daytona beach, florida

for the past week, our family has been in daytona beach, florida taking seminary classes with cru. our schedule here has been taking our class in the morning, studying and homework afterward, and playing on the beach in the afternoons. although the weather has been cold off and on, we have really enjoyed our break from winter. 

ruby kay has enjoyed the beach so much during our time here. from the moment she wakes up till bedtime, she asks to go play on the beach. we have a few sand toys that have provided ruby kay with endless entertainment and fun. we have been spoiled with an ocean view here at our hotel, and the view has captivated us all.

my favorite part of being here at the beach has been seeing ben and ruby kay play on the beach together. they love to build sandcastles and play in the waves. since kennedy is still so small, i haven't spent that much time on the beach. ruby kay is a girl after her own daddy's heart, loving the ocean and they have made some great memories together. 

watermelon bash at okstate

It is so good to finally be in Stillwater, Oklahoma! A few nights ago, our Cru staff team hosted a "Watermelon Bash", where we invited Freshman to get involved in Bible Studies. While there, we enjoyed cold watermelon and games on the lawn. Ruby Kay made an appearance, and ate her weight in Watermelon slices. I counted at least 4 pieces that she claimed and completely ate.

We are loving our time on campus, and can't wait for the year to unfold. Our fall semester begins with lots of events, and carries into our Fall Retreat and Winter Conference. We are so excited to reach this Freshman class for Christ, and encourage them to get plugged into good community within our ministry. I can still remember being so nervous meeting people my Freshman year, and know the importance of finding good friends to live life alongside of. Be praying with us for open hearts and good connections!

A Trip Down Memory Lane to Oklahoma

For the past few months, I keep thinking that I need to write an update post on this little space. I love having a personal blog that chronicles fun trips and everyday life. 

To take a trip down memory lane, this blog began back in 2010, right after Ben and I got married, and were attending the Kanakuk Institute. It's where we announced our move to Fayetteville, AR and settled into our first apartment together. This blog has always been a carefree space, that I have used to share about our lives. In a sense, this space is my "online scrapbook" of our favorite trips, holidays, and crafting adventures. 

My content changed a bit after announcing that we were expecting, especially with all the maternity posts, and then when we welcomed Ruby Kay into our family. I also wrote monthly letters to Ruby Kay here (and still need to finished months 11 and 12!). I loved writing about my first quilt, and our dream vacation to the Bahamas. Ever so often, I would write about things I was learning and experiencing that were close to my heart. 

With our newest chapter of life opening up, I think it's important to change gears a little bit. I hinted at the change over a year ago, but now it is official. Ben and I are now on staff with Cru (Campus Crusade), and will be serving at Oklahoma State University! We are so excited to be on campus, working with college students, and encouraging them to grow and reproduce their faith in the Lord. Even though we both grew up in Christian families, we both were impacted by having mentors in college that modeled their faith in the Lord so well. Because of our love for the Lord, and our burden to spread the gospel of Christ- we are following the Lord's calling to work with college students!

Right now, we are in the process of building our team of partners and will be moving to Stillwater, Oklahoma, once our team is complete. Until then, we will still be in Fayetteville calling the hogs, and travelling to meet with people to share about our ministry. We are so thankful for the support of our friends and family as we have stepped out in faith!

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18-20