Changing Seasons

 Somehow, fall has come and gone already!  I took these pictures this past weekend:

Today, I woke up to this:

I can't believe that overnight, it turned into winter!!

This year, I am choosing to appreciate the seasons that God brings rather than complaining about them. This applies to both the actual seasons and the seasons of my life.  I've realized that it is way too easy for me to be frustrated about winter rather than being grateful for the beauty of it.  It lasts 8 months, it is so cold and dark, and rarely sunny.  But, I want to make the most of this winter.  I want to use the time to reach out in relationship to the people in my life.  I want to create a warm and hospitable environment that brings encouragement and life to people.  Winter also reminds me that it's important to choose gratefulness even when times in our lives are hard.  Things can look dark and never-ending, but God's grace is sufficient for us in the midst of that place.  And somehow, choosing to focus on the things that we are thankful for helps to lift us out of the darkness a bit.  

So.....what are you thankful for today?  

Fall Quarter and Friendship

Summer is definitely coming to a close in Montana.  As I write, I am wearing my scarf, sweater, and boots.  It is difficult to let the beautiful summer go, but the Fall quarter here always brings excitement.  It is our biggest quarter of the year; this fall, we have over 125 students from all over the world here to be discipled and trained.  

A few weeks ago, we got to welcome students and staff back from outreaches in Taiwan, Uganda, Ukraine, and the London Olympics.  It was so encouraging to hear their stories, and really reminded us of why we do what we do.  Especially when we are not involved in the day-to-day of staffing a school, it is easy to forget about the lives that are changing.  As Jason and I both served in practical ways here on campus this summer, we were more aware of the importance of serving behind the scenes to make things function smoothly.  God also reminded us of how much we need to depend on him, even when worship and prayer times are not part of our daily schedule.  

I have found that it can be very easy, in a place where things are normally so God-centered and focused, to lose sight of personal intimacy and friendship with him.  I know that I am so blessed to be part of a community where my work day includes prayer and worship gatherings, but yet, friendship with Jesus does not just "happen."  Even the best, most carefully constructed program cannot provide closeness, with God or others.  Just like any relationship, we must pursue getting to know him better.  I have been convicted/thinking about this a lot lately.  So, as the transition of fall takes place, I am going to pursue the Lord more intentionally and personally.  Not only does this benefit me, but it also fills me up so that I have more to offer to people.  All of this requires vulnerability, so I thought a good way to start would be me being more vulnerable and personal here.  

We would love to hear any of your thoughts/comments on this!  We love and miss you all, and we thank God for you often!

Hey Everyone! Here are some pictures of what we've been up to this summer, as promised. We hope you enjoy seeing a few of the things that have been refreshing, life giving, and also a final chapter to the Spring DTS that just finished up this week. 

We love you! 

Jason was a Capt. of a soccer team that played in a league in town this summer. 

Downtown Houston! A much needed and fun date night! 

One of Erika's good friends that she used to Nanny for. 

Free Chik-Fil-A day!

some of our friends from Montana that moved to Dallas. They have a new baby boy.

We got to go to a Houston Dynamo game! It was awesome!

Our last dessert together as a school after their graduation! What a fun school! 

The staff of the Spring School all done up! 

Nate is on Jason's right. He was a part of the school and Jason met with him throughout the school. He'll be missed.  

Erika's small group from the Spring DTS.

Our summer lately

It has been awhile since we updated the blog....but I imagine that many of you have been having a busy summer, too.  We have been enjoying the amazing Montana summer, when we haven't been cleaning or cooking for the many students and visitors who have been coming through.  Our campus has many 1-2 month summer programs which are sort of a mini version of the 5 month DTS that we staff.  These summer programs are open to high school age students as well, and have a focus on using the arts in missions.  Most of the students who come are musicians or dancers.  We also run an intensive program that certifies people to teach English in foreign countries.  

Another huge blessing that comes to our campus every summer is large groups of church teams that come to serve and do building projects here.  We call it "Vacation with a Purpose."  There have been so many long-overdue renovations that have happened!  Buildings will be warmer and cozier for us all this winter, thanks to their service. 

Jason and I are enjoying the break from all the emotional energy of DTS, while getting to serve people in a practical manner this summer.  We are also excited to welcome back our Spring DTS outreach teams from Uganda and Taiwan this week!  They will be here for the week to process and debrief what they have learned and experienced throughout their DTS journey.  Please be praying that they are refreshed and prepared for the next phase in their lives, and that we love them well this week!

We will be posting some summer photos in our next blog update, so be looking for it!