TEAL/AMERINE FAMILY PICTURES

Taken and edited by non other then my bestest friend Emily Smith-check out her blog www.smithgalleryphotography.blogspot.com

SMALL GROUP FOR H.S. LADIES


So Becky W. and I are starting up a Small Group for 10th-12th grade girls. It will be meeting every Monday night from 6:30-8:00. STARTING TONIGHT!!! (Brownies will be there --so should you)
We will meet at 8150 Jackman Rd. #17. It's in the apartments right by Bedford high school. The 1st Building 1st door.

If you don't come-I will cry.

ALL 6th-12th Grade Students and leaders! Please join us next Wednesday Sept 26th from 6:45-8:15 for a time to worship God together.

IN THE ATTIC
CrossRoads Community Church
6960 Sylvania-Petersburg Rd.
Ottawa Lake, MI 49267

So my Best Friend Emily and her husband Andrew have do photography together. And it's pretty much amazing. I've added her link to my blog and here is a taste of their work at our wedding almost a year ago!

So I've officially picked up running again...or maybe for the 1st time. I'm not really sure if training for Miss Azusa counts because I did that to lose the nasty pounds.
I've been consistently running 4-5 miles about 3-4 times a week. Jared and I would love to do a marathon together and I think we may as well do it while we're young and childless! Maybe sometime in the spring?

Kicked Bells Palsy in the Butt!


That's right-after only about 3-4 weeks, my Bells went long gone! Praise Jesus! So thanks for your prayers-and thanks Dr. for the Steroids!

YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO CAREFUL

This is how amazing God is:

Our fall Kick off for FUEL has been out of control insane!

Over 100 kids the 1st combined night-75 at our first AWAKEN on Sunday morning in the Fireside-and a Servant Leadership Team that rocks my face off!

Ya God-you are so amazing and I can't WAIT to see what You are going to do for Your kingdom this year!!!! Thanks for letting us be a part of it!

BROTHERLY LOVE

So as previously stated in my blog, I got Bell's Palsy when I was down at IYC in Tennessee with the students a few weeks ago. First off, I'd like to give a props to God-my face I believe it 100% better! That's right!

Secondly, I feel I must give credit where credit is due-and I'm talking about brotherly love-literally. You know you are truly loved by your siblings when they are willing to take a picture like this with you:


Now that's love.

CHASER IS HERE!

The long awaited arrival of the newest addition to our family is here!

We picked Chaser up on the way back from DTW at the Dearborn Animal Shelter-we've had a fantastic few hours with him, and everyone who has met him has been impressed by his friendly response to people (He did GREAT in the car!)-and he goes to "relieve himself" outside already!!! Praise Jesus!

I'm sure we will have regular updates!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A

Well here we are-in Ft. Walton Beach FL-This is Jared's 1st time in Florida (makes sense since he's from California) and my 1st time here with the love of my life! We've been having a great time going to the beach, swimming at the pool, and "playing tennis" in the morning-trying to beat the heat at 7:30! The reason I said "playing tennis": because it's more like Jared serving me a perfect serve, with me returning it 5 ft. over his head. We got our exercise just by chasing that stupid ball around the court!

Probably the best part about this quick trip has just been hanging out with my parents-we've missed them over the summer-I'm excited for them to come home!

For now however, we will continue to enjoy the white sandy beaches:)

3 Weeks:


After 3 weeks my facial movement has improved so much! I feel particularly blessed after hearing several stories of people who never recovered from Bells Palsy-now that this is my second time around I am so grateful to have recovered 100% last time and hope to this time as well. I would say I'm around 90% better right now-I can still see and feel the muscles not quite as strong in the right side-but it's really coming along!
YEA GOD!!!

2 weeks of Bells Palsy:


After 2 weeks I am shocked at how quickly my face has been recovering. It is not very noticeable as most people have been telling me-although of could I can see and feel the spots which are not as responsive. It's probably most noticeable when i try to raise my eyebrows or laugh. Part of the healing process has been a LOT of face twitching (my eye, lips, and chin mostly) which thankfully is not painful-just annoying:)
God is so faithful and good and I am thankful for this opportunity to grow!

Thanks for your prayers!

Bells Palsy after 1 week

MRS. INTERNATIONAL!

One of my very dear Friends Rebekah Negrete JUST WON the Mrs. International Pageant!!!! I can not think of a person more deserving! She will be an absolutely amazing ambassador for Christ!!! Congratulations Rebekah! I'm SOOOO proud and happy for you!

Why not a second time?

One of the major events which occured at IYC 2007 this year, was my sudden second bout with Bells Palsy. Monday night Jared and I went to the ER in Knoxville TN (some very nice people there in Knoxville) to receive my 2nd diagnosis of Bells Palsy in 9 years. So after being on Steroids for a week, and an anti-viral as well as using more eyedrops then ever to keep my eye from drying out, I am doing ok.
The good thing about Bells Palsy-It doesn't hurt.
The stupid thing about Bells Palsy-It is hard to eat and drink, and I currently can't taste much of anything.

The good thing: God is so good and I am so thankful I know He is with me and who defines me, not this Bells Crappola!

IYC 2007

What an amazing time! 25 students from CrossRoads joining thousands of other Free Methodist Students from across the US-
Highlights from our Group- Fuel Student Ministries:

5 First Time Commitments
Several Re-dedications
Countless commitments to be fully God's!

Praise Jesus!

VACATION!!!!!


Well, Jared and I just got back from our first vacation since our honeymoon-a week spent at Yellowstone with his family-and it was amazing and so stinking relaxing.
Here's what our week looked like:

Friday: Woke up at 4:30(AM) and my bro Alex took us to the airport. Flew out to Salt Lake City-picked up our cool rental card (saturn SUV)-shopped (my loving husband bought my 2 shirts and a dress!!!) ate at Olive Garden and checked into our hotel. Jared family all got in around 8:00 p.m. and we ate at one of my favorite places-BUCA DI BEPPO!!
Saturday: We drove 4 hours to our cabin at Henry's Lake in Idaho right outside of West Yellowstone in Montana-We were in the middle of no where and I loved it! We concluded the day by getting groceries and playing games together
Sunday: Jared and I went for a walk to the lake and encountered a REAL LIVE MOOSE! Only about 100 ft away! Then we drove out to West Yellowstone and shopped and hung around town for most of the day
Monday: All of us (me, Jared, Mom, Papa, Dan, Annette, Tommy, Tom and Cheryl) drove through Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful and some other really cool places-and BUFFALO!
Tuesday: Went for a walk (no moose this time), put puzzles together and ate Dinner at a friends house and played games
Wednesday: Drove out to Jackson Hole Wyoming for a day of shopping, a rodeo and fireworks off the mountain!
Thursday: Jared and I decided to take the afternoon and rent tubes and float down a river for 2 and a half hours-my favorite part!
Friday: We all went horseback riding:) Good times
Saturday: Said a sad good-bye to everyone and flew back home at 1:00 am on Sunday

God is so amazing-I love his creation so much!

OUR 1ST VACATION:

Jared and I will be taking our first vacation together (since our honeymoon of course) next week. We are going to a place called "Henry's Lake" which is right on the border of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming-right next to Yellowstone. Not only do we get to spend an entire week with his family who live out in CA, but we get to do the preceding activities!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

STAFF OUTING:

So last week the executive staff at CrossRoads had a "staff outing". This day proved to be one of the most memorable (exculding the doll house) times I have had with the staff.
We started out having a wonderful lunch at Adam's Fav. J. Alexanders. I enjoyed the largest grilled chicken salad known to mankind.
We then had a beautiful stop at the Toledo Art Museum. Each of us chose several paintings which were our favorite-and take everyone else on a tour of our fave's. After a few exciting brushes with the docents-we actually made it through alive!
We then moved on to a beautiful drive along the beautiful Maumee River-down to Perrysburg-we all chose mansions we wished to live in-
After an awesome dinner at the Navy Bistro-I was so stuffed from lunch, I only ate soup! Oh ya-and chocolate cake:)
We then finished the evening off at a late night mud hens game. It was truly incredible. I'm sure we were some of the roudiest rabble rousers in the stadium!
Thanks everyone for the awesome memories!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Be JOYFUL always, Pray CONTINUALLY, Give THANKS in all circumstances...for THIS is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

One of my favorite verses.

PRAY FOR MITCH (PFM)

My friend Mitch-man we go way back. Our parents were friends before we were even a glisten in their eyes. And when I lived in Spokane WA, Mitch made sure I had a good laugh and friend to hang out with. He loves God. Lives in So Cal-moved there right when we left. Serves at an FM church down there. Is 27. And has just been diagnosed with Leukemia. His family is posting daily videos on YOUTUBE to keep all of us posted-he may have started Chemo today-hopefully by tomorrow.
Please pray for him-Even if you don't know who he is. Cancer sucks-but God is bigger then that-so let's pray that the Lord will remove this disease and will continue to bring everlasting strength, comfort, and peace.

LOST:

I don't know how I will possibly wait to see the next season of LOST until February! Thanks to my bro Alex, Jared and I are totally addicted (in a healthy way), to this show. I even dream about it!

Season Finale Highlights:

-Hurley saving the day with the van

-Jack telling Kate he loves her (ahhhhh:)

-Patchy-does he ever die?

-Charlie's death---I cried. seriously.

-Jack FINALLY punching Ben in the face

What is to come in the future!?! What is going on! Will they be able to change the future!? SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!!

PURITY CONFERENCE 07

Our First ever Purity Conference sponsered by Fuel Student Ministries was AMAZING!
Everything from the fashion show, break out sessions, the beautiful lunch with our brothers in Christ serving us, Rebekah who did an INCREDIBLE job speaking-to God's spirit moving-It exceeded our expectations!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who was a part of this wonderful event!!!
Here's a few pics from the weekend-

LOCKS OF LOVE=SHORT HAIR FOR ANGELA

As you can see from the pictures-this week has proven to hold some drastic changes for me! I like my new hair-but it's so weird!!!! I'm thankful that someone will now have hair who previously did not though since I gave it for locks of love--who knows, maybe I'll do it again in 3 years!

CAMPING!!!

Jared and I took a wonderful adventure to Hocking Hills Ohio this last weekend-yes that's right--in the freezing cold weather! After very little sleep in our brand new tent, we hiked a gorgeous 5 mile hike in the freezing rain.

Did I mention we were cold?! Though we did not get much sleep, we had an amazing times with many stories and hilarious memories! This is just a little glimpse of what we saw while we were there:)

MY BROTHER-ALEX

When Alex and I were little, we would play together all the time-seriously-all the time. I think we did everything from jumping from couch to couch so the molten lava carpet wouldn't kill us, to making forts (downstairs and in the snow), to playing with lego's and dominos almost everyday. I think one time I even got him to play barbies with me...that only happened once though because he wanted to make them kill each other.

And here is living proof that yes indeed we did have tea parties together:) Love you brother!

ICE CREAM PARTY!

So Jared and I have decided to open our house up after our Sat. night service for FREE ICE CREAM! Any students or leaders are welcome to join us!

Sat. Service goes from 6-7 so come on over when it's done!

CHIPOTLE:

My favorite restuarant. I always get the same thing: Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl-no beans-peppers and onions-chicken-rice- mild and medium salsa. YUM!!!! Today for lunch we took a bunch of students out who were just hangin around after church-good times

I stole this from Carlee Padot-I'm from 1981 that's for sure!: (I took out all the ones that did not apply to me-I am a dork)

80's Kids


You know you grew up in the 1980's when:

It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.

You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

You played the game "MASH" (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House).

You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.

You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON , WAX OFF."

You wanted to be a Goonie.

You ever wore fluorescent clothing (some of us...head-to-toe).

You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.

You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.

You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.

You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.

You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.

After you saw "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up."

You have ever played with a Skip-It.

You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder.

You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.

You remember Alf, the lil' furry brown alien.

You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB."

You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell."

You still sing "We are the World"

You tight rolled your jeans.

You owned a banana clip.

Mrs. competition...

My dear friend Rebekah Negrete who got me into the whole pagaent business in the first place recently competed and won the Mrs. California International Pagaent and will be competing in the Mrs. International competition in July of this year. I've been living with her vicariously through her blog and have been thinking these days about the possiblility of competing in a Mrs. Competition...who knows, maybe I'll let her convince me again!

NO MORE DANIEL...BOO HOO!!!

So I'm sure you are all wondering how I broke my fast...

Jared and I drove to Tim Horton's Wed. after lunch and grabbed a Cafe Mocha...I think I could only finish half of it.

Wed. night-Emily bought PIZZA....I had 2 pieces

Thursday-Jared and I had a breakfast sandwich and a cafe Mocha. Well I had a breakfast sandwich-He had 2 and a donut.
I did a salad for lunch because I missed lettuce

Today-Dad brought me a coffee and I had a quarter of a sub sandwich from subway--bread tasted weird.

So that's the deal. I really do want to eat a lot more fruits and veggies then we did before. I am really wanting a tuna melt...maybe tomorrow:)

Daniel Fast-Final Week

Well we are in the home stretch of the Daniel Fast. To think that we actually made it through a vacation on top of just how much more difficult each meal is to plan is pretty amazing. I hope our story can be one of God's strength. I definetly like to eat healthy, however I would not consider myself to be a health nut. I have been pushed to the end of my own self-control (especially being around people eating pizza, drinking coffee and eating cookies) and have learned to rely on my dependance and need for God.
As the fast now comes to the final week, I am almost sad...weird I know...I enjoy allowing God to grow me. I am hoping God will teach me even more now that I have been pushed in this particular area through different venues.
Don't get me wrong though-I have already planned my first meal once I get off the fast...a Breakfast Sandwich from Tim Horton's...what will yours be?

Just kidding...I really really want a tuna melt.....

CRAVINGS:

So last night Jared and I returned from our vacation/conference in Chicago. We had a great time-learned so much! I just wish all of our Fuel Team could have been there with us!

Upon our return-we drove directly to Bedford High School to watch several students from CrossRoads in "Seussical". They did a fantastic job! Chelsea, Lindsey V., Lindesy S., Cassidy, Matt, Alex, Stephanie, Candace, and Jenna all were incredible who's, animals, mayor's wife. turtles, thing, and birds. Jared and I were definetly cheering the loudest! (If I missed your name, insert here and I owe you a coffee)

While we were sitting in intermission, Jared started mentioning the different foods he was craving-such as chocolate...and the more I thought about it, I really was not craving chocolate, sugar, coffee, pasta...any of those things you would think I would be wanting. I have trained my body so much I am beginning to train my mind as well! I think that's a little bit of what Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Lord God train my heart and mind during this time

My Restaurant choices:

Boston Market: Spinach, Mixed Veggies, Roasted Potatoes
Portillos: Cobb Salad minus the chicken and bacon, Minestrone soup, baked potatoe
Max and Erma's: Side of Broccoli, Baked Potatoe, Wild Rice
P.F. Changs: Szechuan style green beans, Budda's Feast (steamed veggies, Brown Rice

WILLOW AND DANIEL, DANIEL AND WILLOW

So here we are at Willow Creek-this being my first visit here since their addition-Sharon and Stephanie joined us here for the Student Ministries Conference-and it has been absolutely incredible so far! We heard some really powerful stuff from Bo Boshears specifically about warning signs of a failing leader-all of which were completely true-I really respect him and his wisdom he had to give us yesterday. Darren Whitehead their Sr. High Director also gave a great talk on the cultural shifts and how our ministries need to shift along with it. He gave some relaly practical and great ideas. Donald Miller author of Blue Like Jazz also spoke-he was slightly more confusing-not as focused-however had some good things to say. It probably didn't help that his session was after lunch.

Speaking of lunch-we were actually given the option of a vegetarian meal! Praise God for supplying us with food that fits with our Daniel Fast! For Dinner we all ate at Boston Market eating a bunch of veggies-again a cool answer to prayer. Although I often am thinking about what the next meal will consist of, I am finding that each meal is a true blessing and I want to be more concious of what I am putting into my body and honoring God with it.

I have really enjoyed the devotional book Jared and I are doing together The Passionate Journey by Marty Bullis. Each reading ends with a prayer where you read a line-pray about it-read the next line-pray about it and so on for 4 lines. After the last line of prayer, Jared and I pray aloud together-a wonderful time to connect our hearts to Christ together.

Lord we choose to honor and praise You with this day!

I'm blogging right now from the mac store in downtown Chicago. I know. I am so cool.

Jared and I are enjoying our last day relaxing before the conference starts-we are going to P.F. Changs tonight-that was where Jared took me on our first date so it holds special meaning for us. What a great time this has been for us! Thanks Lord for a mini-vacation!

FROM CHICAGO

So Jared and I actually left for Chicago early-due to the ice/snow storm sweeping across the midwest. We ended up driving right through the middle of it for a little while-but thankfully made it here safely and have been able to spend some good times with Jared's best friend Jesse who is in Chicago for a trade show with his business. Our Willow Creek conference starts on Wednesday so until then we are just relaxing and enjoying a little mini-vacation.

So how to do a Daniel fast on vacation? We have found it to be more difficult then being at home, however we have stayed entirely with our Daniel Fast!

As my best friend Emily put it-it is amazing how much we think we NEED (food wise), and yet when we train our bodies like this, we realize we don't need most of them at all.

It hasn't even been a week yet and already the Lord is showing me things I would not have seen if I weren't taking the time and discipline to meet with Him and sacrifice for Him.

Thanks Jesus for making all things possible through You

PEAS AND CARROTS

That's my lunch today...the last few days have been tough but I am convinced it will get easier as time goes on. Last night at THE ELEMENT (Sr. High Youth Group), we sang a song called "Living Sacrifice"-which really helped me put things into perspective (it's crazy how quickly you lose perspective when all you eat is fruit and veggies).

Sometimes when I hear people and how shocked they are that I taking so much food out of my regular diet. Like I'm making some huge sacrifice. And then the worst of it is that I start to believe it! When we sang Living Sacrifice last night, I started thinking over and over about the sacrifice Christ made for me-wow-a perfect and blameless Son-killed as a sacrifice on my behalf-taking away my punishment and shame.

It makes me love eating these peas and carrots. Thanks Lord.

DAY 2

Well we made it through Day 1 which was actually a complete fast for Jared and I-I did decide to break it last night after church since I have a bladder infection and needed some nutrients. I've of course had cravings for different foods-but I am enjoying challenging my body, mind, and most of all-my faith as we start out this Daniel fast. It's not just "eating healthy"-which I already do-but it is about intentionally sacrificing so I remember Christ more. I even challenged the Jr. High students to choose something to sacrifice during this LENT season, and it turns out that several of the students are joining us!

For my devotions during this time I am reading through a book we received as a staff that centers our focus on Christ. The reading last night was from Matthew 26:1-12

Matthew 26:7-9, 13

"A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume which she poured on Jesus head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this they were indignant "Why the waste?! This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.!"

"I tell you the truth" said Jesus "wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done wil also be told in memory of her"

What a beautiful picture of a sacrifice for Christ.

Lord Jesus may I be ready to give freely for You-understanding that You gave everything for me-I desire to giev everything for you. Amen.

DANIEL FAST

Here we are at the Lenten Season-starting tomorrow. I'm really excited that the staff of CrossRoads and many of the church will be doing a Daniel Fast together. Unlike a fast from all foods-it's fasting from everything other then fruits, vegetables, and legumes/beans, and nuts. This will no doubt be difficult and will cause me to think a lot about what I'm doing and why. I'm sure Jared and I will be creating many interesting food dishes!

I will try to update on a regular basis all God teaches me during the fast as well as different food ideas for those of you who are joining us. There is a bunch of info at our church site-check it out!

All for Jesus because I am following Him-

Angela M. Amerine

YOUTH GROUP IS ON!

Although Bedford Public Schools closed today-we are siding with Toledo Public and Sylvania-

YES THERE IS YOUTH GROUP TONIGHT!

Can't wait to see you Sr. High students-I know you've been bored sitting at home all day!

6:45-8:30

DRIVE SAFE PLEASE:) Better yet-have your parents drop you off:)