SEE THE WAY

This picture was taken on one of my favorite missions of the summer- actually in Mission, South Dakota. Justin, Don, and I went out one night just before sunset equipped with bee killer and caulk to try and salvage a worksite that was in danger of being pulled because of a giant beehive in the outside wall of the house. Although we had so much fun preparing our game plan, talking about the possibilities of running into snakes, and getting caught up in our ultra awesome 'save the world' mentalities, the mission was ultimately a FAIL.

But, as we were preparing to leave, we turned up towards the west to see this absolutely breathtaking sunset. Mind you- this was at the end of our summer spent on Indian reservations and Justin and I were beyond ready to get the heck outta the middle-of-nowhere America. But God reminded us that He was there. I love this picture. And I absolutely love Misty Edwards’s song 'See the Way.' (I hope you take the time to listen to the lyrics, while you're here.)

God’s beauty and glory show up in the His perfect timing----wherever He chooses to reveal them.

Pink Is My Favorite Color

It has been brought to my attention that I haven’t written recently and specifically that I haven’t shared any of my teaching stories. What can I say- something different happens every day when you work with 5yr olds. I get to see the good, the bad, and most certainly- the ugly.

I now know what it looks like for a 5 year old to not be constipated after 3 days. And, in the same experience I have learn that “Ms. Stephanie is good at wiping butts.” I also know what vomit looks like when spewed all over a gym floor. Consequently, I know how to handle a small scale evacuation of a gymnasium after a ‘natural disaster.’ I know what 4 year old little teeth feel like when they chomp down on my forearm, hand, and fingers. I know what it feels like to get ‘bitch-slapped’ across the face by a 4 year old. What else? I’ve started to get really frustrated hearing “Ms. Stephanie” 25x within 30 seconds- and I finally told my kids I don’t know who that is. Now, sometimes, I’m Ms. Emily. Somehow having 2 names relieves that stress, makes them laugh, and reminds me of the real Ms. Emily whom I greatly miss. It’s a win – win. (creative solutions at work) I know that 5 year old boys think that “pee-pee” is hilarious to say, that farts are funny, and that girls have cooties.

One of the greatest lessons I’m learning is about GERMS. It’s true- they spread. While my kids leave me at the end of the day, they so generously give me a parting gift. All the boogers, snot, spit, and funk that I am exposed to every day so conveniently takes up residence in my system. Last weekend I was in bed with the flu- the nasty kind. I will say no more. And this weekend’s ailment of choice: Pink Eye. It’s super attractive. My left eye is crimson red and was swollen shut for the greater part of Saturday. And this morning, for a brief moment, I learned what it must feel like to wake up blind. The infection has spread to my right eye- and both were funked shut. It’s gross. At the current moment, I have full vision. I just happen to look like I’ve been smoking pot all morning. It’s no fun. And because it’s highly contagious, I’ve been shunned from interactions with the outside world. I did go to church this morning. My cousins had called and asked me to take them- and because I cancelled last week, I couldn’t disappoint them again. My original plan was to sit in my car and read a book- but then I decided to go to service, sit completely alone, and touch nothing. I also kept anti-bacteria spray in my pocket and used it frequently. I think I was responsible. But, this afternoon while my parents go to the Kenosha Expo, and while everyone from Great Lakes Church gets together for our first ‘connect event,’ I’m stuck back inside. Alone. Annoyed.

My time in the classroom has taught me that my days will not always be filled with sunshine and rainbows. But I’ve also learned that kids LOVE their teachers, that they think the world of me, and I have an obligation to be my very best for them every day. I know what it’s like to believe in a child who has some issues- to see him begin to thrive in his environment, to come out of his shell, and to allow affection to be received and even given. I know that if I simply curl my hair, when I walk into the room someone will say “Ms. Stephanie, you look beautiful today!” I get secret satisfaction when kids cry when their parents show up at the end of the day because they aren’t ready to go home. I’ve observed that who you become in life is most definitely shaped during your early years- and I get to be a positive part of that for these kids.

The struggles are great and constant, but the reward is far greater. The frustration is absolutely worth it.
And I’m just lucky that pink is my favorite color.

GLC my new VB

I’ve found a new church. This is huge deal to me. After leaving Valleybrook (the greatest community I’ve ever been a part of) God challenged me to look deeper at the relationship I was in with Him. I was really good at being a Valleybrooker- on staff, helping out, small groups, etc. But when I was stripped of that, God showed me what it was like to just be intimate with Him- without the bells and whistles of titles and commitments. So, it was no surprise to me that when I started attending a church here in Kenosha (FCC) when I first moved back that God would ask me to wait and not get involved with the ministries. I was so ready to hang out with high schoolers again, to be in charge of some events, to be connected to a church community- but God said “wait.” Of course, my response was “ummmm okay- but good luck showing me something better than this in Kenosha. Our churches are pretty stiff. I’m sure this is the best I’ll find.” There were many days that e-mail youth pastor at FCC was on my list of things-to-do. But God, in His perfect patients and awesomeness, was right about waiting! Imagine.
My sister, Sara, had e-mailed me a news article for a new church starting up in Kenosha at the beginning of January—Great Lakes Church. I wasn’t able to attend until the 3rd week, but when I did, I knew God was keeping a promise. I, was out of town again for the 4th week, but was able to attend this past Sunday--- and sitting next to me was my aunt. If you know me well, you know why I moved home. I had a small dream for our family. And man, God is saying- DREAM AGAIN! The kids love going there. I even popped in and saw Jon (who entered the doors with the grumpiest, unenthused look of all) volunteering up-front for a game! I’m telling you. God is doing some awesome things at Great Lakes Church and in the city of Kenosha.
Now, I can’t say all this and then not mention that this new church has faced its share of controversy already. (What great church hasn’t?!) I was supposed to meet with Dave, our pastor, at 6:30 last Thursday. He called me around 5:30 to reschedule. He had just received a call from Kenosha Unified School District (we had been meeting in an elementary school) that ‘effective immediately’ our lease with them would be terminated. The reason: a mailing had just reached mailboxes and some people were, let’s just say, less than pleased. We’re launching into 2 serviced this coming weekend, and the first series will be about SEX. [insert] Gasp!! Man were feathers ruffled- and do they continue to be. Coming from Valleybrook, the topic of healthy sexuality wasn’t something discussed and dealt with under the table. We had Pure Desire groups for guys (of all ages- including our high schoolers) addicted to pornography. Every Woman’s Battle (EWB) met weekly and discussed similar topics all promoting healthy sexuality. And just this year a few of my good friends started an Every Young Woman’s Battle group for our high school girls. I understand and appreciate the role of a church and its place and responsibility in this area of our lives.
We were able to meet (all 350 people) at Parkway Chateau (attached to the Brat Stop) this past Sunday. And, while the location of service this week is still undetermined, Dave was right when he reminded us that “the church isn’t made up of the walls around it, but the people in it.” I live in confident hope that God has an awesome plan for this church. The heart of the plant team is huge. I believe their intentions are legit and rooted deep in Scripture. I’m excited to see what God does as he continues to challenge this community in ways expected when starting out---- like getting to know new people, and in fun little detours---like finding new buildings in less than 2 days!
If you’re interested, here’s the article that ran in the Kenosha News on Sunday. I enjoy the responses from people. The good. The bad. The absolutely ridiculous!

http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/unified_boots_out_church_over_flier_4290987.html