Some pictures from the last couple weeks...

Home Sweet Home

Well, I graduated from the Focus Leadership Institute on Tuesday. It was an incredible time of celebrating the last three and a half months, and what God has done.

I can't believe that it is already December.  It's amazing how fast time goes by.  God did some amazing things, and is continue to work in my heart from what I learned this last semester.  I am only going to begin to see the fruit of what God did.

I am thankful for the opportunity to experience community, to be apart of what God is doing at Focus on the Family, and to see Him work in amazing ways!  He is so good!

I am back in Spearfish, SD for awhile now.  I will be finishing up classes and graduating in May, which is really exciting.

Christmas is just around the corner, just about one week away.  I pray that we would all just rest a moment in the midst of the craziness, and business and remember the reason for the season.  We have a Saviour who was born, God in flesh.  He came into this world, and we celebrate His birth.  Let's take a moment to rest in His presence and thank Him for all He has done!  He is worthy of our praise!

Merry Christmas!!!

The last couple weeks revisited...

Well, the end of the semester has come.  I am officially done with Focus Leadership Institute, but it won't quite be official until I graduate on Tuesday.  The last couple of weeks have gone by so quickly.   It feels like I just arrived here in Colorado Springs, and now in less than one week I am leaving here and heading back to South Dakota.

Let me try to recap the last couple of weeks:
Lets see there is school, and there was school...
skiing/snowboarding trip...
Banquet/dance put on by the boys here at FLI (Focus Leadership Institute)...
studying and preparing for a test and writing papers...
Christmas Tea with Mrs. Ogden
studying, reading, and writing paper
Last day of class on Thursday,
Afternoon at the Broadmoor...
Family Dinner and a night of worship that lasted for 4 hours
and closing retreat this Friday.

Here are some pictures to recap all these events

Lindsey and I at the Banquet

My Table at the Banquet

Team 3!!!

Roomates...yes, there was a lot of snow so outside we wore our boots to keep our feet warm.

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Lindsey, Andrea, and I at the Christmas Tea with Mrs. Ogden

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Sitting in Dr. Dobson's chair

Sarah and I in the studio where they do radio broadcasts

Sitting in on a radio broadcast that our professor Dr. Slattery did.

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The Broadmoor at Christmas time...beautiful!!!

Basic Training Graduation...Fort Leanord Wood, MO

Well, as I said before, my dad and I went to Fort Leanord Wood to see my brother Luke, visit graduation.  It was a wonderful time to spend together, although it was hard leaving my brother there for another couple months, it was great to be with him and support him.  We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Cracker Barrel, and then spent some time relaxing and watching football.
My dad and I dropped Luke off at 2100 (9:00pm) and started our drive back to South Dakota to visit family that was visiting for Thanksgiving.
Here are some pictures from the trip.

My Brother and I after the graduation ceremony

The "Bravo Bulldogs" final march together.  Luke is on the far left side.

                                                         So thankful to be together!!!

Long time coming.

So it has been quite awhile.  I have found it hard to write regularly.  Things have been busy and the end of the semester is coming to a close.  I can't believe how fast it has gone.  I am on Thanksgiving break right now and am enjoying my time off.  My dad and I just drove to Fort Leanord Wood, MO to see my brother graduate from basic training in the Army National Guard, and are going to spend Thanksgiving with him.  I am excited to see him and be here to support him.  I know that he is ready to be done, and it will be good to spend some time with him!

Rest...Retreat weekend!!!

Well, this has been such a beautiful and wonderful weekend. On Friday, we had a women's retreat. It was a day of all things girl...spending time together, talking, making journals, chocolate, good food, and time with Jesus.  Here are some fun photos we took during our afternoon free time...

Leaves are Fun!!!

Posing outside the Broadmoor Hotel...

                          We were supposed to look like "The Beatles"

                                                      

                   My friend Kelsey and I making journals!!!

 Myself, Jetta, and Lindsey with Mrs. Ogden (her husband and her founded the institute)

God is Good!!!

God is always revealing himself. He is always working, whether we realize/see it or not. Over this last week I have seen God's faithfulness and provision. He is revealing his heart to me. I am seeing him provide in ways that only He could provide. He is faithful, even when I am faithless. He is continually revealing his character and his nature. I am getting a glimpse of his heart for me and for others. He is revealing to me the value of life, the value of each person I encounter, the value of my life. He knows me perfectly, He knows you perfectly. There is nothing that surprises Him. He knows it all. We cannot hide from His presence. We cannot hide from Him. It amazes me that He knows me so well, yet he still loves me and pursues my heart. He is relentless. His love covers all sin.

I am currently sitting in a coffee shop as I write this. There are people all around me all of different ages, backgrounds, races and color. They all have stories. They all have struggles. They all have a life that is full of value and purpose. I don't know if they have a relationship with the Lord, I don't know what is going on with them, but there is a God who does. He sees each one, and knows their struggles and pains. He knows their joys and good moments. He has placed value in each one of them. He values their Life. He has given each one the freedom to choose Him. He loves them despite what they have done or where they are at. He is in pursuit of them and wants to be in relationship with them.

God loves Each One. Each individual He loves. That just blows my mind, that the God of the universe chooses to Love us, despite our weakness and insecurities, despite our failures. He loves us. He loves you and He loves me. He has given us a choice to choose Him and choose His way. I don't follow Him perfectly and make many mistakes, but I want to live my life completely for Him. I choose Him today. Today I choose to walk in the purpose and plan of God. Today I choose to believe in God's love for me.

Psalm 139

Psalm 139:13-24 (The Message)
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!

Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

We're All in this together...the film!

Tonight I went to a one night viewing of a documentary film called The I Heart Film: We're All in this together from Hillsong United.  It was all about the church being the church and going outside the four walls.  It was all about showing others what we are called to do as Christians. It was a very well put together film, but more than anything it was a depiction of the heart of God. The church does not exist to meet our needs but the church exists to meet the needs of others



I came away from it not with a warm fuzzy feeling, but with a conviction that I have a part to play in "His Story." A conviction that I can do something.

Jesus didn't die to give us religion, he died to give us love.  The deepest need of one man and one woman is to know who they are and know that their life is valuable.

Brother Lawrence in the film said, "Everybody can talk, talk is cheap." Wow...we can talk all we want until we are blue in the face, but what good is that going to do if it's not put into action.  "You can't talk about love, you have to show love."

There is something that was said by former Catholic archbishop Oscar Romero, and it definately strikes a cord. He says:

"It helps, now and then, to step back
and take the long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of
the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
 that the kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.

No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.

No program accomplishes the church’s mission.

No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.
 We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything 
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.

This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest.We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own. Amen."

A Football Game that Gives Hope

A Football Game Gives Hope

I had heard about this last year, and these two teams are playing again this weekend. Grapevine Faith Christian School vs. Gainsville State School. Gainsville is a school for convicted fellons. They have no one to support them or encourage them. The couach for Faith Christian came up with an idea to show the boys on the opposing team that no matter what they have done in life, they are valuable and show them that if you make the right decision people will support you, and you can make it. The coach requested that their team and fans do something out of the ordinary. He had people from their team support and sit on the Gainsville boys side.

These two teams are playing again this week, and I have been told that Grapevine Faith Christian School, has some more things planned for the game.

Watch this news story...It's an amazing example of God's love and seeing the best in others!


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We all have value. We all belong and are made for a purpose. We all want someone to believe in us and see the best in us. This such an example of God's love and encouragement. It is an example of how as Christians we are to come alongside the unloved and unwanted. We are to love like God loved us. We are to forgive like He forgave us.

It is giving others hope! Hope for their future, hope that they can change their lives, hope that they do have a meaning and purpose in live, hope that there is a God who loves them and is on the side lines cheering their name!

HOPE...

Gratitude and Laughter!!!

Well, Mondays...need I say more.

Today was incredibly busy (class from 8:00 am until 4:30pm), 100+ pages of reading, and and 4-5 page paper to write that is due tomorrow. Sitting in class for about 7+ hours can get a little long. We had Gender and Leadership in the morning, and than Dr. Tacketts class this afternoon.

Dr. Tacketts class was very interesting, and he brought about a lot of good points, and questions to ponder. Today we talked about the sphere of labor. After a lot of talk, some of the things that he talked about were that helping the poor just might be tied into this sphere of labor. What if instead of offering the poor handouts, and money, what if we offered them jobs. God has given us creativity, and we can use creativity in helping those in need. He also asked the question, "How far should the state be involved in making laws such as smoking ban, etc."

God is so good, and knows just what we need. Tonight when I got home from class I got a letter from a sweet friend, and someone I admire so much, Lis Walker. She is such an encouragement in my life, and the letter came at just the right time. Thank you Lis for your kind words! You are a blessing!

My roomate Jetta and I then decided to go to Barnes and Noble to study, and write our paper for tomorrows marriage class. After we got back, my roomates and I had such a fun and thought provoking conversation, with lots and lots of laughs. You know the kind of laughter where your belly hurts...that's it! It was definately a fun and memorable night! I am thankful for my roomates, and for God put us all together. We are all different from one another, we all have unique interests, and gifts and talents, but God has put us together for a reason. They are all a blessing in my life!

I am thankful for today! Thankful for God's sovereignty and providence, thankful for friends, thankful for God moving in every detail of my life, thankful for roommates, and thankful for the opportunity to be here at Focus!

Love God, Love People

The I Heart Revolution...LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE

"Where a person lives should not decide whether they live or die." God's heart is for everyone. Every ONE. Every one is someone. Everyone is unique, created by God in HIS image. Every ONE. Every one has value and purpose. The value of our lives is exactly the same. Your life is not more valuable or less valuable than anyone else's.



Matthew 25:35-40
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, i was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sik and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty adn give you a drink? When did we see you a stranger adn invide you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you in prison and go visit you?"
The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

"...it's about a selfless faith...the call to love...the pursuit of justice and helping others...the hope and freedom we have in Christ..and the truth of the gospel in a world that is searching.." - Joel Houston

Philippians 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We all have value and purpose. God created each one of us. His love is for everyone. My challenge this week is for us to look around at how we can love those around us. Who is in need? How can you and I best show God's love to those around us? It could be in a kind word or note, or maybe someone is in need of food or clothing. It's about the small things, its about the unseen. What has God put on your heart? What is He calling you to do?

God has called each one of us. Whatever he has called you to, whatever you are gifted in, do it with everything you have. God has given you everything you need, to do what He has called you to do. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and allow him to be glorified in everything you do!

LOVE GOD...LOVE PEOPLE

Is God enough?

This past week was a pretty uneventful week. We had Wednesday and Thursday off of class, so I went to class twice this week. It was a much needed restful week, and I honestly don't know where it went. It was so quick.

God is speaking a lot to me, and slowly revealing things. This has honestly been somewhat of a dry season spiritually for me. I am realizing that I don't need another bible study or sermon, or class, but when it all comes down to it, I need Jesus. I am surrounded by God's word, and people who love him. I am involved in Bible Studies, and helping with them, but I come away from it feeling empty and alone. Feeling dry and unmoved. I have a hunger and desire to know God more. To seek him and KNOW, really KNOW him with all of my heart.

Today, I went to church at New Life Church, which is a mega church here in the Colorado Springs area. The message was given by the college and 20 somethings pastor Aaron Stern.
The message series they have been doing is titled, "We are_____________" and they have been going through something to fill in the blank each week. This week it was, "We are OVERCOMERS." We looked at the passage John 16:33, which says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." Aaron talked about how we are overcomers because Jesus overcame the world. We are because of who HE IS. We may not always have an answer, but we do have an anchor for our lives, His name is Jesus. Peace is found in Jesus.

If you look at the book of Job, Job had everything taken from him. He was a man of great faith but He was honest with God. He grieved. But if you look at Job 1:20, Job grieves, and then it says, "he fell to the ground and worshipped." What if our initial reaction was to worship? What if our initial reaction was to come to God? In the midst of the trials, in the midst of the trials, and uncertainties, not because you understand it or necessarily know why, but because you simply have a heart that wants to trust God.

I want to be like Job, that in the midst of trials and difficult circumstances that I stop and turn to God. That I worship him, not because I am thankful or understand, but I want to trust. I worship because I am completely dependent on his faithfulness and his mercy. I worship because I have seen his work in my life, and I trust that he will come through, and that he is strong enough to get me through any and every circumstance. Its okay to question. God is bigger than our questions. God is bigger than our doubts. God is bigger than our fears.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

John 17:15
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."
God doesn't necessarily say that we will never have obstacles or troubles in this life, but he does say that He wil protect us.  He will keep us and secure us, and help us through the difficult times.

2 Corinthians 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
When I am weak I am strong. God's power is made perfect in my weakness.  I can depend on him. He will hold me together.

Pastor Aaron then asked the question, "Is God enough for you?" If you lost everything, and had nothing left, would God be enough for you. When he asked that question something gripped in my heart. I don't know if God would be enough. I would like to say so, but deep inside, I don't think I can honestly say that God is enough for me. I want Him to be everything, my firm foundation. I want to be satisfied, content in His love.

Jesus, you are enough for me. You gave everything for me, be everything to me. God be enough for me, in my life today!

Hope your day was great!!!

Today we had a snow day, which was really nice.  We actually had Wednesday off as well.  Tonight I was working on my paper I came across this...and thought it was pretty funny.

Hope your day was great!!!

God's promises are new every morning.  He will never leave us or forsake.  We never have to question Him.  We can trust in Him!  He is always faithful!

Road trip to SD...

This past weekend I went back to South Dakota.  It was a great weekend with my family!  My sister Kelsey had her state Cross Country meet on Saturday, so it was fun to be able to watch her run!  I was also able to get in a bunch of volleyball games (high school and college) and see some wonderful friends!  Here are a few photos from the event!

My Sister Whitney and I, getting ready for the race!!!  In the process of trying to find Kels...

My mom and I!  I love her lots and am so thankful for her!

Whose feet belong to who???  Getting ready to run around the golf course!

Sisters after the meet!  It was getting pretty windy!

The girls X-Country Team!  They did great!

Whit and I, thinking long and hard what we wanted to do...

When driving across Wyoming or on any hand, any long distance, music and ipod are a necessity!!!

The Long journey ahead of me...Colorado Springs Here I come...

an Ipod(music) is a necessity when taking a road trip...

If you have never driven through Wyoming to Colorado, you have missed this town.  Lost Springs, Population 1???

Peace that passes ALL understanding

Well, I don't have anything new to really report.  Classes are going well.  We are winding down for the week, and have one more class tomorrow.  Today we had Dr. Tacketts class.  It was really good! We talked about the sphere of the state, and the states role in society.  Dr. Tackett is full of so much knowledge and wisdom, and he is a wonderful teacher.  I am so thankful to get to sit under him and other teachers who have a heart to see the next generation rise up to know and understand the truth, and to live lives that are attractive to outsiders.  One of the verses Dr. Tackett has emphasized is from Colassions 4:5-6 which states, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and making the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you many know how to answer everyone."    


Lets, see what else have I been up to.  It has been snowing all day, but luckily has not accumulated.  I am hoping to drive home tomorrow, so I am praying for safe travels, and good roads.  I have been working a lot at the Community Bible Study headquarters.  The ladies that I work with are so sweet.  We are preparing for two big conferences coming up: a leadership training and leadership conference.  I was there for almost 5 hours this afternoon working on some things!

Today I feel my heart being anxious.  Anxious about the future, and just some uncertainties.  I hear the Lord telling my heart over and over to "not be anxious about anything, but be in prayer"  In Philippians 4:6-7  it states, "Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about EVERYTHING.  Tell God what you need, and THANK HIM for what He has done.  Then you will EXPERIENCE God's PEACE, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you LIVE in Christ JESUS."  I need to meditate on this today.  God brings peace and comfort.  He can handle any and every situation.  I cannot trust my own feelings or anxious thoughts, but I have to put my trust in the Lord, knowing that He will work for the good of those who love Him, that He will make a way where there is no way.  He is faithful and good.  All is promises are yes and amen.  I have to rest in His peace tonight, knowing that the God I love and serve is in control of my life, and nothing is too hard for Him to handle.  This gives me such assurance. 


 Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank You God for your peace that passes ALL Understanding.  I rest assured in your love!

I Will Exalt You

Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE. Sharper than any double-edged sword.  God's word is ALIVE and MOVING today.  The word of God is applicable to everyday life. God is ever-present in Creation. He is always speaking. It is amazing how I can be studying scripture from long ago and it is applicable to my life today.

I am continually reminded how much I need to Know God's word, to really KNOW it. That it becomes an outflow of how I live, and the TRUTH by which I live my life. God is never changing. He has always been and always will be. His word is TRUTH. It His truth, knowing the truth, that sets us free. The Word of God is there to teach us how to live, how to conduct our daily lives, how to deal with different situations, etc.  There is so much in there.  There have been many situations and times where I have gone to the Word of God, and it speaks directly to what I am needing to hear, and what I am dealing with.

I am realizing more and more, the importance of having a daily quiet time, of really searching the scriptures and understanding what God's word says.  It is easy to get busy with daily life, and get caught up in activity, but if I want to live my life according to God's word, I need to know what it says, and meditate on it. I need to have that time that I am communing with the Lord, and being still before Him. "Be Still and KNOW that I AM God. I will be Exalted among the nations" He is God, and worthy of my time, my affection, and my worship!
Psalm 145:1-3 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
"I love this song because it declares who God is, and his infinate power, but his intimacy with His creation, with me.  He is worthy of praise. He is worthy of my time. He is worthy of my love. There is no other God beside Him.

The second verse says, "Because you're with me, I will not fear." God is always present, always with me. He will never leave. I don't have to fear about tomorrow or the present. I can trust in His promises! He is Faithful!
Jesus may I take the time this week to spend in your word and look more into your Truth. I want to understand your ways. Thank you for your love, thank you for your forgiveness, thank you for your patience. You are always speaking, and always with me. May I be aware of you working in every detail of my life, and may my life align with your truth!


Here is a link to the song! It is written and performed by Brooke Fraser!

Barn Dance!!!

So we had a barn dance this Friday night! It was so much FUN!!! We got all dressed up and had a few contests and learned a bunch of dances: line dances, square dances, and such. Here are a few pictures from the night!!!

The Barn was decorated really nice with lights and fall decorations!

Lindsay and Lindsey (Yes there are two of us) ready to start the night!

My friend Amber and I waiting for the festivities to begin...

So we had a few contests: a pie eating contest, sack race, and this which was husking corn with your feet and then passing the corn with your feet to your team members...it was definiately interesting.

The Pie Eating contest...

Girls from Team 3: Myself, Emily, and Katie!!!

Dancing the Night Away...

What a fun start to the weekend! This was a great way to spend a Friday night! I would highly recommend it! It is fun, is a good workout, you get to learn some new dances and moves, and you get to spend time with others!