Friends...

There are seasonal friends and then there are friends that just stick with ya for life. You may not get to talk to them everyday, but you know without a shadow of a doubt that you could pick up right where you left off. They are friends that always have a smile for you and an encouraging word. They say "I love you" and "I miss you"...and they mean it. They have been the ones that have known you your whole life or at least a good chunk of it. They've seen your ups and downs, your shining moments and unfortunately your embarassing moments. But they don't think any less of you! They are friends that you can be silly with and with the same breath share your struggles with. They are friends who will pray for you...regardless of whether you ask them to or not. They are real.

I've been blessed in my life with handfuls of these wonderful people. I don't call them just friends, I call them my family. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. Today, I thank God for each one of you. I love you.

Countdown...

2 weeks from today...

14 days in counting...
336 hours...
20,160 minutes...
1,209,600 seconds...
and he'll be all mine!!

My Honey and Me

2 months apart...long enough for me. I decided it was time to see him and nothin was stoppin me! With my co-pilot, Dotty, in the front seat, we trucked over 500 miles to see this handsome face. And boy it was worth it! I missed that sweet guy more than you can imagine.

It was a whirlwind trip and he was in training most of the time, but we got to spend the evenings together which was fine with me. I had the privilege of meeting some of his platoon members over dinner and the next day, he surprised Dotty and I with a trip to the Spa. We had full body massages and it was a dream. (major points!) The second evening, he went all out and planned a romantic dinner for the two of us. He spent weeks getting this whole event ready...needless to say, I was impressed. Good cook too!

It was a sad goodbye as always. But we are down to 26 more days until I go pick him up and bring him home for good. Time...can you fly by a little faster?

Camp Memories...

Friends...
To get a glimpse of my summer at camp, you must go visit my friend, Karla's blog. It's her Top 20 Countdown of camp memories. Check it out!
www.wereofftoseeklo.blogspot.com
You may not understand it all...but I think it is stinkin funny!

Back to Life...Back to Reality

Rolled over this morning when the alarm went off and moaned a bit.
Couldn't decide what to wear because for the last 3 weeks my wardrobe has been planned out for me...camp t-shirts, shorts and flip flops.
Drove in to the church parking lot, trying to remember what it was like to work in an office for 8 hours.
So weird!
Reality says...welcome back!
I say...what a joy.

Still Alive and Kickin...

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...just dropped off the face of the blogging world for a bit. Life's been a little hectic with camp the past couple weeks. We've had little shugs from the 1st grade to the 5th grade out at Country Lake Christian Retreat and having a good time. It's been a little stressful at times, I'll admit...but the overall joy of being at camp wins out every time. I work with an incredible staff team and well...it's just fun!

I am going to see Max in a couple weeks!! My friend Dotty and I are heading down to SC to hang out with him briefly for a couple days. Getting in a little QT with him so I can make it another month without him. Can't wait for September when our lives can go back to normal again.

Life is good. Can't complain. Looking forward to a day off after camp is finished! See ya on the flip side my friends...

NACC

Had no idea that I would see so many people I knew at the North American Christian Convention! People from Central and some from Warrensburg were there and it was really good to see them and catch up. It sounds like my good ole CCCB is doing some pretty exciting things. New building, new president, new all sorts of stuff. Really proud of them! Hope to see more people tonight!

When you think you have tomorrow...

Tragedy. Devastation. Sadness.
Joy. Excitement. Long-awaited anticipation.
One day.

How can all these emotions happen in one 24 hour period? That is the question along with many others that are still plaguing my mind and heart today. Yesterday afternoon, one of our team members called us all together and told us that one of our volunteers who had been pregnant with twins went in to the ER the night before with chest pains. The doctors found out that she had a disected aorta (which basically meant that a wall in heart was torn). They thought it best for all parties involved that they go ahead and take the babies which were due in 7 weeks anyways. With it being twins, they were expecting them early, so this wasn't an uncommon thing. Sometime in the middle of the night, Matthew Logan and Sydney Elizabeth were born and although unstable are relatively healthy at this point in time.

Around noon, the mother began complaining of hot flashes to the nurse that was in the room and within moments before they could do anything, she passed away. She was able to see the babies that she had been waiting for...sadly though, she will never be able to see their first steps, take them to their first day of school, see them graduate or go off to college. She was young, maybe a couple years older than myself. She was a kindergarten teacher and her love for kids was inspiring. She and her husband were incredible volunteers in our ministry and served alongside one another faithfully. She was one of my worship leaders and her presence on stage and in our lives will be missed. She was a sweet person and my heart breaks for this young family.

It breaks for...
The husband who has experienced the greatest joy in life and the greatest sorrow all at the same time.
The tough road that lies ahead for him and for their families.
The babies who will never get to hear their momma's voice or feel her touch.

But one thing is for sure...they will grow up knowing how much she loved them, because their daddy will tell them all the time. They will know that mommy loves them, daddy loves them and most importantly that Jesus loves them.

Please lift this family up in prayer.
Lawrence and Carrie Godbey
Logan and Sydney

Ahh...the Beaches of Lake Michigan

Heading out on vacation this week to a delightful beach house on Lake Michigan. My buddy Steve has some family connections, so next week you won't catch me in the office. If you need to get ahold of me...try my cell phone....cause I will be laying out on the beach, soaking up the sun!!! :) Please don't hate me my friends! This is the first REAL vacation I have been on since our lovely family vacations as a kid. So technically, it is my first "grown-up" vacation...I would say it's about time!
Have a great week everybody!!

Max is Gone!

Well, everybody...
My boy is gone for the summer. Boo hoo:( I took him to Lexington Saturday morning and he is now in full swing at his Officer Basic Course in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. I've started the countdown for his return. 87 days left!
I know military families do this all the time and for much longer periods of time for that matter. Guess it is just going to take some getting used to. I've said goodbye to him before. We were apart for 3 weeks when we first started dating and normally don't get more than a few days to be together anyways during the week. But for some reason, this time is harder. I miss him more than I've ever missed him before and want him to come back right now. Oh I know I'll be okay. I'll toughen up, but I'm not going to forget the fact that I miss him. I'll cry...numerous times. I'll laugh and wish he were there laughing with me. I'll go places and wish he were there with me. But I'll know that on September 8th or shortly after, I'll get to see him and give him a big hug! Until then...

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!!