For the last 4 years I have had one of my sons with me at work. It has been a tremendous blessing and joy for me to have Stanley and Simon with me during each of their first 2 years. I have been blessed beyond reason by the love and generosity of numerous students who have volunteered to spend time with my little one once a week from anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. I have been blessed by the grace of the CCH Board, as well as Roger and Matthew, to allow me to bring the boys and to even transform a catch-all room to a nursery/playroom. I know most women will not have this option. I thank God SO MUCH that I did and for how well it has worked.

Beginning this June the boys will get to stay home with a nanny for summer. No more rushed mornings to get everyone out the door in time. They will be able to relax and enjoy long summer days, enjoying their toys and the yard. In August Simon will join Stanley at preschool/extended care.

I will miss the joy Simon brings to the office. I will miss him screaming for joy while running across the lounge every time he sees me. I will miss seeing the students light up when he enters a room. I will miss seeing students and interns slowly transform from not knowing what to do with little ones to becoming a natural and even offering to babysit. I will miss connecting with girls and guys who love kids and watch my boys whom I otherwise wouldn’t get to know so well! Stanley and Simon have changed me at work. Yes, I have been less efficient, and my office has been even messier than before. But my ministry has been enhanced through these little boys who spread love and encouragement and who have helped me to connect with and love students in a different way.

Thank you Lord for these precious boys. Thank you Lord for this season of ministry.

Childbirth sure seems like a miracle. You have sex. Grow tired. Grow bigger. Grow a baby in your belly and breathe and push through enormous pain resulting in the most beautiful, amazing, tiny little baby. It’s just amazing and miraculous. This miracle happens every day. I pray you may partake in this miracle, as a mommy or daddy, in due time.

God becoming a baby: now that IS a miracle. Astounding. Bizarre even. Definitely miraculous. Last night I saw a huge orange moon, two shooting stars, and many beautiful Christmas lights including Old Main’s. We had Christmas open house at the Songer’s where we enjoyed one another, yummy foods, and sang Christmas carols. All in all the evening was magical. The Christmas season, when I slow down, reflect and enjoy it, is always simply…magical.

I do think it’s fitting that Christmas feels so magical. A miracle so amazing, birthed from such love, should feel magical. Enjoy the season. Enjoy His love as you celebrate His birth!

Towards the end of the service on Sunday morning, I sat in the front row of the side aisle and slightly turned to see the crowd. What a great group of young people who made God a priority by coming to Church! People from all sorts of different backgrounds all worshipping our Lord Jesus together. Sadly some of them may stumble and fall away this year. However, others are going to get and stay rooted in Christ. These people are going to grow and flourish in their spiritual lives. To you who are committed, to you who are going to grow, to you who love Jesus more than anyone or anything else…my challenge to you (and His challenge as well) is this: let’s make an impact this year!

Right now make it a PRIORITY not only to partake in worship, service, and community, but because you are a follower of Jesus Christ make it a priority to make an impact for HIM in the spiritual realm. As you are meeting new people and figuring out your routine, prioritize people who are not prioritizing God. Join another RSO. Spend time with your neighbors. Get to know your classmates. And, start this now,while it is an appropriate and easy time to introduce yourself and build friendships. Stay strong in the Lord, be yourself, and love other people. Naturally, casually, let your friends see and hear about God in your life.

We need Christians who are plugged in and serving and investing in the body of Christ, but do not lose sight of the mission field that God has placed you in. You are not at a Christian school. You are at a university. Take advantage of this mission field with no language barrier and few cultural barriers. Don’t seclude yourself from the world. Be in the world but not of it. Friends, be at this university and let His light shine!

After 7 years of employment at Campus House I was given a month long Sabbatical. Due to family circumstances I postponed taking this Sabbatical until this summer…2 years later. I am so excited for this month of time to focus on being rested, restored, refreshed and renewed. I have been brainstorming ways to have a Sabbath while continuing to take care of my little boys.

My friend Joanna always refreshes my soul! We became best friends and Christians together our freshman year of college. Just being with her for one hour brings me back to my first love for Christ. Jo and I are planning a trip to IHOP, the International House of PRAYER, in Kansas City. Prayer and Worship….ahhhhh yes! Sweet time with Jesus.

Nature and Solitude are good for my soul! I am planning on taking advantage of a couple state parks in Illinois. Perhaps we’ll take a family trip to the Shedd Aquarium to wonder over God’s creation. Recreation is refreshing and rejuvenating. A family pass to Lytle pool and an occasional massage for myself may do the trick for recreation. Perhaps get a few girlfriends together for a day of fun.

The Word and some good books…oh so good to focus on God and pave a path for spiritual growth.

I’m taking “off” in mid-June and have the month of May for making final preparations. If you have any recommendations just let me know!

What restores your soul???

Simon is 6 months old. He sits up like a champ, loves to chew things, and likes to give BIG SMILES. He’s pretty happy most of the time, especially if mommy is holding him or daddy is making him smile. A sweet baby boy. I love him so much.

Baby Jesus, God Incarnate. Creator of the world. Sitting next to Mary. Chewing on a blanket. Drooling. Laughing. Crying. Pooping. Perfect. Dependent. God discovering the world through the life of a baby.

What a crazy approach to save the world. Why didn’t the Messiah just appear as a man? That would be more logical. But God does not work like us! “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8.

A little baby. If you are blessed to be around any babies this Christmas, take some time to imagine Christ as that baby. Don’t worship the baby. But worship our amazing God who transcended time and space, and humbled himself to become a dependent baby, so He could save the world.

Alleluiah. …Which means Allelu means “Praise to”; Ya is short for “Yahweh” (the holy name of God). Praise to Yahweh!