30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 29

Day 29 - A Photo That Can Always Make Me Smile

This picture is on my nightstand, and every morning, I wake up to the silly faces of myself with Carrie Delisio (AKA Dutch). Thus, after I say, "Good Morning, God," I am reminded of how lucky I am to have a friend as wonderful as Carrie, and how blessed I am to have so many people I can call "family." How could I not keep from smiling every morning when I wake up?

Today, Carrie received the good word that she will indeed be graduating at the end of the year! Woo hoo! Congratulations, Dutch! And iiiiii :)

Prayer Partners/30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 28

Day 28 - Something You're Afraid Of....

You know what I'm afraid of? Going to Haiti without Prayer Partners!

Our prayer circle on January 12, 2011,
one year after the earthquake. 

That's right, the next trip to Haiti begins on Monday. NEXT Monday! Every time I travel to Haiti, I could not sustain strength and hope without holding my friends in prayer and having them do the same for me. I have been honored to be partnered with so many wonderful prayer warriors, and they have encouraged me through each trip.

This trip to Haiti will be a bit different than the others. For one, I found out today I will be arriving a day before the rest of the team. Miscommunication occasionally happens, and yes, I'll be in Port-Au-Prince a solid day before the others. Thankfully, I have made many friends and family in Haiti, and one phone call made everything better. My dear brothers at Little Brothers of St. Therese will be picking me up from the airport and taking me to my beloved monastery. There, I will stay with wonderful friends and family until my team arrives.

Once I meet the team on Wednesday, I will be heading down to Les Cayes, Haiti, which is an area of Haiti I have never been to. It will be a new experience with a new team, most of whom I have never met in person! God always picks the right members, though, and I feel certain it will be a most successful trip with two solar-powered clean water system installations and two hygiene education classes.

So, will you partner with me through this next trip to Haiti? I'd be honored to pray for YOU!

Prayer Partners: 

(travel day) Monday, October 10 - Hogan Family
Tuesday, October 11 - Jay, Sue, Kylee & Maddy Horstman
Wednesday, October 12 - Carl Jones
Thursday, October 13 - Diana Grace
Friday, October 14 - Becky Memmelaar
Saturday, October 15 - Rollin & Linda Wycoff
Sunday, October 16 - Mom
Monday, October 17 - Becky Field Ross
Tuesday, October 18 - Sean Devolites & Pat Cooke

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 27

Day 27 - A Picture with a Family Member


This is a picture of my dear friend, Calvin Brumbaugh, who to me is family.

Calvin and I first met in the summer of 1997 at Quaker Lake Camp. I had heard stories for years about the famous Calvin, but had never met him in person. He showed up at Quaker Lake every summer from Ohio to volunteer his time to the camp and the kids he loved.

Calvin was a source of strength and wisdom unlike anyone I had ever met. His actions exuded the love of Christ for all. His words were filled with compassion and strength, and he quoted the Bible with ease. His prayers were powerful and spoke directly to the heart of God. Following the summers with Calvin, he would write letters of encouragement to all of us. He always included a Bible verse on the outside of the envelope, and when I asked him why, he said that he hoped many mail carriers would read it and it would provide hope for them.

My second summer at QLC, Calvin had an accident and his health suffered. He never seemed to recover from the incident, and after a couple of summers, he began staying in Ohio instead of traveling down to North Carolina. We, thankfully, kept in touch, and when John and I were planning our wedding, it was only natural that Calvin be a part of it.  He came down the night before the wedding and gave the most beautiful toast at our rehearsal dinner. During our wedding ceremony, it only seemed right to have him bless our marriage with prayer, as he was more godly than any priest or pastor I had ever met.

Calvin passed away not too long ago, and it was certainly a sad day for all of us who had known him personally. We know God gave him an extra special large set of wings, as he was one of HIS greatest workers. I miss you, Calvin, and cannot wait to see you again!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 25

Day 25 - A Picture of My Favorite Day 

Typically, Sundays are my favorite day. When I was a kid, we went to church, went to Nana's house for lunch and then napped and watched television.  As I got older, we went to church, went to Nana's house for lunch, and then I was back at church for youth group. As I got even older, Sundays were catch up days for school work. And as I continued to age, Sundays were mega-sized super-long workdays filled with joy and fellowship. All week long, I would spend time storing up energy and preparing Sunday's lessons and events. They were days I looked forward to and enjoyed spending time with the church members. Now, Sundays are a day off to spend with husband. It's weird, but I'm starting to like it!

This picture to the right was taken on a Sunday in 2003 (despite what the date on the photo says!). This is a picture taken at Pine Hill Friends Meeting, where I was serving as the youth & children's pastor. My dear friend, Rachel Selleck White, was volunteering her time and talents at High Point Friends Meeting. Our youth groups gathered together this particular Sunday for a bonfire worship service. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores and had a band come out to play for us. It seems like our friends from Oak Hill Friends Meeting and Springfield Friends Meeting also joined us that night. It was a beautiful time enjoying God's creation and glorifying Him with singing and fellowship of Friends.

You may wonder what we are doing in the picture. This was our "publicity photo" for our Kazoo Band, Cort's Mission. Yes, those are Kazoos in our mouths. More on that in another blog!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 24

Day 24 - A Picture of Something I Wish I Could Change


I have not been to Africa, and I'd really like to go to Africa. Specifically, I'd like to visit Limuru Town, Kenya. Why, you may ask? That is where my Compassion Sponsor Child, Dennis, lives.

Dennis and I have been family since June 27, 2005. He is a sweet young boy, 12 years old and in 6th grade, and he shares his birthday with my husband, John! Yes, we have two special birthdays to celebrate every July 17th!

Dennis loves to go to church on Sunday mornings and during the week, and he loves to play soccer and ride his bicycle. He helps his grandmother in the house by running errands and cleaning, and occasionally he works with his father.

Dennis lives with his father and grandmother. One of the saddest days in my life was when Compassion wrote to inform me Dennis' mother and two sisters had passed away due to AIDS. It was a very eye-opening, personal experience, and since then I have been even more grateful to be a part of Dennis' life. So...one thing I'd like to change? I'd like to meet Dennis in person and give him a big ol' hug and let him know that across the world, someone is praying for him and loving him every day.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 23

Day 23 - A Picture of My Favorite Book

I love reading the Bible! That being said, The Giving Tree is one of my all-time favorite books. Sure, it can be considered a "children's book," but the principles and lessons are timeless for all ages.


This is a lesson I use often for kiddos...but it's absolutely applicable to adults!


The world in which we live says: "Look out for number one!" and "Get all you can; they owe you."


This isn't what Jesus taught. In Acts 20:35, Paul recalls the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."


Luke also records further teaching by Jesus in Luke 6:38:
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."


Still another time Paul focuses on our attitude for giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."


The tree gave and gave as we are to give and give. I am simply thankful to have the energy, time and opportunities to give... How many more days till Haiti??

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 22

Day 22 - A Picture of Something I Wish I Was Better At

At some point in my life, I would love to learn to play the guitar. Maybe. Someday. I've never been very musical, though, so perhaps that is too lofty a goal? I am so thankful for those around me who play the guitar and fill our events with beautiful music!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 21

Day 21 - A Picture of Something I Wish I Could Forget....

Actually, there is nothing I wish to forget. Many of my days are great memories. Of those that are not so great, I wish to remember them and grow from the experiences. So there really is nothing I would like to forget. Lame answer? Perhaps...

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 20

Day 20 - A Picture of Somewhere I'd Love to Travel

If I had to pick somewhere to travel to in Europe, it'd be Italy.

If I had to pick somewhere in the western hemisphere, it'd be Argentina.

And just for kicks, I'd really like to go to New Zealand, too!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 19

Day 19 - A Picture & A Letter

Hmmm... What does this mean exactly?

How about a picture OF a letter? This is a letter from the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church USA. The letter is written to Solar Under The Sun to select them for a portion of the Birthday Offering! This offering will grant Solar Under The Sun up to $200,000 for upcoming projects in 2012!

Pretty fancy, huh?

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 18

Day 18 - A Picture of My Biggest Insecurity

Giving a message to a congregation is a big responsibility. Not only is it "public speaking"...but ultimately, I am representing God and trying to give all glory to Him! When I speak, it is my duty to convey His message to His people. It's a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. I was shaking in my heels yesterday! I simply want to be the best messenger I can be and show God honestly for who He is and what He does.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 17

Day 17 - A Picture of Something That Has Made A Huge Impact On My Life Recently

While I love going to Haiti, it impacts me even more when I see Haitians helping Haitians. This is a picture of Gerald, and he is the "adopted" son of two of our Solar Under The Sun/Living Waters Leaders. He is a leader in his own right now and comes with us on many of our installations. He speaks many languages, loves his family, and loves his country. I'm honored to know Gerald and so many of our Haitian brothers and sisters.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 16

Day 16 - A Picture of Someone Who Inspires Me

Today, as you can see, I am catching up on my blogging. Since I was traveling and attending so many meetings, it was hard to settle down and keep up with my 30 Day Challenge. This category is especially tough, as there are many people who inspire me.

I chose this picture of my dear friend, Rachel Selleck White. The picture was taken from one of her visits to northern Virginia, and we were at Cookology for a special cooking class! Rachel always inspires me to find new recipes and try new cooking techniques!

Rachel is currently serving as a Navy Nurse in Kuwait. Her attitude, her perseverance and her dedication inspire me immensely. Her positive attitude and her integrity give me something to achieve. I'm so proud of her and so lucky to call her a friend.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 15

Day 15 - A Picture of Something I Want to do Before I Die

There are many, many things I'd like to do before I die. In fact, feel free to read through my Bucket List.

However, the skydiving picture here looked super cool! So, that's what you get today. But really...go read the Bucket List. What would you like to do before you die??

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 13

Day 13 - A Picture of My Favorite Band


All-time favorite?? Any guesses here?? I'm torn... Jimmy Buffett or The Beach Boys?

However, my musical tastes are so broad, it really is hard to choose these days! (For more information, see the 50 Day Song Challenge completed this summer!)

Let's go Buffett! Is it five o'clock somewhere??

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 12

Day 12 - A Picture of Something I Love

Sunsets. I love sunsets. It doesn't matter where I am, what scenery surrounds me, it is just a beautiful sight to see the sun set. The colors, the ending of the day, and spiritual fulfillment. I simply love sunsets.

Here are just a few of my favorites...

This was in Puerto Rico.

This was in the Yucatan of Mexico.

This was out to sea on a cruise.

This, as you have seen before, is in Haiti.

I have taken hundreds of sunset pictures, though some are in frames around my house. Wherever I am, I always try to see the sunset at the end of each day.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 11

Day 11 - A Picture of Something I Hate

Hmm...I don't really hate anything.

Well, I don't like spiders. How's that...?

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 10

Day 10 - A Picture of Someone I've Had the Most Adventures With

This was a super easy category! Leslie, my all-time favorite traveling buddy, is easily the choice for this picture. The trouble came in finding just ONE picture. Thus, here's several, minus the photos from her most recent trip to Vegas...which was also epic!

Leslie & I in Pittsburgh with Mac Powell of Third Day

Leslie & I with David Crowder...of the David Crowder Band

Leslie & I in NYC for Beauty & the Beast...eighth row seats

Leslie & I in the Diamond Club at a Houston Astros game

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 9

Day 9 - A picture of someone who has gotten me through the most

This is a picture of my dear Granny. I was going to wait to use this picture for Day #30, the person I miss the most, but she absolutely fits this description, too. Granny was such a constant in my life from the moment I was born. She battled with me through tough times and hard discussions, and loved me every step of the way. Her last years fall into my most favorite memories, and I am so thankful to have had her in my life. I miss you, Granny.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 7

Day 7 - A Photo of My Most Treasured Item

Bo, the raccoon, with his old friend, Horton

Bo, the raccoon, is my oldest friend. He came into my life when I was 7-years old, and he has been around for all the good times and the bad times, through all of the moves and all of the changes. He's been Bo has traveled nationally, internationally, and now he's gotten so old, he rarely leaves the house. He has the power to make all illness go away and he's a great nap buddy! Yes, Bo is truly my most treasured item...or family member

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In other news, today is the birthday of one of my dearest, best friends.... Jay Horstman, happy birthday!  Much love, dear friend!

In other news.