Gas Prices

I was a part of one of the coolest things I've ever done in a church. LifePointers spent their morning at the MotoMart in Edwardsville buying down gas by 25 and 50 cents. Gas prices are such a stress now-a-days and it was awesome to get to surprise the community with a blessing! I have to admit...going and talking to the people is so out of my comfort zone and I didn't do so well at it but it was cool to see how our own people were so willing to help and receive nothing in return. Giving is so fun!

What are some random acts of kindness you can do this week?

Working Hard

This is my parents working their rears off in our yard. I can't even explain how much better our yard looks after all their limb trimming, tearing down dog houses, weed pulling, and much more. Also, our house looks finished with the curtains my mom hung for me! Thank you guys so much.




And here is Kyle and I helping them work...

Emily's Print Shop

My parents flew into town on Wednesday morning and my mom brought me this lovely typed up item she found. This is what I did as a YOUNG child...


NOTICE

IF YOU HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH A COMPUTER AND NEED OR WANT A JOB, TALK TO EMILY MILLER, THE OWNER.YOU WILL GET PAID TEN DOLLARS EACH WEEK UNLESS YOU DON'T WORK HARD.IF YOU GET EMPLOYE OF THE MONTH YOU WILL GET TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS.YOU ALSO GET TO PLAY GAMES ON THE COMPUTER.

THANKS
EMILY'S PRINT SHOP

2 Years

Kyle and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary yesterday! We spent the evening in St. Louis and stayed at an awesome bed and breakfast, the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion. I've never been to a bed and breakfast so I was unaware of how amazing they can be! Complimentary homemade cookies, snacks, and drinks everywhere...a private spa area with a hot tub for your use, delicious food...I was ready to move in! Best of all, I got to spend the evening with Kyle. It has been an incredible 2 years and I feel so blessed to have married such an amazing man of God that is committed to me and our marriage.


Here are a few of my favorite images from our wedding...taken by Lissa Anglin. (click here to see her website)

Texas

A few weeks ago I visited the great land of Texas. Brooke and I loaded up and made our 12 hour trip!! It was so good to see family, friends, Chicken Express, and Leal's. I didn't get near enough pictures...but I DID get these. And they are AWESOME!

My first stop in Texas was at my grandpa's in Breckenridge. I walked around the corner to find him putting on his newly bought shoes....haha! I was so amazed...and I made sure he knew he was the hippest 95 year old man I've ever met. He simply wanted lighter shoes than his boots...but he has no idea!





We also just happened to be visiting the week of Tulia's (my hometown) picnic and reunions. (basically town's anniversary) This summer was my 5th year reunion from HS!!! I know for some of you that seems like nothing...but HOLY COW I can't believe I've already been out 5 years. I felt so old seeing the kids that are in HS now. It also meant I got to hang out/go to our annual ranch rodeo with one of my very best friends, Elizabeth. She is one of those very special people I didn't spend enough time with when I lived there.

Baptism

Sunday was an extra special day. Three of our youth made the decision to express their love and commitment to Jesus through baptism. It is always so exciting to witness such a celebration! This was a special day for Kyle, as well, because it was his first time to be the "dunker" and have the honor of experiencing such an incredible step with his youth!

Sam

Abby

Kelsie




My prayer for their spiritual journey is that they would truly understand that it is a journey. And that, as a church, we would always make the dominant understanding of our faith that of a journey and not a destination.

"One of the illusions of faith is that at some point we get it all mapped out and things get smooth and predictable. It is not true. The way of Jesus is a journey, not a destination. On a journey, the scenery changes. A lot. We can prepare for some things but not all. We make mistakes, figure it out as we go along, and try new things. Failures are really just opportunities to learn." - Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis

Chicago

A couple of weeks ago Kyle and I had some very special friends of ours, Nate & Laci Bridges, fly up and hang out at our new home and make a quick trip to Chicago with us. It was so good to spend time with them! There is a ton to do in Chicago but here is my pictures list of some of our favorites, firsts, and fun times!

1. Beginning our first journey with Amtrak.

2. Our first time walking in the rain like dumb tourists for hours.

3. Eating Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza at Giadorno’s

4. Seeing Chicago from the John Hancock building.

5. Eating at Ed Debevic’s and laughing at their mock sarcasm.

6. Walking through Millenium Park and the silver bean.

7. MJ.

8. All the cool water life at Shedd Aquarium.

9. Hanging out at Navy Pier & riding the ferris wheel and swings.

10. Seeing Chicago at night.