Fifteen!

Today is my wedding anniversary. Fifteen years! I can hardly believe it! Where has the time gone? Wasn't it just yesterday when we walked down the aisle? Wasn't it just yesterday when I got butterflies in my stomach at the sight of you waiting for me in that church sanctuary? We were so young. We were so ridiculously in love. We didn't know then all that we know now, but yet I wouldn't trade these past 15 years for ANYTHING else in the world.

You have taught me more about love than any single person on this planet. You have loved me on the worst days of my life. You have forgiven me countless times. You have led our family courageously. You have given more than you have ever expected in return.

You save me every day of my life.

And I am grateful!

Today... I celebrate who we are together. I am convinced that I am better WITH you than I could ever be withOUT you. You... complete me.

Remembering when... and loving you for...

... The time you TOLD Rural Electric that we WOULD have a wedding reception at Sauk Valley in the middle of the worst ice storm this county had seen in a long time. No power... too bad. And guess what? We had a beautiful reception. With heat. And lights. :)

... The time you had Salsaria's deliver food to me when I was home from work and sick in bed. They don't deliver. They did for you!

... When I was in labor with Chloe, our nurse insisted that we have "birthing music" during the delivery. We didn't know what "birthing music" was but that didn't matter. You ran right home to get a CD player with 20+ CD's for me to choose a song for our sweet Chloe to be born to. I fell in love with you all over again that afternoon!

... That first Mother's Day. You went to Bath and Body Works and couldn't decide on which scents I'd like - so you got them all! A bag filled to the brim with years worth of goodies! You knew the way to my heart back then!

... The time you came to my rescue when I had my accident on Ridge Road. "How will I know where you are?" you asked me. "I'm pretty sure I'm the only blue car in the middle of the field." I cried in response. You have always been my Superman!

I love you for so many other reasons..

For always letting me choose where we're going to eat.

For always being on my side... no matter what.

For keeping me grounded.

For scratching my back.

For you honesty.

For the way you love Chloe.

For the way you surrender more bed space just for me.

For the way you love to surprise me.

For the way your eyes light up when I look at you.

For the way you care for me when I'm sick.

For supporting your girls.

For loving animals.

For loving long rides to the lake on Sunday afternoons.

For being real.

For being so selfless.

For being kind.

For leading by example.

For serving God.

For loving me so well.

I love you more than I will ever be able to say! I want to spend the rest of my life loving and serving you with all that I have and all that I am.

All Because Two People Fell In Love,



www.wendybender.blogspot.com

Karrie

I never met her. I don't even know her last name. What I do know is that she was 9 years young, she was deeply loved and her life, although too short, was not in vain.

Her name was Karrie.

Our small group began praying for Karrie several months ago.

We prayed for healing. That wouldn't come.
We prayed for answers. That we'd never receive.
We prayed for peace and comfort. That would be difficult to accept.

But most of all, we prayed for God to be ultimately glorified through her. And for that, He proved Himself faithful.

On Tuesday, August 30, at around 7:30 a.m., sweet Karrie flew into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a bright and sunny morning. And as I read the news I fell to the ground and I wept.

Wept for a little girl I never had the privilege of knowing personally.
Wept for a mother's baby girl whose tears she would never get to wipe away again.
Wept for a father's daughter whose arm he could never walk down the aisle.

I wept.

And then I remembered Jesus wept too. (John 11:35). And he weeps with us now. He knows our pain and He feels our suffering.

And He loves.
And He cares.
And He aches.
And He blesses.

He gives. And He takes away.

And our assignment isn't to understand.
Our assignment is to trust. And obey.

And praise Him anyway.

And so I choose these things.

Not because I understand.
Not because I have the answers.
Not because it makes any sense at all.

But because I believe in a God who is GREATER than any circumstance!
Because through our suffering there is hope.
Because there is power in the resurrection of Jesus.

I choose hope.

I didn't know Karrie. But I look forward to meeting her on the streets of gold one day.

Until that time... I will trust. I will hope. And I will ask God to use my life to glorify Him.

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,



www.wendybender.blogspot.com

In Honor of Father's Day, Part 2

Father's Day is coming and I wanted to do something special here on my blog to honor the two most amazing men in my life. Today's post... My Hubby, Trevor (pictured here at Mackinac City with my Chloe).



Dear Trevor,

Today I'd like to honor you by sharing "Trevor Bender in 100 words or phrases"...






Generous
Faithful
Caring
Loving
Honest
Smart
Funny
Considerate
Happy
Content
Peaceful
Thoughtful
Amazing
Provider
Protector
Defender
Friend
Brother
Son
Uncle
Nephew
Cousin
Husband
Daddy
Helper
Talented
Cook
Creative
Organized
Neat
Supporter
Survivor
Careful
Ambitious
Encourager
Strong
Blessed
Honorable
Giving
Engineer
Handsome
Likable
Humble
Shy
Sensitive
Respectful
NCIS
Seafood
Lake
H2 Hummer
11:11 p.m.
Dave Ramsey
Talk Radio
Country
Travel
Tan
Diet Coke
Four Wheeling
Razor
Zero Turning Lawn Mower
Tractor
Leader
Technology
Problem-solver
Movies
Bonfire
Wrestling
Photographer
Heath Bar
Vanilla
Audiobooks
Coffee
Sensible
Adventurous
Affectionate
Dependable
Hospitable
Easygoing
Loyal
Mints
Nature
Example
Brave
Peanut Butter
Oatmeal Cookies
Fruit Punch Gatorade
Advice Giver
iPad
Selfless
Hard-working
Hudson Tiger
Best Friend
Bones
Travis
Spike
Buddy
Observant
Perfectionist
Informed
Private

I love you for so many reasons... but mostly for loving me and for being the best husband I could ever ask for. You are my reason for getting out of bed in the morning and the ONE I look forward to coming home to at the end of the day! You still make me smile! :)

Love, love, love you!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,



www.wendybender.blogspot.com

In Honor of Father's Day, Part 1

Father's Day is coming and I wanted to do something special here on my blog to honor the two most amazing men in my life. Today's post... My Daddy (pictured here in 2006 with my Chloe and my sweet mom).




Dear Daddy...

On this, Father's Day 2011, I want to THANK YOU for giving me many reasons to love you...



Thank you for loving me unconditionally.
-There has never been a time when I didn't feel your love for me.
Thank you for the way you always provided for mom and I.
-Even when times were tough, you worked hard to provide for us.
Thank you for your generosity.
-You've always demonstrated Godly giving.
Thank you for your protection.
-You've always protected and defended me.
Thank you for always being on my side.
-No matter what, I have always known you had my back.
Thank you for teaching me practical life skills.
-I've always admired your wisdom and problem solving skills.
Thank you for your sense of humor.
-You've always made me laugh and taught me the importance of never taking myself or life too seriously.
Thank you for your honesty.
-I learned to trust because of you.

For giving me life.
For helping me up when I fell down.
For demonstrating Godly character.
For having patience.
For listening.
For laughing.
For loving.
For teaching.
For forgiving.
For supporting.
For growing.
For choosing to stay and be the kind of dad others should envy.

THANK YOU.

Thank you for living out this verse:

Deut 6:5-7, "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."

I love you!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,



www.wendybender.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Trevor!

Today is my sweet hubby's birthday. I can't tell you how old he is... oh I might get hurt if I do. But I did want to share with you some of the reasons (in no particular order) he's still the love of life... after all these years.

1.) He is an amazing dad to our only daughter Chloe.
2.) He is the most selfLESS person I've ever met.
3.) He supports me.
4.) He encourages me.
5.) He's adventerous.
6.) He's gentle.
7.) He's kind.
8.) He (secretly) likes to shop.
9.) He serves others.
10.) He's generous.
11.) He's an animal lover.
12.) He sees me at my worst and loves me anyway.
13.) He forgives.
14.) He's a hard worker.
15.) He's a provider.
16.) He loves his mom.
17.) He's a family man.
18.) He's a good friend.
19.) He's loyal.
20.) He's trustworthy.
21.) He love's Jesus.
22.) He's a good listener.
23.) He's fun to cuddle with.
24.) He's dependable.
25.) He's fun.
26.) He doesn't take life too seriously.
27.) He likes to laugh.
28.) He's my best friend.
29.) He's smart.
30.) He's fair.

And here's what Chloe has to say about her daddy and the reasons she loves him (straight from her heart, and she DIDN'T see mine):

1.) He's considerate.
2.) He's kind.
3.) He's loving.
4.) He's giving.
5.) He likes to ride four-wheelers with me.
6.) He likes to watch NCIS with me (WHAT?)
7.) He's bright.
8.) He's encouraging.
9.) He likes pizza.
10.) He's the best daddy ever!




















I love you, Trevor. And I am proud that you are my husband!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Being a Good Friend

Photo Credit








I have been beyond blessed by some wonderful friendships in my life. I truly have. But I often wonder if I've been a blessing to them in return.

What makes a great friendship? What's the secret to long-lasting relationships? I think it's pretty simple, really. I think it's about being the kind of person whom the other cannot live without. The greatest friendships in my life consist of selfless people who are good listeners, love to laugh and who make me better just being around them.

Friends are honest with you... even if it's not what you want to hear.
Friends are supportive... they cheer you on to victory and success.
Friends are trustworthy... you can trust them with your secrets and dreams.
Friends have seen you at your worst... and choose to love you anyway.
Friends are drawn to WHO you are... not what you have.
Friends are loyal... they've always got your back.
Friends are filled with grace... they are slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Friends are compassionate... humbly offering their tender heart.
Friends are good listeners... they don't just hear, they listen with their eyes and hearts as well as with their ears.
Friends are selfless... sacrificing their desires for yours.
Friends are generous... giving much and expecting little.
Friends are inspirational... they inspire you to want to be a better person.

I am richly blessed by the friendships I've made along this life's journey. I've been challenged by them, encouraged by them and loved deeply by some of this planets greatest people!

I read recently about "refrigerator rights" friends. These are friends who can walk into your home and help themselves to anything in your refrigerator. Why? Because they are THAT comfortable in your home. THAT comfortable with just being themselves when they are with you. THAT comfortable in their relationship with you. Authentic friends with rights to your life.

Do you have friends like this?

In John 15:13, Jesus is teaching His disciples, His FRIENDS, about how to love each other. He said, "I command you to love each other in the same way I love you. And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."

Jesus was, indeed, the greatest example of a true friend.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend."

We are called to make each other better; to build each other up.

Ecclesiasties 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

We were made to be in community with others. There is strength in numbers. We need each one another... we weren't meant to do this alone.

It's true - I have been blessed by great friendships, but I pray that I may never stop being the kind of person others long to be around. I pray that I would always seek for ways I can be the best friend possible to those God has entrusted me with.

One of life's greatest joys is being able to have and be a friend! Don't underestimate the value of these special relationships! We have this one life to get it right. Will we be the kind of friend Jesus would be proud of?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

On One Thousand Gifts

Most of you know I've just finished a GREAT book entitled One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It has been an AMAZING journey for me... truly an inspiring book that I encourage ALL of you to RUN out and purchase! It's also been challenging. A dare... to find and list one thousand things you are grateful for. One thousand gifts.

I know I keep saying it over and over - but this book has literally changed my life. Honestly, Ann is, by far, one of the most amazing authors I have ever had the privilege to read!

Ann was interviewed recently on 100 Huntley Street and here's what she says about her book. I hope you enJOY! (Note: you'll need to scroll to the bottom to pause my playlist before watching.) :)







"He {God} wants us to live abundantly. He doesn't want us to just survive, He wants us to thrive. Not to just meet Him, but to enjoy Him moment by moment."

"God is always good and I am always loved."

"If God is everywhere, beauty has to be everywhere."

I love her comparison to our model, Jesus. Who, when faced with the certainly of death - chose to GIVE THANKS by breaking the bread and sharing it with His disciples. (Luke 22)

It's about choosing to give THANKS right where you are - for whatever God gives.

Remember, God is always good and I am always loved!

Can we pause long enough to see the beauty in our every day lives? The beauty in this mess. The joy in the moment.

My list? I'm on 111. My journey of choosing to SEE the beauty around me and considering it pure JOY. Taking the ugly in this world and finding the beauty... that's where God is! That's where real living is. That's what living FULL is all about.

You can get your copy here or here.

Will you join me on the JOURNEY of GRATITUDE?

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Fourteen Years!

Photo Credit





Dear Trevor -

Today marks our fourteenth wedding anniversary. Fourteen years. All I can say is where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday that we were embarking on this new journey together - and yet here we are... a few wrinkles and a couple gray hairs later.

We were so young when we first started out, weren't we? No real cares in the world. Money to spend on frivolous things if we wanted them. Minimal bills to pay. The world was ours for the taking. We stayed up late, slept in 'till noon and ate out just about every meal. We've seen a lot together and we've come a long way. Through all of my inadequacies and all of my failures, you still love me. You still choose me. And I am blessed beyond measure by your dedication to our togetherness. Our oneness.

Today I celebrate not just the quantity, but the quality of our marriage. Though sometimes masked with confidence when times were tough, your willingness to partner with me proves over and over again your desire to see this thing through. I admire the seriousness in which you take the responsibility you were entrusted. "Covenant, not contract" as you would say. There were times when walking away might have been easier, but you always chose God's higher calling and I could not be more proud to call you my husband.

I love being married to my best friend and I love the memories that we share. I love that you know what my weaknesses are, what my favorite ice cream is, what side of the bed I prefer and what makes me giggle. Nobody knows me like you do and I can't imagine sharing this one life with anyone else.

It's true that I am better for having said "I do" on a cold, icy day in the middle of March. And I promise to keep saying "I do" as long as God allows me air in these lungs.

What a ride this has been... and we're just getting started. Here's to 14 more!

I love being loved by you. I am, indeed, one lucky, lucky girl!

All the love this heart can hold,



1 Cor 13: 4-8 (MSG)

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end

The Kiss

So - every year my sweet husband takes my daughter to the Adrian Parks and Rec Annual Daddy Daughter Dance. It's a wonderful tradition that we started in first grade and it's something special that Chloe looks forward to every year! The closer to Valentine's Day we get - the more excited she gets! I love it! I love everything about it. Picking out the dress, doing the nails and make-up, curling the hair, making sure everything is just perfect! I love that they go to dinner before hand and that he usually takes her to get a "special ice cream or slushie surprise" following.

Another favorite is "the kiss" pose that we get every year! :) I just LOVE the kiss pose! Here are the last 3 years of daddy-daughter kisses just before the big night!

2009...














2010...















2011...















These are my favorite people on the planet earth and I thank God for them daily! I pray that their special bond will carry over for years to come! Chloe loves her daddy so much and I am ONE PROUD MAMA and ONE BLESSED WIFE!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Thank You's

My parents raised me right. From a VERY young age I was taught to write Thank You cards to friends and relatives. I had to send them for birthday presents, Christmas presents, graduation gifts... just about any time someone gave me anything at all. I'm actually quite surprised I didn't send Thank You cards for people who sent me Thank You cards.

Honestly, though, what an amazing skill to teach your children!

I've always been very partial to card-sending and I have this strict lesson on Thank You card writing that my parents instilled in me early on to thank for it! I've even passed along my love of card-sending and Thank You card writing to my daughter. In fact, at this very moment she is playing the role of a pen-pal to my mother, her grandma, who only lives about 7 miles or so away from us! What a great experience it's been for her. And she LOVES getting letters and cards in return from her beloved grandma! It's been a very fun last couple months for her as she looks so forward to their tender exchange.

I had a conversation recently with someone about the very subject of Thank You card sending. This person has been the recipient of many of my cards over the years and counted each and every one of them as a blessing in her life. Unbeknownst to me, she had been saving them all the years of friendship and they each had special meaning to her. I had no idea that this simple act was making such a big impact on her life. But it was obvious that it has!

I thought I was the only one who kept cards from others over the years. I have two very LARGE boxes of thank you notes, sympathy cards, thinking of you notes and just because letters in my closet. My dear husband doesn't share my adoration for these priceless memories, but because my life was shaped by MANY of the loving words that adorn these special pieces of paper... I keep every single one of them. Just like my friend.

See...















To me, there is just something about a card from a friend that makes my day. It says to me:

they care about me
they're thinking about me
they took time out of their busy life for me
they appreciate me

In this modern day technological-frenzy world we live in, there's just something special about getting a hand written note from someone that you love. Come one now - anyone can send a text or an email... but a hand written note says "I care".

I am thankful to my parents for instilling such a selfless lesson of love in me. I consider card-sending just another way I can serve others and I will continue the tradition proudly. For those who've blessed my life with cards, letters and notes... THANK YOU. I've been truly blessed!

Col. 2:7, "...let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Cookie Bake 2010

Had a great day yesterday sharing laughter and recipes at our Second Annual Cookie Bake! LOVE hanging out with these ladies! Oh - and we even did some Christmas Caroling too! :)

Can't wait until next year. Bigger and better every year!

Thanks to Michele, Faythe, Shelly, Mom (Janet), Hanna, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Chloe and Miranda for coming out to spend a snowy Sunday afternoon with me! I am blessed!

Love you guys!

Merry Christmas!

From a Child's Perspective!

It's amazing to me the wonder of a child's perspective on things. Oh to be able to see the world through their lens!!

I was reading this blog post to my mom on Thanksgiving when I realized that Chloe was listening in. She was taking it all in and I believe, experiencing the pain all over again. I wasn't trying to be insensitive, I just didn't realize the impact on her little life and forgot, for a moment, that she, too, endured some tough nights as we prayed for a miracle.. for her daddy.

Unbeknownst to me, she's been writing a story, similar to mine, only from a 10-year-old's perspective and I'd like to share it with you, exactly how it was written in her own handwriting, spelling errors and all! I think it will touch your heart...

This is My Story (by Chloe Bender)
I will never forget my last Christmas. My dad had just went on a work trip and was spost to be there for a week or so. So we knew he was going to be home in time for Christmas or so we thought. He called us to tell us he was not feeling well. He thought it was some bad Mexigain food he had the night before. The next thing I know is that called us the next day to say that he had gone to the hospital. Three days later we left to go to Arazona where he had been staying. When we got there I could not go in because of the H1N1 but the sichuation was so bad the nurse came downstairs. I got upstairs and the nurse said I had to go back down. I thought it did not make any sense. Every day we went there. Finally my dad called us and said I could come in his room. I went there and as soon as I walked in that room I could tell he loved me!! I still had to wear a mask because of the H1N1. I felt safe and warm with my dad in that hospital bed. That night in the hotel I felt lost, and alone. The next say when I went to see him again it was wonderful. Then came Christmas and me and my mom were in my dads hospital room eating a big Christmas dinner, and my dad is there eating jello. That night before me and my mom had went to go get my dad a stocking and a Christmas tree. He opened his stocking with joy and happiness. That night I was in the hotel again and felt a lot more safe. My dad got better and out of the hospital, but could not go o the plain yet. So it then felt like we were on a vacation. When we got home our house had been cleaned by some friends and we had cookies and wine on the table and presents under the tree! My cousin bought me a dress. I was so thank-ful for safety and just about everything else. And that's my story!

Oh how I love that girl!! Reading this has been a gentle reminder of the tenderness and sweetness of our children. THEY have a voice too and even when we think they couldn't possibly be mature enough to handle certain situations - they surprise us with a unique perspective on life and love.

Mark 10:13... “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Charlene

I met Charlene Larson back in October of 2001 when she started Small Wonders Preschool and Daycare. I will never forget the first time I met her! That smile, that laughter... it was contagious! I knew I had found the right person to take care of my only child, Chloe.

I cannot begin to put into words the kind of person Charlene was and what she meant to our family. Words that come to mind that describe my friend include... joyful, caring, loving, trustworthy, funny, outrageous, courageous, thankful, gentle, spontaneous, wonderful, crazy... the list could go on and on. I loved so many things about Charlene. She changed my world. She made me want to be a better person. I feel privileged and honored to have been able to have her as part of my life for 7 years!

So - here's to you, my friend...

Thank you for living an authentic, transparent life.
Thank you for loving my child like she was one of your own.
Thank you for your hugs.
Thank you for the Small Wonders back rubs.
Thank you for living selflessly.
Thank you for teaching us about forgiveness.
Thank you for teaching us about finding the good in everything and everyone.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your laughter.

Thank you... for you. I love you my dear friend and I will miss you every day this side of heaven. But I rest in the knowledge that we will be together again one day in paradise. Today... the angels have one more reason to celebrate and I can just hear the words of our Savior saying... "WELL DONE, my good and faithful servant."

You will live in our hearts forever!

Dance on, Charlene! Dance on!

I know it's gonna be worth it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQVmR0jV52A

Humility

One of the greatest characteristics that I admire above all others is Humility. I totally admire men and women of God who are humble.

Now, I'm a BIG American Idol fan. I don't watch a lot of T.V. - but for me, on American Idol night - leave mama alone - I'm watching! For those of you who are fans of Idol, you'll know what I mean when I say it's down to the David's! David Archuleta and David Cook will be the two finalists who will go head-to-head next week, dukin' it out for the crown of victory! I've watched the show since the very beginning and I have to say, it's quite a toss-up on who's going to come out on top this time. These are both extremely talented guys! Both bring a unique flavor to the competition and I can't decide which way it's gonna go! Either way - I'm confident that both will have record deals before the end of summer and we will be seeing lots more of the David's in upcoming years.

Last night as they recapped each Idol's journey - I was blown away by how HUMBLE David Archuleta is. For him, it does NOT appear to be about the fame and glory. For him, it's about his love of music and, in his own words David says, "I just want to make people happy with my music." You can see one of the Fox News interviews he did here. I have to tell ya - you can't help but smile when you watch this! He's great!

I wish more people could be like David. I wish I could be more like David. Being humble and just loving what you do for the love of doing what you do... that trait is so admirable!

The life of Jesus is the perfect example of humility. He was not pompous and arrogant. He humbled himself before those who would later persecute him. Just one example was the washing of his disciples feet. Read John 13:12-14. Jesus humbled Himself on numerous occasions so that others would believe He is the Savior! And of course there was the greatest example of humility - His death on the cross. Jesus humbled Himself greatly before God for our Salvation.

I pray that I can learn to be more humble. More like Jesus...

Matt.18:4
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

James 4:6,10
"God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Last week we did a Volunteer Celebration for the wonderful volunteers of Crossroads Community Church. It was a nice evening of celebrating the lives that make our church what it is. A time to honor the men and women who so selfLESSly give of themselves week in and week out to help people who are far from Christ take that one step closer to Him. It was a nice night.

During the course of the evening, my husband was approached by a dedicated volunteer who told my him "thank you." Looking at this man a bit confused, my husband said, "why are you thanking me?" to which the man replied, "the staff spouses don't get much recognition and I just wanted thank you for all you for all you guys do and go through, too." (I'm paraphrasing here.)

I was blown away by this comment. And it's so true. Husbands and wives of church staff don't always get the recognition they so deserve. I've said it before and I'll say it again, ministry work is, by far, the hardest work I've ever had the privilege of doing, but by far, the most rewarding. Staff spouses have to endure a lot of sleepless nights, long Sunday's and short vacations. They have the distinct gift of listening and get signed-up to do things they, sometimes, didn't ask to be signed-up for.

Without a doubt, my husband deserves a gold metal for having put up with me for 11 years now (in March). I cannot tell you the times I've kept him up until 2am just listening to me ramble and the nights he's foregone sharing his day with me because I just couldn't wait to get out all I had to share out to him the minute he walked in the door! He's been patient, encouraging, supporting, understanding, sympathetic, realistic, honest, gentle and uplifting. He's been my comfort, my rock and my best friend.

The reality is, I could not do ministry without the love and support of my better half. He is truly the better half. He has made me a better person and I thank God every day for him. Thank you, Trevor, for loving me, for supporting me, for dreaming with me and for serving Christ alongside of me. I cannot imagine doing life with anyone else. Happy Valentine's Day! I love you!

Friends!

We were blessed this week with one of my favorite little guys... Diego. His mom and dad are away this week, so we had him overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. What a great time! It was nice having him and I know Chloe enjoyed herself! They did really well. That is - aside from the lack of sleep the first night! But - by round two the next night, we knew where we had gone wrong and all was well!

Here are some pictures of the little rascals.

My Dad...

I have a great dad! He's truly a gift to me and my family.

Yesterday, I got to spend time with my dad. We had lunch together. It's not often that we have these moments... life is busy and I just don't see him as much as I would like. But yesterday I was reminded of how precious these moments are.

I wanted to share just some of the MANY things I love about my dad...

• He's a real man of God.
• He's a loving grandfather.
• He's loyal.
• He's generous beyond measure.
• He's understanding.
• He's gentle.
• He's funny!
• He's dependable.
• He's smart.
• He's my dad - and I love him!

Today I just wanted to pay tribute to my friend, my mentor... my dad. THANK you for your love. THANK you for giving me life. THANK you for being you!

Saying Goodbye...

Can I just say RIGHT NOW that I hate goodbyes?? They are never easy and I don't like them AT ALL! Here are some of my reflections as I say goodbye to two people who are near and dear to my heart...

I met Rick Mink back in November of 2004 when I applied for this position as Church Office Administrator for Crossroads. We instantly had a connection. I can't tell you what it was - but I just knew I was going to like him!

It's been a joy getting to know Rick and his lovely wife, JoAn. They have been like parents to me. They have supported me, affirmed me, guided me, loved and cared for me and taught me more than they will ever know. The things I have learned from them go far beyond just work-related lessons. Rick has taught me how to believe in myself and how to stand firm in what I believe in. He has taught me lesson after lesson about how to be a grace-filled person, even when it's hard. He's taught me about perseverance and determination. By sharing his life with me... by being completely transparent and open, he has taught be about honestly and humility and what it means to fully embrace every opportunity that comes... to seize the moment and how to take time to celebrate the wins in life.

Knowing Rick and JoAn has been an absolute joy for me. I am richer for having known them and I will forever be blessed by the legacy that they leave me. Although there is now a large void in my life, I will forever be grateful for the time we had together.

So... thank you Rick and JoAn. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thanks for your kindness, for your support and for your friendship. I will miss you more than you'll ever know.

Loving Diego!

Meet Diego. He is one amazing little boy! We are truly blessed to have him in our lives!

A little background on our friend... he was born with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). He was adopted by my friend, Faythe and her husband, Joe, when he was just a baby. Diego has overcome several obstacles already in his young life. To know him, is to love him. From the moment I met him, I feel in love with him... and, oh yeah, by the way - so did my daughter! That's another story for another blog entry. :)

Today we had the privilege of watching Diego while his mom was at a meeting (can't wait to hear all about it, Faythe!) and his dad was at work. I love days with Diego. He is such a lovable, caring little boy. Spending time with him and being a recipient of Diego's love and affection reminds me of the simple, child-like love that Jesus wants for us to come to Him with. It's an honor to know you, my friend. And my prayer for you is that you will always know how much you are loved, and how much you mean to so many people whose lives you have forever touched.

Now - on to the funny part of this story (dry your eyes, now!)

Chloe was reading Diego a book on the way home tonight. She was very serious as she read about Shanna and her "animals". Diego, being Diego, delights in making people laugh. Literally, he CRACKS me up! This book is a simple rhyming book (most likely way below Diego's reading level as he is an excellent reader!) One of the parts in the book goes something like this... "I rhyme with money, hop, hop, hop... I am a ----" and of course it's bunny! Well - Diego thought it would be funny to say something different (not wanting to state the obvious) so he says... CHICKEN! If that wasn't funny enough (that one got a good snort laugh from me) he says, "Umm... Antelope!" Like what kid thinks of "Antelope!" (Just shows how smart this kid is!) Antelope! Okay - so it doesn't rhyme with money and it obviously was the incorrect answer - but I thought I would die from laughter from this dialog exchange between an eight-year-old and a seven-year old! PRICELESS - -simply PRICELESS.

These are the moments to remember!

Friends!

There isn't anything else I would rather do on a Friday night in the summertime then to spend it with my family and friends! And this is JUST what I did this past Friday night. We had some of the members from our small group over for a cookout and campfire - and what fun we had!! There's something special about sitting around a campfire with friends just doing life together! I was surrounded by several amazing people who are changing my life on a daily basis. You guys are the best! Thank you for allowing me to do life with you. Thank you for trusting me as your friend and for sharing your life with me. I know that our family's life has changed since we joined this phenomenal small group and I thank God every day for each and every one of you.

So - - if YOU'RE not in a small group where you are doing life with other families... where you are holding one another accountable... where you are free to be who God called you to be and where you are loved - flaws and all - - I STRONGLY encourage you to get in one! Once you do, I promise, you won't ever be the same again.