Forever Servant

2008-11-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well, all of you that read my blog...namely my mom, mimi and church friends, may have been wondering what I have been up to lately. I have been sooooo busy. This business is a good thing because the days are winding down till thanksgiving. I love it here, it is realy challenging and fun, but I am ready to see my house, see my roads, see my church and just be HOME. Home has never felt so special or precious to me. Anyways, I feel that I have been working so hard on school as of late. The past week I had a ten page paper due, a presentation to give and two tests. It was quite a test of diligence and joy. However, I made it through!
God has been teaching me something so important lately : LETTING GO. He has shown me this principle by living in a community and in my history class. Living in a floor with lots of girls, it is really easy for hormones to fly rampant. With in the joys, fears and sadness God has been showing me that I need to put my own raging emotions behind me and be there for my floor. By letting go of my desire to be in bed by 11:30 each night, keeping my door open for people to come in and talk and just being more self-less, God has taught me how to live better in a community. Also, he showed me that I need to give my fears of the future to Him. My history class is proving to be quite the challenge. I am having a hard time figuring out what pleases this professor. Due to the B's I have been recieving, I have frequently been in panic mode coming back from that class. My brain races through thoughts like : " Great, now I am going to lose my scholarship" "Since I won't be able to afford Calvin anymore, where else am I supposed to go?" The Lord has repressed these thoughts, calmly showing me that He is in control of my past, present and future....I just need to give Him my best.
Posted above are some picture of Calvin in the fall, our floor retreat at Aunt Karens and a trip to Steak and Shake! ( oh and some other silly random ones!)

2008-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

2008-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

It was soo good to be able to see fall!My mom and I went to Robinette's, a local apple orchard and bakery. Wow, it was so cute! I loved all the candied apples, fall sprinkles and hot cider donuts!

The cider in that gallon came right from somone squirting it into the jug! Can you get more fresh than that?

So, for those of you who know me very well...I have a very low pain tolerance. However, I mustered up the courage like a good college student and got my ears pierced!! Yay!
Lake Michigan just after sunset!

My three moms! Mrs. Uveges, mommy! and Aunt Karen

Joy and I on our way to the dorm retreat!

Camp Roger was so beautiful, don't the trees in this picture look so cool!

Isn't God's creation so beautiful!

SO,my friend Katie Ashley (Kash) had never been to Coldstone before....so this was her face on the way!

Yay! We love icecream!

SO...I know that I haven't updated for quite a while! So sorry, it has been quite a week. This past week I have had two midterms and a paper. Next week I have another midterm on Tuesday. This week has been quite stretching. I am really trying to find the balance between studying and social life. In my searching I have been a little confused and missing home. However, the sophomores and my mom and dad have reassured me I'm just a normal college freshman. Now, you might be thinking....does she like college at all? And, the answer is YES! I love it here! In the past two weeks the Lord has shown me what a blessing he has given me in my floor. The girls on 2nd Timmer aren't the partiers or introverts. Isntead, I have the priviledge to live with girls who are passionate in their faith and studies. We know when work has to be done and how to encourage each other in the Lord. It's awesome to live in a community where we all love the Lord and eachother!
Also, my mom and Mrs. Uveges came in last weekend! I was so excited to see them! I love my mom, she is such a person that I can confide in and trust. I am so thankful that I have someone that I can call my mom and my friend. She is an awesome example to me. While she was here we went to the local apple orchard, shopping and dinner in downtown Holland, MI, saw the sunset over Lake Michigan, got my ears pierced, bought a warmer sweater, and just had an awesome time together!
You also see pictures of some fun college activites like the Dorm retreat and a run to Coldstone. The dorm retreat was just a one nighter with my entire Dorm. It was really fun talking with the girls on my floor and meeting more new people.And the Coldstone run, who doesn't like ice cream??
So, the next couple exciting things are :Kailyn coming into town next weekend, a dorm wide hayride and square dance and FAMILY WEEKEND IN TWO WEEKS! Yay, I am sosooo excited to see my family! I love you all!

2008-09-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

We love Calvin!

Bored on a friday night!

The ever classic cardboard canoe race!

Joy and I with our suitemate Katie

Monk Mondays with Lynn!

My first Calvin vs. Hope game didn't end well for us...but GO KNIGHTS!

Panera for Joy's B-day!

Hello All! So, just wanted to give everyone an update of my life here at Calvin! I am beginning to feel much more comfortable here. God is giving me a real peace about everything. Now, that doesn't mean that I have lost all feelings of homesickness. However, I really am beginning to develop a sense of community and trust with the girls on my floor, kids in my classes and my terrific intramural soccer team. So here are some highlights from this week:
~ Monk Mondays: On Monday nights at 10 my floor watches an episode of Monk while curled up in blankets with hot coco. I look forward to it every week
~ Dorm Worship: Every Wednesday at 10 we have about a half hours of worship with my entire dorm. This week we sang otuside, as did many of the other dorms. I fell asleep to the sounds of kids lifting their voices to the Savior...awesome I know
~My communications in the classroom class: We are practicing the art of reading stories! I know that sounds silly, but we are looking at all the aspects of reading to a classroom. I am learning a lot while having fun!
~ Floor Date: My floor went on a date with another floor for homemade ice cream...need I say more?
~ Church this morning: I went to an awesome church this morning! After a kind of weak service last week, I was hoping that this church would be drastically different...and it was! This church is located in an urban area, had solid preaching, and lots of opportunites for ministry...yay!
~Movie with Aunt Karen: My Aunt Karen and I went to a movie on Friday night called Brideshead revisted....it was a deep thinker movie. Very artsy and cute.I love being able to have someone like a mom so close by!
AND...MY MOM AND MRS. UVEGES ARE COMING TO VISIT THIS WEEKEND! CAN'T WAIT!

2008-09-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is for you mom : a first day of school picture. :)

This is our fish! Due to our floor being Disney Princess themed and that he is always sleeping we named him Prince Phillip ( from Sleeping Beauty)

someone getting decked out...ready for CHAOS!

BHT spirit!

me and my new buddy hannah working on some homework

some friends at dinner

Hi all! Sorry i haven't had the chance to update in awhile. College keeps me pretty busy. Things are going well here in Grand Rapids. I am adjusting to this whole new life that God has placed before me. Classes are going well and keeping me mighty busy. My favorite class is called "Communications in the Classroom" This class,which meets in an auditorium focuses on bringing different aspects of drama and communication into the classroom. We have talked about the power of storytelling, played games about communication and...will eventually be making puppets. When I leave that class I think to myself "Did I really just leave a college class?" It is a fun class where I learn a lot about the classroom. I can't wait to get to teaching and I am only a freshman in college! So, other things that have been going on around campus: Chaos Day (see pictures below) Chaos Day is basically a big kid's field day. It is a day when all the dorms participate in games like tug of war, hula hoop contests and some intense school spirit. I think the most fun part about it is the spirit side. Each dorm is assigned a theme and everyone goes crazy to make it fun. The best part is that all the themes have nothing to do with eachother. For example, my halls's theme was JAWS, yet others were firemen, James Bond, Super Mario and Tony the Tiger. Funny I know. I have really enjoyed getting to know the girls on my floor. They are such sweethearts and I can't wait to get to know them better. Unfortunately, I will have time to do together right now is homework :(
Please pray for me, I am still having a hard time being 5 hours from home. I love my family and it's really weird not to just walk down the stairs and see them. These past two weeks have been so stretching for me. With everything changing I had to rely on my unchanging, constant Lord. Hope you enjoy the pics!

2008-09-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot to explain a few pictures! The girls standing by the car is quite a story. You see, my orientation group went for a BBQ at my leader's house. Well, on the way two cars in our caravan got into a fender bender...yeah, yikes! We had to call the police three times until the police came 2 hours later! Also, for Chaos Day, which is like a big kidis field day, my dorm's theme is Jaws. Yes, this is quite a random theme. The other halls follow accordingly with themes such as:Tigers, Firefighters, The Wizard of Oz, Super Mario and Batman. Chaos Day is next Saturday and I will defintely have pictures to post!

2008-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see I have officially moved into Calvin. I didn't realize how bus orientation would keep me, it's been a whirlwind of a couple days! Above you will see pictures of my room, I have kind of made it feel like a home. Move in day was a mix of emotions. I was excited to get started on this new adventure of life, yet so sad to say goodbye to my family who I love dearly. You will also see pictures above of a sign that my roommate Joy and I made. We are going to get our fish tomrrow, so at around 12:30 one night we decided to make a suggestion box for names and posted it on the door. Wow were we in need of sleep. Also, you will see pictures of downtown Grand Rapids at night when we went to see some fireworks. The night picture is of me and my roommate Joy, she is scuh a sweetheart. We are really getting a long well, she has been such an encouragement to me. Not only do we pray together every night, but we are going to set up a night that we do devotions together each week! I am so thankful for her and the friendship that we are developing. Also, you will see a picture of me and my friend Amanda inside a bubble. As part of the orientation program called Quest each orientation group of 21 kids does ministry in the downtown Grand Rapids. My group went to the Children's Museum and helped them prep for their upcoming activites. I am now an expert brochure folder and ribbon cutter :) We also go to play with some of their awesome interactive toys.
I am nervous for classes to start on Monday. I am a little worried about the college workload, but yet again God is teaching me to lean on His everlasting arms. He has been really been teaching me about his soveriengty.
Off to ice cream sundaes...more to come later.

2008-09-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Below are some pictures of the past week. This past week had been interesting for me. God has really been teaching me how HE is always constant through the change. It's funny to see friendships/relationships change so fast. It's not that I went from having best friends to having none at all...it just that I am making new friends while my old ones are doing the same. I feel almost jealous that all my buddies are making new friends, like I don't want to share them. But, that's not the way life goes and that is what God has been showing me. Through the change He will be a strong tower. I was reading in James that "He does not change like the shifting shadows". Sometimes it's hard letting yourself fall into His loving arms,surrendering when you think life would go a lot smoother if you were in control. Haha..like I was ever in control anyways:) Through this learning experience God has also revealed how much my family loves me and supports me. They will always be there too...and I can't wait to come home to them!
So, the journey beings as I am off to Calvin tomorrow! I am so excited!I will try and post pictures of my room and some campus life. Here I go!

My dad and I went on a date to Little Italy, Cleveland for lunch and then on to the art museum after. Aren't we refined! Well, it was asuch a good time with my dad, I love and respect him so much. This little tree of tomatoes was sitting on the sidewalk. I thought it was so cute.

This was where my dad and I had lunch! I had the world's best manicotti!

And for dessert we went to a bakery for cannoli! I have decided that it is the best dessert..ever.

Isn't that a beautiful cake! It was so yummy...I had a piece with one of the big flowers...oh man, woth every single calorie.

Me and my cousin Julie at a last family get together

2008-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Whew...and so the week before leaving for school begins! I am busily packing my life away in boxes, which is really weird. Today my mom and I went on what I hope is a final shopping trip...getting snacks for my dorm, acne cream, gum, the little things that don't make sense together but are vitally important on their own. After the shopping we went to Strickland's for Fresh Banana ice cream. To some of you that may be appalling, but to me it was heavenly. I am really enjoying time with my mom. She and I have become really close, almost like best friends. It is going to be really hard to leave her...but make it oh so sweet when we can see each other again.I'm kind of a mix of emotions now, excited and nervous...praying that the Lord gives me the wisdom of how to glorify His name in the next couple weeks.
Below are some pictures of the noys I have been babysitting for this summer. Andersen, the oldest at three years old asked me to ride his tricycle with him. I simply told him that I would love to ride with him, but I was too big. He, being of curious mind asked why. I explained that when you get older you get bigger too. Smiling, he said "If you are so old, are you a grandma?" These boys teach me to appreciate every moment the Lord gives you, to take joy in all His blessings!
Me with the boys! Andersen (3),Everett (1 1/2) and Lincoln (10 months) They are so fun!

A good pic of me and Lincoln..doesn't he have beautiful eyes!
A last family outing before Joe and Grace went back to school...We love put put!

2008-08-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Lenae face painting at the IOG service day. The youth group girls headed to Village Grace Mission Center today to help host a carnival. We got to face paint, serve food, play with chalk and bubbles, and just pour on God's love to the kids. So fun!

A cutie at the carnival

Some girls I got to know at the carnival...beautiful princesses of the King!

me and melissa after our goodbye breakfast with her me and Liz

me and hannah

Me and Emma at me and Hannah's going away party...we love oranges!

Here are some pictures of life as of late. I feel mighty proud of myself that I have been able to update more often. I am realy going to try and stick with it...honest! Like I said in the previous post, this has been a rough weekend because my friends are leaving. It is a mixed emotion and God is teaching me some things through it. I can't exactly explain the lessons I am learning, but I hope to at some point.
One thing I have really enjoyed lately is all the family time I am getting in. Before I go to school I am trying to do a "last harrah" thing with each member of my family. I had a great time shopping with my mom and going to dinner last week. I do want to brag..I found my Old Navy winter coat at Plato's Closet for $18. Yes, please be jealous. I also got Starbucks and walked Medina square with Grace..which turned out to be more of an adeventure than we had bargained for. Well, my cell phone decided to be fisty with me becuase it would ring, I would go to answer it and the person on the other line wasn't there. I couldn't make any calls and my mom was calling me like crazy trying to make sure we weren't dead in a ditch somewhere. After I finally found a pay phone I reassured my mom we were in one piece to which she said she was one step away from calling 911.......never a dull moment in the Marras family. This week is the Dad and Joe "last harrahs". I am taking Joe to take his drivers temp test! ah!! and for coffee. My dad, well...we are still trying to figure out something special to do. The Columbus Crew aren't in town and we are still deliberating on something special. Any suggestions?
T-Minus 2 weeks 1 day till Calvin!

2008-08-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Smiling Through the Tears
So, I am officially 3 weeks and 2 days till I leave for Calvin. But, my dear friends are leaving in about a week. The past couple days it has really hit me. I am going to college and so are they. We are all going to different schools. We won't be walking with each other from class to class, laughing with each other at soccer practice, or having sleepovers after youth group. I am incredibly saddened by the fact that we are all going to be so far from each other. However, God has been showing me some important truths. He has placed my four best buddies in different schools.....4 different schools that can be impacted by His love. We have to get over our nerves and share about the joy the Savior gives us. Between my four friends we can impact Northern and Southern Ohio and West Michigan with His grace. What an awesome opportunity we have! Also, God has been teaching me to be thankful for the friends HE has provided and the times we have shared together. For example, Melis, Liz, Rach and I went to see "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" on Wednesday night. We took our own pair of pants wrote "Our Very Own Sisterhood" on them and scribbled memories we have shared together on the legs and pockets. As I looked over the pants, I realized how blessed I am. The Lord has given me friends that have encouraged me in my walk with Him. He has so blessed me with friends that have never encouraged me to compromise my values, because we all feel that our testimonies are sacred. The times we have shared together are irreplaceable.Such as: eating an entire apple crisp with Melissa as we stressed out over the thought of college(that was last September, now we could probably take out a 3 tiered cake), throwing out our economics folder with Rachel, making smoothies with Liz and dancing to music in the car with Hannah. They are my friends, they are leaving, but I can smile through the tears.

2008-08-02T16:29:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Vacation to Hershey, PA!
Thank you God for creating chocolate!

Pretty flowers in Hershey Garden

My new favorite picture of me and my dad!

Grace and I at Hershey Gardens

I love you Reeses

2008-07-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

So yes, yes, I know it has been like 5 months since I have blogged anything. Also, I think that everyone has given up on me, so I'm not sure if anyone will see this. But, I just wanted to praise God and pray to Him for the things He has been doing in my life.
It's scary to think that I am done with high school and off to college in about a month. I will be 5 hours away from my family, friends and anything remotely familiar. Due to that, I have really been praying lately, asking the Lord for His protection and guidance. I want my life to be an offering to Him, but I need to hand it over. I feel that I have surrendered my life to Him......but I feel much more comfortable holding my goals in my hands. As I have given Him my desires to teach in the inner city, to be a wife and mother, to make friends at Calvin, to find a new church in Michigan, I wish I could say that my worries have completely disappeared. However, I can now move forward in what I call an "aggressive peace". Knowing He is directing my path and holds them dear to His heart I can have peace knowing the race I am running for Him is not in vain. I can aggressively take steps to work towards what I feel is His call on my life, without worry that I am not doing things perfectly.
In my devotions I have been going through the book of Isaiah.I have to admit, some parts a bit confusing especially when it goes into all the details about war strategies....I think this would be a good book for a guy to read. Anyways, there was a verse that particularly caught my attention. Isaiah 8:10 " Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; purpose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us" It's almost if God was telling me "HEY! I'm here with you...now give over your hopes and dreams...because they could never compare to the amazing, breathtaking plans I've got for ya!" So, pray for me as I give it up to Him.
The most exciting thing for me right now is that we are going on family vacation tomorrow to Hershey, PA! I think this is what every stressed out pre-college freshman needs....chocolate for 4 days. I many not come back home :)
me, joe and grace on my last day of high school!
me and matt in the limo before prom!
me and hannah at her graduation!
me and grace before my prom, taking pictures at the Brooker building

2008-02-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Yes,it has been forever since I have updatd. I feel terrible,I wish I had time on my hands to write something everyday!Well, this is what I have been up to:
* God is really teaching me how to find joy and an opportunity in the mundane. This is the time of year that I kind of feel stuck in the Janurary doldrums. It's nasty outside,and all I want to do is have sunshine and run through a sprinkler. Also, senioritis is kicking in ....I'm really trying to hold it back. However, now that I have been accepted to Calvin with a scholarship, it's hard to find motivation. Also, it doesn't help that my teachers are beginning to care less and less. However, the Lord has been knocking on my heart. He's been saying: "Beck, you aren't alone in this dry time of life, in fact there are others around you feeling the same blah. And the great thing is ......you have ME! The living water to refresh you! Sink into my word and refresh others!" Okay God, got the clue! However, the delivery isn't as easy as it sounds. Please pray for me as I seek to encourage others and point them to the living water,
* On January 19th, IOG (sr. and jr. high girls Bible study) put a princess party on for the 3-6th grade girls. Over the past several months we have been studying serivce. This was a great way that the girls to create relationships, and have a great time. It was so cute, the little girls came in princess otfits, Lenae and Emily B did their hair, we ate junk food, had a princess ice cream cake (yummy!),played limbo, wathcerd "Oone Night with the King", and had pink milk with our cereal in the morning. Most importantly I talked about Esther, and the qualities she represented. We can all learn lots from her life. I reminded the girls that they are all princesses of the king of kings, precious in his sight!
* I turn 18 on Monday! Woo hoo! I filled out my voter registation card yesterday, yes I feel very old. For my birthday party with friends, we titled it "the last little kid part ever" so, eveything was disney princess ish, we played pretty pretty princess, watched Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, and ate mac-n-cheese. I was lots of fun. I am so thankful for the people the Lord has put in my life. They are always there for me to laugh and cry with.

Above are some pictures from my life: hope you enjoyed the update :)

2007-12-20T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hello one and all! It's amazing that Christmas is on;y five days away! These are my favorite things to do at Christmas time:
1. Celebrate the birth of the coming Savior with my church congregation
2. The singing of O Holy Night. This song is by far my favorite Christmas song ever! The words are so true,and shed light on the really meaning of Christmas! Such as the chorus : FALL ON YOUR KNEES! OH HEAR THE ANGEL VOICES! The truths presented in this Holiday tune make me smile from ear to ear. My joy was complete when last night I got to hear a 200 person choir sing those blessed words!
3. Making Christmas cookies with my mom. This year, my mom and I popped in Beauty and the Beast (my absolute favorite Disney movie) and sang very loud and out of tune versions to "Bonjour" and "
4. Shopping wtih friends. Amidst the chaos that this season brings, my friends and I seem to keep fairly level headed. So, shopping with them is fun and care free. As we watch kids frantically crawl onto Santa's lap, and shoppers hustling about, we can be tankful for the peace the Savior provides.
5. Studying the life of Mary: This season God has really revealed some important truths to me about the virgin Mary. In Luke 2 of the Message Mary says " I am dancing the song of my Savior God" It's amazing to me that during a time when people were pointing their fingers, speaking behind her back, and calling her names, that she was "dancing with joy". Wow! SHe was willing to be used as a vessel for Christ, and because of that God gave her favor. SHe was just an ordinary girl who was chosen to do big things for God. She ran with the call, and made a bold statement for Christ. What an example she is to you and me!
Well, my list could go on forever and ever..but I must end for now. I pray that your Holidays are filled with the joy and peace that only the Savior can bring!

2007-12-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Here's my april article! Hope you enjoy!

Brio Article- April 2008
Where are your scars?
I remember that day so clearly. I was just ten years old, trying to play a game with some friends at family camp. The game of the day was capture the flag……with bocce balls. The seemingly dangerous game was great fun until I collided, bocce ball in hand, with the enemy. The ball launched into my mouth, leaving me with half of a front tooth that pierced my bottom lip. To this day, I still have a mark from that accident. The scar tissue on my lip is a forever reminder of July 6, 2000. We all have scars or marks on our body that remind us of times in the past. My question for you is: what type of marks are you leaving? Are you leaving a scar for Christ in your home, church and school?
We are chosen to be scars for Him!
John 15:16 says “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” My fellow mark makers: Isn’t it awesome that God has chosen you and me to make a difference for Him in this world! He hasn’t picked names out of a hat, or interviewed people for positions. Instead, He chose you because of every intricate detail that makes you a beautiful testimony of His grace. He already trusts that you will obey his commands, and leave a scar for Christ everywhere you go. He wants us to bear fruit that leaves a permanent stamp of His goodness.
Leaving your mark
Because God chose us to bear that everlasting fruit- to leave His eternal scar, we must be bold in our actions. As you walk down the hallways of your school, church, or home make a conscious effort to display Christ in all your actions. Whether it is asking someone to not use profanity around you, writing an encouragement note to a younger sister in Christ, or even doing the dishes with out being asked, everything you do can leave a scar of the Savior’s love.
Different Scars
Ladies, all of you have many different gifts and talents that can be used to make a mark for Christ. 1 Peter 4:10 says” Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” To my musically gifted young girls, make a joyful noise to your Creator! You could administer God’s grace to your congregation by being part of the worship team. My friends that have a passion for children: you could leave a mark of Christ’s love on the children of your community by helping in after school activities, or summer camps.
My beautiful sisters, as you find ways to be scars for Christ let beautiful words from Nichole Nordemann ring in your head:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?

2007-11-24T15:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of what has been going on in my life!!

2007-11-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!! SOrry I haven't updated in awhile life has been pretty busy gettig ready for college stuff with applications and scholarships. Well, I don't have time for a full reoprt right now...but here is my first article for Brio. Let me knwo what you think! This is the article that will appear on the web in January. My first printed article will be in February.

Joy in the Pain : By Becky Marras

He was an honest man of great success. He had ten children and thousands of livestock. He was good at his profession, giving glory only to God. In fact, some people called him “the most influential man in all the east.” He as truly blessed by His Savior. Then, with out warning, disaster struck. In a matter of instant he lost all his worldly possessions. His family, land, livestock, and his good health were stripped from him. This man’s name was Job, and his world was completely turned upside down. Have you ever like you world was turned upside down? Have you ever felt that everything you held close was taken away? I have. Over the past several years my youth group has gone through many transitions. At one point in time my youth group went through two youth pastors in two years. When all the change was happening, I was so confused and I didn’t understand why God was putting us through that storm. Like Job, a lot of the things and people I trusted in were gone.
As I reflect today on what Job went through, he could have easily cursed God and died. But Job adopted the attitude that God calls us to have in the hardships. In James 1:2 God instructs us to: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” God wants us to consider it PURE joy when we face trials of many kinds. He doesn’t want half-hearted joy. Instead, He wants pure joy. He wants us to express our joy in him without holding anything back. I certainly didn’t have pure joy when my youth pastors packed their bags. Instead of looking at how Christ was going to cause me to grow closer to Him, I moped around, sulking in self misery. Now, you may be thinking: How does someone fight off depression and find joy in the midst of a trial? We have to understand and realize that God is in control of our every move. When Job was covered in leprous sores with nothing left to call his own, he still praised God! He understood that God put him through this misery in order to test his faith. My dear sisters, isn’t it comforting to know that He has planned each trial in our lives!!! God does everything for His glory and our good, so you can have joy in the fact that the creator of the universe is being glorified in your life! How awesome is that!
As Christians, we do know that God has a purpose. So, what do we do during the trial? What do we do in the middle of the storm when we are waiting for His purpose to be revealed? This isn’t the time to mope around in sweatpants eating mint chocolate chip ice cream out of the carton. In the middle of the rough times we need to be like Job!! Job knew that his father had a plan for him, and glorified Christ as he waited. I wasn’t patient as my youth group was falling apart. I wanted an immediate fix, and in my impatience I was very crabby! As you wait, listen to the words of Isaiah for encouragement. Isaiah 40:31 says: “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” As I recognized that God controls everything that happens in my life, I had peace. Like Job, I was able to have peace knowing my Savior would provide for my needs. My precious sisters, as you wait joyfully on the Lord, adopt the attitude of Job and praise him through the pain.

2007-09-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Doubt- be- gone!
SO, for about the past month I have really been struggling with doubt. Now, if you know me very well, you know that I don't like to ask for help, or draw attention to myself. SO, I was just praying that God would take it away, and beat the devil down. I wanted to fix this problem myself, I didn't want to have to impose on someone else. Well, as with many things in life God said "hey beck.... i have surrounded you with people that love you, and care for you. please let them encourage you!" This is what I have been facing everyday: a little voice in my head saying that I wasn't good enough. A voice telling me that I was too much of a leader. A voice that said people think you a are a stupid senior because you are on j.v. soccer. A voice trying to convince me that I wasn't pretty or special. I felt like I was in a mental wrestling match. And today I here to tell you that GOD is the victor of the match. Last night I shared with my mom what I was struggling with. She was so encouraging to me, and I appreciated her wisdom and listening ear. Again, I should just be more open and willing to seek help. After I talked with my mom, I layed in bed and talked to my heavenly daddy for quite awhile. All throughout my conversation with my mom and with my savior I was reminded of this verse Philippians 4:13 : I can do alll things through Christ who gives me strength. As I talked with God he reminded me of His omniscient power, and how the devil is always going to lose. I cried tears of joy as he reminded me how special I was to Him, how i am a daughter of the King, how he is proud of me being a leader to the girls on my j.v. team, and how I was born to lead for Him. He left me with such peace. I have such a peace now in knowing that I will never have to doubt again, because I am a kid of the one who conquered death itslef! Today was a great day! I had such a confidence from above, and felt like dancing for Jesus with my every step.

2007-08-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

"i want my life to be a reflection of the beauty of my Lord, 'cause you mean more to me than any earthly thing" These words were sung by my church this morning and really hit me. The phrase above is my mission statement for this school year. I want my last year at Highland to be one that people remember me for the legacy I left. Not a legacy of things I did on my own, but a legacy of standing up for my beliefs and shining for Christ, no matter the situation. My heart's desire is to be a beacon for him, please pray that God will give me the strength to shine bright, even when the world wants to snuff me out.

2007-08-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

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My buddy Hannah :)

Me and the Hannah Banana! I love her

The three kids on the hammock at Mimi and Papa's house

Grace got to play for the Medina County Fair's Honor's band. She and her trombone, which I have named Tom, did very well!

Aww sisterly love. On the boat at Mimi's house.

Just some recent photos. I enjoyed my time with the siblings at my mimi and papa's house. As Grace gets older (Joe too), God is pulling a closer and closer together! It's so awesome!

2007-07-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to Geauga Lake with my family. This park has a huge water park attached to it. Grace, Joe and I quickly changed into our swimsuits when we saw the huge water slides! As we grabbed a tube to race each other down the slides, I noticed something. I had to be the only 17 year old girl in a one piece suit there. As I was drying off from the amazing water experience a verse came to mind. Song of Solomon 6:2 says "Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the maidens". As children of the King, we are to live set apart. Leslie Ludy and her husband Eric run a ministry that encourages girls (guys as well) to live as the lily (set apart). I heard an interview with Leslie on the radio recently. Her words were so encouraging to me. She explained that God knows the hardships of living set apart. In the verse in Song of Solomon he calls us "his darling".Because we live set apart we can be "darling" for Christ! What an awesome privilege! :) Back to my bathing suit experience...... As I looked around and saw that I looked different than everyone else, I realized the amazing opportunity I have!! As children of the King, we are born to stick out. When others see our actions, they are curious as to why we don't " blend in with the thorns". Our choice of actions demonstrate Christ. My choice of bathing suit is a demonstration of Christ. I want to be HIS lily so that I may spread HIS good news. I never thought that a trip to the water park could teach me such a valuable lesson. For that, I will be forever grateful to the gardener, who daily is shaping me into a lily for Him.

2007-07-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, my summer has been just delightful. It's fun to be home so often, since I don't get that privilege during the school picture. On Monday, it was time for IOG. For those of you who don't know IOG stands for Inside Out Girls. It's the senior girls Bible study that I help lead. We meet every other Monday night and talk about/do something different each time. This week we were at the Uveges house where we talked about modesty and ate ice cream sundaes. IOG has become one of the highlights of my week. It's awesome to see us (girls) growing closer to each other as we learn about Christ. It warms my heart how close we have become. 2 years ago, we never would have done something outside of youth group. Through the grace of God being used in Pastor Billy, we have united. I am so excited for the sr. high trip to West Virgina next week. We are taking a school bus...just like OB!! yay! OH!! Another cool thing God has done! I was really bummed that we couldn't go to BNYC this year, I won't be able to see a lot of my OB friends. But, what a way that God provides! One of my good friends from Maryland and almost all of the ohio OBers are coming to my house on August 13th. Chris and some possible others are going to stay at my house on the way to Grace College!! Woo Hoo!!

The crew in the van. I am so thankful for the way Christ has brought us together!

I love Sarabeth! She is getting married in less than a month! I am so excited for her!

Leah is like my second sister!

Lenae was impressed with the purple squares sprinkles that I found.

Everybody loved their ice cream sundaes!

2007-06-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

So.....here are some fun pictures from Kids Camp that I counseled for a couple weeks ago. I was a counselor for Family 5. It is so mcuh fun with these kids. They are so excited to learn about God's Word. Also, being a counselor is an open door to share the Gospel with the campers. 41 kids accepted Christ at camp. I had the opportunity to pray with 2 girls. If you could pray for Robyn, she needs it. She came from Village Grace, in inner city Cleveland. She said that she is scared for her life when she walks down the street. The fact that a 12 year old girl has to be scared for her life is so sad. Please pray that angels guard her and her family. The five boys on the bench are the boys I did devotions with everyday. At random I was assigned these boys, and they were a fun bunch. After about a day, they started to open up and really let me see their hearts. Behind the giggly, squirmy, outer , inside was respectful, kind boys, a bunch that I was bummed to leave.
The highlight of the week was when one of my campers Joey (in the midle of the bench pick, black hat...he was my favorite!) and my sis Grace were picked the campers of the week. Out of 226 kids they were picked as the two that were good examples of Christ. I think I may have shed a tear or two :)

2007-06-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from Prom 2007. I went with a kid from my OB team, BJ. Me and BJ met up with my friends Billy, Melissa, Emily and Brenton took pictures and headed off to the main event. By the way, the two girls with out pretty dresses on are Liz and Rachel, two of my buds who didn't go unfourtunately :(. Well, as several of you know at Prom I was crowned Junior queen, which is why I am wearing the enormous crown. After Prom was at Medina Rec, which was fun until my body started to shut down and I became utterly exhausted. Overall, all my planning came together by the Grace of God. With out his help I would have literally snapped.

2007-05-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that sum up my life for the past two months

This is before Joe and Graces musical. If you can't tell the shirts say GO GRACE AND JOE!

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This is Elianna Gedney. She is this sweet little girl that I babysit for. I had some fun with her and her sister Montanna last friday on the swings in there back yard :)

A couple of weeks ago I got to visit calvin college. I like it a lot, everyone was soooo friendly there!

Okay, sorry it has been forever since I have updated. Lately, I have been freaking out over the AP English test I took on Wednesday. I have studying for close to a month for that thing. Also, Prom is next weekend...so I have been running around doing all sorts of stuff for that. Sometimes I wonder how people are able to keep sane with the business of life without the peace that God is in control!!! Seriously, if I couldn't rely on his goodeness, I would be a stressed out emotional mess.
Here is something cool that has happened to me. I made it into the top 20 for Focus on the Family's Brio girl search. If you don't know what Brio is....ask me and I will tell ya!! :)

2007-03-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Quick updates:
~ The care pastor at my church passed away suddenly this weekend. He was sooo loved by so many people. He was a real inspiration to me, he was a living witness. Evidently, there was a crowd of people that gathered around his house when new got out that he passed away,half of whom were not from my church. His death has really inspired my youth group to take action and care for others like he did. Pastor Billy challenged us on Sunday night to pick up where Mr. Imig left off. Starting next week, sr high/ jr high boys and girls are going to split up to pray for each other. We are going to spend some time just seeing how we can encourage each other in the Lord. I am really excited for this, being able to be prayer partners with the other sr. high girls will just be encouraging. Also, PBilly announced something I have been waiting for in the past 5 years I have been in youth group: this summer we are doing ministry in Medina!! I really think that you don't have to go to Europe, Mexico, or even California to make an impact for Christ. I have been waiting so long for one of my youth pastors to do city work with us.....and it is finally here!! I can't wait to form relationships with kids from Medina, and share with them the love of Christ. :)

~ Also, this Sunday P.Billy announced that we are going to BNYC!!!!!! (Momentum it's called now, but I can't stop calling it BNYC).
I'm really excited for two reasons:
1) Praising and serving my Lord Jesus Christ. My youth group is going everyday to an area effected by Katrina, and showing them the love of Christ. This trip will be a great opportunity for my youth group to grow closer to Christ, and each other. BNYC is also a week of awesome worship.....oh man, i totally stoked.
2) I get to see OB friends!!!!Oh man I will get to see my leaders, people from MD,PA, AND CA!!! I can't wait to see them all again!!

~Spring Break is next week!! I am going to Niagara Falls with the fam for 2 days...it will be gorgeous I'm sure. My question is: How can someone see something as cool as the falls and doubt that God created it?

2007-03-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the first time this semester that I don't have any homework.I believe a miracle has occured. I was just looking through some pictures the the other day, and these made me smile. The bottom pic is of me and the uveges girls and jackie, midle is of grace joe and some cousins, and top if of me and this cute little girl who I met on OB. She and I were best buds for 3 days when I was at her church.

2007-03-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

The trip to Virginia: An overview.
So, this past weekend was a ball. On Friday, Laura, my momma, and I headed down to Sarah's house in Columbus. We got there around dinner time, and o was I excited to see Sarah. She is just one of those people who makes you laught out loud. About a an hour later, Amy showed up and it was great just catching up with those two. For those church fol reading this, these are the two girls who did special music with me in December. I love these girls, they are such an encouragement to me.
Sat morning we left at around 11 am and loaded up in the "pimp mobile" (my van)and got to VA at around five. Man, was Kyle excited that we came. We got to hang out with him and his family fo awhile, and then bought him a card and a big boquet of roses, broke out the K-Y-L-E shirts, and headed to "Oklahoma" (muscial). Kyle did a super job, he was deifinitely the best one in the play. As he was getting cheanged, the girsl and talked to the gal who was the lead role. She said that Kyle wzs sooo excited that we were coming. He had told the whole cast that we were coming, and was very happy that we were here. After that, we went bowling with Kyle and his younger brother Weston. Weston, 14, seemed to enjoy very much taht 4 girls stayed at his house for the weekend. After bowling, we came back home and sang some songs. Kyle pulled out his guitar and sang old OB songs.....ahhh memories.
Sunday was bittersweet. Kyle's church was so cute, about 75 people. It is always really neat seeing where OB kids go to church, it's like you can almost picture them there. My favortie part of the weekend was offetory. Sarah, Amy , Laura sang , Kyle played guitar, and I signed "Amazed". This was the song we always closed our prgorams with on OB. Man, did that take me back to this summer. It made me yet again so thankful for the fellowship we have in Christ. It's amazing how God brings 32 kids from all across the country together in such a way. Hree's some of the lyrics to the song, you can see why it is so great!
Lord, I'm amazed by you
Lord, I'm amazed by you
How you love me

How wide
How deep (in my pic, this is the sign i am signing:)
How great
Is your love for me
Man,singing (signing for me) that song was the perfect way to end such a perfect weekend. :)

2007-02-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

The Things in Life that make me :)
1. God's amazing grace.
2. The common bond we have as believers. This past weekend I went to a NEO district event, and it amazing to see the bond we have under the love of Christ.
3. My OB friends and how cooky they are. Friday night, I went and saw my friend Adam's play. He was the devil in his musical and it was hilarious. He didn't know that I was coming and it was great to see his face.
4. My dad. When my dad gets in one of his silly moods, he puts on an old man greek accent. O man, it's really something you have to hear.
5. The Uveges Girls. On our way to the distric event in Canton: we got lost, laughed uncontrollably,and danced to rap songs in the car.
6. This weekend. On Friday, I am loading up to drive to VA to have a mini OB reunion. O man, the ohio girls are dirving to see Mr. Kyle Jones in his musical Oklahoma.....and I am sooo excited.

2007-02-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

The verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 13:1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Sometime's I think that the great Biblical writers had a sense of humor. If you think about it, a resounding gong isn't pretty :)However, if you read farther into 1 Corinthians, the infamous love chapter, there are some amazing truths. I have a favorite verse describing love: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always preserves." (verse 7). Wow, I would love to receive that kind of love someday. I know that there is an amazing God ordained guy out there somewhere for me, I'm just waiting somewhat patiently.So, I sit here on the night of Valentine's Day and I am enjoying a date with my Savior.

2007-02-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my prom dress. I really like it a lot, however I would love feedback. This is sort of a contest. What design/shape of something is on the front of the dress?? Oh, and the boy doesn't come with it, .....but I have that area covered.

2007-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has a been a very long time since I have updated. Well, here's a recent re cap. This weekend was the snowball dance at my school. I had a fun time dancin' the night away with my buds. Also, yesterday was my birthday.The Uveges family came over for the day which is always a blast. On Friday night, my friends and I went to Wasabi for dinner and then came home and wathced "One Night with the King". The movie is based on the story of Esther and is excellent. We also managed to squeeze in a few makeover girly things as seen above. On the whole, lately I have been doing well. God has certainly streched me in several ways over the last few weeks. He has shown me that he is always omnipotent. No matter the situation, HIS plan is always better than mine. Everday (well not today, because it is too cold!!) I enter a highschool that needs to see the love of Christ. Sometimes it's really tough to live for Christ. "Being in the world and not of it" has been challenging lately, but through the strength of His word, I am able to get through it.

2007-01-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

So this past Thursday and Firday my dad and I took a road trip to Wheaton IL. We went on Friday for a tour of the college, went to chapel, and the met with the head of the education and urban studies departments. WOW,I was very impressed. Aside from the very high price tag, I had very little colmplaints. I was very happy with their education prgram. I told prof that I wanted to teach in the inner city, which she said was very do able. Infact, she said for my student teaching I will be living in Chicago working in an inner city elementary school. I am looking for a place where I can learn techmiques to serve my Lord better. Above all, I want to glorify him in every aspect of my life. I am praying that God will show me where he wants me to go and learn how to Glorify him better.

2007-01-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

Horray for Joe and Grace. They both got parts in the Middle School's Spring Musical "Thew Music Man" As you can see above, Joe has the dramatic juices flowing through him. And you can also see a picture of My buds Melissa and Liz. I took the picture from the digital camera a got for Christmas. Life in the new year has been great so far. However, for school I feel it is the calm before the storm. Exams are next week, and the cramming starts this Friday night.....oh joy.
On another note, I am going to visit Wheaton and Moody next week after exams. I am really excited for that. I can't wait to see how God is going to use me in my future. All I want to do is serve him in anyway he sees fit for me. I am going with my daddy, so it should be some great time we can spend together. Trust me, he as enough stories and wisdom that a 6 hour car ride isn't long enough! I am looking forward to this exciting new part of my life coming up, and praying that I go where God leads.

2006-12-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

~Alas, the Christmas mime I directed is over. Everyone did an excellent job. I got to watch it on a video tape later ,(thanks to Mr.Uveges :)) it looked like everyone just enjoyed finally performing. After weeks of practice and a few grey hairs, I am happy to say that "The Virgin's Lullaby" Mime is complete.

2006-12-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well, as I sit here at the computer I am currently voiceless. Because my vocal cords aren't working because of an extreme sore throat, blogger will be my voice for today. As I sit on the couch sucking on a cough drop, I was thinking of how blessed I am. This past Saturday, we had a Christmas Party at my house and this thought was constantly on my mind. The party was with our groups of friends, which we call "FFJ" which stand for Families for Jesus. This group of people went to our old church with us way back when. We get together around once a month and have so much fun. Every Christmas part we all gather around and sing the 12 days of Christmas.I love being able to look around and watch everyone sing the day they have been assinged. By far, the cutest is little Emma Uveges and Sarah Washburne sing two turtle doves.....so cute :). Also, God has so greatly blessed me with a church family, and friends. This Sunday after youth group, a bunch of us kids went to Wendy's. Although many of them couldn't tell , I had a lot of fun. I was merely exahausted after mime practice. As I sat htere watching my buds ingesting not so healthy food, I was so thankful for the way my youth group has bonded. At one time, we all were so disconnected. The unity that we have established over the past year is remarkable, and only by the grace of God. :) That's all for today's random musings of a sore throated thankful teenager. (haha...i just used an alliteration!! 3t's!)

2006-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well, blogger and I kn=ind of got a long. You have to click on the little bars on the top of the post to see the pictures. Other than that, I AM ON CHRISTMAS BREAK!! Wow, am i ever excited that it is here. I could really use a break. I really like being able to take a deep breath and say "wow, I don't have homework!" You have no idea how exciting that is.

2006-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm tyring to post two picture from the net. This all depends if blogger likes me today! If it works these pictures are from BNYC this summer. The one is of me on the stage signing, and the other is some of my OBers who did a mime from one of the late night sessions. Man, did I feel the pressure when I signed on stage, fhew!

2006-12-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

WOW! It's been a crazy week. I feel like I have barely kept my head above water. With next week being the last week before x-mas break, teachers are really cranking through lots of material. This week had been really challenging for me, I have been stuck in a happy/ frustrated mood. At times I'm really aggrevaited in school, and how hard I push myself. But, then people see me frustrated and that hurts how I am showing Christ to them. I'm really trying to keep a joyful attitude, even when I want to pull my hair out. Just when I had reached my highest level of annoyance with chemistry, I read this passage in my devotional book called: Being a girl who Leads. I reallly needed to read this , especially this week:
"You are God's Masterpeice He made you. He knows why He made you, and in what conditions you will oprate best. He knows what colors to splash at the canvas of your life.He has your best interest at heart, and He knows just where to draw the lines and boundaries for you to color in the details of your life"
Once again, God said...chill BECKY! I'm in control, I know where I'm going to take you, jsut hold my hand and walk beside me.
On a different note, MY OBERS came into town last weekend. Sarah, Amy, and I did a special music song for church. It went really well. I love those kids so much! They are such a breath of fresh air to me. One of my favorite times of the weekend was when Sarah, Amy, Laura, and I just sat in my room and talked about the summer. Good memories with my forever friends :)

2006-11-27T14:03:00.001-08:00

My Hannah Banana
I'm so thankful for her!!
*I'll post pictures of other things I'm thankful for later*

2006-11-27T14:03:00.000-08:00

My Hannah Banana
I'm so thankful for her!!
*I'll post pictures of other things I'm thankful for later*

2006-11-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all. I know that this is pretty late, but here's what I'm thankful for in the year 2006:
1) Jesus, My Savior, and for his enduring love for us.
2) My family that puts up with me through the good and the bad
3) My church and how encrouaging they are to me
4) My youth group and all the youth staff. My youth group has grown so much under the great leadership we have, and I'm so thankful for the time my youth staff puts toward our growth.
5) All my buddies
~ Liz and Melissa : These two girls sitck with me through thick and thin.I have so many laughs with these two. We are known as the 'Three Musketeers" , everyone at school knows who we are!
~ Miss Hannah Uveges: She is pratically my sister. I can go to her for anything. I love spontaneously staying at her house, or just acting like complete goof balls together.
6) Operation Barnabas : This summer was such a learning experience for me. I learned so much of how God commands us to tell others about him. Also I made some awesome friends I will keep for a life time.
*These are just some of the many things that God has blessed me with this year. I am eternally grateful to Him*

2006-11-20T16:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I am a kinestetic learning, and according to that style of studying..i am supposed to take frequent breaks. This is my break from studying for the Chemistry test that will cause my death tomorrow. All is well with me. Life recently has been very enjoyable. Last Friday, I had allot of fun at the youth group all nighter. We went to the cavs game and then bowling,and then to a place for a lot of inflatable games. The problem was that we got back at 6am and I had to work at 10. Yeah, I was utterly exhausted. On saturday night we went to the Uveges home to watch the Buckeyes win.Yes, to the Loyal Michigan fans in the Uveges family, I will say it once again that we are just the better team....just accept it. Sunday was fun too, I am in charge of a Christmas mime for youth group, and it's going to turn out really well, i hope. My favorite part of the practice was when Mike Pavalak walked in and said " I want some more lines in this thing!" Jr. High boys, gotta love em. I can't wait for this holiday season. On Dec 3rd, two girls from my OB team, Sarah and Amy are coming to sing a song while I sign for church. Allot of other OB ers are coming to watch......so excited!!! Also, I'm going to do urban ministry work on the 21rst! Well, that's all for my random musings of the day. It's back to Lewis Structures and polar covalent bonds for me. ( p.s. I'll post pictures from the all- nighter later)

2006-11-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

My mission field! These are the kids I want to minister to!
Me and Kailyn trying on bridal dresses!(sarabeth, this is going to be you soon!)

So, this entry is going to be titled: becky's thoughts from the week. Bear with me, for this is going to be the most random entry ever! Well, this week has been a little light on the school work load, so I hav had some time to just catch my breath and think abuot things.
Thought #1 I was thinking about college a lot this week, and I am getting really really excited. I can't wait to go and serve Chirst in awesome ways. Also, I am really exctied becasue I found out that I have an Urban ministry opportunity coming up! I get to help pass out treasure boxes to all the smiling faces at an elementary school in Cleveland. I can't wait!
Thought #2 I have been blessed with so many firends who just lift me up and encourage me all the time. I couldn't ask for better people in my life. This week especially, I was reminded of how much friends mean to me. Also, this week I have been missing my faraway friends. One of my friends Kailyn (in photo above) lives in Michigan, and I don't get to see her much. So, I basically miss her lots right now.
Thought #3 I am so glad God gave me the opportunity to go on OB. I shall say it again, I made some amazing friends, and learned so MUCH about evangelism. I miss those people after seeing them all...... (sarah,pics will be up soon!)
Thought #4 Okay,this one isn't very deep, but o well. I love pictures! For the past week I have been trying to surround myslef with pictures of my family and friends. I love walking into my room after a long day and see there smiling faces. SO, for your enjoyment....i've put up a couple of pictures that make me smile!

2006-11-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Valerie, me, Amy and Brit

Brit and Me!

Melissa, me, and Laura N at Laura Mc Nulty's house

* These are all picture from this weekend! I lovve these
people a lot!

2006-11-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

Amazing, Wonderful , Refreshing, Encouraging, these are just a few words to describe my weekend. It was so jam packed with fun and excitement that I have to break it down into each day for you.
Friday:
- drove up to Grace College with my friend Laura, great car conversations, and we never got lost once!!!
- registered and then went on a hunt to find all my OBers. I was walking around looking for them when I turned to the corner and found about 15 of them. Leading the pack that nearly toppled me over with hugs was one of my best friends Valerie.Valerie was originally not going to be able to come, but she surprised me and made it!
-went to my leader Courtney's house and looked at pictures and talked till 12:30. some other things that happened at courtney's house include a huge rubberband war with chris, amy, josh, and bj
-called it a night with my room mates, Sarah and Brit

Saturday:
- helped CE national with a cleanup of the grounds around the training center
- went on a Wal- Mart run for some random stuff, boy did that bring back memories of the summer
- went to Grace's homecoming basketball game, they totally dominated
- played the sickest game of ultimate frisbee I have ever played in my life (basically it was a game between the guys on each team)
- the girls went to courtney's house and hung out
-went to Laura Mc Nulty's house where we watched HighSchool Musical and shared stoired from the summer
- at around midnight, Sarah, Brit, and I went around a walk of Winona Lake. It was so cute,and I had so much fun with my girlies!

Sunday:
- sang our OB songs for Winona Lake GBC
- had sad goodbyes with all

*So basically the end of the weekend was bittersweet. I had to realize that this might be the last time I see some of these kids. That was really hard to accept. But, I can say that the time I was with them were some of the greatest moments of my life*

2006-10-31T16:25:00.000-08:00

If you dn't know who all these lovely people are, it's a shame. These are the 32 teens ans 6 leaders I spent my summer with. My team was called North West, we toured Washington for 6 weeks, sharing the love of Christ to the GBC churches there. I had such a blast, and made some great friends. This weekend most of the kids are heading up to Grace College for a reunion! Reunion is officaly 2 days away, and I am about to bust from excitement.

2006-10-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoons are great, pretty much wonderful. So, far this weekend has been pretty good. I worked yesterday and then went to see "One Night with the King" , the movie about Esther, with Hannah. It was a great movie, it stuck to the story and was beautifully shot. Hannah got to sleep over and we stayed up late solving all the problems of the world. Church was really good this morning. Worhsip was great, and the sermon was really challening. I was really able to apply the message to my life. The speaker challenged us to look out for the poor and needy, especially the inner cities. And, if you know anything about my future goals for life, (wanting to work in urban areas) it fit perfectly with what I have been praying about lately. I felt God pushing me once again to follow his call and serve him in the inner cities. ALSO, I talked to Sarabeth, Hannah, and Julie after service, and they are such a good example to me and I love them lots:) The day was really great until I had to sit and read 4 chapters of the Scarlet Letter today. I am lost in the language already. I am going to have a giant bonfire at the end of this book (can you guess what the kindling will be???)