Live From Uganda

(This picture was from a coffeehouse we had at one of the weeks of camp we did this summer. It was the only one I had on my computer.)

Tonight I had the privilege to hang out with my buddy Beret Ryggs who is about to head to Uganda to do some missions work. He will be there for six months preaching in churches, helping with church plants, and training local church leaders. It has been amazing to see how God has brought all the pieces together for him. Beret's heart for God and God's people is incredible. I don't think I've ever met anyone his age as passionate and focused on their calling as he is. I'm excited to see what God has in store for him over the next six months.

Feel free to stop by his blog to learn more about the work he is doing. He will be updating it as often as he can while in Uganda so be sure to check back in every now and then.

Top Ten with DC

Top Ten Things That Happen While Meeting With DC
(in no particular order)

1. Scary sounds from Jeff’s office
2. Inside look at DC’s blog writing technique
3. Free office decorating tips
4. Frequent visits from Jeffrey which include him falling to the ground crying
5. Barking and death stares from DC
6. Hearing the phrase “This is off track. See what you keep doing” numerous times
7. Brief photo shoots by both Jeffrey and DC
8. Attempts to redefine the term “professional”
9. Reminders we are too old for MERGE
10. Dead silence followed by “What were we talking about?”

Emotional Rollercoaster

This has been one long week of an emotional rollercoaster. My brain hurts from everything that has happened, good and bad.

Sunday: Earlier morning than normal but a great small group time at Lifeline and the opportunity to play with the band. I had no idea how much I missed playing until this week.
Monday: Looong after school meeting but I got my hair cut
Tuesday: Horrible school day but a free evening to catch up on paper work and chat with my friend Allison
Wednesday: SNOW DAY!!!! It was freezing all day but Oasis wasn’t canceled. I had my largest group of the year this week and was able to play with the band.
Thursday: Had to go to school and deal with disrespectful students but Thursday means Hacienda and New Community. We are on commandment #4 – Keep the Sabbath. One word to describe the service – Convicting! My life is out of control.
Friday: We were the only school in the entire Michiana area that was open! Driving was horrible but I’m home now and plan on spending the evening being a bum.

I thought I was beginning to understand why God has me in the South Bend schools but I’m not so sure that is the case. We'll see where the journey takes us from here. God knows what he is doing.

I’m so glad the weekend is here!

This just in...

We had a total of 183 girls at Friday's Girlz Only Glamor Night!
- 143 Students
- 16 High School Leaders
- 24 Adult Leaders


I think I'm starting to figure out why God has placed me in the South Bend schools.


I played at Lifeline last night and I didn't realize how much I missed playing.


I got my haircut because Debbie Mann is amazing!

Girlz Only

Last night was insane! I have no idea how many girls were there but I think we successfully transformed the church into the largest salon ever!!!! Nails, hair, make-up, lip gloss, crafts and tons of pictures! I forgot to mention the fashion show. Susanna had some amazing passages and excellent thoughts to share with the girls about inner beauty.

The girls seemed to have a great time and had the chance to make some new friends. Our high school students stepped up and showed tremendous leadership. Let me brag about them for a minute. Heather Stevens was doing some amazing camera work and I'm looking forward to her video. Nea still doesn't have her voice back but was there giving 110%. It didn't hit me until last night but almost all of my small group girls are serving at Oasis in some way. I am blessed to be able to hang out with them every week. I could go on and on about our student but I won't. Let me just finish by saying this; you should meet these ladies and see how amazing they are!

Next Girlz Only Event: February 29th - Mark your calendar. This one will fill up early!