What's Been Goin' On... - Kristin Sterk

What a whirlwind of a week it has been! There have been so many highs and then happenings that put those feelings into check. I look back on this week and see God working in so many incredible ways. Then it seems trials come just to make sure we are still grounded in our faith. Though we have realized that really it has all been God’s perfect timing. He knows those highs will help us get through the lows.

Now for a little “event” update! On Thursday we went to go see the movie “Courageous” with our new middle school leaders. What an amazing movie! There were times if I wasn’t sitting in a movie theater with others around me, I could’ve just curled up and bawled. It was such a convicting movie! Then there were other times where I would need to curl up in a ball b/c my stomach hurt so bad from laughing :). I would strongly suggest seeing this movie! Even though I think this movie especially hits on the relationship b/w fathers and their children, it is challenging for ANYONE who is in relationship with ANYONE. Whether that be in a marriage, a friendship, whatever. I feel like anytime there is a “Christian” movie out there, many write it off right away because of the cheese factor. Yeah, I’ve seen some “cheese” movies out there – cheese from BOTH sides. I think we are harder on the so-called Christian movies because we expect them to be what we see from Hollywood. I wonder if that is a fair comparison? Of course the humor is going to be different. If it wasn’t, if it was of a sexual nature, then would that be glorifying to God? Of course the content is going to be different – if it was about all the people this person was sleeping around with and glorifying that act, how is that glorifying God? Of course the message is going to be different. Again I am NOT trying to advocate for watching ONLY Christian movies or ONLY listen to Christian music. But what are we holding our standards against? The Bible or Hollywood? Just something to think about…

Friday we had the chance to hang out with one of our youth group kids for awhile. We love it because it gives us a chance to build a better relationship with them – get to know them where they are at in life. Get to know what is going on in their life. One of our most favorite things to do!

On Saturday we were supposed to have a Roots bike ride called “Le Tour de Roots” on the Kal/Haven Trail. We were going to start in South Haven. When we woke up it was just a tad windy – like I’m talking major gusts, if you remember back then. We talked with our leaders and by 8:30am we decided that it was not worth it – we were seeing trees bending and this trail is canopied (if that’s a word) by trees. We were just picturing one of those landing on us. So, we decided to do a game day at one of our leader’s house. We played games and also watched the Michigan vs. Michigan St. game (sad day to be a Michigan fan!). The morning was absolutely CRAZY as we had to call all the kids, make sure kids had rides to the new event, so we spent some time picking up kids, making sure we had all the supplies for the changed event. Then right from the game day, we left a little early, to go to a DR fundraising skeet shoot in Three Oaks. It was a BLAST (no pun intended!). I’ve never shot that many clays before and yes I can feel it just a tad today. It was a gorgeous day, though a little windy – hard to shoot something that wobbles in the air, but it adds to the challenge. My first time I shot 4/5! I was pumped because I’ve only shot clays one other time in my life! The least I shot was 2/5 – only it was a pair (meaning 2 were thrown at once and I missed both). Even though we didn’t have the turnout we would have liked, for those of us who were there, it was SO MUCH FUN! Can’t wait to do it again! Then we quick ran home, changed clothes, then went to a game night at one of our friend’s house. Another great time!

By the time our heads hit the pillows at night, we were SO EXHAUSTED! So many changed plans, so many things going on. As we were driving to pick up one of our youth group kids, Dan says “welcome to life in youth ministry!” Granted we are in our 6th year, but man, it’s crazy! We had to chuckle because when ya think something is going to go one way, God often has a Plan B. And Plan B was AWESOME Saturday – but it was nutso!

Heart update: I started my new medication last night…and oh man. My body has to get used to being on a medication again! I’ve been off of one for over 2 months now. I am on a medication to get rid of the rapid heartbeats. I have to take it at night because they say it causes drowsiness – THEY ARE NOT JOKING! I took it last last night, like 11:15ish. I know now to take it earlier in the night – I woke up and not gonna lie, I struggled to stay awake in church! I was so “drowsy” yet! To be honest I could’ve curled up on the chair and fallen asleep. And for those of you who know me, I am a morning person – I can get up and GO. Not this morning! And I could almost “feel” it working when my heart wanted to beat fast – it was wierd. Definitely will have to take some getting used to! My nurse said to call in a month to let them know how it is going – hopefully it’ll get a little better! I know my body just has to get used to it again and I have to find the “right” schedule. I’m just glad they gave me a forewarning on the side effects! Definitely way more awake this afternoon. Funny thing is, they have me on a half dose :).

Well, tonight we look forward to having our middle school group over for supper and a lesson! I always look forward to it! I enjoy cooking, so this definitely helps in learning how to make food for big groups! Beef and chicken enchiladas tonight!

I think that is it for now…hope you all are having a good weekend!