside and waited and waited... but they were hiding, and their mom was hiding under our other car waiting for us to leave. So, I'll have to check the milk tomorrow, and then give you an update.

19 baptisms!!

2009-06-07T20:55:00.003-04:00

Today was our first outdoor service of this season. Every summer, once a month, we have church on our church property, which means we have an outdoor service. I love it. I love feeling the breeze gently blow through the tents, and I love looking at the huge oak and pine trees around the property. I love feeling like things are simpler, like this is how this whole Christian thing started. Sitting around in the grass (we sit on chairs though ;) listening to these awesome sermons... the only difference is, back in the day, people actually got to hear Jesus give the sermons! You know, the one whom all our sermons are about!!

Today we had a HUGE turnout for the service, which was going to be followed with a picnic and a baptismal service. The picnic was prepared by the Mexico missions team, and they accepted donations for their Mercy Day of their trip, which is coming up in about a month.

We were supposed to have sixteen baptisms today, but then one lady had to work, so we were down to 15. But following worship, another lady, Barb, approached Pastor Chris, and told him she'd like to be baptised today. We had lots of little family cells get baptised together, like two sisters, or a husband and wife, a family of four (that I teach piano lessons to- not all four mind you, just the one), but the most moving testimony was from Barb, who wasn't even planning on getting baptised today.

Even though Barb was physically alone, in her heart her "family" was with her. Barb's husband died about a week and a half ago, and he's all she had. Today she told us that the week before he died, they'd been talking about baptism. He'd told Barb he'd been baptised as a child, but really wanted to be baptised again as an adult to show his love and commitment to God. But, sadly, he passed away before that could become a reality. Today, Barb decided she wanted to fulfill the commitment they made to each other, and take that public step of obedience. What an amazing thing. God is so good.

The last man to get baptised, did so, and then after he was baptised, his son, who has Down Syndrome, decided he also wanted to be baptised. Then Pastor Chris said a few things, and then learned there were two more people who still wanted to be baptised, which leads us to 19 people in all! It was such an awesome day. I could feel God moving among us, and I felt such a powerful sense of unity.

Springbash '09

2009-05-30T15:58:00.002-04:00

Last night was indeed Springbash '09 at the Cranberry YMCA! We thankfully didn't emerge into an iced-over world, which was very treacherous, this year like last year. Just some rainshowers.

The Y messed up our reservation for March, so we had to rebook, and the kids picked this weekend. However, half the kids that helped us decide what date to choose didn't show up. Oh well, we still had a great time, and actually, this year I thought the night went really fast!

We had 25 kids come, lots of whom I'd never seen before. There was swimming, lots of pizza, 3-on-3 tourney, and some worship led by our own Emmy Marshall :). After that, Brad's friend from high school, Jer Miller, was our speaker. He did a great job, especially considering the Y had music playing over the sound system, so everytime he'd pause during his message, we'd get blips of Rihanna or Carrie Underwood... strange mix, right?

But, God moved through our kids.... He says where 2 or more are gathered in my name.... 4 kids either accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord for the first time or rededicated their lives to Him. Sweet!!

After the message, there was only half an hour left for dodgeball (where did the time go?) and then it was time to clean up.... During this time, Brad, Emmy and I all sang the clean-up song Grace learned at school and likes to sing, complete with Grace-ified phonics and head bobs...

We were starving afterwards and had some breakfast with some friends who also helped chaperone... and then FINALLY at 7:30ish, I laid down my wittle head and finally woke up at 2:45.

In unrelated news... Brenna and Kenny are starting their adoption process for a family of four they sponsor in Guatemala, who also are in need of adoption. They've been sponsoring this family for years, and have felt such a tug on their hearts to bring them into their family. Adoptions between Guatemala and the U.S. are supposed to re-open sometime this summer, so pray that all goes smoothly and that the Johnsons (B&K) will be approved!! :)

Our 2nd Anniversary already!!

2009-05-28T14:07:00.002-04:00

I can't believe our 2nd anniversary has come and gone already! And, I also think that every year that comes and goes I'll be saying, "wow, I can't believe our 6th anniversary is here already!"... so, get used to it I guess. :) Anyway, we went camping for our anniversary again, only this year it was MUCH warmer- no sleeping in my winter coat this year!! We also took Mom and Dad...and Kibwe... along. It's Mom and Dad's anniversary too, you know. Only, they celebrated 30 years this year!! Whew! Congratulations to them! And, they got us...our very own lantern for camping!! AND... SEQUENCE!! We always play that and greedy greedy on our game days, (girls vs. boys), and we love sequence. So now we have our very own.

But I just love camping because it's 1. Cheap... always a fabulous thing. 2. Outdoors... were you at my wedding?? or a part of my childhood??? I've always loved being outside, and camping happens to be just that. 3. There's not too much going on so Brad and I actually get to spend time hanging out together and chatting and making fun of each other! It's soooo nice!! And the smores are a lovely added bonus. ;)

So we had a great weekend of fishing, playing games and eating with my parents... it was just a wonderful weekend, and I'm so glad I have such wonderful parents, that we just happen to share an anniversary with. ;)

Two days after our anniversary, May 27th, is Kibwe's anniversary of becoming a part of our family! haha!! So yesterday was his first anniversary. However, we didn't really celebrate that so much...

Since we were getting ready for camping last Wednesday, and then left for camping last Thursday night, I hadn't shredded for a week. But, I also decided I need to do a lot more cardio than just what's in the shredding workout. So, last night Kibwe and I went for a run, and I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to both run and shred in the same day. I'm not too sure yet.

some things

2009-05-22T08:56:00.003-04:00

Well, I haven't blogged in a while, and over at Brenna's blog she mentioned something DEFINITELY worth blogging about.

The Guatemala trip is coming up in something like a month and a half. Which is totally crazy. Anyway, the total cost of the trip will be around $1500, including airfare. Well two weeks ago, I was telling my boss all about my wild Passport Chronicles, and when I was leaving that day, she gave me a check that totally covers the cost of my airfare! This is such a HUGE blessing, because we have to pay for the airfare right NOW, and I haven't had the green light to send out my sponsor letters yet. So, just because my boss felt led to give me an early check, I now don't have to worry about covering the cost of my airfare. :) What a blessing!!

Now that I've spent one paragraph too many on potty training, I'm off to finish putting stuff in the camper, and we're off w/ Mom and Dad for our anniversaries (both on the 25th) to Kinzua for some high quality camping. We're taking Kibwe, so that should be a LOT of fun. At least now we'll be in a camper. Originally Brad and I were going to be tent camping, and I could just picture Kibwe catching a whiff of something fun and exciting like a deer or skunk, and take off through the side of the tent, leaving behind a perfect outline of his body in the tent wall, just like in the cartoons.

Ok, really, I have to go!! (I still need to run to Wal-Mart and get anniversary cards for husband and M&D!!)

Level TWO

2009-05-12T13:11:00.002-04:00

I think when Jillian was naming level two, she forgot that she actually wanted to name it Level Satan.

Anyway, last week I didn't do four in a row.... I know, I know... but here's the reason: about 15 mins after I got home from work, we left to go party w/ Ian because it was his 6th birthday. Bowling and cake, and we didn't get home until late. But I did shred again on Friday. However, I am so excited that Brenna's my shredding accountability partner, that I want to be just like her. So, in order to do that, I sharply rolled (twisted?) my ankle on Saturday as Kibwe and I were bounding through our yard, which could possibly be more accurately described as a dirt bike track (we have grass, but it's very rutty and bumpy). Brenna's always doing clever little tricks like that all the time. :)

But, we decided that we were both going to advance to level two last night. Brenna gets home much before I do, so I told her that after she was done, and when she texted me to tell me she had shredded, just to give me a little idea of what the workout would be like. Her text went something like this: Shredded. That workout sucked. I had to stop several times. You'll probably die. Something very chipper and encouraging like that. I thought: silly Brenna. Where's your stamina?? And then I did the workout....or should I say approximately half of the workout. And then I died. I just couldn't catch my breath the whole time, and some of the exercises were SO HARD. But today I'm only going to need to stop only maybe twice. That's my positive thinking.

Day Three!!

2009-05-06T19:50:00.004-04:00

I've done three days of shredding in a row now. The TRUE test will be tomorrow, b/c usually after 3, I stop and then begin anew a few weeks later. So... I'm sure you'll all be sitting on the edge of your seats, shaking your legs up and down vigorously while biting your nails apprehensively wondering if I go through with day four's workout. The great thing is I have my very own Accountability Brenna. You can pick one up at your local Target for about $1503958392012. Or, just happen to have an awesome college roommate named Brenna(actually, all of my roommates were really really sweet-like awesome sweet. And nice sweet.).

Anyway, each day after we finish our shredding, we text the other to check in. It works out great. The texts are never to wordy b/c keeping your hands anywhere other than flopped at your side is a MAJOR feat (kind of like typing this blog right now).

Other exciting news today: I got my new cell phone finally! I actually could've purchased a new one in December, but I didn't quite realize it... and going to the Verizon store is such a hassle. Well, now I have my sweet new phone. I got a Verizon Dare.

And, last but not least, Brad found a good guitar for a sweet price, so he has a new Epiphone Les Paul. :) And tomorrow I'll teach him how to play it like a rockstar... or... something...

Day One (I copied the name of this post from Brenna)

2009-05-05T13:12:00.002-04:00

Brenna (my college roommate that I'm going to Guatemala with) and I are doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day shred. I've been doing the 30 day shred off and on for a few months now, but now, with Brenna's accountability, I'm going to actually do the entire month of "shredding". We are working out every day M-F, and then one of the weekend days. I'll be working out on Saturday, b/c Brad and I are only home for about 2 hrs (if that) on Sunday afternoons after getting home from lunch after church, and before we leave for Relevant.

So since I've been doing this video off and on for a while now, I'm not too sore after last night. I'm thinking I'll just do another day or two of level 1 and then up it to level 2. But I'll keep you posted on how we do!

Full House

2009-05-04T08:53:00.002-04:00

Well on Friday, my brother-in-law Dan moved back home after being in a live-in facility for a long time getting some much-needed help dealing with his emotions and such... so now that brings the grand total of the French residence back up to seven (more if you count the three dogs and one cat). We're all so thankful that Daniel was able to come back home, and he's been so sweet and helpful to everyone. Everything is going well so far, but Jayne said there's a noticeable difference in the amount of laundry!

While we're thanking God that everyone is back at home, at the same time we're lifting up the family to God, and ask that you please do also. We're praying that Dan learns how to adjust at home, adjust to "normal" living again, that he learns how to adjust to having four siblings around all the time again, and that the whole family is patient and loving on learning how to rebalance all the life stuff: doctor appts, who's doing dishes this night, who's taking the dogs outside, etc.

I'm thankful for and so blessed to have such generous and loving in-laws. :)

Going to Guatemala!!

2009-04-30T14:22:00.003-04:00

So, in case you don't know... I'm going on a mission trip to Guatemala in July for 10 days with my college roommate! I'm so excited and know that God is going to blow me away while I'm there. I can't wait to meet the kids Brenna (http://bcshevlin.blogspot.com/) and Kenny sponsor! I can't wait to just see everything she's been telling me about for the past three or four years! I can't wait to meet all these poor little kiddos with no parents and just LOVE THEM... (I wonder how many I can bring back in my suitcase. ;)

Going on this trip is a real test of faith for me. In a year that we're going with Brad's family on a big vacation (the first time all the kids are home in two years!-except Michael who's an adult and lives in Erie, and Jaden who's hangin with Jesus), we'll need 8 new car tires, we got no tax return, AND we're starting a rent-to-own process to buy our friends' house, I am praising God for all these opportunities and that he'll provide the means to do all these things. :) Am I crazy? Well, that has nothing to do with whether or not I trust God, right??

Oh, and btw, I can't find my old passport... which makes things just a little trickier. But I'm praying that God will just work everything out.

a busy Friday

2009-04-24T09:30:00.002-04:00

Here's a brief post to let you know what's going on today in our life, and so you will know how to pray for our family (if you feel so inclined).

In about an hour, Brad and I are leaving for Bridgeville to pick up Daniel and take him home to Oil City for the weekend. A little bit after that, we'll go to Pathways to pick up Kayla, and then go back to Brad's parents' to wait for them to come home.

Brad's parents will be in Meadville today so that Dick can get an MRI and a few other tests to see if he has cancer in his brain. So PLEASE pray that he is cancer-free! If it's God's will that there is a tumor on his pituitary gland, then we know that God is the great healer and physician and he can take this all away.

With Kayla just moving back home, and Daniel moving back home next weekend, there will be five kids at home again, and the last thing they would need is for Dick to have cancer. However, we know that God never gives us more than we can handle.

So just please pray today, and I will keep you posted on the results. Thank you.

God bless you all.

Easter weekend! Whew!

2009-04-13T13:25:00.002-04:00

Our Easter "activities" started Wednesday night. Brad had to rehearse for the Maundy Thursday service. He had to lead worship of course and was also one of the disciples. Thursday night we had over 65 people attend, which was great! Normally we have a combined service with our "friend church", Crossway, so it's hard to form an idea of how many New Life people are there, but this year we had our own service, which was really nice.

Friday morning our band played for the community wide(plus slightly extended area) youth "breakfast", which isn't a breakfast at all. It doesn't start until 11, so if anything, it's a brunch. Normally they serve pizza, which makes sense for 100-ish teenagers, but this year we actually had breakfasty stuff. Which is still fine with me. But we had a great time (even though we were told to keep it more worship-ful this year and less rocking out) and then heard a great Good Friday message from Saleem Ghubril from the Pittsburgh Project. What a funny guy who loves Jesus very much!

Then lunch with Brad and Emmy, and then home for a quick nap before heading down to Evangel Heights with Bud, Jess and children to watch "The Answer"- their big Easter production. For Sarver, PA, I was VERY impressed. And we had a great time. And the Arby's in the heights (Natrona Heights) closes at 10, EVEN ON A FRIDAY. My body went into Beef and Cheddar deprivation mode. It was quite sad. But Pizza Hut was open, so all was good in the end. ;) Bed by midnight.

Saturday morning we were at the church by 8 (or, I was there by 9), and we ran through our Easter service a few times. Straight from there to have lunch with Nicki and Val at the Brewery in Slippery Rock... oh my word, I haven't laughed so much in quite a while between the PMS monkeys, and mushrooms tasting like "basement" (according to their dad), and a whole slew of other inside jokes that no one other than the four of us would appreciate...

Saturday evening we actually "relaxed" I think. I remember finishing the book I was reading, and I don't think we had to go anywhere. Oh Brad had to go down to Pittsburgh Mills, but I voted to stay home w/ Kibwe.

Sunday a.m. at the church. Both services went great, but people's faces looked more like Good Friday than Easter Sunday, but we still had a great time!

After that we took a few breaths, went home and got Mr. We (Kibwe), and actually, Brad took a 40 min. nap... and THEN we headed north to Phillippi Rd. We left there and got to the Frenches by 8ish... and had another great time laughing and telling stories and talking about Disney. OH MY WORD I had such a hard time not telling them about the upcoming trip!!!

But in spite of everything that happened over the past four days, I have still had time to reflect on just how much God loves all of us. So much that it was ok with God that His Son died on the cross for US. I am so humbled when I think about his love. Such great sacrifice.

Resurrection Day!!

2009-04-12T12:48:00.002-04:00

Happy Resurrection Day everyone! :) We had two really fun (for the band at least) services at New Life with our second service being totally full. Chris talked mentioned how today there are people saying "Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!" all over the world in Spanish, Lao, Swahili, German, French, Mandarin, etc. I love thinking about people all over the world celebrating the one true God today and the fact that Jesus conquered the grave!! And... bonus points: someday we'll ALL get to hang out together worshipping (and worshipping with) Jesus!!! How sweet will that be!

Have a blessed and joyful Easter. :)

Top 10 things at WDW

2009-03-28T09:01:00.010-04:00

So, since the sister-in-law and the f-i-l are at WDW right now, I thought maybe I'd do a post about my absolute top 10 favorite things to do at the World.

Here they are in no special order:

1. Illuminations!

2. Wishes!!

3. Walking down (lingering on) Main Street U.S.A. for the first time each trip... (I get a little verklempt every time)

4. Splash Mountain

5. Space Mountain

6. Tower of Terror

7. Kilimanjaro Safaris

8. Dinner at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (I didn't take any pics of this, I could just kick myself. I guess we'll just have to eat there again.)

9. The Biergarten in Germany!!

10. Strolling around World Showcase or the Magic Kingdom at night, holding hands with my cute husband. :)

If there was an 11. it would be the French bakery in Epcot... but we're not gonna talk about that right now. Don't even get me started. ;)

But these are just today's favorites... tomorrow's could be something totally different!! Haha!!

No, there has to be a #11... I forgot something soooo important!

11. SOARIN!!!

Mom's retiring!!

2009-03-26T16:49:00.004-04:00

Mom is finally retiring. Seriously!! Sunday, the church where she works recognized her during the first service for all her hard work and her funny sunshiny personality. :) After that and a prayer, everyone gave her a standing ovation!! Believe it or not, she doesn't like being the center of attention... I know... what???!!, so she scurried on back to her seat. But here's a video of the ordeal. According to my technically savvy husband, I must've somehow turned off the zoom mic b/c it's a little difficult to hear what's being said, but I don't even know how to access the zoom mic stuff, so... whatever.

Mom's Retirement Recognition from Samantha French on Vimeo.

Funerals

2009-03-26T15:35:00.003-04:00

Today we went to another funeral. This is the third in about 4 weeks I think. But this one was Brad's uncle's funeral. Thankfully we know Earl is in heaven celebrating with Jesus! But we're a little jealous because he gets to see Jaden and hear that adorable laugh again. Someday we'll see him again.

Anyway, I played for a funeral the other week for a lady I didn't even know, but has inspired me so much. She had been married to her husband for oodles of decades and stood beside him through thick and thin, good times and bad. She actually heard and obeyed her marriage vows... fancy that...

Several family members stood up and shared about what a strong image of a Godly wife she portrayed. She and her husband were a united front, and they were always willing and often did help people in any way they could. She was described (in my words) as loving, caring, generous, funny, spunky, adventurous. Chris read Proverbs 31 and said this really was her...

I have a wonderful mentor/friend/adopted Grandmother (Ruth) who is perhaps the person most like Jesus I have ever met, so I've known these qualities can exist in a wife (haha... I'm working on it...) Everyone who ever meets Ruth thinks the world of her, but something just hit me when I heard the same type of praise and adoration about this other lady because I was able to truly see the ripple effect her life had on people she met.

I was able to get a rich visual of the tapestry she wove of her life; the patterns, the rich colors, the way it all wove together. The woman they described that day is the exact woman I want to and have been striving (and will continue to strive) to be. I want my relationship with God to never waver. I want Brad to know I support him in every Godly decision he makes. I want others to know if they ever need anything, to come to Brad and I and we will see what we can do to help them out. Something Brad and I have prayed together since the beginning of "us" is that we don't want to be rich, but we just would love that God would bless us with enough to be constantly blessing others providing either financial support or our time or whatever.

Anyway, that funeral just helped me realign my focus or my "sixty year plan" or whatever it might turn out to be. :)

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

*Proverbs 31:10-31

Yesterday at New Life!

2009-03-16T12:55:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at New Life Christian Ministries was our second week back at the cheery, cozy primary school from the dark, depressing high school auditorium. Chris and Brad had planned to go to two services in the fall, because the Primary school has a capacity in the gym/cafetorium of low 200s. So, yesterday, as I said, was our second week back, and WE HAD PEOPLE SITTING ON THE FLOOR!!! Whoa. Every seat except for maybe six in the scary forbidden front rows was full!

And yesterday the message was about how we are all called to serve in one way or another at our church and in our daily lives. Chris also revealed a little more of the strategic plan for the new building and everyone was just so excited! You could really feel the energy and excitement buzzing around the little "blacktop" road that outlines the gym/cafetorium!!

Be still and Know...

2009-03-13T13:09:00.004-04:00

The other night I got home and it was still light out (whoa!!), so I decided to take Kibwe for a walk. I've been working on living up to our church's challenge this month, which is to spend 10 hours in prayer for the month of March.

I start out praying, and somehow that evolved into frantically telling God everything that's on my mind, and God, if we do this how will pay for that, because we can't pay for that if we decide to do this other thing, and what if this happens so then we won't even be able to afford that? and on and on and on and on... I was wearing myself out! It's not that I'm not fully trusting in God (well maybe...), I just like to have a general idea of what's going to happen, and a rough estimate of when for all these things that are semi-major life decisions.

If we decide we're going to try to buy a house, but I also decide I'm going to look for a different job (just for instance), the job I have in mind would involve a rather large pay cut. How will we be able to pay for the normal bills, plus a mortgage payment which will be pretty high? Also, Brad's always wanted to have his doctorate before the age of 30, but how will we be able to afford school for him? Anyway, get the idea?

Back to my story.

Kibwe and I were walking down the road. (Don't worry- Kibwe had reflective Nike's on...) We got to a part of the road where the creek was more flowing towards the road than parallel to it, and since it's pretty high right now, it was noisy, but not noisy in a hectic way like the inside of my mind, but noisy in a peaceful sort of way. The kind of way where it crept into my mind and swooshed over all the chaos and calmed me.

There's a hill behind the creek (or as I say, "crick"), and on the ridge of that hill was a row of pine trees. Behind the pine trees was a beautiful amethyst, magenta and tangerine (or for the boys reading this: purple, pink and orange) colored sunset, and the wind was blowing through all the trees. It was just such a beautiful moment that I had to stop for a minute and just immerse myself in it. I just stood there and heard the wind and the creek and saw the sunset and was still.

And God whispered to me: Be still and know that I am God. I am in control.

That's something I've heard over and over since I was a child, but at that moment I just felt such a peace about everything, and I realized I really wasn't fully trusting that God would take care of everything. I was worried that he forgot that the owners of the house for sale across from the church property are putting the for sale sign back up in April. I was worried that he forgot Brad wanted to get his MDiv soon. I was worried that he forgot that I'm looking for a job that I feel called to do. I thought he forgot about Surayya.

I forgot that he's the Creator of the Universe...

I'm sure I frustrate him because I worry and fret over the silliest things. But I'm so thankful that he reminds me again and again... and again... and again (just like I remind Grace to not put her fork in her ear) that He loves me, calm down, and he'll just take care of it.

in other news...

2009-03-06T14:13:00.002-05:00

in other news, everyone's using blog templates from the cutest blog on the block. do you notice I'm still waiting for Brad to redo my blog?? It's like he's been busy preparing for a week away in Colorado Springs or something. Weird.

2009-03-06T14:00:00.002-05:00

It's officially here: the track smell! I LOVE the track smell! What is the track smell? Well, it's when the ground is thawing and the weather is warming and it all creates the most GLORIOUS smell that I smelled every year in high school for six years in the spring during track season. I love it. Spring is my absolute favorite season. Everything is so fresh and new, and the greens are all so bright! I just get so excited and hopeful during the spring, and even think to myself that I might go for a run! And I do! About 2 times between now and June. Ha!

Here's the funny thing: last year, Grace's birthday party was on Saturday, March 8th. It snowed so much and soooo furiously and was cold cold cold! And tomorrow is supposed to have a high of 66! Sweet!

Another thing that makes today fabulous: I get my husband back today! I'm excited. I really missed him!! And tomorrow I get my dog back! I really missed him too! Then we'll all be together again at home as one happy family with the mice!

Harvestime

2009-03-04T14:11:00.002-05:00

I think most of you know that Brad and the New Life staff are in Colorado Springs, Co this week working on plans for our upcoming NEW CHURCH BUILDING!!! They are working with Brad Oster and his company, Harvestime. Harvstime to churches is like all-inclusive resorts are to vacations. It's a one-stop church building process. Part of the process involves the staff going to the lovely retreat home of the Osters for an intense week full of prayer and strategic planning. They start the day with an early breakfast, then plan and pray. Lunch, then plan and pray. Dinner and more planning and praying. WHEW! Today I got a quick text from Brad saying they are onto the planning of the building and I am SO EXCITED!! I am not sure if I can wait until next year at this time to see the building go up. I can only imagine how excited Pastor Chris must be... he's waited a long time to see the plans set in motion! I can't wait to hear all about it when Brad gets home, which by the way, is only in two more days! :)

Grace

2009-02-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

Oh Grace... what a drama queen... and I really can't figure out where on earth she would get that... Just a glimpse into our Thursday morning:

(cue the almost crying voice, teary eyes and protruding bottom lip): "My finger is sad!" (this morning before breakfast).

At breakfast (same cue as before): "My arm is sad!"

At lunch (you know the deal...): "My sock is sad!"

I really have no clue why all these things are so sad.... Then after her sock was over it (whatever it was) Grace said "Let's sing a song." So I said, "Sure Grace, what song would you like to sing?" (because we like to sing LOTS of songs :) Grace: "The tickle song." Sam: "Oh hunny, I don't think I know that song..." Grace (now singing): "Tickle, tickle, widdle staaah. How I wonder wat yoo aaaah..."

Oh Thursdays....

House-Hunting

2009-02-16T13:28:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning we went house-hunting! Well, we really didn't hunt very far, we just looked at one house. This house just happens to be diagonal from our church property and is for sale by owner. The owner actually knows our senior pastor and his oldest daughter.

The house is just the right size for us: 4 bedrooms- really 3 plus one little little room that they used as a nursery. Living, dining, kitchen and family rooms plus a powder room, screened in porch, basement (unfinished) and a one car garage.

We just feel that if we're going to be staying at New Life for quite a while, then it's useless (and a little difficult) to find another rental in the area. Buying a house for us right now, would be next to impossible without God. But he tells us ask and it will be given to us, and he also tells us to take a step out onto the water sometimes. I think this is the water we're supposed to step out onto (hopefully there aren't any sharks in it because I HATE sharks!) and ask God and believe that he'll provide us the money to buy this house.

So feel free to pray along with us that we may afford this house!! :) Thanks!

2009-02-16T12:54:00.002-05:00

Jayne (my mother-in-law) said something last week that just stuck in my mind. She said if God blessed you, you need to tell others what He's been doing for you. I don't feel comfortable doing this, because I don't want people to think I'm bragging or rubbing these things in your faces. I'm surely not. As a prideful human being, sometimes I'm embarrassed that we can't just pay for everything ourselves and never struggle. But God made us to rely on others, and He wants others (including us) to learn to share the gifts and things He's given us with people who need our help.

God has done awesome things for us since we started at New Life a year and a half ago. He used someone to give us a sum of money to help pay our bills that month when Brad first started working there because we were barely treading water. While we were still at our old house paying rent and Brad's school loans started hitting, we again were struggling financially and every week for two or three months $100 ended up in the offering plate in an envelope marked Brad and Sam French. Then an elder in our church came forward and offered us one of the houses he owns. We've been living in it for free since last June and will be until this June! After we moved in there our pastor and his daughter came and built us new steps because ours were rotten. And after I got to Grace's house this morning, I called Brad to tell him I'd taken off July 7th-11th so that I can go on our youth mission trip to Mexico, and he told me my trip was already paid for. Someone really wanted me to be able to experience the trip and so he or she (or they) has paid for my trip. I cannot even begin to tell you how blown away I am by the goodness of the people we know at New Life. This group of people really takes to heart the call we have to help one another as the body of Christ. I really have nothing to say or any "summing up" words because I am so blessed and so speechless (shocking). All I know to do is to pray that God GREATLY blesses those who've helped us so so much. Thank you.