So Long, Sherrye

Today we loaded the moving truck and said goodbye to our second home. {You can read our goodbye to our first home here}.

For us, Sherrye was a fresh start. After closing our church, losing a job, and walking through the loss of a genetic family, we desperately needed some time to heal. We didn't know what the Lord had for us next, so we needed a place where we could figure that out. A temporary stopping place.

Mike and I have reflected on how the Lord has been so gracious to us in each of our housing situations. So it was no surprise when Sherrye was a blessing from the start. We put out the feelers that we were looking for a place closer to Woodcreek, as we had decided to move back to the church where we had met to be close to family and community while we processed through life. Some friends from the 20s group reached out and everything just fell into place.

We have been so grateful for the Sherrye house. You never know how renting from friends will turn out, but we never had to worry about that with J&T. They have been super gracious from day one, and we were just glad to be the chosen stewards for their home while they lived abroad. We hope and pray that we were able to be at least a fraction of the blessing to them as they have been to us.

This home didn't come with creaky floors or crazy rodents {thankfully!}, but as an older home, it still came with its own charm. But I like to think it got us prepared to be homeowners :)  

While we were trying to figure out what the Lord had for us in this season, we found this home to be a safe haven. We have been closer to family and community, and it has allowed us to seek the healing we so desperately needed. While we would still face more questions, loss, and heartache, this home will always hold a special place in our hearts, because Sherrye is where we brought our babies home.

Some of the great memories in this home...

• Getting re-connected with our church family at Woodcreek
• Being closer to family, enjoying lots of cousin time
• Celebrating 5 years of marriage to my best friend, deepening our relationship through the Re | Engage study, and remember that fun year of dates?
• Getting to set up a nursery and take maternity photos {which I love, since we got to take engagement photos in our Leland house}
• Bringing our precious babies home and surviving the first year with twins :)
• Celebrating our first Christmas as a family of 4
• Learning to lean on and trust the Lord through miscarriage, crazy health issues, job and ministry changes

Despite our plans for a temporary stopping place, Sherrye was home to us for almost 3 years. It was never our plan to stay long term, but we will forever be grateful for the opportunity we had to live, heal, and grow in this place. We are excited about diving into our new home and community, but we know that it would not have been possible without the blessing of this Sherrye home.

Home Tour :: Sherrye Space

This new home was a gift from the Lord. With all of the big companies moving into the area {Toyota, State Farm, etc}, we were having a hard time finding something in our price range. Rental properties were going just as fast as the rest of the housing market. 

The Lord brought us this space in the perfect time. Some friends from the 20s group at Woodcreek {Lucas and Lauren} were renting this house from another set of friends {Josh and Tiffany} who are currently living in China. {Random fact: Lucas and I served in Nicaragua together}. Anyway, Lucas and Lauren were getting ready to transition out of the house and knew we were looking for a new place in the area. After visiting the house, and then Skyping with Josh and Tiffany, we had our new place! 

It works out so well for everyone involved, it's like the Lord planned it or something ;)

We are still working on personalizing the space, but we were blessed with several gift cards that have allowed us to begin making this house into "our" home. And we are thankful to Josh and Tiffany for allowing us to paint!

Welcome to our new space! :)

I LOVE that we have another red door! Sasha says "come in and play!"

Frame and "M": Michaels // Print: my own // Wicker tray, white pitcher: Home Goods // Cherry Blossoms: Kirkland's

Mirror: a wedding gift // Table, white bowl and decorative spheres: Home Goods

So excited to have a fireplace!!

I'm so glad that our coffee bar fit...the important things, you know :)

Lantern: At Home // Shutters: JoAnn's (painted myself) // Frame and clock: Hobby Lobby // Books: Mike's bookshelf :)

We inherited this fun cedar chest from Mike's great aunt- we love it and store our blankets in it

We were glad that our cabinet fit in this house; it was a purchase we made with wedding money

Kitchen/breakfast nook/laundry

Breakfast nook

This front room is still a work in progress, but we each have our respective corners ;)  And Sasha uses it as her nap room haha

Excited to have my own little craft corner!

Master bedroom

Frames: Michael's // Prints: my own

I love displaying the bowl and pitcher that Mike used to wash my feet after he proposed

Frame: Michael's // Print: Almost Noelle // Vows: made myself

Guest Room/Sasha Room. Currently working on a wood sign to display above the bed

{And no- we do not require our guests to sleep with Sasha...she comes to our room when we have guests haha}

Frame: Hobby Lobby {used at our wedding} // Print: my own

Trying to add a few amenities to the space :)

Guest bathroom...

So that's our space! We also get to enjoy a pretty sizable backyard with a covered porch, a master bathroom, and a third bedroom that is currently a storage space/staging area for the remaining decorative items that I am working on. We are so thankful for the Lord's provision!

High Five for Friday!

{one} We are officially moved in to our new home and have been busy unpacking and getting settled. I realized the other day as I was unpacking boxes that I could have very well been doing that in Kansas or Michigan, far away from everything familiar. But instead, I am unpacking my new home just minutes from family and friends. That blessing is not lost on me, and I am so thankful for this season. It may not last forever, but I want to enjoy it while I can.

{two} National Dog Day was on Wednesday, so I am a few days late, but I wanted to be sure to post a photo of my favorite pup! Puppy is still not so sure about her new home, never letting me wander too far. She definitely doesn't seem comfortable in her new surroundings yet, but I am sure it won't take long. She at least has her favorite nap spot still :)

{three} Even though I left my executive assistant position, I have been doing a little consulting with them. For the foreseeable future, I will be doing some work from home for them. It's a win-win, where I can help a little more with the transition and growth while earning a little extra income. It has worked out really well, and I am excited about this opportunity. It's the perfect fit; the work from home aspect works out well for my health, and I still get to work with some of my favorite people.

{four} The McCulloughs instituted Thursday Ice Cream Family Fun Time :)  Every Thursday, whoever is available can meet for ice cream. We made it to our first family fun time this week, enjoying time with family and yummy ice cream from Sweet Firefly. We won't be able to make it every week, but I LOVE this fun new tradition!

{five} Our sweet friend Jon is stepping away from the young adult ministry at church and moving on to be the Worship Pastor. While I know the young adult ministry will have a huge hole to fill, we are excited for what the Lord is going to do through Jon and his wife Sami next! On Sunday, we will be going to a Communion Reunion Dinner to honor them and celebrate with sweet friends from the group. I am excited to see old friends and reminisce about the ministry that was so vital to my spiritual growth when I moved to Dallas.

High Five for Friday!

It has been awhile since I have done a High Five for Friday! :)

{one} Things have been crazy busy at work. Since going public, things have naturally picked up, but one of my bosses was out of the country on a mission trip for 2 weeks, so it has been crazy having him back and trying to help him get caught up. Definitely makes for some long and full days, but I am thankful for the work and the busyness.

{two} I have been feeling well lately. My flare-ups seem to be fewer and farther between {praise Jesus!}, and most often seem related to what I am eating now. So as long as I stay on top of that and eat well, I do pretty well! Since Humira is a TNF blocker {and therefore works to reduce the inflammation caused by Crohn's}, it can lower my immune system's ability to fight infections. It has been nothing short of a miracle that I have not been sick more often, but  I have started experiencing some of the effects of being more prone to infection. I would certainly covet your continued prayers of protection.

{three} Yesterday after work, I met Mike at a Chamber of Commerce event, a "New Members" showcase. We decided that Mike {as lead pastor of Redeemer Church} should join the Chamber as a way to network and meet people in the community. It was a great public way to start getting our name out there! We're trying to find ways to engage people in the community and share our heart and vision {more on this to come this summer!}, because we want to be available to serve and pray for the people we meet. And speaking of Redeemer Church...this week, we mailed off our certificate of formation for our church as a non-profit. The Lord has graciously provided godly men to step up as board members, and it's a big step toward becoming an officially recognized church in the state of Texas!

{four} Can I get a shout out for the SPURS?!?! Lovd this article about their win last night..."If you’re a Heat fan you might be a little worried- the Spurs just beat you in your style of game. In your building."  :) This is our year {again}. I can feel it. Go Spurs Go!

{five} Tonight I am heading to dinner with the sweet girls from the Bible study I led in the 20s group at Woodcreek- we're having a reunion! I am so excited to see these sweet girls and catch up with them :)



Acts

I have been a part of the girls Bible study with the 20s group, and for the past 9 months, we have been studying the book of Acts. I haven't done an in-depth study of this book since I was in high school, so it was such a blessing to take the book chapter by chapter and really dive deep into the Word.

The group of women that I had the privilege of studying with was such a blessing to me. I was encouraged week after week with their words of wisdom and insight, and I learned so much from them. One thing I have learned about myself over the past couple of years in leading Bible study is that I LOVE small group study. I love being able to walk through Scripture each week and hearing how the Lord is moving in each person's heart and life. I love the intimacy that comes through vulnerability and the desire to seek Jesus together. I love watching the Word inspire and transform hearts. It is such a humbling experience to lead a Bible study, as I rarely feel equipped to do so. I'm just not smart enough for it. But I have been so blessed in being obedient to the places the Lord has placed me to serve, and my heart is encouraged and challenged all the time.

I LOVED the book of Acts. I loved reading about the beginning roots of the church. I loved learning the back story to many of the other New Testament books. I loved watching the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit transform lives and communities. I loved reading about Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the Word and sharing Jesus with everyone he met.

One of the things I have been most challenged by through the study of Acts is how Paul felt that the Gospel was something worth losing everything for. For Paul, it was more than just being obedient to the call the Lord placed on His life to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. He was certainly obedient in that, but Paul believed in the Gospel he preached. And that belief is what drove Him to live a life unashamed of the Gospel he believed. Every decision, every action or next step, was centered around the Gospel. It wasn't a "side task" or something he made time for on the weekends. It was the foundation for who he was and how he lived his life.

This study made me realize how often I forget the Gospel. That may sound strange, but it's a harsh reality of my sinful heart. I don't forget what Jesus did for me on the cross; but I do too often forget that it should be the driving force behind, well everything. How I spend my time, how I do my work, how I spend my money, how I make decision, how I interact with everyone I meet. My prayer has been that I can live a life closer to that of Paul. Not because I think I can be this amazing saint who has this awesome story. Paul was awesome, no doubt. But Paul just understood the power of the Gospel. He met Jesus face to face and was blown away by the life, love, and power He offers. He understood that the message he carried with him was a matter of life and death and was worth risking (and actually losing) everything for. Nothing compared

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." ~ Acts 20:24

I am so blessed to be marrying a man that understands the power of the Gospel and who desires to live in such a way that makes the Gospel central in our lives. He challenges me in this all the time, and I am excited to partner with him in serving our Savior.

days! :)

Bittersweet

I feel like a broken record sometimes when I continually post that life is busy. I guess I could use a different adjective- active, engaged, bustling, occupied, full, humming, lively, hectic- but whatever your word of choice, I think we can all agree that I have a lot of stuff going on :)

With work, wedding planning, moving, 20s group, wedding showers, and preparing for marriage and life in McKinney, there is definitely no shortage of excitement. I am counting down the days (42 left!) until I get to marry the man I love and start our life together in McKinney. Mike moves into the house tomorrow, and everything is getting more exciting as we approach the wedding. It is definitely a fun time!

While my lack of patience excited anticipation makes me want things to hurry up and get here, I also want to recognize these next 42 days for the blessing they are. I want to drink in and enjoy every moment of the time the Lord has given me. After all, I am a single woman for only 42 more days! ;) Haha-I don't mean I want to "live it up" until the wedding. What I really mean is that I have started reflecting on my life and how incredibly blessed I have been. That blessing doesn't go away with marrying Mike- it only multiplies! But my life is changing on July 15th in more ways than one, and that transition is most definitely bittersweet.

When I reflect back over my life and how the Lord has grown me in the last few years, the main thing that comes to mind is the 20s group. Amidst the excitement and joy of getting married and moving to McKinney, there is also the reality of saying good-bye to this precious part of my life. We're only moving 25 minutes north, so we will still be able to maintain relationships with these sweet friends and mentors. But things will be different. Woodcreek has really become "home" for me, and to know that this chapter of my life is ending is bittersweet.

When I first moved to Dallas, I did the whole "church shopping" thing for a year. And it was miserable haha. I don't recommend it if you can avoid it. It was definitely a time of growth for me- the Lord taught me complete dependence on Him and just how critical it is to be in constant community with other believers. I got pretty good at walking into a room full of strangers :) It took me a year to find Woodcreek, but when I did, I knew I was home. This sweet church family has meant so much to me over the past few years. The first person I met when I walked in the door was Scott Winn, who is marrying me and Mike. The first person I met in the 20s group was Sami Lilley, who is one of my bridesmaids. And of course, Woodcreek is where I met that cute youth pastor I had my eyes on ;)

I have loved every minute of being a part of this church body. I have been so blessed with countless friendships with a group of people who have challenged and encouraged me to fall more in love with Jesus. I have had the privilege of serving in the 20s group as a leader, specifically with the singles group. I feel so humbled to have been a part of praying through the growth and changes of this group. They welcomed and loved me from day one, and I have been blessed with some sweet lifelong friends.

So it's hard to say good-bye. Again, it's not like I won't ever see these people again, but our time together will look different. I will soon no longer be a part of the singles group I love so dearly. I won't see these sweet friends every Sunday at church, every Monday at Bible study, or at any of the other events throughout the week like I have for the past couple of years. With the busyness of the past few months, I have somehow eluded the reality of this part of the transition. I have known it was coming, sure. But it hasn't been until the last couple of weeks that it has truly hit me that this part of my life is shifting. I think it's because the time is getting short and I am attending a lot of "lasts."

So now that I am bawling as I write this post because the reality is sinking in haha, I don't want to miss the point of why I even started this post. The point was not to make myself sad (though I have quite obviously managed to do that), but was to give all praise and honor to Jesus for all of it. The church body, the family He blessed me with, the encouragement, the sweet relationships, a place to serve, a place to grow. It all has been such a precious gift from the Lord, and I want to recognize it as such. I am so grateful for this sweet time in my life. So while I will cry as this chapter of my life ends, I will also rejoice in His good gifts and His perfect plan.

A (Broken and Contrite) Heart of Worship

This morning at the Gathering, we spent time in song and prayer through one of my favorite models/methods of coming before the Lord: A.C.T.S.

Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication

We read through verses and sang songs that pertained to each section, and it was such a sweet time of intimate worship with my Savior. I am so grateful for the humble leaders who desire for us to have a true heart of worship. So many times we as believers rush into a worship song, say a prayer, and get started with the message, forgetting the state of our hearts and the fact that we are entering into the presence of a HOLY God. Even in my study of Isaiah this week, we are reading about meaningless offerings that the Lord detests. It breaks my heart to think that I too often bring empty words to my Lord...He is worthy of so much more!

We tell ourselves and others that the Lord hears our prayers (which He does), but we must not forget that God desires a broken and contrite heart. And the reality is that God doesn't hear all of our prayers....

"When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen." ~ Isaiah 1:15

Israel had been worshipping with meaningless words and empty hearts, and the Lord refused to listen to their prayers. They had not repented of the sin in their lives and He hid His eyes from them. It really makes me stop and examine my own heart when I approach God in worship/prayer. Is my heart pure enough to approach the God of the universe? Please understand that I realize I am washed in the blood of the Lamb, and am therefore pure before God; it's the only way I have any opportunity to approach the throne of God. But my sin still mars my communication with the Lord. If my heart is not right before the Lord, my songs and prayers are meaningless. I love Psalm 51- we read it this morning and I have been meditating on it today...

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.  For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jersualem; then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar." 

Hello Summer!

My crazy schedule has officially come to an end :) BSF is on break for the summer, my big work projects/meetings are over, and I am done with studying!!! I took my CPCU exam on Monday, and I cannot tell you how relieved I am for it to be behind me. When I arrived at the testing center, they got me all checked in and then informed me that the internet was down so I would not be able to take my exam and would have to reschedule for next week. Two problems with that: my testing window closes on the 15th (meaning I have no choice but to take it before that date) and I will be in Nicaragua next week. So I spent the morning on the phone, trying to find a compassionate soul to help me reschedule at another testing location that same day. God was so good and put me in contact with a sweet lady who went out of her way to help me. I thought I was going to have to wait 4-6 weeks to find out my grade, but I think that because of all the hassle it took for me to even take my exam on Monday they took pity on me and graded it early. And I passed! Even though I am leaning toward not moving forward with my CPCU designation, it is still nice to know that the long months of studying were not in vain. I had prayed for a miracle, and it's still nice to pass :)

Now that everything is done, I am really excited about the summer. Someone asked me the other day what I plan to do this summer. I shared about my trip to Nicaragua, then said that after that, I am not planning anything :) I am most looking forward to not having any set plans for the summer and just taking the opportunity to rest, spend time with the Lord, hang out with friends, catch up on reading, make some trips home to see my family...whatever comes up! The thought of no scheduled plans is simply wonderful!

So next up: Nicaragua! I am definitely looking forward to this trip. I can't believe it's already here and we leave on Sunday! This trip is the culmination of a lot of work the Lord has been doing in my heart over the past year, so I am excited to finally be able to go and serve. I look forward to the ministry opportunities we will be a part of while we are there and to being used by God in any way He chooses. I have been praying for the Lord to prepare my heart for the things He will teach me and show me while we are there. I just feel so blessed to be able to take part in His work in supporting the missionaries who have given up their own comforts to serve and love the people in Nicaragua.

While we are there, we will be working alongside OneByOne ministries. Their goal is to reach Nicaragua's children and youth with the gospel of Christ, and then provide them with a strong education to improve their lives. We will also have the opportunity to work with House of Hope, which is a vocational center for women wanting to leave prostitution. Our team plans to blog about our time in Nicaragua, so if you would like to follow us, please click here. We would appreciate your prayers for the Lord to be glorified in all that we do and say.

Countdown to Nica: 3 Days!

Pine Cove Work Crew!

This past weekend, our singles group headed out to Pine Cove in East Texas to serve on the work crew. I have served on a work crew with the 20s group before, so I was really excited to go with our singles group. We got to serve meals to 5th and 6th graders from Ruston, LA, and we also helped the staff move their offices. It rained for most of the weekend (and we woke up to SNOW on Sunday!) so we were not able to help with the outdoor projects. But that allowed us to have a lot of free time to just hang out together, play games, sing songs, frolic in the woods....despite the fact that I ended up getting sick and completely losing my voice, it was an awesome weekend with sweet friends!

Here are some fun pictures from the weekend (courtesy of the beautiful Melissa Miller):

Serving in the kitchen

Yeah. So I like organization....

All work...A LOT of play :)

Proud to represent!

Hanging out in the loft...

Hehe...

Campfire and S'mores!

Another really great thing about the weekend was the devotional times we had together. Clint, one of the other leaders, did an awesome job of leading these for our group. Our focus this weekend was intentionality, integrity, accountability, and discipleship. As leaders, we really want this group to move beyond just "hanging out" to actually growing together in our faith, encouraging each other in our walks, drawing each other closer to the heart of God. Some of that already happens; but as our group grows, we want to ensure that that remains our ultimate focus. I am so excited about each person in this group; I love each and every one of them, and I am so thankful for the people He has put together. This weekend was an awesome time to get away from distractions and just refocus on the Lord. I am excited to see all that God will do, and I am so humbled by the fact that He has allowed me to be a part of it!

March Madness

So my poor little blog has been slightly neglected in recent days...my life could be summed into one word these days: BUSY. I have been busy before, so it's not something new. I think I am just a different kind of busy. A good busy :) I knew this semester was going to be tough, as I am trying to juggle two very time-consuming ministries. I am so blessed by both, but am just feeling the pressure of both commitments. It's really hard sometimes because I really want to serve well in both places...and because my time is so limited, it's not always easy to do that. But I press on, and I praise God for the blessings He is providing- both in strengthening me to finish well, and in the relationships I am forming through the work He has called me to.

Here's a look ahead at some fun things coming up in March...I have lots of work and studying stuff going on too, but I'd rather focus on the fun stuff anyway haha. And as far as March Madness goes...I doubt I will have time to enjoy the real NCAA March Madness, but hopefully I can catch a game or two in the midst of the craziness ;)

Communion Dinner- I know I have said this before, but this is one of my favorite things in the 20s group! I love spending time with this sweet group of friends, taking time to fellowship and pray together as we remember our Lord's sacrifice. It's one of the things that I sit and revel in the idea that this is how church was meant to be. This month is Mexican-themed, so I need to figure out what dish I am going to take.

Singles Hockey Game- This weekend, the singles group is heading to a hockey game! We're going to see the Allen Americans take on the Mississippi Riverkings! I'm not much of a hockey fan- to be honest, I have a hard time following the stupid puck-lol. But I think this should be fun! The guys are hoping for a fight, and I am just hoping I can stay warm :)

Phantom of the Opera! I am SO excited to finally see this play! I have wanted to for a long time, but have never been able to. But it's here in Dallas, and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to go. I'm going with a group of people, and we're planning to get dressed up and make a fun night of it; I have already been serenaded the soundtrack, and I can't wait!

Pine Cove Work Crew Weekend! The singles are heading to a work weekend at Pine Cove Camp in Tyler, TX. I have been with the 20s group before, but this trip is specifically for our singles group. I am really looking forward to this- I think it's going to be a good thing for our group. The other leaders and I are working to make sure that we take the time to focus on why we hang out and where we want our group to be in terms of our relationship with God and with each other. There's just something about serving together and being out in the woods with a group of friends to help solidify friendships and draw people closer together.

Josh Turner Concert :) I have shared with you in recent posts about my love for country music. And I have tried to see Josh Turner in concert for some time now. And I found my chance....he will be at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth at the end of this month and I am going!!! I cannot tell you how excited I am! I am going with a couple of sweet friends (Laura and Lindsey), and I can't wait for it to get here :)

First Nica '10 Meeting! I haven't mentioned this yet, but we will be having our first team meeting in a couple of weeks, so now is as good a time as ever to announce it. This summer, I will be going on a mission trip with our 20s group to Nicaragua! We will be going to serve with missionaries from our 20s group who are serving in Managua. I participated in mission's trips with my high school youth group, but have not done any since then. I have felt the Lord laying it on my heart to go on another trip for some time now, and I am excited about this one. I can't wait to see how God prepares our team for this trip!

First Day of SPRING!!! I just have to say it. I am SO looking forward to SPRING. I have never liked cold weather- I live in Texas for a reason ;) Moving to Dallas, winter is definitely longer and more severe than way down in San Antonio. I know I don't know what cold is...I have friends that have endured the winters of Chicago and Virginia. But again....I live in Texas. We're not supposed to have cold weather- lol. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed our snow day, but I am just done with cold weather. Enough already. I am ready for some sunshine and warm weather! :)