Cheers and Tears

Last week we worked through Thursday and took Friday off to head to the UNI dome and watch our WACO Warriors compete in the State High School football tourney. We're so proud of those guys and we love getting to watch them play. We sat down front, close to the sidelines, and ended up in front of the spot the cheerleaders were for most of the game.

The whole experience proved it all over again - my husband is the greatest guy ever. The cheerleaders were cheering their hearts out throughout the game, but the fans around us were soooo quiet. The silence didn't phase Tony for a second. Every time those cheerleaders asked for crowd participation, he was on his feet cheering at the top of his lungs. Of course I joined him. Later that week, even some of the football players commented that even when no one else was cheering along, they could hear Tony's voice. Cool, huh?

After spending over three years with some of these guys and girls, we really have grown to love and admire them so much. When the senior boys went forward to receive their trophy, I looked up at Tony and his eyes were all filled up with tears. (Thankfully he's not one of my avid readers because he may be embarrassed I shared that :)). I thought it was awesome. He really does love those guys and love his job.

The Coffee Shop

We spend a lot of time (and a good deal of dollars) at our local coffee shop - the Coffee Corner. We love the owner, Gina. We love the lattes (Cari) and coffee (Tony), and we love the conversation. Many of you have heard me say that I was not particularly pleased when the Lord called Tony and I to small-town Iowa. Over time, however, he has molded our hearts and given us a deep love for the people of our community. One thing I have come to appreciate about our small town is the guarantee that wherever you're headed, whether the grocery store or the coffee shop or the YMCA, you're bound to see a familiar face. (Yes, there are days when this falls on my list of things I don't like so much, but usually it's a positive.)

I've blogged about the old men at the coffee shop before and I must bring them up again. Each time we go in, there's a table full of anywhere from 5-12 gray-haired men in the back corner sipping on coffee. Tony always heads straight back to greet them, and they smile as they see him coming (who wouldn't?!?). Then they start in with their questions about when we'll be having a baby (or some other topic to harass Tony). I always end up laughing while listening to the boisterous sound this crew makes as they laugh so hard at themselves they about roll off their chairs.

This morning it went a little something like this..."So Tony, do you have the nursery painted yet? Is it blue or pink? Doesn't your wife want to start a family?" Each question with hysterical laughter in between. Tony laughs along as he passes out a hand shake to each one of these great guys. It's a blessing to get to know people from different generations. We learn much from their experience...and their humor. :)

When 2 Become 1

It's a beautiful thing, wouldn't you agree? God's unique and miraculous design of bringing two completely different human beings into a loving relationship and making them one! Don't start thinking too hard about that or your brain may start to ache. After all, we can't totally understand God's design. I'm okay with that. I'm satisfied knowing that I can trust that God's design is perfect and good, even when it's just too big for me to fully comprehend.

God's grace has been so real to me since I've been on the receiving end of the incredible blessing of marriage. Part of that blessing is the joy and hilariousness that comes along with being married to Tony. At the end of days like today I just can't help but smile and laugh.

When two become one it's not as if two sets of interests suddenly mold into one. That’s what keeps life so stinkin’ entertaining! I’m a better person today (particularly in the area of athletics) than I was 3 years ago because I’ve been challenged by a husband whose interests…well, they just aren’t all the same as mine. Thankfully, we share a number of interests. Thankfully we each brought unique interests to our marriage.

Today’s entertainment made for a fun conglomeration of our interests. My interests were certainly satisfied by a good, long shopping trip to Von Maur and a trek through the mall. Is there a better store than Von Maur? I’m not sure there could be. We hardly ever make our way over to the mall Von Maur is at, so I’ve really missed it. Don’t let me fool you, it’s not my intent to pretend as if I spend a ton of time and money shopping…not the lot the Lord dealt this lady. :) I grew up tagging alongside my Mom and cousin Heidi on many a shopping trip to Von Maur, and my life in rural Iowa has made me appreciate a trip to my favorite store all the more. Thankfully, my husband is incredibly sweet and patient and let me spend a LONG time browsing the sale racks – a great way to spend a day off. He even decided we should start a new tradition – Thanksgiving gifts, so he bought me a precious new dress and had it wrapped all beautifully for me to open thanksgiving day. Oops…I was supposed to forget what was in there.

From Von Maur we went on to Scheels. There’s nothing Tony really enjoys about shopping except going to Scheels (and spending time with me, of course). He could spend a good deal of time browsing their sale racks…and he did. We left with a Thanksgiving present for him (can’t tell what it is, he’s supposed to forget) and a new “winter” coat. Tony spends most of the winter in shorts, and his winter coat is what most of us would consider a wind breaker. I don’t understand, and I’ve realized I never will. His new winter coat is what most of us would call a fleece. Better than a windbreaker, I suppose, and he looks good in it.

After dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, we hit the road. We got home at about 7:30 or 8 and my poor hubby was about stir crazy after a day of shopping. It was pitch black out, super windy, and the temp was in the 40s. The perfect tennis playing weather, right? Brrrrrrrr! This is where I find the whole “2 become 1 thing” to be so amusing. I felt obliged, after my kind husband pretended to enjoy shopping all day, to say yes (and say it enthusiastically) when he asked, “Hey Cari, want to go play tennis?” I bundled up from head to toe, grabbed my racquet and hiked up the street with Tony for a few games of tennis under the lights. It was incredibly fun. Something I never would have done if my life had not been joined with Tony’s. I’m thankful for that.

This whole post reminds me so much of some of the stories my Grandma Lois has shared with me about her marriage. I never had the opportunity to meet my Grandpa Victor, but Grandma Lois keeps his memory alive by telling us stories of him often. She has told me a number of times that Vic encouraged her to try so many things that she never would have on her own. I really appreciated that perspective going into marriage. Now I understand what a beautiful thing she shared with Vic, and I get to share with Tony.

A Different Kind of Date

I treasure the memory of our day off last Thursday. It was the most spiritually refreshing, rejuvenating, awe-inspiring day I've had in a long time. Thank you Jesus!

Wednesdays are long days...I know you others in ministry can understand. We start the morning with prayer at WACO high school at 7:30 and end the night around 10:30 after cleaning up and getting organized after our Wednesday evening programs. They are long, but wonderful days. The opportunity we have to share God's truth with young people is incredible, seeing the hard work of preparation come to fruition is rewarding, and getting a million hugs and smiles from my beloved little guys and gals fills my tired heart right up! Last week I even got a "I missed you so much, Cari" from a darling 4 year old whose life at home is just plain sad. Those kinds of words are straight from the Lord, a little shot of encouragement and energy to give me what I need to keep pouring myself out for His work.

Don't be fooled. That last paragraph sure makes it sound like I always have an oh-so-positive, ministry-is-the-best kind of attitude, and I sure wish I did. The truth is - I get tired, really tired. I forget to depend on the strength of the Lord, try to depend on mine, and run out really fast. I get frustrated and discouraged. I find myself completely confused and lonely. I get so busy with the work of ministry, that I forgo quiet moments spent alone with my Savior.

Oh my...that's an honest look at what you'd find if you took a close look at my heart some days. Consider this a confession. I know as well as you do that is by no means what the heart of one of God's chosen, beloved daughters should look like. I let sin creep in.

As Tony and I packed up our offices last Wednesday around 11 p.m. - I was feeling the effects of trying so hard to minister on my own strength...truth be known -I don't have it. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can do Kingdom work. That's the crazy thing about vocational ministry...it is all about letting God work through you. It is all about making sure the glory is His. It's an interesting concept, one I continue to wrestle with. He gifts you with what you need to do the work, but you must rely completely on Him. I suppose that should be true anywhere, but in ministry we must rely completely on the presence and work of God to accomplish our goals. With that said – constant, close communion with the Lord is critical. I was desperate for that communion.

We both knew that meant our Thursday “date day” the next day was going to look a little different. We needed a “date day” with the Lord. I could hardly wait to wake up! I was so looking forward to my retreat with the Lord!

We packed our lunches, our Bibles, our journals, some books, some music, our baseball gloves, and a frisbee and set out for Lake Darling State Park. It was a GORGEOUS, warm fall day! I found a spot at a picnic table overlooking the lake (the lake is currently drained, so it’s not all that beautiful, good thing I have a great imagination.) For the next few hours, I sang praises at the top of my lungs, wept at the thought of how good and faithful my God is to meet with me, poured through the Psalms, and studied the book of Titus. There was no one around…just me and the Lord and that was exactly what I needed. The Lord spoke so much truth into my heart. He is SO FAITHFUL!

Let me encourage you others in ministry with a verse that blessed my heart – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10.

Tony and I ended the afternoon with some Frisbee, baseball, and a nice long hike along the Iowa prairie. We pretended we were Bear Grillz and tried to figure out how we would survive in such rough terrain were we left to fend for ourselves. Gotta love Man Vs. Wild.

I love my God, I love my husband!

Wow Wow Wow - Prayer Works!

It is an incredible gift, ya know? The blessed opportunity to communicate freely with the God of the universe. Sadly I often forget the beauty and power of spending time talking to my Abba Father. When I start to think about prayer, my mind begins a spinnin'. I can never comprehend it. I can't get enough of it. I'm humbled beyond belief. I'm blown away.

Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 Tony and I head to Washington High School to pray with a faithful group of students. We pray for their friends, for their teachers, for the Principal, and for one another. As you're probably aware, neither Tony nor I are "morning people" per say. I should mention that Tony is INCREDIBLY perky and pleasant whatever time he may wake up (me...not so much). Tuesdays are super early mornings. Tony's first meeting of the day starts at 6 a.m. He's out the door by 5:45. He comes back to pick me up a little after 7 for prayer at the high school.

While I dread the early mornings on Tuesday (especially after working until 1 a.m. Monday night...), I was reminded this morning what an AWESOME gift it is to pray inside the walls of Washington High School with amazing guys and gals. I was so touched this morning.

For the last year, we've prayed in Room 207...the Spanish teacher's room. We don't know her, but she offered her room to us, and we've been very grateful. Last week as Tony was walking into the school, the Principal pulled him aside. Tony was afraid this meant bad news. Quite the opposite! Mr. Bucholz informed Tony that another teacher had heard about our prayer group, and requested that we begin praying in her room!! She works with children with severe behavior disorders and is having the most challenging year of her career.

We met in Room 106 for the first time today. The Holy Spirit met with us! Two guys and two gals joined us for an AWESOME time of prayer. We got to chat with this teacher a little and she asked us to anoint her room. She said it's been years since she's been in a church, but she knows she needs prayer. PRAYER WORKS! All the prayers we've been praying for the last year are causing a movement of the Spirit at Washington High! Why else would she feel like asking us to come to her room? We certainly have nothing to do with it - thank you Jesus for being real and alive and for listening to the cries of your people! It was incredible to hear those four high school students ask the Lord to give this teacher strength and patience and to draw her into a relationship with Himself. They prayed that she'd understand God's purpose for these students, and have wisdom in dealing with them! Wow, God! I was blessed by the prayers of your children this morning.

The coolest part is that I know, without a doubt, that God heard every prayer we prayed and He WILL be faithful to answer. I can't wait to see how he works in this teacher's life and then uses her life to affect the lives of others at WHS!!

Tomorrow morning we'll meet for prayer at WACO H.S. God has been moving there too! We meet in the classroom of a teacher from our church. God has opened doors for him to have great conversations with other teachers about what kids are doing in his room early Wed. mornings. Amazing! We have students come and join us in prayer that have not yet received Christ, but want to be there as we pray. Father, work in their hearts, bring them to Jesus, and make them kingdom workers!

All that to say - prayer works! Of course it does, but God is faithful to remind me in such sweet ways. Can't wait for tomorrow morning!

We look a little something like THIS

I never intended to be THIS slow at putting some pics up of our new hair-dos. I'm feeling like I may have hyped them up a bit too much. My sincere apologies.

We started the day looking like this...(we stopped at Yotty's ice cream in Kalona on our way to Iowa City - best soft serve ice cream ever!!)

A little while later I looked like this...

Now I look a little something like this...

Together, we look like this...(can you see the hawk?!? i love it!)

And this...(trying to stay warm at LifeLight Music Festival)

I looked like this last weekend - moments before I was thrown into Pine Lake by one of our dear high school students...

Just kiddin' about getting thrown in.

J High Boys

oh boy oh boy oh boy....This weekend was a trip to Pine Lake Christian Camp with junior highers. I ate a little healthier, and laughed a lot harder. I'm not typically amused with stories of flatulence and bowel movements, but a little while into the un-ending debate over the best bathroom story, I just couldn't help but laugh. Let me give you a little taste of a few of the conversations (I've made up names to protect the future hire-ability of these boys)...

JACK: Hey Tony, I gotta tell you about the paper I'm writing for my english
class. It starts with 'I sat on the toilet and a horrible smell filled the room.'
CARI: Are you serious, Jack?!? You really wrote this in a paper? And you're going to turn this in to your teacher? Aren't you afraid you'll fail???!?
JACK: No, I already told my teacher what it's about. She just told me not to make it too detailed. Anyways, the next line is, 'I felt the log drop into the bowl and water splash my cheeks.
CARI: Jack, I hope you are joking. This is RIDICULOUS! You're teacher will be furious.
JACK: Nah, it's not a big deal. The next part is...then I felt a long one coming....
CARI: Ok, ENOUGH! I think we get it.

I feel a little rude for even sharing these conversations in a public forum, but my current state of disbelief leaves me needing to write these down to believe just how crazy our life with junior highers can be.

Another junior high boy, we'll call him Zach, felt the need to top Jack's story and shared the following one.

Zach: Tony, Tony, Tony you've got to hear this.
Tony: What's up, Zach?
Zach: You'll never believe what me and my cousin did to our girl cousin. We
took a piece of poop and tricked her into thinking it was a Snickers bar.
Cari: Zach, that is not true. You're making this up.
Zach: No, I'm dead serious. We wrote on it with a Sharpie marker and put it
in a wrapper and she took a bite of it.
Cari: Zach, she did not eat it. And, you could not write on that with a
Sharpie marker.
Zach: Uh, huh. I'm dead serious.

...I think you get the point.

I fell into the role of human lie detector often this weekend as I tried to remind these crazy boys that it's so important to be honest. Even exagerrating ridiculous stories is dishonest, and not a wise choice of words.

Aside from the crazy, inappropriate stories, we had a beautiful weekend for a Fall Retreat. The Lord uses Pine Lake in incredible ways to quiet minds and speak into hearts. Our small group discussions with girls and boys were honest and inspiring. We studied 2 Corinthians 5 and challenged one another to be Christ's ambassadors, and to allow Christ's love to control us. We were challenged to clean up areas of our lives that don't represent Him well, and encouraged to add to our lives the fruits of the Spirit that help us share Christ with others. I'm always amazed at the miracle God works when he shifts a conversation and train of thought from what was written about above into a meaningful spiritual dialogue among brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you Lord for blessing our hearts, for refreshing us with your Word, and for allowing us to crack up at the craziness!