Adventure Fuelings: Alive and Well

Well it has now been a few months since I have last written. Mostly because every time I sit down to write, I don't feel inspired or have things to write about. Then today I realized that it isn't just I don't have anything to write about, but the overwhelming feeling of how do I possible inform people about what has all been going on in my life?! The last few months have been packed with learning/ teaching/ growing moments.

In January I started taking a couple classes. I was reminded again how much I really love to learn!! If people would pay me to go to school.....I am not sure I would ever finish college..:)...but then again maybe not. One of the classes is a Psych class at the college in Fort Wayne, the other class is Perspectives On The World Christian Movement and is offered at a church in Grabill. This second class has totally sucked me in! I can't even begin to explain how much I have grown and learned already!! Seriously, so so so good! I would highly recommend it to anyone!

The first weekend in January was the wedding of one of my close friends, Alyssa Eisenmann to Ned Troxel. I was honored to be able to share the special day with her as one of her bridesmaids! It was a great weekend, and Alyssa was a radiant and beautiful bride!

Then, as many of you know, at the end of January my dad died. It is astounding how one moment can completely change everything! It makes you realize how fragile time is. The last few weeks have been pretty rough at points, but hearing people talk about the huge change they saw in my dad the last week he was alive, and knowing that he had surrendered himself completely over to God, gives me great comfort and peace! I get to see him in heaven someday!!!

A HUGE thank you to all of you who have been lifting my family up in your prayers! Prayer is the most powerful thing you can ever do! Also for all of you who have sent cards, flowers, gifts, encouragement, given of your time, and given hugs:); they are greatly appreciated!!

We are not called to live comfortable lives. We are called to suffer for Christ's sake, so that God's name will be worshiped and praised! Christ told us to pick up our cross and follow Him. The cross is the sign of suffering. Christ's suffering isn't completed yet and we must follow Him in His suffering. Why? So that God's name will be praised and His kingdom glorified! For the advancement of the gospel of Christ. There are a few verses in Philippians that I really appreciate:

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ." vs 12-13

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake,"

It isn't easy losing a parent or anyone close to you. Or to handle an enormous list of other hard things that happen to people. Paul said that because of his imprisonment many others were reached. I echo his statement. My pain/hurt/struggles, God uses it for the advancement of His kingdom. So even though it is hard and it hurts, I praise God; because it isn' about me and my feelings, it is about God and for the advancement of His kingdom. So that His name will be praised and worshiped!

Picture time.....:)

Mom came to visit me in January, and this was our project!:)