CCBC Ohio

Ok, Ok, so CCBC doesn't have a campus in Ohio....

But! This is where school happens. :)

My own little nook to study away the winter. 

I love. love. love. my desk. It was an antique show find from the spring. It used to be a gun-chest,  and before that I believe it was a safari desk. It folds up into a chest and has handles so you can carry it. My husband attached the legs, and voila, instant desk. I pulled all the nasty green carpet off and gave it a fresh coat of paint. Then I attached the cork material to the lid, so now it shows off some of the things that inspire me and warm my heart. 

I am so blessed to get to fill my days with the Word of God. The best way I could think to spend my winter, and my life.

I'm such a nerd.

Confession: I may have been battling some minor depression due to lack of stimulation for my intelligence. Yesterday when things didn't happen with my school I became super sad and brooding. That is how much I enjoy school and learning.

Alas! Today I successfully accessed all my classes, created a calendar with due dates for everything and formulated a game-plan for completion. Then, I began my first Biblical Counseling class and submitted my first week of notes. I'm already dreaming of hours spent at the library and ordering my Commentary. Bahaha. And long walks on the beach walking hand-in-hand with Chuck tracks...... er, just kidding about that last part. (You fellow CCBC'ers know what I'm talking about. )

But seriously, I feel like a successful human being today. Not that my worth is in what I do, but I've just been doing a whole lot of things that were unintelligent. I mean, I haven't learned all that much from deep-cleaning the house... except that I despise dusting. It's not exactly stimulating work, and I'd like to use my brain-cells once in a while.

I'm about to make my way to the mailbox to see if my books (or anything else interesting) has been deposited today. There's nothing like a bit of good news. :)

First

Happy December first everyone!


It appropriately was the first snow!


It was also supposed to be my first day of classes online, but something seems to be amiss. I currently am wracking my brain trying to figure out how to actually listen to the lectures, let alone find a syllabus! Not to mention my books haven't arrived in the mail yet. Weird. Nevertheless, I am still anticipating the moment I actually can begin. Until then, I will have to find things to keep myself busy. sigh.


Ps: Did you ever notice how weird the word first looks when it's written? It looks just wrong, but the little red squiggles haven't shown up, so I know it's right. Thank you, mysterious squiggles. 

Operation Husband's Birthday: Success

I have been plotting a great many surprises for my Husband this year. I decided to take him on an adventure. I changed his name to something decidedly more Pirate-y, drew him a map and made him find his presents. His map (card) was chock-full of all of our favorite pirate-lingo, and led him directly to the antique (treasure) chest we inherited for our wedding.

Here he is, showcasing his loot. You can also see the card and the chest behind and to the left. 

The highlight of the evening was definitely his dueling lego's, a gift that went over very well.

See, he got decapitated by the catapult. That's pretty intense.

Since Jesse doesn't like cake, this year he requested a Chocococoberry pie, an invention inspired by our Yogurtland experiences on our honeymoon in Santa Barbara. Thanks, Inga-Lill for introducing us to the tastiest experience in the land! For those of you who haven't figured it out, Chocococoberry is Chocolate, Coconut, and Blueberry pie. His Mom diligently (and prayerfully) figured out a way to make a scrumptious concoction. Although, she forgot the coconut, she added a cinnamon crisp topping, and it was fantastic! One of the best pies ever! Henceforth, I believe it shall be called Birthday Pie, as it seems to be easier, especially if anyone else marries into the family, they may think we're nuts. 

Anywho, here is a picture of the unpronounceable pies!

I bid yer' farewell! 

Full Steam ahead!

Today is an excellent day! I have just received my acceptance to finish my Theology degree! Online! I am super stoked to get back into studying and learning. I have missed it, even though I've been trying my best to keep up on it. I've somehow managed to read 15 books this year, the 16th in progress. 

Even so, I am excited for another reason, flexibility. Finishing online allows me to make my own schedule and work around other responsibilities and other things I wish to do. Which means, if I need to take a few days off it's no big deal, cause I can make it up at my own pace. I have precisely 4 months to complete each course, and I can complete it earlier if I want to.

So this week I am going to try to get everything sorted and prepared to register for classes, which I think start on December 1st. 

I'm also in the middle of preparing some birthday treats for my husband, whose Birthday is the 18th! I'm pretty excited. It's also going to be our first holiday season together. :) Aw. This is the part where you get all teary-eyed and sentimental. haha. 

I hope you're all having an excellent day too!

Fall? Retreat

I say Fall? because it feels more like if I step outside my face might turn into ice and fall right off my head. I know this to be an exaggeration, but that still doesn't prepare me for this upcoming winter. Ok, Ok, it's a mild 43 degrees fahrenheit, I know it could be worse. But stillllllll... whine whine whine. Yesterday my friend went to the pool. In Hawaii. Where she lives. In November. Life swap please? 


Alright, I'm done whining now. 


Tomorrow commences the yearly fall retreat for the Youth! Yay! It was one of the most amazing times of my life in High School, and this year I am excited to attend and help make it a great time of digging deep for the students. I am looking forward to the many hours of worship to come, and simply soaking up and being still before the LORD. Pray for the students if you think of us, it's such a spiritual high for them, and we don't want it to end when they go home and back into their prospective difficulties. 


 (We're pretty excited! Except for the weather.... we were hoping this whole winter thing would go away.... Nevertheless, we shall pray that we spend as much time as possible indoors and away from the frosty wind.I hope the Youth Pastor doesn't have any strange outdoor games planned like they did when I was in high school. I don't really fancy chasing people with a frozen fish this year. Just sayin')

Oh my Mums!

This year I have been blessed with the most beautiful, explosive mums anyone could ever desire.

Look at them! So luscious! I just had to admire them some more. 

     Although, I can't take much credit for these gorgeous Mums. I purchased them from some green-thumbed local Amish ladies. I must learn their ways! 

     Anyways, I am cheerfully enjoying the unseasonably warm October and am going to go eat some fresh brownies with my husband. Life is good. :)

This Week

Things to do this week


1. Prepare a Bible Study on Yahweh-Sabaoth.
2. Hunt acorns for the table centerpiece. 
3. Sew a valance for the massage room. 
4. Continue brainstorming for this year's Thanksgiving Feast. 


Yes, I'd say it's going to be a sufficiently glorious week. I get to stretch my brain-powers, make something crafty, and enjoy Fall all at the same time. I've been extremely energized lately by my studies and am hoping and praying to make going back to finish my last semester at Bible College a reality. Wahoo. 


Hope you're looking forward to another week as well!

septembery

It's hard to believe September will be over in just 2 days.


We had a wonderfully successful bonfire last Friday, full of pumpkin carving, mulled hot cranberry orange cider, cheeseballs and crackers as well as the wonderfully delicious pumpkin cheesecake that I will be promptly baking again. 


We've really been blessed with an awesome and hilarious group of friends! We have also been venturing out into the realm of bible study and discipleship with said friends and the encouragement has been abounding. I live for Tuesdays every week and relish the study-time in the word. 


Yesterday we discussed the importance of testimony and remembering the works of God in our lives, and funnily enough I got a call from the local christian-tv station and we discussed this same topic this morning live! It was an exciting, albeit, nervous experience, and I'm praying that the viewers were extremely blessed. I walked away encouraged, miraculously (since it was morning, which tends to ruin my day) 


Hoping that you all are taking full advantage of your September before it runs dry!
Crunch a leaf.

New

Oh yeah! I cut my hair.

I've had the same haircut for 3 years due to one bad, slightly short haircut, and I thought it was time for a change. I didn't want to be stuck in a rut, I mean, I'm young! It's the time to try those wild things right?

A successful wacation.

Well, we're back from our 16-day honeymoon excursion. It was fantabulous. Jesse and I kept a log of all the things that happened, plus all the many blessings and way the Lord took care of us. It was astounding. We have a wonderful Papa. 


On another note, I greatly missed cooking! It is such a delight! I wandered the aisles today, finding various new things to try in salads, and found the yummiest, olive oil-basil-sundried tomato- vinaigrette. I can't wait to have it for lunch tomorrow! Tonight I am making a vegetable couscous salad with grilled chicken. Yum!


Oh! And another blessing for today! We get to meet a brand new baby! Our friends had a baby while we were gone, and we get to meet little Riley Mae today. woohoo! 


Life is grand.

Cross-Country Honeymoon Extravaganza

That's right! We're off on our belated honeymoon! Yehaw!

We are packing up the car to leave any minute now. My husband is getting a power-nap before we kiss our Mommies goodbye for a week-ish. Since we are driving, and have zero obligations here right now, we have a super flexible schedule, which is awesome.

So, the plan is, get to CALIFORNIA! Can you see me beaming with excitement?! Well, first stop is to crash somewhere between here and there, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. We'll get some great coffee, explore for a bit, and then finish the drive to our B&B in southern California. Whew. I plan on finishing Harry Potter 7 on the way. chyeah....

So we frolick a few days there, visit a pretty amazing Calvary Chapel and drive on to meet up with some dear friends in a town nearby. We also want to visit another church there on Sunday with them. After that things are pretty flexible, so if we want to stay a bit longer and visit more friends we can. The final stop we are sure to make is in Texas on the way home. We're going to visit my Sister-in-law and all our energetic nephews and niece. Finally, we commence with the drive home,

Purposes of the Trip
1. Awesome Honeymoon
2. Relax
3. Spend much time searching and listening for God's direction.
4. Visit many good friends and family. Awesome fellowship and love!

Please pray for safe travels and that God would open a door for us in our future endeavors!
Ciao!

A change in tide.

Today marks both the end and the beginning. The end of my commitment here in Ohio and the birth of a brand new something.  I can share this all now.


A little over a month ago, God began speaking to my husband and I, calling us out of our jobs here and on to "the land that I will show you." God's land. God's opportunity. After loads of freaking out, tears, uncertainty and surrender, we've been packing away our belongings, preparing to leave at a moments notice. It all seemed like such a whimsical mystery as to where to begin, and yet we knew with certainty this is what He wanted. 


And then, the fateful Monday. I can be thankful now for that Monday, but as it was happening, it was hardly a thankful occasion. I would like to say I handled it well, being forced to leave my home due to circumstances well beyond our control. In the moment all I could think of is how entirely unfair it was that we should have nowhere to live when we were not at fault. We now jokingly refer to it as "The Exodus".


Fortunately my Mother is a saint with a large house. As we moved our belongings in all I could think was, "Well, God did tell us to pack..." It just wasn't like we thought it was going to be. It almost never is. The tides have turned and I can say with full confidence that it was ordained for us to be living with my Mom for this short while. The blessing it has been for all parties involved astounds me and I could write an entire blog itself to list all the reasons why it's a good thing. (Strange, I know) I never thought I'd say the Lord willed me to live with my husband at my Mother's. ha. How he humbles. 


To summarize, today was my last day of work. I am free to come and go as the Spirit wills. We are listening intently for the faintest whisper and then we are off to the opportunity He brings. To live as the disciples. To trust Him at His word. To live off of every word that proceeds from His mouth. We are packing, wrapping up some last farewells and spending some very important time with those whom God is compelling us to seek after. 


Pray for us. We just may be coming to you! Who knows? It could happen.

Black Sheep

I am the Black Sheep of the family. Tis' painfully true. If I weren't me, I wouldn't know what to do with me either.

Many mysterious and difficult things are happening in life. While I'm trying to see it as adventure, most days it feels like pain and endurance.

Nevertheless, the Word of the Lord is sustaining me. I love that it never changes. It's rock solid, and when I rest there, life pauses and I feel clear for those moments. Perspective grows and it's one more breath of life that I get to take uninhibited by the chaos which seeks my demise.

We've stepped out onto an invisible ledge, praying, that like Abraham, we too would uncover where we are going. God keeps giving us snippets of the vision, and the pieces are slowly forming an unconventional and possibly controversial way of life. Freedom please. Death to Babylon! May we enter the glorious Kingdom, and get so lost that we never find our way out.

Sound the trump! Herald us home!

Summer on the roof

I think we may possibly have the coolest bedroom ever. It's got these two massive windows that overlook the tops of the trees. (We're on the second story) Literally, it looks like the forest, and these rays of sunshine peek in, joined by a slight breeze. We decided it felt like a treehouse, so that's how we painted it. Green and light blue, with hints of chocolate brown that Jesse declared "looked like trees". Thereby making it our treehouse.

But get this, the best part is the roof access that leads directly from one of said windows, which I currently am enjoying. It's warm, the neighborhood children are screaming, dogs barking, gangsta music blaring from pimped-out cars, trains faithfully sounding, but it's my little bit of hideaway. Other than that, it's pretty secluded.

I plan on enjoying this fully this summer. 

Mr and Mrs

May 16th seemed like a good day to get married.

But in all seriousness, yes, we did move the date of the wedding up, and yes, it was the best decision of my life. After much prayer and discussion, we both uncovered our discomfort with August 6th as a wedding date. There are many more reasons than there is time to elaborate on why we decided to marry sooner, but it ultimately came down to trusting that we were being obedient to what the Lord was leading us into.

The way of the Lord is a mysterious path, that all those who walk it must be daring to lay down and die a million deaths. daily. God laid my wedding on the altar, asking for it. More than all my girlish fantasies of happily-ever-after and having everything picture-perfect and orderly, he wanted my heart and trust. He assured me after all that I was getting an infinitely better marriage than a wedding. And boy, is there a big difference: a wedding is one glorious day, but a marriage is daily. I have it everyday, and ultimately that is more important than any primo wedding that could be fabricated by enormous wealth (which we don't have anyway.... hah)

We've only begun to uncover the wealth of blessing and growth that God has started. It feels like this is the way life was meant to be lived, the two of us together, doing life. Completely normal. Completely amazing.

Keep us in your prayers. It is the Lord who has begun this good work, and the Lord who will keep it going. He is the head of our life, and we are devoted to His life.

i am folly.

I think I'm resigning to the fact that I tend to work against the grain of "normal" when it comes to society. I ditched out on the whole idea of university, traveling the world for Jesus instead. Ended up finding a second home in the hills of Germany, and filled my heart with some of the greatest friends that one could ever hope to have, all without a *gasp* back-up plan, job, or degree!

I'm not normal. God likes to do these things to me, where I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing until about 2 weeks in advance. Later, it fills me with riotous laughter, but at the moment, I'm standing on a precipice.

God's been speaking these past few weeks about reinventing life. How "out-there" am I willing to be for him? How much of my life and desires am I willing to lay down, and follow his alternative lifestyle? It's counter-cultural. It's ripping apart my perspective of the world, myself, and ultimately God.

He gave me this verse today, 1 Corinthians 2:5 "that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of man but in the power of God." That's really what all this is about, trusting God's seemingly foolish commands, and not trusting the wisdom of the world. I may get looked down upon, shunned or misunderstood, but the wisdom of man is folly to God, and at the end of the day it comes down to my obedience to the convictions that the Holy Spirit speaks to me. God is spiritually understood, and by external perspectives, absolutely perplexing.

What if God has a different script for life, and we've missed it? What if we do life with Him, and do what brings life? What if this new intriguing way of living would draw in people who have been tirelessly enduring the mundane? What if this "foolish" way of living is the true life that God was intending to give us? What if this alternative is really the way of pure faith and hope that God in his love designed for life to be?

It's a whole lot more interesting.
More later, I'm sure.

Many New Beginnings

Today, I was hired on the spot at the only local Mediterranean restaurant in town. Pretty incredible actually, since I am in love with their food, and have been praying for a position there. I must say it's a lot more classy than the bowling alley, a completely different ball-game. I start tomorrow! 


The owner is a very professional and serious business man. He comes from Syria and is committed to serving only the freshest and most excellent food that he can produce (since he is also the chef). I happen to love this. If you haven't noticed, my recent affinity for food is now leading me down a very delicious line of profession. I hope to not only fall in love with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine even more, but to actually learn to cook it should the opportunity present itself.


So while I sit here poring over my homework (the menu) I find myself salivating in anticipation of my first shift. While I am nervous, I am very excited to be a part of such a fine restaurant. I like promoting local businesses, as well as promoting the renovation and reviving of our somewhat dilapidated downtown. I think this kind of atmosphere is exactly what we need around here. A little international flavor... oh, and better coffee. 


I am extremely blessed. The blessings just keep piling up this week, and I am in awe of how God takes care of me. My heart sings it's way down this new adventure. I never knew I could enjoy this town so much...

A very good Friday

So, last Friday, Jesse proposed. Yes, it's true, I am getting married!

It was a very spontaneous proposal, and very joyous. He had the ring hidden in his glovebox, and then when I was bopping around the car, he asked me to check in there as I was preparing to throw out a few things. And Voila! There was the ring, shiny, and staring at me. In my shock, I was convinced that I found it on accident (which had been my fear all along) and exclaimed, "Are you serious?!". Which probably is considered an inappropriate response to a marriage proposal. In my shock, I barely heard him say the words, "Will you marry me?" About the time it registered that he was seriously I immediately responded with a Yes.

A little comical, a little shocking, a lot of wonderful.

He did good. :)

Stay tuned for the rest of our adventures in engagement-land. 

Oh yeah, the wedding date is another Friday. August 6, 2010.

Orange Spongecake.

So, I am completely enamored with this old Italian family recipe-book that I have. When I was in high school, my graphic design class was hired to produce it. It was my job, so I managed to print myself a copy, and boy, am I sure glad! It's been a source of recent happiness (for all members of the family, not just me!)

My latest baking endeavor was this scrumptious orange spongecake. It was nearly a domestic fail, as it kept wanting to spill over into the oven. ugh. Yet I managed to salvage it, and it was a big hit and Monday night family dinner at Jesse's. I find myself at a disadvantage with this cookbook for a few reasons.

     1. There are no pictures which tell me what it supposed to look like.
     2. Sometimes they forget to tell you which pan to use.
     3. I don't personally know Aunt Aggie, so I can't call her up for help with her recipe.

I find myself improvising and experimenting, but so far it has worked out. It's quite the adventure.

Oh, and I am in love with my new colorful cookery. They make me so happy to be domestic.

START THE REVOLUTION

I want to start a revolution to bring back classy. I mean, seriously, when did trashy replace classy? It became acceptable and expected for girls to abandon all sense of moral code, attached with all kinds of gimmicks and tricks to make themselves more desirable. When, in actuality it has become just that, a gimmick.

So, lets unite to bring back some pride to womanhood. To bring back value to those homemaking skills that are seemingly disappearing. Honestly, does anyone know how to can vegetables, throw a dinner party, hem a skirt, or even cook dinner for that matter?

I've been thinking a lot about this since I've been home. I want to learn how to be a wonderful woman. No gimmicks, no tricks, but true, pure and lovely. I've been finding myself lost in the grocery store, poring over delicious cookbooks, and delighting in my brand-new apron! It's something I never expected out of myself, but an adventure nonetheless.

Out of the mouths of babes.

I read something very profound recently. Spoken by a child. She put it very simply.

If you love God, you will be happy.

Where's your happiness coming from?

... It's been a long time.

After much deliberation and prayer, I've returned to the city of my birth. I left much unfinished when I dashed away a few years ago. There are so many lessons knocking on my door, as if to say, "Learn me now?" 


After recovering from the initial, "What have I done?" shock, I've settled right back in. There's nothing like walking in your front door, smelling that homey scent and hugging your very proud mother. It's been a rewarding experience. 


So far, I've returned to work at the Bowling Alley (small-town, I know). I have had surprisingly good conversations with my coworkers, and I really know that this is where God wants me. As hard as it is, I am learning more about the heart of God for people in this job. I'm learning to serve, and I get to literally feel God's heart for the lost, and speak hope into the lives of people that are convinced that God hates them. It's war.


I have returned also to the church that I grew up in. It has gone through a major overhaul in the past 2 years, and it is a new place, where the passion of Christ is beginning to flow freely, and believers are seeing the undeniable hand of God. Plus, on Tuesday nights, they are having a class on the history of the Bible, which is like my very own piece of Bible College that I miss so dearly. 


I am also currently dating my best friend of 6 years, Jesse Wisener. Old news, but good news. We are experiencing the joy of God, and fellowship daily with the Lord in ways that are new and sometimes mind-boggling. I am watching as this is growing both my character and my trust in the Lord, leading me towards His heart. 


My dear Readers, I probably miss you, as you are all spread around the world. It satisfies my heart knowing that we share a future and a hope of eternal fellowship, for you are all so uniquely amazing. May God richly bless your day.