Two BIG Things!

I know after the job announcement, how could anything be BIG??

1st thing...
For an entire year, I have been avoiding a certain restaurant. Don't ask me why, because I really don't know. For years, people have raved about this place and swear it is the best food they've ever eaten. Now, keep in mind that they were mostly men. Yes, I'm talking about the infamous place called "Skyline Chili". Maybe you've tried it, maybe you are like me and have been avoiding it. I must say, that it was semi-tasty. The main thing was...I didn't throw up. I tried a bite of Steve's 3-way and that was about all I could take. I did get my own cheese-coney and well, it wasn't anything that I will crave in future days to come, but I could eat another if I had to. I settled for the Southwest Chicken Wrap. 1 thumb up!

2nd thing...

Guess who finally got their IPOD Nano in the mail yesterday??? If you guessed me, then YOU ARE CORRECT!! The little beauty was in my office mailbox when I got back from lunch and it truly made me smile. I don't know what to do with it yet...but that's where my buddy Nevan comes into play. Actually, he deserves some major props for it finally arriving in the first place. Neville - thank you!

The Wait is FINALLY Over!!

The good news is....I GOT THE JOB!!!
The bad new is...oh wait, there is no bad news!!!

I was offered the Worship/Music Ministry Assistant Position for the Elementary Ministries Team this afternoon at 3:30pm. Nothing will be official until the HR Department takes care of the details, but it is enough for me to FINALLY tell the world about my big news! I said everyone would know when I knew!

I have waited long enough for the words I heard today. I've gone over the possibilities in my mind if I didn't get the job, if I did get the job...and so on. It's been something I've wanted and prayed over for a long time. This job will be meshing two of my greatest passions. Music and Children. For me, this was a job that only existed in my dreams a couple years ago. I remember sitting at West Central Christian Service Camp and talking with my friend, Dotty Harney. We were discussing ministry struggles and in the midst of our conversations, she simply said, "Sara, you need to be a large church where you can specifically do music for kids." I thought to myself that would never happen. But through some tough seasons the past couple of years... and simply by the Hand of God, He has brought me to Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY where I will now be taking on the role of Worship/Music Ministry Assistant for Elementary Ministries.

I just have to sit back for a moment and say WOW God...WOW!

To look back over the course of my life the last 3 years is amazing. I see how He uprooted me from my ministry in Warrensburg with my dad having a stroke and grandpa dying, and I see Him showing me that He really wanted me in ministry. He took me through some ugly valleys to get there, but I think He gave me a taste of what life would be like if I had chosen to disobey His calling when I moved home. I mean who really wants to be a substitute teacher for the rest of their life?? Well, maybe some do, but I certainly do NOT! Those few months were wretched, but God taught me alot through those difficult times.

To be honest though, those 9 months in Quincy had some tremendous benefits. I got to spend more time with my family, and I got to hang out with John and Shawna a ton. And getting the opportunity to know my then "future sister-in-law" was well worth it. I also made some incredible friends at FUEL. I miss them all very much.

Getting older has its benefits. You do get wiser. I think it is mainly because you can look back on your life and your mistakes and see what an idiot you were at times, but more than that...you can see God's grace shining through each mistake. You learn to trust Him more and more because He proves Himself over and over. He takes your "oops" moments, heals your wounds and then fixes you up to go on and do some great things. He works through it all. I am so blessed to have a God who loves me this much. Who can take all my bad decisions and still use me in ways I never thought possible to bring glory to His name and to bring others to know Christ a little bit better.

Who am I God...that you should be mindful of me?...that you would care for me?...that you would love me? All I can say is Thank you God...thank you. And thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!

YEAH GOD!

Special Delivery!

Guess what folks! I just got myself a new computer flat screen monitor for my office. Didn't ask for it...didn't know about it until 5 minutes ago...but yet, here it is!
It's very nice.
It's black.
It's square.
It's flat.
It takes up alot less space on my desk.
Funny how these things happen two weeks before the end of my internship. Well, at least I have two weeks to enjoy this beautiful thing. How fortunate for the next intern. If they only knew the piece I started out with...they would be forever grateful! :)
Thanks to our I.T. guys and gals!

Worries...

"Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

It's a verse that is on repeat in my mind lately. With two weeks left in the internship, I still don't have a job come May 29th. Stresses me out a bit, I'll be honest. The waiting is what kills me. I'm completely out of control. But that just means HE is completely in control.

So you ask...what are you stressing about? Well, I'm a worry-wort and that's what I do. Is it right? No. Is it a sin to worry? Yes. Should I stop? Yes. Will HE take care of me and my worries? Yes. Do I trust Him? ....Yes. That's the kicker my friends....trusting Him. I've done it for 25 years, I think I can do it for at least another week until I hear an answer.

The Wedding of the Century!

Suppose it is my turn to post about the wedding weekend. Loretta's already posted two times and other friends are posting...and I'm family for goodness sake!! Better get on it eh? I haven't posted yet for the simple fact that I'm speechless. I don't know if words can really describe all that went on this weekend. Indescribable. Amazing really. Breath-taking. Beautiful. Holy and pure. Worship. WOW! I would say the ceremony was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Yes, the spotlight and live-camera feed as I'm coming down the aisle made me feel like I was in Hollywood, but that's not the stuff I'm talking about. I'm talking about the touches of God, HIS fingerprints that were EVERYWHERE!

From moments alone in the bride's room, circled around Shawna praying to a "toast of love" given by the bride's father...HE was all over the place. I have seen God at work in this relationship for quite some time. I still remember the night at camp when Shawna pulled John aside and they sat in the canteen area and talked and she had the guts to tell him she liked him. That girl has more courage than I will ever have - he was even dating someone at the time. But she knew...she knew and pursued (well, more or less waited for John to wise up) and the rest is history!

Top 10 Favorite Moments from the weekend:

10. Feeling like it was Christmas at the rehearsal dinner when Sha gave us the bridesmaids gifts! (pink sunglasses - hot stuff!)

9. The rehearsal that felt like a family reunion. Erin, Laura, Ricki, Jenny, Tyler, Jon, Jessica, Becca, Keith, Matt, Gil & Ang...family...they just kept coming through the door and I couldn't get to everyone fast enough.

8. Goofy pics with the girls!

7. Loretta's heart-warming, "make you want to cry" speech to us girls before the wedding. Oh wait, I did cry!

6. Teaching Max all the names of the Hollensteiner clan and then watching him score major points with the family when he remembered all their names and could pick them out of a crowd (proud of you babe)!

5. Dancing with my brother Matt towards the end of the night...most everyone was gone and I let loose!

4. Watching and listening to Loretta scream and just about loose it as Shawna's big moment arrived when she walked down the aisle. Then, of course, watching Sha, in all her beauty, slowly walk down the aisle with the sea of people rising behind her...breath-taking!

3. As Loretta put it...the circle of pink tulle surrounding Sha before the ceremony...praying for the future of the couple.

2. Taking a glimpse at the screen and seeing John's face completely covered in tears of sheer joy. Nothing compares. I was so happy for the both of them!

1. I say nothing compares to the last one...maybe this one is in its own category. Funniest moment for me was the "Dance Off" between John and my uncle Bruce. Holy Cow - HILARIOUS! Max has the whole thing recorded on his camera and I still laugh hysterically whenever I watch it. Looks like it is a tradition now - watch out world!

Many moments are still incredible and I will remember them always. Thanks for such a special weekend! :)

The Long Awaited Weekend

Polka dots, pink dresses, chocolate brown suits, truffles, chocolate fountains, music, dancing, candles, pictures, presents, laughter and tears...

It's what we've all been anticipating for quite some time now. It's been over a year of planning and getting things prepared. Trips to bridal shops, dresses being made, suits being bought, appointments with caterers,

long nights of stuffing envelopes,

tiling floors...and ceilings, painting walls, fixing things...

every little detail important

every moment irreplacable

every memory embedded

Such anticipation and it will be here very very soon!

The wedding...the union of this incredible couple.

Some saw it long before others,

but I think we can all agree that this is a match made in Heaven!

I would say that in 4 days it will all be over...but no...

the best is yet to come!

Corrections...

It was brought to my attention (by someone very special to me) that I've made a couple errors in my recent blogs entries. So please allow me to correct myself...

In Blog entry entitled "The Guy"...
- Max is getting his M Div. NOT his MA. This is a HUGE mistake on my part. My apologies dear!

In Blog entry entitled "Finally"...
-It was pointed out that "finger-jausting" is actually spelled "finger-jousting". Emphasis being that I mispelled it with an A instead of an O. My bad! Never claimed to have won any spelling bee championships. Actually if you want to get personal for a moment. I did make it to the Baldwin North Spelling Bee Competition, but failed to spell "tenderloin" correctly. Instead, in the first or second round I spelled it "tenderlion". At that moment, all you could hear were the moans and sighs of my 6th grade class as I walked off the stage in utter embarrassment and shame. But I have NEVER mispelled the word tenderloin since then!

Honey...thank you for bringing these important mishaps to my attention...and for helping me recall one of the most horrific events that happened in my childhood years! You're the best!! :)
(by the way sweetie...I'm just messing with ya! You knew it was coming!)

12 hours of driving and worth the trip

Made a quick trip home this weekend for Easter. We didn't have Elementary Services at SECC, so I took advantage and hit and the road for home. Got in Friday afternoon, just in time for a snip n' clip at InSPArations with my favorite stylist - Shawna Lynn! She's a styling genius:) Made a quick zip over to MPCC for the Good Friday service (a little late, so I sat by myself, but it was probably for the best - no distractions). It was a good service, the choir singing, the acapella ensembles, the communion, the candles...solemn and beautiful. Later that evening, got to watch John's v-ball team destroy their opponent, hang out with my Fuel pals at TCBY, then when John, Sha and I were about to fall asleep in their living room, we hear Neal's mobile pull up in front of their house. An hour later...we go home!

Saturday, Neal and I spent some quality time together...recording and perfecting...recording and perfecting. But the song is finished and we were pleased. More importantly the bride and groom were pleased! And we can check it off the list of things to do! Saturday evening was spent at the Crossing with mom and pop and then Pam and Yvonne joined our family for dinner at Lakeview (a local delight). Had myself the BEST fried chicken salad this side of the Mississippi (that sounds hickish and silly, but I like it). Pam and Ret can attest to this - we've shared many a lunch over fried chicken salads and iced tea. Yummy!

Sunday was delightful...of course being a wonderful and beautiful Easter morning. Didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn this year and enjoyed going to the 2nd service at MPCC with family. It was a beautiful time of worship. Special music rocked!! The choir sang and gave me goose bumps and the men's ensemble amazed me with their power-house voices! What a celebration! Off to Grandma's house for the egg hunt and mounds of delicious food! Family is all doing well - love em to pieces! Lots of wedding talk with 3 other cousins besides John getting married within the next year or so. Trying not to catch the fever:)

Great weekend, but pretty pooped out. Gotta rest up...wedding weekend in 18 days!!

P.S. Praise the Lord though that the bridesmaid dresses are nearing completion and look smashing! The bride and the MOTB can rest knowing all will be well!

Finally...

I've made it back from the beautiful beaches of Florida with a nice tan and a nice chest cold....how pleasant! Bible and Beach '06 was pretty great I must admit. High schoolers are way different from Elementary kiddos that is for sure. Wish I had pics to show...Panama City was gorgeous and the sunsets were amazing.

For all you "non-registered" blog users...
You may now post a comment on my blog. (a.k.a. mom) :)
I've finally changed the settings to allow anonymous comments. Just make sure to sign your name to the comment!

By the way - my main squeeze was the "finger-jausting" champion at Bible and Beach this year (similar to arm wrestling). I'm so proud of him (and his strong arms that kicked everyone's behind-including mine)! Way to go Max:)

The Guy

So I'm breaking the "Blog Silence" with this post. It was going to happen sooner or later, but I thought I would wait a few weeks before I mentioned anything. Everybody...this is Max! Some of you have heard about him...some of you haven't. Some of you have seen him...now all of you have seen him. :) We've been dating for a few weeks now and I think he's pretty incredible. He is currently pursuing his MA at Cincinnati Christian University (preaching/ministry) and is also a Chaplain with the Army National Guard. Met here at Southeast and have been friends since the Fall. Something sparked between us at a Superbowl Party and it's been a surprising and exciting journey ever since. He caught me off guard when he asked me out. I wasn't real sure about the whole thing, but boy am I glad that I said yes! Wow God...Thank YOU!!

Taxes

Uncle Sam will be happy...I finally got my tax returns done and in the mail today!!
This was quite the process for me this year. Normally, I give my W2s to my parents, throw in $ for fees and say "see ya lata...and don't forget to put my return check in the mail"! Well, this year, I decided to do it the so-called "easy way" and do them myself on Turbo Tax. I learned I know nothing when it comes to taxes, big financial words, or anything of the sort. I'm a moron! Karla walked me through step by step on my federal stuff and then of course since I lived in 2 different states this year, I had to fill out 2 Part-Time Resident State forms (which I couldn't do on Turbo Tax without paying through the nose)...confusing to high heaven if you ask me!! So that's where I pulled my friend Stevey aside and said "I'll treat you to Texas Roadhouse if you help me with my state taxes!" (So in reality, I'm still paying someone to do my taxes...so what have I gained from this go-round??) Well, at least we finished em - thank Jesus!

Lesson learned...the "easy way" is not so easy for me. Next year, H & R Block may be getting a call from me:)

IPOD??

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
Where are you?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
They told me I had won the prize?
So excited about your little size?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
How I long to listen to you
And hold you in my hand.
Did you get lost in the sand?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
I pray you do not fear
I think UPS needs a little kick in the rear!!
:)

Kentucky Here I Come

I would say "I'm coming home tomorrow", but my mom would slap me upside the head and say "you are home honey!" Finishing up the last of the laundry and packing tonight. Flying out from St. Louis tomorrow. Long week. Here are some highlights:

-Meeting Lisa Whelchel ("Blair Warner" - Facts of Life tv show)
-Being 3 feet from God's magnificent creation - a.k.a. Kurt Warner from the St. Louis Rams (Jo, Karla...talk about it huh?)
-Listening to the coolest and hippest new version of the "muffin man" in the minivan with 5 other grown adults...rapping and having a marvelous time.
-Being harassed in front of 1,000 people by Chagy the Clown (have pictures to prove it)!
-WINNING AN IPOD!!!
-Finding out I'm going to be an aunt October 12, 2006!! (Matt and Melissa are pregnant:)
-Finally learning how to play Texas Hold Em and taking 3rd place...Beginner's Luck!
-Becca's surprise visit home for the shower:)
-Shawna's first bridal shower. Just got done helping them unload a couple cars full of stuff. Their house is already getting full...and they still have 4 showers to go, plus the wedding! Holy Moly!
It's been a great weekend. Really tired. Ready to get back in the groove. Praying that my bag will once again not exceed 50 lbs. tomorrow at the baggage check-in! We'll see:)

Good to see all you Quincians!! Love ya:)

Blogging Vacation

I'll be taking a little break from the blogging world for the next week or so.
Heading to the Children's Pastors Conference in Kansas City, MO (my old home!). I'll get to see dear friends in the Burg and then hob nob with all the children's ministry goo-roos. Finishing up the week in Q-town for a little Q-time with family and friends. I'll be seeing some of you really soon. Have a great week my friends:)

Cincinnati Weekend

Had a great trip to Cincinnati this past Friday and Saturday. My buddy Josh and I took a little road trip to see some friends of ours. Went to the CIY Believe Conference at the Cinergy Center where my good friend Monte Hunt was playing the drums for Foundation Red. Can't even begin to tell you how amazing it was to watch him in his element...I was so proud of him. Real sad that Amy couldn't be there, but I got an extra big hug from Monte from her...so it's all good! MISS THEM SO MUCH!! It stinks sometimes living multiple states away from best friends, but the Lord always makes sure our paths cross every once in awhile.

Later that evening, drove up to Dayton to stay with my long lost college buddy...the infamous red-head, Jessica Armstrong. Haven't seen her in over two years...crazy! We stayed up til about 3 am chatting and catching up. It was a blast to recap what's been happening in our lives and to relive old college memories. I just have to say, "What were we thinking?" Sometimes we did the craziest things, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. It was a great time! And I must say the next morning (after we had coffee), we busted out the old N'SYNC CD and jammed to our favorite tunes from the old days. Actually, I can't say the old days...we both confessed that we keep the CD in our cars still and listen every once in awhile. Real tragic and pathetic I know. So that's that. Good friends, great weekend...

Surprising...

This entry is being written for a friend of mine who encouraged me to post something new for him to read. Don't have any specifics to write about, but here's a recap of some highlights...

1. Valentine's Day was seriously the best Heart Day EVER (it's a bold statement, but I'm making it). For various reasons that I can't reveal in blog world, but for those of you who know me pretty well, you will understand. It was a day FULL of SMILES and lots of God Winks!! :) He's been evident in many different parts of my life. Heck, I'm just thankful He's looking in my direction and hasn't given up on me.

2. New love. Dave Barnes. Didn't go on a date with him, but I'm listening to his music and thinking it is pretty phenomenal. Heart warming, fun, good feelings, sweet as can be lyrics. Loving him and recommending him. Doesn't quite take the place of Michael Buble in my heart, but finding a special place these days for little ole Davey. Check him out!

That's all for now my blogging friends...

S.A.A.P.G.O.N.

Seventh Annual Action Packed Groovy Over Nighter.
Friday and Saturday became ONE WHOLE DAY.
6:00 p.m. (really started at noon with prep work) - 9:00 a.m.
Pizza, cookies, cotton candy, popcorn, movies, worship, putt-putt, bingo, hair salon, bandanas, face paint, gigantic inflatables, stinky smelly sweaty kids(and feet) :), Jello Olympics, prizes and .... absolutely NO SLEEP!!
703 - 4th and 5th graders (set a new SECC record)!!!
Insane...yes!
Would I do it again...in a heartbeat!!

Having hair regrets after only 4 days...this can't be good!
Thinking it is just a mourning period.
Hoping "this too shall pass...or grow fast"!

fyi - now would not be a good time to say "I told ya so".

The Weight's Been Lifted

Lost 5 lbs!! Unfortunately it's not body weight my friends...it's hair weight!! I took the plunge Friday afternoon and went and cut my hair. Looking back I wonder what the heck was I thinking, but I'm getting used to it. To be honest, I couldn't take the weight of it anymore...it was SOOO heavy! It feels 100% lighter and it now saves me drying time and $ for shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hair spray and anything else I would use to tame the mop.

Now, my long haired fans, do not fret, it is still below my shoulders (we won't be revisiting that short hair high school/college nightmare anytime soon). I have the swooping bang effect going on now, which I'm liking. You'll have to judge for yourself.

A special shout out to Shawna. I'm sorry girl...I couldn't wait a month to see you. The lady gave you props on your highlighting job! You're still the best and my favorite:) Love ya!

Sam's Club Outing

Today, Karla and I made our usual 3-month visit to Sam's Club to buy snacks for the little kiddies on Saturday nights. To be honest, it is really my job and I drag Karla along because she is a willing soul...and a dinga-dang-dong good friend:) And this trip is no easy task. Many many preparations go into this outing...from check requisitions to borrowing John O's truck. It is not uncommon for us (basically me today) to make a complete and utter specticals of ourselves at Sam's Club with the amount of stuff we buy.

We walk in and show our club member card and proceed to the cart area. This job requires more than just an oversized cart. It's serious business folks...flatbed all the way...sometimes maybe 2! I've gotten pretty good about the route to take with these big ole honkin thangs...straight to the juice aisle. We load up about 30 4-packs of Capri Suns (basically filling up an entire flatbed). Definite all-over muscle toning exercise! Next, we head to the snack aisle and buy lots of fatty good snacks for the kiddos to eat. We've gotten into a routine which makes shopping just that more enjoyable. Only today, I was quite the spectical. I had my flatbed piled up to my eyeballs with boxes and couldn't see a stinking thing in front of me. Karla was my guide, watching out for small children and everyone else in the store found it pretty hilarious. Ha. Ha. Ha to you all. To be honest though, I was chuckling right along with them. I was a sight to see!

After loading, unloading and putting away this mass of goodies...I can finally call it a day. Whew!