They say that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb... I'm hope that our 50-degree temperatures and rain showers in these first few days of March don't indicate a "lion" ending to the month!
March 5-10: Standardized testing
March 6: Walking Together Movie Night
March 11-18: Visit from a college friend!
March 14: Home soccer games
March 17: Frühjahrsmarkt (last time for the traveling market in Kandern!)
March 20: End of the Third Quarter
March 21: Walking Together Coffee House
March 23: The Gathering shared meal for young adults
March 27: Spring break begins!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
A Different Day!
In the past, this weekend has usually looked like this... surrounded by the beautiful snow-covered Alps, singing and laughing and making memories as a small group on High School Retreat.
Again, the high schoolers and their leaders headed to Switzerland on Friday. Instead of joining them, my Friday looked like this: Middle School Activity Day!
Again, the high schoolers and their leaders headed to Switzerland on Friday. Instead of joining them, my Friday looked like this: Middle School Activity Day!
Although it was strange to see the retreat buses pull up and not head off with my small group, I had a blast bowling and playing games at Activity Day instead! It was a different day - and a great one at that!
The 6th grade boys got creative!
What a joy to spend the day with the 6th grade girls!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Walking Together Events
Back in October, over sixty ladies gathered at Elemenz Cafe for an opportunity to connect and begin to build intentional relationships. Gathered around tables covered with coffee cups and crumbs, huddled in conversations punctuated by laughter, faces illuminated by candlelight... we knew that was only the beginning of the vision for Walking Together.
It's not easy planning events when the calendar is already packed full with a dizzying amount of worthwhile activities! But over the past month, we've had two different events - a Movie Night and a Coffee (and Tea!) House. It has been delightful to relax with other women in the community in these different settings.
As I've been dreaming about these events, setting up and cleaning up, meeting new people and going deeper with close friends, I've been struck by why I'm so passionate about making it all happen. It's not about how many women attend an event, where we end up meeting, or how good the food tastes (okay, that matters a little bit!). Ultimately, what matters is that Christ is glorified. May Walking Together continue to connect women to the glory of God.
Thank You, Jesus, that You care about relationships and desire relationship with us. It's all for You!
It's not easy planning events when the calendar is already packed full with a dizzying amount of worthwhile activities! But over the past month, we've had two different events - a Movie Night and a Coffee (and Tea!) House. It has been delightful to relax with other women in the community in these different settings.
I hosted "Moms' Night Out" movie night at my apartment, while four other women showed different movies in their homes.
The Coffee (and Tea!) House was held in a large classroom at the school, which we transformed into a cozy, relaxing space.
There was a beautiful spread of desserts!
Determined to provide quality tea for avid tea drinkers, Ellen found these fun loose-leaf teas!
My Pinterest project for the evening! I made decorative garland from old book pages.
This cozy corner in the library was soon claimed for reading, journaling, and conversation.
As I've been dreaming about these events, setting up and cleaning up, meeting new people and going deeper with close friends, I've been struck by why I'm so passionate about making it all happen. It's not about how many women attend an event, where we end up meeting, or how good the food tastes (okay, that matters a little bit!). Ultimately, what matters is that Christ is glorified. May Walking Together continue to connect women to the glory of God.
Thank You, Jesus, that You care about relationships and desire relationship with us. It's all for You!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Month at a Glance: February 2015
The new month began with flurries today and just a thin blanket of snow on the ground. Things I love about this season: snow-dusted rooftops, candlelight, warm blankets, and the hush of the gentle snow fall.
February 1: Skype with GCC students interested in serving overseas
February 4: Laura's "Better Than a Super Bowl" birthday
February 6: 6th Grade First Semester Writing Portfolio Share
February 6-7: Home basketball games
February 7: Walking Together Coffee House
February 13: Middle School basketball game
February 16: No school!
February 27: Middle School Activity Day (bowling and games)
February 1: Skype with GCC students interested in serving overseas
February 4: Laura's "Better Than a Super Bowl" birthday
February 6: 6th Grade First Semester Writing Portfolio Share
February 6-7: Home basketball games
February 7: Walking Together Coffee House
February 13: Middle School basketball game
February 16: No school!
February 27: Middle School Activity Day (bowling and games)
Saturday, January 10, 2015
"For All That You Have Done"
Just before Christmas break, I listened all the way through Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Campfire Christmas. As much as I enjoyed the folk-infused Christmas carols, it was the last track that caught my attention. I recognized the tune as "Auld Lang Syne," but I was captured by Rend Collective's new lyrics.
Your grace will never be forgot
Your mercy all my life
Will be my source forever song
My story and my light
From mountain top to valley low
Through laughter and through tears
Surely the goodness of my God
Will follow all the years
You know our failures and regrets
You've always led us home
Redemption's arm has raised us up
Our triumph in the storm
In unity we'll stand as one
As family we'll go
Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand
Into the great unknown
For all that You have done for us
For every battle won
We'll raise a song to bless Your heart
For all that You have done
As I've listened to this song on repeat over the last few weeks, it has quickly become my self-proclaimed "song for the year." These words are a heartfelt offering of thanks to God "for all that He has done" in the past, a reminder of His work in the world in this very moment, and a declaration of my trust in Him for the future.
I shared this song with the middle schoolers at chapel on Friday, and I'm hopeful that it will remind us of truth as it comes to mind. God is good, and I will continue to raise a song to testify to His faithfulness!
Your grace will never be forgot
Your mercy all my life
Will be my source forever song
My story and my light
From mountain top to valley low
Through laughter and through tears
Surely the goodness of my God
Will follow all the years
You know our failures and regrets
You've always led us home
Redemption's arm has raised us up
Our triumph in the storm
In unity we'll stand as one
As family we'll go
Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand
Into the great unknown
For all that You have done for us
For every battle won
We'll raise a song to bless Your heart
For all that You have done
As I've listened to this song on repeat over the last few weeks, it has quickly become my self-proclaimed "song for the year." These words are a heartfelt offering of thanks to God "for all that He has done" in the past, a reminder of His work in the world in this very moment, and a declaration of my trust in Him for the future.
I shared this song with the middle schoolers at chapel on Friday, and I'm hopeful that it will remind us of truth as it comes to mind. God is good, and I will continue to raise a song to testify to His faithfulness!
(I'm hiding behind the piano in the picture above!
I loved getting to lead chapel worship with some of my friends this week!)
Monday, January 5, 2015
Seek.
It's a new year, and we are once again surrounded by goals and resolutions. My experience with setting New Year's Resolutions in 2011 has led me to focus less on the goal-setting and more on the lesson-learning. I want to begin each year - and live the whole year! - with more of an awareness of how God is at work in my heart and in the world around me.
Rather than having a check-list of must-dos, I gravitated towards the idea of having "one word" for 2015. I asked God to help me discern His word for my year - a year that will bring lots of change and transition, bittersweet goodbyes and new beginnings. So, it's not a surprise that I first thought of the word "trust." Trust? Really? It seemed a bit trite. I even told a friend that it was too obvious - of course, trust will be a big part of this year and should be every year! I wondered if this was the word I was supposed to settle on.
A few days later, the Lord brought the word "seek" to mind. Immediately, I began to think about how this word connects to my current situation.
I am seeking His leading and guidance for this fall (where to live, which grad school program to choose, how to connect with people), as well as the months and years to come.
I want to be intentional about seeking out meaningful conversations with others, both in this community and wherever I live next.
Most of all, my heart's desire is to seek Christ and know Him more, but I want to learn more of how to seek Him.
Yes, "seek"! I did a quick Scripture search and found this:
God wants me to seek...
His face (Psalm 27:4 and 8, 105:4)
His strength (1 Chronicles 16:11)
His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
His will (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)
The Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
Justice (Isaiah 1:17)
Peace (Proverbs 34:14)
With all my heart (Psalm 119:10, Jeremiah 29:13)
There is no mention of seeking answers, solutions, or shortcuts. Seeking isn't a means to an end, but a valuable process in and of itself. I pray that this year will be one of actively pursuing Him - not just to figure out what He wants me to do, but to truly know Him more.
As I "seek" this year, I'm claiming these promises...
God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)
I will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10)
All my needs will be met (Matthew 6:33)
The Lord is good to me (Lamentations 3:25)
I will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7)
He will answer and deliver me from my fears (Psalm 34:4)
What is your "one word" for 2015?
Rather than having a check-list of must-dos, I gravitated towards the idea of having "one word" for 2015. I asked God to help me discern His word for my year - a year that will bring lots of change and transition, bittersweet goodbyes and new beginnings. So, it's not a surprise that I first thought of the word "trust." Trust? Really? It seemed a bit trite. I even told a friend that it was too obvious - of course, trust will be a big part of this year and should be every year! I wondered if this was the word I was supposed to settle on.
A few days later, the Lord brought the word "seek" to mind. Immediately, I began to think about how this word connects to my current situation.
I am seeking His leading and guidance for this fall (where to live, which grad school program to choose, how to connect with people), as well as the months and years to come.
I want to be intentional about seeking out meaningful conversations with others, both in this community and wherever I live next.
Most of all, my heart's desire is to seek Christ and know Him more, but I want to learn more of how to seek Him.
Yes, "seek"! I did a quick Scripture search and found this:
God wants me to seek...
His face (Psalm 27:4 and 8, 105:4)
His strength (1 Chronicles 16:11)
His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)
His will (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)
The Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
Justice (Isaiah 1:17)
Peace (Proverbs 34:14)
With all my heart (Psalm 119:10, Jeremiah 29:13)
There is no mention of seeking answers, solutions, or shortcuts. Seeking isn't a means to an end, but a valuable process in and of itself. I pray that this year will be one of actively pursuing Him - not just to figure out what He wants me to do, but to truly know Him more.
Taken from: http://tinyurl.com/mx3fm9v
As I "seek" this year, I'm claiming these promises...
God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)
I will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10)
All my needs will be met (Matthew 6:33)
The Lord is good to me (Lamentations 3:25)
I will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7)
He will answer and deliver me from my fears (Psalm 34:4)
What is your "one word" for 2015?
Taken from: instapray.com
I'm linking up with Velvet Ashes, where women around the world are sharing their "one words." #OneWord365
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Month at a Glance: January 2015
January 1: New Year's Day
January 7: All-Staff Breakfast
January 8: Classes resume
January 16: Walking Together Movie Night
January 16: Walking Together Movie Night
January 21-22: Middle school midterm exams
January 22: Middle school basketball
January 23: Teacher work day
January 23-24: Home basketball games
January 26: Beginning of Quarter 3
January 30-31: Home basketball games
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Christmas at the Middle School
Life with middle schoolers is never dull! I love the students who fill the halls of BFA Middle School. Their energy amazes me - especially just before Christmas break! Last Friday we had a Secret Santa gift exchange before our closing chapel. Here are some shots that attempt to capture the pre-Christmas excitement!
I miss seeing these smiling faces each day! For now, I think we're all grateful for the break from the normal routine to spend time with family and friends and be refreshed. See you in 2015, BFA MS!
I miss seeing these smiling faces each day! For now, I think we're all grateful for the break from the normal routine to spend time with family and friends and be refreshed. See you in 2015, BFA MS!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Month at a Glance: December
December 1: "The Gathering" Young Adults shared meal
December 4-7: Experience Christmas markets in Heidelberg and Cologne
December 10: Lead literacy professional development for elementary school staff
December 11: Christmas market in Kandern
December 12: Middle School Christmas Party and closing chapel at high school
December 13: Christmas break begins!
December 15: Fly to the States
December 20-23: Family reunion in Newtown
December 24: Christmas Eve services at Grace Point
December 25: Merry Christmas!
December 29: Fly back to Germany
December 31: New Year's Eve fireworks in Kandern
December 4-7: Experience Christmas markets in Heidelberg and Cologne
December 10: Lead literacy professional development for elementary school staff
December 11: Christmas market in Kandern
December 12: Middle School Christmas Party and closing chapel at high school
December 13: Christmas break begins!
December 15: Fly to the States
December 20-23: Family reunion in Newtown
December 24: Christmas Eve services at Grace Point
December 25: Merry Christmas!
December 29: Fly back to Germany
December 31: New Year's Eve fireworks in Kandern
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Five Years of Thankful
Last night marked the fifth and final annual Thanksgiving celebration with friends here in Kandern. Brittany and I have so enjoyed the tradition of hosting each year. I am deeply thankful for the different people God has brought to our table over the past five years. In this transient place, I don't take for granted the many individuals that the Lord has provided to encourage and shape me in this season. Our shared meal marks a moment in a year-round posture of gratitude. What a wonderful opportunity to fix our eyes on Him, the giver of all good gifts!
I'm thankful for roommates who have also embraced our calling to open our home to others.
I'm thankful for friends who join me in sincere celebration.
I'm thankful for student teachers, whose short months at BFA impacted me significantly.
I'm thankful for countless supporters, whose prayer and sacrifice have made it possible for me to continue to serve at BFA for five years.
I'm thankful for my piano, which I've been able to play for worship each year.
I'm thankful for candle light, which sets the mood for meaningful conversation.
I'm thankful for cooler weather, so that we can store food outside while we await the delivery of our new refrigerator.
I'm thankful for Scripture, which reminds us of all that we have to be thankful for and leads us in giving thanks to our Maker.
Although I'm not sure who will be around the table with me next year (or who will continue this tradition here in Kandern!), one thing I do know: There will always be so much to be thankful for!
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
I'm thankful for roommates who have also embraced our calling to open our home to others.
I'm thankful for friends who join me in sincere celebration.
I'm thankful for student teachers, whose short months at BFA impacted me significantly.
I'm thankful for countless supporters, whose prayer and sacrifice have made it possible for me to continue to serve at BFA for five years.
I'm thankful for my piano, which I've been able to play for worship each year.
I'm thankful for candle light, which sets the mood for meaningful conversation.
I'm thankful for cooler weather, so that we can store food outside while we await the delivery of our new refrigerator.
I'm thankful for Scripture, which reminds us of all that we have to be thankful for and leads us in giving thanks to our Maker.
Thanksgiving this year!
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
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