Hey girls! This is Kayla, and I should probably tell you all I'm a first-time blogger, so this is exciting stuff!
For those of you who don't know, I am going to school at St. Olaf down in Northfield, MN. I absolutely adore it here. God has blessed me with more friends than I can count, and a school that feels like home just as much as-- if not more so than -- Bemidji.
Toward the end of last week we got 9 inches of rain in Northfield and other places south of us got even more. Rivers have been flooding, and there has been a lot of damage done in the nearby area. Luckily for us, the college is on a hill(the highest point in Rice County, actually), so we are just a bit wet, but no real damage. On Friday hundreds of Oles went to downtown Northfield to help sandbag. In Owatonna, MN (a few min. drive south of here) over 80 homes are underwater. Please pray for the people living here as we attempt to control the water damage!
My schedule has me running like mad across campus, from class to homework to rehearsal to sleep (repeat). I know a lot of you girls are going through the same thing, and I am praying for all of us, that we are able to find time to just take a breath and relax when we need it!
I love that I'm going to a Lutheran private school. I feel the presence of God here so much, and it is very encouraging for me. Before every rehearsal (I made the top band, btw!) we pray together, and there is daily chapel between classes. I dont feel the taboo here that there was in high school about God and religion...it's encouraged here that everyone digs deeper! So wonderful.
Well, I do believe that's it for now. Keep posting often because I love hearing what's going on with all of my Bemidji friends! Love to you all, and my God's grace and peace be with you too.
<3
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
So....
There is a possibility that I will be home next weekend, Roberta as well... So if you happen to be in Bemidji that weekend, or if you live in Bemidji as in Trudi and Amy's case what would you think about going out for coffee, or just hanging out and hanging out with another? I love you guys! I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL God filled week of life!
Sister in Christ
Belle
Electric Bills, Totaled Cars and Babies!
Hey Girls, Trudi Here :]
I hope everything is great for everyone, whether your away at school, here at home, or off doing something else fantastic. I have been thinking about all of you and am so happy that we now have this great new communication device. And Amy, Facebook is not all its cracked up to be. Keep on being stubborn.
So, on to my life. Honestly, The last month or so was not the filled with too many changes for me. May-August though, that was intense. I moved into an apartment with a friend in May. It was such an adjustment to have so many new responsibilities. It took alot of getting use to. I am not someone who really likes to cook, and I never did at home, so one of the worst things to adjust to was Avoiding Starvation. In July , my friend and I decided that we were not able to be roommates. It just didn't work. We are great friends, but cant live together. So I moved out into an apartment entirely mine. I didnt happen to move very far, Just across the hall. This took even more getting use to. The bills just seemed to stack up. Rent, Electric, Phone, Insurance, Gas, Food. Luckily I am so very blessed with a wonderful full time job that takes care of all of my needs. It also happens to be just outside my door ( My apartment is above Raphaels).
The decision for me to not do any schooling was so hard for me this year. I have always wanted to go off and go to school, but when the time finally came, I could not make up my mind. I have absolutely no idea what I want to do for school. I have not an inkling of what I want to do for the rest of my life. Some may argue that I should be at a school in a new place to find that out. But I feel that being at home in Bemidji is the best thing for me. Its not as if I am just lounging around doing nothing. I work, and I take care of myself, and I spend my free time exploring my options. It is so exciting, yet scary at the same time, to have so much freedom and to not have a clue. I am just waiting for God to show me something that is right for me. Im waiting patiently.
Patience Patience Patience. Im having a great time doing it. Whatever it is.
So thats what Im doing this year. Working, becoming a responsible adult, learning and Exploring.
There are a few other thing that have come up that have really taught me some patience. on August 27, I woke up at 5 am. I could feel this terrible cold sore coming on. I searched high and low for some Abreeva. Nothing. And if I get a cold sore, they get bad. So I got some shoes and a coat, and I headed to Walmart.I picked up my coldsore medicine and a hot pink George Foreman Grill, and was headed home. As soon as I pulled out of the intersection a car flew at me and hit my passenger side ( I was going straight onto Middle School Drive and they were going east passed the Ground Round)
That was the most incredible thing I think I have ever experienced. I saw that car coming at me out of the corner of my eye. There was nothing I could do. I was going maybe 10 mph. They were at about 40. Im not sure if I screamed. But I remember being so scared. I thought I was going to die right there. When my car finally came to a stop, I was in total shock. I sat in my car a minute or so taking in what had just happened. If any of you have been in accidents, you know they happen very fast. I was completely freaked out, to say the least. My airbag had deployed, my glasses had flown across the car, My coldsore medicine was lost, but I was Okay. I opened my door and stepped out, smelled the fresh scent of radiator coolant in the morning, and looked around. I was so lucky. God rescued me there. It was such an incredible feeling to know that.Then I dealt with the officers and my parents, and sent my beloved escort away with the tow company (After digging out my Pink Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine and my cold sore meds). But I was okay. I went home and I cried. ALOT. At this point I was more worried about getting a car than anything. And I really loved my Escort. It was my baby. I still have possesion of it, Its parked in the back yard, Fixable, But for a very high cost. So I have purchsed my sisters really undesirable Buick LeSebre. I will have the car license and everything next week, and am so lucky to of had that available to me. I didnt have much set aside for that sort of thing, and She sold me the car for $400. Shes a great sister. I was taught alot of patience in that, having to just calm down for a few days was so hard for me. I wanted a car figured out right away. God was so wonderful to me through the whole ordeal. Im still here, and thats what matters.
I should really stop now, you are all probably going blind from staring at the screen so long.
But I just want to mention one more thing. As a few of you may know, I am going to be a first time Aunt this year. My sister Ashley is due on November 5th. Plus My Sister Brenda is due January 25. I am so very excited! My sister Ashley is not finding out what she is having, So it will be one great surprise for everyone! But Brenda gave me a call yesterday to tell me she is having a girl! Im so excited! Little girls are so fun to shop for =] I just thought I would share all that great news with you guys!
I cant wait to hear more from you!
God Bless!
<3 Trudi
I hope everything is great for everyone, whether your away at school, here at home, or off doing something else fantastic. I have been thinking about all of you and am so happy that we now have this great new communication device. And Amy, Facebook is not all its cracked up to be. Keep on being stubborn.
So, on to my life. Honestly, The last month or so was not the filled with too many changes for me. May-August though, that was intense. I moved into an apartment with a friend in May. It was such an adjustment to have so many new responsibilities. It took alot of getting use to. I am not someone who really likes to cook, and I never did at home, so one of the worst things to adjust to was Avoiding Starvation. In July , my friend and I decided that we were not able to be roommates. It just didn't work. We are great friends, but cant live together. So I moved out into an apartment entirely mine. I didnt happen to move very far, Just across the hall. This took even more getting use to. The bills just seemed to stack up. Rent, Electric, Phone, Insurance, Gas, Food. Luckily I am so very blessed with a wonderful full time job that takes care of all of my needs. It also happens to be just outside my door ( My apartment is above Raphaels).
The decision for me to not do any schooling was so hard for me this year. I have always wanted to go off and go to school, but when the time finally came, I could not make up my mind. I have absolutely no idea what I want to do for school. I have not an inkling of what I want to do for the rest of my life. Some may argue that I should be at a school in a new place to find that out. But I feel that being at home in Bemidji is the best thing for me. Its not as if I am just lounging around doing nothing. I work, and I take care of myself, and I spend my free time exploring my options. It is so exciting, yet scary at the same time, to have so much freedom and to not have a clue. I am just waiting for God to show me something that is right for me. Im waiting patiently.
Patience Patience Patience. Im having a great time doing it. Whatever it is.
So thats what Im doing this year. Working, becoming a responsible adult, learning and Exploring.
There are a few other thing that have come up that have really taught me some patience. on August 27, I woke up at 5 am. I could feel this terrible cold sore coming on. I searched high and low for some Abreeva. Nothing. And if I get a cold sore, they get bad. So I got some shoes and a coat, and I headed to Walmart.I picked up my coldsore medicine and a hot pink George Foreman Grill, and was headed home. As soon as I pulled out of the intersection a car flew at me and hit my passenger side ( I was going straight onto Middle School Drive and they were going east passed the Ground Round)
That was the most incredible thing I think I have ever experienced. I saw that car coming at me out of the corner of my eye. There was nothing I could do. I was going maybe 10 mph. They were at about 40. Im not sure if I screamed. But I remember being so scared. I thought I was going to die right there. When my car finally came to a stop, I was in total shock. I sat in my car a minute or so taking in what had just happened. If any of you have been in accidents, you know they happen very fast. I was completely freaked out, to say the least. My airbag had deployed, my glasses had flown across the car, My coldsore medicine was lost, but I was Okay. I opened my door and stepped out, smelled the fresh scent of radiator coolant in the morning, and looked around. I was so lucky. God rescued me there. It was such an incredible feeling to know that.Then I dealt with the officers and my parents, and sent my beloved escort away with the tow company (After digging out my Pink Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine and my cold sore meds). But I was okay. I went home and I cried. ALOT. At this point I was more worried about getting a car than anything. And I really loved my Escort. It was my baby. I still have possesion of it, Its parked in the back yard, Fixable, But for a very high cost. So I have purchsed my sisters really undesirable Buick LeSebre. I will have the car license and everything next week, and am so lucky to of had that available to me. I didnt have much set aside for that sort of thing, and She sold me the car for $400. Shes a great sister. I was taught alot of patience in that, having to just calm down for a few days was so hard for me. I wanted a car figured out right away. God was so wonderful to me through the whole ordeal. Im still here, and thats what matters.
I should really stop now, you are all probably going blind from staring at the screen so long.
But I just want to mention one more thing. As a few of you may know, I am going to be a first time Aunt this year. My sister Ashley is due on November 5th. Plus My Sister Brenda is due January 25. I am so very excited! My sister Ashley is not finding out what she is having, So it will be one great surprise for everyone! But Brenda gave me a call yesterday to tell me she is having a girl! Im so excited! Little girls are so fun to shop for =] I just thought I would share all that great news with you guys!
I cant wait to hear more from you!
God Bless!
<3 Trudi
Friday, September 24, 2010
Life These Days...
Hey girls! Amy G. here. I've been praying for you! I'm so excited that Belle started this blog, since I'm too stubborn to get Facebook and haven't found a more effective way of communicating yet ;-). I love hearing from y'all, and can't wait to read future posts!
Anyway, I guess I should tell you a bit of what my life's been like these past couple months. Transitioning from being a full-time camp counselor living and loving in God's Great Outdoors to a semi-stay-at-home daughter with a full-time college load has been tough. Tougher than I could've imagined. But good, too. For those of you who don't know, I LOVE CAMP! I love the relationships that are built there, the time spent outside enjoying the wonders of creation, and the time to focus on knowing God. I saw Him do some AWESOME stuff this summer, and I made some incredible friends. I fell in love (with camp life, I mean ;-), and didn't know how I would make it back at home.
The first couple of weeks back with my family were tough, mostly because everything in me still wanted to be at camp. But I knew that I was where God wanted me to be, and I strove not to let my inner heartache show in my words or actions. I prayed every day that He would help me to be content, joyful, and productive here. Our God is so faithful. Each day that I seek after Him, He gives me more and more peace about being where I am. I am learning to love staying at home with my family, taking care of the almost-three-year-old twins we watch during the week, serving at church, and enjoying the fellowship of the amazing people God has put in my life for this season.
These days, I'm learning that I have a lot to learn. I have a lot to learn about loving God and about loving others. I have a lot to learn about being a friend, a sister, and a daughter. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by my total inadequacy to fulfill God's plan for me, but I take comfort in knowing that His power is made perfect in weakness, and that He will carry out to completion the good work that He has begun in me.
I pray that God will bless each of you richly as you seek to serve Him in all you do. Love in Christ, Amy
Anyway, I guess I should tell you a bit of what my life's been like these past couple months. Transitioning from being a full-time camp counselor living and loving in God's Great Outdoors to a semi-stay-at-home daughter with a full-time college load has been tough. Tougher than I could've imagined. But good, too. For those of you who don't know, I LOVE CAMP! I love the relationships that are built there, the time spent outside enjoying the wonders of creation, and the time to focus on knowing God. I saw Him do some AWESOME stuff this summer, and I made some incredible friends. I fell in love (with camp life, I mean ;-), and didn't know how I would make it back at home.
The first couple of weeks back with my family were tough, mostly because everything in me still wanted to be at camp. But I knew that I was where God wanted me to be, and I strove not to let my inner heartache show in my words or actions. I prayed every day that He would help me to be content, joyful, and productive here. Our God is so faithful. Each day that I seek after Him, He gives me more and more peace about being where I am. I am learning to love staying at home with my family, taking care of the almost-three-year-old twins we watch during the week, serving at church, and enjoying the fellowship of the amazing people God has put in my life for this season.
These days, I'm learning that I have a lot to learn. I have a lot to learn about loving God and about loving others. I have a lot to learn about being a friend, a sister, and a daughter. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by my total inadequacy to fulfill God's plan for me, but I take comfort in knowing that His power is made perfect in weakness, and that He will carry out to completion the good work that He has begun in me.
I pray that God will bless each of you richly as you seek to serve Him in all you do. Love in Christ, Amy
Monday, September 20, 2010
From me, Anna Kay
Hey girls! Wow, I've learned a lot so far here at college. Not so much academically (haha, sad), but spiritually. The first few weeks here were, no joke, the absolute hardest weeks I've ever dealt with. That probably sounds kind of pathetic, but I seriously thought I would be able to handle UND at least a little bit better. It takes a lot for me to admit to this because I always feel like I have to be tough, but I basically cried nonstop for two weeks. My eyes were so raw they actually hurt! Crazy. It felt like I was extremely alone and had absolutely no one to help me get through. It didn't even feel like God was with me.
Finally, about two weeks ago, I allowed God to touch my heart. I still hadn't healed completely from not being able to go to Bethel, and the parts that did heal were so messed up that God had to re-break them. My heart was a shamble of broken pieces. Fortunately, God comes through with things, and those parts of me are starting to be rebuilt, how He intended them to be. I've learned that there is absolutely no situation that I can get through without relying 100% on God, and through that, I've learned to love Him more than I ever have before. If I had gone to Bethel this semester, I don't think I would have ever learned those things, or been in the right healing process.
I'm also learning to love people that are different from me and the value of patience and discernment. And as for next semester, I am transferring to Bethel! I am so excited! I just need to get through the rest of this semester, definitely with God's help. Right now, I just have to be patient and keep learning and trusting that God knows what He's doing, because He does. And by the way, I have an amazing roommate! Sarah Crampton is an awesome girl!
Finally, about two weeks ago, I allowed God to touch my heart. I still hadn't healed completely from not being able to go to Bethel, and the parts that did heal were so messed up that God had to re-break them. My heart was a shamble of broken pieces. Fortunately, God comes through with things, and those parts of me are starting to be rebuilt, how He intended them to be. I've learned that there is absolutely no situation that I can get through without relying 100% on God, and through that, I've learned to love Him more than I ever have before. If I had gone to Bethel this semester, I don't think I would have ever learned those things, or been in the right healing process.
I'm also learning to love people that are different from me and the value of patience and discernment. And as for next semester, I am transferring to Bethel! I am so excited! I just need to get through the rest of this semester, definitely with God's help. Right now, I just have to be patient and keep learning and trusting that God knows what He's doing, because He does. And by the way, I have an amazing roommate! Sarah Crampton is an awesome girl!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Hello!!!!!!
Wow, what a change these past four weeks have been. Going from living at my parents home, attending my home church, having my own room to living dorm style with 2 complete strangers, finding a new church, and not seeing my family for 4 weeks. It has been difficult, but God is ever so faithful and strong! I have loved every moment of it even in the dark moments of sadness. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel (literally the hallway light is always on).
God has definitely brought some amazing Godly women into my life who I have already started to become close friends with. It's funny when one of them does something and all I can think of are my friends back home and how they do that exact same thing.
I feel blessed beyond belief to have this opportunity to go Bethel. My professors pray and lead small bible studies before class. They don't only care about how we are doing in the class, but how we are doing spiritually as well. If any of you ever come down to visit you must come to Vespers. Vespers is Sunday night worship service that is only supposed to last an hour, but has gone over every time this school year. We spend one hour singing songs of praise to our wonderful God. Then there is Chapel, I will admit I have skipped several, and I have taken naps in a few others, but just the environment of the room is phenomenal!
I think one of my favorite things is randomly running into my Bemidji peeps. It's nice to have someone who truly know you as a person here during this transition, even if I only seem them every other day.
Well I have to head off to work, I just want to challenge you all to love God with every fiber of your being, that is what he is challenging me to do.
Love forever
Belle
God has definitely brought some amazing Godly women into my life who I have already started to become close friends with. It's funny when one of them does something and all I can think of are my friends back home and how they do that exact same thing.
I feel blessed beyond belief to have this opportunity to go Bethel. My professors pray and lead small bible studies before class. They don't only care about how we are doing in the class, but how we are doing spiritually as well. If any of you ever come down to visit you must come to Vespers. Vespers is Sunday night worship service that is only supposed to last an hour, but has gone over every time this school year. We spend one hour singing songs of praise to our wonderful God. Then there is Chapel, I will admit I have skipped several, and I have taken naps in a few others, but just the environment of the room is phenomenal!
I think one of my favorite things is randomly running into my Bemidji peeps. It's nice to have someone who truly know you as a person here during this transition, even if I only seem them every other day.
Well I have to head off to work, I just want to challenge you all to love God with every fiber of your being, that is what he is challenging me to do.
Love forever
Belle
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