Chuck

This week I lost someone very near and dear to me. Thursday evening I was having dinner with some people from church when I received a phone call saying that something had happened to Chuck (Executive Director of Covenant Point Bible Camp) and that it didn't sound good. I didn't want to believe it...and really still do not. I immediately went out to camp and spent the evening grieving with those of us in the area. I was able to take Friday off and just be at camp...a major blessing! I had been asked to share at the Thanksgiving Service at church on Sunday night. I almost backed out, but I am thankful that I decided to share.

What I'm Thankful For...

When I was first asked to share I thought, "oh this will be easy, of course I have something I'm thankful for that I can share." Then I quickly became overwhelmed with all of the ideas-do I really focus in on one thing or do I share the many things that I am thankful for in life? But in light of everything that has happened over the past few days it quickly became VERY clear to me what I needed to talk about.

I'm thankful for Chuck and the life that he lived. He was an excellent example of so many things: servant hood, humility, faithfulness, simplicity, joy, the list goes on and on...

But what I really want to share tonight is how thankful I am for the concrete image of the body of Christ that I have experienced the past few days. I always knew there was something special about the Covenant Point community. I've been drawn to it my entire life. Since Thursday I have constantly been reminded of that blessing. As we have gathered for hours on end just existing together I have seen and felt God's love surrounding us.

It's hard to put into words something so beautiful and something as simple as a love that is overcoming things...big and hard things.

It's togetherness. I've been craving just being with my camp family at this time and God has had a way of bringing the phone calls when I needed them the most. Even though we have had few words o share I'm thankful to be connected. The time that I felt God the most was on Thursday night, just before I left camp, I was able to sit on the phone with two dear friends and just cry. We had no words to share; we just needed to feel each others presence.

I'm thankful for the shared tears and laughter. I'm thankful for the hugs. I'm thankful for the "I love you's." I'm thankful for the meals together. I'm thankful for the beauty of Covenant Point. I'm thankful for my ever-present God. But right now I am most thankful for this family, this body of believers, that God has blessed my life with.


Chuck Fraiser 1951-2010 "Well done good and faithful servant"

Laurel's Dress

I successfully completed the dress that I made for Laurel Johnson!!! I found this fabric around the start of school and just bought it because I didn't want to pass it up. I finally landed on a project and I must say I'm completely thrilled with how it turned out. Laurel wore the dress to church on Sunday, but don't worry she had an accident before I could get a picture of her wearing it...maybe next time!

the big 2-5

This year for Halloween our church did Trunk or Treat. It was awesome. We had around 20 cars parked with their trunks in a circle and kids from the community came and went trick or treating at each car. There was also free chili and hot dogs inside for dinner. It was a major success and we ran out of candy several times-what an outreach to the community. It was fun to hang out all dressed up and I got to see several of my students all dressed up! Here are a few pictures:

As soon as Halloween is over my birthday celebration began...I had an awesome birthday week this year! One of my students also goes to church with me so she let out the secret that it was my birthday therefore about every 5 seconds one of the kids would wish me a happy birthday. I had birthday pizza with Linnea and Laurel and then went out with Colby, Anders, and Paul. Tuesday was my birthday party. Linnea went above and beyond to make me a Chipotle dinner...it was delicious and so fun to be with friends.

I also went home last weekend to celebrate with my family and then to also see friends from North Park. Amanda was in Chicago for the weekend and it was so fun to all be together again...it had been WAY too long! We spent the afternoon at the Botanic Gardens and then went to the NPU vs. Wheaton soccer game.


I have a long weekend this weekend and I'm looking forward to spending it in the UP. We have Monday off for opening day of hunting season and tomorrow is an in-service day for the teachers...so 4 days of freedom! I did not get scheduled for the daycare tomorrow which was making me a little nervous since I had taken the previous Friday off which means a large portion of my monthly income being lost. However, yesterday at church I was given an awesome gift which was just a reminder of all the ways God provides for us. It gives me comfort to know that He is going to take care of me financially...and in all other areas of life. What a God that I serve!