Author: Caroline

When I'm not riding in the backseat of my Grandpa's restored vintage car "Mable," I'm doing other things like... rising to most adventure occasions my husband proposes / chasing our toddler around Brooklyn / enjoying neighbors, strangers, and friends / making countless trips to the laundromat / writing for various publications and for personal reflection / loving and serving our local church / cleaning the bathroom / hosting small and big crowds in our home / meeting up with a friend for coffee / thinking Vocation is my strange frenemy. Though I have worked and existed in many stations/places, I am convinced that each day has good work to be done and that I am equipped and prepared to do that good work. This blog explores the tension and the intersection of a constant vocational call - to good work, neighbor love, and living in the kingdom come. My favorite things are coffee and creating and laughing (preferably with company). I love to listen to sermons and read biographies and make tea before going to bed.

Bethany Camp, Day Two

Well, another day of sweetness out on the hill northeast of Brayton. These junior highers are getting some amazing teaching – in the morning from Ken Jordan and in the night from Casey Groves. I have such respect for both, who are passionately communicating the heart of God to these precious youngsters.

Yesterday in missionary time, we talked about what a missionary might pack in their luggage. Today, we talked about what the missionary would say once they arrived. The campers broke up into teams and with only duct tape they were given the task to create a tool that would communicate the Gospel message – from beginning to end. Why do we ever doubt creativity? Given a little encouragement, we shouldn’t be surprised to see great ideas.

Well, each group was certainly unique. One of the groups brought in some wood structures that were taller than I was! I’ll post more pictures tomorrow.

All in all, another great day. I can’t say how impressed I am with the counselors – truly blown away by their commitment and energy.

Tonight we (my faithful mom and I) spent making packages for the final day. All the ideas in my head never seem that hard, but it sure has taken some time to put everything together!

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Bethany Camp, Day One

Well, the first day of junior high week at Bethany Camp was fantastic. I love the energy at camp – the open air, familiar setting, and outstanding counselors probably have something to do with it. Each year I come back, I get hit a little harder with the homebug. There is so much irony wrapped up in my doing the missionary lessons at Bethany Camp. Bill and Treva Turpin started the camp years ago after returning from their missionary post in Indonesia. This faithful pair has paved the way for an amazing ministry and inspired many to pursue missions (myself being one of them).

I was so wrapped up in the day and missionary lessons that I forgot to take pictures, until swimming time. Today was a momentous swimming day at Bethany Camp as well. For the first time EVER the campers got to swim without leaving the property – the donated swimming pool is operational! Here are a few pictures of the event. Enjoy!

Director Extraordinaire (and my sweet bro!)
Swimmers READY.

JUMP in! (Notice infamous Jane Becker keeping things under control)

I’ll write more tomorrow!
Goodbye from Bethany Camp,
Caroline

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Weekly Line-up

This week is extra special, because I will be at Bethany Camp. I want you to feel like you are right here with me, so I’ll be live blogging from the camp each day to let you know some of the exciting things going on. In the meantime, Christina will be writing a couple posts – a few titles you may recognize from last week and maybe something new as well. Hope you enjoy!

Live Blogging from Bethany Camp
Tune in each day to read an update from Caroline, who is doing the missionary teaching at Bethany Camp in Brayton, Iowa.

Going Green: Good Steward Dilemma
A couple weeks ago, Christina wrote about her pledge to organic foods, but as Christians how do we reconcile news reels with Scripture? Read about her own search for answers.

Facebook Envy: When an Innocent Peruse Turns Sour
If you’ve ever used the social networking genius of facebook, you know that it can be addictive. This addiction sometimes means finding out who’s engaged, who’s pregnant, and who’s traveling in Spain while you sit at your computer. Read Christina’s thoughts on facebook envy and what to do about it.

Leave your thoughts and comments – we love to hear from you!

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dirt under my fingernails

Well, the best of intentions (as far as scheduling blog posts goes) do not always produce the best results. What was that saying about a road paved with good intentions? Anyway, we are learning and that is equally valuable.

We are learning that our hearts are not so easily handled by a planned pen, but instead we hope to share the blessings and struggles of our days in real time (not elusively behind creative ideas and philosophies). Having said that, I would love to share with you how dirt crept under my fingernails today – the first time I’ve relished being a bit dirty in a long while.

I couldn’t sleep last night, because 4 am seemed hardly morning to be waking up and getting to the airport. Between last night and the airport, I probably found 3 hours of fitful slumber. Nonetheless, when the plane landed on Iowa’s green, flooded soil, I had no problem finding energy. I ate a delightful lunch with my parents at Vivace (and immediately confirmed my belief that they do love to be generous when I am home). Then we set our course south and east of Omaha and landed on that little farmstead on the gravel road.

I rushed to my grandparents house and caught up on all the news – from the alliums to the cherry tree to the strawberries to the sad state of the iris. From there we ended up at the cabin (my brother’s engineering genius of telephone poles, barn boards, and scrap lumber), shooting, fishing, and water-ballooning. I jumped in with some home-state vigor to stir up my boisterous childhood playground. I reached into the wet earth to capture worms and squeezed the worms onto hooks. I felt like Jo from Little Women, much too boyish but all too fun.

So, at night’s end, no matter how many times I’ve washed and hand-sanitized, I’ve got dirt under my fingernails. On any other day it would be most annoying – I always garden with gloves and always take great pains in peeling oranges.

But today, surrounded by my Creator’s beauty and the family I love so dear, today a little dirt could not begin to phase me.

STAY TUNED! Tomorrow a new line-up – and possibly new strategy – will roll out. What do you think we should do: stick to the plan and write articles each day OR schedule a few days and be spontaneous on the rest. Let us know what you think!

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Home: A Vacation Spot

Today is Friday. Wait a moment while I do my Friday dance … Okay. I’m back.

I’ll admit, writing on a schedule has its pros and cons. Christina opted for the spontaneous blog-style yesterday and I’m tempted to do the same. Thanks, sister, by the way, for sharing a bit of your heart. The states between Texas and Iowa make it a little difficult to understand when things get rough.

Well, in an attempt to stay regular, I’m going to cheat my own system. I was going to write about a few nifty ideas for summer getaways on a low (to no) budget. But, because I’m headed home tomorrow to Iowa and the brilliant unofficial state *song is blaring in my head, I’m going to talk about taking a creative, thrifty vacation to home.

It sounds strange, I know. Most times when we say we’re taking a vacation we’re going away from home instead of to it. Yet, there’s something like a magnetic force that attracts me to the green hills, lakes, and coffee shop conversations. It’s a perfect escape to be with the people I love, which is one reason why it’s a vacation. The other reason is that at home food, travel, and entertainment is sometimes (if not always) free, thanks to the generous pockets of my parents. Before you think that I’m a freeloader, I can say with confidence that my parents enjoy it as much as I do.

So, especially if you are single, consider making your summer vacation at your parents’ place. Granted, there will be some strategizing to make sure your time is well spent – it’s easy to find the home groove and miss all the best parts.

But, one thing I love about being on a little farm on a gravel road in southwest Iowa is the familiar. I’m always hesitant to confirm people’s stereotypes about Iowa – farms and tractors. But, of course, I eventually concede that I do live on a farm and there were special days where classmates would drive tractors to school. And, yes, we probably know more than we ought about what goes on in everyone’s lives. But, we are also a family. A high-school classmate of mine was recently involved in a gas explosion. The situation is still very serious and even here in Texas I can picture the love and prayers surrounding him. In all my time here in Austin, I have only twice met someone I knew in the grocery store. In Iowa, the grocery store often becomes a social event – it’s strange if you don’t know at least a dozen people before you reach the checkout.

There is a slightly romantic notion I keep about our quaint little farmstead. To hear myself describe it, you would think it a fairytale. Now, we all know that’s not true. And, if I rush home expecting anything of the sort I’ll be quite abruptly received. My mother just emailed me this morning (yes, my parents DID finally give in and get the internet) and said that the three sump pumps in the basement are not doing the trick – the water is shut off. Nothing romantic about that! But, my heart did skip for some Iowa ingenuity.

These little things like sump pumps and loose cows are scattered delightfully across my childhood. In every instance, a new sparkle remembers the creativity and skill with which our family faced its foes. One of the last times I was home, I couldn’t have been more excited to hear the words, “The cows are out.” If you’ve seen the movie “The Holiday,” you might compare the remote and quaint English cottage to our busy farmstead – I’m sure it would look like a prime getaway online (maybe you should try that mom – start a bed and breakfast!).

The further and further I get from Iowa, the more and more I realize God’s faithfulness. I know I didn’t have it perfect, but I continue to feel ever so blessed that God showed me grace before I could understand it… that he made home a place I’d like to vacation.

Next week I will be speaking at Bethany Camp in Brayton, Iowa to junior high kids. Please pray for the transformation of hearts and minds!

*I desperately tried to find an audio version of the Iowa song, but could not, so your imagination will have to suffice (unless you’re from Iowa, in which case you would definitely know the tune).

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what a difference a day makes

Ok, so we’re breaking from regularly scheduled programming today. Since this blog started up with Caroline and myself, we’ve been trying to write it like a magazine, with articles each week. Well, today I want to write on it like a blog. And since I’m one of the founding members, I believe I will 🙂

So, a lot has happened in the last 3 weeks in my world. I decided to turn up the heat on the job search; I made some amazing new friends that I just couldn’t get enough of, and it looked like this was gearing up to be a great summer. Nights out on the patio talking later than I’d like but strangely not caring about the time, and calls from companies that think I’m pretty great, along with time spent with God thanking him for all these blessings, were filling my days with joy and praise for the One who makes great plans for his children.

Fast forward a few weeks, and one new friend went AWOL, another turned into kind of a weird situation that breaks my heart, and anxiously awaiting God’s timing for movement on the job front has turned from joyous expectation to frustrating clock-watching.

…And I keep thinking that you know, a few weeks ago before these changes happened, I was happy. I had plenty of friends- great ones, whom I love so dearly. I was fine at my job. Not happy, but fine. Then these last few weeks everything got shook up. And the thing is- it was great. So, so great. It was awesome to have new exciting friendships that made me feel like I’d stepped back into college. It was a forgotten thought, to think that God might work it out for me to step into a job that would engage my talents and my heart.

So now I have to think, did it all change? Did God change his mind, and I’m to stay here, because the sweet company that I applied at didn’t call back the day they said they would? Is it going to be a lonely summer just because I’m missing two friends to whom I’ve only recently grown attached? And maybe it’s just me, and I’m probably just ungrateful, but it seems like everyone has really terrible advice about all of it. Sisters and best friends all saying things that didn’t seem to help at all. Last night, though, my roommate said something that made today feel like the sky had opened up again. I think it was something to the effect of “That’s hard… I’m sorry… but you’ll be ok”

I think that’s all I really needed to hear. Because you know, it IS hard. And I WILL be ok. For God is the same yesterday and today and tomorow, and he has the same great plan for his children whether they’re seeing the glass half empty or full, whether things are looking good or very, very bad. So I’m resting in that. Resting, and listening to the new Coldplay CD online, and really smiling, for the first time all week.

Posted on by Caroline 1

Caring about Conversations

I think we’ve all been there:
Caught in a dazed stupor, staring straight through someone’s eyes and making mental lists about groceries and errands, when we suddenly hear, “Well, so what would you do in my situation?” or some other such engaging question.

I naturally break into emergency communication mode, where I employ one very discreet and beneficial tool: ambiguity.

Maybe y’all have not ‘been there,’ but I’m ashamed to say I find myself depending on ambiguity far more than I would like. You would think a communication major, of all people, would have conversations pretty well covered, but I have a tendency to use far too many words, which fall short of a personal response.

I think there are several reasons conversations sometimes seem more of a chore than a reward. I’m going to be pretty vulnerable, if that’s okay.

1. Distraction
My head always turns at glittering objects and welcomes random excursions. I may be sitting down and talking, but my mind just takes a while to slow its pace. At any given moment, there are hundreds of things I would wish myself doing; packages to send, gifts to make, things to learn, music to sing, dances to make, the list is endless. So, though a conversation has grounded me for the moment physically, my mind convinces me the time can be double used in planning the next project.

2. Self-centered
I completely admit that some conversations bother me. I don’t enjoy listening to someone share the same problems over and over again. Instead of saying, “This is the same story as last week and my response is not going to change,” I might say, “That’s interesting.” That word interesting is one of those ambiguous words that could work in almost every situation. I struggle with others’ self-centeredness in hearing stories revolving around them. I also struggle with my own self-centeredness and wanting another person to wonder how I am.

3. Disinterest
I could tell you the exact moment I lose interest. My eyes feel strange and somewhat out of focus. The voice gets a bit dimmer and I seem just slightly removed from the other person. I can also say that when I sense this change, I hope desperately it is unseen. It’s just that, there are some subjects less than intriguing (to me). I have found myself with people who are very, very knowledgeable about these subjects.

—–
Because I want to make a concerted effort to make each conversation meaningful, here are some ways I am going to practice.

1. Ask Questions
I have found the best way to show I truly care about what someone is saying is to ask intelligent questions. Not questions like, “Really? Why do you think that?” But questions like, “If you could say anything to him right now what would you say?” I’m not pretending to be a psychologist (although I loved my psychology courses), but I just know that asking questions means that I am actively listening and also helps the other person process.

I would love for people to walk away from conversations and say, “I never thought of it that way before.”

2. Read body language
So much of conversations happen in silence. Even if someone is telling me the same story again, their eyes might float around the room and their hands might insist constant movement. If I am really present – watching as well as listening – then I may hear a very different story. And maybe I don’t, but I will know much better the best response. A person who is really looking for advice acts much differently than a person who just wants to vent.

3. Pray when distracted
Call it cliché, but prayer is never overrated. In the midst of an extremely boring account of the latest farm markets, if you’ve exhausted your questions and know the person just wants to share, then start praying. Pray for the person, for his/her family, for the crops, for whatever comes to mind. When my mind must wander, I figure it should wander productively.

Well, now that I’ve held my personal intervention on this blog for all to see, I hope you might at least be encouraged to make your conversations meaningful as well! I hope you don’t assume I enter every conversation with difficulty… it’s just those ‘sometimes‘ that bothers me.

Posted on by Caroline 1

Registry Snob: Bridal DIY to the Rescue!

GUEST POST by my sister Christina! Enjoy her tips for wedding shopping (mostly making!)

Just got back from a weekend in my hometown, for BFF Meg’s wedding shower. I am so thrilled for her and her fiance, Chad.

…That being said, bridal showers aren’t a particularly good time, but I love my friend dearly and am happy to usher her into marriage with my gifts. Problem is- I’m a registry snob. People who know me well know that I hate to buy gifts from lists, and weddings are no exception. I want the freedom to buy or make, something that I am excited to give the people I love! So I never go from the registry… instead, I DIY (For those who aren’t familiar with crafty jargon, that means Do-It-Yourself :).

For Megan’s shower, I looked up her kitchen colors on the BB & Beyond website, and used those colors to make an apron made with vintage rick-rack and fabrics. Now she has a handmade, vintage gift made with love from her bestie. What could be better?

(DIY presents are also great for people on a tight budget. People who work for non-profits or ministries can gain much from learning how to make their own gifts.)

Here are some links to help you DIY for your own bridal gifts.

Pot holders
Use vintage fabrics to make this really one-of-a-kind. Try and match the colors they’re using in their kitchen- the registry is helpful for this!

Stylized house number
If you know where your friends will be living, and that they’ll be living there for a while

Fabric-covered thumbtacks
I don’t know that this is especially Bridal-showery, but would make a great gift none-the-less 

Button Notecards
this would be great to use with vintage buttons purchased at a garage or estate sale! I like to give cute thank- you cards to brides-to-be, since they’ll be writing a lot!

Oven mitt
Make 4 of these, and she’ll love you forever!

Apron!
I made two aprons this weekend, and they are so easy! I didn’t make this tea towel one, but it looks pretty easy.

Rubber Stamp
Could make monogrammed-style (his first initial, initial of new last name, her first initial.)

Posted on by Caroline 2

Office Fright

The element of surprise is a familiar foe (see previous post). I’ve never quite been able to figure out why I startle so seriously, but many have suggested I seek professional help. I, of course, guffawed in the face of these ridiculous recommendations, but lately I’ve been wondering…

Last week, in the midst of scurry and flurry to hire several new employees in our office, I found myself typing away at my desk. The office is gravely quiet now that students have left for the summer, but I add noise every once in awhile with music or an audio sermon. On this particular day, I was working on creating a reflection manual for our student leaders to use as a resource for service projects.

I like to sit in my black leather office chair with barefeet and a straight back. It’s an interesting mix of professionalism and always a rush to get my feet covered when someone knocks on the door. My direct supervisor has learned from several experiences that a gradual knock is best used to announce his presence. A gradual knock starts as a single finger tap and slowly becomes a full knuckle rap. This system has worked quite well and kept Startled Stella at bay.

So, back to last week. I was absorbed in my typing with my back turned to the door when I felt a strange presence. I turned slightly to the left and immediately shot into the air, let out a serious scream, landed on the ground where I writhed barefooted for a solid minute exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh” to my Director, who stood over me with raised eyebrows and shaking head.

Two colleagues came running into the office thinking I’d fallen or had some sort of strange panic attack. All I could get out at that point was, “I’m so embarrassed.” I picked myself up and my Director expressed his sincere apology for the un-intentional scene.

My fits usually end in laughter and always make for good stories, but I do wonder if I’m harboring some secret fear that needs discovering. Is it possible that I’m really just this jumpy? It is a small consolation that my mother is the exact same way. I hope this condition is merely hereditary. Does anyone else suffer in such a way?

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Weekly Line-up

Alright, folks. I know it’s late on a Sunday night, but I just had the most fabulous conversation with my neighbor. She is one of the most lovely people I know.

This week’s line up has everything to do with lovely (well, at least that’s what I hope you think). We will be covering everything from office fright to facebook envy. This week we are going to give the article topics without specific days – both to keep you guessing and to give a little flexibility. We do have day jobs, you know! We are really excited about what’s coming up and we hope you are too!

Office Fright
Read about Caroline’s long un-diagnosed condition: fright. If you’ve been the brunt of a good fright or the one behind it, you’ll enjoy this anecdote about a recent incident in the office.

Going Green: Good Steward Dilemma
Last week, Christina wrote about her pledge to organic foods, but as Christians how do we reconcile news reels with Scripture? Read about her own search for answers.

Caring about Conversations
Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation, but somewhere else in your mind? Caroline talks about the importance of being fully present and how it might change relationships for the better.

Summer “Vacations:” Creative and Thrifty Substitutes
If you’ve ever planned a vacation, you know it’s pricey (anyone else paying $4.05 at the pump?). But, whoever said a vacation had to be extravagant? Read about Caroline’s ideas – for singles and families – for creative and thrifty vacationing.

Facebook Envy: When an Innocent Peruse Turns Sour
If you’ve ever used the social networking genius of facebook, you know that it can be addictive. This addiction sometimes means finding out who’s engaged, who’s pregnant, and who’s traveling in Spain while you sit at your computer. Read Christina’s thoughts on facebook envy and what to do about it.

DIY Bridal: Making Your Gifts Special without the Registries
Wedding gifts are no longer about thoughtfulness, but rather about who held the gun at the registry stores. If you’re looking for ways to make your gift special, read Christina’s ideas about thoughtful, useful gifts that will still be a surprise when they’re opened.

Well, that rounds out the lineup this week. We hope you are enjoying the posts – please pass this on to friends and family who might be interested in these separated sisters. Also, feel free to leave comments and thoughts – we would love your feedback!

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