February 2013: Life in Ministry

It's not often that I talk about Michael and I both having full time jobs in ministry, so since our weekend was spent doing just that (really, and not much else), I thought I would write a bit about our life in ministry.

Michael and I have both been in full time ministry since before we even met (since we both graduated college actually...so almost 10 years now!). We pour our hearts and souls into the youth and children and families that we work with...but what this looks like has changed over the years. When we started out in ministry, we were single and had all the time in the world to devote to the people and churches that we worked with.

Then we met each other, got married, and had this little monkey...

And she rocked our worlds....and while our ministry is still a passion for both of us, the way we do ministry looks a bit different. It's a fine balance of pouring our heart and souls into what we feel God has called us to do, and also knowing that God has called us to be a family and be with our child(ren) as well. Don't get me wrong...this is a good "boundary" and we truly feel that God can use us to help be an example for those we work with to do the best we can within our own family (and we aren't perfect by any means, but we try our best to love and grow within our own family and understand what that means for us).

With that being said, of course there are still times of the year that are crazy busy insane for us in our ministry positions, and February always seems to be one of those crazy times of year. This past weekend, Michael was gone all weekend at an event, and I also had an event all day Saturday. This coming weekend will be similar. But through it all, we still make time in other ways to spend some time together...like grabbing Shamerock Shakes together on a Thursday night...or spending Friday mornings being lazy and together rather than the typical weekend days.

It's not necessarily about finding time for us to spend time together, but is more about making time. And this is ever changing and growing for us as we grow in our relationship, and our family. We schedule work events around each other's events when we can, so that this little lady gets lots of quality time with both of her parents, even if it is just one at a time. It's actually pretty neat that Adelyn (and all future kids) will grow up spending lots of time with both of us as a family, but also lots of time with each of us individually. 

Here's a few more random pictures too from this week/end. Addi and I had a playdate with Norah (and Katie!), and they loved each other up when it was time to say goodbye (so cute)...

And Adelyn had her first taste of decaf coffee from G.G. (Great Grandma). Yep, she LOVED it. (and she's not the only young cousin who loves coffee...). A girl after her mama's heart. 

So pretty much, it was a weekend full of ministry for us both, but we managed to make some great time together in between. 

Also some fun news this week...I got my region assignment for after I graduate!! Looks like we will continue to be midwesterners for at least awhile still!! I was assigned to Region 3 (which includes all of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota). I get my Synod assignment this week, which will narrow down our location even further. I'll keep you updated;)

Big changes ahead...in so many areas of our life. Can't wait to see what the next few months bring for us!