Merry Christmas 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

As it's that time of year again, I sit in my favorite spot on the couch next to our little Christmas tree ready to give you the annual run down on the Anderson's. I knew that before I would be ready, I would need to journal my thoughts on a blank piece of paper so I would know where to start. This year has been a crazy year of ups and downs, of laughter and tears, and of business and rest. Through it all, the one steady thing that stands out in my mind is how great the love of God has been shown to us over the past 12 months. I am paging through the events in my mind, and the truth of the matter is: GOD IS GOOD. I will proclaim his love all day long. He has been good to us and my heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness. That said, I want to tell you the top ten great gifts we've enjoyed this year:

10: Our new jobs and home in Omaha, Nebraska! In September, John and Autumn were offered jobs at an agency called "Omaha Home for Boys." We work with boys that are wards of the state as well as parent placed kids with behavior issues. We are on several treatment teams that work to prepare the individual boys for reunification with their families after undergoing months of residential treatment here at our facility. We also have the opportunity to work right with the boys and their families as behavior coaches and family teachers. Last week we finished our final week of rigorous training and feeling very thankful that we have the opportunity to work with the intercity kids of Omaha.

9: During the months before our move to Omaha, we lived in Black River Falls, WI where John and I both worked temporary jobs- John learned to make hand-made furniture for a family owned furniture business and Autumn got to work with her brother at Hoffman Aquatic- which was way to much fun ;-)

8: While in Wisconsin, we had the opportunity to spend some time with some dear friends of ours and Autumn was able to be involved in a women's book study with some of her friends.

7. We were able head to Anderson cabins  multiple weekends throughout the summer celebrating birthdays and the 4th of July and making up some lost time with our beloved nieces and nephews, brother's and sisters!

6. Autumn was able  to spend her birthday with her Papa (with whom she shares the day) in HER favorite spot to vacation- Lake Michigan in Door County! It was positively perfect!(also in attendance were her best friend/ brother, Garrett, Nana, mom, dad and Johnny!) =-)

5. John was able to go fishing multiple times this year with his dad at Hayden Lake (Anderson cabins) and Autumn was able to go fishing with her dad in Black River as well! Both were pleased with their catches!!

4. John has had three different state driver's licences in the past year and a half!

3. We were able to go on a missions' trip to St. Paul with the Kiel Alliance Youth group (all of whom we miss and love SOOO MUCH!!)!

2. Autumn was able to spend a weekend with her brother out west rock climbing  in Spokane, Washington while John  spent that time with his family fishing and hanging out in Minnesota!
.

1. We get to spend Christmas with the Andersons' and New Year's with the Buselmeier's!!!!

Much love to all of you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas! May we be reminded of the many gifts He has showered upon us- mainly that of sending His Son to earth to take away our sin!

Loving you always and so grateful for your friendship,

The Andersons' 

Here we are!

It seems like every time I begin another blog it starts with..."it's been awhile." Well, once again, it HAS been awhile. So, to whoever actually reads this, sorry for the delay and thanks for the patience.

It's been two weeks since we've arrived at our new home here in Omaha. Since our arrival, we've had the opportunity to meet up with a few friends from college that live close, but mostly we have been swamped with pre-service and on the job training here at Omaha Home for Boys (which from now on I will likely be refer to as OHB).

God has answered many prayers with this place. We like the area- for those of you unfamiliar with the area- it's known for it's MANY fine eateries. One of our traditions is to try  new local restaurants on dates. I don't think that will be a problem here.

It's been a little more difficult to find things to get involved in besides eating. ;-) Nebraska isn't known for it's mountains, so a trip to CO might be necessary for this years downhill ski trip...that or WI which sounds funny, but we do enjoy the prospect of a new Granite Peak tradition with John's brother and his family.

I forgot to mention the college sports scene here in O. Very big. Who knew anyone could care so much about college football? I thought I'd seen the crazy fans when I moved to Green Bay area...apparently not. But we have no problem cheering on the Huskers...or the Creighton Blue Jays-who we had the opportunity to watch last weekend.

As far as churches, John and I are still hopping. We did visit our friend Koob who works as an intern at Christ Community- one of the largest churches in the Christian Missionary Alliance. It was fun to visit and see some familiar faces from Crown =-) Koobie also, randomly happens to live on the North side on Omaha, where we live and work. Ironic since he and i were neighbors when we lived at Crown in faith village. After he gave us the rundown of the crime over the weekend, he said "welcome to the neighborhood Buzz (my nickname from college) We're not in Faith Village anymore." I still chuckle when I think of it, but it is true. We went from the very small town  of Kiel, Wisconsin to living and working on a campus that is surrounded by the ghetto. It took us awhile to realize the stigma "North O" had attached to it, but you would not believe how many locals give me a double take when I give them my address. We are completely safe here on "the hill." The campus has been outfitted with the best security, and overall, it's said that OHB is honored among the locals. "They know we are doing a good thing." I'm so proud to work here and to work with this amazing staff who has the same goal and crazy love for these kids and their families. I am truly blessed.

We would LOVE your prayers as we finish up our last few days of pre-service next week, then prepare to transition into on the job training in the Patton cottage. This is yet another blessing to us, because the staff at the Patton is a couple that we have already picked out as our model couple. They have been here for 3 years, have a beautiful little girl and one on the way, are believers and he also used to be work in the church as a youth minister. They have a heart for these kids and we love their style. We're really looking forward to training with them and feel very blessed to have the opportunity.

We are getting  ready for dinner- found out we have another friend in the area- John's old college roomate, who will be joining us for dinner. Before I go, here I some photos of our new home, so you can picture us when you pray!

Our Home (Scott)

I am so thankful that we still have fall here in NE!

Youth and Family Services Building- where we work.

Add caption

This is the Patton where we will be doing our on the job training

The deck. We can see literally for miles up here, from the "skyline" of O all the way to IA.

Business building

Our house!

The skyline of Omaha

On top of the World

Truly...i am. I am in love with the state of Washington and my husband who so lovingly gave me the gift of a vacation to see my dearest Garrett. Everything in my life is beautiful right now, except for the fact that I am now down to two nights left. The free spirit in me wishes we could pack up and move here...forever. ;-) But the college graduate in me knows that the better choice is to stick with the already decided move to Omaha Nebraska- the life change that sparked this little adventure I am on.

A month ago when John and I visited Omaha Home for boys, we fell in love with what we believe is God's will for our lives right now. We were both offered jobs there, and after much prayer- and a promise from Johnny that I could fly to Washington first--we accepted two very exciting job  opportunities. We will be moving on October 28th and beginning pre-service training the following Monday. Yes, the great state of Corn-heads will be our new home. Who would have thought? Neither of us, that's for sure, but we're thrilled with the prospect of a new adventure and VERY excited to work with the staff and most of all the kids/families in Omaha.

That said, let me remind you of the good gifts God gives to his children. John reminded me of that by sending me on this trip but in a larger scale, I feel this is the perfect way to wrap up a beautiful time of the Lord refreshing my heart and my soul. I am grateful beyond words. He is good,...so good and knows exactly what we need. He delights in giving good gifts to his children.

So here I sit, soaking up the Spokane sunshine (appartently it's known for how little it rains and how much it shines here! Annd, how friendly locals are!...which I'm attributing to their intake of vitamin D.)

I tried to find a local coffee shop, as is my tradition when in a new city, but since the one Garrett suggested is closed, I snuggled into the safe haven of Starbucks which once was very local--one more reason to love this state ;-)

It's more than the state of Washington though. I've been here before. It's a lesson that I believe the Lord is teaching me. The theme of this weekend for me has been one of overcoming fears. One fear of mine is flying.  I hate it for more reasons than most- and being in the sky is surprisingly not part of the problem. It's the airport, the landing, and not being able to see where I'm going or where I've been. Put plainly, it's the lack of control I have when I subject myself to air travel. It is humbling for me to be seated next to someone who can tell that I am anxious and takes it upon themselves to "distract me" during the flight. What a comfort though to land after two flights safely in the little airport of  Spokane and see my brother's Jeep pulled in to pick me up at baggage claim. Words cannot express my joy!

Another fear conquered happened when Garrett took me climbing with he and two wonderful friends of his (Brady and Ian). Before I knew it I was all geared up to climb one of the biggest boulders I have ever seen--however, I was told these were the "beginner rocks." Of course I've always wanted to climb real rocks and of course I wanted my brother to be proud of me, and of course I climbed to the top and was thrilled, but when the time came to "let go"  "lean back" and repel down the cliff....well, that was humbling also. After some coaxing, and the three men being just so kind and comforting I finally leaned back in my harness entrusting myself completely to my "baby" brother's belaying skills and conquered yet another of my fears...=] The cheering that ensued brought tears to my eyes because I felt not only their joy and encouragement, but also the joy of my Father because that small step represented so many larger steps in our relationship. I love my Abba so much.

As far as John's adventures, he is having a wonderful time visiting his family and friends and "saying goodbye" before we leave. He is spending some refreshing time at one of his very favorite spots, his families cabins at Hayden Lake, Wisconsin. He and our friend Alan Hall have been fishing today and I received a picture message from Alan of some very big bass that they caught! I'm so happy that my John is  having a blessed time too. =]

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Photos of my trip are posted at http://www.facebook.com/autumn.rose21. Enjoy!

Jackson's Discovery

Jackson (black lab) and Ebby (Black lab mix) make such delightful companions.
The other day I was helping my dad stack wood for the winter and was delighted when I successfully taught Jackson to pick up sticks he could fit in his mouth and place them in the trailer =) He's a quick learner...usually. However, yesterday when I returned from the vet with Ebby, I found Jackson with porcupine quills in his poor little nose! Dad and I wrestled him to get most of them out with a pair of pliers, but eventually the last two called for yet another visit to the vet. =( He was a darn good sport about the whole thing. He loves getting his picture taken and even gave me a "smile"  in spite of his condition.

Forget Not His Benefits

The rest of this week I am dog/house sitting for my parents. The weather here in Black River is absolutely perfect (a high of 73 today) so I took the dogs for a walk on the land. With Jackson beside me I seem to notice every little detail of beauty down to the motivated woodpecker flying from tree to tree. Every time we heard it Jackson stopped in his tracks until he figured out where it was. 

Coming home, I'm always amazed by how blessed I was to grow up here and to call it home. Prayer Acres is a name my parents gave the 10 acres of land when they bought it several years ago and i think it is a fitting name. I can't NOT recognize God's prompting to lay my burdens at his feet when I walk through and enjoy his beauty. 

Here are some photos of Prayer Acres in beautiful fall.

"Praise the Lord Oh my Soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord Oh my Soul and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all yours sins

and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the Eagles." Psalm 103:1-5

John and I truly feel renewed by the benefits of our  Lord and continuously grateful. Let us not forget...

"Seasons"

Seasons (from a mid-western perspective)  are altogether a beautiful illustration of life, aren't they? I find myself fascinated with each seasonal transition. 

In the spring, everything is young, new, fresh and messy. We're over zealous about everything just because it's spring and things are NEW and pointing to the warmth of summer. We are ready, for something-- anything to get us out of the indoors. Spring is like a breath of fresh air that gives life to a wintered soul. 

Summer is like the adolescent years. There are days of perfect temperatures and there are days of extreme temperatures. Some days it rains, some days it storms, and some days we get perfectly clear skies and a storm. You never quite know what you're in for, but you live it up because it's the mid-west in it's prime. 

Fall...ah fall. Like a fresh perspective it comes. Like the end of a season is the season itself. The green life matures and before it dies becomes a shade more beautiful and more complimentary to it's surroundings than any art I've seen. Some days it rains, as if mourning it's youth. Good things we've waited for all summer are now in full bloom-- ripe, mature, and ready for harvest. As the days go on, the temperatures becomes less and less like that of summer, more and more resembling winter. The leaves fall and all that is left are frames of what once held a perfect picture.

Winter I tend to look at two ways. The first, I think is fairly obvious, for those that enjoy warm weather as much as I. To me it figures death. It is the end of the plant life we experience all around during Spring, Summer and Fall. With it comes a covering of all we once could see. Colors fade and the mid-west becomes  a black and white photo. Yet it is , to me, still beautiful.  While it seems to be the end, it is not-- only a fresh start to another beginning. It bleeds into the new life represented in spring with it's white covering that embodies a fresh start. It is altogether lovely.

So many pictures you can pull from the seasons and add to them your thoughts, as well as spiritualistic elements to be sure. 

I'll leave it open to you're own conclusion. 


Dedicated to our beautiful horse with whom I enjoyed many seasons of riding as he basically watched me grow up. The new season of life without a pet causes me to ponder and mourn what has been lost, and to thank God for what he gave and for what he will continue to bless us with. 


"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Kemo Sabe with my brother Garrett <3 

Copyright Autumn R. Anderson: 2011

"You Never let Go" David Crowder Band

Ever heard a song and thought, "did i write that in my sleep last night?" or "did that artist hack into my journal??" That's how I felt when I heard the first song  on my mix. Enjoy the truth of David Crowder's song, "You Never Let Go."

New found love

i can't stop. i love drawing. no, i'm not the best...at all. but i love it, and i can't stop. it' s just one more very necessary way to feed my artistic side...and it's fun!

"someone lovely"
Copyright Autumn R. Anderson: 2011

"favorite spot"
Copyright Autumn R. Anderson:2011

"someone blue"

Copyright Autumn R. Anderson 2011

"Becky Home-ec-y"

Well i'm pleased to say that yesturday I made up not one, not two, but three recipes and they all turned out to be new favorite things!

The first (and I can't share the exact recipe with you because it's a secret and I'm going to be annoying and keep the secret this time:

Tuna Salad

This was an easy and quick little meal. It tastes delightful on a sandwich with fresh garden tomato slice and a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese. John loved it! I also added some dill pickles into the mix this time instead of celery, and to make it a bit more on the healthy side used ranch instead of mayo-so much better. Maybe someday I'll share the complete recipe... if i remember to write it down! I'm more of a taste as i go kind of person!

The Second: Since I'd used nearly all the pickles for the salad, I thought I'd better replace them. We have cucumbers a plenty in the garden so I used just a few to try a recipe I saw on the net: it became my own recipe because i didn't have but 2 of the ingredients.  Here  is a pickle recipe that I will try next time and below is the finished product:

YUM! Just a bit on the salty side. Practice makes perfect.

Third [and current favorite]:

Homemade raw salsa. Love. I'm munching on it right now with these.

Depends on how much you want to make, but I used

6 fresh tomatoes
1/2 onion
1/2 tsp. cilantro ( or basil if you're impatient to try it!)
salt (to taste)
 1/2 tsp. sriracha chili sauce (but you may want to add less if you don' t like *spicy*

It was/is great and super easy! I think the fresh tomatoes really are the secret.

The Dog Days of Summer

I love to cook =] Thought I'd share with you what was on the menu tonight...

 <----That, is one of the many reasons I love the farmers market and lucky for me there are quite a few random family run markets sprinkled throughout Black River Falls. The man who sold me these beauties was Amish and his name was Ben.







                           And this----------------------->
is the finished product. Probably one of my favorite summer meals of sauteed veggies-with lots of color. (Ben was fresh out of red peppers except for that one which I strategically placed on top for the sake of this picture, but you get the idea.

There was also delectable  chicken (it's not braggin' if it's true) marinated in a tomato basil cream sauce, along with a modified  fettuccine sauce on vegetable  noodles. There is no picture because the picture didn't show it justice and I didn't want to show you an icky food picture. Icky food pictures are the worst...

I love food, and icky food pictures just ruin food for me...like the time I saw a picture of a "well-balanced meal" in my health book that was obvoiusly taken in the 70's....I couldn't eat carrots, broccali, or turkey sandwiches for a month. Gross.

But back to nice things and good food...we had a perfect sunday afternoon with two of our friends last weekend. A picnic in  the yard with chicken wings of multiple seasonings, boiled cheesy  garlic potatoes, yummy fruit, green salad (complete with avocado -my current obsession) and s'mores by the fire- after a visit to the swimming hole during which Jackson (my adored dog) created many an awkward yet memorable moment. We found out he loves kids so that's good...he also thinks that anyone running is inviting him on an adventure, thinks it's fun to check babies diapers (cutest thing :P) and loves the water...so, so much.

When we first arrived there, I relished the various compliments  of  how well behaved he was. I may have taken a little pride in that since he's kind of my project right now. In previous visits this swimming hole was kind of a secret, or so we thought. It's a kayak landing nestled into the trees on the river, so I was rather  surprised to see a group of people camped out along the bank of "my swimming hole."  But upon Jackson proving his love for water and his distain of leaving it even for the sake of re-leaving himself, that problem was quickly solved... =/ How embarrassing. There was an audible groan followed by parents grabbing their children and...really it was just a horrible occurrence... Please don't judge me for my dog's behavior...also please believe that was truly horrified, but I couldn't help but laugh...a little..ok a lot. It's just that this kind of thing usually only happens to me and I find the luck (or lack there of) in my life just humorous. After 23 years of living this way- one makes due.

Hoping this is not a sign of my parenting skills. If there is any question please note: my parents are the proud legal owners of Jackson, the dog who *flunked  leader dogs school.

*Jackson actually did not flunk. He's very intelligent and actually passed all of his tests. The only problem was that he didn't bond with the person he was supposed to be paired up with to lead. We certainly didn't mind getting him back =]

Autumn's New Blog

Hello all!

It's been awhile, hasn't it? The A-Team has undergone a lot of transitions within the last few months, the main one being our big faith step of moving! Many of you have been so sweet to ask for updates and to continue in prayer for us,  and I'm sorry but at this time, while there are many things we are praying over, there is not just one main leading as of yet.We feel it's best that instead of telling you each step along the way, we simply ask you to pray for God's leading in our lives, as you've been doing. It's such a blessing to have soo many of our dear friends and family praying for us! We promise to update you when we know!

Right now we are safely tucked away on what feels like a little sabbatical to us. My parents, graciously offered for us to stay here in Black River rent free while we wait on God. I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been to not feel hurried into a making a decision. Ministry jobs are not the kind of jobs you want to take without careful consideration and much prayer!

Friends, we've been just blessed by God in more ways than I can tell you through this summer. Almost as soon as we came here, God provided work for John with Davis furniture ( a company two miles from our house) to build church pews, stadium seating, etc. and install it. He is learning so much about wood working and LOVES it.
Remember the bed he build me for our wedding?

He's hardly been able to do wood working since, and has had such a desire to grow in his knowledge of this hobby.

 I would venture to say that other than the long hours and coming home a bit dirtier than he did from the office, to him,  it hardly feels like work!

The past month I had the opportunity to work with my brother at the water park in our home town (as an 8 yr. vet, i might add ;-). It was fun to be back and to have the opportunity to work with and see my brother, who made a great boss/ head lifeguard.

Me and Garrett

I also had the chance to help a friend at Parkview with the drama section of vacation bible school this month. It was a western themed week and we had SO much fun doing it. It was a great script broken into 5 days, and on Sunday, we put them all together and did the drama for both services.

This is a photo of our set.

and this....

...is an epic photo of my mom being lassoed by my friend, Paul.  

In other news, I wanted to let you know that while I may not be  updating our "family" blog as often right now, I  am working on my creative writing, and started an additional blog in April entitled Undignified. I created this blog in an effort to practice my creative writing style, stretch myself theologically, and to encourage other worship leaders, ministry leaders and brother's and sister's in Christ to be raw and real without letting go of their doctrine and theology. I'm currently writing a series on the Emergent church fad called "I'm Just Being Real." I'd love for you to check it out and totally appreciate constructive feedback.

That's life with the A-Team (sorry, i'm the cheddery-est of cheeses with that title, but i love it.)

Have a wonderful day and thanks for praying with us!

My Eyes are Fixed

It's 5 to midnight and I'm still awake....The students have been talking all week about how excited they are for our intercity missions  trip starting tomorrow, but I think I had so many other things going on, I didn't have time to really think beyond check-lists to parents and paperwork...etc. Now, as I sit here, duffel bag packed, ipod and  camera charging, husband sleeping...I am deep in thought about this trip for the first time.

I feel the way I felt years ago before going on an outing with my youth group in 7th grade. The night before we were to leave, my mom came into my room and asked if I'd been praying about the trip. I told her I really hadn't given it much thought. Other than spending time with friends and traveling, I wasn't sure what else to expect. She reminded me that God could have an amazing agenda for this week and that I needed to open my heart so that I could hear what he was trying to say to me. So, I prayed, then went to bed.

Tonight I realize that again, I have the opportunity, to not only lead these students on a trip, but come along side of them as God works in their hearts. I'm not content with the disinterested, non- committal attitudes I've seen  in some this year. I want to see God do something mighty in the lives of these teens and I disparately desire for those that do not know the Lord as Savior and King to come to a deep and real understanding of what that means, the way I did that week when I was in 7th grade. Thank the Lord the pressure is not on me, but that I have the privilege of walking along side these teens as the Lord makes himself known to them this week.

I also realized tonight that the Lord has something genuine planned for me through this week. I can't put my finger on what that is, but I know that there is a reason I am still up contemplating what we are about to embark upon. As I align my will with that of Christ, by spending time pouring over his word, I am so reminded and comforted by the refuge and strength that he provides for the weary and the weak. My perspective is renewed and my heart is at peace.

Will you as our prayer partners please join us in praying for the 15 students, the four adult leaders, and the many we will come into contact with on this trip?

Thankful for you and praising God for partners in the gospel,

Auti Anderson

"But my eyes are fixed on you O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..." Psalm 141:8a

When I Am Weak Then I Am Strong

This past Sunday my husband had the opportunity to preach here at KAC. It was a crazy week and he was commited to many things that weekend let alone being the sole pastor at church while General Counsel  was being held in Kansas City. By the time Saturday night rolled around, I looked at him sympathetically and asked how he was doing. He smiled that strong smile that always makes me feel like he has a secret and said, "I am held by God. He is good to me." I just thought to myself, "I hate that I get more nervous for him during crazy times than he actually gets!" 

But I realized, my husband is living like he believes  everything God says is true.  He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5)." He says, "Look, for I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)." He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 2:9b)."

As I sat and listened to my husband preach on Sunday morning not knowing anything ahead of time but his topic, I was in awe of God's power as he spoke through my husband who I knew was only an empty vessel wanting desperately  to be used by our mighty King. That said, I want to share with you how God spoke to me through my husband. Glory to God.

http://www.kielcma.com/site/audiodownloads.asp?sec_id=180003572

By Faith- 2 Cor. 5:7

I've had plans to write on this day, the 28th of May, for two weeks, as this is my first day off in a month. My husband reminded me this morning that today  I don't have any commitments which was so relieving to hear. So here i sit in my favorite spot with my favorite bowl full of cereal and my tea cup full listening to the song birds chirp their morning tune outside my window.



It's the simple things in life that make days like today best. As I enjoyed the opportunity to leisurely make my bed this morning, I realized how truly busy I have been. When John and I first moved here, I remember a talk we had on the river while he fished. I told him I was panicking as I applied to jobs and grad. school as quickly as I could. He asked why I thought I had to hurry to do that, and that's when I realized for the first time in my life, if I didn't want to, I didn't have to always be working towards something. I could get a normal job, and just relax and settle into married life. Eventually God provided a job for me that I loved and I began to work, but work became an escape for me from John's work. Being married and being in ministry as a couple both first times, is not something John and I would be quick to recommend to young newly married ministry couples. It was a crash course for us, and we are grateful, but at times we so wish that we could have spent this first year focusing on getting to know each other. God taught us so much about loving people,about what it means to give, and we are continuously thankful for the way God used all difficult circumstances of a "first year" to draw us closer to each other and to our Father God. 



A couple months ago, as we realized we were coming to the close of our first year together, God laid on both our hearts that something was was going to change. A mentor of ours challenged us to seek God's will consistently for where we serve as a couple-even when we feel we are in the right place- to keep our dependency on the Lord. As we began to pray, and talk together, the Lord revealed to us in many ways, that we were no longer the right fit as a Pastoral couple for Kiel Alliance Church and asked us to step out in faith, and move on. Part of us is glad and excited for what he has in store and the other part is scared, and in deep grief because after almost a year, we have developed some friendships with students and families that we hate to leave.



Even the best writers can't explain God in a few paragraphs, or even an entire book, and my attempt here is really not to try to explain God or his will for us because we don't claim to know. My hope in sharing this is that in knowing at little bit about our journey right now,  you will hold us up in prayer. That you would pray protection over us and protection over the church we are leaving. Pray for the right person to come and to be a blessing to this church and that this church would be a blessing to him and his family. Please pray blessing with us over this town, over our coworkers, and pray that the seeds that have been planted here in Kiel, Wi, would continued to be watered and would grow strong pointing always to God's faithfulness. Finally, please pray that our eyes and our hearts would be open so that when the time is right we will be able to see and to know where God is leading us to serve.


As always, we thank you for your support,

John and Autumn Anderson
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

Date Night

One of my very favorite things of late is Friday night- date night. Life has gotten a lot busier since I took a full time job in Sheboygan and though I truly love my job, I really miss those early afternoons and evenings with my husband.
During the girls nap on Friday I interviewed Dana, a local of Sheboygan, hoping she would have some new places for us to add to our GPS for date night. After she provided me with her favorites along with catagories to help me decide, I texted John some websites so he could make the final decision between Italian on the Lake or Sushi on 8th St.

After bidding the girls goodbye for the weekend I slipped on my sunnies and turned up the radio as is  my Friday after- work custom. Pulling into my driveway I was delighted to see a boyish Johnny practicing his fly-fishing in the front yard =] Sidenote: This week he bought his WI fishing license and has been pouring over the manual like it's the Bible. Yes, I would venture to say he's in need of a vacation.

When he saw me he greeted me with a big smile and kiss and a story  about his perfect afternoon disking with a friend followed by ice cream. I was still sitting in the car at this point and he put his left  hand on the roof to lean against the car when our perfect date night was altered by one detail he forgot to mention when giving me the rundown of his afternoon. While disking, it seemed a disk had gone into the river (not an uncommon occurance while we were at Crown) and he deemed it a good excuse to go for a swim, not knowing that THAT disc would go up in value by quite a bit following that swim...when putting his hand on the car he waited unconsciously for the "clink" of his wedding ring. Nothing. So...date night turned into a couple of calls and a shopping trip to the jewelry store to find something while we wait for a duplicate to arrive in the mail. My poor husband. Honestly I think it affected him more than it affected my sentimental self. He acted on getting another immediately after we searched the grass by the river. I mostly feel bad for him having to deal with my lecture following the event, but I share this story because as much as it bothers us both we had to laugh knowing there are far worse things than losing a wedding ring in a river.Also, to brag about how much my husband loves me. (My wise  mother gave me a little insight when I called her crying  and she asked me where John was. I said I was in "my" room and he was out looking for it... "Autumn Rose, I'm going to hang up if you don't go apologize to that poor man right now!" Did I mention he also graciously offered to call a friend with a scuba suit after it registered to me that he could have DIED jumping in the 5 ft. deep river in 45 degree weather?

That disk might get framed for Christmas, I love my husband,  The End.

Cheap-o and the On-Call Nanny

I finally caved and decided to give John and hair cut. It doesn't look great, but it's cut. He politely said he would go get another  tomorrow and I can't help but feel I've won the battle. I didn't cut it poorly on purpose--In fact, it went exactly the way I thought it would go all along. That is why I have been insisting it's better to pay for one upfront than pay for my mistake, but the cheap-o in him prevailed, and I felt the need to prove myself.

This morning I was scheduled for nursery duty at the church...a new role for me as is the children's ministry in general. Thinking I had a day off from nanny duty since I have the toddler class for only about an hour, I plopped a sleepy child on my lap and pulled out the play-doe. Moments later, after the rest of the children had arrived, and everyone had their favorite color in hand, my helper and I discovered what seemed to be the first dirty diaper  toddler her nursery duty career thus far. Flipping a coin flashed across my mind, but the poor dear was only in 6th grade and has her whole life ahead of her...the obligation was clearly mine. The events that followed are really a blur of what I believe to be me trying to reason with a 2 year old that his diaper was in dire need of changing. The child who was cuddling in my lap moments ago was now making a bee line for the door somehow managing to outsmart even the creators of  One Step Ahead baby proofing. He made a dash for the sanctuary and I literally breathed a prayer that I would be able to catch him in time. I did, and from there the conversation went  something like this:
Him: "No Diaper Change! Balls!
Me: "Trust me, this is critical and as soon as we're done, we will play with the balls."
Him: "Pants on! No!
Me: "Did you go poopy?"
Him: [Silent, then points to other little boy] "He did it!"

Amazingly,  as I took the time to check, not wanting to be mistaken, child #1 took the liberty to dodge yet again, and hide under the table. Thankfully, child #2 was clean. Back on the chase for child #1, and yes we eventually prevailed.

Meanwhile, Child # 2 had his own very eventful five minutes. This job was not as lively as the later  but followed with child # 3 confronting me [basically] with the fact that she felt she  wasn't getting enough attention.
She: I need my diaper changed.
Me: You do? [sniff] Are you wet?
She: No
Me: Stinky?
She: No.
Me: Well then you don't need your diaper changed.
She: [Giggles]
Me: Did you just feel left out?
She: Yes, I did.

Needless to say, I was mistaken to believe that I would be off duty this morning as a child care provider, and yet somehow I didn't really mind ;-)

Rich Young Ruler

Reading through the Psalms, I've noticed that many of David's most beautiful songs come out of his uncertainty of what God is trying to teach Him. My dad always reminds me of this when I'm going through something and am processing a lot. I used to write songs all the time, but lately John and I have just been hit and miss..he'll write some lyrics and I'll write some music, and we always mean to put them together to finish our song, but somehow never get to it. As I was trying to get some inspiration for some lyrics that have been in the back of my head, I stumbled across a rough recording of the last song we wrote together. It really applied to life life lessons I'm learning right now and I wanted to share it with you.
.it's about ME.... and how i am learning to surrender...and how that's a process...and i compared myself to the rich young ruler that came to Jesus and asked what he could do to get to heaven...and Jesus told him to sell everything...and FOLLOW HIM. yikes!

oh! p.s. it's not the best recording...turn it down so the dogs next door don't bark! lol...

Copyright Autumn R. Anderson (2011)
v1 --I came to you/ I came to see/ what you could do/ could do for me
tell me what can i do to be set free/ just wanted to reserve a seat
but i walked away/ i just couldn't take it/ it'd be easier to die
than to give away my life/

and i sang, "blessed are they that have nothing.
v2- i tend to be a Peter/ and here I go again/
i sing "take my life you can have it all"
but then i take it back again.

Pre-Ch. I'll fix it up/ I'll do it all/ Jesus I got your back
but maybe something's wrong with that picture/ I say let's rewind again.

Bridge--Maybe I'm not dead yet/ and maybe I'm not alone/
where should I just let go/ and follow

surrender was the sweetest thing/ follow
to lean my head back on the swing/ follow
trusting and hoping i'll follow

v3- In Christ alone my hope is found/ and I know who I am
but when it's said and done I'm a rich young ruler
and alone i cannot stand.

Pre-Ch. so pick me up and dust me off/ jesus i want your plan
'cause when it's said and done I am only human and
I'm not done growin' yet.

Copyright Autumn R. Anderson (2011) 

Psalm 13:6

Today I'm in a top five mood as I sit down to write on this lazy afternoon...

1. Last month, I took a job with a family in Sheboygan to be their full-time nanny and have been working part time while their other nanny transitions out of their lives. They are currently on vacation in Florida  and when they get home I will  transition into the role of full-time.  This is something I certainly did not foresee when I began looking for jobs after college. However, through some humbling circumstances, the Lord has made clear that this is where I can best serve Him now and I pray that he will help me to bloom where I am planted in this season. The family is absolutely dear to my heart and very supportive/flexible with  my plans to further my education, as well as my role within the church. The job consists of being the full time private day care provider for three beautiful girls ages 5, 3 and 1. It is a joy to serve them and their family and I pray that God fills me with his love each and every day so that I can impart it to them.
2. Spring fever has set in with brute force. The 2-for-1ski resort John booked for us last month threw in free access to their indoor water park. The experience of putting last summer’s bikini, tankini, or trunks on in the middle of February is likely to offer some unwanted perspective. Also, my late preference of sweats to jeans was another clue that it was time to pull out the ol' running tights and hit the streets! That said, John is on his usual spring detox diet with a new 17 day twist adapted from Pastor Fred and I have high hopes of running a half marathon this summer.
3. The light at the end of this cold winter tunnel came when an event that I felt most excited to be put behind me came as a refreshing surprise. A dear friend of ours who is now employed at our Alma Mater as the choir director contacted us last year to ask if KAC would be a host to the choir. I said "of course" without any hesitation, but as the event approached I became more aware of my responsibilities as the sole contact person for the choir. Setting up host homes, preparing dinner for 30 +, and the public communications of an event like this all had me worried that I would overlook the smallest of details. Yet just as He ALWAYS does, my dear Lord took complete control allowing me to simply rest in his strong arms as I soaked in the sweet, and dearly missed fellowship of  these cherished friends. The amount of encouragement  I received throughout the 24 hour period was incredible and I'm still thanking God for such a gift.
4. Following the choir's visit, I was blessed, yet again, with a short but sweet visit from my parents. They treated us so well that I kept thinking, “Lord, I don’t deserve this all at once! Save some blessing for next month!” They came in time to meet our KAC kids, play games, worship and take part in small groups with us. The kids loved meeting the infamous “Brule” that we find ourselves referring to constantly, and I, needless to say, felt so blessed to have them take a peek into our lives here.
5. As if these two visits didn’t bless me more than I can put into words, having this week off before my change in schedule was liberating. After seeing my parents off on Tuesday, John asked what I planned to do with my week off. I did something I need to do more often. I made a spontaneous choice to visit my grandparents in Door County. A half an hour after my parents left my bags were packed and I was headed for our family vacation spot and my grandparents home near the bay. The time, though short, was packed with memories I will treasure and take with me until my next trip. Even the 2 hour drive alone was a much needed time of reflection and since I was in no hurry  I stopped along the way to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan and revel in the magnificence of the Lord's handiwork.
Now back on my couch as I ponder my latest escapade, I’m reminded of how my Abba knows exactly what I need and exactly when I need it. I cannot stop rejoicing in God my savior for He has dealt bountifully with me! I implore you to do the same…(Psalm 13:6)

Waiting for Spring

Well, as I'm sure most of you are...I'm just writing to say I'm finally ready for the snow to melt. I can deal with it until our coming ski trip to Granite Peak, but after that, let it melt, oh please, please, let it melt! I'm longing for some sunshine...

The cold, as I've shared before, does not advocate community here, but unfortunately only reinforces  this culture of people that go to and from work only, pull into their garages and stay warm, which I can understand. However, the community we have been praying for is still in the distance and we are feeling the effects of the winter. It's evident to us that Satan is working over time here to put walls between us and our fellow believers and we need prayer more than ever as we wait for the snow to melt as well as people's hearts to be softened. How easy it is to be discouraged when we cannot immediately see fruit but I prefer the news in the Chronicles of Narnia books when word reaches his servants that "Aslan is on the move." I choose to believe that the one I serve is also on the move and that soon- in His perfect time, the snow and the ice will melt and we will once again see the effects of His reign because this world and everything in it belongs to my King Jesus. Please keep us in your prayers. Pray that He will find us faithful through the winter! Thank you.

We love you,

John and Autumn