Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A Hike in the Desert
As we have a couple of days of "warmer" temperatures here it can make us think of the beautiful weather we enjoyed in Phoenix over the holidays. On our last day in Phoenix, Joanna and I decided to take a quick hike in one of Phoenix's great reserves...one of the things we'd hopefully take more advantage of if we ever moved back. There are some pictures below. But speaking of Holidays, we also had the intention over that time to begin posting about some amazing people that we get to be friends with...I think that we only got a couple of those up...maybe even just one, but we would like to continue that idea. So over the next few weeks (and who knows...it just might become a tradition) we will be sharing with you about people we love and admire.
Downtown Phoenix
Joanna wouldn't let me take pictures of her, so you'll have to settle for the guy above:)
Downtown Phoenix
Joanna wouldn't let me take pictures of her, so you'll have to settle for the guy above:)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Saturday, February 07, 2009
TAYLOR SPRAGUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Crazy Two Days
Finished my first week at my new job
Small group
Waited at the hospital till 2:00am to welcome the arrival of Zoe Jensen (Zoe belongs to Brian and Sara Jensen along with their son Toby....it was such an honor to be there)
Woke up at 8am for a Saturday Class on Challenged books
Went to the hospital with the Kirkseys to visit Zoe again
Shopping for new work clothes
Chipotle
More shopping for new work clothes (I got a few things, but shopping frustrates me)
Discuss life with my very understanding husband
Write a quick blog
Head to bed
Small group
Waited at the hospital till 2:00am to welcome the arrival of Zoe Jensen (Zoe belongs to Brian and Sara Jensen along with their son Toby....it was such an honor to be there)
Woke up at 8am for a Saturday Class on Challenged books
Went to the hospital with the Kirkseys to visit Zoe again
Shopping for new work clothes
Chipotle
More shopping for new work clothes (I got a few things, but shopping frustrates me)
Discuss life with my very understanding husband
Write a quick blog
Head to bed
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day
It would have only been my third day at my new job. But I am so excited that it is canceled. It is more of an ice day than a snow day, but I will take it.
For those of you who don't know. I started a job as a special education paraprofessional/in-house sub. I work in the middle school.
The job is kinda an adjustment, just trying to figure out my role. I spend most of my day walking from class to class. All the kids are included in the regular classroom and seem to be doing great. I'm kinda bored, not sure they really need me. So pretty much, I am going back to Middle School. Currently I am learning about the earth's plates, Andrew Jackson, and pre-algebra. Trying to trust that God placed me here for a purpose. Thankful for the opportunity.
For those of you who don't know. I started a job as a special education paraprofessional/in-house sub. I work in the middle school.
The job is kinda an adjustment, just trying to figure out my role. I spend most of my day walking from class to class. All the kids are included in the regular classroom and seem to be doing great. I'm kinda bored, not sure they really need me. So pretty much, I am going back to Middle School. Currently I am learning about the earth's plates, Andrew Jackson, and pre-algebra. Trying to trust that God placed me here for a purpose. Thankful for the opportunity.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
300 Voices
You may have noticed the new add on the side of my blog...300 voices. If you are an avid blog reader, you have probably seen it on other peoples blog. I have been sitting by my computer trying to think of something inspiring to write. I want to make my voice heard. But when your sister has sparked a movement with her passion and words, it is hard to follow that up. So I will just steal her words. Please read!
_________________________________________________
“Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world; indeed they’re the only ones who ever have.” (Margaret Mead)
OK, here we go.
Sometime in December, I did some rough math. I was all excited because I thought I was onto something. I wondered, “So if we raise $60,000 every year at Water For Christmas, how many years would it take us to give Liberia clean water?” I furiously typed numbers into the calculator. Hit the equal button….
300 years.
Hmmm.
That’s a little discouraging.
But it haunted me. And I couldn’t shake it.
We have to use this. This is too important.
I might be busy in 300 years. And more importantly, the thirsty cannot wait that long.
Wrestled with it. Heard from so many of you that said, “Now what?”
And settled that we simply will kick it up a notch…or 300.
We will expand our borders, involve more people…300 times.
And then it won’t take 300 years, we can do it in one year.
So here’s the plan. Stay with me.
We need 300 people.
300 people to make a committment to 300 Voices…Water for all Seasons. This will be a commitment of $20/month. (that’s $5 a week, $240 for the whole year). WFC fund will stay open all year. We get 300 people to commit to $20 a month for 2009 and that’s an additional $72,000.(Did you get that? For your $20 a month, combined with 299 others and their $20 a month that is $72,000 in 2009. That’s 15 wells!) That’s a lot of money. For little sacrifice personally. (as always, 100% of money goes to charity: water. They use 100% to drill fresh water wells and clean water solutions).
But beyond that the idea is to keep water on the hearts and minds of a 300 person team. For where our treasure is, there will our hearts be. So we give all year. We pray. We dream. We plan. And then in November 2009, we kick off Water For Christmas with a team of 300. (Now, you are not committing to anything as far as next years campaign goes…you don’t have to do anything. But I think you will want to. But there will be no obligation to be involved in Water For Christmas 2009).
This is how it will work: water4christmas.com is being developed. And will be ready for launch later in the year.
But for now, go here to sign up. (Kari has been working extremely hard to get this ready. Many, many thanks.) Give us your name and location. We will start of list of people around the country who are committing to Water. (you can do your donations with $5 weekly, or $20 a month, or a $240 donation for the whole year–whatever is best for your budgets). We will not bombard with emails–but if you want monthly or weekly reminders to donate we will do that. If you don’t do online giving, and would like to mail in checks, you can still do that by making checks payable to Charity Global with Water For Christmas in the memo line. (mailed to 150 Varick St. 5th Floor New York, NY 10013.) I will even send you a set of 12 envelopes if you want to do a monthly $20 donation that way.
We will have a counter showing how close we are to getting 300 people.
There’s a new blog badge for the 300 Voices…use it if you want.
Anyone can join us. Talk about it. Blog about it. I know many of us who participated in WFC 2008 were having a hard time shaking it. A hard time letting it go. So this is for you. But even if you were not a part of WFC at all but would like Water to be one of the things you give to in 2009, you can still join us now.
At this point, all it means is a $20/month commitment. The giving is just to force a us to put action behind our causes. And provide clean water for thousands in the process. And then ideally in November 2009, we have people whose treasure has followed their heart and they are ready to go. We reach 300 times more people with awareness about clean water. The money is multiplied. And clean water will erupt from the dirt of Africa’s floor.
We will be one voice. 300 strong. For clean water. For life.
By signing up you are simply saying, “Water matters.” And we believe that enough to give $20 of my treasure each month. It’s that simple.
I want to make it clear that this is merely part of who we are. It’s simply part of loving people the way Jesus taught us to. We cannot love thirsty people without giving them water to drink.
I wouldn’t do this if I wasn’t confident in you guys. I’ve talked to you on the email, on the blogs, in the churches, at the schools. I’ve heard the stories of others that I don’t know. And I just believe there is a force here. A force we can combine and channel. And use to make big impact.
I’m so excited to partner, to team up. 300 times.
Now there will be resources available and developed throughout the year to help us all at WFC time. But right now, I want to see if we can build a team of 300. Simply 300 people willing to give to Water throughout the year. $20 a month.
So. You want in?
Go. Sign up. We’ll add your name to the growing list in the sidebar. (we have to input them manually so it may take a couple hours) (There will be continued updates about all the WFC wells throughout the year. It looks like I may personally be on the ground in Liberia to report back to you about how the Water money is changing and saving lives. And clarify further why we can’t stop. Why we must keep it fresh on our hearts and minds. Even if it’s only $20/month. Times 300. )
OK, here we go.
Sometime in December, I did some rough math. I was all excited because I thought I was onto something. I wondered, “So if we raise $60,000 every year at Water For Christmas, how many years would it take us to give Liberia clean water?” I furiously typed numbers into the calculator. Hit the equal button….
300 years.
Hmmm.
That’s a little discouraging.
But it haunted me. And I couldn’t shake it.
We have to use this. This is too important.
I might be busy in 300 years. And more importantly, the thirsty cannot wait that long.
Wrestled with it. Heard from so many of you that said, “Now what?”
And settled that we simply will kick it up a notch…or 300.
We will expand our borders, involve more people…300 times.
And then it won’t take 300 years, we can do it in one year.
So here’s the plan. Stay with me.
We need 300 people.
300 people to make a committment to 300 Voices…Water for all Seasons. This will be a commitment of $20/month. (that’s $5 a week, $240 for the whole year). WFC fund will stay open all year. We get 300 people to commit to $20 a month for 2009 and that’s an additional $72,000.(Did you get that? For your $20 a month, combined with 299 others and their $20 a month that is $72,000 in 2009. That’s 15 wells!) That’s a lot of money. For little sacrifice personally. (as always, 100% of money goes to charity: water. They use 100% to drill fresh water wells and clean water solutions).
But beyond that the idea is to keep water on the hearts and minds of a 300 person team. For where our treasure is, there will our hearts be. So we give all year. We pray. We dream. We plan. And then in November 2009, we kick off Water For Christmas with a team of 300. (Now, you are not committing to anything as far as next years campaign goes…you don’t have to do anything. But I think you will want to. But there will be no obligation to be involved in Water For Christmas 2009).
This is how it will work: water4christmas.com is being developed. And will be ready for launch later in the year.
But for now, go here to sign up. (Kari has been working extremely hard to get this ready. Many, many thanks.) Give us your name and location. We will start of list of people around the country who are committing to Water. (you can do your donations with $5 weekly, or $20 a month, or a $240 donation for the whole year–whatever is best for your budgets). We will not bombard with emails–but if you want monthly or weekly reminders to donate we will do that. If you don’t do online giving, and would like to mail in checks, you can still do that by making checks payable to Charity Global with Water For Christmas in the memo line. (mailed to 150 Varick St. 5th Floor New York, NY 10013.) I will even send you a set of 12 envelopes if you want to do a monthly $20 donation that way.
We will have a counter showing how close we are to getting 300 people.
There’s a new blog badge for the 300 Voices…use it if you want.
Anyone can join us. Talk about it. Blog about it. I know many of us who participated in WFC 2008 were having a hard time shaking it. A hard time letting it go. So this is for you. But even if you were not a part of WFC at all but would like Water to be one of the things you give to in 2009, you can still join us now.
At this point, all it means is a $20/month commitment. The giving is just to force a us to put action behind our causes. And provide clean water for thousands in the process. And then ideally in November 2009, we have people whose treasure has followed their heart and they are ready to go. We reach 300 times more people with awareness about clean water. The money is multiplied. And clean water will erupt from the dirt of Africa’s floor.
We will be one voice. 300 strong. For clean water. For life.
By signing up you are simply saying, “Water matters.” And we believe that enough to give $20 of my treasure each month. It’s that simple.
I want to make it clear that this is merely part of who we are. It’s simply part of loving people the way Jesus taught us to. We cannot love thirsty people without giving them water to drink.
I wouldn’t do this if I wasn’t confident in you guys. I’ve talked to you on the email, on the blogs, in the churches, at the schools. I’ve heard the stories of others that I don’t know. And I just believe there is a force here. A force we can combine and channel. And use to make big impact.
I’m so excited to partner, to team up. 300 times.
Now there will be resources available and developed throughout the year to help us all at WFC time. But right now, I want to see if we can build a team of 300. Simply 300 people willing to give to Water throughout the year. $20 a month.
So. You want in?
Go. Sign up. We’ll add your name to the growing list in the sidebar. (we have to input them manually so it may take a couple hours) (There will be continued updates about all the WFC wells throughout the year. It looks like I may personally be on the ground in Liberia to report back to you about how the Water money is changing and saving lives. And clarify further why we can’t stop. Why we must keep it fresh on our hearts and minds. Even if it’s only $20/month. Times 300. )
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Transitions
Today is a turning point. I said goodbye to one precious little girl and tomorrow I say hello to several smelly middle schoolers. Is it too late to change my mind? Once I have details about my new job, I will share, till then I could use a prayer.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Red Birds Baby!
It is a surreal moment to be an Arizona Cardinals fan! After annually expecting the Ls to outweigh the Ws for as long as I can remember and even adopting an AFC team just to keep the spirits up over the years, the Cardinals not only have a winning season, but THEY ARE HEADED TO THE SUPER BOWL! So Crazy! So Fun! In two weeks, the Spragues will be tiny dots of crimson in a sea of black and gold, but we will cheer our boys on the whole way through. Go Cardinals!
Friday, January 09, 2009
That's Better
Taylor arrived back to PA on Weds evening after a series of flight delays. The next day, he jumped right into work. Though the past two days have been crazy and we haven't really seen each other, it is so great to be together. It now feels like home. Oh yea, I got a new job (more about that later)!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Home
I am back in Beaver Falls, but it doesn't feel like home. Taylor and I departed ways on the 31st. He had the opportunity to go hunting with his dad in Mexico. So I entered our empty dorm by myself...the heater isn't working, not sure who I call about that...the fridge is empty...and our suitcases are covering our floor. All that to say, I miss my husband! Thankfully, we have amazing friends that let me come over for dinner and ice cream...that helped.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Your Stuck With Us
That's what my mother-in-law told me tonight after the family dinner/fox news debate. It's rare that these "discussions" happen without the full family here (the Landers crew)... it's never good to do a show without the full cast anyhow. But tonight was spirited and tasty. Left over Christmas dinner made into sandwiches and politics on our sleeves rivals any dinner combo at your local eatery. There seemed to be as many "arguments" as there were people and I'm still not sure how it began, nor where we ended up. All I know is this...I am a lucky guy to be stuck with these people. They all, each uniquely talented, deeply care about this world. They all love Jesus and desire others to as well. They are amazing parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nanas and papas...and when the day is done and the curtain closes there is no doubt that we love each other. And you know what....they're stuck with me too:)
I also know that half the people that read this will be ones described above. Ya, I wrote about you...It's out there in the blog world...if you don't like it, well we'll just have to "discuss" it over dinner:)
I also know that half the people that read this will be ones described above. Ya, I wrote about you...It's out there in the blog world...if you don't like it, well we'll just have to "discuss" it over dinner:)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mike and Emily Delster
Mike was Taylor’s roommate for three years at Grand Canyon. At first, probably an unlikely combo, he has definitely become a dear friend. He was right there in the middle of all the stories and pranks from that time of life. Actually it was usually Mike and Matt that did the damage, Taylor just instigated. Emily is Mike’s beautiful wife, who he meet the summer after his freshman year. It is cool to see how God has put these two together. Though they got engaged months after we did, they were married 20 days before us. Taylor was in Mike’s wedding and Mike was in ours. Since then it has always been a pleasure to catch up with them whenever we come to Phoenx...usually at Chipotle. They are comfortable and transparent. We can be ourselves around them. In June, they will be having their first kid which is a crazy reminder that we are getting old...or at least older. They are going to be great parents just as they are great friends. Mmm...the Delsters!
We Made It!
Christmas in two places with three families! It has been so good to see all the people we love. We never seem to get enough time with them though. We made it in to Colorado safe and sound and it is so beautiful here! We keep thinking about how incredibly blessed we are and how much God really takes care of us. So undeserving...So grateful!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
That means traveling for us. We're off to Colorado! Christmas is always best when spent in two different states ;). More posts and pics to come.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Matt and Sarah
This is Matt and Sarah. Sarah came to Grand Canyon, when Taylor was a sophomore. And we met Matt that same year when he came to visit Sarah from CA. Sarah has always been a good friend who we’ve shared a lot of laughs with. She has always got her camera with her…and you can always count on her to capture life’s moments. Matt came to Canyon Taylor’s junior year and roomed with him and Mike Delster for the next two years. He is definitely one of Taylor’s college buddies. There are countless stories and pranks they reminisce about when together.
After dating for a long time, Matt and Sarah are getting married this summer in Colorado. We are extremely excited for them. Can’t wait to know them as husband and wife. It was so good getting to see them. One of those couples that it is easy to be around.
Monday, December 22, 2008
YUMA
Our time in Phoenix was a whirlwind. We saw a lot of amazing people....which we will continue to blog about. We are now in Yuma with Taylor's dad and family. Our trips to see family are always too few and far between. We will be soaking up this time.
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