Junior Mints

Half-way through my junior year and rejoicing! Whenever a semester comes to a close, I am left to ponder the ways in which the time challenged and stretched me. Amidst the craziness of taking 17 credits, working, and enjoying all that the campus of Grand Valley has to offer, I have felt accomplished, discouraged, excited, and calm. Michigan seasons are symbolic of personal life, as we go through all that the days involve. The winter in its crisp freshness, brings gloom, while the summer in its sunshine brings rain.

I can not go much further without introducing the man of which God has used to strengthen and encourage me this semester. Tony and I started dating in August, after a grand date adventure at the Toledo Zoo. Grad School brings him nearly 6 hours away, but thankfully God has provided the time for us to meet nearly twice a month. I have never been an accomplished conversationalist on the phone; believe you me those skills have gotten much better over the last three months :)

In addition to getting to know this wonderful man, I have been appreciating the people God has allowed me to draw closer to through conversation and experiences. My dear, dear, sister Christina enjoys what we originally coined as bible study, but amounted to much needed girl talk, every Tuesday afternoon as we venture the streets of Grand Rapids. We are both encouraged through the couple of hours to talk and gain insight from one another. I appreciate her greatly.

I joined the Campus Ministries prayer team this semester. The prayer is great and the friendship is grand. Our small group of five ladies has become quite the bonding place. The girls friendship is something I treasure and thank the Lord for providing in my life.

My little Gabester turned 16 yesterday. My goodness, time really does go quickly. This semester, I have been joining my family for dinner on Thursday nights, which has proven to be a great place for some R&R. Rest and Relaxation in the Stille household is not being calm and tranquil, but rather loud and crazy. I like it that way :) Thanksgiving was indeed something to be greatful for as the family travelled out to Westerville, Ohio to enjoy a feast with the cousins. Uncle Bill and Aunt Char, you are great hosts!

Tony and I were recently talking about it being fairly odd that chef's can become famous. Which led us into the question of what we would want to be famous for. I want to be a motivational speaker, I think it would be a very fufilling profession to help others reach their full potential by speaking God's work into them and showering them with encouragment. Maybe some day...

In closing, five classes later, I have finished another semester. God continues to provide daily bread and from it I eat and am fufilled. In all honesty, I at times disregard this provision, leading to discontentment and discouragment.

This holiday season, take, eat, and do this in remembrance of the one who gives you breathe.

Growing, Learning, and Enjoying,

AnnaBelle

Home Sweet Home

Although I have been home from Cortez for nearly two months, I just now am getting the chance to post. That in itself is a good indication of how things are going back in Michigan. Quite splendid, I must say :)

When voyaging home, I was filled with excitement seeing the edge of Lake Michigan...it is amazing the things I took for granted before leaving for a while. I have come to appreciate the beauty of this state since being home, I was anxious to get to the beach as soon as possible. My sister and I were able to take a walk out to the pier within the first week of my return.

Unfortunately, summer faded soon after setting my feet back on Michigan soil. School is now in full swing. Oh joy? It is a joy to be back with friends and with school comes another full year of campus ministries events; all of which have proved to be very fulfilling. I joined the prayer team this year which is in many ways therapeutic. Taking 17 credits this semester, working, and being social can make for days that are more than full. Having an hour to bring things back into perspective is wonderful. Every day, I search for moments to be still and breathe. Realizing that God is in the craziness around me and yearns for me to listen for his subtle voice amidst it all.

I hope you too can find those moments to breathe and enjoy the journey.

Enjoy life.

Anna

Nothing Compares.

I intended to share these thoughts last week; my time to do so slipped by faster than I could get to a computer. That just means a bigger entry this time around :)

I recently heard a song by third day, entiled Nothing Compares. As I listened, I was once again struck with the realization that their is not one thing which compares to the greatness of knowing and having a relationship with the Lover of our souls. God sent his one and only son, extending a free gift of grace and forgivness, through his death and ressurection, in order that we could live freely and with great joy. What compares to that? Waking up daily to that truth inspires me to finish strong with the mission I have been called to this summer in Cortez.

Personally, I believe there are a few other things in my life of which nothing compares.

Nothing compares to being an American woman, free to dance to the beat of her own goals and aspirations.

Nothing compares to having a full belly 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Nothing compares to having a roof over my head and a warm bed to rest in each evening.

Nothing compares to having an education; not only a high school diploma, but a higher ed. degree.

The one's to follow may be a little biased but...:)

Nothing compares to having the most supportive, loving, family a girl could ask for.

Nothing compares to having a father who is faithful to his wife and five children.

Nothing compares to having a stepmom who has more than adopted me as one of her own.

Nothing compares to having incredible grandparents full of wisdom and love.

Nothing compares to having aunts and uncles who encourage and affirm...

and ultimately, nothing compares to the relationship I have with God in heaven. He is my stronghold and advocate, to whom I confide and who is faithful in providing a portion that is adequate each and every day.

thankful!

Anna

Ultimate Week

This week has been wonderful in a large variety of ways. We hosted our largest group of the summer. 65 of us served along side one another and I can confidently say that each and every one of them poured out a special blessing on this quaint town of Cortez, CO. They were servant minded and joy filled, leaving all of us on staff refreshed and excited to finish off the summer.
In addition to having five incredible youth groups join us for a week of service, we have had ten fellow YW staffers join us this weekend. What a refreshment that has been! Joining in fellowship with all these amazing people has lifted by spirits immensely. Their presence alone has brought great joy to my weekend. Yesterday, we shared all the stories that accumulate during a summer of service and today we have enjoyed a movie, tour of Mesa Verde, and for myself, a long chunk of time resting in a beautiful park under a large tree. We finished off this afternoon with some incredible rounds of ultimate Frisbee and a victory dance in the sprinklers, only to later be fed a delicious meal of chicken fajitas :)

I hope that this short and sweet update finds you all doing well , and that you can see a smile shining through the words which I have written.

Great and marvelous are Your deeds

Lord, God Almighty

Just and true are Your ways King of the ages

Who will not fear You, Oh Lord and bring glory to Your name

For You alone are holy
All nations will bow and worship

You alone are Holy

All nations will bow down in worship before You

I sought the Lord and He answered me

And delivered me from all of my fears

Those who look to Him are radiant with joy

And their faces will never be ashamed

With his love,

Anna

YEA GOD!

Another week passes and leaves my mind in a whirlwind. More youth and adult leaders arrive this afternoon in anticipation of a spirit filled week, or maybe just a vacation from the mundane work or summer schedules they come from.
One week ago was father's day, I struggled through not being able to spend it with my "#1 dad" and family. As the youth began to arrive, most of my sadness left me and was replaced with joy and I once again remembered the reason why I am here. We greeted youth from Texas, Nebraska, and Oregon with name tags and smiles and by the end of the day had concluded the importance of not comparing one week to another. Drew, in all his wisdom stressed taking each group as it is and each day as it will be. "Give us today our daily bread", God is so faithful in doing that for me, and for the rest of the staff this summer. He gives us what we need to get through a day, whether that be strength, energy, or food, he provides it for us. Yea God!!

The stories that come out of one week of YouthWorks are endless, and there are a couple that I would enjoy sharing :) On Sunday, I experienced one of the most touching moments of my Christian walk. A group of about 12 had just arrived from Texas; shortly after their arrival a woman pulled up in a nice SUV. I approached the woman, and shook her fragile hands as she spoke through a very timid voice, inquiring about directions to a town just outside of Cortez. Anyone who knows me well, knows that my since of direction is a bit lacking to say the least. For that reason, I made sure to check my directions with Tony before sending the woman on her way. After confirming the route which she should take, I pointed her on her way and she very graciously thanked me for my time. Before loading back into her vehicle, I asked if she needed a hug. It proved to be the perfect cure to her overwhelmed being as she embraced me through crocodile tears. I felt as if she returned to her car relieved and ready to continue her travels. I PRAISED God for using me to bless her through a simple hug, and it was that experience which is teaching the ministry of presence. The simpliciy of being available for those that God places in our path, is one of the most powerful things we can do as children of the King.

Another expereince which touched me in a powerful way was the interaction which I had with adult leaders this week. Dave-LeeRoy-Danielle-Joel-Dani-Julie-Lindsey-Brian-Kristy-Vicki-and Bruce-blessed me more than I can really place words to. Their passion for the Lord was so energizing and their devotion to their youth was so very encouraging. They encourgaed me specifically through their praise of the way Kids Club was running. God is so strong, when we are weak! Amen? Amen!!

Thursday evenings are such a bittersweet time for me as I reflect upon how God has worked in and through every participant and staff member in the matter of four days. The tears would not stop as I thought about what a blessing it was to cross paths with the participants of last week. Yea God!!
I hope this post finds you all doing well. Six more weeks until I can see your smiling faces once again. Rest in knowing that God is doing some incredible things here is Cortez, I can't wait to share them with all of you over a cup of coffee or game of ultimate frisbee~GOD BLESS YOU!!

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness"

Jeremiah 31:3

Rest

Sweet, sweet, rest. That is the theme of my next two days. The wonderful staff and myself are enjoying our first day off since training, which was nearly a month ago. The rest is much, much, needed for a host of different reasons. It would be safe to say that the four of us, Amanda-Drew-Tony-and myself, are completely drained. It is by the grace of God that we have had the strength to lead youth with joy and energy over the last weeks....which brings me to the most important reason for this day of rest, which is reflection. A sea of emotions wave over me as I sit still and think about how God has worked through the YouthWorks staff to CHANGE lives. I can barely comprehend the ways in which God has worked in us and through us to grant his people the peace and joy that comes from calling on the name of Christ and serving him with every ounce of themselves.
On an even more personal note, I am learning that God will grant us the strength and energy it takes to give our best for his honor and glory. As was mentioned before, this trip has shed light on God's beautiful creation, but this mission has even more so revealed to me the many blessing of which I am so fortunate to be a part. The best of those being my family and friends. (Uncle Bill, I am so glad you found me :) now i can brag about you) The local pastor that is hosting the youth this summer asked the question, "how does God speak to you?" and in response, I couldn't help but agree with the idea that he speaks to us through the encouragement and experiences that we share with our closest loved ones. God is good, ALL the time, and does indeed work for the good of those who love him. I feel so blessed to have God speak to me through your continual love and encouragement. Continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in all you say and do. I miss you all more than words can express, and I can honestly say that amongst the beautiful nature which surrounds me, I sit back and say: "Michigan, as flat as it is, really is incredible! " I hope you also can enjoy real genuine rest in the days to come. Take in the beauty that surrounds you and appreciate it for all it is worth!

With lots of love and a GIANT hug <3

No "I" in Cortez

WOW! I feel as if I have been in Colorado for a month, rather than a week. It was a good "month" though :) Unfortunately, I only have a few moments to leave some love and pictures, but am excited to leave you with a few thoughts.

God's face shines bright all over creation in this state~It truly is incredible. As my team and I drove from Denver to our site in Cortez, I was in complete awe of the beauty which surrounded me. I have never seen scenery anything like that which encompasses the path that brought us to our home for the summer. It was the quickest 8 hour drive I have ever been on. The twists, turns, mountain-tops and valley's, were very symbolic of life. We have our up's, we have our down's, and sometimes we just aren't quite sure where the path is leading. Fortunately, we have a great God who is with us always. Amen? Amen! That has brought me a tremendous amount of comfort over this time of transition. It is true, I am missing home a twinge...

This week the Cortez team and I have been working hard to prepare our site for all the incoming youth. No "I" in Cortez, as the four of us work together to complete long lists of tasks that must be complete before Friday. We have been setting up the basement of a church, where I will be holding Kids' Club for 5-10 year olds. The curriculum theme is "Be a Hero." My prayer is that the kids walk away from this summer knowing that God wants to use their ordinary selves to do incredible things.

This Friday, the four of us are headed back to Denver to run a site with 2o people instead of 4...it will be a great practice run :) The site is right in the heart of Denver, I can't wait!! and of course that means another beautiful drive twice over again! YEA GOD!!

With all my love <3

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" -Colossians 3:17

Adventuring Into the Blogging World!

As many of you know, I will be adventuring into much more than the blogging world over the next week. My adventures are taking me West, to the state of Colorado. This blog will serve as a way of journaling the voyage and keeping all my loved one's posted for the next 11 weeks.

I have never left all that's familiar for this length of time but am overjoyed to have the opportunity. I expect to be stretched and taught an abundance of things about myself, others, and most importantly Father God, while serving with YouthWorks this summer. Every emotion from anxiousness to joy overcomes me as I anticipate all that lies ahead.

By next week at this time, I will be in Denver training; two weeks from now, myself and three others will call Cortez, Colorado home, where we will be serving for the remainder of the summer...but in this moment, and in the adventurous moments ahead, I will TRUST JESUS knowing that he walks alongside me, guiding my path every step of the way! Enjoy the stories and pictures over the coming weeks. Your support, encouragement, and prayers are treasured <3