09 November, 2004

Things are going well...a bit busy and exhausting, but good. Cornerstone is getting to be crunch time, and Wally gets busier and busier every week. Despite our hectic lives during this season, we are most certainly LOVING life. God couldn't be more real to us, and the act of relying on Him for everything has brought Wally and me closer as we both draw closer to God. How awesome it is to serve our providing God.

In His grip,
Sarah

19 October, 2004

Wow, how time has flown. We left California (long story) and are living our dream in Grand Haven! We have always longed to live in GH and be a part of Watermark, but always thought it would be financial suicide. Well, we're relying on God in a huge way and it's paying off! He is so worthy of our praise! We make Him so small, when in all reality He is an ABUNDANT God!! Wally is getting our bills paid (randomly right now) and still working on Watermark's staff. He is loving every second of it. I am at Cornerstone University and doing my internship at White Pines middle school. God has truly blessed us as we stepped out in faith...I encourage all of you to do something risky that God is asking to experience the awesome power of out Creator.

22 July, 2004

My fam comes tomorrow!!!  I'm stoked!  Wally and I are picking them up at the San Francisco airport, then heading out to find some fresh seafood for lunch.  We're going to tour alcatraz, then head home to relax.  We have a ton of fun stuff planned for the week--picnic at Auburn, kayaking on the Napa River, Old Faithful, hiking in Tahoe, Shakespeare on the beach, and just enjoying eachother's company!  I seriously have not been this excited for awhile...I can't wait!  My family ROCKS!
I'll let you know how it goes...

Sar

15 July, 2004

Isn't it amazing how God always knows EXACTLY what we need and EXACTLY when we need it? Tonight, well most of today, Wally and I have been a little down. We just felt like there was no direction and we were feeling frustrated. Well, all that changed.
We went down to the hot tub to take a little before bed soak, and met some of our neighbors. The kid we met, Austin, started talking about this "awesome ministry" he was a part of years ago. He said nothing ever topped it and it was life-changing for him. The ministry he was talking about is the one Wally and Clint started out here five years ago. How cool! This kid was forever changed because of NXT ministries, and he's still living for Christ! Needless to say, this kid is all geeked to hang out with our crowd from the Ridge now, and we are so excited to have him! It'll be so great to get some fresh blood and passion into this group. I can't wait to see what God has in store.
We DO have purpose and we ARE doing a good work...even though most of the time it feels like we're doing nothing.

He is good,
Sarah

12 July, 2004

WOW. Have things been a whirlwind around here or what? Wally and I are in our apartment and doing well. We're getting settled in and definitely loving California! We traded in our Malibu for a Scion (check it out--scion.com). We think it's awesome...and the gas mileage doesn't hurt.
My fam comes to visit in ten days!! I am seriously SO excited I can't even contain myself. I love my fam so much and I have missed them terribly these last two months. It will be so awesome to see them!! I know I won't want them to leave...
Anyway, life is good.

Sarah

20 June, 2004

Hello to anyone who actually reads this! Things have been a rollercoaster of emotion for Wally and I. We decided against the house we had, so now we're apartment-bound for the next few months. Our loan guy was just not living up to our standard of integrity, so we decided to take a little while longer looking and finding a loan officer that we feel comfortable with. So we're a little dissapointed, but also very excited to have a pool and no lawn work this summer! (If you're in Cali anytime soon give us a call) :) Well, it's off to bed for this tired one...catch ya later.

in His grip,
Sar

11 June, 2004

Wow...Wally and I are officially homeowners. Kinda crazy!! The (former) owner just signed all the papers today and we'll be moving in as soon as all the loan stuff is complete! I'm stoked! Man, God is GOOD!
Life is wonderful in sunny California, and I can't get enough of this perfect weather. I do miss my fam...but they'll be here before we know it!--That will be so AWESOME!
Ok, off to bed for a little devo time and then sleepy time!

Happy Homeowner!
Sarah

27 May, 2004

It's been a while...but don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you!
Things have been quite busy as Wally and I adjust to our new life in California. Our trip here was an adventure...we drove through a blizzard and had a lovely flat tire. It's a trip we'll never forget! (and I'll never do again!) :) But we made it...safe and sound. California is gorgeous and I never want to leave! We both absolutely love it out here. The weather reminds me of Groundhog Day; everyday. It's crazy how beautiful one place can be year round.
We're looking for houses--actually we found one...we're just waiting to see if our offer is accepted. I really hope it is!! I can't wait to be a homeowner--either can Wally. It'll be tons of work and tons of fun!
Our friends in Michigan and Indiana are all doing well...we miss them often. They better come visit!! We'll definitely be back to visit them as well--whether they like it or not! :)
Wally and I spend the day in San Francisco with my Dad and Gram Peg...Dad was there speaking at a Pak Mail conference. (he's so good) Anyway, we had an absolute blast! I'm excited for my Mom to get out here so we can all go together!
Gotta jet, I'll let you know how the home situation works out!

Peace,
Sarah

10 May, 2004

Wow, we leave in two days. Tomorrow the moving truck comes and we pack all our stuff up. After a good night's rest we head out to the wonderful state of Nebraska. We'll then spend the night and shoot for western Wyoming for Wednesday night. We're planning on getting to Cali on Thursday night, but we'll see how we do. I am so psyched. I really SHOULD be nervous, but I'm not...totally a God thing! Wally and I have such peace. God is good.

Sleepy,
Sarah

04 May, 2004

It's been a while since I've last blogged...but man have I been busy. I always think I'll end up with more time on my hands once school finishes--somehow I'm always wrong. :) I've been packing like a madwoman and trying to get things straight for our move across country; we have a lot more that I thought! Tonight I packed up all our dishes and put the paper plates in their place. We'll have to live without dishes until we find a house.
Speaking of houses...please be in prayer about Wally and I looking for a house. We are so excited to finally be in a place to buy something of our own; I just hope we can find our dream soon enough.
We leave a week from tomorrow morning (well, I guess this morning). I absolutely cannot wait...I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve.

Waiting...
Sarah

22 April, 2004

I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL!!! My last final wasn't as hard as I expected...but now that I said that I probably jinxed it. Oh well...it's done! YEAH!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Sarah

21 April, 2004

Wow, does time fly by or what? I'm moving to California in 19 days! WOW. I've pretty much packed everything we're not using...and some. Last night Wally had to unpack the cookie sheet to make dinner. :) I'm crazy, I know.
I'm very excited to get out to CA...I really feel like it's where Wally and I are going to settle in and really feel like we're home.
School is almost done!!! 2 more finals and I'm finished!! I couldn't be more excited! I don't have to write another paper until the fall! Yippee!!!!
Anyway, I really don't have much to say at the moment...I'm just focused on my final tonight so my head is full of Shakespearean Drama. Fun stuff! (actually it is very interesting...) :)

Almost there...
Sarah

11 April, 2004

This week has been a busy one. I had school stuff galore to get done, and next week's no better. Thankfully it will all be over in two weeks!
We spent two nights with the wonderful Edwards...isn't it great when you can just be yourself with friends? We love spending time with their family...we sure will miss them when we leave. They are AWESOME.
Wally and I met Mom and Meg at Barb's game on Saturday. It was great to see Barbie Doll play, and nice to have dinner with Mom and Meg. I wish we could have spent Easter with them, but since we couldn't it was nice to see them Saturday.
I'm waiting for Easter dinner to finish in the oven. I attempted to make a nice dinner for Wally and myself, we'll see how it turns out!! (it sure smells good!)
Tonight is the bunny hunt...it should be a good time just hanging with the leaders and laughing with students. RL is full of amazing people...
Well, I'll let you know how dinner turns out...Happy Easter!

Cooking up a storm,
Sarah

04 April, 2004

Wally is home and I couldn't be happier...it's true...absence makes the heart grow fonder. I love him uncontrollably. I still can't believe God gave him to me...he's MY husband...how awesome. :) I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Loving Wally,
Sarah

30 March, 2004

Hey there. This past weekend was a blast...our small group is so much fun. :) We will really really miss them when we're in CA.
This week Wally is in Georgia for a conference and I'm stuck home. We've never been apart this long before and I can tell you right now I don't like it one bit. I could hardly sleep last night without him next to me. :( It sure won't be fun without him around this week.
I'm heading to GR this Thursday for another weekend home before we move. (this time it's only Dad and Barb) I'm excited to spend some quality Daddy-daughter time and to see Barb play some ball. Hopefully it will help pass the time while Wally's gone faster.
Ok, off to school, then dinner with the Pierson's! I think I'm getting a cold...that's not cool.

Sniffling,
Sarah

25 March, 2004

Ahhh, the weekend. I love Thursdays because I come home and spend time veggin' and not feeling the least bit guilty about not cracking out the homework right away. OH, how I love not doing schoolwork.
This weekend should be fun...we're heading to a cottage for our newbies small group...hanging with that clan is always a blast. :) We sure are going to miss them all when we're in CA--but they're already planning trips out there, so that makes it easier.
I'll check in at the end of the weekend and let ya'll know how things went. :) (apparently I'm from down south...I did go to school in Indiana...)

Loving Life,
Sar

22 March, 2004

Well, another day over, and so much accomplished. Lately I feel like I'm getting a million things done...just not things I should be getting done. Our apartment is overly organized, but school is begging for some attention! This week will be a rough one school-wise. I need to buck up and get some school work done before it's too late. I've been so preoccupied with getting things organized for an easy move to California that I've neglected school. Nothing I can't control...man, I'm just sick of school right now. I'll definitely welcome the break from school this Spring and Summer!...and then I'll be ready to hit the books hard in the Fall...I hope. :)
I'm very excited about getting out to California. It seems like it willl never get here...but I'm sure I'll be looking back in no time. I have so much to do before the move--find a moving service, figure out the car situation, organize more things!, find a home in Cali...ahhh...I can't think about it now...it will get done, right?

20 March, 2004

I spent the weekend in good 'ol GR catching up with the fam. They are so awesome...I would go crazy without them! I am so serious, I have the greatest family on the face of this earth. I left Thursday after school and came back this evening--so it was a nice long weekend.
Ken was the lead in "The Music Man" this weekend at Jenison...all I can say is "WOW", my brother is AMAZING!! (and I'm not bias, he really is amazing!) He sang and danced and had a way too long stage kiss with his leading lady. :) I didn't like the kiss part so much, but everything else was incredible! I'm so proud of him!
Barb had a tournament in Indiana this weekend so we didn't get to see eachother, but hopefully soon we'll get together! I miss her like crazy when we go too long without seeing eachother. She is a great sister...not to mention a crazy-good softball player!
Mom is doing a TON better...just getting bored with being so restricted still. She has such a wonderful attitude about life; she is truly an inspiration to me! We feel so blessed that everything has turned out the way it did...God is good.
Dad has been busy taking care of Mom and selling new stores. He's such a hard worker--and a great husband and Dad. :) Man, I definitely got lucky!
Wally and I haven't gotten to spend much time together this weekend. He brought some students to see Ken's play on Friday night, but they left this morning to get to Cleveland for a concert...I can't stand not seeing him much. He is so much more than I deserve.
Well, it's off to the land of dreams before busy Sunday comes...wish me luck...I don't even like getting out of bed anymore when I know the weather is just going to be dumb.

In His grip,
Sarah

16 March, 2004

Well, I've entered the blogging world...I really don't have a ton to say, but I figured this would give me a good way to download my thoughts and start processing them myself.
So here we go...