Mission Springfield

We leave Monday for Mission Springfield. We are going to learn a lot about ourselves and each other this week. It will be a great trip!

We go and do things that we may not like, get hot and sweaty, and work all day every day (while never complaining).... "because Christ's love compels us."

Re-united and It Feels So Good!

Nate just got back from Super Summer. It was only the second camp I have ever missed since we have been married. I wanted to be there with him and our students so bad... I am jealous of all the great worship they experienced. (I sure hope I get the job that made me miss it)

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Nate hasn't stopped talking about it since he got back. I know it was an awesome week for all involved and something that Nate really needed. He is playing some new songs he learned on his guitar right now. I can't wait to talk to my girls about everything.

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I made it fine this week, so I am already less depressed than I was last week :) Just got a little scared when I was in the shower or when I was about to go to bed. haha

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Looking forward to a great weekend to catch up with Nate, and praying for our house to sell at the open house on Sunday. Hope you have a great weekend too!

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God, we believe you can do a miracle this week and sell the house. We totally give this situation to you and will praise you whether it sells or not. You are God and You are Good!

Memorable Moment #7: Weddings!

I love weddings. They are the greatest. I love looking at all the decorations and personal touches. I almost always cry when the bride comes down the aisle.... Love the look on the groom's face too. It is just a day full of happiness, love, and new beginnings.

I have been in a few weddings and I will always remember being a part of my friends/families happy day. I always think it's weird how the couple buys gifts for the wedding party to say thank you.... Who wouldn't want to be in their friend's wedding?? I am very thankful to have been a part of these great weddings.

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---Brian & Kim -- September 2002---

I was so excited to be a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding. It was a special day for our family and I loved being a part, even though I was so much younger than the other bridesmaids. (pictures coming when I get my computer out of storage)

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---Landon & Kristen--July 18, 2009---

It was so nice of Kristen to invite me to be in her wedding. I will always remember helping her into her wedding dress. It was a memory for sister-in-laws to cherish forever. I was so excited for her, and am so glad that she found love with Landon. Who says you have to date for years before you get married??

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---Steve & Kristin-- August 1, 2009--- Oh man. What an honor to be asked to be a matron of honor. I will always be grateful for that invitation, and will always remember when Kristin asked me in a card at one of our sonic chats. She has been one of my very best friends. It is amazing how we basically never see each other, but always feel comfortable whenever we do see one another or talk on the phone. I am excited that Nate and I live in OK now, so we will be able to get together more often. Kristin and I have been through some crazy fun times, and even though I am a few years older we still had each other's backs in junior high and high school. I loved getting to watch her grow up and see how her relationship with Steve grew. We pretty much have the same story when it comes to our husbands..... started dating really young, then dated forever, then got married in college, and then became youth minister's wives. (Kristin had to wait a while to date Steve though...long story) I am so grateful for her and our friendship. I know that it will only grow while God moves them on to seminary and new places after they graduate. I can't wait to be there for her in all the church drama, and listen to all her stories about being a YM wife. She already has some good ones.

Thier wedding was so great and Kristin made the most beautiful bride. My mom wouldn't stop talking about how gorgeous she was (and still is). It seemed like we had all been waiting on that day for forever, so the emotions were running high and it was perfect. Not to mention, the photographer was awesome. Here are some pics I stole off facebook :)

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. ---Tommy & Crystal--September 5, 2009---

I love when a brother gets married. It is the greatest thing. I wasn't actually in the bridal party, but Nate did the wedding so it was extra special. It was so nice for them to think of Nate and he did a great job.

It was the cutest little backyard wedding you have ever seen. They were married at Crystal's grandparent's house and it was marvelous. (more pics to come when I get my computer)

I love the look on Nate and Tommy's faces. So happy.... or something was funny. It was the first family wedding without Grandpa. We missed him dearly. Here I am with my mom and Grandma.

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---Brad & Katie--May 15,2010---

Oh my Katie friend. I am so glad that she found Brad and have never seen her more happy. It makes my heart smile. Katie has been my best friend since about 3rd grade. We were basically all each other had in high school. She will forever be a great friend. I love her and her family so much and will always remember her beautiful day. She was stunning!

A Heart That Endures

I once heard a man say that if he could ask for one thing from God it would be...... A HEART THAT ENDURES. wow

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

-Phil. 4:2-8

He used these verses to explain to us what exactly this kind of heart looks like.... *Be happy in knowing the Lord. We don't deserve his love.

*Gentleness = Being happy with less than you deserve.

*Don't worry. "Worry is the interest on a debt that has already been paid."

*Worry is the complete opposite of prayer.

*Be thankful..... There is a lot to be thankful for

*God's greatest gift = peace

*Think positive thoughts

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This is an awesome goal. The pastor that spoke these words was well into his fifties, and had just resigned from his church because they were unable to pay him. He was going through some hard times and stood infront of our whole church and gave us a message of peace, hope, and love. I greatly admire his words, and pray that I can have a heart that endures.

Nate and I have both learned a lot about ourselves in the last seven months. Everyday that our house doesn't sell makes my attitude worse. I have learned that I am a lazy, selfish person.... great huh? I feel like I am trapped in someone elses body... literally. The things that I used to love to do.... I just don't. I am letting my surroundings determine my mood.

But don't worry.... I know myself and somehow I will slowly get back to that girl.

We have found great friends here and I am able to get everything off my chest whenever I want. Nate and I are about to go insane and do some insanity workouts, which will help me a lot! We are about to start summer activities, which I always look forward to.... Can't wait to get to know our students better. And, I just booked our anniversary trip to the Bahamas! Things are looking up!

From today on I will choose to rejoice in the Lord! I will be happy with what we have. God has totally provided for us during our transition from Rogers to Yukon. There were times when I had it written on paper how we weren't going to have money left for food after we paid our bills in Rogers and in Yukon.... And somehow we still had money in the bank. Do you believe God still does miracles??? I certainly do!

I will choose to pray when I want to worry. And I will choose to be thankful instead of grumpy. I will think happy thoughts and not let myself get down. I will pray for one of God's greatest gifts... peace.

This should be a wonderful start to a week of self reflection, restoration, and renewal. I will be by myself so this could get interesting. Nate is going to church camp without me for the first time. The depressed Whitney would cry all day everyday and lay on the couch when she gets off work, but today.... the new me will choose not to be like that. Mind over matter. Here goes nothing....

God give me a heart that endures