Silent Tea

Today I find myself in a silent place. I wish it would last forever. Moments like these are few and far between in the place I find myself today. I never knew I could treasure silence and stillness so much. When I find myself in silence, sometimes I can't even bring myself to read because I don't want to hear anything...not even the voice inside my head narrating...

It is moments like these that I wish life could slow down. I scold myself for being lazy when I run into these moments..even months ago I would have cringed at a moment of stillness grabbing a pen and paper and mapping out what I would do next. Now I crave it. I crave the silence. I long for it! I hope for it. To sip my cup of tea and breath in and exhale deeply never seemed like such a luxury!
Luxury...
I notice myself finding joy in pretty colors, in sitting at the window at 3pm that draws the most sunlight and letting the warmth soak into my back. I star at sparkly things like the beautiful wedding ring my darling gave to me and I find joy remembering the moment he asked and the moment I said yes. I crave creativity yet I reach desperately for certainty and things that will not change.

Any moment now a number of clients will come hustling through the door asking me for this or for that or if I've heard back from whom. My phone might ring in a second with a plea from my supervisor to do such and such a favor and my peace may be shaken...disrupted. I have two choices. To feel cheated for the moments I could have had or to feel blessed beyond belief for the luxury of the silence. Or, to tap into a peace that will never leave me; to tap into rest that is mine forever.

"The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." 
Psalm 23

Therein lies my help. Therein lies my security for what I have and for what is to come. Therein lies my rest. Therein lies the stillness I long for. Therein lies my renewal and my guidance and the companionship I long for when the life I lead is too much to explain. There is my honor, my language of love in gifts and blessings as my cup runs over and my stability...that no matter where I lay my head He is with me and I will dwell forever in one place for certain...in Him, where there is peace.

My Valentine

Valentine's has come and gone, but I need to share with you how beautiful ours was! I used to never like Valentine's day- the day comes with strings of expectancy, and I feel it's not often that we actually experience what we expect that we will. Since my teen years and since meeting the love of my life, I've grown to appreciate valentine's day as a time to show love to those God has placed in my life and most importantly remind them of his love, rather than merely my own because his is worth so much more and it is only through his teaching that I am learning how to love.

And that is what this Valentine's day has reminded me of. ..

One night as I was gathering old paper and some music for crafting, the Lord brought to mind a verse a friend spoke over me long ago when I was struggling with a bought of depression. 

"He sings over you Autumn. He sings over you. You may not be aware of this, but he is so enthralled by who he has made you- just you as you are-that he is singing over you. He is your King. You will not be shaken."

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing."

He is rejoicing over you. He is rejoicing over me. I reached for my scissors as creative juices filled my mind and I began to create messages of truth for those dear friends that have spoken truth over me throughout my life. As I wrote it over and over again, meditating on this truth, it began to penetrate and while the depression did not leave over night, and I don't believe it will, I have hope because I am holding onto The Protector of My Soul. I know He is indeed who he says He is. 

He will not abandon me to the grave nor will he let his holy one see decay. He has made known to me the path of life and he fills me with joy in his presence (Psalm 16:9-11). 

He fills me with joy in his presence...

So many thoughts

Oh I am out of the loop. Once again have not blogged in too long. So many thought running through my head and heart today that I want to share with you and yet the time to commit to sitting in one place to write them down seems miles away. Today is my last day off out of three-how did it fly by so quickly?! I struggle with the feeling of holding on so tightly that the last moments might seem longer. I will blog when I can...

until then I hold on to this simple truth: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Amsterdam & ecreamery

Tried a new eatery called "Amsterdam"  this afternoon with our friend Koob. He's been wanting to take us for some time now. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to day to head to Dundee area and check it out. Apparently the story of this place is that the owners took a trip to Europe and ate at a Kabob place that they could not get enough of, so much so that they decided to open there own restaurant serving strictly Kabobs and Falafels-salads and sandwiches- and they seem to be very successful-the place was packed the entire time we were there. Kind of a hole in the wall but the food is great! I ordered the garlic Kabob and had a few of Koob's curry fries, taking  most of the sandwich home with me because it was HUGE.

We also enjoyed ecreamery which was just down the street-- apparently they are well known all over the country! Check it out-- we loved it! 










Tonight holds plans of dinner with an old friend of mine that I have not seen since I was 13! Somehow our paths have crossed again and we found out that we both live in Omaha, she with her husband and three children- and apparently we go to the same church =-) I'm very much looking forward to seeing some familiar faces tonight and meeting her adorable children. =-)

Snot and Snow (also Nyquil which may have had an influence on said title and content)

Well I guess all good things must come to an end...is that a proverb? Who says that? It's really depressing I think.

I say that in reference to the now 20 degree snowy, windy weather (I know it's January but don't blame me for enjoying the 65 degrees of yesterday) and the streak of health I have been on for the last 8 months-hence the title. This past Monday through Wednesday held great plans of running off together to some hotel deep in the middle of nowhere- Iowa- to enjoy our time off until another crazy 6 day 24 hour on-shift began...but, God had other plans to cause us to slow down and enjoy our little home here on 52nd street. Poor Johnny has been in need of a manly project and I have been hoping to do some housewarming but with work have had little time even to fully unpack. So, with our Christmas TJ Maxx gift card in hand we decided to try our luck at finding some affordable drapery. I'm afraid I wasn't much help but John's interior design skills really came out as he insisted on some fashionably detailed curtain rods and some lovely blue drapes that I think will nicely offset our bedroom colors! He's hanging them right now and  although they certainly need some ironing, that will have to come later,  because right now I'm going to settle down on my couch with my favorite blanket and pillow and watch date night before heading to bed for an early day tomorrow...

Which reminds me to ask for prayers! John and I have both undertaken new and greater responsibilities here at OHB and with our new roles come new supervisors, treatment teams and assistants. We will be starting our new positions tomorrow and could use your prayers as we are slightly intimidated but also very excited to see what God will do through us. Thanks!

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!
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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.

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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