Separating From Ed

     I wanted to share about my youth and student ministries event that I hosted at our church today. About a month and a half ago I reached out to our pastor to see if there was anything that I could do for our middle school and high school students who attend the church since our church does not have a youth group. We only have about 6 students who are in this age range so it doesn't make sense to have a group that meets on a regular basis because that would not be sustainable (I was in this situation growing up in one of my churches and it was not enjoyable as a participant, so I would not want to subject others to that!).      When Ryan told me that he had prayed just that week for our kids and how to reach them, we got excited that he was interested in entertaining the idea of creating something for these students. But I also got a little bit nervous since he said he wanted to meet with me! It went fine, though. I met with Ryan and our "equipping min...

     A long time favorite breakfast of mine has been waffles. More specifically, the recipe that my dad uses. He and I would make waffles together almost every Saturday (or at least, frequently) during my later high school years and almost every time weekend that I came home from college.      The original recipe comes from the picnic-covered version of the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. "Oh Boy" Waffles are a treat and delight with many ways to top them or add ins to try. I almost always make a half of a batch, or sometimes, a quarter. My version here is slightly different, is for a half recipe, allows for whole grains (of course), is free of added sugars (yay!), uses a different oil, and another way to use it. As always, feel free to modify if you don't enjoy the mild peanut taste, have an allergy, or prefer a sweeter version. I hope you enjoy my favorite breakfast!       Ingredients that you will need:      1 c...

     I'm convinced that once you taste the sweet freedom and rejuvenation that the Lord can offer, you'll turn to Him, and won't turn back ever again.      God brings joy to my life in the midst of pain and sorrow. There is destruction around me and within me, yet God pulls me towards Him. There is a sweetness in surrender.      I'm learning to trust Him and working at being His daughter who is still in waiting for His answers and responses.      I'm learning the "Art of Celebration" and that there is joy in intimately knowing and interacting with Him. He provides peace and through Him and because of Him, I am more than just a conqueror and He has created within me a clean heart.      I've learned that there is incredible forgiveness that comes from  knowing a God who is a good and loving, a God that desires a relationship with us.      Once you have given up the idea that you can ...

  Some of the kids I work with wrote these AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) poems recently about what they will do as a freshman in college. I decided to write my own. It's important to note that I am not in this space at this time, although. I AM a freshman at Western Oregon University My mother would describe me as a good child, pretty, and a great sister. My friends would describe me as not their friend. I keep the photos of my family on the corkboard in my dorm room and the material I learned in high school focused in my mind. I remember how to take notes and the basics of biology. I've learned that most of my classes are a waste of my money and that "dorms" should be called "residence halls." I hide that I am breaking inside. I read parts of my textbooks and "Winning Everyday." I shout, “hi!” when I see someone I know and like across campus. I AM a freshman at Western Oregon University. I see my b...