The Reeds

We're moving!

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

If you're on facebook, you've probably seen some comments about me leaving the Bridge on there. It's something we've had to keep quiet for awhile now because I've been trying to keep doing my job, while knowing that my time is coming to an end. Well, this post is for those of you that aren't around or I don't keep in touch with too well :-)

This summer, I had the great opportunity to take our junior high students up to Camp Adventure (CA). CA is the place where Libby and I met, it's where I got my call to ministry, it's the place where so much has happened in my life spiritually and God just moves in that place. Read a couple posts back about what took place this summer while we were there....powerful stuff. While I was out there I saw some people who are "high up" in the camping organization. It's through the United Methodist church and there are 7 camps in Indiana, so some of the top people were out there my week. I asked what they were doing out there and Danni (who is the camp manager) told me that they wanted to talk with me. I figured they just wanted to see how my week was going. Instead, Shane just poured into me about things he's heard about me and that they want me to consider applying for the program manager position of CA. It was really encouraging that someone would even notice me and seek me out like that, but I just wasn't sure. I came home and processed with Libby. Libby was getting ready to start another school year and she absolutely loves where she is, we just made changes again to our youth program and I was in no position to just leave it. So I told the camp thanks, but not right now. I needed time to transition out of the youth ministry and they wanted the position filled at the end of the summer. If you know me, you know my love for camping ministry and I told them that I see myself there, but I needed time. SO that door was now shut.

I came home and went up to meet with mentor of mine. He and his wife met me my first summer while working at CA. I've stayed in touch with him and he was helping me process camp. At the end of our discussion, I told them about the camp coming to me for that job. His wife started crying and I thought I offended her :-) But she said that they knew that position was open, they have been praying for that person who would take over and when I walked in, she knew it was going to be me. So she was crying because she really believed this was God directing our steps and that I was the guy for the job. I told them how I shut the door, it didn't make sense on so many levels. 1 - Libby loves where she is 2 - I love where I am, the kids have gone through too much change and I need to carry out this new change 3 - financially it doesn't make sense not knowing if Libby will have a job. They gave me their pastor talks about how God's plan doesn't always make sense, but how He blesses us when we are obedient. They prayed over me and then I left. I was unsettled. I desired to be at camp, but I desired to be at the Bridge. I didn't know what to do. But I had shut that door and I think there was a reason - so we just left it.

A couple weeks go by and I get a phone call from the camp. This wasn't unusual because we had some kids go to the hospital our week, so I figured it was another call asking for details or something. Well, it was Danni. She told me how they had gone through the search process, they didn't have a peace about the position, they prayed about it and my name came back into it. Telling them I told them know, she was told to pursue me again. So I went up and had a conversation with them. I basically interviewed them, I wanted to make sure this was the right fit and a place that I could thrive. They told me they would call me in 2 weeks and let me know. Libby and I committed to praying about this every day. It's so cool when you get on the same page as your spouse - we both felt that if God opens that door, we will go. If He shuts it, I will just feel encouraged and put some wind in my sails so that I can continue strong at the Bridge. They called me a week later and offered me the position! I had told them I couldn't start until January, so I figured I would be out and they would go a different direction. But I was wrong! I accepted the position and I start at the beginning of January. So crazy, yet so awesome. This is where it all started for Libby and me and now we get to go back. I love this place so much, it has so much of my story wrapped up in it.

But there's a tricky part and this is where we need your prayer. I won't be moving up there until March because Libby has to finish out her school year and they didn't want us to be separated. Thankfully, a lot of what I do during the off season is on the phone/computer and driving to meet with people. So I don't HAVE to be up there all the time. But I do have to be up there every week for a couple days at a time. So Libby and I won't be together much, then when March hits, we'll only be together on the weekends. We need your prayer for our marriage and that this time will go so fast. The last thing we want is to be apart, but we know it's only for a season and that this will be the best adventure we get to go on together. We know it will work and be wonderful, but for a few months it will be hard. It's an exciting time, we're so excited. It's so awesome just watching God's plan for our lives unfold.

Next sunday is my last sunday at church. It's been hard, things haven't gone the way I want them to as I leave. At the same time, it's showing me that this truly is God's protection and guidance for us to leave. His plan is perfect, better than anything we could ever dream up.

So there's our story, that's the latest happenings in our life!

Reconciliation

2011-09-15T09:46:00.001-07:00

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

I have read this verse countless times and I can even preach it…but can I live it? 16 years ago marks the beginning of a HUGE journey I went on. I started junior high. I’ll never forget those years, I hated them more than anything. I was the kid that got bullied. I won’t get into my whole story, those of you reading this probably know my story. But when I think of those years, I can name the people who had a hand in making it miserable. Well, this past month, 1 of those guys’ names kept coming up in conversation. Every time it did, it brought back all the pain and my hate for that guy. Last week, my pastor told me about this worship leader coming to lead a program we have at our church called “Celebrate Recovery”. They were building him up to be something great and that I should come check him out. When they said his name, those feelings were back and I was vocal about it. Last night, I was in my men’s group and his name came up again. Seriously, I couldn’t get away from it. So I opened up about how I felt about this guy and what he did to me. Derek said, “Dude, you need to let that go!” I mean, it was 15-16 years ago. But it shaped me so much, I couldn’t let it go. So they all encouraged me to face him and talk about it. I laughed about it and knew that would never happen. I’m the kind of guy that just holds stuff in. Talking with Chris and Phil today, I just really felt like I needed to do this. So evening came and I didn’t want to go in there. I walked into our auditorium and stood in the back for the first 20 minutes, I didn’t want to go anywhere near this guy. I felt this nudge saying, “go up there, see him up close, listen to him”. I got to hear a bit of his heart tonight. I was fighting tears the whole night. I’m not sure if you get the magnitude of this…I’ve held these feelings in for so long and now I’m faced with my “demon” that’s had a hold on part of me. Afterwards, I got to talk to him and of course, he didn’t even remember me for awhile. But I got to know him and his story a little bit, then I told him mine. I told him how I needed to clear this and get it out because I’ve held onto it for far too long. Amazingly, he wasn’t blown away, but so apologetic and asked that I would forgive him. Once I did, I felt this release. It seriously was a warm tingle throughout my body and for the first time, I felt like I could let it go. I cried, he hugged me. It was beautiful. I found out why he wasn’t blown away – I wasn’t the first to do this to him. But he assured me that he wasn’t walking with the Lord at that time and he is not that guy anymore. He now has 3 kids and said his boys have no ounce of ‘mean’ in them and he knows he doesn’t want his kids to be like how he was in middle school. Our lives intersected again for a reason, his name was brought up over a month ago to me for a reason. Tonight brought some healing for my life. I needed that, God knew I needed that.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of God.

Reconciliation, it’s hard, but beautiful. Thankful that Christ shows us that same love when we hurt Him. He is quick to embrace and forgive. I think I caught a glimpse of Christ’s love even more. Thankful for these lessons, as hard as they might be.

Camp Experience

2011-08-23T08:21:00.001-07:00

This is long overdue, but I think an important part of my spiritual journey that I would like to share. I wasn’t going to blog it because I thought it would take away from the power of the experience, but I know some of you actually read our blog and don’t get a chance to hear our stories and share our lives as frequently as we would all like. So here you go….

This summer, I took our middle school kids to camp at Camp Adventure. There were 172 students out there and I had the responsibility of being the spiritual director. That role means that I create the curriculum for the week, put together small group booklets, give the messages and anything “spiritual” that takes place. On top of that, I am the “in charge” of that week. That’s a lot of responsibility! I was beyond excited for this week at camp. Camp Adventure has a special place in my heart for many reasons – but that’s a whole other book!

Most of you know, I couldn’t even sleep leading up to camp. I was a like a little boy waiting for Christmas to come! But Monday of our camp week hit and I was down. I wasn’t real sure what was going on. All day, people were asking me if I was tired. I just didn’t want to be there. This feeling didn’t make sense. I had looked forward to this week for so long and now it’s here and I just want to leave?! What’s going on?

Well, leading up to this week, I was really struggling with pride. I had told many people in my life that I need prayer for that because I knew it was an issue. I wrote all of the curriculum for camp and put it all together and people thought that I had bought it somewhere. I’m not gonna lie, it was really good stuff! But the problem – I thought it was all me.

God was quick to humble me. That Monday, I went up to my cabin before the evening worship session and just broke down crying. I wasn’t sure why I was crying at first, but then I felt this overwhelming sense of hatred in my life. I have dealt with spiritual attack before, so I am aware that it is a very real thing. But this was unlike anything I had ever experienced. So I posted on facebook just asking that the parents would pray for me because I was feeling this way. Immediately, my phone was blowing up with texts of prayers from the parents, my inbox was being flooded and people were commenting on it. I finally got my composure and went up to the lodge to prepare for the evening. The program manager was up there on her computer checking facebook (which never happens), and she asked how I was. I broke down once again. Then her and her assistant prayed over me, my other directors prayed over me, our interns gathered around me. I find out later, the whole camp staff got together just to pray for me. I was absolutely covered in prayer. As I got up to deliver God’s message I literally felt like 2 men were on either side of me holding me up and my legs were elevated and this presence was within me pouring out the message. I’ve delivered countless messages and never have I had this feeling that I was completely removed. It was so humbling to see that NONE of this was ever about me! I was just the vessel God chose to use. For that, I am grateful and my prayer is that it never again becomes about me, but that I live my life in obedience to God’s call and His will for my life.

The story doesn’t end there. This next thing I am going to share with you might sound weird. If you are like me, I am a very cynical person and when people talk about this stuff, I toss it out the window and think they’re full of it. So I get it if that is how you feel. I was the same way. But I experienced it, I know what happened and it absolutely changed me and changed my relationship with God. It brought this deeper intimacy for Him that has radically rocked my world.

Wednesday night was commitment night. It was the night that I got to explain what a relationship with Christ is all about. So I knew that I needed to pray and get my whole team together to pray over this night. As the other directors were praying over each chair, I went out to the deck that overlooked the woods/lake. I knelt down over this chair and began to pray. I got to the point where I asked God to really speak to me, to SHOW me that this is about Him and that He has full control over this.

Apparently the word “show” has power to it when you ask God for it. This is where you might think it’s weird – but that’s probably because you’ve never had an experience like that. But as I was kneeling there, I was ‘removed’ from my body and was looking out over the lodge where the worship session was going to take place. I saw this swarm of angels – TONS of them – fighting this battle with an evil presence. The angels were not allowing anything to penetrate them and the lodge was under God’s protection. But over it all, I see these hands in the air and this voice say out to me, “See, I win. I ALWAYS win!” Again, I start crying (I was a bit emotional that week). But as I was talking with God, I still felt this weight of something on me and I didn’t know what it was. Again, I step outside of my body. I see myself kneeling over this chair and on top of me was this angel. His whole body was draped over me. On top of him was this evil darkness – I still remember parts of what it looked like – but it was beating on the angel. This presence was trying to beat me, but God sent His protection and it completely covered me and I was unharmed. The weight I felt was the weight of God’s protection.

That night, over 150 students came forward to begin their relationship with Christ or to get their relationship with Him back on track.

We serve a powerful God, who is living and ACTIVE. I notice a trend in my writing about my life. It’s never about me. When I come face to face with my creator, it’s never about my glory – it will always be about Him. But when we get in the way, sometimes He has to remove that veil to show us who we really are and that in the end – HE WINS.

2011-04-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at the Bridge in the adult services. It's funny when Chris asks me to do this, I always get so nervous and scared. How will it be received? Will people even listen since I'm just the middle school pastor? But every time, God puts something in my heart that needs to be shared. It's never "my" message, it's never stuff that I can come up with, it's always backed by the Holy Spirit just speaking through me. I had in mind the message I wanted to give and as I was getting ready for it, it was like God said, "No, you're not listening to me...I want you to give THIS message". So everything changed.
I got up and shared about the Israelites and their desert experience. I shared my own story of my desert experience. It was something that I struggled to do, I didn't want to do it, but I knew I had to. Very few people in my life actually know what I dealt with in middle school and how I felt about God and my life. As I shared it saturday night, I felt the wave of emotion come over me. I felt those feelings again. I struggled to share it because my family was in the crowd and I know they didn't know that stuff about me. But at the same time, it was a release. It's something I have kept inside all of these years and only a few people have gotten a chance to know that side of me. I wasn't sure why my story was necessary, I'm sure I could've come up with something different to share, but this was it, this was the story of my life that needed to be shared.
After every service, I had someone come up and talk to me. Saturday night, a man came to me that I had never met before and told me that we had the same middle school experience. I got to have a great conversation with him. Sunday morning came and first service is usually rough. Afterward, a middle school student came up to me with tears in his eyes and told me that he needed that. That he was in that desert and it finally all made sense, which then creates a time for us to get together and walk through that together. At the end of the day, a lady came to me and could barely talk as she was crying. She poured out her life to me and shared some things that broke my heart. But what's cool, she shared how my life had intersected her life without me ever knowing it! It's so cool to watch God work. She was connected to the boy that stole our church bus and I was the one that went out to meet the boy when they stole our bus. That's a long story in itself, but as she stood there crying, she told me that she knows God put me through the desert for many reasons, but 1 of them was to impact that boy. I never knew that, I never even thought that. But it was incredible to have someone minister to me after I had just drained myself of all emotion that morning.
One thing I do each week is go into the local junior high (Highland) and have lunch with the kids. Throughout the year, I've realized that ministry as a middle school pastor isn't just for middle schoolers, but it's to those I encounter (everyone!). I talk with the lunch ladies every week, the janitors buy me cookies, I have a great relationship with the staff at the school. This sunday, they all came out. The janitor came up to me and gave me a huge hug afterward and just shared some cool things that encouraged me. Then I got to see the lunch ladies and talk with them. I never thought my time with them would make any difference or do anything, I never even thought I was at the school for them! God does cool stuff.
So here's what I can take away from this weekend. It wasn't about me, I want you to get that. As people came up to me crying, it wasn't me, it was God working in their own life and opening their eyes to what is happening to them. It's so easy to give a message and get the feedback I did and then think, "Dang, I'm good". But I was constantly reminded yesterday that it's not me, it's not my story, it's not what I think I can offer. It's that people want to be drawn to the heart of God, but we're all searching. We're all going through a desert at different times in our life and we want to know that the end is beautiful. As I left this weekend and left all of those conversations, I saw every person as they reflected on their life begin to see the hand of God in their life. As He had their path set and as He guided them through it all, they can finally begin to see how God is working in them! How incredible, how beautiful, how awesome is our God.
The end result of my life, what I want people to get from my life - I want them to see God. I realized this weekend that I really am nothing significant. As much as I want to stand out and be great at something and be the best at something, I am not. But the God that is in me, is great, He is significant and He gives me purpose. My hope, my prayer is that people won't see me, but they see the God that is in me and ultimately are drawn to the heart of God through it all. It's not about me, it never has been. If it was, we would still be in the desert, we would still be lost. It's when you can step aside, drop the pride and allow God to work through your life that you will begin to see how BIG He is, how great He is and how your life can be a tool to impact the kingdom for all eternity. "He must become greater, I must become less" - thankful that I am nothing, but in Christ, I am everything.

Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-03-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday afternoon, and I have a big to-do list waiting for me to tackle. Gabe and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon for Gatlinburg, Tennessee! We are going on a six day getaway with two of our favorite people, Phil and Kylee. This is our third spring break trip with them, and we are looking forward to the time away from home with good friends. We're staying in a sweet resort in the mountains, going to do some hiking, eat at some great places, play a lot of Phase 10, and fill ourselves with rest and relaxation. Gabe and are pumped to go!

Like I said, this is our third spring trip with the Larsons. We have also been camping with them every fall since we have been married. I think we are so blessed to have friends like them who want to travel with us and be with us for a week! Thursday after school I looked through my folders of pictures and pulled out 20 pictures from our different trips with P&K. I have such great memories from these trips and wanted to share with all of you!

Enjoy the trip down memory lane...

October 2008

Camping trip to Summit Lake

(no dogs yet...)

I didn't take very many pictures on this trip.

I didn't know it would be the first adventure of many!

Hello, Larsons!

March 2009

Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach, SC

They love each other.

Notice the overcast weather...it was like this almost all week on this trip.

It didn't stop us from having a great time!

We had to get our pictures at every one of these.

I just noticed I am the little boy in this weird painting thing. Ha!

The fearsome four....I LOVE this picture.

It's in a frame in our house. As embarrassing as it is asking

someone to take a picture, I'm always glad I do!

We made a picnic lunch and ate it at this little park one cloudy afternoon....

Another fun pic from this trip!

We rented one of these four-seaters for an hour and got a workout!

It was no easy task pedaling through the streets of Myrtle Beach.

But we laughed and laughed!

October 2009

Camping trip to Turkey Run

Look how little Sadie was! She was only four months old and this was her first trip.

Sweet hubby Gabriel....he's so good with our hyper dog!!

This is another picture up in our house!

Turkey Run is one of my all-time favorite state parks to hike and camp.

The trails and canyons make you feel like you're not in Indiana!

The Larsons.

Gabe, Phil, and little Sadie.

I like that they're in the middle of laughing about who knows what.

This is what they do....make fun of each other and laugh about it!

March 2010

Spring Break trip to Kissimmee, Florida

This picture just shows you that Phil and Kylee are FUN.

We were walking back from CiCis Pizza and took crazy pictures like we were models.

Oh, Florida, how I miss you and your palm trees.

We went to the coast one day so we could see the ocean...Cocoa Beach I think.

We were very close to Orlando and so we visited Downtown Disney.

It had a ton of fun places to eat and walk around.

We ate at Rainforest Cafe, and we were ecstatic!

Oh, the men...

We love getting away together!

October 2010

Camping trip to Brown County

(Now, there's two dogs: Sadie and Hashbrown!)

I didn't take get a picture of Hashbrown on this trip though...

Our little family....soooo happy!

We LOVE camping trips.

Our new tent...

Kylee and the Larson tent.

March 2011

Spring Break trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pictures coming soon....

So there you have it. Three years of trips with our friends. I will take many pictures this coming week in Tennessee and try to post them on here when we get back. Looking forward to making more memories starting tomorrow when we take off for the south. Until then, I need to get going on that to-do list. :)

Happy Spring Break everyone!

31 days of beauty. day one

2011-02-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi friends. Most of you know that I really enjoy reading other people's blogs during free time. I love to search for blogs that revolve around cooking, home decor/nesting/renovations, teaching, and just creative and unique writing about everyday stuff. I came across this blog last night, She Breathes Deeply, and this young wife, soon-to-be mom had this great idea to celebrate beauty in 31 different days/blog posts. There is a list of 31 questions she encourages other writers to blog about. Well, I was inspired to try and complete those 31 questions. I am promising myself to keep the posts short and concise and not let my rambling get out of control. And I will try to keep updating about our little life right now.

Day 1: What does beauty mean to you?

beauty is the grace and mercy christ gives me everyday. beauty is unconditional love. beauty is having God's Word come alive to me. beauty is the sound of my second graders laughing their guts out. beauty is worship moments at my church. beauty is crying over a student of mine. beauty is encouraging a friend. beauty is letting a friend encourage me and believing what she says. beauty is communicating with my husband without having to talk. beauty is feeling beautiful. beauty is being secure in who God made me. beauty is being completely alive!

I hope you all have a great start to a new week. Guess what? Spring is coming because Tuesday starts the month of March. Woo hoo! Let's be happy about that.

Mother Dearest....

2011-01-27T15:01:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to you!

You are so loved.

pictures of "peanut-man"

2011-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

This is the woman who started calling him "peanut-man".....thanks, Grandma!

A very proud grandpa....

His amazing mommy!!

Have a great day, everyone! (I have ANOTHER snow day today.....woo hoo!!)

(Thanks to Daddy Joe who took these pictures, which I ripped off of Facebook.)

He's here!

2011-01-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

Andrew Thomas Hughes is here! Katie had her sweet son on Thursday morning at 7:50. She did an AWESOME job delivering him with the help of her hubby, Joe!! I know what you are thinking, where are the pictures, Auntie Libby?!? Well, I don't have any right now. Boo! The Hughes live out in Columbus Ohio, so we have not been out to see them.....yet! We're going to head out there in the next couple of weeks, so we can let the happy family get a little more settled. Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) are visiting right now; holding, cooing, and reading with little Andrew.

Welcome to the world, Andrew! Here is a picture of how your parents normally act. You are going to have a GOOD life filled with fun, silliness, laughter, and a whole lotta LOVE, boy!

Katie Jane....

2011-01-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Most of you know already, but just in case you don't, my sister is about to have her first baby! I talk to everybody I know about Kate being pregnant, so this is not new news. But hey, this is my blog and I can talk about whatever I want! I want to celebrate how awesome Katie is and

dedicate this blog post to her!!

If you know me at all, you know that I adore my family. I feel blessed to have grown up in the Brown household. I think my parents did an amazing job as Mom and Dad. (They still do!) They taught Ben, Katie, and I to play, create, use our imaginations, and love to be together. That is why being together now is a JOY, and I feel pretty lucky to have that. As much as I love Ben (or Tootie, his nickname.....Gabe STILL calls him that!), this blog is going to be about Katie because, holy cow she is about to bring another life into this world!!

Here she is at 39 weeks!! I think this was just taken on Sunday.... I hope I look half as great as she does when I am about to have a baby! She's had an awesome pregnancy; everything has been healthy and on track. See the little pictures in the background. I helped her make the one with the little turtle and birdie.....it's just torn paper, modge-podged onto canvas! She made the other two pictures, and they look sa-weet!

We arethe original three Brown girls.....three peas in a pod, if you will. We are all very similar, yet God has designed us uniquely. Mom is a go-getter and makes things happen. She's a great decorator, and will be one heck of a grandma! She is also a woman of wisdom and of God. She's one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life! I am bubbly and like all things girly. I don't have an ounce of musical talent, but I am creative at times. Katie has a gentle spirit and a huge heart. She sees the best in people and that's why everyone likes being around her. She's an outdoors woman and loves Montana, fly fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. See, we're different. :)

These last two pictures were taken at my parents' house in Milford at her baby shower. I don't know how many weeks along she is at this picture, but isn't she just beautiful?? She's always been this pretty. She has always had freckles and I love them! She gets a ton during the summer, and my mom always jokes that she'll turn into one big freckle! I wonder if Baby Hughie (her last name is Hughes and this is our name for the sweet pea) will have her freckles.....we shall see!!

So, folks, this could have been a little too sentimental and "gaggy", but again I don't care because it's my blog and she's my prego sister. She's awesome and everyone should know! And don't you worry, I will be back shortly to announce the birth of my new niece or nephew and to post pictures. Until then, me and my hubby are praying for a quick and smooth delivery for the Hughes family!

We love you Katie, Joe, and baby H!

2011....

2011-01-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about making some resolutions for 2011. I don't know if I have EVER made any resolutions throughout my life. This is the year! I will try my best to reach them.....like I tell my second graders: just try your best!

Here's the list:

1. Write on our blog. Woohoo!! (Now, some of you may be laughing or saying, "Yeah right!" but I am really going to try this time!)

2. Eat more fresh vegetables and drink more H2O.

3. Try new recipes each month.

4. Do a Bible study (or studies) at church and get into the Word consistently.

So, today I am already reaching towards resolution number one and am quite proud of myself. I promise to start posting some pictures about our life and update you all on what's been happening. I know that pictures are really what people want to see on a blog.....well, maybe that's just me.

Have a happy first day of 2011!

Libby

Go ahead...leave

2010-12-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

I read something that struck me this morning, "Church hoppers are like wife swappers! They get plenty of honeymoons but never know the deeper joy of committed, costly, enduring love!"
When I read this, names of people started flooding my head. Do you know those people that just go from church to church? They try to get involved, then mess things up and leave. I've experienced that with people in our church. It's sad, it really is. Do you ever view the church as a relationship? Think about this, what if you were to tell me that you really like me but you just can't STAND Libby - how do you think I would feel about you? As a human, I would struggle not to punch you in the face. She's the woman I have devoted my life to and she's my wife! The one I have chosen to be with! So we hear these people say, "I love God, but I hate the church". It makes no sense to me, yet I have been one of those people in the past. I know the institution of the church is a struggle to some, but why? Have you been hurt by the church? Being at the Bridge, I meet many people who have been hurt by the church. They were involved in the church and then something happened. I have a friend like that who is now atheist because of how things went down at his last church. To just completely leave the church because of an incident that didn't sit well with you, how mature is that?
Look at it in a relationship again. Libby and I get into arguments and disagreements - you could call them fights. Now let's say we get in a fight and I decide after that fight I'm done, I'm leaving her. What would you say to me? I would hope someone with some sense would come to me and point out my stupidity and overreaction to something. So why don't we do this to those that leave the church? We write them off as just another church hopper. This is an epidemic that needs help, it's needs our attention. So what can we do to stop it?
Just my observations on a snowy monday morning, feel free to help me process this if you care :-)

Rivers and Floods

2010-10-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Indiana is finally getting some storms that we needed and we got a decent amount of rain the other day. But I was thinking about what it would be like if we flooded. The rain just continually comes and creates all of this damage and wrecks many lives and destroys homes. I also live by the river. The river flows and does it's thing. There is a purpose to a river. The river flows to a destination and creates a way for people to get somewhere with the current that it provides.

They are both bodies of water but there is a difference - focus. As a leader, the goal is to channel people, time, energy, money to one clear vision. Being in leadership, I can see the value of being like a river. I also see the destruction of being like a flood. Many leaders today act as floods, they have their position and they sit and all it does it create damage. We need to look at our lives as rivers and know what we are trying to accomplish and help lead those around us to that goal.

Not a life update really, just was sparked by a leadership challenge and thought I would share.

Blessed and Encouraged

2010-10-21T18:10:00.001-07:00

Passion seems to be a topic that is talked about OFTEN around me and my sphere of people in my life. I work with a guy who is the definition of passion to me. In all he does, he puts his heart into it. I'm always impressed by him and constantly learning from him...maybe I should tell him that. But a couple weeks ago, I met with another junior high pastor and we were just talking about passion. I asked her to pray for me in that area. It's weird, passion seems to have it highs and lows with me. If you know me, I'm a very moody person - wish I could rewire that in my brain. But she asked me what ignites my passion and I told her anytime I'm with the middle school kids, it's there, I leave and just have this energy and passion for what I do. Tonight really ignited some passion for me - which is something I've been praying for and I know some of you have been praying for me in that area, which I am so appreciative of! So thank you. But let me tell you a little about tonight that was pretty cool to me - there were lots of things, but this sticks out.
We have this boy who is handicapped (I think he has severe autism?) The story I got was that he has been to many youth ministries and has never felt accepted and didn't like it. I guess the Bridge was their last hope. Well, he came out a couple months ago and I have these 2 guys leaders that are just AWESOME with these kids (Brady and Landon) and they just clicked with him and made him feel a part of it. I talked with the boy's dad one time and he told me how much he loves it there and loves those guys. Every week he has a behavioral specialist with him and they let me in on stuff about him. They say how he loves to play knock out, but he never gets involved. He likes to go to the corner and just hang by himself, he's pretty tough to talk to. Tonight, he got out of the car and came running down to the court and was talking to me (HUGE!), then he got right into the games without me having to ask him to play (HUGE!), then we go inside and I ask the kids questions that will lead into my message - he put his hand up. His behavioral specialist mouthed the words to me "OH MY GOSH" - he shared something. She told me that is NOT something people with his disability will do. That is not him at all, but something is happening in him. She was almost crying about it because it was that big of a deal.
That reignited some passion for me. To watch a kid come out and totally come out of his shell and be so comfortable - it was awesome! All of the middle school kids love him and are buddies with him.
I've just been so impressed by these middle schoolers. They are so eager to learn, every week on sundays they share what they are reading in their Bibles and how they are applying it to their lives. I watch as kids help each other as they're going through hard times. These kids are seeing what being a church family is all about. They're getting it at such an early age and I get to be a part of that and I feel so privileged to be where I am.
So thank you to all of you that pour into me, encourage me and pray for me. I want you to know it does not go unnoticed and I appreciate it so much. God is good and He is doing some BIG things in the youth ministry at the Bridge.

Adventures at Highland

2010-10-14T09:27:00.001-07:00

Every week I venture into the local junior high to hang with some students. Most of you have kept up with our city's issues with the merging of schools and all that jazz. Phil is over at the high school and loving it. Kids attitudes seem to be great and he's got a great gig over there. I, on the other hand, do not so much have a great gig where I'm at. Every one was all about Anderson high school and focusing all of their energy there, that I think they forgot about highland. EVERY week I go in, I'm either breaking up a fight, or dealing with a bully situation. I face a LOT of negative attitudes - they're directed at me too. But every week, I leave that school, sit in my car and just pray...a couple of times, I just cry. I cry because I hurt for these kids and I feel at such a loss. You know the song "Hosanna", the line in there "break my heart for what breaks yours...EVERYTHING I AM FOR YOUR KINGDOMS CAUSE". I think I caught a glimpse of it today. Every week, I see a glimpse of God's heart breaking for these people. But for once, I caught the second part - everything I am for your kingdoms cause. I exerted all of my energy today, I did all I knew to do and still left hurting for them. I know it won't change immediately, but my goodness, this is a HUGE mission field.
There is this girl, her name is Anna. Pray for Anna. I randomly went to her table at the beginning of the year and she was the meanest person I've probably ever met - she's in 7th grade. She likes to be called the devil and prides herself on that nickname. Every week she cusses at me and tells me to go away and doesn't get why in the world I go in there if I'm not forced to. I told her a few weeks ago that my goal is to get her to smile...today, she smiled. I threw a party for her. I was so excited, she was so angry because she finally broke, but I told her how much joy it gave me to finally see her smile and her response "GO TO HELL".
This is what I deal with week after week. There was almost a fight, I talked with one of the kids today who was really angry to get him to calm down, talked with the dean about it, finally got him calmed down. As I'm leaving, I get a phone call - that kid got in a fight after lunch and is now suspended for 5 days. Guess what I'm doing - hanging out with that kid for one of those 5 days. The deans are starting to look at me as their only hope in the school. This is not to toot a horn - it's to say, WE NEED HELP! If I'm all they got, this is sad. Everything I am for your kingdoms cause. Now I'm going to go into the school and meet with the deans and discuss how I can have a bigger reach and impact in the schools. I don't want to police the lunch room, I do not want to be the disciplinarian, that is not my job. But now I have an opportunity to speak truth into the lives of kids who are constantly being fed lies about who they are. They don't see themselves the way God sees them.

So I guess why I'm writing this - I need your prayers. There is a lot that needs done and I'm only so much, but God is bigger, God is stronger, God is greater and nothing can stop the work that God wants done. I believe after today that I am to be the light in their darkness, to be in their world and empower these kids to be who God made them to be. There is so much that needs prayer at that school that I don't know where to begin. But would you join me in praying for these kids?

Stolen Bus!!

2010-05-27T20:13:00.001-07:00

It's been about 4 months since I've put anything on here. This whole blog thing was Libby's idea and we don't even update it :-) So let me know if you read this!
It's 11:15 on thursday night and I just got home from being with the cops - and I wasn't riding along this time. I got a call tonight from a cop friend of mine saying that our church bus got stolen by an 11 year old and I needed to come down there to get it and do whatever to the kids. I thought for sure he was joking, so I reluctantly said I'll be there. Then I get a call from a detective at the police station asking if I needed a ride out there. Ok, now it's for real and I'm a little freaked out. Here's why...
Today I was talking with my boss about how great life really is right now. The past 2 months or so I have gotten more encouragement than my first 4 years in ministry. Normally this would be sweet for me...but it wasn't for some reason (that's a whole other mess), but I think I was scared because I feel like once life is great, something huge happens that messes me up. Saturday morning I leave for a middle school camp on that bus and I thought "Great, one more thing to stress out about with this camp". My whole thought process going out to this bus was all about me and what I was feeling. Then as we were getting closer my heart was POUNDING through my chest. I've never felt that way before. I felt like God was really working me over - as angry as I was and as much as I wanted to just roundhouse kick those kids - my thought was "don't press charges - make it so these kids have to attend youth as their 'punishment'" Luckily that part didn't happen tonight...I'll get to go to court for that one, so I can process this further.
I'm not sure why I have been emotional lately...I promise I'm not pregnant (yes, this is Gabe writing). But I about started crying when I got out to the bus. There, sitting on the curb, an 11 year old and 15 year old in handcuffs. I talked a little with the boys to know their life and see what got them to where they are today. The 15 year old - no family, lives with a nanny and parents have nothing to do with him. The 11 year old - mom makes meth, sells crack and the cops are always at their house. When the cops asked if his mom would care he was going to jail, he shrugged his shoulders and acted like it was no big deal.
This is my city. This stuff happens every day. There are hundreds, if not thousands of lives just like this in Anderson. This is why I live here and do ministry here. Sure, I feel unsafe at times, but I'm doing God's work, I'm in His hands, I trust His plan. Even though my heart is a wreck right now, I believe my eyes were opened so wide tonight to a hurting world all around me.
So I'm left with that and I won't be able to sleep tonight because I have one huge question that I can't wrap my mind around - NOW WHAT?

Malachi Joseph

2010-01-19T10:30:00.001-08:00

So I'm an uncle again!! Joe and Natalie had their third child - Malachi Joseph. I haven't talked with Joe yet, but from what I've read, this child is a miracle. He was born over in Africa so their medical isn't that great compared to the states. When he was born, the cord was wrapped around his neck and was in a knot. But everything is fine and he's a healthy little boy!! But this is also hard for me too. I'm not sure if anyone even understands why except my family - but I've been at the hospital for the birth of all my nieces and nephews. But I won't see Malachi until he's about 11 months old.
I learned something over Christmas break that is huge in my life. My time with my family is huge for me. I love my in laws, they are incredible and couldn't ask for better in laws, but nothing can beat your family! I love getting to be with them and just spend time with them and I think too often people take for granted that family is always there. I guess it's not something we learn until our family is no longer close to us. I don't really have a main point in writing this other than to let people know about Malachi. But also to let ya know that I'm at a stuck point in my life. I know my brother is doing what he's supposed to be doing and there are missionaries all over the world that leave their families in the states. I just never thought that the family left here would struggle with it. Now that I'm on that end, I see that it is hard and I'm sure it's hard for my brother to be away from everyone. I've always had the dream of being an uncle like my Uncle Steve was to me. We had a cool relationship and felt like we were buddies and he called me "partner" and we wore the same hat when we were out on the boat. Just memories like that with my uncle, I want my nieces and nephews to have with me. Who knows what is in the future for our family, but I'm just trying to trust God's plan for all of it. Maybe we'll just have to have kids so I can have kids in my life to love and spoil :-) I think I need to take Vivian for a day (my niece in Indy) so I can get my fix!

Hunting!!

2009-12-10T21:11:00.001-08:00

So it's been awhile since I went hunting, but I was thinking about it today for some reason. I'm sitting here in front of my TV, thinking I should be asleep, but I have a lot on my mind. I had a parent call me at 11 which I normally have my phone off by this point, but I think there was a reason I had it on. It started off not so great, but ended with the parent encouraging me and saying all sorts of goodies to me...I love it when people can catch a glimpse of my heart and know I have the best of intentions with their kids. Sometimes I don't think people get that, they think my job is a cakewalk and I should cater to their every need. It's not so glamorous all the time, but the most rewarding thing I could imagine for my life.

That's not the point in my writing, but it is what got me thinking. I have a lot of noise in my life. Libby tells me this all the time (she's a smart one), but she's dead on. I always have to have the tv on whether or not I'm paying attention to it, or I'm on my ipod playing or doing something that occupies me. But a month or 2 ago, I went hunting with a friend of mine from church. I'm not what you might imagine as a "hunter", but going out there really did something for me. I sat in a tree all day and actually read a book! When I finished the book, I just sat. As I was sitting there, there was no noise. I didn't have my cell phone ringing, I didn't have the sound of the heater kicking on, there was no traffic....nothing. It was in this time that i felt like I could just connect with God on a deeper level. I've always been able to connect better with God when I am out in nature, but this was just cool because I was up in a tree! I had a great time and felt the intimacy I believe we all long for with our Heavenly Father. But something just got to me tonight. I love the story of Elijah going up to the mountain to meet with God. He had all of these big "moments" happen where he believed God would be in the midst of them, and He wasn't. Then came a gentle whisper - and this is where God was.

We wonder why our relationship with God has its ups and downs. Look around you, look at the noise in your life. It's everywhere! I'm the worst at this by far! I think this will be a new challenge to myself - turn off the noise and be quiet before God. I think there's a reason He says, "BE STILL, and know that I am God" I think in reality God is saying "Would you stop for ONE SECOND and put everything down, turn off whatever you have on and just be quiet...then you'll see me" hmmm...powerful. Guess I should turn the TV off now and eat my own words. You only have 1 life, what are you doing to make the most of it?

Few weeks left...

2009-09-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

And then we split the middle school and high school! I'm really looking forward to this. I got to go into the middle school yesterday and meet some new kids and make my face a familiar one to them. Hopefully I keep this up and we can watch the middle schoolers actually get involved in youth for once!! We've always been a large high school group, but I'm hoping the middle schoolers don't come because they're intimidated....we shall see! But with the switch, I think life will become busier! I'll have 2 nights of youth to go to! But I'm excited because I'll get to just hang with the high schoolers and really build the relationship instead of making sure the night goes off well. That's the ministry update...

Life - I just took Sadie to the vet! She's healthy and everything looks great. The vet sound I got an awesome dog and whoever had her (Pals for Paws in Kokomo) did a great job taking care of her and giving all her necessary stuff. So I'm happy, she's a great little dog and I'm looking forward to the companionship when she's older and more trained.

Libby and I went to her parent's house for Labor day. It was a good time and relaxing, which we both needed. We got to see her sister and brother in law which is always so good for Libby. She's so happy when she gets to be with her sister and mom together. They had their dog there which was GREAT for Sadie, she just wore her out and dominated her. I think that helped because Sadie has been so good since we've been home. She doesn't bite nearly as much and I think she gets that we're in charge :-) We also got to see her grandparents. They're always fun. It makes me wish I could've spent more time with my grandparents. I never knew my grandmothers (except my grandpa did remarry and I knew her a little bit), so it's great to have a grandmother in my life. I know she's not "my" grandma, but I think she is and I've grown to love her family as my own. I'm blessed, truly blessed and have such an incredible life. Not many people really enjoy their in laws, but I'm thankful to say that I do! Love you guys!

Reason why I haven't blogged...

2009-08-25T17:50:00.001-07:00

First - Summer. It was busy...if I wasn't with Libby, I was with church people. But I believe it was the most impactful summer for many of the youth in the Bridge. Phil came on board and was announced as the high school youth pastor. That means my time will get to be mainly with middle schoolers!! Believe it or not, that's my passion. I went through a lot in middle school and believe that is the age where they begin to understand what a relationship with Christ is all about. So I believe a lot of life change will take place in these kids now that I can really focus on them. The problem in the past is that they would never come out because high schoolers are intimidating! So we never fully got to reach them the way they should have been. But I have a lot of work ahead of me to get into the middle schools and get kids excited about the change!! I'm excited though, I know anytime there is a split, there is growth so please be praying as this begins that God moves in the lives of these students and that we're able to reach many kids.

Second - Sadie. We got a puppy!! I'm surprised Libby hasn't posted about it...I guess she works a lot or something :-) Kidding, she's such a good teacher, I don't know how she does it. If the kids only knew how much time and energy she put into them, I think they would have a new appreciation for her. It makes me appreciate all the poor teachers that had to deal with me growing up! Anyway, Sadie is our little black lab mix puppy. She's the sweetest thing ever!! I knew I was a dog person, but she's got me. She also makes me exhausted. I get up every night at 2 and around 5 sometimes to let her out to take care of business. So I haven't had a solid night of sleep in awhile. Then I have to come home every couple of hours to let her out or play with her. The nice thing about school being back in session is that I don't have to be away too much. There isn't much office work when you're a youth pastor so my days are more open (except for meeting and planning stuff). Then I just go into the schools for lunch and spend time with them once school is out and go to their games and stuff. But I always have to be thinking about the dog and the next time she needs out! I can't imagine having kids...I don't even want to think about it right now. I know it will be different because Libby can stay home, but then I'll have a tired wife and a crying/poopy kid. I guess the madness will never end. But I'm glad we got a puppy first, great practice and realization for me that being a father can wait...a long time :-)

That's my update...I'm sure I've left a lot out because I personally haven't been on here in such a long time. But those are the biggest happenings lately. If something philosophical pops in my head, I'll write it out. I haven't had one of those moments in awhile....pray that I do, I love gaining new perspectives and wisdom that God can teach me in the little things in life.

10 Highlights of my Summer Vacation!

2009-08-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

My kiddos come to me on Friday!!! I have two teacher work days on Wednesday and Thursday, so I officially have two full days of summer left. Gabe is taking those days off so we can spend some quality time together before I get back to working full time. I have to tell you, I have loved my summer vacation. I feel refreshed and rested for another year with my fifth graders. It might be hard getting back to the "busyness", but I know I will adjust.

Here are the highlights of my summer, in no particular order:

1. Waking up whenever I wanted to.....the type A personality in me still set alarms though.

2. Reading novels (I read about five this summer! That's good for me!) outside in my blue lawn chair

3. Going to Chicago to the Willow Creek Creative Arts Conference in June with some of my best friends

4. Planning Gabe's birthday party and then the party itself

5. The multiple trips up to Milford to hang out with my family.....sometimes Gabe would go but there were many times when I just went by myself

6. Going to King's Island with the kids in our church

7. Babysitting little Josiah on Thursdays and the times I spent afterwards with his mom, Marcia

8. The afternoon when Kylee, Marcia, and I played with Josiah in his kiddie pool in our swimsuits while eating Dilly Bars

9. Working on home decorating projects around the house.....

10. I loved spending time with Gabe and not having school distract my mind. We went to Cinncinatti to celebrate our one year anniversary.....that was the best trip! Short and sweet! I just think my husband is really cool and fun to be with. He's made my summer a good one.

And now, I am on to another adventure: a new school year. Yes, I am excited and anxious, but this year I have more peace about what will come my way and I hope to become a better teacher. I am praying for wisdom from the Lord every day in knowing how to best help my 21 students......you can be praying, too!

It's off to making Snickerdoodles now......Gabe's been craving them! :)

So, I took a long break....

2009-07-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Goodness gracious! I am not even sure where to start here. It's been way too long since I have written on our blog. Honestly, Gabe and I kinda forgot about it! I thought that maybe if I changed it up a bit, I would get new inspiration to keep up on it. But here I am at 10:36 p.m. on Sunday night thinking about what to write that would be interesting enough to read. I feel like I need to catch up you readers (are there any?) on what has been going on for two months, but that would take a long time.

What about summing it up in a nutshell? I am not even sure what that means...oh well.

I love having a summer vacation. I am headed back into the classroom tomorrow morning to work for as many hours as I can on my classroom. We start on August 14! It's going to be here before I know it. Eeek! I better get cracking!

My summer has consisted of bunches of relaxing, sunny days. I have spent some much needed time with Gabe and my friends here in Anderson. Great memories made so far!

I have been able to spend alot of time with my parents in Milford! It's only a few hours up to Milford so I have been able to see them every other week really. I love being with them. Actually, my mom is headed down here to spend the night on Thursday! We will have so much fun!

I have done projects around the house this summer! I am in the process of redecorating our spare bedroom! I painted it a pretty yellow color and am looking for a new bedspread. I am sure Mom will help me look....she has a great eye for things like that!

Every week I am helping my friend Marcia by watching her son Josiah one day a week. I have a total blast with that kid. He is sixteen months old and is learning to talk. I'd like to think that I have helped him learn a few things this summer.....we'll see if it sticks.

An update on Gabe....well, he just got back from the high school camp! He said it was an amazing experience for all the kids and for him. God showed up in big ways and real ways to the high schoolers and we are praying that these kids never forget what they have learned. He is working hard for The Bridge and loving his job. He gets to hang out with kids during the summer which is his favorite part of his job! I am proud of him.

That's not really a quick update on our lives, but it will work. I am just proud of myself for actually writing on here tonight. It's time to go to bed if I am getting up to work at school! More posts soon.....I promise it won't be two months from now. Way too long, my friends!

We love you!

Where we were a year ago....

2009-05-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about where we were a year ago and wanted to share. Ahh....on the beach, soaking up the sun, and having the best "first" vacation ever.

The new Mrs. Reed!!

My oh-so-good looking hubby!

So many more years of memories to come. I love you, Gabe!

ONE YEAR!!!

2009-05-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

So it's been a year yesterday that we have been married. It's hard to believe that a year has passed us. I don't even remember what it was like to say goodbye after spending a sunday together. (this is Gabe by the way). It's weird to think that we dated for 4 years without being in the same city and seeing each other maybe once a week on the day that I'm usually the most exhausted because of church stuff. Last night Libby and I watched our wedding and it brought back all those feelings of anxiousness to get to be with the girl I've waited my whole life for! It was so great to have all of our friends and family come out to watch that glorious event. We're more than blessed for the lives that we have and the people in them.

I'll never forget 5 years ago around this time - I was sitting on the steps of my parent's house crying to my mom. I had made mistakes in my life, I dated people that were not even close to what I would imagine for my life and I had lost touch with God. I felt so lost, so empty and hurting. I just wanted to get away, to start over and focus my life on what God wants in my life. I know that seems "churchy" - which it shouldn't it should be how we all live our lives. But that summer, I left to go work at camp to get my mind off of girls and really get my heart right and my priorities straight. I'll never forget the words my mom said to me "You'll find someone who doesn't go to Anderson, who will value you as a man and who will push you to do what God wants in your life. She'll put God first in her life and push you to do the same. She'll respect that you are striving for that in your own life". That all happened in May 2004 as I was sitting on those steps.

I go off to camp and we're sitting in the basement of lookout lodge meeting the staff. I was sitting there with people I already knew and I knew that this would be a good staff - there were no girls there that showed interest in me and none that I had interest in (part of it was because I was pushing everyone away!) But then Evan said we're still waiting on 2 people to get there, 1 of those people was Libby. I will NEVER forget when she walked in the door....that smile got me and I'll never forget my prayer at that moment. "Why are you doing this to me God?!" I knew that Libby was the other lifeguard I was going to be working with all summer and I was scared, because she captivated me right off the bat. So that first day, her and I were talking and bouncing a ball back and forth. She must have thought I was an idiot because I told her about my past relationship and how I didn't want to find anyone this summer, so her and I were strictly business...nothing more. I could tell she was thinking "This guy is full of himself!" But I wanted her to know from the beginning that we would be spending a lot of time together and it meant nothing to me! ha, I'm a jerk.

Well, if you've ever met Libby, there's no denying how incredible she is and you are just drawn to her. So after about a month of spending all day, ever day together, I couldn't take it. I called my mom crying (again, I'm a sap) telling her about this girl. I remember telling her that I felt like this is "the one", but I knew I put my heart out there too easily and I didn't want to do that again, besides, it had only been a month that I had known this girl! How could I really know that?! But Libby seemed to have some kind of feelings for me, who knows. But we went out one night with Danni and Terry to Oakwood and Libby and I started talking...trying to figure out what was going on. I told her my fears and how I just wanted to be friends, but I couldn't help these feelings for her. She told me that she wants to keep God first in her life, but anything she can do to help me to do the same, she would. She said she respects me and what I want to do with my life and the last thing she wants to do is get in the way of that. If you remember what my mom said that day on the stairs, she said exactly what my mom said. Also, Libby went to Indiana Wesleyan - not Anderson. So I went back to camp that night, still confused and praying more than I ever have about a relationship. I remember journaling that next morning and God being clear with me. It was like He was saying, "You have kept me first, you have turned things around, your focus is no longer about finding "the one", but being with me. You're ready". And so it began, Libby and I took it one day at a time, not rushing into anything at all.

Then one night, I went out to see her at school. We went to a place in the woods, I turned up the music in my car and we danced...it was beautiful. As we were driving home, out of nowhere Libby tells me she doesn't want to kiss me until we're engaged. ENGAGED?!? We're just dating!! I thought "that's several years from now...is that even going to work?". But again, God kept tugging my heart...what is this relationship about to you? So I began to get to know her, to fall in love with her and who she is. She had so much respect for our relationship that she didn't want anything physical to ruin it - which we see happen so many times. So I fell in love for the first time with a woman for WHO she is. I remember that being so hard because when you love someone, you kinda want to kiss them :-)

Now that we're married, I look back and see God's hand in EVERYTHING in our life. I see how He brought us together (which would be another long post on here) but basically, I ended up at that camp because I was pursuing a different girl the year before. Crazy. I see God's protection for us, especially in the physical side. It's hard to find someone who is saving themselves physically for the person they are going to marry, and that is something Libby and I pride ourselves on. I am so thankful for the woman God has put in my life to spend the rest of my life with. She's my everything and I couldn't imagine a life without her. There are night when I just watch her sleep and just thank God for her. She's so precious to me and I am so excited for the rest of our lives together. I'm blessed. She also has an incredible family that I love to spend time with. I never grew up hanging out with my cousins, so I feel like her cousins have become my cousins and her grandparents are like my grandparents to me.

I like how we celebrate things like anniversaries. It makes me stop and realize how blessed I really am. I have an incredible life with incredible people to enjoy it with. I love you all and thank you for your love and support in our first year together.

I got the HINT. :)

2009-05-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

I was hinted that we need to update our blog. And yes, it is so true! I have no excuse as to why we don't. I have Gabe sitting with me and we both will update. Right now.

10 updates from our life:

I have 20 days of school left. Wow. Has it really been a year already?
Gabe is growing out his hair.
My family is coming to stay at our house next weekend. I promise I will post pictures.
We completely redid our front yard landscaping. I need to post those pics too! Later...
Gabe is still awesome. (Direct quote.)
The student ministry at the Bridge is in a series called "Pause". It was an awesome service this morning. Probably one of the best Aftershocks ever. Period.
I ruined a rug by washing it. It fell apart in the washer and made a mess.
Next Sunday we celebrate one year of marriage. We are loving our life!
We are loving old Cosby Show reruns from the library.
This summer I will be watching a friend's child, Josiah, one day a week. I am excited to get to know that little guy.
Gabe is on the start-up committee for an FCA chapter starting at Highland High School.
Friends and I made a bunch of jewelry yesterday and sold it after church for a fundraiser. Boy, did we raise some funds. (I am proud because my stuff actually sold!)
I am taking a personal day on Friday. I haven't used any of my sick or personal days yet!
I love decaf coffee in the morning. Much better for my stomach!
That's way more than ten, but once I got started I just couldn't stop.

Ah. I feel better. We updated. Finally. But please, don't expect one for awhile, k? :)

Just kidding.

2009-04-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

It is Good Friday. Two years ago on this day, my sweetheart asked me to marry him in an ampitheater in Winona Lake. I love remembering that memory. One of the best days of my life. And...eleven months ago on this day we were married! Time is flying by us, but we are loving every minute of marriage. I don't have school today because of it being Good Friday, and it feels nice to have a relaxing morning at home. I saw this little self-trivia on a friend's blog, and thought I would give it a whirl. Enjoy! :)

Three Things About Me:
THREE NAMES I GO BY
*Libby
*Mrs. Reed
*Lib
THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
* Camp Adventure lifeguard
*Road construction flagger
*teacher...the BEST!
THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED
* Milford, IN
*Marion, IN
*Anderson, IN
THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH
* The Biggest Loser
*Dancing with the Stars
*The Office
THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN
* Lima, Peru
*Hawaii
*Mexico
* PEOPLE THAT E-MAIL ME REGULARLY
* My superintendent
*Mom
*teachers at school
* THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
* strawberries
* popcorn
* peppermint ice cream
THREE FRIENDS I THINK WILL RESPOND
* Kylee
* Elise
* I don't even know if people look at our blog! :)
THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
* Our one year anniversary
* Summertime!
* Doing repairs and updates to our house this summer

I want to know your 3 things! Copy and paste this into your blog and erase my answers and add yours! Let me know you do it so I can read it!!!

Have a wonderful Easter with your families!

Restin' and Relaxin'

2009-04-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

Gabe and I went to Myrtle Beach over my Spring Break with two GREAT friends, Phil and Kylee! We used Phil's parents' time share for an entire week, and it was fabulous. We didn't hit the best week of weather, but we made up for it with great memories.

Pictures tell the best stories, so here you are.

Phil and Kylee....full of laughs!

We fed these nasty fish at a place called Broadway at the Beach.

On one of our first days there, Kylee and I convinced the boys

Playing at a park when the sunshine was nowhere to be seen....

I love this picture of the four of us!

We are silly and took pictures at all of these things around Myrtle Beach.

We played Phase 10 every single night! The competition was fierce, I tell you.

Kylee and I at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

What a wonderful vacation for my husband and I. We needed to get away to rest and relax, and we did just that. Thanks, Phil and Kylee, for the AWESOME memories. You guys are the best.

As of lately...

2009-03-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

I love that it is 7:15 and it is still light out. Spring is on its way here in Indiana, and I cannot be more thrilled. Gabe told me it was my turn to update our blog; I am sorry for the delay! Life has been busy, busy, busy for me, and I just didn't find the time to write on here. This has the potential to be boring, but I thought I would tell you all what has been happening in our lives lately.

I have learned the basics of making jewelry. Well, I have actually only made earrings, but I am still proud of myself. My two great friends Kylee and Marcia are amazing at making jewelry, and I have learned from them. A great hobby for me!
My sister and her husband, Joe, are going to Montana this summer once again. They are working at a family camp out there all summer! God is so faithful in their lives.
Gabe's brother Joe and his family moved back to South Africa in February. We were able to spend a few months with them home which were completely wonderful. It was hard to see them go, but Gabe and I know that God has amazing things planned for them in Africa.
We watch one TV show a week together....religiously. The Biggest Loser. Neither of us had seen this show before, but now we are hooked each Tuesday night at 8:00.
Since watching Biggest Loser, we both have been more motivated to be aware of our health. We are eating better and getting more exercise! It's great to be motivated together!
Each Thursday night, we head into our church office to participate in Financial Peace. You've probably heard of Dave Ramsey, the financial gu-ru. Along with four other couples, Gabe and I learn a TON about getting our fiances in order and how we can get out of debt and stay away from it. It has been so beneficial for us.
Last Wednesday night, we had the youth group over to our house for a game night. Wow. We had 35-40 people in this house. If you have ever been here, your eyes are probably wide. All went well except a child's soda exploding on the walls and doors in the living room without him knowing about it. Hmmm...how does that happen?
I LOVE being on the Experience Team at church. We are a team that works behind the scenes to create an atmosphere for each church service. We work on art pieces on the stage, in the hallways, and as people enter. I get to go to a big conference at Willow Creek in June and am totally pumped about getting more involved.
We are getting excited to go on a Spring Break trip with our dear friends, Phil and Kylee. It is less than two weeks away! Hooray!
I spent this past Saturday in Ft. Wayne at Jefferson Pointe with my mama. She is amazing and we needed a day together. Shopping and talking is what we do best. She is one of my closest friends.
I am learning tons as a teacher. God is teaching me to totally rely on His strength each day and ask for wisdom. I try too hard to do it all on my own. I have fallen down flat often in this job, but He is so unfailing to me. I love teaching, but it isn't always easy, and I think that is good for me. I need some challenges. :)
I am going to read the "Twilight" books over Spring Break. It's my goal at least.
Tomorrow is March 10th. Gabe and I will be married for ten months tomorrow. How did it go this fast?
We love our small group at church. We meet every other Sunday night with our close friends and study the Word, discuss its meaning, pray, drink iced tea, and laugh. We are blessed to have found wonderful friends.
Gabe and I find a date night at least once a week and look forward to that time together. When we got married, the common advice anyone gave us was "Keep dating each other". We have taken hold of that advice, and it has brought us so close. We watched Slumdog Millionaire the other weekend. See it....you will LOVE it. I am so glad it won all of the awards. Such a story of hardship, faithfulness, and complete redemption. Mmm. Powerful stuff.
Besides being together, Gabe and I have taken advantage of "boy" and "girl" nights. Right now, Gabe is playing "Settlers of Catan" (yay Austin Rampey!) with a bunch of his friends. I love that we have those close-knit groups of females and males.

God sure has been good to us. We just took a walk today and talked about what we are thankful for in our life together. There is so much. We're definitely looking for how God will mold us and grow us in this spring season. Enjoy your day!

The finale of the bus situation

2009-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

I think our bus problem is over. After I wrote that previous entry, I got a guy's number from the Bridge that Chris Mishler told me to call. I called this guy, Andy Drummond, and he told me that he works with Best Way Disposal (a garbage company in Anderson) and he has 1 other unit that he's in charge of. Check this out - his unit is in Kalamazoo, Michigan - where is the bus stuck at? Kalamazoo, Michigan. Oh God, how I love your sense of humor. Andy called up there to see if they could do anything and their mechanic just happened to be on vacation. So I get that bad news and start to move forward with something else, when I get another call from Andy Drummond that goes something like this...."Gabe, the manager up there heard what I was calling about. He said he was going to send his guys over and fix it" I had a little hallelujah break down and was dancing...not literally, but I was amazed once again. Can this story can get any better?!? It actually does. The past week and a half or so, I've had some great alone time with God. When you really encounter Him and experience Him the way I have been lately, it's hard not to want to! This whole experience turned from a bad situation into what seems to be a life changing one for me atleast.
Now the ending: I get a phone call this morning, it's Andy. The crankshaft was broken (if you know what that means, I'm proud of you, cuz I don't) and the slack adjustor was not in alignment (I DO know what that means! So I'm proud of myself for that one). Anyway, Best Way up there towed it to their place, fixed everything and I get the call this morning that they are on their way down to Anderson with the bus!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! I was going to be planning a day where I drive to Michigan to pick it up!!! Wow.
I'm sure this is so much more powerful to me since I'm the one actually experiencing it. I hope I've written this well enough for you to understand and be able to put yourself in the situation to see how everything was out of my hands. If I had control of the situation, how much more stress would be in my life? How angry would I have gotten over things? Instead, when we let go of things we have no control over and just sit back and watch God at work, we are mesmorized by His awesomeness.
It got me thinking back on my life and experiences with God. Can I see His awesomeness? I know that's probably not the right word, but there's no perfect way to describe Him. I feel like if we have never seen God in His glory and to any potential "awesomeness" then I fear that maybe we have missed him, or we may never have really experienced Him. Our eyes are closed too many times to the beauty of God around us.
I used to think the only way I could really encounter God was when I was out in nature, because it was all He created and I could see His hand in everything. I never would have thought in my whole life that my greatest encounter, my greatest vision of God in my life...would be on a bus.

The Great Bus-capades!!

2009-02-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

The ski trip is finally over and I'm home! To say it was an eventful trip, would not be enough to describe what all happened. Everything up to the drive home was pretty normal, good conversations with kids, picking on the kids, everything fun we could do, we did. I had a great time. But then it was time to leave, and since I was the bus driver, I was not looking forward to the drive. I was tired and just wanted to be home. Then a girl tells me she left something - side note - how come no matter how many times you tell kids to check to make sure they have their stuff, they never do it? I have a new appreciation for parents of teenagers after this weekend. I could tell you some ridiculous stories of teenagers just being idiots! Anyway...since this was a girl, I didn't have the heart to say no, so we pulled off since the hotel was on our way home anyway. As we were getting ready to get back onto the interstate, I felt my steering wheel get a little tight. I wasn't sure if the power steering was bad or what, so I stopped to get out and check it. Everything looked ok, so we continued on down the road. As we're going down the interstate I see I-94 but it says toward Chicago, so I didn't think we should get on there. Once I passed it, Joel told me that's where I needed to go, because it split and I would end up heading east. Since the bus was just not feeling right to me, I decided to take it down another exit for some reason where there was a gas station. As I was pulling off the exit ramp, my steering was getting harder to do. Then a buzzer went off saying "no air pressure" - I have air brakes, so that meant "you have no breaks right now". With a bus full of 22 kids, I was praying hard. The light was coming up and I remember praying "God, put your hand in front of this bus and stop this before the intersection." If I could take a picture of where the bus landed, you would believe God heard me. I was 1 foot behind the white line...safe.

At this point, my body is kind of freaking out. I have never driven a bus on a long trip like this before, and the first time I do it, it breaks down. Ok God, what's the lesson? I did everything I knew how to do on that bus and there was no way it was going to work. When I opened the hood and knew it was the air compressor, I remember praying a funny prayer. Is it weird to pray over an air compressor? Not last night it wasn't! But it didn't work. I always hear stories of how God does some crazy awesome things in situations like this. So when the air compressor just wouldn't work, I almost started to laugh thinking "What are you going to do now God?"

A nice lady and her family finally stop to help us and give me the number to a wrecker so I can get it towed. When we finally get that set up with the wrecker, I called the police. There was nothing in sight of the bus that was safe to walk to with the kids, so I needed the cops there to help us stay safe and legal. As I feel like we're getting somewhere with a plan, God begins to work. A man starts walking towards the bus, I get out to greet him jokingly ask, "are you the bus mechanic I was praying God would send me?" Obviously, he wasn't, but he kept asking me questions about who we were, really not much about the bus. He then said something that about got some tears out of this guy. He said, "I go to church right over there. They're having church right now, but there is a youth room that we could put them up in. We also have a bus, I can see if they'll come pick your kids up so they can get out of here safely" Wow.

In the meantime, I had called our bus mechanic from Anderson. He and his wife had already started the 4 hour drive to pick us up on a different bus. The sad part is, we would get home around 3 in the morning. I felt so bad about all of this, but obviously it was all out of my control.

The kids were great in the church. That church's youth was still around, so they were playing games and stuff with them. The church bought everyone pizza and they were just having a great time together. I, on the other hand, was stuck out in the cold with the wrecker waiting on them to send a bigger truck. We made some conversation and I got to know his story a little bit. But I was looking forward to getting home so much more even now.

I got to the church and was greeted by everyone! Everyone was so great to us. After a little while of us being in there, the youth pastor came and asked if we wanted to try and meet the bus that was coming up there which would safe a couple hours. (YES!) So to try to wrap this up, we met our bus and got home around 1 in the morning.

Think God doesn't know what he's doing?
-a girl forgets her stuff, causing me to pull off the interstate (this is when my steering felt funny)
-I miss our exit
-I skip the following exit (not really sure why - now I know why)
-Our bus happens to stop before the white line
-there just HAPPENS to be a church through the trees next to us that we couldn't see
-there just HAPPENS to be church that night
-the guy who helped us (I left this out of the story), should not have been on that road, but he got a call from his son that night and ended up passing us twice (once on the way home, then on the way back)
-His church just happened to have a bus...and the bus driver was at church that night
-They bought us food
-Our bus mechanic and his wife were going to drive 8 hours total just to pick us up

Everything happened exactly how God wanted it to. You can see how all these events just happened to unfold like they did. But it was no coincidence. When the kids left with that church and I was alone before getting on the truck with the wrecker, I had a very real moment/encounter with God. I had a few tears (I was fighting it!), but I saw Him working right in front of my eyes. It was just moment after moment after moment.

I could've reacted different and gotten upset or whatever I was feeling. But in those moments when you're scared cuz you have no options and you don't even know what to do, you can find peace when God says, "Be still and know that I AM GOD". Powerful...last night was powerful, I hope the kids see that. Definitely a memory maker. Sorry this was so long, it was just an incredible time last night.

Now I have to figure out a message. I'm speaking to 5th graders at Libby's school today!

Winter - how I hate thee

2009-02-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is Gabe here. Is anyone else sick of winter? I thought after last week's snow storm we would be done with it. But instead, Anderson was under a level 2 emergency this week because of more snow. Most of my family knows, or people close to me, that in the winter I get a little "depressed". Not like I need counseling depressed, just feeling the winter blues. Well, it hit me this week. I was starting to hate it and get irritated by it all. I know during the winter, I have to keep myself extremely busy to avoid these feelings, but I still had them!! I don't get it! I even started planning ahead...like really far ahead. Working on camps for the summer, figuring out every aftershock we have until the end of the school year. Just trying to find things to stay productive and keep busy so I don't think about the cold and the snow. The one part I love about winter though is that I exercise a lot more. I feel like that is my drug, it keeps my spirits up and I feel better about life when I do that. But yesterday, I couldn't fight the feelings. So I sat at home waiting for my small group kids to get to my house and I kept looking at my Bible sitting here on the desk. I thought to myself "what have you learned today?". I know many times when I get with kids, I ask them what they are learning. Most of the time it's a cliche answer "God loves me". Ok, I learned that when I was 3. So how do you KNOW God loves you? How do you feel it? So instead of asking kids this question, I started asking myself that question. How do you know God better today than you did yesterday? Then I began to read and instead of just reading it to read it, what stands out to you? What part of the verses really speaks to you? Here's what I got...
In Matthew 13:34, "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable"
I love the book of Matthew, I always have. But I never thought about this verse before. It stood out to me yesterday. Why parables? Because it helps us understand. Think about it. When Jesus says He loves you, how do you feel? Does it even sink in? Now when he relates to 100 sheep and 1 goes away, how he looks for that 1 sheep because he cares so much for each sheep. Does that hit you different? Well, it does to me. When I speak to people, I use stories, lots of them. Why? Because then we get it! Then it makes sense!
For instance, I talked sunday to the youth about how valuable we are to God and taking off the mask that we put on to become someone we're not to feel valuable. I could've sat up there for hours just saying "You are valuable" but do they ever get it? Probably not. So I used a story relating to art. A real Van Gogh painting that he painted could cost around $80 million, but I could go to Barnes and Noble and get a poster of one for about $8. What's the difference? The real painting was the one Van Gogh put his time into, he was in front of that canvas creating the art, his thoughts, his brush, his everything goes into that painting. It was a reflection of him. People want the real, genuine painting and it is worth a lot! That's how we are to God. He created each of us and spent His time, His life, His value into us. We are the image of God. So why do we put on masks that cost $8 when behind that mask we are worth $80 million? God puts so much value into us, and when we recognize that value, we'll never want to have our mask on!
That may not be a parable, but it sure makes me feel more valued and loved than just thinking "God loves me". It's broken down for us to understand it. I think that's why Jesus did it, because our minds can't fully comprehend the depths of His love. Challenging, yet encouraging. I hope this encourages someone today - that your life is worth living, that God puts so much value into you.

2009-01-29T12:56:00.001-08:00

I debated writing this blog because I was scared I might offend people, but then I realized, it's the offended that need to read this.
This week I had to go to a bus school to learn bus safety and all that fun stuff. I'm doing it for the church, don't worry, I'm not quitting to be a bus driver! But as I sat in a class of 70 people, I looked around at everyone eating their donuts and drinking their big gulp coffee and it hit me how fat america is. You see it on the TV, you hear about it all the time, but does anyone do anything about it? Libby and I have gotten into watching the Biggest Loser and it has been inspiring for us. There's not nearly as much junk food in our house, we both are going and working out together. I don't just do weights anymore, I'm trying to get my body fat actually down. While this is good for the 2 of us, i can't help but think about the countless others who just don't care. I see people around me that are overweight and they blame it on genetics. If you think about it, it is genetic. Mom and Dad are lazy and overeat, so I guess that's what I do too. So genetics are things passed down to your kids. What kind of example do your kids have in front of you? This hit me this week. I have a horrible sweet tooth. If I could eat only desserts and be ok, I would!! I love dessert and snacky junk food. But I also love the thought of being healthy enough to run around with my kids, to keep up with them. Not just that, but for my future grandkids. I know that is a LOOOONG way off, but when will I decide to get into shape for that? For some, it's too late. Being healthy starts now, no matter where you are in your life, you have to make the decision to get on the right path. I know 30 minutes a day is tough to think about, but I think it's tougher to think about your kids or grandkids growing up not knowing you.
There's a lot I'm thinking about and I'm sure not everything is very clear in here. My biggest point is just to challenge people to think about their bodies. You only have 1 body, whether or not you like it, it's yours to take care of. How are you treating it? If you can't afford a gym membership, get an at home thing - I recommend the P90x video series. I promise that if you stick with that, it will work and you will lose weight. I talked to my trainer about it and it's been the trend lately to do, and for good reason! It's an awesome workout program and will hopefully help motivate you and get you on the right path for healthy living. I'm sure not many people even read our blog, but I'd love to be a part of helping America not be so fat! So quit reading this, get off your butt and go move around :-)

It's not about me....

2009-01-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

I'm sure I need to preface this for those of you that read into things too much :-) Everything I write in here is in no way intended to lift me up at all, merely to show God's plan is bigger than my own. Also, I love my wife so so much, more than I thought I could love another human, so don't misread anything :-)

The reason I say that about Libby is because she is gone this weekend, and I was looking forward to a weekend of Gabe time. (that's what I thought you might read into) I never not want Libby here, but sometimes I really need alone time. It's the way I'm wired and it's healthy for me to be alone! But I learned something tonight, as it's 10:3o and I should be working on my message instead of writing on my blog. I learned that what we plan for our lives, may not always be in line with what God has planned for our lives. Here's why, since Libby is gone all weekend, I had things scheduled for ME, for what I wanted to do. I knew saturday would be great because I could talk my message out at home instead of hoping no one would be at the office so I could do it. Which there is always someone there, oh well, it's not Gabe's office :-) But my plans got "wrecked".

Friday night, I wanted to have fun and do my own thing. So I rode with a cop friend of mine to watch him bust the bad guys. That's always fun for me. I'd enjoy being a cop I think! But then my saturday completely changed from what I expected. I hung out with some middle school boys which I didn't think would last as long as it did, but it was good and I enjoyed it! But when I got home and started to talk out my message, my accountability partner called me up and asked if we could get together earlier than we planned. We were going to watch Team Impact, which are these Christian bodybuilder guys that break stuff and preach, pretty cool. But I went out with him to his in-laws house, then to the show, then he wanted to hang out and talk after. I love hanging out with this guy and talking with him, but I couldn't get my mind off of the stuff I still had to get done tonight. But as the night went on, we kept talking about ministry things and what I do and he started to challenge me. He was talking about getting rest, and actually resting spiritually. I feel like I go go go all the time that I never take the time alone for myself to really rest in God. I get so caught up in what I need to do that I don't realize I'm hurting myself more than I am trying to make things right.

Not sure if that made sense. But this whole day did not go how I had it planned out to go. As I sit here and when I came home to unwind a little before I got to work, I got to thinking about things. The ministry is not my ministry, it's God's ministry and He is using me. As I sit and worry all day as I'm with these kids and with this guy that needs to talk with me, I am actually doing God's work. I get so caught up in ME and what I want or need to do, that I don't even stop to think that God has me taken care of. Sure, I need to work on my message, but don't you think it's more important for me to be in the lives of all the people I was with today? Don't you think God sees that and used me for that reason? Instead of thinking about your message, don't you realize that it's God's message to these people, it's not your words, but His?

All that to say - God will take care of His plan. I can't control His plan, but I can help carry it out. Sometimes we think it's all about me and what I think should be done, but God comes in and "wrecks" our plan to fit what He sees needs to be done. Too many of us have the "me" mentality, but it's really about pursuing God's plan for our lives and changing to a different mentality. So as I'm sitting here writing this, I'm encouraged because I know that I had a fulfilled and purposeful day doing God's plan and not my own. So now I'm going to go talk out my message and spend some time resting before I go to bed. I love saturday nights, 5 hours of sleep if I'm lucky :-)

Merry Christmas from the Reeds!

2008-12-31T07:20:00.001-08:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas season together! My break from school has been so relaxing and refreshing for me. I have been able to catch up on some much needed sleep, read books, watch old Friends episodes, see friends and family, bake and cook new meals, and spend some uninterrupted, quality time with Gabe. It was been wonderful. You might think I don't want to go back to school, but I am actually excited to see all of my students! I went into my classroom the other day to grab something, and I was happy to be in there! I am able to say that I LOVE my job, but a break from the hard, time consuming work is great for me. It makes me appreciate it more.

Enjoy the picture update of our Christmas gatherings! It lets you in on our little world this Christmas season!

Instead of buying each other gifts this Christmas, Gabe and I decided to spend a day together instead. We don't really NEED anything right now, and we both love spending time together.....just the two of us! We decided to spend the day in Indianapolis last week at the Children's Museum and downtown. We LOVED the museum! I guess that tells you we are really two big kids! :)

Gabe is making a boat to float along in the river.......it didn't make it very far though.

I won in the big tic-tac-toe game!

They had an exhibit on superheroes and comic books which featured the real Batmobile!

We went to the huge Borders on Meridian Street and looked at all the books, games, and music.

Gabe took me to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory downtown Indy! I had never been there, and wow, it is a great restaurant. We got to sit in a traincar to eat our dinner! It was a wonderful Christmas date with my hubby. I love him!

On Christmas Eve, we celebrated my Grandpa Brown's birthday! Almost all of my Brown family was together and it was an evening of SO much fun! Gabe had never been with my family on Christmas Eve, and he loved it all! He said he loves having cousins......me too!

My cousin Chris and Grandpa.....I love this picture. Chris, who is probably one of the funniest people I know, just finished kissing Grandpa on the head and they were laughing about it!

Another set of cousins, Tom, Eric, and Alyssa with Grandpa. I am thankful for these beautiful people. They all have such sweet hearts.....even if Tom and Eric would roll their eyes if they knew I said that.

My brother, sister, and I with Grandpa! (I have to apologize....I didn't get a picture of my two cousins Amanda and Carrie....I didn't have my camera out fast enough!)

My grandparents are some of the most giving people I know. They go out of their way to help other people and build relationships with almost anyone they meet. We all look up to them and are thankful for all they do for our family. I love you Grandpa and Grandma!

Four out of five Brown kids with their parents!

Sister picture......Kate's short hair is SO cute!

Gabe got to read the Christmas story, The Night Before Christmas this year to our family. It has been a tradition that one of the cousins read this story every year. Since Gabe is the newest cousin, it was his year to read. I think his Santa hat was a little small.....

My dad always leads our entire family in some Christmas carols. This year he had my brother in law help him lead, and then they had Katie up there too! We sang the whole 12 Days of Christmas song with motions and everything! The Brown gang sure knows how to have fun and to really celebrate Christ's birth!

All of the Reed family came to Anderson to celebrate Christmas together! We got a great shot of us all. I really love this picture of us all.....we are so happy to be ALL together!!

What a cutie.....Ezzie!

Keziah looked like a little Santa princess in her red and white outfit. I couldn't get her to look at the camera though.

Ezra goes crazy over Uncle Gabe! He LOVES to wrestle with Gabe!

And we love to take the silly pictures together! It doesn't take much for this kid to become silly! I love him and the rest of my "new" family! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Reeds! We are both resting up today because we are taking a bunch of middle school and high school kids bowling tonight until 1 a.m. to kick off the New Year! I hope Gabe and I can make it!

Christmastime is here....

2008-12-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it. With only a couple days until I am on my Christmas break, we have had two days (Wednesday and Thursday) cancelled due to ice on the road! I had all of these wonderful activities to do with my fifth graders. The weathermen are calling for a big ice storm in central Indiana tonight, so we will see if I go to school tomorrow. And we were supposed to make gingerbread houses too....

We have not updated lately, and that has been my fault! It has taken me so long to get the pictures off my camera and on to our computer. This is a quick look at some 'holiday happenings' at our home. We both LOVE this time of year and have had so much fun being married for the first time during the holidays!

Joe, Natalie, Ezra and Keziah came home from Africa on Thanksgiving! It was so awesome to spend time with them. Keziah is so beautiful!

Ezra loves his time with Grandpa!

Gabe and I are in the car going to cut down our first Christmas tree together! We were so excited to start our own traditions!

We found our beauty of a tree! A 5'2" Douglas pine....we searched for awhile for just the right one!

Happy and in love....

They had a cute sleigh out front of the tree farm and the lady inside insisted we take a picture together, being our first Christmas together and all. I love this one.

I forgot to take pictures while we decorated the tree, but here is the finished project! We made homemade pizza (thanks Elise for the dough recipe!) and rearranged our whole living room to show off the tree. It smelled so great.

My sweet friend, Marcia, and I planned a holiday party for all of our friends from the Bridge last weekend! We had everyone come over to our house to have dinner together! My aunt and uncle gave us their kitchen table this fall and I finally was able to put in the four leaves to make it seat twelve people! I didn't get lots of pictures from the night, but here are a few before our friends ate their wonderful dinner!

We want to make this holiday party a tradition for our friends. There were about 15 of us this year.....I wonder how many more we could have next year!

Phil and Kylee.....beautiful friends inside and out. We love them!
Chris and Rachel......they are going to be parents soon and adopt four children into their home!

David and Marisha......just as sweet as their amazing homemade Alabama ice tea! :)

I feel better now that I have updated the blog world....or maybe just a couple friends on the Christmas happenings in our life. There is much to come and much to celebrate. Joy to the world!

Embracing Truth

2008-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

So I've been on a kick with some worship music lately. One of my favorite things to do in my car alone is to turn on Shane and Shane and just sing it out! Don't laugh, you do the same when you're alone! But there is a song that gets me every time. It talks about how the devil is whispering in our ear that we are cursed and the penalty for our sin is death. How true. It's so weird to know that the devil is right! But the ending is cool because they say how he's forgotten one thing...one very important thing, "JESUS SAVES"

This got me thinking and I've been thinking about this for a few days now. Normally I write while things are burning in my heart and I just need to get it out. But instead, I've been spending time seeking in my own heart what I believe, what I feel like God is trying to teach me. What I have come to realize is that we miss it. I have friends of mine that like to get into theological debates all the time and convince each other their way is the right way. There is nothing wrong with discussing theology, I believe it stretches your understanding and it's a good thing. But when we get into the liturgical stuff of today's church, there is a huge disconnect between God and the church that He came to save. We are his bridegroom and we let that slip past us too many times.

What am I getting at? I don't care how you take communion, how you pray, how you worship, how you are wired spiritually. I care about you understanding the relationship we have with Jesus Christ. He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Period. That's it. It's about a relationship with Him. We won't always get it perfect, we'll make mistakes along the way. But do we ever look at the relationship He offers us? We get too wrapped up in the details of things and trying to always be right. Instead, we just need to be, to exist, to be in love, in relationship with our Heavenly Father.

If we pause for just a minute and really look at the love of God in our lives...what will that do to you? It wrecks me today. I'm in my office right now listening to a song called "How He loves us" and I can feel that burn in my eyes because it messes me up. I know how much I love my wife and to know I want nothing more than to be near her, to be close to her and to never see her hurt. When I even imagine it, it hurts me. To know that God loves me so much more than that. I pray I never lose sight of what He has done for me. We are in a relationship - do you treat it that way? Or do you treat it like a business, doing what you know needs done so you can call yourself a Christian for the day?

When you encounter the love of God - you should never be the same. Embrace Him, Embrace the Truth. Embrace it and know His love for you.

Missin my bro and the joys of my job!

2008-11-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

I've been having an issue for awhile now and it just got brought up in a leaders meeting at the church on sunday. Do you ever feel like you are alone in your spiritual walk? Like your prayers mean nothing? Sometimes it seems like when I pray, God doesn't hear me. So I've been dealing with that, then I had my one on one with Chris yesterday and he nailed it. He asked me who I have in my life that I can talk to, that pushes me, encourages me and helps me through life...not Libby, but a man in my life. And I realized that it was my brother. Joe was the guy who was in the same "job" as me, but wasn't at the same place as me. He knows me so well that when I would have issues, he was able to help me with them, but he was also that guy that would just let me talk about things and he would listen. Then he left for South Africa and I've noticed since he's been gone, I've kept a lot more to myself. So as I'm talking to Chris, it begins to hit me and I begin to fight the tears because I'm here in Anderson...yet, I'm alone. I have so many great people around me and some awesome friends, but I don't have that access to my brother like I used to and I think it's finally sinking in that I may never have that. But through all of this I am learning how blessed I am with the family God gave me. Because my dad is another man in my life that I can be so open and real with. Granted, he's my dad and he'll love me no matter what. But how many people can really just open up to their parents and share their hearts? I think the reason I share this has 2 reasons: 1) Be thankful for the family/people in your life. If you have that person that you can just be real with and they are the same with, be thankful!! 2) My brother is coming home this week and I'm excited cuz I'm really missin him and his family a lot. Never thought I'd say that growing up! ha. Joe and I ALWAYS fought and my mom always said, "when you guys are older, you'll be best friends" I can hear my mom now "I told you so!". Good job mom :-)

The other thing that's kind of been wearing me down is my job. I love my job and what I do, but with my job, comes people that don't like me. Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? 80% of the people in your life like you and 20% don't? Well, I've been good for awhile about not hearing about the 20%, but for some reason I did last night. We had youth kids over at the house and one of the girls said she was leaving school to come over there and another mom said, "let me tell you something about Gabe" - she said she wasn't trying to keep the girl from coming over, but to let her know her opinion of me. I guess the reason she didn't like me has something to do with her oldest son and I not clicking? Or maybe I did something to her son that she probably heard wrong. If only she knew the times I had with her son, the decisions he made that we talked over and he decided he needed to change things around. If only she knew the influence I had on her son...would she feel the same about me? What's hard is that I know her son, and I'm sure he went home and maybe said some things that weren't completely true because I upset him. Who knows. But I did something today I never thought I would do...I called her! Wow, talk about a heart wrenching! ha. I've never had my heart rate get so high from sitting at a desk. But I called and left her a message letting her know I'd like to run some things by her because of what this girl said and how it raised some concern for me. I understand people won't like me. When I have 80 kids at a youth thing - I won't do everything perfect that every parent will be happy with. I've come to learn to live with that. But when the parents start trying to keep other kids from getting involved, now it's time to step in.

How would you feel as a mom or dad having a 24 year old young man confront you on something? I've gotta say, it's scary for me. It's hard enough to earn the respect from these people cuz of my age. But I've also learned over the past 3 years that a lot of times when the people don't like me, is because of selfish reasons. It's probably hard for a 40 year old person who is still figuring things out for their life see a 24 year old come around with it "all together" and trying to coach them through life as well. I'm not saying I have it all together at all...but when I am helping your kid more that you are, it probably seems that way. So it's understandable not everyone will like me. I've come to deal with that. But instead of telling people you don't like me, why don't you talk to me about it? That's the funny thing. These parents are worse than the kids when it comes to gossip! Ministry never ends, influencing people never ends, seems like problems never end. But until I'm done, I'll just keep on pressin on and pray that I remain where God wants me and my eyes stay fixed on Him. I'm too much of a people pleaser and it's killin me...I need to find my security in Christ, not people. Do you ever wish God would rewire your mind? A lot on my mind obviously...seems like I've been a roller coaster lately...so clearly I don't have it all together :-)

God on his throne

2008-11-05T19:47:00.001-08:00

So the election is finally over...now let's see how long people keep arguing about it. It's funny though, I paid 1.95 for gas yesterday, Bush's economics must be so bad! Atleast the ignorant people think he's bad, whatever. I've learned a lot over the past several months from people - myself included. That people are uneducated about their decisions on things and people look to politicians to save them. I heard a friend of mine talking about Obama and why he has such a following- it's because of his passion! People want a leader with passion!! But where is your passion? So many people got into this election, which they should have, but how come that passion never bleeds over to any other areas of your life? I listened to someone in my life rant and rave about Obama and how great this "change" is going to be...but in all the years I've known him, I've never heard passion about his relationship with God. Not saying it's non-existent, but how come that is something we never get passionate about?

I am leading worship this sunday for our youth service (which I've never done!) and as I was practicing, I kinda had a break down. The song by Shane and Shane called "You Said" came into my head and I lost it. As the angels sing "HOLY HOLY HOLY, is the Lord God almighty...." I found myself crying that out. As God shows Himself to Moses, He says, "this is HOLY GROUND!" - "Where I am, where I go IS HOLY!" The angels have passion as they sing. I had passion today for my God. But why is that passion lost? Why is there only passion during crap like this election?

I work with a guy, Phil. If you want passion, talk to Phil. His heart for God, for others, for serving...defines passion to me. I love to just be with him and his wife with Libby and just talk to them both. The passion just pours out of their hearts and it doesn't come once every 4 years. When you have caught a glimpse of God, the passion will burn from within.

Where is your passion? Can people even see the heart of God in your life? I pray they can! I pray my life exemplifies God in all I do. That when I am gone and leave this place, people won't remember me for supporting McCain, but for being a man after God's heart, a man with passion for His kingdom.

As this new guy comes and takes over our country and leads us into "change" (socialism is change! ha) - Remember, God still sits on His throne. No one shall overtake Him, He still rules. I have to find my peace in that. To be honest, it's a struggle for me right now. Sometimes it feels like God is distant for me...but daily, I'm trying to humble myself, to surrender my ways, and to catch that glimpse of God...to renew my passion for Him, daily.

Check out my brother's blog "Joe and Natalie". It helps put things in perspective, atleast for me. Talking about the refugees in South Africa and what they are going through, while us pathetic Americans sit and complain about elections and we argue and bicker over stupid stuff which causes division among the people. When we should come together for a great purpose and attempt to accomplish something worth talking about! I wrote a note on being the hands and feet of God...I'll post that on here sometime. But anyway, I'm proud of you Joe. I appreciate you helping keep things in perspective for me.

Just a Glimpse

2008-11-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance if this blog makes no sense. I threw my back out I think, and it hurts really bad so I took some pain killers that make me really drowsy. But my heart is full, once again. I am full of joy because I feel like God is continually teaching me new things and I see His hand on my life more and more...how could I not find joy in that? When we seek Him, we experience His blessing and when you begin to learn more about Him and draw closer, you can't but want to share it with people. So I pray what I'm about to write makes sense :-)

I was reading in Exodus 33 when God tells Moses that He is going to meet with him. But as He passes by, He will put His hand over Moses' face to protect him. Then, as he passes by, He will remove His hand so Moses can catch a glimpse of God.

This passage grabs my attention. Moses told God to show him His presence. How often do you seek out God's presence? How often do we sit at the foot of the cross and cry out "HOLY HOLY HOLY!!!" We get caught up in the daily grind of things and we miss our chance to be in the cleft of the rock to experience God. We have this opportunity to know God. Let me rephrase that, God wants us in relationship with Him, to know Him, to seek Him...to love Him. He is right there waiting, He goes before us, His glory shines around us. But you have your back to Him, you miss Him completely! Do you truly want to experience God? Then what does your life look like? What choices are you making to experience His presence?

Obama can not save our country, Biden can not save our country, McCain can not save our country, Palin can not save our country. Until we as the body seek God, we can not save our country. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land"

God promises to heal our land! But too many of us are getting so wrapped up in politics and what each candidate is saying that we look to them as our savior. Why have we taken God out of the picture? I'm not one of those "Jesus for president" guys - but I am a "Jesus is Lord" guys and I pray that I will continue to seek God's presence in my own life, that I will humble myself before Him. I believe that if the body makes this their prayer, that a revolution will finally take place in this world!!! Why has this been lost in the mess of the world? I pray that this message reaches atleast one person...that this message will get passed on and spread like wildfire and that it is finally caught by the church.

What this country needs is a glimpse of God. For Him to pass before us to catch JUST A GLIMPSE of Him. How can you truly say you've caught a glimpse of God and your life not be changed? Take a moment, be still, be quiet and let God show Himself to you today. Join me in prayer for our own lives. God has not left us, but we seem to have left Him. Humble yourself and pray, catch a glimpse of God and let's be the people that are used by God to heal this land.

I'm here.

2008-10-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I have said hello to the blog world. My husband has been filling up our blog with lessons he has been learning and the thoughts swirling in his head. I thought it time to say hello again. I don't have time to upload any pictures to make this post cool because I am really supposed to be grading some journals, math homework, and reading questions. I think I am procrastinating. The house is quiet because my amazing husband (who works so hard at his job!) is hanging out with our church's youth group tonight. I don't always go to youth on Wednesday if it has been a long day at school with my own eighteen squirrely children. I can't believe the first grading period is through for my fifth graders. I had parent/teacher conferences last week before fall break. I was pooped and yes, I did have two awful kanker (sp?) sores because of the stress which Gabe announced. Yet, through all of the work and overtime I do for my kids, I absolutely love going to school and being around my students. For fifth graders, they say funny and weird things that crack me up each day. They know how to take a little sarcasm and we are connecting more than I ever thought we would. My brain gets a constant workout everyday too as I am making hundreds of decisions and tending to the needs and questions of eighteen busy bodies. My brain likes it. I hope it will keep me sharp for years to come.... :)
For the month of October, Gabe and my weekends were b-u-s-y. It seemed like we didn't rest. I am proud to say that not much is happening this weekend for which I am extremely grateful. I hope to just be home (I love my home!) , work a little, have people over for dinner, drink a whole cup of coffee from a real mug instead of a travel mug, sleep in, make a pumpkin roll, and have free time to myself. Maybe I will get those things in.....just maybe. For now, I will settle on the couch with hot chocolate and grade my ever-growing stack of scribbly papers.

No Debate Necessary

2008-10-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

I'm writing again, and Libby wants all of the readers to know she isn't dead. She's working hard and has 2 canker sores because of stress.

Now, onto what I want to talk about...
The election is coming up and I'm still stuck! I read about our candidates and take quizzes to see who I agree with more and who I believe would be the best to run our country. I've realized (maybe just cuz I'm older and don't have a lot of experience) but this seems to be the most debated election process ever! There are pros and cons to both parties. But what gets me is the people that get angry with each other. I am pretty sure who I'm voting for, but I know once I say it, it will open up debate. I'm getting sick of this. We can debate until we're blue in the face, but where does it get us?

I miss Mike Huckabee. He was the man and I was pretty pumped to think he would be our next president. But as I was reading a friend of mine's blog tonight about the election and watching people comment back and forth on it, I thought about Huckabee and why I liked him (the fact that he would speak about his faith and was not ashamed...all that jive). I know I want a God-fearing man to run our country, but from the looks of it, that's not going to happen.

We have the right to vote for the person running our country and we should be thankful for that. Too many people just don't vote because they think whoever wins is the person that is supposed to win. But instead of debating who should be in the office, do we ever step back and put God back into the picture? When Huckabee was running, I thought a lot about God's plan for our country. Now that we have these 2 guys running, we overlook God. Do you ever picture God up there waving his arms saying, "HELLO!! I'm still here! Don't forget about me because I have NOT forgotten about you!!" So why not be praying for our next elected official instead of debating who it should be. Sure, we all have our view and we're all different. Most people can't seem to agree to disagree...everything turns to debate. How about you take a moment to pray about this election - what would happen then? Do we even pray for the people running our country? I don't want to get back into my prayer topic - but I don't want to overlook the fact that God is not out of this country. This country was founded by a group of Christian men built on Christian principles. Then enemy has been crafty at trying to get God out of this country, let's join forces (like on captain planet! haha) and come together as believers and PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY!! God has not left us, no politicians can take God out of our country. There is always a war going on, and we've watched the enemy slowly take hold over the years. Join me in these next few weeks to pray for this election. We are one nation UNDER GOD - never forget it.

Pointless ramblings...

2008-10-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

My heart is full right now. I could possibly write a book on what all is going on in my head. I'm thinking about my family, how awesome they are; the student ministry, how much i love them; debating with people, how much it exhausts me; new discoveries in God, someone will want to debate them and then I'll get exhausted. So what to write about tonight....I'm stuck. Maybe write on prayer?
Here's my deal - tonight at youth was incredible. It got real deep and I didn't even mean for that to happen. I was talking about community and how we all need people in our lives to be in relationship with. These relationships are crucial for when we go through a hard time in life. We talked about Kerry (he is a senior who was diagnosed with Leukemia last week) and his sister was there. At the end, we gathered around her and prayed for Kerry. When the night was over, a lady that helps out with youth told me that next time, I need to pray that we accept God's will, whatever that might be. I wasn't sure how to take that, as if my prayer was bad or something. I know it wasn't and I know my heart was genuine, so it didn't bother me like she was telling me I pray bad (can you even pray bad?!) but it did get me thinking...how do we pray? Obviously, there is the Lord's prayer we Jesus even says, this is how you should pray! We know God has a will (plan) for our lives, but can that plan change? Sometimes it's like God has the answer, but until we ask for it...we don't get it. Think about Jabez - God had a blessing for him, but he didn't get it until he asked for it. Then I read in Romans 8:26-27 that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and interprets our prayer to God according to His will. So essentially, our prayers are always in line with God's will. So is there really a method to praying? Do we stick to the Lord's prayer?
If I went to the Doctor and wanted to get better, I wouldn't say to him, "Doc, I know you know what's wrong with me...so if it's your will, please heal me" NO!!! I say "Doc, FIX ME!!". To me, it's almost like praying a prayer and at the end asking for God's will to be done that we lack faith. We can't ask for anything from God because we don't know if it's in line with His plan. But go back to Romans, it will be according to His plan. Look up verses on prayer - you see example after example of people praying and God answering their prayers. But when Paul asked God to remove the thorn from his side, He said no. So our prayers don't always go according to planned, but clearly there is a reason to pray, right? I mean, when I was looking up verses on people praying, it's almost sounds like "Because they prayed, they received their answer".

Guys, I know this blog is totally confusing and you're probably messed up in the head right now. I'm not writing this to open up debate with you because honestly, I don't know what I'm thinking. It's a process right now that I'm trying to figure out. Maybe I never will! But I do know one thing, I will never stop praying. Whether you think I speak the right way or not, I know God sees my heart and you can't, so for me, that's enough. He is the one that answers prayers, no one else, so I can find peace in knowing it's not up to anyone on this earth to answer my prayers, I just need God to search my heart. Any advice in this journey would be appreciated though! Kylee - that's a job for you :-)

Finding Contentment

2008-10-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

I (Gabe) have been real hard on myself lately. I don't know what it is about my personality, but I think I like it too. I set the bar high for myself in different areas of my life and if I don't live up to it, I'm let down. Everyone else around me thinks what is going on is great, but for some reason, I leave feeling discouraged. There are 2 main areas where I feel like I do this: Ministry and business. Saturday I had my whole business team out to do a product thing for our church and friends around Anderson, our goal was to help raise money for the new building for the Bridge. I was excited because I was going to give 100% of all the profit to the Bridge! Then when it was all over, there wasn't much to throw a party about. I don't get it - I understand people are negative about what I'm doing, but if I was doing cutco or arbonne or any other business system like that, they would be all about it! But because of people involved with us in the PAST like, 70s and 80s, the older generation hates it...which then carries over into today. It's completely different and how we do it is completely different. You'll find bad people in any business endeavor, how come when I am involved in something all I get is bad feedback? I think what is frustrating the most is that I have a friend that just recently got involved (not with me) and now is making a killing at this and doing very well!
So I left that day just asking God, "WHY?!" Why can someone else get started with us and within 12 months be making enough money to pay off all their debt and live a comfortable life? But when I commit myself to this and am wanting to do this to help out the church and support my brother and his family in ministry - how come then nothing happens? When I was selfish about it and wanted it for myself, I saw growth and things happening. There is some disconnect there and I don't understand it. But I know that there is no victory without a struggle. I know that I'm struggling now, but the victory will be so sweet. This is where the contentment comes in....
I went to church the next morning and took my mind off business matters and focused on my job with the church. That service was the best I think we've had. The music, the message, the whole thing was incredible. I had great conversations with kids later in the day about it and so much awesome stuff came from that. I realized that God has me in His hands (not that I didn't know that before), but I felt a real peace about it. Sure, business isn't where I want it to be - but do you see the lives changing right in front of you? God has blessed me so much in the area of ministry and I LOVE what I do. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have to look around me and see that God has not forgotten me, He hasn't taken me out of the picture. But right now, my picture is the Bridge student ministry. He has taken care of me, bills are being paid, I'm able to take my wife on dates, I am even able to throw a lot at debt each month. We aren't behind at all. I tend to overlook that sometimes. I look around me at successful people (financially) and get upset because that was the path I was on before God plucked me out of the crowd and said, "I want you to go this way". I know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. I'm finding contentment with what God has given me. I know that He is doing a great work in me and that my future is bright. I know that God has put a "no-quit" mindset in me and that I will not quit, I will not walk away from what He has put into my life. I need to remember that where I'm at in life is not an accident and His plan is perfect for me. I can't focus on where I'm at right now, I need to know that God sees my life, He knows my future and He has big plans for us. I'm excited to see where He takes it, but in the meantime, I will rest on the fact that He has not forgotten me, He will not let me settle for mediocrity, He will continue to bless my life. I'm challenged daily to look around me and see God in my life and everyday, He surprises me. My prayer is that God will continue to surprise me, that things will happen that the only way to explain it is that God had a part in it. We've seen it with the youth program, but we've only just begun. I know He isn't finished with me at the Bridge, not even close. God, surprise me! Use Libby and me for extraordinary things...I'm ready and I'm excited to see what is about to happen.

Fireproof

2008-09-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last night Libby and I had a date night. We went down to Indy so she could shop (her love language...not mine!) and then had dinner with my parents. It's always good to see them, I feel like I don't very often even though they are so close. Guess we should have a kid :-) Just kidding. But then we went and saw the movie "Fireproof". It's from the makers of "Facing the Giants". If you haven't seen the giants one...you need to. If you are married, you need to see fireproof. Even if you aren't...it's incredible. But if you are married, you will leave the movie loving your spouse so much more and not take them for granted and appreciate so much more about them. I've only been married about 5 months (wow, I can't believe it's been that long!) and I've seen myself as the main character is. You become complacent. There is a part where a guy is talking about how you study your love while you are dating and you know so much about them and what will draw them closer to yourself. When you marry the person, it's like getting your high school diploma in regards to how you studied that person. But for most, once they are married, the pursuit stops. He tells the guy to continue to go for your college degree, your masters, even your doctorate. You never stop studying the other person and finding ways you can show your love to them. Marriage isn't a destination, it's a journey. I was challenged by that movie to find ways I can love Libby in the way she deserves to be loved. To capture her heart daily and pursue her constantly...not out of duty, out of love. I desire to know her more, to love her more deeply and to grow closer to her daily. As I came home, I thought of how many marriages around me I see where people just live together and just do life without truly pursuing each other. Even getting my hair cut, the guy was impressed we go out on a date atleast once a week. We had a good talk about it and I encouraged him to never stop dating his wife. (this was all before I had even seen the movie) But I knew that when I dated Libby before we were married, those were the times we just fell more in love with each other. Now I know even more the importance of dating once we are married. Marriage is a commitment till death, but it is also a "battle" until death and I have won her heart and I will continue to pursue her heart and never give up on our love. She is worth fighting for, amidst the struggles we have with each other, we will overcome and be drawn closer together. Is your spouse someone that you want to fight for? Are they someone you want to pursue and be drawn closer too? Then what are you doing about it? If you don't capture their heart...who is?

Random ending note: I was having some really cool alone time a little bit ago and just talking with God about life. Tomorrow at youth I'm talking about surrendering our will and asking for God's will to be done. As I prayed, I kept saying "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" - how often do we pray this? How often do we ask for God's will to be done? If we could see the picture of God in heaven and He tells us this is how we should pray - shouldn't we be excited? When I close my eyes and imagine heaven, I get excited. But God asks us to pray that His kingdom will come!! Heaven is all around us, we see God's glory shone throughout our worlds, but how many of us open our eyes to it? Or are we stuck in our own control and we can't surrender ourselves to God's will? That hits me between the eyes, so I thought I'd share.

2008-09-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today was an awesome bad day. Does that even make sense? I hope so. I got to hang out with some really cool people tonight and it was very refreshing for me to be around people that are not part of the Bridge or our business team. So it was cool to "just be". That was the awesomeness to my day, I got to meet new people without any of them really knowing me and I could just sit there and listen to stories and not even think about anything. Kind of weird, I know, but it was great.

I know I posted my last post about some feelings I've been having. I'm still searching for God's lesson in that...but today I think I may have begun to see the light. I'm realizing how much the enemy hates me. I am not sure people outside of ministry roles really understand that there truly is a spiritual battle all around us. This past week, I began to feel it, to really experience it. There is a time when Elisha was about to be attacked by his enemies and his servant dude came running in all scared. Elisha then prayed telling God to open his eyes. When his eyes were opened, he saw God's army around the enemy to protect them. But this week, I felt as though God was holding off his army and letting the enemy knock me down. This has been an incredible summer and we have seen so much happen in the lives of students and I know the enemy hates us for that. But I continue to feel attacked and it feels like a constant battle for my heart and my mind. I was finally beginning to grasp ahold of something this morning, but had to stop to take care of some other business. Before I could get back to it, it's like another attack happened. Something happened to me in a way that it should not have happened, but I had no control over that...but I think it happened to me for a reason. Here is why...
I was beginning to discover myself this morning, to see my real beauty in God's eyes. But before I was able to really dive into it, my phone got a text that I needed to go pick something up to set up. As I got to the school to set up, only one guy showed up. The other people I called had to work and 1 was out of town, and there was miscommunication between Joel and I on who to call so no one else was there. Then I went to lunch and had an interesting conversation about how I was doing my job. I understand that in dealing with a lot of people, I will tick off people...that comes with the job. As I was listening to this guy talk to me, I had a few different feelings going through me. Let me tell you what I "heard" - you dropped the ball, you wasted the summer, nothing is ready and you are a terrible leader. Let me tell you what he said, atleast what I believe his heart to be - you are a great leader, but you're not taking it to your potential, what has happened in the youth program with the students has been incredible, but we need to focus on adults as well, and our communication really needs work. I know you read this, so know that now, I see it...it took me awhile

I want you to see God's hand in this....

I left and had all day to process about Aftershock and my experience earlier in the day. It's 1 am right now and I finally broke down. As I was looking back, what I "heard" was very audible to me, I truly believed my friend was sitting here attacking me and after the past 2 weeks...this was the last thing I could take. The thought of finding a new job came in front of me, I felt like I was the person that should sit in a cubicle and just do office work. I sat at my computer tonight looking over things for Aftershock and prayed that God would open my eyes. (sounds like Elisha's prayer...didn't think about that). Guys, the enemy is real and all around us. I began to listen to his voice and believe his lies. My eyes were opened to a God that is pulling me to Him and holding the enemy back.
I began to pray and as I had my eyes closed, I could see this darkness around me closing in. It was hard to even process the words in my head, but I just began to ask God to hold me. I needed comfort, I needed reassurance. As I prayed for Him to protect me and send his angels in to keep the enemy away, the darkness began to leave me. The craziest thing about it, my lightbulbs got brighter. And I just sat there with my eyes closed and just found rest in Him - not even kidding you, there was a physical feeling of something in my chest being lifted and it caused me to open my eyes and right in front of me Libby had written 2 different verses and they were on a bulletin board and one on the outside of a pencil box. Both had the words "Unfailing love" written on them.

I was reminded tonight hanging out with those friends how refreshing it is to "just be"...it's the same with God. How renewed, how refreshed can you be by just being you in the presence of God. I can look back on this day and see where He brought me and what He taught me. Now I pray I can sleep and Aftershock is just filled with God's love in the room and that these 100 kids will leave experiencing Him in a new way, like I did tonight. Thank you God.

School days...

2008-09-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Gabe is so right. This blog was my idea and he posts more often than I do! I have some updating to do! I have been a "real" teacher for just over one month now, and I absolutely love it. Teaching is one plan God set out for my life, and I love being in the midst of that plan. Instead of going on and on in paragraph form, let me just list a few things, ok? (My life is now filled with lists......its how I function.)

What I enjoy and love about teaching fifth grade:

-seeing my students walk in the door....I still get excited every morning when I hear the bell ring

-looking at my room and realizing that it is "my" room. Finally!

-actually teaching the material and seeing excitement on their faces as I am teaching

-comforting students when they come down too hard on themselves

-playing "Knockout" at recess

-sharing poetry with them and seeing their hunger for it!

-watching their faces after I hand back an A+ test

-laughing with them after I make a mistake or say something weird....it happens frequently!

-working with my co-teachers.....Kim and Regina are amazing women! They have helped me grow as a teacher in leaps and bounds in just this one month!

-knowing in my heart that I am trying to love these children as Christ would each day

What I am learning to deal with as a teacher:

-I really don't have enough hours in a day

-it takes hours of sacrifice to be an elementary teacher......more hours to be a good one!

-if I don't grade papers for one night, it bites me in the rear down the road

-how to handle a child who cannot control his anger and frustration in my classroom

-I am learning how to be consistent, fair, and firm every single day.....you wouldn't think it would be that hard, but boy, it is! I can't worry about getting them to like me; I need them to respect me first! I'm learning......

-how to pray for wisdom hourly

-meeting the needs in my classroom of 19 students

-I need more sleep than I am giving myself! :)

Here are a few pictures of my classroom! (They are hard to see, but you get the idea....)

They are hard at work! (We have no lockers at my school, so that is why there are backpacks on desks and on the floor. You can just imagine me trying to walk around all of them....it gets crazy!)

This is the view from the back corner! I now have different curtains in my windows thanks to my mom! The lace was driving me nuts! My desk is in the front corner. And those yellow folders on their desks are their working folders to hold all of their "in-progress" assignments they are working on. They just reach in there during work time and know what to finish up!

Here is my work space which I feel like I am never at throughout the day! I try not to be back there because I feel like I need to be in and around my students even as they are working. I can check their progress much better by walking around than looking out at them! My desk is always clean at the end of the day, but watch out! Throughout the day it gets quite messy because I am not around it to organize!

My mom and I worked on this bulletin board together! It says, "Look who's campin' out in fifth grade!" And those are sticks with "marshmallows" on the end of them! And another thank you to Kylee for the beautiful dragonfly you see by the Welcome circles! She painted that for me one afternoon!

My classroom library is back in the "Reading Campsite". I love this area.....it's bright and colorful and encourages them to get cozy while reading. I hope to find some camping chairs to put back here soon. It's not in the Reed budget......yet. :)

I hope that gives you, my friends and family, a little look into my life at the moment. I love this opportunity I have to invest in the lives of my 19 students. They are precious to me. Pray for them this week as they take their ISTEP (state standardized test) tests. They will be wiped out as they they will test for three hours each morning this week. I think I will be nice and not assign homework. Maybe. :)

Victory in the Struggle

2008-09-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

You know what's funny to me...this blog thing was Libby's idea...when was the last time you wrote on here?! :-) I guess I'll keep everyone up to date with what is happening.
Libby is teaching in case you haven't figured that out and she is the best teacher I've ever seen! I'm a little partial though. I'll let her write on here what has been going on with that.
Youth has been going very well. We are getting ready to launch our youth service for the year. We had some complications with the facility so we've had to wait longer than we want...but I think I deserved a little break. It's cool to know how much I love my job though because I want to be doing it now!! But our wednesday nights have really picked up. I've been getting to know the high school's football team a lot better and we're getting a good turn out from the players and seeing some really cool things happen there. here's a story...
There is a kid, we'll call him Bob. I met him probably when he was a freshmen, he's a senior now. Never really got to know him because he didn't go the Bridge, but I try and get to know as many kids as I can in the schools whether or not they do go to the Bridge. Well, a lot has been going on lately in his life. For instance, he found out recently that the dad he thought was his dad his whole life, is not really his dad. They had a blood test done on his step dad and his "Real" dad to see....turns out, it's not his dad, his step dad is his biological dad. That'll mess a 17 year old up! Then a good friend of his who is in high school, has a stroke or something go wrong and he dies. So this kid is hurting. Luckily, the place where we do youth, the guy is one of his coaches! So he comes out to youth and we actually connect really well. So I've been bonding with him a little bit and it's been cool to really be a part of his life. Last wednesday when I was talking, I felt like I needed to share what a relationship with God is about. I normally don't go deep on wednesdays because it's more of a time for kids to bring their friends. But I couldn't fight it, I could tell the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do this. At the end, I had the kids pray with me and then look up at me if they prayed with me. He was one of those kid!! Praise God! It was so cool. Then I got to talk with him after youth more and I can just tell he needs someone. So he's been another kid I've been investing in. That's the victory we experienced in the trouble. He was having a troubled life but was able to experience a cool victory! I'm kind of excited about that! :-)

Here's my issue...here's where you can pray. I love what I do, wouldn't trade it for the world right now. But I think my heart is getting too into it. Is that possible in ministry? Apparently it is. There are long stories which I won't get into right now...but I'm struggling with 2 kids right now. One of them is this guy that has been around for a little bit and is a senior now. He's been real distant lately and I've heard rumors of him doing things on weekends, just stuff that isn't like him. When I was talking to him at lunch today, he treats me like I'm nothing. He has that "I'm too cool" attitude. I think the issue is that he thinks we're more buddies than we are mentors/protege relationship. So he talks to me like that. Sometimes I don't have an issue with it because I want the kids to know I'm their friend and I care about them. But there is a deeper issue there and I'm letting it bother me right now. I know this is confusing, but I think I just need to write it out. But I could use prayer on this. I don't want to see this kid slip away...but I'm struggling with what is going on right now.

There are lots of stories like this, of kids that I just don't get what is going on in their head. I want to help them, but I think the age thing is an issue. It's hard when I'm only 6 years older than some of them. I know I'm in the right place...I think I just need some time away. I need time to reconnect with God and know His place for me in their lives. When we have 100 different youth, it's hard to get my place in each relationship when they are all different. It'll all work out...I just need prayer. The enemy hates me, hates what we're doing, hates to see all these kids turning towards the light. People think I have the easiest job, going to schools, hanging out at football games and just being with kids. But I don't think people realize the spiritual darkness there is. There is a war going on for these kid's hearts and I'm in the thick of it. I'm daily battling the enemy for my heart for God, and for these kids. You may not see it if you sit in an office all day at work, but until you get on the battlefield, this is real. I take joy in the fact knowing that I am fighting on the winning team. It's a cool realization to know that the battle is won, victory over the enemies is happening. We just have to get through the battle to the other side. Until the day I go home to be with my God, I'm fighting and daily I have to equip myself to not let the enemy take my thoughts captive. That's my heart, that's where I'm at right now...be praying because I am feeling weak in this moment.

Lessons from the bike trail

2008-08-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today is monday, which is typically my day off...but today I did something completely different...so I'm going to tell you about it.

It started out way earlier than I ever want to experience. Yesterday 2 guys from my church wanted me to join them on a mountain bike trail in the morning. Knowing I had to get up early, kept me from sleeping, then the fear of dying was also part of the lack of sleep. We got on the trail and it was not what I expected. When I was in High school I used to ride a trail in Indy with a friend of mine, but it wasn't too dangerous. This course was ridiculous, but I learned some cool stuff while riding. When I approached the top of a hill and had to go down a 15 foot drop and then climb a hill without breaking, I froze in fear. One guy (Toby) was leading us and went through it to show me (keep in mind, he does these trails about 3 times a week so he knows what's up. Then Chris Frazier was behind encouraging me. It was cool to have these 2 men in my life that I really look up to and respect be patient with me and help me realize that these hills will always be a fear of mine if I don't overcome it. It was a very humbling experience for me because not many people see my fear so much. But in a way, I felt a lot closer to these guys because they saw me very weak and were able to help coach me through it. I'm not sure it was the most fun I've had in awhile, but I do know that it was something I am glad I did.

When I look at the spiritual implications of this, it amazes me. Life is like these trails, sometimes you don't see the turns, the trees, or something scary coming up. But when we approach those times in our lives, we can either sit there and hope it just goes away, or we trust the One we are following and the One that is with us guiding us through. Now Toby isn't God and Chris isn't the Holy Spirit, but it's an incredible visual for me. I saw Toby go through the course, I know the path is set for me, but I get scared that I can't do it, that I will get hurt. Even if I do fall, if something does happen, they both were there to pick me up and to help me press on. Sometimes in life, we focus so much on ourselves and let fears keep us from accomplishing something great in our lives. We all have obstacles in our lives to overcome, the longer we sit and wallow in it, the harder it gets to go through it. By the end of the course, I was going right down these hills because I knew the longer I sat there, the more I would have fear. I love the song..."if you're going through hell, keep on going..." if life is tough, if something isn't going right for you in this moment, if life feels like "hell" - KEEP GOING, don't stop, get through it. We weren't meant to sit at the top of the hill fearing what is to come, we were meant to enjoy the journey, to learn from what we go through and to follow God through life and know that His presence is with you. So to Toby and Chris, who may never read this, you guys taught me something today. Something that i pray I never forget.

Why Support Missions?

2008-08-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

So I've felt a need to do this for awhile and am just now getting to it. But a lot of you know because you've read my blog posts about my brother and his family going to South Africa. You read how I felt when it was my last time to see them, you read about how much I love them and want to support them however I can, you read how proud I am of them. Now I want you to read this.

I don't know all that my brother is doing, he posts on his blog a lot to keep us all up to date (he's good about it unlike this side of the Reeds). I've seen a huge change in him since he was even in college. (It's amazing what women do to us!) But he has grown up so much, his heart has become sensitive to God's calling in their life. He is pursuing the kingdom as God has called each of his followers to do...."Go and make disciples of ALL nations" it's in Matthew 28 I believe. He doesn't send us all overseas, most of you need to do this in your own workplace, but Joe and Natalie felt the call to go to South Africa and they stepped up to the plate to answer that call. They are making a difference, they are being changed, they are being obedient.

I'm in missions as well, locally. And when I started out, we had the dreaded task of raising our own support. Which meant relying on others around us to help us meet our needs financially. I didn't accept the call to ministry so I could drive a luxury vehicle or live in a mansion. I did because that is the direction God has for my life, to impact others for Him. But God also didn't call me to poverty. Many people did and do support me financially in this area of ministry in my life.

Why am I writing this? Because I came across a website today and it made me think of my brother. It showed me reasons why God tells us to support missionaries:

1. The greatest mission ever known was when God looked down and sent His

Son ~John 3:16.

2. The world will never be brought to Christ unless we bring Christ to the world.

We are ambassadors ~ II Corinthians 5:20.

3. Jesus taught that missions was the way to make disciples.

4. Because Christ commanded us to do so. The great commission has never been canceled.

5. We cannot be happy unless we’re totally committed to telling others of Christ

~Romans 1:14-16: I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

6. If we don’t it’s a sure sign that we’ve lost our vision or never had one. ~Selfishness is a contradiction to Christianity.

7. A missionary spirit is the hope of the world and the nearest thing to the heart of God.

Joe didn't ask me to do this, he doesn't even know I'm doing. He may even ask me to remove this from the blog. But I want everyone who comes across this to atleast be praying for my brother and his family while they are over there. But if you know you can do more, please keep up with what they are doing, go to: http://sareeds.wordpress.com/ you can read all of their blog stuff which will honestly teach you a lot too. Joe has a gift of writing and I learn all the time from what he writes. But at the top is a support tab where you can choose to support them. I know they have not met their goals, but they are already over there and can't raise support from new people here if they're not here. So I think it's my turn to step up and ask those of you that I know that have any connection to me to consider supporting them in what they're doing. It's hard enough to live off of what support SHOULD come in, but it's even harder when you haven't met that goal.

Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Not "much has been asked", NOT "much has been suggested. It says "much will be DEMANDED". So please, be praying for them. I'm not telling you go support Joe and Natalie Reed, but who are you supporting? Where is your money going? If God expects us to give the way He says too, what are you doing about it?

Gabe and Libby Reed

2008-07-31T13:01:00.001-07:00

summer evenings...

2008-07-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

Gabe and I had a date night tonight. After a good dinner....even though I made lumpy mashed potatoes, Gabe said to me, "Libby, we need to get out. Let's have a date night!" We hopped on our bikes and rode for about 7-8 miles around the countryside of Anderson. It was awesome....we talked and talked. It's amazing how much we can talk about when we ride together....the conversations just flow. Then, we headed to Ritter's and had a little ice cream while sitting outside on a bench. I love how light it stays outside even when it is nine o'clock at night. Now, we are home and I think I have convinced Gabe into watching Shall We Dance with me for a little relaxation together. I told him he would like it; I hope I am right. How sweet it is to be married to my best friend.....I love him.

the lake. the children. the job. the love.

2008-07-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

So, I need to be better at updating. For awhile, it was Gabe who has done the posting, but tonight I thought I would give it a whirl. Plus, I have some pictures to upload and that is always fun for anyone to see! I thought I would give a glimpse as to what has been happening in our lives this summer! We are not very good picture-takers at every event, but I have managed to whip out my camera now and again!

On the 4th, Gabe and I went up to Milford for a day at Dewart Lake! My aunt, uncle, and cousins live on the lake, and it was a total blast being with the whole Brown crew! Gabe especially loved the jetskis and waverunners, while I liked tubing with my sister! And yes, I got a bloody nose while tubing! True story! We hit some giant waves and I smacked my face into my tube so hard and then flew (literally!) off into the lake. We were done after that, and I was sore for almost three days. But here are a few pictures......and no one had my camera to capture the "smack and fly", but believe me, it happened!

My surfer boy.....Gabe took my cousin Levi on a ride on the wave runner! Gabe said he was a little nervous at first, but then Levi really got into it! They both came back with wind-blown hair.....so cute!

We stopped playing long enough to take a picture before the fireworks!

We were so happy for an extended weekend for relaxation!!

My dad took Joe and Katie sailing the day after the 4th of July on Waubee Lake, the littlest lake in Milford. My parents own this little sailboat and absolutely love it!

This summer I have been working at a preschool in the four year olds classroom. I took my camera in yesterday and got to capture a few shots of my precious yet always rowdy students. Let me tell you, they can look very cute and sweet but we have had some wild days! :)

Four year olds are funny when asked to smile.....they scrunch their whole face or they make a scared, forced smile. Oh boy....

These two boys are full of energy every SINGLE day!! However, I love being crazy with them and just smiling at the things they do in our classroom.

I like this picture of us......this boy has a special place in my heart and we laugh every day! I love it in the morning when we sees me come in the door, and he runs up to me screaming "Miss Libby!!!!" I get multiple hugs from this little guy. But..... he always tells me that he only likes kisses from his mom and I tell him that I only like kisses from my hubby. :)

Silliness and fun once again.

Ahhh haha....I don't know why but this one cracks me up. Not very cute for me, but my friend has an awesome face on. He loved taking pictures with me.....special attention is a HUGE deal for a preschooler!

From the previous post, you can pick up that I got a job for the fall!! I am so extremely blessed and thankful to Jesus for providing this opportunity to teach! School starts on August 13th for Daleville!! This is my last week at the preschool full time and next week I will just work in the afternoons. I will spend my mornings preparing for school and getting ready for a class full of fifth graders! I could go on and on writing about the many awesome facets of Daleville Elementary School, but it might get a little boring. To sum it up, it is in a small community, has a close-knit staff of amazing teachers, my principal is such a helper and believes in me already, is a four-star school, has small class sizes, and many more things that fits with what I was looking for in a school! I have much to learn as a teacher this year, but that doesn't hide my excitement to try my best and do what God has called me to do: open up the minds of youngsters and help them learn and show them Christ's love in the process! I think I will love my job. :)

This week Gabe is in Texas at a big youth conference with ten students and his youth ministry interns. Yep. I am home alone for the first time. I am surviving just fine. Trinity, our cat, keeps me company! My mom came down on Monday and we went shopping after work down in Indy and out to eat! We got a few things with wedding gift cards for our house....which I will post pictures soon of our house....she was wonderful company! I can't wait for Gabe to come home....it is weird to be home without him here in the evenings. I miss him terribly. He makes life so much fun here. I have realized that now that I have spent the evenings here by myself. He really is my best friend. I love him something fierce!

Taking a walk one summer day........

Thank you Jesus for all your blessings.....family, preschoolers, my teaching job, and my amazing husband. I am blown away at the things you have given me. Your joy makes me complete!

Prayer...

2008-06-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

I learned something cool about prayer today. Libby has been interviewing for jobs lately and it seemed so hopeful that she would get the job in Alexandria, they were very misleading with her. But for some reason, God closed that door for her. I kept trying to be positive reassuring her that we will look back and be thankful that this didn't work out. There is a position waiting for her that God specifically put in place just for her. Well, I'll let Libby tell all the job story, here's the God story. She had her interview today at 5 and I came home and began to pray for her. I opened my bible to James 4 where it says, "You do not have because you do not ask". I felt so real with God in that moment and I even said that I know you are a sovereign God and you know my heart, but God, give her this job (it wasn't really a question). I'm not asking for the sake of her paycheck or for some shallow reason, I'm asking for Libby to have her dreams come true to be a teacher, a teacher in an incredible school. Throughout the time I was asking God to make this the place, give her the job, give this to her....I felt an incredible peace. The day Libby found out that it wasn't going to work in Alexandria, my chiropractor said that Daleville would be an awesome school for her, it's a 4 star school and there are not many at all in Indiana!! This was all before we knew Alexandria didn't work out. So as I look back, I see God just took us on a journey. Not getting Alexandria brought us closer together, brought me closer in my prayer with God. The whole thing just shows God's hands in our lives!! Pretty cool, huh?

Well, folks, she found out tonight at 9:30 that Daleville wants her to be one of their fifth grade teachers this year! She took the job with confidence and such excitement! Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers!

Read James 4 and know that God wants to bless you, but what are your motives for asking? Libby is going to be such a blessing to that school and impact so many lives. I'm excited and so blessed.

-Gabe

Saying Goodbye...

2008-06-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

It's interesting to me that God refers to his people as His body...His family. I look around and see families that are broken and relationships within that are like enemies. I realized even more tonight how blessed I am to have a family like I do. My parents did such an incredible job raising us and as much as I hate to say it, my mother was always right. She told me one day I would grow up to be close to my brothers and actually love them. I definitely did not believe her back in the day...but now, I do. A family is the closest type of relationship we can have with people, next to a marriage and I've seen how close my family has gotten over the years. Tonight was really hard, believe it or not, to say goodbye...or seeya later as I'd rather put it. For so long, I've wanted a little niece or nephew to mess with and finally God has blessed me with one of each. As I rolled on the floor tickling Ezra and totally messin that kid up, it hit me...next time this happens, I might have to reintroduce myself to him. All this time of developing a relationship with this guy, will soon be gone and we'll have to start over. I'm praying this doesn't happen and I know I'll get to see him at the end of the year, but it still was hard to say goodbye. I know my brother and his family are doing what is right and what God has called their lives too. But sometimes God's calling isn't the easiest thing...typically it isn't. Being a youth pastor was not an easy calling...still isn't, but you accept it and trust God. So now, I have to trust God, that He will protect my family and keep them safe as they are over there and He will bless their ministry to the African people.

Hugging Ezra one last time as he says "Bye Uncle Gabe", then hugging my brother - probably that hardest things to do today. I make it sound as if I will never see them again, I will. But for some reason, this is all different...they're not just a phone call away, they're not just an hour drive away. I got in my car to leave, and you know the feeling like you need to cry, but you're fighting it? Yah, I had that going on and it was hurting. I know I'm an emotional guy so that is all normal. But when you have a 3 year old look at you grinning and wanting to play with you, running up to you and sitting on your lap and to hear him say your name...you don't want to let it go.

I'm not sure why I'm writing all of this on this blog...maybe so my brother can know what him and his family mean to me, maybe so my parents can see that they were right (once again), I'm not really sure. Just know Joe, you will be missed (not just for Ezra!) but now mom and dad will come see me all the time instead of you :-) Just kidding mom and dad, I love you guys! I think I need more time alone, more time to really say "Seeya later" and know that this is all part of God's orchestrated plan for our lives and that He knows what He is doing and that all of this creates a beautiful masterpiece which He has designed for our lives. You guys are loved, showered in prayers and truly missed....I love you guys

Friday Night in Anderson!!

2008-06-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

People think Anderson is such a boring town...I beg to differ. Last night was pretty sweet. Libby and I went downtown Anderson with some friends to a free concert put on by Jon McLaughlin. Kinda funny story - back when I started at AU, I was down in the basement of Dunn doing my laundry and sitting there waiting. Then this dude comes in on roller blades to do laundry and he's just sitting there. He says since we're there, we might as well get to know each other. He says, "I'm Jon" - no big deal, we're just chillin waiting on our underwear to dry. Later that night, there is a concert for freshmen orientation - who's playing? This dude that was in the laundry room! I was laughing cuz I had no clue who he was. Then we kinda got to know each other through dativus and such...but I thought it was really cool to get to see him play again and now he's big time. Kinda weird, but also very cool.

Then we came home and the Pressley's and Joel came over to hang out during the horrible storms. It was a great time. We played Cranium (which is one of my favorites) and we laughed a whole lot. Mainly because Marisha says some fun stuff....I think when her and Libby are together, it makes for a good laugh. But I was excited to get to spend time with them, they are a great couple and a lot of fun to be around.

Right now Libby is watching a 94 year old lady take a nap - I bet she's having fun! But I need to be working on my message! Tomorrow is our last Aftershock (our youth service) for the summer...so I want to end on a really good one. Anyway, here are a few pictures from last night. I took a picture of a guy that truly represents Anderson in it's finest...enjoy.

My Birthday!!!

2008-06-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

So my birthday is coming up soon (June 13 in case you cared) and I've been trying to figure out what I want for my birthday. It's kind of hard since we just had a wedding...I guess that was kind of a big deal and people got us gifts for that. Well here is what I'm thinking for those of you wanting to get me birthday presents....

1) world peace

2) to be president

3) For real now...TV shows on DVD (Everybody Loves Raymond - Libby and I have found that we love to watch an episode or 2 before we go to bed at night)

4) Subscription to Men's Health Magazine - but if you are going to do this, buy it through my website so I get customer credit for it...it's also cheaper :-) I can tell you how to do that if you'd like

5) Gift cards - always good because what I want today might not be the same, also, I could use restaurant ones to take my beautiful wife on dates....because that's all I really want to do is schmooze her a little bit.

6) Apparently I need new boxers, not sure if that is appropriate to put on here, but I'm typically a size medium...depending on what I eat for the week!

7) Cool bar-b-que tools

8) Lowe's Gift cards - have you seen our yard? yah, it needs help and it's expensive to get all that stuff

9) Macbook - so I can give my old computer to Libby and I can get up to date with the rest of the world. It will also help me stay in touch with my brother and his family while they live in Africa....don't deprive me of not getting to see them, this is almost a need :-)

10) A cold Mountain Dew

Well, obviously this is Gabe writing this post because it's not all sweet and cute! But I figured for the millions who read this, I might get elected president and actually get something I want for my birthday!! Ending blogs is hard, so bye.

the first one.

2008-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hooray! We have finally made a blog this weekend! Gabe and I wanted to create this blog in order to keep our friends informed with our life and adventures together. I love reading other people's blogs because I feel like I get to know them better, and we hope to do the same thing here! So, to whoever reads this, we hope you enjoy it!

Well, we are three weeks and one day into our marriage, and it has been amazing. We love being married to one another, and I think it is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given us. I feel like I know Gabe in a totally different way, a way that is closer and better than I ever did dating. We thank God each day together for this gift of marriage!

We are settling in to our home in Anderson right now and trying to make our house a home. It is a process though and there are still SO many things I want to do to the house. I love how it is turning out, and my sweet Gabe has been such a help to me! When we got home from our amazing honeymoon to Mexico, he went full swing back into his job at The Bridge, loving every minute. I love that I get to be a part of that ministry now. I go with him to every outing, event, picnic, graduation party, you name it. And now, I get introduced to people as Gabe's wife, Libby Reed. Sweet! I recently found a summer job at Park Place Children's Center here in Anderson as an assistant teacher for the 4 and 5 year old summer class. It is a preschool located in a church that is right on the campus of Anderson University. I was so excited to get hired this week! Yipee for preschoolers!!

Enough words......here are some pictures from our awesome honeymoon to Riviera Maya, Mexico!