My New(er) Car

Okay, so here's the story.  This is my new car!  I can't believe it!  Well, I can.  God is awesome!  Remember the red one from last week?  I was ready to keep it.  I registered the car and everything.  Tony's sister Lora and her husband, Jason, were really interested in the car.  They ended up buying the car from me.  I was able to buy this car with the money they gave me.  God worked it all out.  Everything is covered.  I didn't have to pay for anything.  

This all happened within the last week.  Tony went down and got it yesterday.  It is manual so I will have to learn how to drive a stick shift.  I'm excited!  Everyone tells me they are fun to drive. In the end, this one is better cause it gets way better gas mileage, since I go down to Green Bay a lot for church.  God knew exactly what I needed.  I'm just in awe of how God works.  

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Rollin' with Zach

There is a new show on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) called Rollin' with Zach.  It is about a 27 year old guy with Cerebral Palsy.  It airs on Monday at 7pm(CT).  We should all check it out!

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A Cow for Christmas

I have been sponsoring a couple of girls through Compassion for years.  A while ago, I got a letter in the mail that they are doing specific things for families and communities this Christmas.  You can choose to donate money toward buying an animal for a family, or a water system for a village, or school supplies for children.  There are lots of things to choose from.  I felt moved to do something.  I knew that I couldn't afford to do it on my own, but I could ask my friends to help me.

I thought this would be a great opportunity for the members of The Able Church.  I spent a few minutes explaining how we could help a family in need.  We took a special offering and received $100.  That's enough money to buy a cow for a family.   It was so awesome to give them the opportunity to help others, even across the world. They don't often get that chance. We worked together and were able to change the lives of one family.  I just bought the cow.  God rocks!

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A Beautiful Picture of Christ and His Church

This is a video of Francis Chan.  He is an awesome speaker.  I heard him speak at a youth retreat years ago. You have to watch the first 5 minutes of this video.  He shares a story about a mom who has a daughter with a cognitive disability.  The mom was getting remarried and Francis Chan was the pastor for their wedding.  The future husband and father-to-be makes a promise to both of them that is so beautiful.  Made me cry.  Such a great example of how God takes us as his own.  Watch this! 

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The Story of Jacob Stieler

Wow, and we think we are supposed to trust our doctors when it comes to taking care of our families.  This just proves that they don't know everything.  You HAVE to read this story.

The Story of Jacob Stieler: Part 1

The Story of Jacob Stieler: Part 2

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My New Car

Okay folks, here is the story of my new car.  Most of you know that I was in an accident about two months ago.  I was rear-ended and my car was totaled.  I needed a car, so we started looking.  Tony found a car through Karol's dad.  Karol's step-grandma was selling her car.  They were going to sell the car for $4000.  I got $3000 from insurance, so I needed a thousand more.

Tony and Karol recently bought a new treadmill from a guy on Craigslist.  When they went to pick it up, they started talking to the guy and found out that he was a Christian.  He ended up selling the treadmill for less and donating $400 to camp.  That $400 was the start of my car fund.  A couple of days later, I put the word out on facebook and my blog that I needed help raising money for my car.  Within 24 hours, I had 90% of my money.  People responded, and it all came in over the next week.  

I was so very humbled and grateful for the response.  Tony and Karol were down in Illinois for Thanksgiving so they brought it back home with them.  I registered the car yesterday so it is officially mine.  Woohoo!  Thank you to all who prayed, who gave their time and money to make this happen.  I love you all so much!

Lesson learned: God brought something wonderful (a new car) out of something awful(the accident).  I learned a little more about what it means to trust God completely because, I couldn't do it on my own.  I had to lean on Jesus and those around me.  I had to accept the help from others.  Quite the opposite message from what this culture of ours has to say: I can do it all on my own!   God ALWAYS takes care of us, in the big and small things.

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Afternoon with the Kocians

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with the Kocians.  LOVE this family!

This is what happens when you give the girls your ipod.

Awww. Nate and Hannah

Makin' silly faces

Nate's new silly face

me and Nate

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Spending the weekend with Hannahbear

Hannah was up for the weekend.  We had a lot of fun!

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My New Little Buddies

A new family came up to visit Camp Daniel today. They have four little boys. They are so sweet! I just spent the morning with them and it was so much fun!  They are such good little boys.  The best part is, they will probably be at camp next summer!  WOOHOO!

Alastar is not quite 2.

Sleeping baby.  Jubil is 5 months.

Corbin is 5 years old. Isn't he precious?! Maybe he will be a camper someday!

Theodore is 3.

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Making Chocolates at The Able Church

We made some chocolates last night to raise money for The Able Attack Team.

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My House!

I have been meaning to post pictures for a while.  My house has been an ongoing project for some time.  This is a picture of my house from last year.

This is a picture of my house now!  They have been working hard over the last few months to get it done.  There is now rock under the porch and cedar shakes to match the rest of the buildings here on the grounds.  Isn't it awesome?!  I didn't even recognize it when I came back from my trip to Oregon.  I can't wait to sit on the porch next summer!  I am so very blessed to be living here.  I don't deserve it, but I am thankful.

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Only $100 Away...

I can't believe it!  Well, I can! God is so good. $300 has come in since yesterday. Now I only need $100 for a vehicle.  I will have quite the story to tell you when this is all done.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

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Candy wreaths

We made some candy wreaths at The Able Church tonight. We will be selling them for a fundraiser for the Able Church Attack team.

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Only $400 Away...

God has provided a way for me to get a vehicle and I am only $400 away.  I need YOUR help!

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Making Cookies with Nate

I am hangin' out at the Kocian's this weekend and watching the kids.  We are having a blast!  Nate and I made some cookies.

mixing

I asked him to show me the sprinkles and he made this face. Hilarious!

Putting sprinkles on the cookies.

Maddie and Nate

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The Little Unbelievables

 Elijah and Mr. Elephant

 I asked them to smile and this is what they did.

 baby

 the little unbelievables

 this is blurry, but it is so sweet.

 estie is starting to get some little curls.  I wonder if her hair will be as curly as Lydia's?

 I had the kids sign their names.  I think they turned out well.  I like them a lot.

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