Rock solid joy found in Jesus

October has been here and gone, and my, what a beautiful month it was here in East Dutchland.  The glow of finery that clothed the forests for weeks, brought new meaning to my definition of "pretty fall leaves."  But the display of blazing amber on the trees was not the only thing that was wonderful about this October- I could tell stories of Prague-one of my new favorite cities, a train ride with an imaginary bandit, a 10 hour graphic design installation party, and late night fine dining in Berlin (German schnitzel!) with great friends from the States- but I want to be a little bit more authentic than a puff piece about "adventures in traveling."

YWAM has been such a huge culture shock for me personally, the people/speakers here have challenged my thoughts about the vastness of the freedom in Jesus, the global bride of Jesus, and how the believer is to biblically have relationship with the Holy God of Israel... I could go on and on, but the truth that sticks out to me most on an almost daily basis, is that I must not let big questions rob me of joy in Jesus. 

Joy is one of those solid and concrete words.  It's an almost impossible state of mind for me to describe in a few words, my working understanding of it, means that even if my world seems to be crashing in around me, I have a deep, solid, hope and trust in God.  I know when I realized that I was letting questions rob me, God changed my thoughts.  The best I can think to try to articulate what joy in Jesus does is that a residing thankfulness for God's sovereignty and goodness no matter the circumstance cements in my heart.  The verse that has spoken so much truth in to my life about this joy is Philippians 4:6-7:   

^"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with                   thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Emphasis mine]"

There have been days of extreme confusion and debilitating disagreement here, but God has been so faithful, He provided such amazing FAMILY, brothers and sisters to listen to all of my sloppy processing.  And He has given me an attitude of sailing above the mire of confusion, the short-term life crisis-es in YWAM.  I'm learning that it's OK to not know all the answers, it's good to debate in a respectful, honoring way, and that it's helpful to see diversity in the Body of Christ as a thing of grace not of condemnation.

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:1-7, italics/emphasis mine)

The grace that is given to each believer is according to the measure of Christ's gift (in otherwords the amount of grace given to each true believer is so big, it's incomprehensible!).  Let that sink in to your soul. When we gather as a body of believers with different views, there will be challenges -but be encouraged- God has made it clear in these verses that He is the unity of the church. Let the gravity of "ALL" settle in your heart believer in Jesus.  We are not called to manufacture an attitude of ignoring each other, of argument, or even to just "put up with each other;" but we are called to believe the promise of insurmountable grace that is present for the believer who is "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Oh man, it's a life-changing promise for a little Baptist girl in YWAM.  

That grace makes itself known in my life in different ways at different times, but I know that grace depicted in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is gut-settling truth no matter where in the world I am:

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I believe this time in the lecture phase of YWAM has been a huge demonstration of this promise in my life.  Guys, I'm SO telling you that I don't have all the answers, that I don't know what the next God-glorifing step should be in the next few months, and that I react to situations without remembering the promises of God more often than not.  But I'm learning that there is so much freedom in Jesus, and I can rest assured that He will gather unto Himself His own- John 10:7-30. 

 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

I'm so happy I can't make anyone be reconciled to God,  I'm so happy that souls are only won through the working of the Holy Spirit, and that I get to tell people about the incredible hope and joy that Jesus has given to me.  I am not responsible for the teachings of others, but boy- I sure pray for God to reveal truth in class, and I try to process best I can with many, many, many people.  If you have been a part of this wrestling through questions with me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You have been more of a blessing to me than you can imagine, I thank God for you brothers and sisters! 

That being said,  I'm so excited to relay where I'm going on a short outreach trip with my school, in Hamburg Germany.  Hamburg is a port city on the west side of Germany, it has an area that has a reputation similar to that of Las Vegas in the States.  The area is called the reeperbahn, it is a place that sex is openly bought and sold like it could be a loaf of bread.  Our team is going to tell of hope and joy found in Jesus' redeeming death, burial, and resurrection.  Out of that motivation, I'm excited to have an opportunity to help with a local ministry to the women caught in prostitution next week.  

Next weekend, November 8-9, the team and I will be attending the OBJECT conference in Hamburg.  Hope Dies Last is a ministry based out of YWAM Herrnhut, and they are running the conference.  The conference is focused on informing about the need for justice in the area of human trafficking, to
equip people with a biblical reason to care for people caught in the sad industry, and to give practical advice in how to engage in ministry in this area in your hometown.   God has placed the women who are being/have been trafficked on my heart over a year ago, and I'm soberly excited to join in loving people in this heartbreaking, but not hopeless, situation.



Thank you for taking the time to read this mess of a long overdue blog post, I'm thanking God for you, that you care to check in with me, and pray alongside me.  God is strengthening relationships I have with people at home even though I am hundreds of miles away!  I ask you to pray for:

• clarity and wisdom in how to move forward in the next few weeks (concerning "big outreach")

• that as a school we would be given many opportunities to talk about Jesus, and to show people Jesus' love in Hamburg

• that we would have the grace to love one another, because we will be known as Christ-followers by our love for each other (John 13:35)

• ideas for effective street ministry, or otherwise (Monday-Thursday)
•  
• that people would understand how to show Jesus to the people caught in slavery in their spheres of influence as a result of the OBJECT conference

• continued joy in Jesus

I'd love to talk with you if you have any questions or thoughts about any of this!  We need each other on this journey.   At the end of the day, my heart says: Bless the Lord Oh my soul.  He is good, and His mercies endure forever-heck they are new every morning! Yeah! Praise God!

 

Daily Life: In Thankfulness.

Today is Monday.  Many people may have feelings of lethargy, dread, or just plain tiredness when they hear that phrase.  Sometimes this mentality can strike me into a slump of "woe is me," but today is not one of them - by God's grace!  Before lecture this morning we had a time of giving thanks to God for not only who He is and what He's done, but also for how He continues to bless His children each new day.  I thanked God for blankets, for wood floors under my feet, tea in my mug, for sunshine, and warm socks...  I love giving God the glory and thanks for the small things in life- It's so wonderful He chooses to bless me.  It really changes my perspective on the day (Monday); and gratefulness is one way I abide in the Lord with joy!

The sun shining is not just a cliche thing for me to be thankful for this time.  This Friday was the first time the sun was truly shining for any period of time, in thirteen days.  I'm seriously thankful for the sun, and for the beautiful colors (fall leaves, grass, architecture) the light illuminates.  The air is crisp and cool, and my afternoons/evenings usually include a good cup of tea, seems so right for autumn!

Soon I will be off on my twenty minute walk to the Water Castle- through the bright forest, across the small creek and through the open gate.  On Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock the school comes together again for a learning time about Bible reading.  I think it's my favorite teaching time I've experienced so far.  Last week we were challenged to read Philippians with roommates. When Katie, Caty, and Andrea and I got together to read, it was such a sweet moment of hearing what God has to say to each of us as believers.  I am really focusing on Phil. 4:6-7 this week.  Hope God will encourage you through it as much or more than He has for me!  Have a great week!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

True and Better

 

 News flash for my soul: My relationship with Jesus Christ is the true relationship that earthly God-honoring marriage is to be a picture of.  There is no reason to constantly be “in search of the one” right now, because knowing Christ as the true satisfaction of my heart’s desire for wild, crazy, noble love is the real love story. He shows me that He loves me with a wild love in that ultimate sacrifice of His life on the hill called Golgotha, and that now he sits in glory in triumph interceding on my behalf before God the Father today.  Salvation is here! Glory in my Redeemer! My heart can not even imagine His Highness coming to rescue a harlot-heart like mine.  But oh am I satisfied in knowing that the most noble, loving Person has rescued me from my nasty prison of idolatry and sin.

 This truth was brought to my attention while my class and I praised God with the words, “I exult Thee” on Wednesday afternoon.  He showed me that He is true and better than whomever I could set my eyes on here on earth, on a person-to-person level.  If I was to really sing exultation to Jesus, I was to see that He is to be exulted above any other name on earth.

This may not have been brand new information to me on an intellectual level; but my heart was deeply impacted by this reality anew and afresh.  God’s amazing undeserved saving grace compels me to glory in his love, and desire to serve Him joyfully all the more!  This is one of the lessons God has reminded me of this week, to appreciate, love, and know Him through His Word as the one and only True and Better.  I want to be Overwhelmed by Jesus' heart-satisfying, wild love for me today and everyday for the rest of eternity. He is worthy of my praise! He is good!

Happy Friday dear ones!

Pickles

I really just feel like having these Wisconsin Cheese Curds. I should study for the ACT, mmm, nah not tonight.  I'll get some Christmas music uploaded to my iTunes, and find something else to do while I do that...

Oh, Hi there! Just incase you forgot (after 7+ months off gracious), I'm Cally I get  sporadically inspired to do UN-normal things from piano playin', blogging, and photographizing, to lawn decorating in the dark *forks and other "silverware", and climbing a mountain (tresspassing mind you) near a mountain lion's cave, with just 2 other teenage girls... Freaky-but FUN!

Speaking of freaky,  I've never even seen the trick or treat scene in all of my 17 years, until yesterday evening. It seemed like innocent fun, despite my preconceptions about the holiday, I think I would have LOVED trick or treating when I was little man I mean candy AND dress-up in one?! I went walking door to door handing out tracks with some kids form youth group, and it seemed where we were the whole community came out for the event! The scariest  place we went to was a house that was set up on a hill-so you had to climb the stairs to get to a lady dressed up like a witch (the owner of the house presumably)- who was passing out candy.  She went ALL OUT for Halloween, I mean, flickering lights inside the house on the second floor, and smoke makers on the steps, and an apparition or two hung on string from the trees. CRAZY! But, all in all the evening was fun, and we got to spread the Good News on the tracts!

Since last spring, I've been volleyballing, camping, enjoying fall with walks in the woods, went on a missions trip, school, photography, being a Senior, making cookies, worked at a law firm filing papers, worked in the hottest weather I remember for some time-in a corn field, and most recently a bakery girl.   Oh and right now I'm listening to Jingle Bells, and I've been playing Christmas music out of the hymnal this week. Yeah, that's right.  :-)

I'm thankful for Christmas music, clean water, electric lights, Mac computers, beautiful stars, moons, and sunsets, and a mommy and daddy and family that are wonderful and loving and encouraging. 

Be Thankful

Some things I'm thankful for...

Iowa nature-There's so much beauty to be found in a sunset. And even a buck bounding across a field is fun to see.

Books- They deliver messages from a different time, different places and multiple perspectives. The book (the Bible) preserves and delivers the TRUTH, the most important message in life. 

The color purple-Gets me into an artsy mood. It's rich, deep, warm, and sophisticated.

Water-I'm am soooo thankful for clean tasteless water!

Songs that fit my life- Don't you love it when you can totally relatet to a song? If its a reason to celebrate the song lifts your spirits higher, helps you to be thankful etc. If its a tuff thing you are going through the song about it lets you know you aren't the only one that has been through something like that. 

Fluffy pooshy pillow- So comfy. :)

Parents who are loving and understanding- I love my Daddy and Mommy!

My church-We have great, godly examples to look up to in our church. I love the family of Christ!

How could I make this list without mentioning my sisters, and amazing friends. :) All of these things make my life so much better. I praise God for them all. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Dear deep-thinking and messy Brain,

You have spent enough time dabbling in nostalgic ideas. Seriously, brain you're only a little older than 16 years. Be patient. God already knows what your life will be like. Trust the God-who made you, and this designed world and everything in it-with your little tiny life. Don't be so self-concerned. Get a grip.

Your main goal MUST be to make much of your Creator. Now, why should that be a difficult thing Brain? It should seem like simple gratitude: to serve, love, and adore the God who saved your soul. How do people get through the simple everyday- and bigger events, without the ever-present comfort and peace of Jesus Christ?

Brain, you have some pretty crazy ideas; why can't you bring yourself to share your hope that is within your person? The God that holds your heart, when you think you're gonna throw up. The God who is the maker of every good and perfect gift. The God who is always a steady support-He never changes. It doesn't make sense, Brain. I think you're scared you won't know what to say; that you won't come up with the words.

Remember Brain? Moses thought the same thing-he wasn't good with words, and God wanted to use him, to deliver His messages to Pharaoh. He missed out on blessings. I am commanded to share the good news in all the world, and dear brain of mine, I require your cooperation. God sent His only Son-perfect, spotless, sinless-down to the earth, to pay for all of the sins of this corrupt and evil world; He died, was buried, and ROSE again the third day. He is alive and sitting at the right hand of the Father today. It's the story that's worth retelling, and rehearing over and over again. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, there is more to life than your little dramatic spats, getting money, and living, dying-without a purpose-more than to live the American dream. A fun job, lovely house, creative clothes, and an amazing family of your own; are perfectly good things to want and have, as long as they don't steal God's spot (#1) in Heart. Alas there in-lies the problem: my Heart has rather failed at keeping God my first priority.

Yes, Heart, you may be a little lost with all of this conferencing with Brain... Don't worry about it. Cling to your Savior, He's the ultimate. Just do it. Be stubborn in your holding to Jesus. Be determined not to let yourself drift far from your Abba-Father. When you are in a tumultuous situation; He is capable of guiding you into a peaceful harbor.

Don't deceive Brain, Heart of mine. Who really can really know you. Brain sometimes tries to understand, but really, she doesn't understand the why's behind some your favorites, Heart. Brain is a curious sort, she wants to know what makes people tick, what some people know, and what people had for dinner that day. (Stomach may, or may not have had some input on that last one.) Brain hopes to understand someday, by God reveling to her some of the God-glorifying purposes to your self-propelled actions, or from some situations. For, I know, it's ALL for HIS glory; in the end.

So, Brain and Heart; I urge you to constantly think about your loving, caring Savior. Anytime, all the time. Oh? That's like an obsession, you say? Yes, yes it is. Your new goal is to be OBSESSED. Couldn't be that hard, you know how to obsess about other things. Because your person knows you a bit more than most, I'm gonna say it shall be difficult. But logically, it shouldn't be. So, pray, communicate with God often. And trust. Trust that He knows what He's doing with your small lives.

P.S. If at all possible, could you two get off the superman kick?

Sincerely,

Your person.

~Cally Faith

A book of Purple and Swirls

This has been one of my favorite means of doing art lately. Using an art journal requires no special skill or supplies; its a great versatile means of getting your thoughts and ideas recorded... It's really nice cause it doesn't have to be perfect (and it's definitely not). I could improve pages whenever I want to. :) Art journals can be used as a notebook, schedule/planner, doodle book, major scrapbook, photo "album..." basically anything you want! I actually am going to put the scraps like receipts and random findings in my purse on a page. Anything can be used, it makes your book really unique!

I guess I'll just tell the story of my art journal with the photos of the book. If you want to share any inspirations for a page please let me know! I could always use ideas.

I say just do it. You'll be glad you did. I think it's a lot of fun. It's good for short attention-spans, because it's not like you're striving to get everything coordinated, and FINISHED. The fun is the process of the making.

|inˈspīr|verb [ trans. ]1 fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative

Photos, photos, photos!

Long-promised photos have finally made their way to my blog!

Grammy and Papa holding their second grandson- Asher Clark Johnson. He is so precious. We traveled up there on Asher's birthday-10.10.10 to greet him and be with Manda and Charlie. Praise God for this little one!

Mr. Chub cheeks Lando-man had his first sleepover at Grammie's last weekend. Spent quite a bit of time outside enjoying the lovely autumn weather, talking stroller rides, playing in the leaves, and sitting around the campfire.

Doesn't quite know what to think of the leaf pile... Looks like he enjoyed the sunset though! :) Look at the size of those cheeks-and the double chin! Isn't he suuuper cute!?

Oh, and this one I decided to randomly throw this pic. in the mix. Thank you, aunt Darlene for the very creative, artsy leg warmers! They make me pretty happy.

If you like chic flicks... I just watched Letters to Juliet last night with a couple of friends, and its really cute, I would prolly watch it again. While we watched the movie we also worked on our art journals*.

Well, more like, I attempted to work on my art journal, buuuuut it's hard for me to watch a movie I've never seen and do something else at the same time. So, I ended up glueing like four things in my book; big progress! :P But I had a lot of fun at least attempting to be creative last night!

Have an absolutely amazing weekend!

*Next post will be most of my pages from my art journal, so you can get a handle on what it is...

And the seasons color...

Changes; it's what fall is about. the changing of color from greens- to purple, red, orange, browns....eventually all will be padded in a soft, yet brilliant white that was gently sifted from the sky; but, not too soon please! Fall coaxes the change in fashion; from shorts and tanks, into jeans and a soft sweater. The season even brings some change in my diet--carmel seems to be floating around the kitchen some, apples seem more abundant, and soon we will be having soups, and such more. :) The changes for fall don't stop here though...

Yesterday afternoon I caved and yanked out my wintertime blankets--a "down comforter," and a cotton blanket- along with my bed spread and sheets. Only 4 layers for now, but once the temperature drops for the season; I will have a formidable addition to my lovely layered collection atop my twin mattress. That is my heating blanket... Which could be the equivalent to MULTIPLE blankets!

By this description, you should be able to tell... I am such a wimp when it comes to being cold. I like to say, I have "rainbow skin"- in the winter... You know, all of the "normal" shades: red, oddly white, positively purple, annnnd a mixture of the 3! I should take the temperature of my hands when they feel like ice; I wonder what their true temperature would be. Mmmm, I may give that a try.

This morning proved to be super warm--a scorching 32 degrees Fahrenheit; glad I decided to get out those cozy blankets. :) I'm looking forward to more fall-like happenings- campfires, hot chocolate, apple cider, hay, barn parties, Thanksgiving break (I'm ALREADY excited for it, only about 2 months to go, right!?), and super crunchy-sounding leaves... All make me happy.

Amazing Eyes...

Those of you that know me pretty well, probably know that I have a keen lookout for pretty-and all of those adjectives...- eyes. :o) Its one of my quirks. Well, When I was pursing the Bible on the iPod touch and I came across a great verse to back me up on what you can tell about a person by just their eyes!
The verses are Matthew 6:22-23 (I think I'll be adding these to my favorite verses, at least verse 22.)-
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

This little one's eyes are super intense! Whoa. haha

The eye is the lamp of the body. You can communicate so much with just a glance... I think its really neat how God designed us!

Well, finding these verses brightened up my evening, and I thought I would share what I found with ya'll. More on life later. I'll post pictures sometime...I will! Drop me a note. I would like to hear from you!

Prayer: Where two or three are gathered...

This morning at 7 a.m. my family -including my Daddy (!)- and many other individuals that have a connection with Waterloo Christian Academy, gathered around the flag pole. We assembled to pray for our nation, the school, and its teachers.

I praise the Lord that we live in the United States where it is completely legal to take a public stand, read the Bible, and pray out in the open. This morning already many people at public schools around the country have taken a step out of their comfort zone and talked to God around the flag pole.

Prayer is much needed right now in these days of moral corruptness, blindness, and evil. We should rise to the occasion and be prayer warriors; praising God profusely for the showers of blessing He has given us, and beseeching Him faithfully for the salvation of lost souls. But we cannot say, "well I did my share... it's time for someone else to step up!" we must be willing to follow God's leading and put our prayer into action. Now, I'm not saying I have this down, I'm writing this to be a reminder for myself... Ask God to assist us to have the boldness to complete the purpose of our existence: to glorify Him.

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." -John Piper

Lord,

Make it "our desire to join God the Father in magnifying the supremacy of his glory through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. By grace through faith we aim to ...

• treasure all that God is
• love all whom he loves
• pray for all his purposes
• meditate on all his Word
• be sustained by all his grace."*

Please give each of us the strength and will to make You, and Your love for people known here in our daily lives. Help us to find ways to stay/be wholly satisfied in You. On any day, working on any task, whether that is playing volleyball, working at a thrift store, being a stay at home mom, or being the pilot of a huge fighter plane in the air force... Lord, make yourself glorified through our lives.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

*Excerpt from mission and vision of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Visit their website at hopingod.org

Surprise, surprise!

Hey guys!

I'm actually going to update my blog this week, so keep checking. :) Facebook-less for a week. (*Dun, Dun, DUUUUUN*)

Yes, it's hard but it's good to make yourself go without something for a time. Too much of a good thing...yeah, yeah, yeah.

So, I hope to be spending more time in personal devotions, and memorizing; getting back on track. I'll be taking the time to be still and meditate on the purely awesome God we should be serving with our entire being. Why is that difficult?!

I know in my life it's too easy to forget all about the One who allows us to live with a free will, and loves us tremendously, and is always with us. Just a thought, random but, for me its true.

I want to love God supremely; and have Him be the focus of my thoughts, actions, and conversation. My stupid fallen-ness gets in the way here on earth; but with God's help we can mature spiritually, and grow in Christ-likeness each day. Join me as I pursue a deeper relationship with the great Creator of the universe, the one who allows us to call Him "Abba."

Be looking for more to come shortly!

Osborn and Backbone Trip '09

Well, somehow my photos are in reverse order of what I wanted to have them... the one above was supposed to be the last one. Oh well, I guess we'll go backwards through the day today. This is at Backbone park, I like the unusual color of the water! Beautiful scenery.


I got to bring Olivia along this trip-she had never been to Backbone (that she can remember). It was a fun experience climbing the backbone (pictured above), and doing a bit more climbing than I remember doing when I was younger... :) A playground for big kids?? I guess you have to be more careful than a park, but still very fun! An enjoyable afternoon outside, getting fresh cool air, looking at lovely scenery, with friends and family.


After we were done at Osborn we stopped for a lunch-ish/snack at Joe's Pizza. It's a joint that really reminded me of a small town LITTLE restaurant... which it was-it's in Strawberry Point. It was somewhat run down but also, "quaint"? Our groups of families (Deeds, Wheelers, Schicks, Kennens, Halls, and us) basically filled the place. Good times with good friends.

Osborne Heritage Days was yummy, interesting, COLD (maybe freezing-literally). I learned a new crafty hobby thing-spinning. I hope it'll be fun enough for me to do it, and the yarn turn out well enough for me to keep at it. I now can at least begin to make my own yarn, I don't know all of the steps to making yarn, but I'm hoping to learn them! I have a drop spin spinner, and non-dyed wool I got at Osborn today. I spun on the ride home, and it's challenging to get it just the right width not to thick and don't let the wool break, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how the yarn turns out! I'll try to get pictures of it on my blog soon. :D

Christmas- Homemade Gift Ideas?

I am wondering what are some favorite homemade Christmas presents that you have given or received in the past. Or do you have some great ideas for this year's Christmas presents? I'd love to hear about those too!

I like to make my gifts because it's more meaningful to me. Plus I think it's more fun that way to do the crafts yourself- sew, knit, crochet, paper crafts, etc.

Looking forward to getting started on making presents. :p All ready!

Please comment, and leave your ideas for homemade gifts.

We're playin' Voll-ey-ballllll, we're playin' voll-ey-ball!

I've really enjoyed this year's volleyball season with the Waterloo Christian Regents. Our coach is trying to emphasize not only to play your best volleyball game, but to be bright light and have a great attitude even when we loose. I want to see when I get to heaven, what impact we're making on the spectators and the players, by encouraging one another and picking each other up, and smiling-no matter what.

It seems to be a ministry opportunity for us when we play games. At home games we give the visiting team our girls locker room, and a fruit basket. I hope the teams we play will see something different about our team on and off the court.

I love playing with you girls! Thanks for making this season a great one. We won a game for the first time in about 2 years it was a lot of fun, but winning and losing doesn't matter as much as the impact we're allowed to have on others' lives even if it small, through volleyball.