Power Invasion

Yesterday Justin and I visited Power Invasion Ministries in Lakewood. It was such a blessing to us to listen to the truth of the Word being preached, accompanied with power. Later that day, I joined their outreach team for an evening 'carnival' at the park. I set up the face painting table for the kids, and painted many Spidermans on many, many faces. I loved it. The weather was perfect. People were prayed for and delivered, their arms filled with bread and clothing and toys. It was wonderful to see the Church operating the way it was meant to- providing for each other's spiritual needs, and not just the physical. A piece of bread can only go so far. But a piece of bread with the Bread of Life can change a life forever.

Church, youth group, and where I am today

I spent some time reading Pastor Aaron Stern's blog this afternoon. It brought back so many memories- him officiating our wedding, sitting in a School of Worship classroom learning the finer points of spiritual gifts, many, many nights at the Mill, time at New Life Church.
Goodbye, New Life Church.
Although I spent many wonderful years there, many hard memories come up too. Some of my dearest friends have come from my time there, as well as some things I wouldn't mind leaving in the past. However, it is strange, even though I have not attended that church for nearly two years, I find myself feeling even more detached from my life there as I live in Denver. I say my life, because it was church, family, home, school, and work. Not kidding. I lived with New Life students, worked and got paid, worked and didn't get paid, went to school, went to church, went to small group, dancing, movies, putt putt, nights out, you name it.
Goodbye, New Life Church.
I have taken with me priceless lessons- on surviving a total leadership overthrow, surviving bad relationships, co-dependent relationships, group leadership, administration, prayer, travel, witnessing, and so much more. I have also brought away a few chips on my shoulder; I won't deny it. When I re-enter ministry on a church level, some things will have to be relearned.
I at once miss and am happy to escape my time at New Life. And the Mill. I love Aaron Stern and so many of the other wonderful people there, but I am also grateful for the new direction God appears to be taking me and my husband. In a land beyond... somewhere that I don't run into twelve people I know from the Mill at every neighborhood coffee shop. Weird.

Northglenn, CO

Here I am, sitting in a quaint little coffee shop just a hop from our new apartment in Northglenn, Colorado. Weather continues cloudy, with a dash of rain, as it has since we began the move last Monday. An unexpected amount of friends showed up to help, much to my relief. The move went fairly quickly, and, despite some boxes and bags on the floor, I can say we are pretty much moved in. Our new complex boasts a 3-tiered outdoor pool and hottub, work out room, and racquetball court. Justin is thinking he'll have to try his hand at it. The apartment complex itself is a great deal smaller and quieter than our old one, with tall trees shading every nook and cranny, and flowering bushes lining the walks. I am friends with the neighborhood squirrels. One of my favorite features is that our parking lot is just adjacent to a farm, which heaven set down so conveniently in the middle of the city. The fresh fruit and flower market is right next to the road, and the horses and cows can often be seen grazing in the pasture. I love it.
On the rougher side- I am still looking for a new job here. Justin is taking full time summer classes, and I am... not. Hopefully I will find the right place soon, as well as a good dance studio where I can keep up with my ballet. T
Oh, and I got a hair cut :)
Thank God for his faithfulness in bringing his children out to the new places he has planned for them.

BIG CHANGES

If you don't usually read my blog because it is too philosophical, this is the entry for you. All practics. An update on the lives of the Suits.
In the next month and a half, Justin and I will be moving to the Denver-Lakewood area. Justin will be returning to Colorado Christian University in the fall to continue his youth ministry degree. I will continue to work full time and probably take some studio dance on the side. Please send up prayers for us, as we have not solidified where we will live or work, but we're on a tight time frame. We are both so excited about what God is doing, and we're confident that He has good thing waiting for us in Denver. He has directed us to move there, so we know he has lots of great things in mind. Please make sure to stay in touch with us as we'll be just a bit further away; we may also be needing some help moving as the time draws nearer.

Cinderella

How could I feel like anyone else when my prince took me to the Glass Slipper Ball? Recently my in-laws invited Justin and I to this ball fundraiser. I dressed in my best Belle look-alike dress, and Justin dressed in his dashing prince attire, and we were off to the ball. It began and seven and ended at midnight- that's when I turn back into a pumpkin. It was a magical night. We sampled cuisine from all the finest restaurants and caterers in Colorado Springs, and voted on the best display from the top florists. We got to dance some, and were blessed with free professional shots by the kind photographer who was capturing the event. We went home tired and happy- and no one had any idea I was really Cinderella, making my debut at the ball in a consignment store prom dress.

Still nothing.

I had nothing to say a while ago, and still nothing. Of course that's what people say when they know if they start talking it will go on and on and on and on and on and frankly my fingers don't have that kind of energy, fortunately for you. I'm tired. In plenty of ways. Looking around the corner, but peeking just doesn't work. This is when walking by faith and not by sight comes in- when you can't see around the corner, but you take that step anyway. First one foot....

He's making a list...

Nope, not Santa. I remember my mom never liked songs about Santa Claus, and being good for goodness' sake, because it taught little ones to behave for Santa, not Jesus. A clever ploy of the enemy to get the focus off of my Savior, don't you think? But not in my house. No sir. "Santa is just a man dressed up, like a clown". That's what my ever-honest parents taught me; and somehow the lack of Santa never took any of the magic out of the season. Nutcrackers and sugar plum fairies and snowflakes and the impending birthday of Jesus on the way- who needs Santa?
Merry Christmas, faithful readers, and remember Emmanuel- God with us.