tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9217932479471613132024-03-19T05:10:44.925-07:00The Schacher CheckerSchachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-50368758903234117692015-03-26T15:37:00.001-07:002015-03-30T14:52:45.067-07:00When God Asks You To Really Trust...Like Expectantly TrustHave you ever felt like God was saying "hey, you, would you just fully trust in me? I want to work big!! I want to show myself to you in ways you wouldn't be able to imagine. I WILL show myself in ways that you wouldn't be able to imagine!! Please, wont you just let me work?"<br />
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Well, those moments happen often in my life, more often than I want to admit. Probably because I am so good at saying "the right stuff" in the moment and feeling like I've got it under control. Can I type the truth here, I'm probably not alone? Yeah, I know I'm not alone.<br />
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As I study God's Word and truly dig into what the pages mean, the story behind what is happening, and the God who is trying to get His truths across, I am almost always immediately blown away at the lack of faith, trust, and hope "those people in the Bible times" had in a BIG GOD.<br />
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I mean, the Israelites, yeah, they were so messed up, right? Idols, sexual sins, grumbling (over and over), looking to other people and things. The kings, David, the first churches that had drama..."those people".<br />
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Until I am brought to my knees in a super humble realization that I am so beyond what God desires. I am missing out on so many blessings HE has for me, because of my lack of faith. My lack of trust. My lack of ultimate HOPE in what HE desires.<br />
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The last 6 months of my life have been about trust. Trust beyond what I desire. Trust beyond what I thought I needed. Trust beyond what I thought I could possibly trust. It was a scared trust. Knowing that ultimately our finances, a new company, fully putting my husband at the lead of our marriage was not going to be because of me or anyone else...but God.<br />
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Now, I am at a new point in my "trust journey".<br />
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Sitting here, knowing the only next steps are HIS.<br />
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How we get paid, how we pay others, what jobs we get or don't get...they are all HIS.<br />
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I am slowly making a transition from trusting God to having HOPE in Him. In HIS plan.<br />
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<b>HOPE</b>.<br />
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Not a word I have ever been truly drawn to. It seemed like such a wishy-washy word. A word you throw in when you FEEL like you should trust. "I really hope we will be able to get a new car next year." "I really hope I pass this test."<br />
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Not a word I truly understood or cared to understand for that matter...until recently. At a women's gathering, God put it on my heart. I wrote it down. I sat on it for a little bit. I wondered why I was drawn to that word, HOPE. So, finally I looked up the definition. I looked for the biblical references. I exhausted my googling resources on that word. Here is where God took me:<br />
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<b><i>Hope-</i></b><br />
<i>Verb: </i><br />
<i>1) to desire with EXPECTATION of obtaiment</i><br />
<i>2) to expect with confidence; trust</i><br />
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<i>Noun:</i><br />
<i>1) archaic: trust, reliance</i><br />
<i>2) a desire accompanied by EXPECTATION of or belief in fulfillment; also expectation of fulfillment or success</i><br />
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My journaling that day, at that womens gathering, that has come back today, at a time where God is asking me to not just trust but to take it to a deeper level...to HOPE.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Can I be HOPEFUL knowing God has it? Knowing God is taking us there. Knowing the process is something to be enjoyed. The struggle is something to be embraced. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>God, help me to see the HOPE in where you have us. Help me to see the HOPE in where you are taking us. Help me to have, feel, be HOPE in the present. Where there is uncertainty regularly. When it doesn't seem there is much to what we are doing. God help me to know even in the depths of my soul, you are preparing me for something great. You are leading me to a path heading to you. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Life. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Wisdom. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>F</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">orever. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">G</i><i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">od help me to see THAT as my HOPE and what I encounter along the way as preparation for that. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For now. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For you. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For Your future plans. </i><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For Heaven.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>HOPE.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Jesus be my strength. Be there and show me how to come with expectation of your greatness. Come with an expectation as to what You desire to accomplish in the everyday. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And that is what I needed. That HOPE God put on my heart 2 months ago. That place of knowing God's REALLY asking me to trust...like more than just trust, but come to Him with an EXPECTATION of obtainment. Come to Him expectantly. Thank Him for what He WILL do...no matter what that will be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhh, these times of trust. These times of HOPE. Where would I be without them? Thank you Jesus for those places. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Romans 5:2-5</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-39440458873981030442014-11-10T23:10:00.001-08:002014-11-10T23:22:56.518-08:00Struggling Through SongWhile going through one of life's recent challenges I was searching. I was angry, confused, and bitter. My soul knew deep down I didn't want any part of these feelings. My flesh has a tendency to fight for justice, and it's not a bad thing...in general. However, I want to confront, argue, and defend when I feel someone is being treated unjust. <div><br></div><div>As I was wrestling and talking it out, our pastor suggested writing a "psalm". I have to be honest, it hit me as the cheesiest idea I had heard and brushed it off. Until one night I felt as if I couldn't shake my feeling of bitterness. I couldn't help but open my notes app and start writing. Here is what came out:</div><div><br></div><div><img src="webkit-fake-url://2c2afc74-926e-46de-b063-456acd07097e/imagepng"></div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><b><i>Psalms of Annie 1:1</i></b></span><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Hey God,</span></font><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">So, I know deep down in my soul you are incredibly powerful. I know deep down in my soul that you have amazing, amazing, life changing ways. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">I know God you want me to be deeply connected to you. To be intentional dependent on you. To be undoubtedly, instinctually crying out to you, desiring your will at every turn. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">God I know I want that. I know just a speck of what that would mean in my life...in our relationship. Do I desire that? What would it look like to desire that? </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">God, I fall short. I plan. I react. I think. I speak. I get angry. I feel offended. All without you. All without seeking you. All without waiting for your direction. Why? Don't I really get why my deep desires and my quick-witted actions are so opposite. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">I am thankful for that pastor who spoke that "cheesy" idea. I think I may continue my Psalms and may I suggest you try it?</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">*I am not trying to add to the Bible. Just recognizing David was a man, incredible and incredibly flawed man, who wrote and sang to God. Just doing the same. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="border: 0px !important;"></font></a></div></div></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-5431729900722045852014-11-10T13:37:00.003-08:002014-12-16T21:25:14.492-08:00Passing It On<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Recently I changed the screensaver settings on our computer to filter through all our family pictures (I am sure many of you have done this). What I didn't expect was it to draw such a audience from my children (along with myself and my husband). I have had to "encourage" my children numerous times throughout the day to continue with their chores and not stand around the computer. I almost changed the setting back because I was getting tired of all the "encouraging" I was having to do in that area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbmpgbqEQpe1H1-8-WWCWubVZCreZVWP6vAlZ9F32JPhFYOEDbdWx0V8yBpmSjzoCKh0vg2NulEvGUsXI1WBNcHR-ZVG7hsOcZTKO-UJJzu2TxOx0a-qZH9IY73XLDghMcldhA06-1ps/s640/blogger-image-1594045279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbmpgbqEQpe1H1-8-WWCWubVZCreZVWP6vAlZ9F32JPhFYOEDbdWx0V8yBpmSjzoCKh0vg2NulEvGUsXI1WBNcHR-ZVG7hsOcZTKO-UJJzu2TxOx0a-qZH9IY73XLDghMcldhA06-1ps/s640/blogger-image-1594045279.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While studying Exodus 35-40 this week I was struck by how important it is to remember the past. How important it is to reflect on where God has brought His people. The Israelites had been saved from hundreds of years of slavery. They had encountered miracles that many of us won't see in our lifetime, been lead by amazing God-fearing leaders, provided for through incredible means, forgiven for turning their backs on the very God who lovingly supplied all of these things, and worked diligently on building a Tabernacle planned out by God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After asking God to forgive them and go with them to the promise land, they got to work building the Tabernacle and finished it right before they celebrated the feast of the Passover. It had been an entire year since they were delivered out of Egypt. Can you imagine as they celebrated this feast the overwhelming feelings they had? Gratefulness? Humility? They had been slaves a year earlier. They had seen/gone through the 10 plagues. Their 1st born children were spared death. They had the waters part before them while escaping the Egyptians. Mana and water had miraculously and sufficiently been provided. Moses had been appointed leader. They had been forgiven for worshiping an idol. Had asked for forgiveness. Spent many hours working on building a Tabernacle for God. And sooo much more. Overwhelming just to think of the emotions facing them as they finished this tent and prepared for Passover. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjwHlBUjvfg98sogdxXf_ZutKKLLZflIgU8na-tyaCfSEv2VUCk8e5kLaTIcd3O6I9dUZvxY_069t2XKinDpu_1W4HN2bGTuVzdQQdqY9wiGTFQ2oS3ISBacbSj3JKVpUrEs7hl1WBCs/s640/blogger-image-2062199129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjwHlBUjvfg98sogdxXf_ZutKKLLZflIgU8na-tyaCfSEv2VUCk8e5kLaTIcd3O6I9dUZvxY_069t2XKinDpu_1W4HN2bGTuVzdQQdqY9wiGTFQ2oS3ISBacbSj3JKVpUrEs7hl1WBCs/s640/blogger-image-2062199129.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As my children, husband and I have paused the last week to look through the pictures of our past we have laughed and cried at all the Lord has miraculously done, what He has delivered us from, what we have worked to build, and what He has provided our family. I am SOOO humbled. I am SOOO grateful. Words cannot describe the thankfulness I have toward all that God has done and the people He has brought into our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6pPP3mM3xesAf-6hw-UaMPLHj2mRp2cIQcsLIV9D2tZTCMJnnaIs9InQFu5Ii9wlDu1SGjaxp7hdmVKUY0vBiYWRnGL1wWvWf1zJkSxZUF7NRtBNlsiG93yGwCMX8GUik9Ki3OEWmSk/s640/blogger-image--1587896781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6pPP3mM3xesAf-6hw-UaMPLHj2mRp2cIQcsLIV9D2tZTCMJnnaIs9InQFu5Ii9wlDu1SGjaxp7hdmVKUY0vBiYWRnGL1wWvWf1zJkSxZUF7NRtBNlsiG93yGwCMX8GUik9Ki3OEWmSk/s640/blogger-image--1587896781.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I pause to look back at another year (or 5, or 10, or 15) I pray that my feelings of gratefulness become deeper as I realize how God has directed us through each twist, turn, and event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-43394072624842529102014-02-23T21:58:00.002-08:002014-11-10T23:23:34.420-08:00My BABIES are 1!!!I love the idea of this photo. Something about remembering where we all were a year ago. Cuddling these precious 1 year olds.<br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRz1H_AAGQY/UwrdqyfnppI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/1l5S1xb5gtw/s1600/35aa18b7-d095-4db8-84dc-a112ec058d25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sRz1H_AAGQY/UwrdqyfnppI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/1l5S1xb5gtw/s1600/35aa18b7-d095-4db8-84dc-a112ec058d25" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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Photo Credit: Beth Stafford Photography</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span id="goog_515339015"></span><span id="goog_515339016"></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;"></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-14286221473144202042013-06-01T01:34:00.000-07:002014-11-10T13:40:46.849-08:00Whatever You're Going Through...You ARE Wonder Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Warning: I am NOT an eloquent writer, I just have thoughts (and many times they end up in parenthesis...sorry) that hopefully encourage you (or maybe make you shake your head and say "who gave that women a computer and how does she have any idea how to create a blog"). OK, I got that out.</div>
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<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=qKDkM41Ko8VjHM&tbnid=J1UXVBARWfJ44M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcomicsgrinder.com%2F2013%2F05%2F17%2Fwonder-woman-on-cw%2F&ei=Y5-pUerLNsagiALVooHIDA&bvm=bv.47244034,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNFrqjVkA9j9p4Rxxo0oYodRpdkQwA&ust=1370157233366428" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRu3q-gup68dM_STAfdLAwPMrn9aIt2fs7DTPEy0XDUeYDePyvR5A" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="187"></a></div>
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"Wow...you are wonder woman."</div>
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That is the line I hear the most frequently these days (when I make it out of my house). After having the twins (I also have a 5 and 3 year old) and my husband leaving to work out of town during the weekdays, I welcomed ANY and ALL of these comments I could get. It fueled my fire, made me feel like no one else could do this...made me feel like I was something else. </div>
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UNTIL...one day I heard it and wanted to bawl. I wanted to shake the person that said it and tell them "I DON 'T want to be wonder woman and you probably don't REALLY want to either". I wanted to switch places with the person (after I ran them over with the double stroller they just called a limo), because after all their life had to be easier in some way than mine. I didn't want to do it all, stay strong, feed another baby, take on all the discipline with my preschoolers, and try to feed myself (ok, who's kidding...I keep myself fed on stress foods).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you ever heard the line "God won't give you more than you can handle"? That line is NOT found anywhere associated with the Bible. There are some major flaws in that theology (#1: that God gives us bad stuff...we could go round and round on that all day; #2: He doesn't want us to experience just enough to make us comfortable and then stop). God wants us to come to Him. God wants us to fully depend on Him and rely on Him for all of our needs. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't want to be Wonder Woman. I don't have to be Wonder Woman. I don't have to puff up when I hear people say "wow, better you than me" or "I certainly couldn't handle having my husband gone weekly". <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I don't want to rely on what I can handle or what is perceived of me to be able to handle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I want to know that whatever I am going through, whether a blessing that's hard (these babies of mine ARE amazing blessings) or a trial that is unbearable, I can count on someone greater than me to help me. Someone greater than me to supply what I need. Someone greater than me who is present with me. Someone who is also hurting, struggling, and kneeling with me desiring to give me His help. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Philippians 4:11-13, 19-20 ESV</div>
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My 3 and 4 (at the time) year old, meeting the twins. </div>
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<br>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-30996878935873155072013-05-24T00:04:00.001-07:002014-11-10T13:34:30.967-08:00The Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whew...a breath: a couple minutes of "free time" after the children are down for the night, a glimpse of what God is teaching me, a reflection of my beautiful, blessed life. That is a breath to me. </div>
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It has been literally a long time since I have blogged. During that time I was thinking blogging was a waste of time, it was something I had to "keep up on", and that I wasn't a very articulate writer. I look back now and wish I had taken a few minutes here and there to log the happenings of my family, the emotional highs, the shocking surprises, the hard-depend-on-God lows, the days I have struggled to get through, the tears, the BLESSINGS in giggles and kisses...oh, what a special ride my life has taken. I hope to pour out God's wisdom on these pages, the depth of what He has shown me. I hope to be honest, not just for an audience, but so that I can look back to realize just what my amazing Savior has brought me through and where He has brought me to. I find the more I share my tears, struggles, fears, blessings, joys, trials, and the triumphs, the more I can encourage others down the path they are wlaking in life. </div>
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Wow, seriously, I cannot think back over the last 2-3 years of my life and not be blown away with where God has brought me and my "little" (more on this later) family. I pray the words on these pages will somehow encourage others. Will encourage me as I look back. Will encourage and lead my precious children.</div>
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I guess this is a welcoming back of sorts. A commitment to myself to show my family their "heritage".</div>
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Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-28227544285004841852011-04-26T22:52:00.000-07:002011-04-26T22:52:30.097-07:00Let My Life Be Lifted High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIASGu9KnarHxyyqk6xcLM97jliuj8jtzM9S1odKBFBEdMXJPWcSA-imIhC9Dyb8ONkLLfnJOM0mX7GHGMXlN7XRgtpdmWdj8l38ELaeWafH_Ij-Wo7jh8Je5sGBmqc9owFWQ-e3EdXs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIASGu9KnarHxyyqk6xcLM97jliuj8jtzM9S1odKBFBEdMXJPWcSA-imIhC9Dyb8ONkLLfnJOM0mX7GHGMXlN7XRgtpdmWdj8l38ELaeWafH_Ij-Wo7jh8Je5sGBmqc9owFWQ-e3EdXs/s320/photo.JPG" width="239px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Spiritually I have been on somewhat of a roller coaster. I spent the first 5 years of marriage ministering to some AMAZING high school students, who are now, great friends and people who are going to change the world in many ways. It was honestly the highlight of my life so far. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As life was changing, so was the direction God was taking my husband and I. I resigned from my teaching position, quit leading Young Life, became a mom, and supported my husband in his adventure of a new company. However, through these changes and over the course of the past 4 years I haven't been able to shake the feeling that there is SO MUCH MORE that God calls me to. I know it, I read about it, I listen to great sermons about it, I pray about it, I spoke about it at a women's retreat, I have a deep desire for it...I just don't feel like I should be doing any of it right now. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It sounds easy, right, keep plugging away at being an inspiring mom, a supportive, loving wife, and a child of God looking for random ways to minister to those that come into my path. However, I just feel like there is so much more. I am trying to be content with where God has me (although I am always thinking about where He is going to take me). I am trying to be the best mother that I can be to my children (feeling like I fail most of the time). I desire to be the most supportive wife on the planet (definitely fail in that category). I feel like I am so open and willing to learn and get so much from each moment He teaches me, I just feel like I sit on the wisdom He gives me at this point in my life. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Patience. Contentment. Willingness. Faithfulness. Prolonged Passion. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I will continue to learn great truths, filing them away, waiting for the moments that God asks me to use them to change lives, speak truth, or adequately portray the wisdom He has given me. I know He has a purpose for what He does. I know He has a time in which He desires to show His glory. I know He has the perfect way to portray this through me. During this time, I desire to remain patient, content, willing, faithful, passionate, and open to what He has to teach me NOW. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Help me Lord to wait on YOU!!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-14025353836980445382011-04-07T21:00:00.000-07:002011-04-07T21:14:46.419-07:00Making Progress Around HereAs I was walking through the isles of the grocery store today, I almost had to stop and do a little victory dance for myself. I quickly realized that I live in a small town and someone I know would be watching, so I decided to celebrate with you guys instead<br />
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*Insert victory dance here*<br />
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So, you might be wondering why exactly a victory dance was necessary. Well as I looked down at my shopping cart this afternoon, the progress I have made over the course of the last 6 months was overwhelming and I was so proud of how far I have come. Before having kids (and if I am going to be honest...even after) my grocery cart consisted of, well, anything fully processed and absolutely terrible for you. Mac n' Cheese, Top Ramen (for the hubs), cereal (and not the good kind, folks), chips, candy, you name it...it was in my cart. Me, my body, and my husband were doing just fine (or should I say we thought we were doing fine) with it and functioned pretty well; UNTIL the combination of pregnancy and hitting 30 were involved in the equation. <br />
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To some of you, it might be pretty disgusting that we would live that way, and to you, I admire the fact that you choose differently. It was/and still is a bit harder for me and my husband. I have analyzed and pondered over the "reasons why" for countless hours, but that's another post for another day (or maybe for a counseling session). <br />
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Anywhoo, I put my foot down (pretty lightly) in October and started working out 3-4 days a week for 30 minutes a day. I kept telling myself and others that I didn't want to "diet" because I wanted to make a lifestyle change. I think that was initially an excuse for me to continue to eat the same and hope that exercising minimally would do the trick. Well, month by month went by and I wasn't able to see much progress. I would evaluate myself at the end of each month and make changes to my eating and exercise habits. I started working out more, cutting out treats, eliminating colored drinks, and working out more (I know I already said that). I am now to the point of celebrating a couple different paths of progress!!!! By no means have I hit my goals or do I eat everything I should all the time. However, I am adamantly writing down everything I put into my body, working out 6-7 days a week for 60-90 minutes at a time, AND my grocery cart is full of fruits, veggies, flour, eggs, etc. I am passing up complete isles in the grocery store without a second thought (they would be the ice-cream isle and the snacks/chips isle). I am walking by the candy bars in the check out line thinking "yuk, I worked out so hard today and eating 2 of those things would cancel out everything I have accomplished". Seriously, friends, I almost started crying today at the grocery store when I realized the things I was thinking to myself, how much work I have been putting in, and the choices I have been making. This is a huge accomplishment for me and nothing celebrated it better than a victory dance.<br />
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I am soooo excited for where I have come and where my family and I are going. I feel better about myself (granted I have a LONG way to go) and my body feels better about itself (if that's possible). Yay for progress!!!!<br />
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Thanks for letting me celebrate!<br />
*More victory dances here*<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-51497985519300183072011-03-29T14:50:00.000-07:002011-03-29T14:54:45.678-07:00Teach Me Tuesday<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pFNWHVrFZwfeCuWqgVoSQgd-XsT60EjQgEUj84gIk02d38D99HSLSfEUQ-FZzemW5jlgaV7cPKxKzMyki7PGExFUfEN_tsgJzgXuCGYb9IzQYntUpLoKkHgMbQa37joV6oT3WxWAlCQ/s400/an-old-wooden-cross-photographic-print-c12040086.jpg" /><br />
So, in an attempt to actually follow through with my commitment to my 2011 goals, I am here to share a little of what I have been learning throughout the past few weeks. I am not eloquent in my writing by any means, but I pray that what God has put on my heart might just help you to dig a little deeper and see who He really is and who He desires you to become. <br />
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Isaiah 53:7-12 (emphasis on 11), ESV<br />
"Out of the anguish of his soul he shall <strong>see and be satisfied</strong>; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities."<br />
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So, in reading for my BSF lesson, I came across this verse and had to stop, ponder, and shake my head in amazement. The words "<strong>see and be satisfied</strong>" are common words that I think many people use without a second thought. I put on a new outfit, I "see it" and am "satisfied with it". I do my hair, I "see it" and am "satisfied with it". We don't understand the depth of context here. We are a selfishly driven, extrinsically motivated society and we must see and be satisfied often. That is how our daily lives process what is going on. "Am I happy with the driver in front of me?" "Have I gotten my coffee this morning?". The word satisfied is used to describe things we want, things we come across that make us happy. When we are not happy, we are not "satisfied". <br />
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What was Isaiah describing here related with satisfaction? Jesus Christ being crucified, taking on all our sins, and offering up all He was for billions (no...an infinity...or a larger number than humans can count) of people to come. WOW. Not an ounce of selfishness there. <br />
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I was struck today by these four words "<strong>see and be satisfied</strong>". How can I incorporate these words into my daily life, minute by minute, in order to see what God has given me today and be satisfied. Not look out and question "what if I would have done something different with my first 5 years of marriage", "where would Dan and I be if we didn't start a company", "why does my life feel so monotonous", "why does God have me going through _____" or a million other questions I could be asking. Instead of measuring up my satisfaction for the day on whether or not I look good, wear the right clothing, did the right "things", chose to be with the right people, or whether I was productive; I desire to look back and be satisfied because I am following God's plan with what He has given me today. I don't want my "<strong>see and be satisfied</strong>" to come from the world's standards, but from the model of Jesus Christ, who was satisfied going through Crucifixion so that others would benefit. <br />
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Did I give up myself today, in every way possible, as honorably as I could, selflessly, with every ounce in me, to do what He has asked me to do? "<strong>See and be satisfied</strong>" today!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-35204137798849121862011-02-28T22:50:00.000-08:002011-03-03T23:14:16.496-08:00Desire MORE<div style="text-align: center;">Just in case you wished you were a fly on the wall listening to the "message" that I was given the oportunity to share with 30-40 ladies this last weekend, here it is. Please make sure you imagine the expression, goofy added stories, passion, and nervousness I presented it with (oh, and me almost tipping the podeum over numerous times). I was honored to speak (no matter how big or small it was) to anyone that would listen and the Lord would have me potentially impact. So, maybe it impacts you (I pray). It is hard to read through (because it was written for me to speak, but I hope you get the point).</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Common Threads and Golden Nuggets</div><br />
<strong>Introduction</strong>: <br />
Please be open, humble, and come before the Lord<br />
I feel unqualified, insignificant, nervous, afraid, excited, passionate, overwhelmed, joyful, and thankful that I get to stand up here and tell my heart to you ladies.<br />
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<em>Matthew 13:57; Prophet with honor in his hometown</em>.<br />
While some of you may have known me as a child, teen, young adult, now, through others, coaching, sports I played, Young Life, etc. Please put aside all that you have or haven’t heard about me. The impression that you think of me…maybe good or bad. I desire to stand/sit her and pour my heart out to you ladies on what the Lord has taught me and desires to speak through me. Look at the Word the Lord is speaking through me, not what I am speaking to you. I may not have a Doctorate or been “educated” in Theology, and I may only be 30 years old, but I feel like the Lord has lead me to this place and this time for a specific purpose and would love it if you would be open in what every way you need to be in order to accomplish that purpose. <br />
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<em>Nothing is effective unless you’re prepared to examine your heart and open up your life to the truth of God’s Word. (Who is God? Followers Guide, pg. 7-8) </em><br />
Lamentations 3:40, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”<br />
Background: Lamentations was a book of exactly what it sounds like…lament. The prophet, Jeremiah wrote the book after the desolation of Judah and Jerusalem came to pass. Even though the people of Judah were not very kind to him and he could have easily rejoiced and “proved” to the people that he was a true prophet and they had drifted from the Lord. However, Jeremiah chose to lament. <br />
Jeremiah was describing their duty in the afflicted state they were in. <br />
A serious consideration of ourselves and a reflection upon our past lives. Search what they have been and then try whether they have been right and good or not. <br />
Return to the Lord who is the Creator of our lives. Designer of our time here on earth. <br />
Prepare our hearts for what the Lord has for us at this time, in this place. Just as you would before you went out into the “mission field”. <br />
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Take a minute and open your heart before the Lord.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Similarities between Christian teens and women in the “church”:</div><strong>Videos: “How old ARE you?”</strong><br />
Dancing Clip #1: I have a clip here of a gal dancing in the car. I want you to take a guess at how old you think she is going to be?<br />
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Show video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHrG1OcQJc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHrG1OcQJc</a><br />
Now take a guess of how old you think she is.<br />
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Dancing Clip #2: Now I have a clip here of another gal dancing in the car. Please venture to take another guess at how old you think she might be.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxXg5gZpEbM&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxXg5gZpEbM&feature=related</a><br />
First I just want to note that the gal in video #2 was much safer…dancing while stopped. <br />
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So, by these videos, I hope to put you in the mindset of the group that I was ministering to. And also, point out that there are MANY things you all have in common…aside from the occasional singing and dancing in the car. <br />
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<em>Examples from my ministry on age:</em><br />
When I came back to Silverton and went to camp, there were numerous times that Dan and I were told “this is a meeting for leaders only”. At that point we had to tell them that we were the “head leaders in Silverton”. <br />
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Now when I chat with my girls I frequently hear statements like “wait, how old are you?” or “wow, your getting old”. <br />
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<strong>Statistics:</strong><br />
Do you remember when you first got out of college (or high school) and were searching for a job? You may have known what you wanted to do or where you wanted to go, but you were still searching. What do I DESIRE to do with my time? Who do I DESIRE to build relationships with? And I can bet there were more questions asked with the intention or thought of “what do I DESIRE”. <br />
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Think about now, or a recent change in your life situation. I guarantee that through that situation you thought about the same core: DESIRE.<br />
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Now that I have little kids, what do I DESIRE to fill my time with (besides sleep)? Now that my kids are in school, what do I DESIRE to do with my time? Now that my kids are out of school, what do I DESIRE to focus on? Now that I have my degree, what field do I DESIRE to work in? Now that I have been working here for a few years, how do I DESIRE to move up? <br />
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We are always seeking, searching, trying to “figure out” the next move in our lives. <br />
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Trying to find what we DESIRE our little lives to look like. To drive home this point, I looked up a few statistics on the number of jobs we hold in a lifetime. The average number is 10 (almost 11) jobs…you guys that is almost a new job, a new DESIRE for life, something different people are searching after every 2.5 years from the age 18-42 (24 years). <br />
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Bureau of A BLS news release published in June 2008 examined the number of jobs that people born in the years 1957 to 1964 held from age 18 to age 42. The title of the report is "Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings Growth among the Youngest Baby Boomers: Results from a Longitudinal Survey." (http://www.clearmgmt.com/careers.htm)<br />
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These younger baby boomers held an average of 10.8 jobs from ages 18 to 42. (In this report, a job is defined as an uninterrupted period of work with a particular employer.) Both men and women held more jobs on average in their late teens and early twenties than they held in their mid thirties.<br />
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Ok, so that is just in the area of one’s professional life, you might say. Well, how about we enter the “personal arena”. How many times does a family move in their lifetime.<br />
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According to the US Census Bureau, and the “Geographic Mobility Study”, about 1 in 6 Americans move EACH YEAR!!<br />
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The average person moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. So, if you live to be close to 90, you would have moved less than every 10 years. <br />
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Other sources (like chacha) states that people will move an average of 16 times in their lifetime or about every 5 years. <br />
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WOW, not many people stay put. Always looking for the next thing…DESIRING MORE.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">How can the women in the “church” relate to each other even though culture, clothing, food, etc. may be different?</div><strong>Practical Application:</strong> <br />
Desire: The similarities between you women and teens is that we are all searching for MORE. We all have a DESIRE for MORE. <br />
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We seek other things to try and fill that… jobs… degrees… friends… husbands, etc. <br />
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While all those things are great and fill different roles that God has for our lives (sometimes even promote the DESIRE for MORE). We realize that everyone…at 14, 18, 22, 30, 45, or 65 are seeking the same thing…just filling it differently. <br />
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Teens are trying to fill their DESIRE for MORE with <br />
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Love: boyfriends, girlfriends, best friends, mentors.<br />
Acceptance: play the right sport, find the right group, act the right way, make the right grades.<br />
Prove them: do silly things, sometimes to hurt themselves, their families, friends, their futures.<br />
Someone to care<br />
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Think of the last time you thought “why am I still doing this?” or “what exactly am I doing this for?”. Was it trying to get a friend to like you more? Get your husband/boyfriend to pay more attention to you? Fit in with the “right” people in town? Act the way your pastor/mentor/friend expects you to act?<br />
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Might I suggest that we can relate to each other in a very deep way. We are just at different points in our lives. <br />
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We might have more wisdom, but remember looking at a child and seeing their excitement for life and willingness to love? There are so many things we have to offer others…even at different times in our lives. I love perspective. I love that I can learn a fresh thought from a teen, or a wise nugget from older women.<br />
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<strong>Biblical Application: God calls us to MORE</strong><br />
Read Ephesians 4:11-16<br />
He equipped us, our lives, our personalities, to DESIRE to serve HIM, to DESIRE more in our lives. <br />
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Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5<br />
He DESIRES us to preach the word, be ready…with complete patience and teaching. Endure suffering, FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What are little nuggets I picked up on and hung onto to keep my Christian walk strong while in ministry?</div><br />
Some of those nuggets that I have gained have been from the people that I was ministering to and some were from Christ inspiring my life ministry through following His will.<br />
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<strong>Desire for MORE: Ministry Application</strong><br />
Longing/Surrender: I will <em>never</em> forget the overwhelming joy and completely innocent desire for more of God’s Word and knowledge that I would see on the faces of those who just realized what Christ had done in their lives.<br />
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I will never forget one in particular, not necessarily a student of mine, but my husband. When he first accepted Christ, on the ride home from camp was the only one on the bus who had their light on the entire 15 hour bus ride reading their Bible, desiring to know who God was. <br />
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<em>Thinking to myself at that point, why didn’t I have that same desire, even though I had been raised with the opportunity to make that happen. Then realizing I could make that happen…daily. That God DESIRED that would happen daily!!!</em><br />
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After seeing that, the Lord allowed me to continue to witness this in a few occasional instances. Another gal I had been praying for, reaching out to, going to dance competitions (of which I had NEVER been to any before in my life), seeking out in school hallways, at games, etc. She came to know Christ in such a sold out way. Not questioning ANYTHING. Not hesitating to do ANYTHING she would read in the Bible. Realizing that DESIRE God gives us to live out a life after Him, should be lived out daily!!<br />
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<em>Thinking to myself at that point, why didn’t I live without hesitation? Why did I complain about doing things that He asks of me in the Bible? Why don’t I just ACT on that desire of MORE!!!!!</em><br />
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<strong>DESIRE for MORE: Biblical Application</strong><br />
Background: Apostles were meeting together, living in unity. They were performing many signs and wonders. More people were being added to their numbers. People brought the sick into the streets and gathered from the towns around Jerusalem. They DESIRED that more people would know Christ. <br />
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Read Acts 5:14 “Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number…”<br />
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Read: Acts 5:17-18<br />
The success of the apostles healing and ministry made the Sadducean high priest and his associates very jealous. So, they arrested the apostles and put them in jail. <br />
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Read Acts 5:19-20<br />
An angel then opened the gates and let them out. Now, I don’t know about you. I am a rule follower, and after being put in jail, I would probably just begin to obey. BUT, these apostles, these men of God…DESIRED MORE. They listened to the angel that told them to “tell the people all about this new life”. <br />
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Read Acts 5:21a<br />
WHAT? Who told them? God, did. He asked them for MORE. They DESIRED to do what He asked…and DID it!!! WOW!<br />
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Read Acts 5:21b-28<br />
“DETERMINED” not to make them guilty. They didn’t get it. They were DETERMINED for a different reason. <br />
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Read Acts 5:29-32<br />
“we must obey God, rather than human beings.” They had a strong DESIRE to serve God, over anything else. No matter what He was asking them to do.<br />
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Read Acts 5:33-40<br />
They were ordered not to speak of God. What do you think they did? Went back to their homes and ignored the calling of God on their lives, because it might cause a little pain, discomfort, might make them give up some of their time, money, resources?<br />
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Read Acts 5:41-42<br />
This hits me so hard. They rejoiced. Day after day they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news. <br />
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They had a DESIRE for MORE in their lives.<br />
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<u>Nugget: If you are following along at this point and are taking notes. God DESIRES MORE for your life. Start by applying these “nuggets” to your life.</u><br />
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Desire to KNOW MORE of who God is.<br />
Desire to ACT on what he teaches us…whether big or small.<br />
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<em>God not only used the people I ministered to in order to teach me about life, Himself, and my life with Him. He used the ministry itself.</em><br />
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<strong>Prayer: Ministry Application</strong><br />
There was a point in our ministry that we felt things weren’t going as strong. Numbers were down and in turn we felt like lives were not being changed if we did not get them in the door, build a relationship, and tell them about Jesus. We discussed, strategized, and tried to build programs or activities. One day we just stopped it all and realized we needed to take it to the Lord. Now, it was a desperate seeking, not just “word service”. We continued on ministry, but anything that was outside of what we were already doing turned to prayer. We thought outside the box. Desired to seek Him in unconventional ways. Ways that would stretch us, take us outside our comfort zone, ways that would make us realize it wasn’t just talking that we were doing…that we were serious about Christ coming in and transforming our leaders, lives, kids, school, etc. <br />
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We asked kids to meet outside the school (not once a year), but once a week to pray for their classmates. That shocked me to see their faithfulness. <em>It made me realize it sometimes isn’t comfortable, but Christ wants us to go to Him. </em><br />
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We met individually with certain students that desired and prayed in the YL Office. It was something that I had to schedule, plan, and organize with other individuals. It was something that I had to take time to go and do. It just plain took time. I realized that prayer is time consuming. It shouldn’t be something I go to in my spare time. It shouldn’t be something I just go to when I am down. <em>It should be intentional, unpractical, and stretching. </em><br />
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My husband and I would go on walks together. We would go to the high school and walk around the building, praying for the students, the facilities, the sports teams, the faculty, the classrooms, and the leadership. We had fun together doing this. <em>I realized that prayer should be fun. Prayer should be enjoyable and done together. Without a feeling of it being a responsibility. Prayer is something that we DESIRE to do, choose to do, something that brings us pleasure.</em> <br />
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<strong>Prayer: Biblical Application</strong><br />
I am struck in the life and ministry of Paul, how much he asks the people he is ministers with to pray for him, with him, and how much he prayed for these people. <br />
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Read Romans 1:8-10<br />
Romans 15:30-32<br />
1 Corinthians 1:4-9<br />
2 Corinthians 1:11<br />
Ephesians 6:18-20<br />
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<u>Nugget: Another point where you get to write down something to apply to your life along with a nugget of truth that I learned. Christ DESIRES us to go to Him in prayer. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable and stretching. It should be intentional, unpractical and fun.</u><br />
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<strong>Passion:</strong> <br />
Throughout the ministry I was stretched, opened up, broken down, and asked to fully give up myself and my desires. I look back and think, why would I have wanted to go through all of that to not do it to the best of the ability that Christ gave me. <br />
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I honestly didn’t have many friends my own age while doing ministry. My husband and I didn’t have much of a “personal spending budget”. We didn’t go out on Friday or Saturday nights. Our time and resources were used for ministry. We felt the Lord calling us to something and DESIRED to put our all into what we were doing. <em>We recounted the life of Jesus Christ and noticed all his time and efforts were focused, driven, and passionately lived out.</em> Through Young Life we desired to do the same. In everything we did, behind it there was a passion we wanted to show: that of Jesus Christ. <br />
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<u>Nugget: When you make a choice to live for Jesus Christ, DESIRE to do whatever He asks of you passionately. Why not be sold out? Why go through something thinking afterwards “I wish I would have given it my all”? Are you in charge of something? DESIRE to GO ALL OUT!!!!</u><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What did I learn there that would enhance women’s spiritual walks?</div><strong>Video: “Who is God?” –Follow Jesus, by Francis Chan (start @ 3:15-6:10)</strong><br />
DESIRE to live out more for Christ. Don’t just memorize how we can DESIRE more for Christ. Don’t just talk about what it means to DESIRE more for Christ. Or have studies about what it looks like to DESIRE more for Christ. Just DESIRE to be more for Christ.<br />
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<u>God doesn’t call us to live comfortable, steady, financially prosperous, mildly healthy lives. He is calling us to reach, teach, and grow…always looking for MORE.</u> <br />
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<strong>How do we get more? How do we get there? </strong><br />
Video: “Who is God?” –Follow Jesus, by Francis Chan (start @ 12:29-14:51)<br />
Surrender!!!! ASK!!!!<br />
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<em>Lead me beyond anything I could have every come up with myself!!!! WOW!</em><br />
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<strong>Challenge:</strong><br />
Through the past 2-3 months, I have been praying, searching, seeking Christ and asking Him what He desires to teach you. I know in my heart that through the ministry of Young Life, I have learned that there is sooooo much MORE to life. I DESIRE to daily figure out what that is. I DESIRE to figure out what that looks like in this stage of my life. I DESIRE to figure out what that will be like for my future. I DESIRE to figure out where God is leading me, challenging me to look for MORE in all that I do (the large and small things). <br />
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<em>Challenge #1: I pray that you would also challenge yourselves. Put yourself in one of the below categories, and answer the questions associated with it.</em><br />
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If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus…that’s ok, but don’t be satisfied where you are at. DESIRE to figure out MORE of who God is. Of who He can be in your future. Seek MORE. DESIRE MORE. Surrender. Ask.<br />
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How are you going to do this? What steps are you going to take to seek MORE?<br />
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If you are out of high school or college, figure out where the Lord wants you to be. Where He wants to use you? Who he DESIRES you to influence. How you can do MORE? Surrender. Ask. <br />
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How are you going to seek MORE for your life? Do you think you have an idea of the DESIRE He has put on your life? <br />
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If you are married, have young kids at home, <br />
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If you are married/single, have school age kids. Think about where God has you right now. Think about all the activities you and your kids are involved in. Think about all the people you run into. He put you there. Surrender. Ask.<br />
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How can you get MORE out of your life with Christ? DESIRE to seek out who God is calling you to “minister” to. Who can you go deeper with? Can you do MORE with your everyday activities? <br />
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If you are an empty nester or retired. Come on…what do you really do with your spare time? You have all the time in the world, right? Surrender. Ask.<br />
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How are you going to get MORE out of your life? Do you have a DESIRE to pray for your grown children? Influence your grandchildren for Christ? What ministry have you always been drawn to? <br />
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<em>Challenge #2: In your group, read through Acts 5:17-41. </em><br />
<em>Discuss if you have the initial DESIRE to do MORE for Christ. That initial desire that the apostles had. Where are you at right now? Do you have that DESIRE?</em><br />
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After coming upon trials with that DESIRE Jesus gave you, would you act as the apostles did and listen to the angel who told you to go back out and act on your DESIRE. I know some of you might answer…well if an angel told me…yep. Guys, Jesus is speaking to you, He has been your whole life, and He has told you through His Holy Spirit. <br />
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<em>Challenge #3: Write it down. Make a goal to accomplish MORE. Have a practical way to fulfill your DESIRE. Share with your group that goal.</em><br />
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I really hope someone was able to make it through all of this message. It was supposed to only be 35-40 minutes. I think I talked for an hour and had to cut down almost 2 pages. I just get so excited and think of things (God puts them in my head) that would be perfect to fit into the words He has already given me. This oportunity has changed the way I view my life (and the studying I did for this) and I hope it did yours even a little. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-88830038692781597592011-02-19T00:59:00.000-08:002011-02-20T14:19:50.753-08:00Don't Welcome Me Back Just YetAt the begining of 2011, I wrote down some GOALS I have for myself for the next year. I haven't taken much of a look at them over the past month so I thought I would share them here. <br />
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January-February:<br />
<ol><li><div style="text-align: left;">Set Up a Family, Weekly Meal Plan: <em>tried it one week, need to tweak a few things to make it work for our family, but going ok</em></div></li>
<li>Sew & Sell Sewn Items on Etsy: <em>haven't sewn much yet, I have to get to work</em></li>
<li>Make an Apron for My Grandmother in IL: <em>need to get to work sewing again :o)</em></li>
</ol>March-April<br />
<ol><li>Take a Photography Class: <em>scheduled for March 5th...i'm excited!!!</em></li>
<li>Attend a Marriage Conference (not by myself...that would be wierd): <em>conference scheduled for Dan and I March 11-13th.</em></li>
<li>Go on a Girls Get-A-Way Weekend: <em>in the works.</em></li>
<li>Take a Cooking Class: <em>found one in Salem, just need to schedule/pay for it.</em></li>
<li>Sew More Aprons: <em>this sewing stuff has obviously been my one downfall.</em></li>
</ol>May-August<br />
<ol><li>Take a Theology/Biblical Studies Type Class</li>
<li>Try EVERYTHING on My Crafty List: <em>this is going to be a big task.</em> </li>
<li>Catch Up on Scrapbooking: <em>going to a scrapcamp in May.</em></li>
</ol>General Life Goals:<br />
<ol><li>Loose Weight by Exersicing 4-6 Days a Week: <em>been on a roll since October on this goal. </em></li>
<li>DON'T WANT, Be Content With What I Have</li>
<li>Go to Church Weekly: <em>this can be hard with 2 young children...but I want to try harder.</em></li>
<li>Go on a Date Night with My Husband Once a MONTH: <em>we have tried the weekly thing and it just doesn't seem to work (and gets expensive with kids/babysitters), so we are going all out ONE night a month.</em></li>
<li>Work Harder on My Marriage and Relationship with My Hubbs: <em>Try to spend one night a week focusing on just us (watching a movie, playing a game, doing something silly, etc.). Don't get into fights as easily. PRAY for him. Be positive and encouraging. </em></li>
<li>Search for Fellowship & Community: <em>through back yard BBQ's, church communities, friends going deeper...whatever it takes and where the Lord leads.</em></li>
<li>Write 25 Messages/Lessons About What I Learn: <em>goal is to post them here. </em></li>
<li>Be Passionate Daily</li>
<li>Praise Often: <em>thank the Lord for EVERYTHING He is.</em></li>
<li>Pray MORE: <em>never cease praying...when I think about it...I want to pray about it.</em></li>
<li>Recognize People's Lives and Important Events</li>
<li>Be More of a Friend/Giver, Without Expectation</li>
<li>Be Honest and Open: <em>will be attempting to do this here.</em></li>
</ol>I hope by me writing down these goals of mine...it inspires you to write your own down and do everything you can to stick to them. God Bless you on your journey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/83/3763C5A084E97E9D1223075C74E3BE09.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-35844358413040599492010-12-17T00:42:00.000-08:002010-12-17T00:42:14.986-08:00Merry Christmas<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I have dreams of updating my blog with all the wonderful things that we have done and amazing insights that God has given our family since I have dropped off the blog-world. However, don't hold your breath waiting, and while you are waiting...enjoy our Christmas Card (on the header) and our Schacher Update. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">MERRY CHRISTMAS, FRIENDS!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08bcHEBeGUD9_zURnFDr3VGrNZ1ZJBCUbCRjND3n8MV2LF41_Fr-MI0SKpEh7y8WHxrYnxIVc_7cnbubrKGJLoSAcyf_lB4PR5O_O-iP57JbvUgtuVKXj0PWAVF4_ct8bOTm0j4EY9qA/s1600/2010+Christmas+Card+-+Page+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08bcHEBeGUD9_zURnFDr3VGrNZ1ZJBCUbCRjND3n8MV2LF41_Fr-MI0SKpEh7y8WHxrYnxIVc_7cnbubrKGJLoSAcyf_lB4PR5O_O-iP57JbvUgtuVKXj0PWAVF4_ct8bOTm0j4EY9qA/s320/2010+Christmas+Card+-+Page+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-41276560272359740772010-09-14T23:46:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:46:28.407-07:00Positive ThinkingAs I have been going about the last week, husband-less (Missouri has him), I have been trying to be positive. Here are some of the "up-sides" of not having a husband for a month:<br /><br />-I only do 5/6th of the laundry I normally do (yes, the kids each count for 2 people when it comes to laundry and no it isn't that much of a difference, but when it comes to laundry...i'll take anything).<br /><br />-I don't have to make "big" dinners. Kids can eat chicken nuggets and I can have a salad (or wheat thins and ice-cream) for dinner if I want without feeling guilty for not making something elaborate.<br /><br />-I don't have to move dirty boots from the carpet to the "actual place" the dirty boots are supposed to go everyday.<br /><br />-I can park my car anyway I want to without worrying about Dan's pickup fitting in our driveway.<br /><br />-My mom feels bad that I am "husband-less" and offers to watch my kids more (thanks mom).<br /><br />-I tend to get more done when Dan is gone. I have the attitude that "if something is going to get done around here, it has to be me that does it". And I don't get in an argument with anyone for having that attitude.<br /><br />-I never have to explain that the laundry basket is only 3 steps from where the clothes landed on the floor.<br /><br />-Dan's "man bathroom" gets cleaned...and stays cleaned.<br /><br />-I pay closer attention to the small details in my kids lives to make sure Dan hears about or sees pictures (or video) of whats happening.<br /><br />-I am forced to rely on Christ, because I don't have someone around each evening to talk with, complain to, or hug, whenever I desire.<br /><br />So, there you have it. Some of the positives that come out of not having a husband for a month at a time.Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-67989170092193275462010-09-10T21:07:00.000-07:002010-09-11T23:25:44.812-07:00Pep TalksHey blogging world. I know it has been forever since I have posted and quite frankly I don't even know if anyone still reads this (or ever did).<br /><br /><div></div><div>I guess I am writing asking for prayer for strength and wisdom. My hubby is leaving for Missouri tomorrow morning for a job. It is a good thing (I keep telling myself) and will be good for the company (I keep telling myself) and help us out (I keep telling myself) in a hard finacial time. It came about so quickly that I didn't really get much time to process it all (until I started "really" thinking about it today). There is no real time frame on the job, just a "whatever, whenever" (whenever it snows so much they can't drill or until the job is done).</div><div> </div><div></div><div>I would drop everything and go with him, but the job came up so fast that I didn't have anytime to figure out the details. I have some random comittments that I just don't feel comfortable backing out of. I also just committed to watching a 2 1/2 year old boy and don't want to let that mother down feeling like she has no childcare. So, I feel like I am somewhat stuck here. </div><br /><div>If I am going to be honest...I am having a hard time. I am such a logical thinker that throughout the last week of contemplating this job my attitude was "this is what we have to do". However, when it comes down to Dan leaving in the morning and me being with the kids by myself for the next month...it's rather hard and all logic has gone out the window. </div><br /><div>So, I end my day counting the number of "pep-talks" (turned "ok, how is this going to work, talks") I have given myself over and over again. "You can do this, Andrea." "People go through much worse." "It's only a month tops till I see him again." "The kids can see him on Skype." "You CAN do this, Andrea." You get the picture...</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>So, I leave you begging for some prayer. Strength for me, Dan, and the kids. Wisdom to know what to do, when we should go and when I need to stay. Prayer for Dan's partners family. Prayer for their employee's wives. Peace to get through my nights (that seems to be the worst time). Patience and Love to show to my children. A heart of thankfulness toward the Lord. An open spirit that is willing to growing deeper in love with Christ and learn more than I ever imagined through out the next month or more.</div><div> </div><div>I also leave you with some of my favorite pictures that depict how wonderful of a dad Marissa and Spencer have!!!</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508680583684034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_bN2Cv72why6AOBiiltgKZwPUQ_Ka5xWDfkGMNqVfkO2_1jgVHtV9pgLlCi5G11UGoH12pI5KT4H_f9X4Z_KeLNxMAqbg2PSF7AQb1YtKFZ28ddS-57vHzH0E7oplEYjCmUUzS2OXTI/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0002.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Sitting on the dock at the lake, putting their feet in the water.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508697229739586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM-6nfSLoZumlVY11-96u4n4VAUPX-kG02ITODQDNPfsk1BMMFR3lnV_5rbxc7qg_XfB_D7bl3iuv7JsLTUO2tWn1pCIO8DMfJFP7AlIso_W5nhzivHdikhkir8GgL3qz_Sf5C4uiG7s/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Just fishing.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508714714804066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIACD2lkxPFIRSezDBrW4KRMI-JQKNkZe9Bb0Fk-9jHBkkFIpzIV4GhDeCuERwQKz4S7nbGi1edMuZDjw8k2QV_MmpVQstvRyGUKkZwJGPqgBBQUolHTSu3pUGeqphML0RESXK8y-1rY/s320/IMG_2637.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">At a wedding where Marissa was the flower girl and Dan was the officiant, best man, and reception MC.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508724544831186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJLXMWmz1sxh0iuD45CCKNFGWCVwnogTsbGVykoFKakwhwj0jofuNSimV_P4azakwlO7yWmWup6CrWVuasE2SPA2qpEQ9N_nb44zmIxjiqpdmsmlYVdUVaWZ_laOx2Jvvg20hpmcbpVA/s320/IMG_2460.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Planting seeds.</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515508709460959458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpmUSM-3k9bleBVpyddWpUuJ0qLWUPDigel85QfUaeJalytzzK65qfo6xMNsc1dlScSTlsUIHsQkGcgdA8Cg2wQA4bJMW3SYARBJWNnewZtm2hM74pzaRUa8yX6MXYe4Idh25BNS3Wcw/s320/IMG_2463_0001.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Wrestling and kisses...two of our favorite things.</p>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-38295843158379603432010-06-25T14:10:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:21:25.225-07:00Random Insights<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div><p align="center">Throughout the past 3 years of my life I have been pregnant, or lifting children, while remodeling, moving our house from downstairs to upstairs and then back downstairs, painting, putting caulking on baseboard...well you get the idea. This has done a number on my back and a few times has put me down for a day or two. Recently, I did something while I was lifiting Spencer out of his crib and it has been the worst yet. I continued working out and going about my "normal" daily routine (ok, maybe I laid on the couch or in bed the majority of the day) hoping that it would just go away. Well, it didn't...so I decided to see my doctor. She always makes me feel like I did the right thing by coming in and is always concerned with my potential "self, internet-diagnosed" illnesses. This time she thought it was probably more of a problem than I had thought. The pain had gone down my legs and was affecting one of my feet. So, she put me on a steroid for a few days. I haven't been on any major medication and wasn't sure how it was going to affect me. Well, it has been almost impossible for me to get to sleep the last few nights, which has kept me up looking at all sorts of interesting information I could possibly think of googling on the interent. Here are a few insights and websites I have found. Happy reading (if you have about 6 hours).<br /></p><p align="center"><strong>*From: An iphone Bible app (someone put some of their insights on their Scripture reading and life):</strong></p><p align="center">Luke 24:45 "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures".</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Over the past month I've started a Bible Reading Plan to grow closer to God. Honestly, I didn't think I could keep it up for the long term. I have never been a consistent Bible reader. A little bit here, and a little bit there most of my life. Sure, I've had growth spurts but never anything long-term. For the majority of my life I have starved myself the Word of God. What I've discovered is that God wants to see us reach our potential but we cannot do it by listening to Sunday sermons and reading a few self-help books. There is no shortcut or secret. God desires to spend quality time with all of us through the Bible and prayer.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">This hasn't been an easy journey for me. When I decided to begin this 90-day reading plan I had to force myself to make time in my 'busy schedule' for the intense study that I personally chose. Can you believe most of us don't have time for God even if it's just for 5 minutes? We act like it's the end of the world to make room for the God of the Universe, our creator, when he has all the time in the world for us!! I confess that I had that mentality for so long. I realize how selfish I was. I found after the first two weeks my appetite began to grow for more of the Word of God. I sometimes fell short of completing my daily reading but I kept going because I discovered a hunger inside of me that wasn't going away. After I started reading the Bible plan I truly experienced what it says in Luke 24:45.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Not everyone is excited to sit down and read the Bible at first but after you let God's word penetrate your heart, you began to experience the presence of God in new ways. My heart has become more open and full of understanding. It's such a great feeling to be so connected to God! You know that feeling you get when you listen to what you consider a great song and you play it over and over and over because it resonates deep in your soul. Well... that's exactly, what the feeling is when you meditate on God's word and hide it in your heart. You feel so drawn to read more and excited to see God revealed throughout the scriptures that it becomes a healthy addiction. You turn the obligation to read the Bible into an opportunity for serving God in new ways!! Your eyes are opened to His truths, your heart remains sensitive and you see more opportunities to serve God instead of yourself.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Reading the Bible is no longer boring or old-fashioned. There are many ways to stay up-to-date and fresh in God's Word... YouVersion.com and BibleGateway.com are two awesome examples of online tools for reading and researching scripture online- with many different translations. You can read the Bible via mobile phone apps or another option is audio Bible cds. The thing is you don't need to read the Bible in 90 days. That was a personal choice I made. There are reading plans out there for 365 days, for new Christians or beginners, and even more challenging plans. Whatever you do, do it with excellence for the Lord. Spend time with Him, pray and be consistent in doing both! You will see a change in your appetite and begin to grow spiritually!!</div><p align="center">Joshua 1:8 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful".</p><p align="center">2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". </p><p align="center"><strong>*From: A blog of a mom of 11 (Great and interesting view on apologies from children):</strong> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://maprap.blogspot.com/2010/06/apology-accepted.html">http://maprap.blogspot.com/2010/06/apology-accepted.html</a><br /><br /><strong>*From: A blog from one of my old guy friends from high school, Andrew Murch, who became a pastor and is living in Tacoma, WA. I love his insights and book reviews.</strong> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://spacecreated.blogspot.com/">http://spacecreated.blogspot.com/</a><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div><p align="center"><strong>*From: A friend who lives in Mexico and has an amazing ability to get her thoughts, feelings, and emotions down. So glad I get to keep connected from so far away:</strong><br /><a href="http://arms-wide-open.squarespace.com/">http://arms-wide-open.squarespace.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>*2 fun blogs with cool mom stuff I like to read about. Pretty random stuff, but it is neat to see all the fun stuff out there:<br /></strong><a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/">http://www.coolmompicks.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mamaista.com/">http://www.mamaista.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>*Some fun sewing blogs. I get some great ideas...of course they are just ideas until I get some time to actually try their projects.<br /></strong><a href="http://sewchic.blogspot.com/">http://sewchic.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/">http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/</a><br /><br /><strong>*Then of course there is etsy.com: I could spend hours on this site looking at all the creative stuff people do (and then try to copy it :)<br /></strong><br /><strong>*Here are some great moms and ministry and just special Spiritual insights from some great blogs:<br /></strong><a href="http://momsministryandmore.blogspot.com/">http://momsministryandmore.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://danabailey.blogspot.com/2010/05/call-to-rest.html">http://danabailey.blogspot.com/2010/05/call-to-rest.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://livingstonesministries.wordpress.com/devotionals/">http://livingstonesministries.wordpress.com/devotionals/</a><br /><br />Anyways, here are some great reads for you if you feel like you have a few extra hours to sit (hahaha, that is probably not much of an option, unless you are up nearly all night like I was).<br /><br /><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div><p align="center"><br /><br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-28109117628897605832010-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:21:03.021-07:00Everyday Fun<div align="center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Here are some precious, everyday moments that I have been able to encounter the last few months. Oh, how my little ones are growing. </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaMUpbE7PMSvYW2W2zFahexwp8FTakc1npbrDeif8lwXNhpejyAE-6Y9n1JFsAKCBFK9s6qeomSl1kBsDcCWYObBxakBqK_smUX8O9GaVc5JI86qcf8k_G4Kzkx5B8G6Pm7cOTVlmrVw/s1600/Just+Playing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaMUpbE7PMSvYW2W2zFahexwp8FTakc1npbrDeif8lwXNhpejyAE-6Y9n1JFsAKCBFK9s6qeomSl1kBsDcCWYObBxakBqK_smUX8O9GaVc5JI86qcf8k_G4Kzkx5B8G6Pm7cOTVlmrVw/s320/Just+Playing.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Love these two little ones.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv38wChTZ0jyQ7b-Ad8Ir8d1MgtqmRZMIq88BAFRBjycWKY7Ha5jQtLRx67LF46RW2IASa1Eas3KPgYiV4qVe6S_q17Q39jJUoFYSLFO1saCW0l_4ky7feiuhz7tXFZ5ZQfvDVFJ934EM/s1600/Found+His+Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv38wChTZ0jyQ7b-Ad8Ir8d1MgtqmRZMIq88BAFRBjycWKY7Ha5jQtLRx67LF46RW2IASa1Eas3KPgYiV4qVe6S_q17Q39jJUoFYSLFO1saCW0l_4ky7feiuhz7tXFZ5ZQfvDVFJ934EM/s320/Found+His+Feet.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Spencer finding his feet for the first time. He is so little...I miss that.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcFJOYdhXRouqaLhE7XT5UfBzX4gi2tHlL3F0-5bUZ-xEp4yPPZA0_DYmbeN3dW-A3NyWHkOflmNuf7WQbxjJJhCFVeC9Kn9xLovXKHdO4ugLQDOrqr_3HKgG3J7Ry0Ig6aPxLF-MOWQ/s1600/First+Pig+Tails.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcFJOYdhXRouqaLhE7XT5UfBzX4gi2tHlL3F0-5bUZ-xEp4yPPZA0_DYmbeN3dW-A3NyWHkOflmNuf7WQbxjJJhCFVeC9Kn9xLovXKHdO4ugLQDOrqr_3HKgG3J7Ry0Ig6aPxLF-MOWQ/s320/First+Pig+Tails.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Marissa's first pigtails. She loved them. Anytime we go anywhere she insits on "ponytails". </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zljptKqdOGzFyZcfklW0V725pHLREvz1g1bxvCRyMdafR2bU0jc0clWnu6PZE5CbGis9DDbIm835iUCwRsLh5rb6BX6VjMQNXujUmfS6ZDGjokL0g7yEu81H7cDQ1eJuv3M7ZGpyAZ0/s1600/IMG_2465.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zljptKqdOGzFyZcfklW0V725pHLREvz1g1bxvCRyMdafR2bU0jc0clWnu6PZE5CbGis9DDbIm835iUCwRsLh5rb6BX6VjMQNXujUmfS6ZDGjokL0g7yEu81H7cDQ1eJuv3M7ZGpyAZ0/s320/IMG_2465.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Precious father/son moment. Love these two boys!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxBBvGXCZBQIAGB9cpK3P_J2r7HoSAF7jVsasv4ZPQBHosLC19mSlJN7Z2yJLPc4RvDpXbETk1o9Wipub9LN50jC000zkCVau_lqsDGF8xz5wqDaQe8bZEVdDxtxjZZnfJcmhtggUmXQ/s1600/IMG_2497.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxBBvGXCZBQIAGB9cpK3P_J2r7HoSAF7jVsasv4ZPQBHosLC19mSlJN7Z2yJLPc4RvDpXbETk1o9Wipub9LN50jC000zkCVau_lqsDGF8xz5wqDaQe8bZEVdDxtxjZZnfJcmhtggUmXQ/s320/IMG_2497.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Hmmm...this explains a little bit of how quickly this little boy picked up on crawling, climbing stairs, oh, and getting into everything. Little boys, little boys.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SnE7xzlJu4C4Y2lda6VzyX-pFGZEzDYdpnta_sEadH5QDi22O-XGEjkmL9W-pRR5U-Xa4zKNwcv3R5mTuq-RlY7xCgXfqG4aI4VfAPMqy4Vi-6z727nDg5c6EsExqIXUYn6Sz3IyzMw/s1600/IMG_2479.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SnE7xzlJu4C4Y2lda6VzyX-pFGZEzDYdpnta_sEadH5QDi22O-XGEjkmL9W-pRR5U-Xa4zKNwcv3R5mTuq-RlY7xCgXfqG4aI4VfAPMqy4Vi-6z727nDg5c6EsExqIXUYn6Sz3IyzMw/s320/IMG_2479.jpg" width="213" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">So he didn't get up on the bike, but it does fall on him often as he tries to crawl up on the bike himself.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw0r0hJy6gCgm0WrM2nrHKZUqowmtvPPsWzTpInqbofKHkx6wina8hcttOnKLcfJb1DafXuxRy7Wxg753CN-aNNwzECRSzfndKtNjbK1hWl2gpfvFzNXbTay3iOkChRDumpDP7OxeK7A/s1600/IMG_2473.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw0r0hJy6gCgm0WrM2nrHKZUqowmtvPPsWzTpInqbofKHkx6wina8hcttOnKLcfJb1DafXuxRy7Wxg753CN-aNNwzECRSzfndKtNjbK1hWl2gpfvFzNXbTay3iOkChRDumpDP7OxeK7A/s320/IMG_2473.jpg" width="213" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Marissa loves it when I put her in Spencer's crib. They are too cute together.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEJ3hHeIQA_hMOGFyEE8TovnPimpQ4zelANyuSwtDua7gDN7d0QC_LYMfpYs8CeKVkW7Mmjc2InIM_AfUcGLUaj9p3bx9GDnzPKBzmGl0XDWv5g3BrTx2PYT94RPkJ7NEZy82lAZAWQ4/s1600/IMG_2481.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEJ3hHeIQA_hMOGFyEE8TovnPimpQ4zelANyuSwtDua7gDN7d0QC_LYMfpYs8CeKVkW7Mmjc2InIM_AfUcGLUaj9p3bx9GDnzPKBzmGl0XDWv5g3BrTx2PYT94RPkJ7NEZy82lAZAWQ4/s320/IMG_2481.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">When Spencer wakes up from his nap, Marissa goes upstairs to keep him company until I have the opportunity to come up and get him. The other day I found Marissa "reading" to Spencer. So, special.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwVTf2tldANTQ-NvxDIXqmKjD_FZwEX2i-9x1WapU5mhYpUJiQQkDrWO33kV6ctUg8XPOplWULzmHjSxQJFa_3QP_cdmIVyrPzkAs4Ya3VTiX7VMwe2mQ6gy7lp7OldVCpZ9EoRMf7PM/s1600/IMG_2509.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwVTf2tldANTQ-NvxDIXqmKjD_FZwEX2i-9x1WapU5mhYpUJiQQkDrWO33kV6ctUg8XPOplWULzmHjSxQJFa_3QP_cdmIVyrPzkAs4Ya3VTiX7VMwe2mQ6gy7lp7OldVCpZ9EoRMf7PM/s320/IMG_2509.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Spencer's first "big bath". He is a crazy kid...diving for anything and everything he sees in the water. Marissa loves to have a buddy to play and splash with.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC4bC45fILlrBBIX2hzTz_xj3FkciaJIkz_ViF98WlorN6DOUswSCTVacP21dCwvoYZS3dPiLR22Nl1w1yhXTzdrirbqYrBp4TAYl6qvdvJspEdUWG-Fr6JtdB1dr1iGTTHuenPNDqwE/s1600/IMG_2491.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC4bC45fILlrBBIX2hzTz_xj3FkciaJIkz_ViF98WlorN6DOUswSCTVacP21dCwvoYZS3dPiLR22Nl1w1yhXTzdrirbqYrBp4TAYl6qvdvJspEdUWG-Fr6JtdB1dr1iGTTHuenPNDqwE/s320/IMG_2491.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Brother and sister swinging. They are going to be best buds.</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-3850409867643503512010-06-12T10:32:00.000-07:002010-07-07T14:53:47.428-07:00Trial Without the Blessing<div align="center">*From May-ish</div><div align="center"><strong>God is so powerful</strong>. I have been learning through BSF that God is just <strong>unfathomable</strong> (we cannot fully comprehend His love, compassion, or even His plans in our lives). He has created me, my family, my life, my husband, his job, etc. all for <strong>His glory</strong>. Now, I am not saying that I, my family, my husbands business, or anything else are amazing and are going to glorify God by the positives they bring into the world. Actually quite the opposite...they will glorify Him through the trials that come in our lives. A statement hit me hard a few weeks ago and it has brought me into a calming mood about the "little things" in life (I'll give it to you at the end of this post). </div><div align="center"><br />Since the day I married my husband I knew he as a <strong>wild card</strong>. Actually, that was one of the things that attracted me to him...we were opposite. But there were always "plans" of him going to college and settling down with a 9-5 job that would provide for our every need. Boy did God know that wasn't in the cards. After him going to one sememster of college (and us both realizing he WASN'T called to be a student) he went back to work in the drilling industry. We were in limbo for such a long time just <strong>asking God</strong> what He wanted us to do (go into ministry, keep working in construction, work up the ladder into a manager position at a retail type store, etc.). Finally in 2007, after I figured out I was pregnant and had just quit my job to go back to get my Masters, Dan annoucned to me that he wanted to start a company. Every bit of logic inside of me screamed NO, NO, NO...however I had this <strong>overwhelming sense of peace </strong>about it and the Lord just told me to follow Dan's lead. I felt like I was a very supportive wife, but as I look back, I was also his biggest adversary because life was never stable. In fact our friends Ryan and Tara were more supportive and believed in Dan more than I did (I can look back and admit it). Lately God has been teaching me about the kind of wife I need to be to my husband. About the attitude I need to have while I am with him and when I am not with him (I admit, when he is not around or can't put his full attention toward our family, I get very upset and then let that affect the way I treat him). It is easy for me to say that I need to be strong and postitive through <strong>major trials</strong> that come up in my life, but the Lord has brought me to a place where I desire to look at the <strong>ordinary trials</strong> (the daily ins and outs that can create larger trials) and know that He will bring glory through them. I desire to look at what ever the future brings (good, bad, ugly, or "normal") and say the same. I know that the Lord gave me that "wierd" (what seemed to be wierd at the time) <strong>sense of peace</strong> about my husband starting a company, because He desired to show me a little bit of Himself through the situations that have presented themselves (both good and bad). It may not be the most stable job or always provide for us...but I know that <strong>God wants me</strong> to look at each obstical <strong>through his eyes</strong>, <strong>seeing the blessing</strong> at the end of the small and large trials. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br />Along with owning a business comes the many ups and downs of that business. I HATE that. I am a stable person, that likes having a stable income and knowing that my husband is going to be home at night. It is actually quite the opposite with my husbands company. I never know if there is going to be steady work, if he is going to be working 8 hours away, or if he will be home in time to put Marissa to bed. I have struggled with that since August 1st of 2007 when they left to Idaho. Through it all I have <strong>tried to be positive</strong>...being very unsuccesful (thinking I was being postive...but actually being very negative). Lately with the downturn in the economy and the uncertainty that faces so many businesses it is hard to know when things will pick up. We have some good things going for us, but it is hard to see the <strong>light at the end</strong> of this crazy tunnel. I don't know where we will be financially or physically (whether Dan will have work here in the area or far, far away). Through it all, I look at what we have to face and the plugging away that we have ahead of us and <strong>I HAVE A CHOICE</strong>. I don't know if God is going to bring us "fortune or misfortune" (I say that not in a finacial tone, but in a spiritual tone) or take us away from where we call home or if He will securely place us where we call home. But I hope that through the best or the worst I can look at my situation and say: </div><div align="center"><br /><em>"Do I react to <strong>seeming misfortune</strong> like it was a blessing in which to <strong>give God glory</strong> or do I <strong>waste</strong> the suffering, because I do not use it to <strong>experience the glory of God in a new way</strong> and what He will do for me in it?" (paraphrase from BSF notes) </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>"<strong>God will work</strong> in my life and in then lives of those around me. <strong>Without the trial</strong> there would not be the particular <strong>blessing which that trial is meant to give</strong>. When I do not look for a <strong>blessing in the trial</strong>, the suffering of the trial is often <strong>wasted</strong> as though it was an effort spent, but with neither profit nor fruit." (paraphrase from BSF notes) </em></div><div align="center"><em><br />So, from this all...I can say that I am "excited" for the blessing in this trial and to see how God's glory is going to work through it. Trying to keep a positive attitude so that I (and others) can experience God's purpose in the midst. <strong>It's just earth, right? There is a place where we won't have to worry about this stuff.</strong></em></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-70139745766215317732010-06-02T22:27:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:20:06.614-07:00Monster Truck<div align="center">*From May 16th*<br />Well, my husband never stops surprising me...actually, I don't think anything will surprise me anymore. His company traded "something" for...a Monster Truck. It has been fun to watch all of their friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. come down to the equipment yard with their kids and take a ride on the Monster Truck. Dan justifies keeping it, saying "it's good advertising", but then says they will probably sell it eventually. So, while it is in our possession...we have been able have some fun with it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM-vgT-avZQkAdUDsQtqeXEuaZbHIrhU9ephmJUli5s9XTU4_TSZ04jSUqZjIBe3QP_8KSerzkGssMJweqRtPAzbuoQ_70yUbI6spGC466_8c6jBtr9Irllv3ocaFow5p4Byn3VQVBgM/s1600/IMG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM-vgT-avZQkAdUDsQtqeXEuaZbHIrhU9ephmJUli5s9XTU4_TSZ04jSUqZjIBe3QP_8KSerzkGssMJweqRtPAzbuoQ_70yUbI6spGC466_8c6jBtr9Irllv3ocaFow5p4Byn3VQVBgM/s320/IMG_2530.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div> Marissa and Dan in front of the tire.<br /><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7obrfheP4dVvOrjRd6G5zpd7jMeTnL5JgE0fJVJuSpPrpHqy4l-8eErpinmgPlRgoBErYMFmuaArPDNn-wmuk69uFiu0Y6JP_bt2Myi9PgDDAekUarxVUP1IoihC6nv1nalXj2ybOE_8/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7obrfheP4dVvOrjRd6G5zpd7jMeTnL5JgE0fJVJuSpPrpHqy4l-8eErpinmgPlRgoBErYMFmuaArPDNn-wmuk69uFiu0Y6JP_bt2Myi9PgDDAekUarxVUP1IoihC6nv1nalXj2ybOE_8/s320/IMG_2537.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Marissa and Logan Bennett taking a ride in the back of the Monster Truck. They both thought it was pretty loud.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpBFOg92cm1vVu9wLfJNX9sv-ah8KRcZ61Gn7DHrUDqgwqysXjKIZ3z1bZKmCSb9UXH-37SJpO_4crYVy44RDzTKJsM7iAaaPANCXQ_dFGMNSfTfuiAup9wTag8Hx3_JMI0AH1JvMAMc/s1600/IMG_2580.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpBFOg92cm1vVu9wLfJNX9sv-ah8KRcZ61Gn7DHrUDqgwqysXjKIZ3z1bZKmCSb9UXH-37SJpO_4crYVy44RDzTKJsM7iAaaPANCXQ_dFGMNSfTfuiAup9wTag8Hx3_JMI0AH1JvMAMc/s320/IMG_2580.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">The Bennett children and Marissa in the tire of the Monster Truck.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVPZ6mhyRW1R-cRAUgra2TWLxK7Gobc6jYXtn4LPnNW8_LMzl9SwDy-6TVsmiMue_9LwslwCi7B2IEzbZAu-5rPpzgpA4G1jmpl9UrDLXXoFftIQZuuCzvm_xlEh3wkk3_k9DANkll7Q/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVPZ6mhyRW1R-cRAUgra2TWLxK7Gobc6jYXtn4LPnNW8_LMzl9SwDy-6TVsmiMue_9LwslwCi7B2IEzbZAu-5rPpzgpA4G1jmpl9UrDLXXoFftIQZuuCzvm_xlEh3wkk3_k9DANkll7Q/s320/IMG_2591.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Of course, Ryan and Dan had to take the truck for a spin while I watched the kids.</div></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-345271051243556162010-05-27T00:06:00.001-07:002010-06-25T16:19:51.200-07:00Pet Parade<div align="center">*From: May 15th*<br />In May every year Silverton has a great, little pet parade. It is the cutest thing to watch all the children, with their parents, walk through town showing off their animals. One day I am sure I will be watching Dan, Marissa, and Spencer walking with Rogue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTEkaXM4dh6rLYQsD8PQDeYr6NR2jHyubJx8s-DxtWiT6Tn3-zVMqkMhhEWN7eLASpD7xz6igc5IbS3gvjY0YA8aQ9hXWQW2KY-mKEdlNSlk-zwoDDvg5Z_lZObx_okXj-CRJ40HBFLo/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTEkaXM4dh6rLYQsD8PQDeYr6NR2jHyubJx8s-DxtWiT6Tn3-zVMqkMhhEWN7eLASpD7xz6igc5IbS3gvjY0YA8aQ9hXWQW2KY-mKEdlNSlk-zwoDDvg5Z_lZObx_okXj-CRJ40HBFLo/s320/IMG_2523.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Dan, Marissa, and Rogue watching the parade as it begins. </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5dZolTXYhulgHaq4kkijudGmtBtjOANcZd5dBRS2_I3-ZTB8BcxiySCtOESo_p95YNOlDFpj2N3p0r2ccuui4oeGUkSDSAzyk3SMx_U0se2SOLJ8QGFEwEdGdzmBQdWxQC8Owj0451U/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5dZolTXYhulgHaq4kkijudGmtBtjOANcZd5dBRS2_I3-ZTB8BcxiySCtOESo_p95YNOlDFpj2N3p0r2ccuui4oeGUkSDSAzyk3SMx_U0se2SOLJ8QGFEwEdGdzmBQdWxQC8Owj0451U/s320/IMG_2524.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Marissa loved collecting the candy, but also feeding Rogue the dog treats that were thrown out. </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlwQLv0627YZMoFpARCiFVskjTFoM3H8RbK9K13ZrLTczDuuoEUVVgm2FGrozbPjqCyAm-0hROaI3aU5Ug184kJqOgDA8cCmvLSEL5zRwzF8qFdjfaK63Fc-zr4jY2mebQjtlx_R83Bk/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlwQLv0627YZMoFpARCiFVskjTFoM3H8RbK9K13ZrLTczDuuoEUVVgm2FGrozbPjqCyAm-0hROaI3aU5Ug184kJqOgDA8cCmvLSEL5zRwzF8qFdjfaK63Fc-zr4jY2mebQjtlx_R83Bk/s320/IMG_2520.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Spencer...taking it all in. </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"></div></div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-60538076942726479382010-05-27T00:04:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:19:39.261-07:00Marissa Turned 2<div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">*From: March 6th*</div><div align="center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">This year I decided to make Marissa's birthday a little more low key than last year (I am not sure I can pull off mulitple "crazy" parties in a year...and Spencer's 1st is coming up). We had a gathering at Home Place with pizza and cupcakes. I decided to do the plates and decorations in a luau theme (I wonder where that idea came from...Hawaii). We all had a great time celebrating my beautiful little girl.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-paREqlQw4rqp7pnrOf9XG2FOjCV7eL9i_wNNKyeyqxkPy66k5vfyqnsIT3Gg81MI2-IHiJofUUCM8-hoaYxPDz1OrBeNLqKzliwi3SeIrXm27P7gxdqHfMK-nMV_sjE13bK_BpRzI/s1600/IMG_2363.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqP-paREqlQw4rqp7pnrOf9XG2FOjCV7eL9i_wNNKyeyqxkPy66k5vfyqnsIT3Gg81MI2-IHiJofUUCM8-hoaYxPDz1OrBeNLqKzliwi3SeIrXm27P7gxdqHfMK-nMV_sjE13bK_BpRzI/s320/IMG_2363.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Dan insisted on taking Marissa to Chuck-E-Cheese on her birthday. He did the same thing last year. </div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmjU42lr2rj-FdRoDP_86ufr8_KiVb0MJCqYqd4QNfibxfNRhy2tNIEeZe4-naTaryxWAp5e5zwTA8CNrmjAEPW1OenVjDnR7e0G-cG7sPq5Y6RUDjBzKT2qWm4Lg6BcVR_5uvSrNlt8/s1600/IMG_2394.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmjU42lr2rj-FdRoDP_86ufr8_KiVb0MJCqYqd4QNfibxfNRhy2tNIEeZe4-naTaryxWAp5e5zwTA8CNrmjAEPW1OenVjDnR7e0G-cG7sPq5Y6RUDjBzKT2qWm4Lg6BcVR_5uvSrNlt8/s320/IMG_2394.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Marissa eating a cupcake at Home Place.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0m5Dv8SE8IXfEfnBcXNJzAR3BoBHGnsJLGFwUtT2HUTKknYRDhSxdZMc_5cYXdcxDg0m_wDv1u9pKOU3gnpvvEdSJQO3etFKMl-AA0mvY71RzpV7GC0Enkh99XAnqA7hnDk5Pzx4iwo/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img style="CURSOR: move" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0m5Dv8SE8IXfEfnBcXNJzAR3BoBHGnsJLGFwUtT2HUTKknYRDhSxdZMc_5cYXdcxDg0m_wDv1u9pKOU3gnpvvEdSJQO3etFKMl-AA0mvY71RzpV7GC0Enkh99XAnqA7hnDk5Pzx4iwo/s320/IMG_2404.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" unselectable="on" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Singing happy birthday to my 2 year old.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmF1I-zHIkAwiVMIl8syHuTcSxtRwT3a3izG3vDfoWJ2COeO1l_meUxnKo8x0nxdsBF9dbje2KzfKmR4sSkXmVfjwjNW1IqpbRs8byx_nAtGGDL6UPk9JCx1isP5Xg4fW15zTDF4YBEI/s1600/IMG_2456.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmF1I-zHIkAwiVMIl8syHuTcSxtRwT3a3izG3vDfoWJ2COeO1l_meUxnKo8x0nxdsBF9dbje2KzfKmR4sSkXmVfjwjNW1IqpbRs8byx_nAtGGDL6UPk9JCx1isP5Xg4fW15zTDF4YBEI/s320/IMG_2456.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Marissa with her aunt "A".</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyZ_j9PiKo6-aiV1AR6rq_EQyM-Fo1FBQvtToh6reUAdD3PyeSzJohXNUd2yq0yR8BdUXFrokOeKYxn0ftR2j61HMbnJDlvyw6uoBpVpqaDwWv_lBEcZuN2bTiH8zHLcm0QJmhzKILg/s1600/IMG_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFyZ_j9PiKo6-aiV1AR6rq_EQyM-Fo1FBQvtToh6reUAdD3PyeSzJohXNUd2yq0yR8BdUXFrokOeKYxn0ftR2j61HMbnJDlvyw6uoBpVpqaDwWv_lBEcZuN2bTiH8zHLcm0QJmhzKILg/s320/IMG_2459.jpg" width="320" border="0" qu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Dan got Marissa a seed starter kit for our garden. Marissa had so much fun watching Dan plant. She wouldn't touch anything because it was "dirty".</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-67153467664901630372010-05-26T23:40:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:19:25.659-07:00Airplanes and Amie<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">*From: March 4th-8th*</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">At the begining of March Amie (my soon to be sister-in-law, good friend, old soccer player, and old Young Life girl) came up from California to do some wedding planning. Marissa and I were able to go pick her up from the airport. We went early, sat at the cell phone waiting area and watched the planes fly in and out. Marissa loved it. Once Amie was here we did some major invitation planning and had a "invitation making party" at my house. Here are some great pictures.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTGABiTzoTftRF5vArXJoFz_D95Jm-XMOhqdr6xj36564D7DUNXmBl2fSuPgSMWshR7zjwWwtQ6WxwTftnggiub63_UZ_AJSdgtlp8sf-U1sk_CvzqaQe38L1i3__dKuZQA4_YIWajGo/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTGABiTzoTftRF5vArXJoFz_D95Jm-XMOhqdr6xj36564D7DUNXmBl2fSuPgSMWshR7zjwWwtQ6WxwTftnggiub63_UZ_AJSdgtlp8sf-U1sk_CvzqaQe38L1i3__dKuZQA4_YIWajGo/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0019.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center">Watching for planes and loving it.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMYkiNO0RzjXrwf9HzOk4OWZLA3Dt3oEGXO27Q4QwoVNFMo9hhQVw98m1S52cg-se7iA1uXjaHcfJhrPf4iVuLlgvpG2bFdhpBi8AwxAwekSW5xiq6u-nNdLToMPheOki7osGPhwH2JI/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMYkiNO0RzjXrwf9HzOk4OWZLA3Dt3oEGXO27Q4QwoVNFMo9hhQVw98m1S52cg-se7iA1uXjaHcfJhrPf4iVuLlgvpG2bFdhpBi8AwxAwekSW5xiq6u-nNdLToMPheOki7osGPhwH2JI/s320/IMG_2379.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Invitation making party at my house.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0URfHJr809M-VZYOIAZJTugZCIsqUtHBWFyl1meShRHy1yn05pu48D-2IY7xwIqi8I3u1OGuL5pEICFWhpNSPKXlHfS4-W8zlapepIQ6myxx7NPKu-yinZvx_w4RVsFJ82vyeiPg8sQ/s1600/IMG_2384.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0URfHJr809M-VZYOIAZJTugZCIsqUtHBWFyl1meShRHy1yn05pu48D-2IY7xwIqi8I3u1OGuL5pEICFWhpNSPKXlHfS4-W8zlapepIQ6myxx7NPKu-yinZvx_w4RVsFJ82vyeiPg8sQ/s320/IMG_2384.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">More invitations.</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-84111375637324856302010-05-26T23:32:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:19:12.695-07:00Heavenly Hawaii<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">*From: February 21st-28th*</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Photo Diary of our Hawaiian Vacation</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">For the first time since our wedding 6 1/2 years ago Dan and I were able to go on a vacation (other than work or the beach with my family). My mom, sister, and Dan's dad graciously watched our 2 beautiful children. We went with our good friends Ryan and Tara Bennett. Here is a glimpse into our week of "wonderful".</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgXOK-HaSbGyR73XzdnGuDYIroXegDVLe9NiDY_q7jGCfIesn1yWHh_EhsO9O_EMuBSeFiWqghqqQ_LCEpEFwnuuq2jXBrz_ful6qwOFAP_Wm3nPU6hgr-F-29blKtVm-636rk6CLOis/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgXOK-HaSbGyR73XzdnGuDYIroXegDVLe9NiDY_q7jGCfIesn1yWHh_EhsO9O_EMuBSeFiWqghqqQ_LCEpEFwnuuq2jXBrz_ful6qwOFAP_Wm3nPU6hgr-F-29blKtVm-636rk6CLOis/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0006.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Picture out of our hotel.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQyynbkwKuUIvX-fXn189Wcj3Wdu1NDM7cGdkhsasbhI2EYwCa7iLcp5q6EyAdZ1MQ7pg1rjgSmhInARmW-zHXFtmp6Cr09lvhppurA2rFNTKdcsx6FsilOWzOOKV5QjtJvF1JsFOZuA/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQyynbkwKuUIvX-fXn189Wcj3Wdu1NDM7cGdkhsasbhI2EYwCa7iLcp5q6EyAdZ1MQ7pg1rjgSmhInARmW-zHXFtmp6Cr09lvhppurA2rFNTKdcsx6FsilOWzOOKV5QjtJvF1JsFOZuA/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0009.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Dan and I at our Luau.</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nGIhyyqB61fLClwtHYqBYkYjhT0F9XJ3p5ozPa_1o3KLepJgP_6NOCCxfFuSahT0wfYG1wkWUiGRevU-9176bp-stlhUQWJFIymwRwLn9fRj8FeHZQid9tuNCJCWn7mBZzfr7eHZEo/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6nGIhyyqB61fLClwtHYqBYkYjhT0F9XJ3p5ozPa_1o3KLepJgP_6NOCCxfFuSahT0wfYG1wkWUiGRevU-9176bp-stlhUQWJFIymwRwLn9fRj8FeHZQid9tuNCJCWn7mBZzfr7eHZEo/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0007.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Photo session before the Luau.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD-V69OEKAchlqTXhN65YA7qlYj76-FoYwV7Q3pbWa5PaQlvz1ojvvojvDKKeMc9HTsdTvcXWsywBw1L-7jcW3_-EK8ExZP0LU5cpNXGTPA3e-6B2rboJSvoabczLMwdTP2HVUX3UPJc/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD-V69OEKAchlqTXhN65YA7qlYj76-FoYwV7Q3pbWa5PaQlvz1ojvvojvDKKeMc9HTsdTvcXWsywBw1L-7jcW3_-EK8ExZP0LU5cpNXGTPA3e-6B2rboJSvoabczLMwdTP2HVUX3UPJc/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0012.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center">Dan and I on a whale watching and dinner tour.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn09VRLldUnBY11u0rlnbZwU5BD9WEZujVH9SBiVZM1PunJNHqw5kQ9VchidxQ8859FITt8bnHdgLDyxVqN-l-wfP0L1jiAzq2jzkZ9xCuIGcpNme24-pQhx88OpkpUoKwxx96thKlwI/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn09VRLldUnBY11u0rlnbZwU5BD9WEZujVH9SBiVZM1PunJNHqw5kQ9VchidxQ8859FITt8bnHdgLDyxVqN-l-wfP0L1jiAzq2jzkZ9xCuIGcpNme24-pQhx88OpkpUoKwxx96thKlwI/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0011.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Dan's favorite activity: renting mopeds.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjbbhRpCfug2fGXoV0v35PSoebSHbXS3HcKSEpAaWZviCfDh8ayTN4qCIewkuIt5fv0YHoxqisPh9L2CQ1TRvQ6P4ayqFUNwPJf7Ee1UdZ6XumrLbQGZmxcsTbEKE_-w7bIaJyP-EO4o/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjbbhRpCfug2fGXoV0v35PSoebSHbXS3HcKSEpAaWZviCfDh8ayTN4qCIewkuIt5fv0YHoxqisPh9L2CQ1TRvQ6P4ayqFUNwPJf7Ee1UdZ6XumrLbQGZmxcsTbEKE_-w7bIaJyP-EO4o/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0010.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">After our late night walk on the beautiful Hawaiian beach.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwp_6k4h9vCFx8sZm_TOnq3vJP-_bhj_9APKjqgKl3c6nH72rr0CxMQK9LTc3Y0szYSbkJBG9cMe1LI58iBX2kv7lYm4BTjlau_aD2ahMcq57mfd2cT5r0ThXRA-fd1jFX9Izzjt6n_Y/s1600/Magic+Show.bmp" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwp_6k4h9vCFx8sZm_TOnq3vJP-_bhj_9APKjqgKl3c6nH72rr0CxMQK9LTc3Y0szYSbkJBG9cMe1LI58iBX2kv7lYm4BTjlau_aD2ahMcq57mfd2cT5r0ThXRA-fd1jFX9Izzjt6n_Y/s320/Magic+Show.bmp" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Waren and Annabelle's Magic show. Dan and I were his "helpers".</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HPs_dHdlaX3B11BUuXG3-mvgOIc64RyRuNPo21R2oOFoLSx4LnsPO8AuAVItroKi9_pI86oNZibMxxB8-NjaEKgtrC36XCyoMyD-QT8YewPr0sZg3JA8XUi9nxx4dE9gpWYvnbOOO9s/s1600/My+Friend+Tara.bmp" imageanchor="1"><img height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HPs_dHdlaX3B11BUuXG3-mvgOIc64RyRuNPo21R2oOFoLSx4LnsPO8AuAVItroKi9_pI86oNZibMxxB8-NjaEKgtrC36XCyoMyD-QT8YewPr0sZg3JA8XUi9nxx4dE9gpWYvnbOOO9s/s320/My+Friend+Tara.bmp" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Tara and I went on a submarine.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33sqKjLXzWeCjAG2AknAQsai-6MlT9jOL4Xdqwo-Y7sjXfBhRUO54Gd6NvQEMlgqMLDjV4VRAWmkLW3sLDaYSZB-ow74zXAZ27CfIk9jZZOEmMq_qBqcilRRDp32mHkYjhjnbxF4wNCw/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33sqKjLXzWeCjAG2AknAQsai-6MlT9jOL4Xdqwo-Y7sjXfBhRUO54Gd6NvQEMlgqMLDjV4VRAWmkLW3sLDaYSZB-ow74zXAZ27CfIk9jZZOEmMq_qBqcilRRDp32mHkYjhjnbxF4wNCw/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0014.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Ryan and Dan rented mopeds and treked around the island.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhmDpTtR8I-9HGptVF0VQ54y0ihv41oU_5D_qMK4An_lU71tGkjC20JxP6yYut_NObpJl1h8n7Pj8eKKhhGVQvpiWkEV4cFqx0HexPXvfw3Kv-sBmKbLMjkOJ2mx7JxSzrKo8VemS2CI/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhmDpTtR8I-9HGptVF0VQ54y0ihv41oU_5D_qMK4An_lU71tGkjC20JxP6yYut_NObpJl1h8n7Pj8eKKhhGVQvpiWkEV4cFqx0HexPXvfw3Kv-sBmKbLMjkOJ2mx7JxSzrKo8VemS2CI/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0013.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Hang Loose.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_vFR7Qn8ClpG6yOyRNOqSbfG4T-2OePKBPEq461rvsQsPJP53B2p8kPPyaFPYsFWgneUyENhUzLSY9pUzYiC77PS0lzLqwIJc1RKOXcjFv1CMfyrZRG45Vb_UkWCoMEr4W_3oedMadw/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_vFR7Qn8ClpG6yOyRNOqSbfG4T-2OePKBPEq461rvsQsPJP53B2p8kPPyaFPYsFWgneUyENhUzLSY9pUzYiC77PS0lzLqwIJc1RKOXcjFv1CMfyrZRG45Vb_UkWCoMEr4W_3oedMadw/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0017.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Last day in Hawaii. Filling up for gas. Tsunami warning.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vwV8uz9w5yLCq90s8Ajkta3erJPjkzWxS2ufTuZGB36uzgL6uFV-ntgYp7fr2ayyx18HOZUEJrtt-6M2Lk95GYTV3wkg_HpDfRSadx44EWhBNLEDCURlh_5THGi3HhDPrhnjYz_7L8c/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vwV8uz9w5yLCq90s8Ajkta3erJPjkzWxS2ufTuZGB36uzgL6uFV-ntgYp7fr2ayyx18HOZUEJrtt-6M2Lk95GYTV3wkg_HpDfRSadx44EWhBNLEDCURlh_5THGi3HhDPrhnjYz_7L8c/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0018.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Guys playing hacky-sack, while wating for the pseudo-tsunami.</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-49427444642387077362010-05-26T22:58:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:18:52.894-07:00Lovely Valentines Day<div align="center">*From: February 14th*</div><div align="center">Yep...this post is all the way from Valentines Day.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi3pnM21FapBrwaGyD7Te4pPM2OeRgve4Zwj3LpkSi52kdy9xcxsx3JluNCmEfY1JuwTd6iWK41xcPrKuguPzdRyLhWv6rAEPlyJ-A_QN7TonEzwoevmEiFPwnpkVEto3UGWNw74mt1Y/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi3pnM21FapBrwaGyD7Te4pPM2OeRgve4Zwj3LpkSi52kdy9xcxsx3JluNCmEfY1JuwTd6iWK41xcPrKuguPzdRyLhWv6rAEPlyJ-A_QN7TonEzwoevmEiFPwnpkVEto3UGWNw74mt1Y/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0004.jpg" width="240" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">My beautiful bouquet, teddy bear, balloon, and chocolates.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKpjDKGum6wm4vVk3-qOh15NKhBKQYHfiIercsjf61wBa89PLf-BO3HkxVWVf5Wi5o3Ml7jEOvrFlVgwwohvHbrImKONVuirHjhliYjNEyVcsQ6W2CxlAVIYUJbDQTGtf1-om1Dz4dn0/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKpjDKGum6wm4vVk3-qOh15NKhBKQYHfiIercsjf61wBa89PLf-BO3HkxVWVf5Wi5o3Ml7jEOvrFlVgwwohvHbrImKONVuirHjhliYjNEyVcsQ6W2CxlAVIYUJbDQTGtf1-om1Dz4dn0/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0005.jpg" width="240" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div align="center">Dan and I decided not to do anything for Valentines day this year, because we were leaving for a vacation a week after. Well, my hubsband can't control himself. He came home after going to his equipment "yard" with flowers, a teddy bear, a singing ballon, a new coffee mug, and chocolates for me. For Marissa he brought home a bunch of balloons, a stuffed animal, a pink flower, and a hot cocoa cup. He is so thoughtful. Thanks babe (almost 3 1/2 months later).</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-15872977487693621302010-05-26T22:52:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:18:39.788-07:00Zoo in Beautiful January<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">*From: January 27th*</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Towards the end of January my mom, Aiden (my nephew), Marissa, Spencer, and I headed to the zoo for a beautiful day. It was a little chilly, but so nice. We had a picnic lunch and enjoyed all the animals. I just love watching my mom with her grandchildren. Here are some pictures:</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmYocitMqP5ok2GONUSdgIlFdC798E1yZkQrldiEiXMNsjIWLgp5mkJuLPzzuqj6488-BTidR8uJOpUghU4G7w-Bbd9UmO_vEU0ESKjKg-yfuf0yloWycGfolYoviV3C0vhXJGvMLSqU/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmYocitMqP5ok2GONUSdgIlFdC798E1yZkQrldiEiXMNsjIWLgp5mkJuLPzzuqj6488-BTidR8uJOpUghU4G7w-Bbd9UmO_vEU0ESKjKg-yfuf0yloWycGfolYoviV3C0vhXJGvMLSqU/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Grandma watching the polar bears with Marissa and Aiden</div><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2_6ZHDTX9HTJxKRTX6b7CD1I900PUqx0NP3djd5irD5RKdTt8esqAv13-MVu9lYHIJ9PGpPWAAvQ2AxaE0_D7eAv1KJudiHO3RgyxOVIxoKa-D35M9G99iIarc-2t9yyICOyxxD3Go/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2_6ZHDTX9HTJxKRTX6b7CD1I900PUqx0NP3djd5irD5RKdTt8esqAv13-MVu9lYHIJ9PGpPWAAvQ2AxaE0_D7eAv1KJudiHO3RgyxOVIxoKa-D35M9G99iIarc-2t9yyICOyxxD3Go/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0002.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Aiden and Marissa chillin in the boat.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO9e07IO_g8uMJ7uCZ19Ue7xJWxtC12NHZe6WHt9CPKFvy3RSf-HFWszoSalhoxHeE2h3I9q1uNZFdQEPjUGwjIPHV5QNAdSfEmbZSRhwhLzg4lefiaFI5Lrt1pGri6veMlNex9vFIDU/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO9e07IO_g8uMJ7uCZ19Ue7xJWxtC12NHZe6WHt9CPKFvy3RSf-HFWszoSalhoxHeE2h3I9q1uNZFdQEPjUGwjIPHV5QNAdSfEmbZSRhwhLzg4lefiaFI5Lrt1pGri6veMlNex9vFIDU/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0001.jpg" width="320" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">My sweet Marissa girl.</div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYbjUZhhCVfiPJ-5tZYM2_ksVs0whyphenhyphend_Pmk7owoi6IpL_FZ2jfyLa1Drv7v_JFPf-H6F0Mq_4CmPY8ffma_5t_C_vdbgvetd-jqLyuTg-wjoLaPVmAFTLGjfxnodAaTP0EP6R0tTils0/s1600/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYbjUZhhCVfiPJ-5tZYM2_ksVs0whyphenhyphend_Pmk7owoi6IpL_FZ2jfyLa1Drv7v_JFPf-H6F0Mq_4CmPY8ffma_5t_C_vdbgvetd-jqLyuTg-wjoLaPVmAFTLGjfxnodAaTP0EP6R0tTils0/s320/+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_0003.jpg" width="240" border="0" gu="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center">Long day...Aiden and Marissa were tired.</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921793247947161313.post-327244399837708362010-05-26T22:51:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:18:12.142-07:00Where Have We Gone<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Well, after glancing over my blog I realized that I have been quite absent in the "blorld" (blog-world) for quite sometime. I enjoy writing about the ups and downs of my life, but realized a little while ago that there were very important things that I could not fit into my life if I spent time keeping up on my "web-life". Gradually, blogging, facebooking, and checking emails have taken a backseat to my beautiful children, studying the amazing Word of God, keeping up my household, taking care of the greatest husband in the world, and finding outlets for myself. I do enjoy documenting the ins and outs of our little Schacher life and it has even been more than useful in remembering significant milestones in my children's developemental progress. So, needless to say I hope to continue, just not sure how routine blogging will be in my life. For those of you that enjoy keeping up with our family of four (the few of you out there)...here are some short updates from the last 4 months of our lives.</div>Schachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02779260475777447578noreply@blogger.com0