"Had to walk the Rocks...

...to see the mountain view..."

YES. I did finally get a job. My friend Rachel referred me to the consignment store where she works. I went in for an informal interview, and was hired later that afternoon. At the time, I was really stressed about all the rejection letters I recieved in response to my applications, and was feeling desparate. Now, I can see God clearly leading...the way in which I was led to the "Clothesline" was really cool, and such a relief. In the beginning, I intended to work there short term - but now as I reflect, I have enjoyed getting to know my co-workers so much (and have valued the experience of joining the ranks of the millions of retail workers in the US), I just think God is asking me to really BE where I am. Participate in life, love the people around you, and learn to deal with the same things they do on a day to day basis. In summary, I am really glad to be out of "ministry" (by title) and really get into ministry - not that I have the need to name what I am doing...I just feel like I am where I am supposed to be (always a good feeling).

Jeremy is doing really well too. He is working part-time at the Natural Foods Market, and really enjoys it, though it is a more professional work environment than you would think. We have both really gotten into eating healthy(most of the time - or should I say, when we feel like it ;), and taking care of our bodies and considering the world around us through our consumer habits. We arent perfect yet, but its all about the baby steps with us. School is going really well for Jeremy too. He started out with 3 classes, but dropped one b/c he wasnt doing anything else besides school and work - and frankly, that isnt why we moved here. Now he has the freedom to get involved with church, spend time with friends, and most importantly, with his wife... :)

The ways in which God has provided for us are, once again, miraculous. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how we are making it each month...I mean, I have a clue, but the less I pay attention, and the more I trust - the less I need to worry (or so it seems). Weird, I know.

Well. life is good here. And to anyone reading this...thanks.

The Mountains Win Again

Wow, I cant believe that we are finally HERE! Its a wonder it took so long to figure out that this was the place we needed to be, b/c now that we are moved - it seems like exactly what we have been searching for. It is amazing to think that we only moved 3 weeks ago - already our small apartment feels like home, and we are all settled in and lovin' livin' in Tennessee again! Its a little weird to live ON milligan's campus, but its something we will get used to eventually.

Currently, I am still looking for a job. I have had one interview, sent applications in to 10 or so other places, and my resume to even more than that - but so far, just the one bite. I have been focusing mainly on applying to non-profit organizations so far, but starting next week I will be focusing on just getting a paycheck coming! :) Jeremy was hired as an associate clerk at the Natural Foods Market here in JC! It was his first choice in jobs, and he feels very blessed to have been hired. He will work there part-time and go to school at Emmanuel School of Religion starting next week to begin work towards a masters degree.

We are very excited about what some of the local churches are doing, and feel that there are several we would be priveleged to be a part of. Jeremy is helping our former Deeper co-worker, Kit, with his youth group now, and we are also attending a church that is also here on Milligan's campus. They are doing some really neat things in exploring what true Christian community looks and acts like. We are so glad to find a church finally...its been awhile...

Hopefully the next time I write, I will have a job!

Final Leg

We hosted our last retreat this past weekend, and will be doing our final clean-up in the next few days...this is a big relief to have all this out of the way so we can finally focus on getting to Johnson City. These past few months have been incredibly stressful, but already I can see some things that God has been doing to prepare us for this journey!

We made our first step in leaving by giving away the cat that adopted us when we moved here...she went to a good home, but it was still hard to let go our "first pet" (who would have guessed it would be a CAT?!?). It was hard to realize that we couldnt take her with us...and that we really were LEAVING.

Its strange to think that we have only lived here 8 months, and to look back upon how much everything has changed. The dreams and passions we had when we moved into our cabin in the woods in April are much different than the ones we have now as we prepare to move into a tiny apartment on a college campus. At least I know that God has been involved in all aspects of this time - shaping us through difficulty and hard lessons, and showing His Love through the changing seasons that we have experienced here at Eagle Rest.

If anyone is really reading this, please pray that we will be guided to jobs quickly in JC. This a stressful search, b/c we dont know where to start. Jeremy has a few leads on part-time work, but I need to be working full-time, and I dont think I would be able to sit behind a desk all day under flourescent lights...we'll see what turns up. Thank you for your prayers, and please leave a comment below!

Love.

To Struggle is to Lean and Learn

Its funny, I am really starting to believe that if a day is without new drama - something is wrong! God is definitely teaching us a lesson in patience and trust - DAILY. Sometimes I find myself looking forward to a time when things might "settle down" - then when I really think about it, I realize when those days do come, I will probably be bored and begin to miss these drama-filled days here at Eagle Rest.
I used to crave stability and wanted my little house with a front porch and a big tree in the yard and now I dont care so much about that - I just want to know where we are headed! But, if I keep myself in check, I realize that God is the Master and I am just the servant - He doesnt have to show me anything ever. The times He does reveal a lesson or a reason are blessings and I should remember them as that istead of feeling that I deserve an explanation for why I am going through this or that. See, if I am truly trusting, it wont matter. The drama will just appear to be a part of the journey towards knowing my God more and more before I am with Him forever.

Random thoughts coming from a random day...

"Love has Come...

"...and its given me hope to carry on" - Caedmon's Call

The journey continues for us, as we search and wait for Gods leading. The unknown can be scary, but it is a comfort to know and to truly believe that "ALL things work together for good, for those who love the Lord." We do know we are moving, soon. What we dont know is where, how, or why... Please join us in praying for our complete trust in God's plan, and that will listen to that still, small voice that will beckon us to the next phase in our lives. (Or maybe this life on Earth is one big long phase...?!?)

Several things have been encouraging to me over the past few weeks. Brennan Manning writes (in "The Signature of Jesus") that there are varying levels of our call to discipleship. This transition has reminded Jeremy and I, once again, that the life a disciple is not a challenge to obtain maximum comfort, stability, or converts - but to remember that only "one thing is needed": to love the Lord with all our heartsoulmindandstrength - our everything.

Impact had a new staff spiritual training conference here in September which turned out to be just what Jeremy and I needed in the form of encouragement and growth. Dean Trune taught on how we as Christians struggle to please God through actions and intents, instead of relying on and trusting Him in humility. In other words, to truly live as if we have accepted the grace that is freely given. The spiritual training was also an incredible time of community and fellowship with other Impact staff members.

Even though I am unsure if anyone is checking this, I trust that the right eyes will read it and join us in prayer for:
- total trust in God, not just in the areas we choose.
- our remaining time at Eagle Rest - that we will have servant hearts
- God to reveal to us where He wants us to go, and for us to put aside our selfish desires
- our fundraising (we do not have enough coming in monthly)
- mentoring relationships for Jeremy and I

We are SO grateful for your prayers and support. Who knows, maybe one of these blogs, I will be able to write and let you know what the immediate future holds for us. Until then, we take comfort in knowing you are out there, praying for us in love and care.

God Doesnt Waste Time

This past month has been a roller coaster ride for Jeremy and I here at Eagle Rest - God has been doing some new things within Impact as some re-organization will be occurring, and He has also been preparing Jeremy and I for the next phase in our relationship with Him. I know what you are thinking..."oh brother, they're moving again" but fortunately (for today) we believe that God is calling us to continue to pursue Him here in GA.

We have been struggling to get this retreat center off of the ground in several ways, some of which have failed. While it is no fun to fail, it is also time for brokenness which can lead to growth if we continue to seek the Creator. Jeremy and I were reminded by a close friend that "God doesnt waste time." I believe this is true, and continue to try and look for the ways in which He is teaching us TODAY. We are thankful for family and friends who have been supportive of us during this difficult time and we know that your prayers are the vessels from which our strength is given to us.

I look forward with great anticipation to what God is going to be doing in the lives of Jeremy and I, our families, with Eagle Rest, and Impact Ministries International.

Overwhelming...

We received a package last week from Rochester Christian Church (Rochester, IL) that was so wonderful for Jeremy and I.

First of all, it felt like Christmas b/c there was such a wide variety of gifts and useful tools in there and we just never knew what we would pull out of the box next! And it was funny because while a lot of it was just encouraging things, much of it were items we actually NEEDED around our home and the retreat center! How did they know???

Most importantly, the love the was shown to us by all these gifts was overwhelming - these friends put a lot of thought into this, and it meant SO much to us. It is wonderful to know that so many people are behind us in this ministry PRAYING.

To say thank you does not express the gratefulness we feel, so I am working on another way...

Home for Awhile....ha.

Hello to whoever reads this!

Seriously, I have no idea if anyone checks this on a regular basis - if so, sorry for the month that has passed since I last updated!

We just returned from our last major road trip...that we know of...We got to spend 4 days up in Ludington, MI and have lots of time with my mom's side of the family, as well as lead a worship service for Epworth! It was absolutely gorgeous up there, as usual. I even swam in the lake and got really burned. Nice. We also drove through Springfield, IL on the way home and spent 2 days with Jeremys family.
I really think the day that I never thought would come has arrived - yes, the day is here when I am sick of traveling. I crave ROOTS. We'll see how I feel next week.

The whole time we were gone, I kept thinking of this place - and how it is quickly becoming home, even though we have only lived here for just over 3 months. Every day it seems to become more beautiful, and every day, I find a bigger bug than I knew existed. It is great fun I tell you. I feel so blessed to have a place to walk in the woods, a porch to sit on, and my own dirt to grow stuff in (apartment life was not good to me! :).

Jeremy and I have been learning to wait - often, things dont come together as quickly as we desire, they dont materialize as we envisioned. But if we are truly trusting God, it isnt scary to wait: these things will happen in His time. This is a hard lesson, one that I re-learn every day it seems. In the meantime, my goal it to take one day at a time, and not stress about the future. After all, "tomorrow will take care of itself" rt? Right now I believe it will :)

Deeper DTI '04-'05 Concludes!

It's hard to believe that the 9 months of Deeper Discipleship Training Institute is over! To say that Jeremy and I have been incredibly blessed (and challenged) is an understatement.

On May 12th, the 8 Deeper students that went to overseas missions sites returned back to their homeland. We spent 5 days at the camp in Indiana discussing this 4 months overseas, reviewing the past year, considering where God has brought us, and worshiping together. It was incredible to hear them tell of the experiences in their respective countries (Poland, Haiti, Czech Republic, or Thailand). One thing that was mentioned across the board was the discovery that our God is the Same everywhere...in any language, in any country or culture.

As these students have returned home, please remember Micah, Iris, McKinsey, Ben, Sarah, Tina, Joel, Lisa, and Erik in your prayers as they continue to pursue "the one thing" - a relationship with God. Their plans for this coming year range from attending college to working in a restaurant. We are very excited to watch God continue to work in their lives.

Jeremy and I feel so priveleged to know these friends, and plan to keep in touch. After our year with Deeper DTI staff and students, I pray that we will never be the same.

There are a lot of changes going on with the Deeper program, and I will do my best to explain: Jeremy and I feel very strongly that God led us here to Eagle Rest Retreat Center, and at this time it seems that God is leading Deeper to stay in IN for another year with one location. To put it simply, we are not going to be on staff for this coming Deeper year, but plan to be involved again for the '06-'07 year. At first, Jeremy and I were very disappointed that we werent going to be able to be a part of this next year. However, now we can see that a year to devote fully to Eagle Rest is crucial as we get our feet wet in retreat center management. Both ministries are under the same organization - Impact Ministries International - that we love and believe in.

Thank you for all your support and prayers during this past year of ministry - we hope you will continue to be a part of this next season of our lives at the Overlook at Eagle Rest! Thanks for taking the time to read this rather lengthy entry.

www.eaglerest.org
www.deeperdti.com

Trapped in the North

I dont know if anyone is reading this, but just in case...SORRY for the lack of communication recently. We have been formulating a game plan for the last few weeks and plan to do SO much better when we get back home. God had really been showing us that we were a little (or a lot) off-track about some things in our first month and half at Eagle Rest.

Yeah, Jeremy and I came up this direction for the Deeper DTI overseas debriefing sessions in Indiana, and then we had the Impact USA Conference in IL, and then we went to spend a few days at Jeremys parents house, and then we came back over to IN to be at my parents house, and then my brother graduates on Tues, and THEN we get to go home. Jeremy's brother Jonah is coming home with us - more on that later.

As you might guess, there is a lot to update all of you on, but we will take care of that later in the week. Sooooo, with that said....

What Just Happened??

Its been three weeks now that we have lived in our cottage on the property of the Overlook at Eagle Rest Retreat Center. I find it hard to believe that less than a month ago, we were still living in random Statesville NC, and spending time outside on our porch staring at...another building and a parking lot busy with cars speeding through and listening heavy-bassed hiphop.

These days, we spend the evenings on either the front porch - covered, with a view of our front yard (which is all trees and garden) or the back deck which is more like a tree house with no roof. Since spring has been magically transforming our surroundings, its harder to see as far. When we first got here, we could see they hazey blue of the Appalachians in the distance. Last night we realized that we cant even get one TV station...just thought it was funny it took us three weeks to notice.

There is so much to say, but for now I just want to express my overwhelming thankfulness to God - who led us here and created all this beauty. Its been a long time since I have looked forward to getting up in the morning, and each one seems to be unique and more beautiful than the one before. Dont even get me started on the birds and other wildlife we have seen so far.

The past three weeks have been used to settle in to our new home in the cottage, and begin work around the retreat center. This weekend, we have our first retreat here - a Brazillian church from Atlanta - and I think its been going very well. Its actually been good to have a retreat for Jeremy and I, b/c we have stopped working...and are resting. I think we need to set some boundaries with work vs. rest, etc.

All in all, things are great. We love it here. It feels like home. I can wear hiking boots every day, if I want. Jeremy has a large set of keys hanging from his belt at all times, and is learning how to fix stuff.

Please pray for us as we adjust to living where we work, as there us always something in sight that needs to be done. Please come and visit, we know we have been given this place to share.

I will write more in a few days, hopefully.

Please check out the new website: www.eaglerest.org

Moving

Hello All...

This week has been interesting, as we have been packing up our lives and preparing to move to THE OVERLOOK at Eagle Rest (in Dahlonega, GA). It seems I have developed a serious aversion to moving - possibly because this is the 5th time we have moved in the 3 years we have been married. That may have something to do with it! We are praying that God will use Jeremy and I at the retreat center for a few years. Its just time to put down some roots, ya know? I am actually a little sad to leave Statesville, even though we werent here very much.

Jeremy's parents are coming down to help us move - thank goodness! We are excited to spend time with them, and are grateful for their willingness to drive all the way down here from Illinois.

We already have several retreats planned for April and May, so we are interested to see what "getting our feet wet" will be like. As things develop, we will continue to update you.

Rob Marmion and his family (Operations Director of Impact Ministries) have already moved to Dahlonega, and Andrew (Technology & Maintenance) will be moving up in May. It will be so nice to have them there. We are also excited to look for a church family, so please pray that God will lead us in that way.

As for Deeper DTI, the staff are still praying about the location(s) and several other things for next year. The students are doing well - feel free to check their blogs, which are listed in the entry before this one, and will give you an idea of how they are doing with seeking God in a foreign environment. Next on the agenda for Deeper is our Overseas Debriefing which will occur in May. We are SOOO excited to see them again!!!

God has been teaching me some hard lessons recently - mostly involving putting my hope in things other than Him. I have been disguising these "things" as service to Him (as they are "Christian-y" activities), but He has removed them from my life - in subtle and deliberate ways - and drawn my focus back towards Jesus. I am grateful. Please pray that Jeremy and I will trust in Him alone.

Here are a few other things to pray about:
- Deeper Site decisions
- students overeas (Lisa, Sarah, Tina, Iris, Ben, Joel, Micah, and Erik)
- our move to GA this weekend!
- beginning our new ministry at the Overlook at Eagle Rest
- finding a church family in Dahlonega

We are so grateful for each of you that is reading this. Thank you for all that you do for us - be it prayer, financial support, friendship ...thank you.
We will update you again soon, thank you for taking the time to read this. Please take a moment to sign your name (hit the "comments" link below) so we can know you visited our site.

Grace and Peace of Christ to you.