In the face of discouragement.

Posted on April 18, 2013 by saraevanchick

EvanchickS_LZ122-ISJ7R8E_10 Hi friends. I’ve been procrastinating about writing this post all week. I decided today was the day to finally sit down and do it.

I’m going to be taking a break from blogging for a while. I’m praying that I can return to it at some point, because I find so much joy in connecting with all of you. But right now, it’s one of the things I need to let go of.

The latest treatment, in an attempt to restore my vision to normal, was a pretty aggressive one. The doctor expected that I would see immediate results. I am at the end of the treatment and have seen no improvement. When I called to talk to the doctor about further options, he told me he doesn’t think there’s anything else he can do for me. Obviously, that was not what I wanted to hear.

I’ve been trying to post on a somewhat regular basis but I struggle to see the computer screen. I had assumed that it was only for a short season and that my vision would be back to normal by now. It’s my hope and prayer that the day is near. But for now, trying to keep up with blogging is only adding to my discouragement.

So it’s time to take a break. Time to focus on the blessing of my family and the fact that spring is here. There is much to be thankful for.

Keep choosing joy.
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We’re happiest when …

Posted on April 7, 2013 by saraevanchick

It finally feels like spring!!! Xander would stay outside from sun up to sun down, if we let him. He loved spending last summer at camp, because that was pretty much what our days looked like. I’m happier when we can be outside, too. 4 days in a row of outside adventures. We’re happy, happy, happy.

THURSDAY

Daddy and Little Man on the riverbank.

Airplane sighting

FRIDAY

Pinecones!

All worn out.

SATURDAY

Throwing rocks in the water.

Watching the ripples.

SUNDAY

Caterpillar!!

When did he learn how to blow bubbles? He’s growing up so fast!

I did NOT have much time to check out the blogs taking part in the Ultimate Blog Party so I’m glad it goes on all this week! If you’re a blogger, business owner, independent consultant, check out the May Day Giveaway I’m putting together.

What did you do this weekend?

Youthworker Romance

Posted on March 27, 2013 by saraevanchick

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Tim and I met because of our mutual passion for youth ministry. We were introduced at the National Youthworkers’ Convention, in 2008 and we were married a year later. We’ve supported each other in our separate ministries and done ministry side-by-side.

Sunday was scheduled to be my first day, teaching the 3rd and 4th grade girls’ Sunday school class. I was SO excited! I’ve been waiting all winter to begin serving. With no heat in the car, there were several Sundays that were too cold for Xander and me to make the hour long trip to church. But now that the temps are above freezing, Tim and I decided it was safe for me to make the commitment. I had my lesson and a fun get-to-know-you project, all prepared. I was PUMPED.

Then, Xander came down with a marathon cold. He got sick on Tuesday and over a week later, he’s still sick. Even though he seems to feel fine and not be bothered by the continuously running nose, we obviously needed to keep him out of the nursery. The easy solution would have been for me to go while the guys stayed home. But I still can’t see well enough to drive. So I said that I would find a sub, and stay home with our sick munchkin.

That’s not what happened.

Tim insisted that all of us make the trek. They dropped me off to teach Sunday school while he and X hung out together and got lunch before coming back to get me. Not everyone would understand how disappointed I was, at the thought of missing my very first week. But he did. He knew how excited I was to start teaching again and he made sure I got there.

Then there’s this little shout-out on the Student Ministry Central About Page.

It’s true, the average church isn’t going to have the same pool of people to draw from that a larger church might. However, Sara Eden, a youth worker from a small town church decided she wasn’t going to let that stop her. She applied these leadership principles and recruited more than 25% of the congregation to her youth ministry team. As a result, she was even able to develop a community outreach program that regularly reached over 100 teens – more than the average graduating class of the town! (I was so impressed, I married her).

It’s nice to know that our youthworker romance is still alive.

Don’t forget: Today is the last day to enter the JOYful giveaway.

Video Update 3/18/13

Posted on March 18, 2013 by saraevanchick

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Happy Monday!!
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Another Crazy Week

Posted on March 7, 2013 by saraevanchick

It’s been another busy week around here!

I’ve been working on my latest design project, creating a new logo for a youth ministry in Florida. I just zipped up all the files and sent them on their way to the youth pastor. So fun!

We’re also working on final edits, for the book my husband has been writing. It’s set to release in a few weeks. With my vision problems, the editing has been taking me forever. But it’s shaping up to be a great resource and I’m excited for it’s release!!

And speaking of my vision problems, I had my long-awaited appointment with the neuro-ophalmologist yesterday morning. I had hoped to come home with a pair of specially made prism glasses, to help me see straight. I was crushed when he explained that I have a unique kind of double vision, that won’t be helped by the prisms. He also broke the news to me, that it’s likely permanent. Last night, Tim gently reminded me that we have encountered “permanent” things before. He and I have both seen miraculous healing in our own lives, and we’ve witnessed it side-by-side, in the life of our son. He quietly said, “We are a family of walking miracles.” He’s right. And I won’t give up hope. But I am feeling a little frustrated at the moment. Hopefully, I’ll be able to shake it off, once I process everything.

So that’s what’s going on around here. Oh, there has also been laundry, cooking, cleaning, and mommy-ing. My plate feels pretty full at the moment. But it’s full of awesome things, so I don’t mind.

How is your week going? Are you (like me) shocked by the realization that it’s Thursday already?!!

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The birthday boy!

Posted on February 25, 2013 by saraevanchick

The birthday weekend is over. My poor little guy has been sick since Friday, so we kept things pretty low-key. Saturday night, his fever spiked around midnight and my hero-husband ended up sleeping in his room, which meant that I got 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

As soon as they came down in the morning, X spotted his first present: the ‘busy box’ his daddy made for him. I’ll post more pictures on how it was made, later this week.

It was tough, but we finally tore him away, long enough to eat some pancakes.

And then we let him open the rest of his presents.

: Unwrapping gift #1

: His own set of keys!

: And then some trucks.

: 2 magnetic books

: A Dinosaur Train car.

: More cars.

: A Cars racetrack…

: with LIghtning McQueen & Mater!

: And some awesome new blocks!

He checked out all his presents, and then went back to his busy box.

After lunch, we brought out his cake.

And his grandma and grandpa had a few more toys for him!

: His very own set of tools!!!!!

: and another car from the Dinosaur Train

The tools worked great on … you guessed it … the busy box.

Oh, I almost forgot. On Saturday, we let him open one of his gifts – mostly so that he would have something play with while he ‘took it easy.’ It was a whole bag of little plastic dinosaurs and animals, to add to his collection.

We finish like the day, like we finish every day: with stories before bed.

Welcome to the world of “two,” precious boy. You’re not a baby anymore.

I must have blinked.

Frugal Friday: Why So Frugal? [and a link-up]

Posted on February 15, 2013 by saraevanchick

fridays When Shawna shared her story a few weeks ago, it occurred to me that I hadn’t really shared mine. I talk about my life all the time but, other than mentioning that we are on a very tight budget and offering money-saving tips, I don’t talk about finances very often. So, on this Frugal Friday, I thought I’d share a little of our story.

In 2012, my husband and I had a combined gross income of $5098.00. That’s more than we made in 2011. Because of the way our former employer payed us (as contractors instead of employees), we’ve never been able to collect unemployment.

Very literally, we have survived on the grace of God and the kindness of others.

We have rationed things like soap and toothpaste, and gone without many of things I used to consider “needs.” Long gone are the days when I could drop money on things like conditioner or moisturizer or fabric softener. Once I wrapped my mind around the fact that we could live without them, We have survived just fine.

There are plenty of awesome things about our life! But finances have been one of our greatest struggles, and it has forced me to get creative. That’s how Frugal Friday began!

When I look for a frugal solution for something, it’s not so much about cutting our costs. It’s about, just simply not having money to spend. I scour the internet, looking for homemade versions of things we can’t afford. And, more often than not, I find them!

I don’t say any of this for pity or sympathy. I actually hope it’s encouraging to you. If you’re worried about finances or the money just isn’t stretching as far as it needs to, I UNDERSTAND. And I would challenge you to use that energy that is typically spent on worrying on looking for creative solutions instead. That shift in thinking has helped me a ton! When I can find a way to make something for a small fraction of what it would cost to buy it, I feel empowered – in this situation that frequently has left me feeling helpless and scared.

So, that’s my story about frugal living! If you’d like to do a guest post on an upcoming Friday, let me know. I’d love to have your voice. Hey, we’re all in this together!

Ok, now I’m going to try another link-up. Do you have a post or a pin about Frugal Living? If you do, I would LOVE to check it out!! Scroll down, click on “add your link” and it will give you the rest of the instructions. I’d be particularly grateful for links to natural face moisturizer recipes. Now that I’m running in the cold, the dry skin is a beast!!

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you have a relaxing weekend ahead.

Work-At-Home Moms

Posted on February 7, 2013 by saraevanchick

How do you do it? Seriously. What is your secret?

I’m picking up a few graphic design projects, to help our financial situation. I usually do it during naptime, or while Tim is around to keep Xander occupied.

I tried to spend about 20 minutes working on a project yesterday. X was doing puzzles so I thought it was the perfect opportunity. But after about 2 minutes, he needed to see what I was up to.

He climbed through the arm of my chair.

Sat behind me, drumming on my back and singing “Oh, Happy Day”

Then tried to climb back out, and got his head stuck.

I accomplished nothing.

Work-at-home moms, I salute you.

Mystery, solved. [Another story of answered prayer].

Posted on January 29, 2013 by saraevanchick

This has been an amazing day. I just got back from the doctor and I finally have an answer for what’s been causing my medical struggles. I had to fight back tears on the car ride home. It’s such a relief.

Do you want to know who found it? Not either of the primary care doctors I’ve seen, not the team of doctors at the hospital, not my neurologist, not the immunologist.

So many tests and scans that I’ve lost count. No one has been able to find an answer.

No one – but my husband. Tim has not stopped trying to figure out how to help me. He has continued to do research about my symptoms and what might be causing them.

This morning, he found an article about a medication I’ve been taking for the better part of 5 years. A low dose of antibiotics that treats my cystic acne.

Long term effects include: weakness, rash, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, stomach pain, feeling short of breath, confusion, swelling, ringing in your ears, vision problems, joint pain, muscle aches, swelling in your face or tongue, dizziness, tired feeling, spinning sensation.

Sound familiar?

We called the doctor with this information and she had us come right in. She confirmed what Tim had found in his research and told me to stop taking the medication immediately.

We don’t know if all of these things will correct themselves or how long the recovery period will be. We are praying that it will all reverse completely and quickly. The vision problems are of particular concern and I will continue to be under the care of a neurologist or neuro opthamologist until my vision becomes normal again. But just knowing. It’s such a weight, lifted.

Thank you all for your love and prayers over these past two years.

God is good, my friends.
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I Choose Joy

Category Archives: Life