So Friday, January 29th 2005 I said those romantic words, “Would you like to be considered a couple?” (I thought it was sooth at the time) to who is now my wife. Friday marked FIVE years of being a couple! To mark this memorable day Sarah did something amazing for me—a scavenger hunt. I got home early afternoon with a note on the door with the first clue that lead me to photo albums, books, and other items in the house that we have shared memories together. Every clue was perfectly thought out and extremely clever. My favorite was the clue “Our relationship truly is an ‘Active Job.’ And today marks the Beginning of It All.” I have a carefully structured organization system on the computer for my design jobs. All of my current design projects are in the folder “active jobs”. In the folder was a letter straight from her heart that—sappy I know—brought tears to my eyes. I truly am a lucky man.
Posted on January 31st, 2010 by admin
Filed under: Family | 1 Comment »
So remember back in college…when you were telling this really awesome story…except nobody else thought it was awesome…so you had to think of some flare…before you lost your whole audience…and the flare (and least in our circles) had to do with money? Remember? I do. And I’d like to tell you a story:
The other day James and I went for a run. It was so nice outside–like spring! Well, we’re running by the lake and see this guy taking pictures of something out there. It was an eagle! (Stop yawning.) He proceeded to show us all the photos he’d taken so far of said eagle and another sweet-looking bird. But we had to keep running. So we’re making our way to Owen’s (to return a Redbox dvd), and then…I found twenty bucks!
And no, I didn’t just say that to keep you entertained. I really did find $20!!! WHOA! See, this is why I always look down. I don’t remember much of the scenery in Argentina or Bolivia or Tennessee, but I sure do know their streets! I usually only find a quarter or so. $20, though; that’s the jackpot!!
Hope you liked my story!
-Sarah
Posted on January 27th, 2010 by admin
Filed under: Athletics, Winona Lake Adventures | 3 Comments »
I (Sarah) had another fun time at the basketball game fundraiser. This time one of the Colts cheerleaders actually joined us in the game. I’m all, “Pu-leeeease, don’t insult me!” And then. She swished a three!! Man oh man. She was cool after that!
(The photo was one of our many fun “plays”–volleyball! We also played soccer and football…all with that basketball. Great times!
Posted on December 5th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Athletics, Work | No Comments »
They were really thoughtful in their (long) letter to me–telling me how distribution works and such. Then they used my zipcode to find a local store that carries their brand of hot cocoa. It was the Owens way downtown. Never tried that one before. So we went last night. Checked it out. And. They only carry the individual packets, just like our close Owens. Those things are more than TWICE as much as the tubs of cocoa! No way am I paying that (not with the rate I go through cocoa!). That’s it, though. No free stuff. No samples. No coupons. I was slightly disappointed.
So. I’m going to write them back. And let them know that I hope they start distributing the big tubs in at least one local store! Or. Maybe they can find one in Fort Wayne that’s got ‘em. I could stock up…
The saga continues. Will keep you posted. Literally! (Ha!) 
Posted on September 27th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Random | 3 Comments »
You see, I love their brand of cocoa. And really theirs alone. So I wrote the following letter. I hope it helps, so I can find cocoa again! But secretly, I wrote it because every time I write companies letters, they send me a free sample. And I love free things. Especially if they’re Nestle things.
-Sarah
Posted on September 7th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Random | 3 Comments »
“Here” as in right here at this moment in this situation. Waiting is not the most enjoyable task in the world. Here are some lyrics from Brandon Heath. Not a huge fan of this song, but every time it gets to this part, it totally resinates with my heart:
“Still wondering why I’m here
Still wrestling with my fear
But oh, He’s up to something
And the farther on I go
I’ve seen enough to know that I’m not here for nothing
He’s up to something
He’s not finished with me yet
He’s not finished with you yet
He’s not finished with us yet”
Praise the Lord for that truth!
Posted on August 29th, 2009 by admin
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Prayer is an interesting thing. Or maybe I should say, the way God answers prayer is interesting. Sarah and I really thought we had God figured out this time. I went to the Chicago area for a THIRD interview for a job that we have been praying for for about two months! God has answered prayer miraculously to keep the doors open for this job. We were pointing to God the whole way thinking, this must be it! How could it not be? After all, God answered all our prayers positively and even removed obstacles for me to get to this third interview. Surly, God wants me to have this job.
The third interview went very well. People were excited, I even got the sweet tour. Again, thinking we knew what God was up to, we were convinced we would be packing our stuff and moving to Paletine, Illinois. However, we got the shocking news on Thursday afternoon that they selected another candidate for the position. What!? But, God did all this work! We did all this praying!
After much disapointment, we came back to God. Recognizing that God is still God. His faithfulness remains, His goodness reamains, and His grace reamains. Where is He taking us? What is He is showing us through this? What is He teaching us?
Maybe Sarah has been praying for pacience without me knowing it…
Now, with continued hope in God’s sovereignty the job search continues. Please keep praying that our faith and trust in God will be strengthend, and that He will give us the patience to wait for what He has for us.
P.S. On an encouraging note, the Director of Marketing Services (who I have been interviewing with) wrote me an email letting me know of another graphic design position at a different community college. He will be contacting their marketing department to let them know of my status as a finalist in their interview process.
Posted on July 18th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Work | 1 Comment »
Cool story a mom of one of our Sunday school kids recently told me:
“It was after midnight, and my husband and his friend were still working on a (rather loud) project right by the boys’ bedroom. I finally insisted that they break until morning, so the boys could finally go to sleep! A good while later, the light was still on in the boys’ room. I went up to investigate. There was no sound coming from the bedroom. I opened the door, and Beau looked up at me from under his covers. There was a New Testament in his hands! Now, I’m not one to discourage my boys to read the Bible, but really–it’s after midnight!
‘Beau, what are you doing?’
‘I’m reading Luke, Mom.’
‘That’s great, honey. Why now??’
‘Well, I’m behind.’
‘Behind?’
‘Yeah, my Sunday school teachers challenged us to read through the whole New Testament this summer, and I’m just behind!’
*smile*
‘And Mom? I’m not understanding anything I’m reading!’”
Well, that was because he was reading out of the KJV–difficult for any reader, but especially a 4th grader. Dad’s letting him use his NIV now.
What a cool story. And what a challenge to us! And that story spurred some conversation about pairing high schoolers with our 3rd and 4th graders to challenge each other to reading certains amounts of the Bible within a time frame or memorizing the most Scripture or who knows what else?!
Praise the Lord for His work in Beau’s life and His encouragement (and exhortation!) in ours.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Winona Lake Adventures | No Comments »
Well, first before the news flash, we just wanted to share what a great time we had this past weekend. Spent Wednesday in Chicago without a map, directions, or any clear plans whatsoever. We got lost, watched a movie (James’ first 3D one!), ate well, and had an all-around good time! Thursday was spent with family (Erin and I wrote music for one of my songs!); Friday was for hiking, cornhole, and APT (Shakespeare play in an outdoor theater) with Steph and Adam soon-to-be Hartung. Saturday was my (Sarah’s) fav day definitely because we got to play VOLLEYBALL! And softball, cornhole, and frisbee, but most importantly–VOLLEYBALL! Still feeling it. We also had the pleasure of catching up with Pat and Molly Vesperman, most excellent of friends. It’s amazing how Christ can infiltrate a relationship and allow connections to be made that just couldn’t between other people.
Anyways, on to the NEWS FLASH you all have been waiting for…
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JAMES GOT A THIRD INTERVIEW WITH HARPER COLLEGE!!!!!! (Yes, James, I just used 6 exclamation points.) The interivew is for this Monday. After this, we’ll find out if they’ll offer him the position. Praise the Lord for His answering prayer in this way. Will keep you posted!
Now, from the mouth of the man: “Please keep praying. Sarah and I are very excited about this opportunity. However, it is scary at the same time. Sarah’s enthusiasm has been very encouraging (thank God I have her!). Please pray that my faith and trust in God, His timing, and His direction will wither my fear. We continue to praise Him for this open door. My prayer is that I would ‘trust God in the dark’ and that He will ‘go before me and make the crooked places straight’ (A.W. Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy).”
Posted on July 7th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Family | No Comments »
